Franz Schiltz (LUX) drove Frodo, a son of Florestan I, to gold in the seven-year-old class at the FEI World Driving Championships for Young Horses at Mezőhegyes (HUN), finishing on a score of 16.46. (FEI/Krisztina Horváth)

After four days of sport, Enfado P, Bazyli and Frodo claimed the three titles on offer at the inaugural edition of the FEI World Driving Championships for young horses in Mezőhegyes, Hungary.

Written by Cindy Timmer

The competition took place at the Mezőhegyes State Stud, reknowned for breeding the Nónius horse and the Mezőhegyes Sport Horse. The international Ground Jury was chaired by Dr Klaus Christ (GER), with members Jan-Erik Pålsson (SWE), Joaquin Medina Garcia (ESP) and Klaus Peppersack (GER). The latter was officially thanked by the Chairman of the FEI Technical Committee Driving Károly Fugli (HUN) during the press conference as he will retire as an active Driving Judge due to the age limit rule.

Five-year-olds

The seven horses in the five-year-old category battled it out over three days in combined dressage and cones competitions. The horses were judged on the basic paces in dressage, the level of training appropriate to the age of the horse and overall impression to include character and education of the driving horse in the dressage and the cones. The most influential point was the character of the horse and the horse’s drivability.

The Sachsen-Thuringen heavy warmblood horse Enfado P, driven by Jovanca Marie Kessler (GER), set the highest scores in dressage. The gelding by Excellent P earned 17 points for the walk, nine for the working trot, seven for the medium trot and 18 on education. In the cones, the combination had a 0.3 penalty-point deduction for exceeding the time allowed, which resulted in the total score of 8.27 points.

Jovanca Marie Kessler is trained by the well-known German single driver and trainer Dieter Lauterbach. It is not the first time in her young career that Kessler has won an FEI medal, as she claimed bronze at last year’s European Youth Driving Championships.

The 19-year-old was very pleased with her performance: “I have had this horse since last summer and I have been working with him since February. I have more horses at home. I felt that my experience from competing at previous Championships helped me a lot here. This was the last competition of the season for Enfado P. I am planning to go to the next World Championships in Conty 2016, but it all depends on the horse.”

Her compatriot William Slater drove the Sachsen-Thüringen heavy warmblood mare Anni 95 to take silver. The daughter of Lord Brown I finished the competition with a total of 7.43 points. Slater was assisted on the carriage by his wife, the 2011 FEI World Pair Driving champion Carola Slater-Diener.

The bronze medal went to one of the Nonius horses bred at Mezőhegyes, the black stallion Mezőhegyes Nonius 8 Taksony, driven by Krisztián Németh (HUN), a professional horse truck, who finished on a total score of 6.43.

Six-year-olds

The 11 starters in the six-year-old horse-class had four days of competition, with two days of combined dressage and cones, and then the top seven going through to the dressage final. The last day consisted of a combined marathon and cones competition, which included two marathon obstacles, a water passage and several cones.

The Silesian horses, nicely driven by the very successful single driver Bartlomiej Kwiatek (POL), dominated this class. Kwiatek took home the gold medal with Bazyli, the stallion with which he won the CAI2* competition in Boguslawice (POL) last month. The son of his top horse Lokan finished on a total score of 15.16 penalty points. Kwiatek then drove his second horse, the black mare Frezja, to win the silver medal. The daughter of Regiment finished on a score of 14.70 points to stay just ahead of bronze medallist Claus Quast (GER) with Partitur 7. The Hanoverian mare by Weltruhm scored 14.29 points.

After his hugely successful day, Kwiatek said: “Mezőhegyes is a very nice place and the organisers did a great job to make it a high quality competition. My horses are very good, and I am very happy that I finished first and second place. They are not easy horses but they did their best, as well as my team. I was here with four horses in two categories and it was not an easy job to prepare everything and without them I would not have been able to do it. I have been driving Bazyli for a year now and I am really looking forward to compete with him and also with my other horses at the next FEI World Driving Championships for Young Horses. “

Seven-year-olds

The seven-year-old division was the biggest class of the championships, with 19 starters that took on the same competition format as the six-year-olds.

Franz Schiltz (LUX) drove Frodo, a son of Florestan I, to gold with a finishing score of 16.46. The Oldenburger gelding was successful earlier this season already, when Schiltz came second with him at the CAI3* in Nebanice (CZE), where they made their international debut.

“I am very pleased with my horse Frodo, it was a pleasure to drive him today in the combined marathon”, Schiltz said. “I felt like I was suffering a bit in the second qualification round, but luckily that is not visible in the scores of the judges. My horse went very well in the combined dressage and marathon phase as well, he was easy to drive and I feel that he has good potential for the future. I have been training him for two years now.”

The silver medal went to Arie Dibbits (NED), driving the KWPN-gelding Dynamo (v. Sunny Boy). Dibbits and Dynamo are regular competitors at Dutch national events, and finished third in the young horse class at the CAI3* Dillenburg (GER) 2015. Mezőhegyes was their first big international experience together.

Rudolf Pirhofer (AUT) took home the bronze medal with the Austrian warmblood Bambuccat on a score of 14.02. The combination, winners of the young horse class at the CAI3* Altenfelden (AUT) this year, proved they are a pair for the future again in Mezőhegyes.

Final results

Five-year-olds:
1. Enfado P – Jovanca Marie Kessler (GER) 8.27
2. Anni 95 – William Slater (GER) 7.43
3. Mezőhegyes Nonius 8 Taksony – Krisztián Németh (HUN) 6.43

Six-year-olds:
1. Bazyli – Bartlomiej Kwiatek (POL) 15.16
2. Frezja – Bartlomiej Kwiatek (POL) 14.70
3. Partitur 7 – Claus Quast (GER) 14.29

Seven-year-olds
1. Frodo – Franz Schiltz (LUX) 16.46
2. Dynamo – Arie Dibbits (NED) 14.43
3. Bambucca – Rudolf Pirhofer (AUT) 14.02

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk and we will reply on our return.

Thank you for your continued readership as we promote and report on equestrian activities of interest to the local equestrian community.

Cormac McKervy and Andy Mills from Ulster Bank with RUAS Colin McDonald and six month old Nancy at the launch of the 147th Balmoral Show.

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) today launched the 147^th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank.

This year’s Show promises the usual components of food, farming excellence and showmanship alongside an even more exciting entertainment schedule from 13^th -15^th May 2015.

Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, Chief Executive, Colin Mc Donald commented “We were extremely encouraged by the increase in activity at the 2014 Show. We are determined to build on that success. The 2015 Show will be bigger again with more livestock competition, more stands and displays and most importantly more to see, do and enjoy.”

Andy Mills, Regional Director, Business Banking at Ulster Bank, said: “Ulster Bank became the title sponsor of the Balmoral Show in 2009 because we recognise its central importance as a showcase for some of our most important companies. It’s an excellent opportunity to highlight the support we offer local business. The Balmoral Show represents so much that is positive, dynamic and vibrant about Northern Ireland’s agri-businesses and its food and drink sector. We’re looking forward to once again being centrally involved.”

RUAS Chief Executive Colin McDonald, Liz Kelly-Ward and Andy Mills, Regional Director of Business Banking with Ulster Bank with Charlie the horse who is entered into Balmoral Show

Balmoral Show promises to be bigger and better this year as tens of thousands of people flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food event which has increased in size by 10% for 2015.   A superb family day is on offer as food and farming are served alongside a jam packed entertainment programme with many new additions to the line up.

One such development is the new SPAR Arena which is a dedicated area for fun family entertainment.  The packed out timetable will ensure bustling crowds as visitors are educated and entertained with a variety of acts including everything from Circus Workshops to Falconry.

The Sustainable Village is another exciting addition to this year’s Show, providing a showcase of innovative products, materials, ideas and information for anyone interested in harnessing, improving, or even just measuring, energy efficiency, recycling performance and waste management.  It will provide a definitive platform for businesses representing the entire spectrum of the environmental and renewables industry.

As 2016 is announced as Northern Ireland’s Year of Food, Balmoral Show continues to support and provide a platform for local producers with the NI Food Pavilion.  Will Taylor, Glastry Farm and Charlie Cole, Broughgammon Farm both spoke at the launch of their excitement about the upcoming Show where they showcase their own unique local produce.

In an exciting first in Northern Ireland, visitors will be able to watch live robotic milking.  This agricultural spectacle will enthral crowds as Lely and Draynes Farm team up with the RUAS to bring forty cows to the Show, who line up of their own accord to be milked by a Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system.

Adrenaline junkies will be captivated by the main arena attraction as Jason Smyth Stunt Show performs daredevil moves throughout the three days.  However if you prefer to indulge in retail therapy the NI Food Pavilion and Shopping Village are perfect for spending an afternoon browsing the plethora of tantalising goodies on offer.

Music will be pumping from the Downtown Radio Show Stage as local acts take to the mike and provide toe-tapping entertainment. Situated next door the garden village will provide a haven for green-fingered enthusiasts.  Animals are also aplenty from prize winning stock to the cute and cuddly inhabitants in the Children’s Farm.  As well as a return this year of the Rare Breed Survival Trust.

The Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster make a return as they encapsulate the energy and enthusiasm of the Show in their various activities from Tug of War to Tractor Handling.

Colin McDonald concluded “With so much to see at the Show it’s important to get there in good time and relaxed. I’d encourage everyone to consider public transport such as the coaches which are running directly to Balmoral Park from all parts of Ireland”.

Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank takes place at Balmoral Park, Lisburn between Wednesday 13 and Friday 15 May 2015. Opening times are 9.30am – 8.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) and 9.30am – 8.00pm (Friday). Admission charges range from £2 to £18 with early bird rates available on our website. Children under 5 years are free when accompanied by an adult.

To keep up to date with 2015 Balmoral Show news check out our website www.balmoralshow.co.uk, Facebook: Balmoral Show and Twitter: @balmoralshow.

When:      18 – 24 May 2015

Where:     Online at www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS

What:       A short, anonymous snapshot survey about your horse’s health

Why:           To help safeguard the future health and welfare of our horses and ponies

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is an important annual survey run by leading charity Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association. It’s a unique opportunity for horse owners to give feedback about the health of their horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems be identified, prioritised and addressed.

NEHS is supported by the UK’s leading equestrian organisations and charities and sponsored by SPILLERS and Zoetis. It has now been running for five years and is already helping our knowledge of horse heath. Participation increased threefold last year, with data collected from over 12,301 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK, demonstrating the equestrian nation’s enthusiasm to do their bit. The results help to establish benchmarks for equine health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. Equine and veterinary colleges and universities also use the data as primary source material.

Last year we discovered more about the rise of Atypical Myopathy in the UK. Further awareness of this highly fatal disease is now being raised, incidences are being recorded and monitored by UK vets, and further research is continuing. For the second year lameness was identified as the most common syndrome and there was an apparent increase in laminitis compared with previous years. The 2014 survey also highlighted that 20% of owners are unaware of the risk of encysted small redworm and showed that the reported number of overweight horses and ponies had more than doubled since the previous year.

Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross said: “Over the past five years NEHS has become a crucial information resource for the equestrian industry. It is helping us to steer awareness, education and research with the sole purpose of safeguarding the future healthcare of our horses. By giving five minutes of your time to complete the survey you can help to make a lifetime of difference.”

Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register for NEHS.

The Netherlands’ Koos de Ronde and his four-in-hand on their way to victory in the last FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier of the 2014/15 season (Karl Heinz Frieler/FEI).

Koos de Ronde (NED) flew to victory in the super exciting winning round of the last FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier of the 2014/15 season held in Leipzig (GER) over the weekend. His compatriot IJsbrand Chardon was the last in the arena and was well on his way to victory when his carriage tipped over in the last part of the course which resulted in immediate elimination. Wildcard driver Boyd Exell (AUS) had one knockdown and finished in second place.

We will be carrying out essential maintenance to the website during the break, however should anyone need to contact us, please email info@equestriannewsni.co.uk we would hope to follow up with any requests as soon as we open again.

Thank you to everyone to contributed to the website in 2014 by sending in press releases, equestrian dates, advertising events, and keeping us up to date with everything equestrian so we could pass on that information to our audiences throughout the world.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to bringing you news, results, photographs and classifieds in the New Year.

Kindest Regards,

The Equestrian News Team

The hospital is located within the grounds of the old Greenmount Stud and the facility has been reinvigorated to create a centre of excellence for equine care. Offering a wide range of services including neo-natal critical care, lameness/poor performance investigations, reproductive services and with a fully equipped surgical facility we will be able to cater for your horse’s every need.

Greenmount Equine Hospital is headed up by Donncha Houlihan MVB MRCVS and Paul Houlihan MVB MRCVS. Both brothers are originally from Birdhill, Co. Tipperary and look forward to offering their combined experience to owners, trainers and breeders in the surrounding areas.

Donncha Houlihan commented “We are delighted to have the opportunity to return home and set up a dedicated equine veterinary facility in a location such as Greenmount Park which is steeped in equine history and so close to Limerick Racecourse. We are looking forward to welcoming Lady Harrington to officially launch the hospital. We would also like to extend an open invitation to anybody wishing to receive a tour of our new facility on the day and afterwards to join us in a toast to the winner of the Annual Greenmount Equine Hospital Bumper”.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Greenmount Equine Hospital, Greenmount Park, Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick
Office: 061 513777 / 087 994 7682 Email: greenmountequinehospital@gmail.com
Website: www.greenmountequinehospital.ie

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(centre) Wilbrord van den Broek (NED) won individual gold at the FEI World Single Driving Championships 2014 in Izsák (HUN) with Germany’s Claudia Lauterbach taking silver (left) and compatriot Marlen Fallak claiming bronze. (Claudia Spitz/FEI).

After four exciting days with seventy-seven drivers from 24 nations at the eighth FEI World Single Driving Championships in Izsák (HUN) at the weekend, Dutch driver Wilbrord van den Broek won individual gold and Germany took team gold for the third time in a row.

They will be there for the seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games which will officially be known as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014.

As proud Official Sponsor and Official Vehicle of the games, Land Rover visited the location of the Games in Normandy and caught up with some of the key individuals and competing riders who will be in action in August and September.

Find out more about what the Games means to the riders, including Team GBR rider and Land Rover ambassador Zara Phillips, and see what it takes to compete in the biggest equestrian event in the world after the Olympics

We would like to introduce you firstly to our new look home page featuring our latest news articles in headlines and photographs so you get to read the freshest stories and articles without even having to look for them.

You can still select your favourite discipline from our news drop down menu to read a streamlined view of news and results from NI & Ireland equestrian disciplines.

To view and purchase photographs from our photograph shop, you can now simply select ‘Photographs’ from our main navigation bar, where featured photographers have their galleries on display.  To join the network of freelance photographers who supply our galleries, please contact us

To view all of our featured businesses and articles from 2012, you simply click our ‘features’ button and you can read the great content from local businesses and get lots of great hints and tips for the season ahead.

New online classifieds!  We have just launched a new online classifieds section, that is easy to use and for the months of January and February, it is also completely FREE to list your horse, pony, dog or tack for sale!  Add your listing now!

Business directory – Our online business directory has also received a new look with integrated content for each business listing, including photographs, extensive business profiles and lots of helpful information.

Our diary dates section has also received a fantastic new layout!  You can choose which disciplines you would like to view from the drop down menu, you can also view our listed competitions and events by month, week, day or agenda view to make it as easy as possible to plan for the seasons ahead!

Lastly, our website address – you may have noticed that when you typed in Equestrian News NI.co.uk, you were re-directed to Equestrian News Ireland.com, this is to allow us to change over our details on the Equestrian News NI page and we hope to have this page up and running again as soon as possible.

If you have any feedback on the content, or changes we have been making, please feel free to get in touch by emailing info@equestriannewsireland.com or info@equestriannewsni.co.uk, we would be delighted to hear from you and look forward to entertaining the growing Equestrian News NI & Ireland audience for another successful year.