Welcome to Equiworld News, your weekly dose of equestrian happenings from around the globe. We're back with another exciting edition, packed with news, results and insights from the world of horses.
Showjumping
CSI5* Chantilly, France: The French leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour saw a dramatic finish in the Grand Prix, with Ben Maher riding the powerful chestnut stallion, Explosion, to victory. Harrie Smolders and Monaco N.O.P. took a close second, proving a formidable duo throughout the competition. The British rider, Scott Brash, also had a strong performance, finishing in fourth place on Hello Jefferson.
CSI2* Wierden, Netherlands: The Dutch showjumping scene saw the rising star, Maikel van der Vleuten, shine with VDL Groep Verdi taking the Grand Prix title. Dutch rider, Leopold van Asten finished a close second on VDL Groep Ziro, showing that competition at the lower levels is hotting up in the Netherlands.
National Shows:
The Royal Windsor Horse Show concluded its 2021 event, which, due to pandemic restrictions, was condensed into one weekend. Holly Smith riding Denver took the CSI3* Grand Prix title, while in the showing arena, the British Open Champion for the Hunter Breeding class was awarded to Alex Stockdale and the Horse & Hound Magazine’s Best Overall Horse was presented to Nicola McRoberts and the Welsh Cob Alaw Lad.
The British Showjumping season continues to be full of excitement, with the South View Championships taking place this weekend in Lincolnshire. Lauren Lomax, known for her talents in both showjumping and dressage, will be seeking to secure further success after winning the Hickstead Derby earlier in July.
Dressage
CDI5* Treffen, Austria: In a thrilling battle for the top spot, Germany's Dorothee Schneider claimed the Grand Prix title with Faustinus, earning a winning score of 80.783%. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, fresh off her historic win in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the CHIO Aachen, came in a close second with Tolle Turnier, who also enjoyed a superb performance with a score of 79.457%.
CDI3* Addington Manor, England: Charlotte Fry proved her dominance at the national level, winning all three of the Grand Prix classes with Everdale, with scores consistently surpassing 80%. It seems the talented young rider, now representing the UK at the elite level, is building a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Olympic hopefuls: With the Tokyo Games looming, many riders are stepping up their preparation. Keep an eye on the exciting developments in the dressage world, including updates on the current performance of riders like Isabell Werth and Carl Hester.
Eventing
L -* Burg * - , **Germany: This popular event, known for its challenging cross-country course, provided thrilling competition. Andreas Ostholt and Colore, showed resilience to climb from a lower ranking to win the four-star competition. In the three-star class, it was Sandra Auffarth with Viamant Du Matz taking home the prestigious blue ribbon.
* *The * - Festival of British Eventing ,* **England: This national event continues to draw in large crowds with an array of classes to cater to all levels of riders.
* * -* A Look Forward: * **
- The Burgundy CCI-* - * * 4 * , in France is up next for those eyeing qualification for the upcoming World Championships *, * scheduled to be held in Italy later this year.
Polo
* * The * - Queens Cup: * * *
- This iconic event, held at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, saw a captivating final with the reigning champions, Dubai, facing off against HPA. In the end, Dubai, the team boasting exceptional riders such as Sahir Sethi and Juan Martin Nero, emerged triumphant, showcasing the power of skilled teamwork.
The American Open continues to dominate the North American polo scene.
Global Development: * Polo is rapidly expanding internationally, with events popping up across Asia, South America and Australia. *
Other Equestrian Disciplines
Sidesaddle: The National Side Saddle Championships will be taking place at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on the 28th of July, featuring riders competing for top honours in this traditional discipline.
Vaulting: Vaulting, an exciting and dynamic sport that combines gymnastics on a moving horse, is becoming increasingly popular, with many talented athletes emerging in recent years. The British Vaulting Championships, set to take place in September, will showcase the best of this captivating sport.
Horse Breeds : The Royal Welsh Show, held in July, provides an exceptional opportunity to witness a wide array of equine breeds, showcasing their attributes and temperaments. From the iconic Welsh Cobs to the more rare Dales Ponies, the event promises a spectacle for all equestrian enthusiasts.
The Future of Equestrian Sports
Equiworld News continues to be committed to keeping our readers updated on the latest equestrian news from around the world. We are excited to watch how the equestrian landscape continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on athlete welfare, sustainability, and a greater appreciation for equine athletes.
Don't forget to visit www.equiworld.org for all of our latest updates, in-depth articles, and interviews. Join the Equiworld community and be a part of the conversation that shapes the future of the equestrian world!
We would like to thank our readers for their continued support and hope to see you next week for the next issue of Equiworld News.