Welcome back to Equiworld, your trusted source for all things equestrian! We're broadcasting live from our headquarters in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and bringing you the latest news from the world of horses.
Olympics Fever Takes Over Tokyo
The equestrian events at the Tokyo Olympics are well underway, with the first medal events already completed.
- Dressage: Germany continued their reign as Dressage kings, taking gold in the team event. The Dutch team took silver, and the US bronze. Individual Dressage competition continues today, with Isabell Werth, aiming for her fifth Olympic gold, in a strong position after topping the leaderboard in the Grand Prix.
- Eventing: The first phase of the Eventing team competition, dressage, is done. The Germans are currently sitting in first place, but with only a small margin over second place Great Britain. The cross-country test on Friday will be critical to the outcome of the medals.
- Showjumping: The Olympic Showjumping competition saw a spectacular display of talent and skill in the individual final. Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward rode to gold medal glory. Peder Fredricson, also of Sweden, won silver, with Ben Maher from Great Britain earning the bronze. Team competition begins later today.
British Showjumping Success at Hickstead
The prestigious Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead has been buzzing this week, with British riders dominating the major events.
- The Queen Elizabeth II Cup: Holly Smith rode her 12-year-old bay mare Frusemone to an impressive win in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. The pair navigated the challenging course, clearing all 1.60m fences flawlessly to secure the victory.
- King George V Gold Cup: The top showjumper in Britain, Joe Stockdale, claimed the prestigious King George V Gold Cup for the second year running. This time he piloted the stunning 10-year-old gelding Cacharel to victory, proving his immense skill and talent in this difficult class.
Dressage Championship Update: German Riders Dominant
The 2021 German Dressage Championship saw strong performances from riders at all levels.
- Grand Prix: German star, Isabell Werth, maintained her dominance, claiming the top spot with her incredible mount Weihegold.
- U25: The young rider, Frederic Wandres, stood out with his powerful performance on the stunning Hanoverian gelding Duke of Britain.
New World Record in Vaulting
Danish vaulter, Sara Værum, shattered the world record for the highest vault, surpassing the previous mark with a spectacular display at a recent competition in Belgium.
Side Saddle News
- The annual Side Saddle National Championships will be held this weekend in Warwickshire. We'll bring you the results of the championships in our next news update.
- The Side Saddle community continues to thrive with increasing participation and interest in this traditional form of equestrianism.
Polo News
- The prestigious Hurlingham Open is underway with teams from across the globe competing for the title. The final is scheduled for August 1st.
- The World Polo Tour continues to attract audiences worldwide with exciting matches and competitive play.
Breeds in the Spotlight:
- The Highland Pony is renowned for its rugged beauty and hardiness. These ponies are a symbol of the Scottish Highlands, with a rich history and an increasingly loyal fanbase.
- The Friesian horse continues to capture hearts with its elegant movement and striking black coat. The Friesian breed is seeing a resurgence in popularity, with more breeders entering the market to meet increasing demand.
New Research Shows Link between Riding and Mental Health
A new study from the University of Edinburgh highlights the positive impact equestrianism can have on mental health. Researchers found that regular riding can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem.
Upcoming Events:
- The Royal Highland Show, Scotland's biggest agricultural event, kicks off next week and features a variety of equestrian attractions.
- The Badminton Horse Trials, one of the world's most prestigious eventing competitions, will be held in May 2022. The organizers have already begun preparing for this momentous event.
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Stay safe, stay well, and happy riding!