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News Archive
News - May, 2012
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2012 EA Tekna Young Rider Selection Series
In 2012 Equestrian Australia will again run the National Young Rider Selection Series. The series will take place across all states and use a standardised course designed by one of Australia's leading course designers. A two competition selection series will be conducted in each state, including Tasmania, between July and December. Each competition will consist of two (2) rounds run under the FEI article 273: 3.3 and 4.3. In an effort to standardise the competitions from state to state, the course used for all first round competitions and all second round competitions in each state will be built off a design by Gavin Chester, FEI Level II course designer.
For full details of the competitions please refer to the National Young Rider Selection Series webpage
 The Saddlery Trading Company and Tekna Saddles are the proud sponsors of the 2012 Series. Each round a new S Series Tekna saddle goes to the winner, or if the winner has previously won a saddle in the series, it goes to the next highest scorer who hasn’t won a saddle. At the end of the series there will be 12 happy young riders with new Tekna saddles of their choice. Also at the completion of the series, the highest ranked rider will receive a complete Tekna package.
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Edwina given all clear after fall in Global Champions Tour
Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander has maintained her 14 point lead on the Global Champions Tour ladder, despite a devastating fall at the latest round in Wiesbaden, Germany last night. A fall from her steed Cevo Socrates saw Edwina taken to hospital with a slight concussion and suspected broken wrist. Equestrian Australia’s National Performance Director for Jumping, Stephen Lamb, said he spoke with Edwina’s parents and she is OK. “Edwina’s parents confirmed she was taken hospital and they thought she may have a broken wrist but it all checked out OK and she should be out later in the day,” he said. Edwina’s consistent performance throughout the GCT has allowed her to maintain the lead and has the rest of the pack chasing the world’s best ranked female jumping rider. Highlights from the fourth round Global Champions Tour Copy courtesy of GCT website – www.globalchampionstour.com Triumphant Olivier Guillon said the experience of his horse Lord de Theize made all the difference in beating champion rider Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum in the Grand Prix jump off today. Olivier admitted he would not have beaten German rider Meredith in the final speed test of the €285,000 Global Champions Tour Grand Prix if she had been riding her star horse Shutterfly, who retired last year. Speaking at the press conference at the end of the first GCT in Wiesbaden, Germany, Olivier said: “I was lucky to go second in the jump-off. I saw Meredith in the ring and her mare is young and that was good for me today. If it had been Shutterfly it would be different.” GCT President Jan Tops said the GCT series in 2012 is shaping up to be highly competitive with different riders on the podium at each show making the race for the overall championship in November a thriller. Cheered on by a big home crowd of around 20,000 spectators at the stunning Schlosspark arena, Meredith had jumped clear in 57.72 in the first big test for her big-striding young mare Bella Donna. But Olivier piloted his French gelding smoothly over the Longines oxer to finish in 55.59, his first GCT Grand Prix victory with a first prize of €94,050. He said a lot of riders had difficulty with the line to the triple combination, which resulted in some of the biggest stars in show jumping clocking up faults. For more details click here. Results after round 4 1. Edwina Tops-Alexander 96points 2. Marcus Ehning 82 3. Gregory Wathelet 77 4. Richard Spooner 75 5. Sergio Alvarez Moya 71 6. Ben Maher 71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jumping into action on the small screen Eurosport is bringing the action and excitement of the world's premier Jumping competition to the small screen. Viewers will get the chance to watch Australian jumping sensation Edwina Tops-Alexander defend her 2011 title. "The Global Champions Tour is a premiere jumping event on the international calendar and one that is a huge focus for myself as well as the other leading riders from around the world,” said Tops-Alexander. “The partnership between Equestrian Australia and Eurosport is a big step forward in the promotion of our sport." "The Global Champions Tour is considered to be the Formula 1 of Jumping by the best riders in the world and it has helped me to gain international recognition and invaluable top level mileage, helping me to get where I am today," she added. Viewers will be able to watch all the thrills of the international jumping competition from the comfort of their home. Spanning three continents, the Tour will take competitors to 13 picturesque destinations including Vienna, Monaco, Cannes, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Eurosport will broadcast every round of the GCT on channel 511 on Foxtel and Austar. Viewers can tune in this Sunday 6 May at 5:15pm (AEST) to see Tops-Alexander contest the second round of the GCT in Valencia, Spain. Australia’s jumping superstar will be looking to make it two from two after winning the opening round of the GCT in Doha, Qatar. As part of the partnership between Equestrian Australia and Eurosport, Aussie equestrian fans will be able to keep up-to-date with the latest from the tour and all the excitement around the Eurosport coverage of the Global Champions Tour. Equestrian fans will find a full list of this year’s Global Champions Tour events as well as all the latest news and information right here on the EA website. To view the broadcast schedule visit http://tv.aueursport.com/ Broadcast times are made available on the website one month prior to each event. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Edwina looks to extend lead in Global Champions Tour
Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander will once again wear the leader’s armband heading into the fourth round of the Global Champions Tour (GCT) this weekend in Wiesbaden, Germany, with a strong 14 point lead.
After finishing in ninth position last weekend in Hamburg, Tops-Alexander was able to maintain her number one ranking on 96 points ahead of Marcus Ehning (GER) on 82 and Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) on 64.
Consistency has been the key for Tops-Alexander, after winning the first round in Doha she has had two top ten finishes in rounds two and three in Valencia and Hamburg.
The first member to be named on the Australian Olympic Equestrian Team for Jumping, Tops-Alexander is looking to continue her solid form as she takes on both the richest jumping tour in the world as well as prepares for the 2012 Olympic Games that will get underway in 62 days.
This will be the first time the GCT is held in Wiesbaden with more than 40 athletes confirmed to start. GCT President Jan Tops said: “It is very exciting to be holding the Global Champions Tour in a new venue in Wiesbaden. We are looking forward to a great four days of show jumping and I am sure spectators will enjoy some fantastic sport.”
The top riders will be ready to do battle in the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix highlight on Saturday evening and a prize pot of €285,000. The season is already shaping up to be highly competitive and full of drama with leading riders vying for the top position on the GCT ranking board.
The fourth round of the GCT will be aired on Eurosport channel 511 on Foxtel and Austar on Monday 28 May and Wednesday 30 May – click here for more details. All the action will also be streamed on the GCT website http://www.globalchampionstour.com/
Global Champions Tour ranking after Hamburg 1 Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) 96 points 2 Marcus Ehning (GER) 82 points 3 Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) 64 points 4 Denis Lynch (IRE) 61 points 4 Gerco Schroder (NED) 61 points
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Chef d'Equipe appointments for upcoming international Driving competitions
The High Performance Program in conjunction with the National Carriage Driving Committee are pleased to announce the following appointments. Karen Everett will be the appointed Chef d'Equipe at the World Four in Hand Championships in Riesenbeck (GER) for Boyd Exell and Gavin Robson. Dot Willcoxon will be the appointed Chef d’Equipe at the World Para-Driving Championships in Breda (NED) for Niki van Buuren.
Dot Willcoxon will be the appointed Chef d’Equipe at the World Singles Driving Championships Lezirias (POR).
Congratulations to our Chef’s and good luck to the Australian Drivers.
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Announcement of shortlisted riders for the 2012 Vaulting World Championships
National Vaulting selectors have reviewed the long list of vaulters wishing to compete at the World Championships in Le Mans, France, later this year. The selection panel, chaired by Angela Deeks, is pleased to confirm the shortlist will consist of the following three vaulters: Emma Moulds SA
Lani Maher NSW
Lee Briggs NSW
This announcement is exciting news for Moulds, Maher and Briggs. The trio was was recently named to compete for Australia in the individual categories at the CVIO in Aachen (GER) in July 2012.
The World Championships will be held from the 13-19 August in Le Mans, France.
The Australian team that will compete at the Championships will be selected from the shortlist.
Congratulations to our shortlisted vaulters.
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EA member insurance simplified Got a question about EA's insurance policy? A new website which contains all the answers to your insurance questions will make it easy for you to find the information that you’re after. Members can now access all details of EAs insurance program directly from insurance provider Gow Gates. The site is easy to use and houses all important insurance information in one central location. In addition to listing policy information, the website contains downloadable claim forms and certificates of currency as well as contact information in case you require more assistance. The website is a one stop insurance shop for EA members, coaches and clubs. You can access the site by clicking here or though the EA homepage. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nominations now open for 2012 FEI Awards
The FEI is calling for nominations for the 2012 FEI Awards and invited members of the international equetrian community to contribute to this annual celebration of outstanding talent. For the fourth consecutive year, the search is on for five individuals who have demonstrated remarkable ability and commitment in the following categories:
Former Australian winners include Meg Wade who was awarded the Against All Odds accolade in 2011 and Michelle Robson who won Best Groom in 2009 (read more about past winners here). FEI President HRH Princess Haya commented: “The FEI Awards 2012 will follow London 2012, when the skills of many of our best athletes will be showcased to the world. The FEI Awards gives the global equestrian community the opportunity to acknowledge those individuals who embody the values and characteristics of our sport today and reflect its expansion and diversity. I urge you to visit www.feiawards.org and nominate the individuals you think are worthy of an FEI Award.” The FEI will inform the winners in September and invite them to the awards ceremony, which will take place in Istanbul (TUR) on 8 November. Nominations can be made via the dedicated website www.feiawards.org and close on 31 July 2012. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Champions Tour travels to Germany
Hamburg will this weekend host the highest ranked Jumping riders from around the world for the third round of the Global Champions Tour (GCT). Among the riders will be Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander who is currently occupying top position on the GCT leaderboard after backing up her win at the opening round of the Tour in Doha, Qatar, with a ninth place finish at the second round in Valencia, Spain. At last year’s Hamburg Grand Prix, Edwina finished in seventh position with Itot du Chateau, the horse she has qualified on for the 2012 Olympic Games.
This year’s event will see approximately 50 riders battle for victory and a share of €285,000 ($365,000 AUD).
With many of the riders participating in the GCT also poised to represent their respective countries at the 2012 Olympic Games, the forthcoming rounds of the Tour will provide a good opportunity for riders to fine tune their preparations leading into London.
Eurosport will broadcast all the action from Hamburg on channel 511 on Foxtel and Austar. The Grand Prix will be broadcast live from 5:30am (AEST) on Sunday 20 May.
To view the Eurosport GCT broadcast schedule visit http://tv.au.eurosport.com/. Broadcast times are made available on the website one month prior to each event.
From Hamburg, riders will travel north to Wiesbaden, also in Germany, where the fourth round of the Tour will be staged from 25 – 28 May.
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Five minutes with Krystle Lander
Krystle Lander is the current Australian Vaulting Champion. At 24 years old she has been all over the world representing her country, competed in seven National Championships and in 2010 was selected to compete for Australia at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Krystle is also studying Medicine at the University of Wollongong, and plans to combine her love of sports and medicine together in the future. Visit Horsezone.com.au to read the full story.
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New chef d'equipe for Endurance appointed Peter Toft has been appointed the interim chef d'equipe for Endurance following the resignation of current chef d'equipe Mark Freeman. Peter will hold the position of interim chef d’equipe until 25th September 2012 following the world endurance championships in August.
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EA Judge Educator and Mentor Courses Over the coming weeks EA is holding a number of Judge Educator and Judge Mentor Courses. The courses are open to all EA members who are Judge Educators and Mentors, specifically Dressage Judges. The dates are:
Please see below the information leaflets available from the Australian Sports Commission on Mentor Training Programs and Assessor Training.
Furthermore there is a provisional timetable below, please note that this is a guide and subject to change.
If you need to attend and have yet to notify the National Office please contact Sara 02 8762 7777
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EA 2012 Club Census EA is proud to present its first Club Census in 2012. The EA Club Census is being conducted to enable EA to develop a better understanding of participation in the sport at all levels to better support and grow grassroots participation. Census questions will cover membership, facilities, programs, volunteers, challenges and benefits in the club environment. EA has enlisted the assistance of an experienced research company, Street Ryan and Associates Pty Ltd to independently produce, manage and report on the Equestrian Australia Club Census. The Census opens at 9:00am (AEST) on Monday 7th May 2012 and closes at 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday 1st June 2012. The census will be emailed from Street Ryan to all clubs as well as being able to be downloaded from the EA website. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heath Ryan wins Grand Prix Freestyle at Sydney CDI
Heath Ryan and Regardez Moi delivered an impressive performance at the 2012 Sydney CDI to take out the Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 71.275%. The crowd erupted as Ryan delivered an impressive routine to take first place ahead of Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV (70.675%) and Tor Van Den Berge and Fisherman’s Friend (67.425%). It capped off another great Sydney CDI campaign for Ryan who yesterday took out the Grand Prix Special and finished second place in the Grand Prix on Thursday.
The seasoned competitor admitted he was starting to feel his age when he took a look around at this year’s event.
“I’m feeling old looking around at all these young girls coming through – but it is a great thing to see.
This was a great night and I want to thank all the competitors,” said an elated Ryan.
His thoughts like most dressage supporters now look to Mannheim, Germany where his wife Rozzie along with seven other Aussies are taking part in the first Dressage Olympic Nomination event.
The Sydney CDI in 2012 celebrated 20 years and once again provided three days of action pack competition that highlighted the depth of Dressage talent Australia boasts.
The top six places from the Hamilton Island Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*:
4 May 2012 Heath Ryan wins Grand Prix Special at Sydney CDI
Having already taken home second place in yesterday’s Grand Prix, the combination was confident leading into the Special and performed outstandingly to blitz the ten strong field.
Recording a score of 67.133, Ryan is pleased with his win and is hoping to stay ahead of the competition in tomorrow evening’s Freestyle.
“He (Regardez Moi) was good today, he probably held himself in better balance. We’re certainly gaining in confidence,” said Ryan.
“Regardez Moi is very strong in the piaffe and passage and he’s also an experienced competitor so it’s up to me to go to the limits to take advantage of our strengths,” he added. “Tomorrow night it’s anybody’s game and there will be some very competitive riders out there trying to win.”
Finishing in second place was Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestige VDL. The combination was first to go and set the standard high recording a score of 65.333 which only Ryan and his 15 year old stallion could better.
Susan Paix and Sheer Etiquette were third.
3 May 2012
Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV continue their winning streak winning Sydney CDI Grand Prix
it was the dynamic combination of Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV who recorded the day’s best performance. (Watch their test here).
The duo is quickly asserting itself as one of the top Australian based Dressage combinations after recording their fourth win from five CDI Grand Prix starts.
“I’m very lucky to have such an amazingly talented horse but also to have such good rideability and trainability. She has fantastic focus in the test and all these things go to make a pretty wonderful horse,” said Tomkinson.
The combination scored 68.936 in the Grand Prix finishing ahead of Ryan and Regardez Moi who ended on a score of 67.277.
Ashwood and her young stallion were also in the mix on day one producing a score of 66.149 which was good enough for them to take home third place.
Top combinations will be back in action tomorrow evening when the Grand Prix Freestyle gets underway at 8:15pm.
Full results from this year’s Sydney CDI can be viewed here.
Stay tuned to the EA website for all the latest news and information from this year’s Sydney CDI.
1 April 2012
Previewing the 20th annual Sydney CDI
One of Australia's premier dressage events, the Sydney CDI will reach a new milestone in 2012 when it celebrates its 20th year.
Beginning 3 May, the Sydney CDI will see riders travel from across Australia and the Tasman to compete in Australia’s oldest internationally recognised Dressage competition.
With a number of Australia’s top Dressage combinations competing in Olympic Games nomination events in Europe, this year’s event has drawn a highly competitive field of accomplished riders and rising stars.
Maree Tomkinson is one of Australia’s most skilful riders. She recently won the CDI-W at the annual PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in Werribee, Victoria and will be looking to win yet another CDI crown on the nine year old mare, Diaminatina IV, that she partly owns with Lyn Sultana.
The combination will be looking to consolidate their impressive Grand Prix record of three wins and one second place in as many starts.
They’ll face stiff competition from a number of ‘young guns’ who will be looking to claim their first major international Dressage title. One such rider, 22 year old David McKinnon, is competing in his first Sydney CDI and has the honour of riding Brett Parbery’s horses - QEB Good as
Gold, owned by Brett and Caroline Lieutenant and DP Weltmeiser owned by Susan Duddy.
“I’m so lucky that they have entrusted me to ride their horses. I have to say I’m pretty nervous as they are big shoes to fill,” said McKinnon, who is also an employee of Brett and Melinda Parbery.
Top placed combinations at the end of the weekend could also find themselves in contention for a place in this year’s Dressage Grand Final.
The 12 best combinations with the highest percentages after five Dressage Grand Final qualifying events will automatically qualify for the Grand Final, which will be held as part of the Equestrian Grand Final at EQUITANA, Melbourne, November 15-18.
Combinations may compete at multiple qualifiers but only their best result will count. A further three wild-card entries will be awarded by Equestrian Australia ahead of the final.
The 2012 Sydney CDI will be staged SIEC – Sydney International Equestrian Centre – home of the
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The venue is located 45km west of Sydney at Saxony Road, Horsley Park.
The 2012 Sydney CDI – Timetable
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Spain is the stage for the second round of the Global Champions Tour
Thirty of the world's top show jumping riders have arrived in Spain for the hotly-anticipated first European leg of the 2012 Global Champions Tour. Among them is reining GCT champion Edwina Tops-Alexander who is also the first athlete to be selected to Australia’s Equestrian Team that will compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Having won the opening event in Doha, Qatar, Edwina is looking to pocket a second consecutive win and increase her lead over a highly competitive field. The new venue of Oliva Nova Equestrian Centre, on the Mediterranean coast south of Valencia, will play host to the top-ranked riders and their horses for a fantastic weekend of high quality sport from May 4 - 6. The Grand Prix will be broadcast on Eurosport and GCT live streaming will follow all the action of the major classes accompanied by expert commentary. Riders will be competing for one of the richest prizes on offer in the sport with € 285.000 to be divided among the winner and runners up in the Grand Prix on Saturday evening. In an Olympic year many of the leading riders are making the GCT circuit their top priority and will be competing hard for both the high prize money and coveted ranking points. This year’s GCT calendar is the biggest since it was founded in 2006 and includes four new events in Wiesbaden, Lausanne, Vienna and Shanghai. To view the Eurosport GCT broadcast schedule visit http://tv.au.eurosport.com/. Broadcast times are made available on the website one month prior to each event. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Australia's 1992 Eventing Team receives a place in the Sports Australia Hall of Fame
The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Gold Medal Eventing Team was officially inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at this year's Equestrian Australia Sport Achievement Awards night. The team’s coach, Wayne Roycroft, accepted the award on behalf of the athletes. The team featured Gillian Rolton and Peppermint Grove, Matt Ryan and Kibah Tic-Toc and Andrew Hoy and Kiwi. David Green was also on the team but his horse Duncan II was ruled unfit after the second day. The cross country course tested the field with only one combination producing a clear round within time. The event came down to the Showjumping phase where New Zealand had an 8 rail lead over Australia. Unfortunately for the New Zealand Team their rail advantage was spent, which then gave Matt Ryan one rail to spare. Matt was all clear until the last jump which he knocked but his 1.2 penalty lead was enough to win Gold for the Australia Team. Matt won the individual event by 10.7 penalties. The Barcelona Olympic Eventing success broke Australia’s 32 year gold medal drought as the last gold medal won prior to Barcelona was in Rome in 1960. The Barcelona Gold medal was the first of three consecutive gold medals for Australia’s Eventing Team. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Edwina Tops-Alexander named Equestrian Australia’s International Athlete of the Year
After a stellar year which saw her rise to the top of professional Show Jumping, Edwina Tops-Alexander has been named Equestrian Australia's international athlete of the year. As the 2011 overall winner of the Global Champions Tour (GCT), the world’s premier Show Jumping circuit, Edwina has proven she is a formidable athlete and one to watch ahead of the London Olympic Games. Last year she climbed to sixth position on the Rolex FEI world ranking, which is the highest ever achieved by an Australian rider. On her way to winning the multi-million euro Global Champions Tour, Edwina placed first in the Cannes Grand
Prix CSI5* and Chantilly Grand Prix CSI5*. She is currently the only female athlete ranked in the world’s top-ten.
Edwina’s horse Cevo Itot du Chateau, who she has combined with to achieve a number of her notable sporting achievements, has been named Equestrian Australia’s international horse of the year.
“This means a lot to us, it’s a great honour to receive this award and I really appreciate the support we’ve both received,” said Edwina. “I really hope that next time I’m back in Australia I’ll have a gold medal around my neck and I’ll be able to share this with all of you,” she added.
Edwina is currently leading the GCT table, having won the opening round of the 2012 competition which was held in Doha, Qatar. She’ll be back in action this weekend when the second round takes place in Valencia Spain.
More than 200 guests gathered to recognise the sport of Equestrian’s highest achievers of the past 12 months. The evening was hosted by Nicole Livingston (OAM), and also saw some of the sport’s all-time greats inducted into Equestrian Australia’s Hall of Fame.
Winning the award for Domestic Athlete of the Year was Dressage athlete Rachael Sanna who is currently in Europe preparing for the first of the discipline’s Olympic Games nomination events.
In 2011 Sanna earned the two most coveted crowns in Australian Dressage - Australian Grand Prix Champion and winner of the FEI World Cup Pacific League final. The latter awarded her one of just 18 starting positions at the World Cup Dressage final in s’Hertogenbosch where she finished in a creditable 14th position.
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Highlights from the 2012 Sydney CDI
The program for the third and final day of the Sydney CDI was definitely the most enjoyable for spectators. The indoor arena played host to four freestyle competitions which meant a diverse range of music could be heard filtering throughout the parklands of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, adding atmosphere from early in the morning. As the day progressed the coffee vendors got busier as did the traffic marshals. The first Freestyle of the day was the IRT Advanced Freestyle. Victoria Welch from Queensland secured first and second place. Her lovely Australian bred warmblood, Glogau, who flows from movement to movement, came first and her massive 18hh Hanoverian, Brentanus, came second. Victoria rode a beautiful test with all paces and transitions perfectly to the music. Victoria was pleased. "He (Brentanus) was a bit tired from yesterday but I'm pleased. This is only the second time we have used this music and it is his first big event." Third place went to Anne-Catherine Hudson on Reference F.
The Equestrian NSW Intermediate II (CDN) had a field of 15. One of Australia's most accomplished riders, Judy Dierks, secured first place on the imported Oldenburg, Feramo K which is owned by Andrew and Carol Oatley. Second place went to Ann Slatford on her Hanoverian mare Silvery. This was a great achievement as Ann had a difficult ride on Silvery yesterday in the Grand Prix CDI. "After yesterday I decided to scratch from the GP Freestyle and do the Inter II. It was a training decision. I felt I needed to go back a step so we could hopefully re-build some confidence for me and her. I'm really pleased with how she went. It was the right decision". And third went to Sue Hearn on Remmington.
Under 25 rider, Jodie Newall, also did well considering she is new to this level. Jodie and Maxx Jasper came 6th. Last year Jodie lost her FEI horse and was in search of a seasoned GP horse. After a phone call to Sue Steggle who owns Maxx Jasper, the partnership was formed. "It was perfect timing. It was the challenge I needed," said Jodie. Each time they compete their partnership strengthens as does their performance.
The winner of yesterdays FEI Young Rider Individual Test CDI-Y, Elliot Patterson, came up with the goods once again in the Revelwood Warmblood Stud FEI Young Rider Freestyle (CDI-Y). Not only was his test accurate but his choice of music was perfect for his horse, Leandro. Elliot was planning to ride in the open CDI competitions but changed his mind and decided to stay in the FEI Young Rider classes. "I wanted to take the pressure of myself for one more year," said Elliot. Second went to Megan Bryant and her free moving mare, Donabella, and third place was secured by Hannah Dodd on Waikiwi.
One of the most enjoyable competitions was the Gow-Gates Prix St Georges Derby. The 'Derby' is designed to test the skills of riders. Two riders from each participating nation draw horses that they have not been riding during the event. The 'draw' is from the hat on the day of competition. Riders have a set time (30 minutes) before the test to familiarise themselves with their mount. Winning the individual competition was Matthew Dowsley on UQ Anapavlova. Second went to Elliot Patterson on Neversfelde Kudu. "I was pleased to get Neversfelde Kudu for my ride," smiled Elliot. "The calibre of horse this year is so much better than last year which makes it easier but also means the competition is stronger." Third place went to Anne-Catherine Hudson on Jentzen.
As Matthew and Elliot were the Australian representatives they also won the Horseland International Prix St Georges team competition. Second went to Canada with Lindsay Seidel-Wassenaar on Pinnamurra Ricardo and Esmee Ingham on Colonial Hot & Handsome. Third place went to the European representatives, Anne-Catherine Hudson on Jentzen and Lucy Miller (Ireland) on HRC Cascador.
By 5pm, the grand stand was starting to fill, all waiting for the Zilco Intermediate Freestyle CDN. Although Matthew Dowsley and Falstermeyer won the Inter I yesterday, they were not entered in the freestyle. This left the door open for a number of horses to take the top of the dais. There was only one and half points between the top three. First place went to Kate Taylor-Wheat on World Star. This was a great achievement as World Star has only been back in work for 7 months after having Equine Herpes Virus which put him out of work for 11 months. "I'm thrilled," said Kate. "His half-passes were great. It was only during the second pirouette that I nearly lost him but he stayed with me and listened for the whole test." Kate couldn't keep a smile off her face. Second went to Daniella Dirks on the big imported Hanoverian, Luxor 118, and third place went to David Shoobridge and the incredibly consistent stallion, OO Seven.
Last but certainly not least was the ever popular Hamilton Island Grand Prix Competition (CDI). The first horse to get the crowd going was the Friesian stallion, Django of Cacharel, ridden by Jeremy Janjic. Although this combination is not quite at the stage of placing in the top three, the horse does have a Facebook page with 1500 followers - the crowd love him! But by the end of the night, things had changed. Third place went to Tor Van Den Berge on the stallion, Fisherman's Friend. This combination has improved at each competition and still has a lot more to show. Second went to Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina IV. The crowd watched with awe as this amazing moving mare eat up the ground. So what did Maree think of the ride? "She was beautiful in there. She always stays with me even when she's scared." And to Heath Ryan's surprise, he and his Rubinstein stallion, Regardez Moi, came first. Just before the results came out, Heath's comment on the test was, "Not the best test we've done. He was a bit tight. Maree did really well so there you go." The judges obviously didn't see it that way.
As usual, everyone had a great night and those who were lucky enough to experience the three days also had a smile on their dial. By the end of the night, you could hear people chatting about their favourite freestyle. It's this sort of reaction that helps to increase the profile of dressage in Australia. Although the Australian Riders competing at Mannheim were missed, it was refreshing to see new combinations moving up through the ranks.
Well done to all those who made it happen.
All results can be found at www.sydneycdi.com
To view highlights from earlier competition at the 2012 Sydney CDI visit http://www.sydneycdi.com/.
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FEI Jumping Stewards Course FEI Jumping Level 1 Stewards Course
For promotion to FEI Jumping Level 1 Steward and refresher status for existing FEI Jumping Level 2 Stewards. Venue: Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Centre, Camden, NSW
Date: Friday 15th – Sunday 17th June
This course is an FEI Jumping Stewards Course
Therefore priority will be given to attendees in the following order:
1. Promotion course for officials to FEI Jumping Level 1 Steward status
2. Continuing education for FEI Level 2 Jumping Stewards, PILOT refresher
3. Promotion course for officials to EA national steward for Jumping
Please see below for application forms and course details.
Please send all applications to the National Office by the 30th May
For further enquiries please contact Sara on 02 8762 7777
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Inaugural FEI Sports Forum declared a huge successThe inaugural FEI Sports Forum opened in Lausanne (SUI) on 30 April in the presence of more than 280 delegates representing 39 National Federations (NFs), Event Organisers, International Riders, Owners and OrganisersClubs, members of the FEI Technical Committees, veterinarians, sponsors, and media. The inaugural FEI Sports Forum opened in Lausanne (SUI) on 30 April in the presence of more than 280 delegates representing 39 National Federations (NFs), Event Organisers, International Riders, Owners and OrganisersClubs, members of the FEI Technical Committees, veterinarians, sponsors, and media. "This day marks a new beginning for the International Equestrian Federation,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya said in her opening address. “As of today, the men and women who compete in horse sport will play a direct role in its governance. “The ideas that we share over the next three days will shape the future of our sport. For the first time, you will have an opportunity to influence the rule-making process long before proposed changes are submitted to the FEI General Assembly.
“As the world governing body of equestrian sport, the FEI should constantly strive to make improvements by clarifying roles, rules and procedures. But those decisions cannot be made behind closed doors by a select few. They should be discussed openly, honestly and with full transparency by those who will be most affected by the outcomes.
"I hope you will seize this opportunity to voice your opinions, to ask questions, to challenge us all to do better, so that this FEI Sports Forum and those that follow will be truly beneficial and meaningful. Thank you for the dedication you have shown in coming to Lausanne to help shape the future of our wonderful sport.”
The concept of the FEI Sports Forum, its content and the debate it generated resulted in very positive feedback from delegates and speakers alike. FEI Jumping Committee member Marco Fusté voiced the opinion of many when he said “this is the best thing the FEI has ever done”.
The discussions on the afternoon of 30 April and on the morning of 1 May were dedicated to Jumping, the largest of the FEI’s seven disciplines.
The global growth of Jumping has created a need to review essential topics to ensure the sport remains understandable, inclusive, honest, reliable and transparent while traditions are respected and development welcomed. The following topics were addressed: event classification system; invitations and wildcards; rankings; and series.
EVENT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (ECS)
John Madden, Chair of the FEI Jumping Committee, introduced the concept of an FEI Event Classification System (ECS), a transparent long term solution which could be fully implemented by 2017 following a pilot project. .
The current classification of FEI Jumping Events is based solely on the level of prize money, which does not particularly encourage Organising Committees (OCs) to invest in infrastructure, in media and sponsor improvement. The Jumping Committee believes strongly that a more comprehensive evaluation of events is needed in order to offer equal opportunities to all, to ensure quality, and to regulate the use of wildcards.
The assets of an ECS would be the independent evaluation of events based on objective and measurable standards, taking into account the concerns of all stakeholders. It could enable the FEI to identify strengths and weaknesses of events clearly and to encourage event development.
An additional benefit of the ECS should be to reward excellence. Competition for licenses to fill the slots available on the calendar would equalise worldwide standards and contribute to controlling event quality.
Events not meeting the minimum requirements for their star level would receive a lower score for the event’s evaluation which could result in the event dropping down one or more star levels. However, the ECS would include a provision for arbitration to determine whether a particular issue was beyond an Organiser’s control and whether it was deemed serious enough to warrant relegation of the event to a lower star level.
In relation to the FEI calendar, the ECS would offer a free market, supported by clear and understandable data and would provide NFs and Organisers with a better ability to choose their schedule. Competition between events should be allowed and dates should be free, with the exception of the Olympic and Pan-American Games, the FEI
World and Continental Championships, the FEI World Cup™ Final and possibly some events categorised as Majors.
The proposed introduction of an Event Classification System was followed by lengthy and healthy debate in which NFs, Organisers, representatives of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the International Jumping Owners Club took part. Strong support for the project was expressed and resulted in a debate on details relating to
the type of objective and subjective criteria chosen for the evaluation, data collection, the individuals involved, transparency, regional implications, and costs.
Emile Hendrix (NED NF) commented that it would be positive to have more professional evaluation of shows and pointed out that NFs would be interested to know how dramatic the changes linked to this new system would be and what cost implications this would have.
Peter Cooke (AUS NF) acknowledged that this was an excellent concept but urged the FEI Jumping Committee to always keep in mind regional specificities. The Chair of the Owners Club Christian Baillet insisted that transparency and communication were important in order to avoid the negative effects on event partners and the media should an event be ranked lower than anticipated. Ulf Helgstrand (DEN NF) insisted on the importance of the proper evaluation of the event’s infrastructure.
The Jumping Committee thanked the participants for their broad feedback and valuable suggestions and acknowledged that it felt empowered to proceed with further work on the proposed ECS prior to the FEI General Assembly in November.
FEI INVITATION SYSTEMS AND WILDCARDS
Marco Fusté, director of Jumping at the ESP NF, event organiser, and member of the FEI Jumping Committee, presented an overview of the existing invitation systems for 3, 4 and 5* Jumping Events. Currently there are two separate systems – one for 5* events and one for 3 and 4*. The FEI Jumping Committee put forward two options for discussion: to maintain separate systems; and to have a single unified system.
Representatives from 12 NFs, Organisers, and the IJRC expressed different points of view. The biggest point of discussion was wildcards, their number, whether their ownership should sit with the Organising Committee or the FEI, the criteria for the basis on which they are issued, and the involvement of NFs.
Wiveka Lundh (SWE NF), commented that Sweden was very lucky to have one of their riders, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, as the world’s number one on the Rolex Rankings, and the country had four other riders in the top 100. The sport in Sweden could continue developing only if invitations issued to Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and unused by him were returned to the NF.
Terrance Millar of Canada agreed that invitations were hard to come by and he would be in favour of having a higher number of wildcards available through Organisers and the FEI. It would help NFs from all parts of the world and would allow Organisers to have global representation in their starting field. Representatives of the Australian and Saudi NFs were fully in agreement.
It was agreed that the invitation system should always be fair, transparent, and flexible giving athletes equal opportunity to reach the next level. NFs must have control of the entries of their athletes and substitution capabilities when named invitees are not available. The Organising Committee’s wildcards must always be limited; issued under clear and transparent rules, equal for all and stated in the Event Schedule and closely monitored by the FEI.
RANKINGS
IJRC committee member Francois Mathy Jr did a presentation on the Rolex Rankings. It was generally agreed that the current system worked well as it was based on sound criteria, was easy to understand, and easy to calculate. The Rolex Rankings are updated monthly and provide useful information for the media and general public. It was however felt that the current system was too static and did not provide enough flexibility for lower-ranked athletes to move up the list. Another weakness was the fact that the current points system was based on prize money alone and did not take into account the technical difficulty of the competition.
NFs, Organisers, and representatives of the IJRC expressed different points of view on the way forward, and especially on integrating technical criteria and prize money, and on managing wildcards, while keeping the system fair and transparent and encouraging good horse management practices. Since the Rolex Rankings may be closely linked to the ECS, it was acknowledged that it was too early to discuss finer details. Delegates were reassured that before any changes to the current system are made, a number of simulations will be carried out to establish their effectiveness. All changes to the rankings system will be made with the agreement of the IJRC.
HRH Princess Haya brought the first day’s proceedings to a close. “ “The debate you’ve had today, we’ve heard your voices, and you can keep the debate going for the next five months”, the FEI President said. “From here it will go to the General Assembly. You need to influence your National Federations. This is the transparency you’ve asked for.
“Please have confidence in this system. It’s important that you all know, now that you’ve seen what’s on the Jumping Committee member’s desks, that you’re here to help them make the decisions.”
SERIES
FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos made a detailed presentation on the existing series on the FEI calendar.
All series must be approved by the FEI Bureau. The difference was explained between FEI-named series, which are created by the FEI and for which the FEI owns all the rights, and series created by other organisations and that are recognised/approved by the FEI but the FEI does not necessarily own the rights. It was emphasised that the
number of series per discipline and per category should be limited in order to have a well structured calendar, to avoid date clashes and to manage horse power properly to avoid welfare issues.
The major part of the day was dedicated to an in-depth discussion of the FEI Nations Cup™. It was acknowledged that the series still attracts a good live audience and it is one of the rare high level competitions on the calendar where NFs had the possibility to enter the riders of their choice. It is viewed as agood preparation for Olympic Games and major championships and gives NFs the possibility to get support from their governments and NOCs. The FEI Nations Cup™ has been an integral part of the heritage of the sport.
However it has become evident that the format currently in use, which was created in 1964, is outdated and does not meet the needs of the sport developing outside Europe. The existing format needs to be thoroughly reviewed and revitalised to ensure universality, fair and exciting sport that will guarantee the future of the series.
The success of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping series already meets these criteria, inspiration for a revamped Nations Cup format has been drawn from it.
Under the reform proposed by the Secretary General, all NFs interested in competing would be divided into groups, preferably per region and, in order to ensure fair competition, the strongest NFs should be equally spread over the different Groups as Group Leaders. Other NFs would be added to the Groups based upon regional criteria and/or by a draw. NF teams would compete in Group events to qualify for semi-finals. A maximum of four teams from each semi-final would qualify for the Final, producing either eight or 12 teams, depending on the number of semi finals.
The Nations Cup would be the most important competition of the event with the highest level of prize money and held at primetime, media exposure, and transportation allowances for horses were also detailed.
Evaluation of the competition format and potential improvements which would make it easier to understand for a larger audience will be actively explored.
Individual rankings could be established with extra prize money and ranking points as an additional incentive for riders. Series calendar, protection of dates, and structure of the competition season were also looked at.
Ingmar De Vos highlighted the fact that this was not a formalised proposal but that the objective would be to seek new ideas and look at them with an open mind. He stated that the goal would be to deliver a revamped product preferably ready for implementation in 2013. An E-platform will be set up to allow the debate to continue online, prior to a more detailed proposal being put forward for approval at the 2012 General Assembly in November.
The FEI World Cup™ was also mentioned, with an acknowledgement that the partnership with Rolex had resulted in a very successful series. Some fine-tuning is still required, with a proposal that the Final should take place earlier to mark the end of the indoor season. The qualification system for the Final also needs to be reviewed on a regular basis to further assist in the development of the sport in the different regions of the world and the creation of new Leagues.
The Global Champions Tour (GCT), an individual outdoor series created in 2006 by Jan Tops, is not an FEI-named series and the FEI does not own the commercial rights. The GCT has introduced a new standard of prize money greatly appreciated by the riders and owners. Discussions have been held between GCT organisers and the FEI concerning the invitation system, the rules and the calendar and it was acknowledged that discussions need to continue in order to reach a long term agreement. The fact that an important GCT delegation attended the Forum and took an active participation in it was a matter of great satisfaction to the FEI.
The proposed changes to the FEI Nations Cup™ generated lively discussions. The concept was deemed revolutionary and was welcomed as an opportunity to move the sport forward. Roger Haller of the USEF welcomed comments on universality and suggested that the semi-finals should be held close together in order to help build-up towards the final. David Holmes from the Italian NF complimented the FEI on this big step forward which he believed would be excellent for the future of the sport. Andrew Finding suggested the integration of the Nations Cup in the qualification system for the Olympic Games. Eleonora Ottaviani, IJRC director, expressed the Club’s full support of the Nations Cup concept.
Special thanks were expressed to the Saudi Equestrian Fund for becoming an FEI partner and supporting the series throughout the transition period. The Fund’s managing director, Ziyad Abduljawad, reiterated how keen the company was to facilitate the change and to become the series’ title sponsor for a five-year period commencing in 2013, once the remodelling process had been finalised.
The chairman of the FEI Jumping Committee John Madden concluded the proceedings of the second day by thanking everyone for their valuable input, encouraging participants to think not only of the short term issues but to keep an open mind on the challenges identified. “This is te end of the live forum, but the debate, the discussion, will continue on online,”,he said.
“I see the Event Classification System as a cornerstone that will bring up many solutions and I’m truly passionate about it,” he pointed out. “It shouldn’t be looked at in a threatening way, it would not be a tool to downgrade our shows, but a valuable solution to categorise our products. A lot of hard work is now needed but I see it as an investment for many years. We need to keep our CSIOs healthy and strong and alive. We have excellence here and we have all the potential to maximise the appeal of the great sport we have. We are unified by one thing, the love and the passion for the horse.”
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Vale Jox and Navy Seal
Two great Australian thoroughbred showjumpers who dominated the 90s have recently succumbed to old age. Jox, the 16.3hh grey gelding, who lived out his later years in Virginia after moving to the US in 1997, spent his early years competing with owner/rider Sharon Slater (nee Scott). The duo was a formidable combination on the Australian Showjumping circuit and won five world cup classes as well as the inaugural Hermes International Show Jumping Challenge at Sydney’s Moore Park. A two year Hermes sponsorship followed before Jox started a new partnership in the US with Alison Firestone.
Jox and Firestone were in the running to represent the US at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The combination was in second place after the first of six qualifying rounds before an injury to Jox ruled them out of contention.
“It’s not often that a horse comes around that is as brave as he is careful and Jox had both of these qualities. There wasn’t a fence that anyone could build that he couldn’t jump,” said Slater.
Chris and Helen Chugg’s Navy Seal, also known as ‘Blackie,’ was a courageous and competitive Jumper who also enjoyed success as an Eventer.
The black New Zealand bred thoroughbred gelding achieved many notable feats in his 24 years. In addition to being the 1995 National Jumping Champion and a multiple World Cup winner he also won the 2* Adelaide 3DE (old format).
In his later years Blackie became the paddock nanny at the Chugg’s Diamond B Farm where he watched over many years of youngstock.
“He ran a fair but strict paddock and he relished this job,” said Helen Chugg.
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Five minutes with Tom McDermott
At the ripe old age of 18, Wagga Wagga showjumper Tom McDermott, has already taken Australia's elite showjumping scene by storm and now he's really showing superstar qualities! At the recent Sydney Royal Show, Tom was definitely the man of the moment after sensational performances, including winning the World Cup Qualifier, which led to the hugely talented mare, CP Romantic Dream (aka Pinky - owned by the Tripp family), being named Jumping Horse of the Show and Tom being sashed as Most Successful Rider. As if that wasn't enough, Tom also won the EA Perpetual Cup on CP Rolex (owned by the McDermott family and Carole Mason) and placed third on this horse in the World Cup.
Visit Horsezone.com.au to read the full story
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