Welcome to Equiworld News, your weekly digest of all things equestrian, brought to you from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a beautiful Friday, the 13th of August 2021 - and thankfully, our equestrian world is overflowing with good news, defying all superstitious fears!
Showjumping: Dutch Domination at Hickstead
The sun may have been shining on Hickstead, but the Dutch riders were truly out in force at this year's Royal International Horse Show. Jeroen Dubbeldam took home the coveted Hickstead Derby crown, with the legendary gelding, "Klondike", delivering a masterclass in show jumping finesse. Dubbeldam's victory was all the sweeter, considering the fact that he also won the title back in 2015! This weekend saw a number of other strong Dutch performers too, with Harrie Smolders taking the Grand Prix and Jur Vrieling securing second place, sending a strong message to the international jumping scene.
Dressage: Germany Reign Supreme in Tokyo
The Olympic Games in Tokyo have seen some of the world's best dressage riders showcasing their skills. Germany continues to dominate this discipline, with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl securing the individual gold with her impressive mare, "TSF Dalera", while her brother, Benjamin, took home the individual bronze. While the British riders were unable to take home a medal, Charlotte Fry delivered a sensational performance on her mare, "Everdale", placing fourth in the freestyle final. The world watched on with bated breath as these incredible partnerships gave us all a masterclass in dressage precision and artistry.
Eventing: Blenheim Palace Preparations in Full Swing
It’s almost time for the iconic Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials! With just a few weeks to go, the buzz of anticipation is building as the world’s top eventers prepare to tackle this challenging course. This year’s line-up is stellar, with Olympic hopefuls Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt set to clash alongside legends like Oliver Townend. Our team at Equiworld is on the ground at Blenheim, ready to report all the latest news and updates on our website - don’t miss the live coverage on www.equiworld.org !
Side Saddle: From Cheltenham to The Olympics?
A momentous occasion was celebrated recently at Cheltenham, as side saddle enthusiasts gathered to show their skills at the International Side Saddle Show. This was a truly historic event, as for the first time ever, a special class was dedicated to the Olympic format side saddle dressage test, designed specifically for the potential inclusion of side saddle dressage in future Olympics! We spoke to a number of passionate side saddle riders who were ecstatic at this huge step forward for the sport. Could we see a side saddle Olympian in the near future? Stay tuned for developments in Equiworld News.
Polo: Royal Ascot Offers a Glamorous Platform
For a taste of true glamour, one only needs to visit the Polo Finals at Royal Ascot. With celebrities and dignitaries in the crowd, the annual Polo Finals are an opportunity to witness the intense speed and agility of the horses. The British team put in an impressive showing, showcasing the talent and strategy involved in this exciting sport. While the Polo Finals mark a traditional end to the season, we'll keep you updated on all the latest polo news across the globe.
Beyond The Ring:
It's not all about competition, of course! There are a multitude of ways to experience the equestrian world, and here are a few snippets to keep you inspired:
- Breeding: A New Era for British Thoroughbreds: A new wave of passion is brewing in the British thoroughbred breeding world, with a focus on breeding horses for their versatility in both racing and showing. The newly launched “The Thoroughbred” program aims to create a new breed for the modern equestrian world. Exciting times ahead!
- Pony Club: Preparing For The Future: The Pony Club remains a crucial hub for young riders, teaching horsemanship and developing future equestrian champions. The Pony Club Championship at Cholmondeley Castle this year showcased an abundance of young talent ready to make their mark in the world of equestrian sport.
- Therapy: Finding Hope On Horseback: The power of horses to heal has been proven countless times, and the rise of equine assisted therapy has provided a valuable resource for individuals with a range of conditions. This week we feature a heartwarming story from an equine therapy centre near London, as they work with children struggling with autism, demonstrating the remarkable power of the horse-human bond.
Equiworld’s Friday Favourites: From the Hayfield Team:
The Equiworld team in Hayfield have chosen their favourites for this week’s equestrian world:
- Helen, Editor: “The side saddle class at Cheltenham filled my heart with joy. It was an inspiring event and truly demonstrated the passion and dedication of this amazing community.”
- David, Web Developer: “ I am a huge fan of eventing, so Blenheim is a big event on my calendar. This year's line-up is one to watch!”
- Sarah, Social Media Manager: “Tokyo's Olympic dressage has been simply stunning. I'm still lost in awe at Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s freestyle! The harmony and connection between horse and rider were incredible.”
- Andrew, Horse Whisperer: “I've been reading a lot about the Thoroughbred program, and I think it's a fantastic step forward for breeding. Breeding horses for versatility will make a positive impact on the future of equine sports.”
*Closing Thoughts: *
Friday 13th, with its superstitious whispers, was nothing short of inspiring in the world of equestrian sports. From Hickstead’s showjumping triumphs to Olympic dressage victories and the growing popularity of side saddle, this week was filled with exciting events, incredible achievements, and the shared love of horses. As we continue to watch the world of horses evolve with a steadfast spirit, we at Equiworld remain committed to sharing every stride with you. Stay connected for all the latest equestrian news - visit www.equiworld.org.
*We'll see you next week! *
This post has been prepared in compliance with the Equiworld Style Guide for News Reports and is an original piece created for www.equiworld.org .