23 March 2009
PETE WINS THE CASH IN NZL
Peter McMahon is $NZ150,000 wealthier thanks to his performance aboard Kolora Stud Genoa yesterday at New Zealand’s Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.
Peter jumped a double–clear to defeat a field of twenty-five of the best Jumping combinations south of the Equator to win the coveted Bell Tea Olympic Cup.
South Australian Wendy Schaeffer (1996 Olympic Eventing Gold Medallist) riding Koyuna Sun Set and twenty three-year-old Julia Hargreaves from Wilberforce, NSW finished in a four-way tie for second place with New Zealand’s Samantha McIntosh on Lindberg des Hayettes and Robert Steele on Gospel.
It was a sweet victory for McMahon after his disappointing 2008 Olympic Games where he fell off KS Genoa in the practice arena breaking his collarbone.
“It was a big relief for Pete to win,” commented Peter’s wife Michelle Lang-McMahon. "More than the money it was just so rewarding after his disappointment at the Olympics. He nearly hung up his boots after that.”
McMahon was one of eight Australians who took horses across the Tasman to contest the richest Equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere which offered $NZ750,000 total prizemoney.
“It was the most amazing show, apart from a World Games or Olympics it is the best show either Pete or I had ever been to, a real credit to New Zealand,” said Michelle.
2008 Olympic Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios (Venezuala) built one of the toughest courses ever seen in New Zealand. Just two riders managed to jump clear in the first round; McMahon and one of Australia’s rising stars 21-year-old Jamie Winning riding Vangelo Des Hazelles.
“It looked OK but then when we walked the lines I thought this will take some jumping. It was tough,” said McMahon
In total twelve riders made it through to the second round. Jamie did not maintain her form and finished equal 11th with Victorian rider Becky Allen on Koyuna Ted.
The remaining Australians David Dobson on Argyle Stables Pico Bello and Chris Chugg on Viviant finished in equal 13th and 2008 Olympian Laurie Lever and Ashleigh Drossel Dan finished in 15th position.
And what now for Kolora Stud Genoa? “A rest, she deserves it!” says a proud McMahon. Congratulations Aussies!!
Results – Bell Tea Olympic Cup for NZL Showjumper of the Year:
1 Peter McMahon (AUS) KS Genoa
=2 Wendy Schaeffer (AUS) Koyuna Sun Set,
=2 Julia Hargreaves (AUS), Copabella Haymen ,
=2 Samantha McIntosh (NZL/GER) Lindberg des Hayettes
=2 Robert Steele (NZL) Gospel
=6 Team That Horse Simon Wilson (NZL) Right Royal,
=6 Katie McVean (NZL) Dunstan Forest II
Australian Results - Bell Tea Olympic Cup for NZL Showjumper of the Year:
Peter McMahon Kolora Stud Genoa 1
Wendy Schaeffer Kouyuna Sun Set =2
Julia Hargreaves Copabella Haymen =2
Jamie Winning Vangello Des Hazelles =11
Becky Allen Koyuna Ted =11
avid Dobson AS Pico Bello =13
Chris Chugg Vivant =13
Laurie Lever Ashleigh Drossel Dan 15
Click here for the NZL report
Click here to see AUS's top riders competing all over the world on Equestrian Australia's Media Gallery
22 February 2008
Boyd Exell is FEI Driving World Cup Champion
On Sunday 22 February, Australia’s Boyd Exell has won the FEI World Cup Driving Final at the Göteborg Horse Show in Sweden.
Exell who is from Bega on the NSW South Coast but has lived in England since 1993 beat the two “flying Dutchmen” IJsbrand Chardon (2nd place) and Koos de Ronde (3rd place) to take the title.
This is the first time that Exell has won the World Cup Final. Exell’s team of horses, Bill, Lucky, Pascal and Eminemz has worked hard all season.
In 2008 Exell won two World Cup qualifiers, Budapest and Geneva, and was 4th at both Stockholm and Leipzig. Peaking at exactly the right time Exell and his team were too good for the competition in the Final.
Speaking to the FEI after his victory Exell said “I am surprised and delighted at the same time about my win. Before the Final, I was hoping for a Top Two-Three placing. The hardest thing is to win when people expect it; I think I have proven now that I am able to perform under pressure.”
“My tactics were to go full speed in the second round. I knocked a cone down because we applied the turntable break whilst we were still in the corner, but I didn’t lose any speed.”
"I trained lots of figures of eight the last two weeks. This made my horses go much faster. They have been working hard for me in the past years and I am happy with the feeling I have with them now.”
Final result FEI World Cup™ Driving season 2008/2009:
1. Boyd Exell (Aus) 225,94 (5)
2. IJsbrand Chardon (Ned) 235,94 (10)
3. Koos de Ronde (Ned) 250,68 (15)
4. Christoph Sandmann (Ger) 126,34 (5)
5. Fredrik Persson (Swe) 131,38 (15)
6. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun) 132,67 (15)
Congratulations Boyd!
For the full FEI report please click here
09 February 2008
Australia's Deadliest Bushfires - how you can help
Australia is in shock this morning as the death toll from the Victorian bushfires rises to 108 and is expected to continue. The full extent of the devastation will not be known for some time.
The nation and the world watch with horror and great sadness as Victoria suffers through the most devastating natural disaster in Australian history. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the fires who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
Currently 750 homes have been lost. Loss of animal life is also extensive and we spare a thought for all who have said goodbye to family pets and especially to our fellow equestrians who have lost horses. Equestrian Victoria (EVic) is currently inundated with calls from people offering assistance to horse owners.
If you would like to help we recommend that you email the Victorian office at info@efavic.com.au . You can make a donation through EA Victoria at https://myofficeonline.com.au/efa/efadonation.php
If you are a horse owner needing assistance the Victorian office number is (03) 9013 0707 and they will do their best to help you in any way they can.
Also you can check the EA Victorian web site for a list of horse accommodation / agistment that has kindly been donated.
The 2009 Victorian bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government.
We urge everyone to give generously to the victims. To make a donation please contact the Red Cross hotline on 1800 811 700 or you can donate online
Other useful numbers:
Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667
State Inquiries Centre: 1800 727 077
Information and useful tips on Horses and Bushfires from the Department of Primary Industries
Pictures courtesy of Reuters
01 January 2008
Aussies on top of the World
Australian riders achieved great results in many FEI sports throughout 2008.
Beijing Olympic Team member Megan Jones (pictured above on Kirby Park Allofasudden at 2008 Adelaide CCI 4*) finished 4th in the HSBC Eventing World Rankings for 2008, fellow South Australian Wendy Schaeffer was in 5th place.
In total there were 7 AUS Eventing riders in the top 20. Christopher Burton 8th, Sonja Johnson 10th, Clayton Fredericks 12th, Sam Lyle 14th and Andrew Hoy 20th. GBR were next best with 3 riders in the top 20.
Australia’s Boyd Exell finished 2008 in 2nd place on the FEI Driving World Rankings.
Edwina Alexander achieved Australia’s highest-ever Jumping World Ranking - finishing 2008 in 4th place.
Meg Wade is currently 8th on the FEI World Rankings for Endurance. Well done Aussies!
For all FEI rankings please see the FEI website
08 November 2008
Sam Lyle wins Lakes and Craters CCI 3*
Riding the 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Classic Mischief, who also placed 2nd in the CIC 2* at Adelaide last month, Sam was placed 4th after Dressage and climbed up to 1st place after being the only rider to finish inside the time on the cross-country.
"He has always been very talented, this time he was good in all three phases,especially the cross-country," said Sam.
"He has taken some time to be consistent. He is naturally very careful so I have had to work on his confidence on the cross-country."
Time played an influential role in the final placings. Stuart Tinney was 3rd after dressage aboard Tim Game’s Staccato mare Panamera and moved to 2nd with a clear cross-country round and 6.8 time faults.
In third place after the cross-country was Christopher Burton on Holstein Park Leilani whose position improved from 5th place after the Dressage with 5.2 time faults.
Georgia Clifford slipped from 2nd place after Dressage slip when she incurred 15.5 time on the cross-country.
"Time was hard to get, Classic Mischef is a very fast horse which in the end made all the difference," said Sam.
The second fastest round of the class was Kevin McNab riding Major James who added just 4 cross-country time faults to his score. This improved Kevin’s position from 6th after Dressage to 4th after cross-country. Kevin held onto 4th place on Sunday with one rail.
The top 3 places did not change on Sunday with each combination jumping clear rounds. Of the 6 starters in the CCI 3* class Dressage leaders Olivia Bunn and GV Bullwinkle were the only combination incur jumping faults in the cross-country. Olivia had one unfortunate stop at a fence on a mound before the water jump. Olivia jumped clear on Sunday.
Sam plans to do Adelaide CCI 4* with Classic Mischief in 2009.
The CIC 3* had just 3 horses in the class. Kevin McNab won on Kelecyn Stiff Drinks, 2nd and 3rd went to Sam Lyle aboard Scribbly Park Sourcerer and Star Vision.
George Sheridan who is based with Chris Burton in Wilberforce, NSW rode Woznme to win the CCI 2*. George won the Dressage and did not add a single penalty to his score over the weekend. 2nd place went to Natalie Blundell and Algebra.
Amanda Howell did the Victorians proud by winning the CCI 1* on Acacia Ridge Riley leading from start to finish. 2nd to Luke Jones riding Charlatan.
Full results
31 November 2008
Edwina Alexander wins CSI 5* in Brussels (BEL)
Australian Jumping sensation Edwina Alexander has won her first CSI 5* on Itot du Chateau in Brussels (BEL) on 30 November.
Edwina won the Audi Grand Prix and scored herself an Audi A6 in the process. Edwina beat an impressive line up on the world's best Jumping combinations including 2nd placed Marco Kutscher (Cash) and 3rd placed Marcus Ehning (Sandro Boy).
Prior to the BIG win Edwina placed 2nd to Frenchman Michel Robert in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten on Itot du Chateau. Edwina had just one time fault in the first round but was faultess in the second round. 60 year old master Robert was the only rider to have two faultless rounds. Edwina was determined not to make the same mistake in the Grand Prix.
Edwina was also thrilled with her new mare Late Night who finished 2nd in the Prix Optima 1.55m.
Edwina tells us about the weekend....
"Basically it all started on Friday night with the Rolex final of the top 10. I was 5th to go and no clears yet. Itot jumped a super round clear but Unfortunately I had 1 time fault. I was very upset with myself because it cost me a lot. After that there was 3 clear rounds. Micheal Robert, Marcus Earning and of course Meridith with Shutterfly.
Then I had no choice that to try and go clear in the jump off. It was also a risk because if I had 1 down then I would also have been slow and maybe 5th place. So I managed to jump clear putting some pressure on the other riders. Micheal was after me and he was clear but not fast but anyway ahead of me. Then Marcus had 1 down and Meridith had 2 down. So I was still very happy to finish up 2nd for my first time in the Rolex top 10. There were many people watching and it was world wide live on TV. We had also to answer some questions to the crowd and TV.
Then on Saturday night I was riding my new 8 yrs mare Late Night. This mare has really surprised me and is turning out to be fantastic. She has won many speed classes at 1.40m level but not jumped any big classes. Over the last few shows I have done with her she is improving all the time. The class was a 1.55m jump off and a very short time. This time I wasn't going to have time faults!! She jumped a fabulous clear and in time. There were 10 clear and I decided to try a bit in the jump off. She jumped fantastic with a clear good enough for second!! I was so happy because in a short time she has come a long way and I'm sure next year she will be able to jump some good grand prix.
Then Sunday came and I was determined to do better than 2nd. Itot jumped a good 1st round and was full of energy. The class was big but more on the technical side. When I went in there was already 8 clear. So the jump off came and already they were fast. I saw Marcus Earning and for the 1st time in my life I believed I could be faster than him!! And I was half a second faster.
I was so happy and it was a super feeling. There was many spectators and a lot of press and Itot was proud of himself. I won an Audi A6 worth almost 60000 euro.
This is the first Grand Prix I win with Isovlas Itot du Chateau. I have been close many times but I just didn't win so this is great. He is a fantastic horse that can go very fast in the jump off. I can make his canter easily longer and shorter, he can turn short and he's fast. So I had a wonderful show and hopefully I will climb again up the ladder of the ranking list!!"
Congratulations Edwina!
Watch Edwina's rounds on Youtube
Audi GP 1st round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yadGPmxInc
Audi GP 2nd round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-9NtnHXBkE
Rolex Top 10 1st round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxjLNzrMMLY
Rolex Top Ten 2nd round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9EusMrhxRE
For full results please go to: Audi Equestrian Masters website
23 November 2008
Picture by Nicol Taylor
Laurie Lever wins Equitana CSI-W
Nicol Taylor reports from the FEI World Cup Qualifier held in Melbourne on Sunday 23 November 2008
Recent European jumping experience showed at the Pryde’s EasiFeed FEI World Cup Qualifying Round held at Equitana, Melbourne on Sunday with the first three horses all having campaigned in Europe earlier this year. Victorian rider Laurie Lever won the class on his talented Olympic horse, Ashleigh Drossel Dan, with the horse displaying confidence and maturity after his international experience.
Lining up beside Laurie were fellow European travellers Chris Chugg and his Olympic reserve horse, Vivant, in second place, and Adam Mellers and Animate in third. Adam and Animate also participated in the Olympic selection trials held in Germany in June, and have returned from Europe a more experienced combination.
In the largest World Cup class this season of 30 horses and with the huge Equitana crowd watching, the competition between the three was just as tight as in Europe when they were vying for selection, with Laurie collecting just four faults in the first round at fence three, a 1.45m x 1.60m spread oxer which had an option of seven or eight strides coming in. Ashleigh Drossel Dan recovered well to go clear in the second round and collect the World Cup points.
Laurie Lever said the track was tough but it showed the depth of talent in Australian jumping. “We are a long way from Europe but competitions like this prove we are not so far behind the rest of the world with a large field jumping so competitively, and if we can keep fielding competitions like this we’ll be up there with the best,” Laurie said.
Laurie congratulated the competitors and the show organisers, who he praised as a really good team that pulled together to make the arena surface jumpable after heavy rain and wild weather which brought unseasonable snowfalls to Victoria. “It shows that with the effort of everyone pulling together we can make a world class show, even with the weather against us,” Laurie said.
There was huge pressure after just two riders went clear in the first round, both competitive young women on talented imported horses. Current World Cup points leader Amy Graham looked unbeatable on her impressive grey gelding Transatlantic, with Jamie Winning also in great form on her athletic bay gelding, Vangelo Des Hazalles.
Twelve horses were invited back into the shortened and raised second round over nine efforts, so with Jamie and Amy last to go and four other riders having already had clear second rounds the heat was really on. The pressure of riding last proved too much, with both combinations collecting eight faults which pushed Amy Graham to fourth place and Jamie Winning finishing in sixth place. Queensland rider Billy Raymont, on Stardom, ended in fifth place.
Amy Graham admitted it had just not been her day, but congratulated all the competitors for their part in a great competition. Becky Allen on Koyuna Ted rode one of the four clear second rounds, but carrying 12 faults from the first round saw them finish in seventh place.
Course designer, John Vallance, set a testing track of 13 obstacles with 16 jumping efforts on an 80x80m turf arena that had been lashed by heavy rain but which fortunately had dried out well with the strong winds. Sand bags had to be used to secure the wings against the gusting wind. John Vallance said it was good to be able to build a tough track for a large field, testing their scope and requiring careful riding which brought out the experienced combinations.
The solid 1.50m track began with an open and inviting run through to fence three before a 270 degree left turn back onto a bending line through fences four to six, and a 180 degree right turn onto a huge 1.50m x 1.70m oxer set up a related line of six strides to the double at fence eight, an oxer one stride to a 1.50m vertical. The treble at fence 12 had an inviting 1.45m vertical in two steady strides to an oxer with a 1.60m spread, followed by one long stride to a 1.50m vertical. Over half the class had trouble at the treble, proving that accurate riding was required right to the end and there was no let up.
There are just two more FEI World Cup Qualifying Rounds in the Australian League, with the competition moving to Sale this weekend and the final round to be held in Sydney in December. At the end of round thirteen, the leader on 109 World Cup points is still Amy Graham of South Australia, followed by the two Queensland riders Clem Smith on 91 points and Adam Mellers on 85 points.
For more information on the FEI World Cup Qualifiers and to view the current standings and the course plans go to the EFA National World Cup Jumping page.
13 November cont.
Equitana - a BIG success
Equitana Asia Pacific 2008 has come to an end and what an action packed four days it was. The crowds flooded in to the new venue at Melbourne show grounds despite the schizophrenic weather which included heavy rain, hail, gusty winds and occasional sunshine.
Equitana was the ultimate Equestrian retail experience. It is the largest single collection of equine goods and services in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 300 exhibition stands offered shoppers a smorgasbord of equestrian products.
Equitana also provided the most diverse Equine educational opportunities. There were hundreds of educational sessions on every aspect of horsemanship in every imaginable discipline. 31 breeds were displayed in the Breeder’s Village (as well as a miniature donkey called Trouble courtesy of the Saddle Club).
There were clinics with Eventing Silver Medallist Clayton Fredericks, Linda and Pat Parelli, Olympic Jumping reserve Chris Chugg, Danish Dressage star Andreas Helgstrand and an All Stars clinic featuring 7 top horsemen from various disciplines. There was also The Way of the Horse competition where 3 contestants demonstrated their methods of connecting with an unbroken horse over two days. Each trainer selected a young unbroken horse and demonstrated the unique method they use to work with the horse building trust, respect and amazing progress in what the horse is prepared to do for its trainer especially in the intense atmosphere of Equitana. The contestants were Dan James (WA), Warwick McLean (Vic) and Shane Ransley (NSW).
The competition programme was also jam-packed. The wide array of competition events included Intermediate 1 and Grand Prix Dressage, various jumping events including a World Cup Qualifier class (won by 2008 Olympians Laurie Lever and Ashleigh Drossel Dan), Cutting Masters Championship, a Reining competition, Saddle Horse and Rider championships, Mounted Games, a Polo exhibition match and Carriage Driving.
The entertainment was non-stop and of an excellent standard. The 3 evening shows, an Evening with Guy McLean, the Western Spectacular and the Dressage Spectacular were sell-outs each filling over 4,500 seats in the Grand Pavilion. Thursday night saw Guy Mclean work with an unbroken horse – within two and half hours Guy was not only ridding the horse he was standing on it’s back cracking two stock whips. A truly incredible display of how to earn the trust of a horse.
The Western Spectacular was a full blown rodeo with all the action and excitement that comes with raw danger. The roof was lifted off the arena as the crowd cheered for Dressage rider (and former Cowboy) Brett Parbery who rode a saddle bronc - for the full 8 seconds. (Youtube link to come). “They told me they would give me an easy one,” laughed Brett after the ride which was anything but easy. “It was great to be back behind the shoots with boys, they are a great group of fellas.” Brett then came back into the arena on a Dressage horse to demonstrate his versatility. I am not sure who was most impressed the Cowboy crowd or the Dressage crowd.
The Dressage Spectacular on Saturday night was a feast of Dressage excellence. The program featured the Grand Prix Freestyle which was won by Heath Ryan on Dr Margaret Evan's imported Rubinstein stallion, Regardez Moi with 72.65%. The crowd were also treated to Danish Dressage champion, Andreas Helgstrand (2008 Olympic Team Bronze Medallist), who performed a freestyle to music riding Dr. Kerry Mack’s Weltmeyer stallion Whisper. Andreas is also famous for his 2006 World Equestrian Games Freestyle on Blue Hors Matinee.
The Sunday (late afternoon) All-Stars clinic was simply hysterical. The All Star Clinic was a gathering of experts in 7 disciplines - all coming together, under the same umbrella to share ideas and training methods. The clinic featured Chris Chugg (showjumping), Clayton Fredericks (Eventing),Sam Gairdner (Polo), Brett Parbery (Dressage), Alan Hannaford (Cutting/Campdrafting), Warwick Schiller (Reining) and Guy McLean (a category all of his own), all of whom demonstrated and explained their particular horse sport. The real entertained started when they all swapped horses. Chris Chugg swapped with 5-goal polo player Sam Gairdiner. Sam was coaxed (by Chris and the crowd) into jumping Grand Prix Jumping Stallion Vivant over a tall vertical and to his credit did it very well.
“Wow this saddle is so soft and this horse is so nice to ride, I could play polo on this guy!” laughed Sam. Meanwhile Chris hit the plastic polo ball around like a kid in a candy shop.
Brett Parbery swapped horses with reining champion Warwick Schiller. Within seconds Brett discarded the German training scale was executing some high speed spinning and sliding stops. Warwick rode some Dressage movements and looked at ease with it all - except the sitting trot!
Clayton Fredericks swapped the 17.2h Eventer that he was on for Alan Hannaford’s 14.2ish palomino cutting/campdrafting horse. Alan said that they needed the forklift to get him up so high. Whilst Clayton or “Mr. Beijing himself” as Alan called him had no trouble pretending to work cattle on the quick little campdrafter, Alan was not so keen to jump an arrowhead. The crowd was not going to let him out of the arena with out at least an attempt. Alan said he had not been in an English saddle since he was 12 year-old (I am guessing that may be about 40 years ago, apologies if I am wrong Alan), however he picked up canter and went straight over the jump.
These established horsemen were able to ride each other’s horses very well showing that a great horseman is a great horseman – although there were plenty of laughs to be had along the way. When they were given their own horses back - free time was declared and it became a case of boys and their toys gone wild - all in the arena at once, and the crowd loved it. The Dressage horse played polo and jumped, the Jumping horse was working like a campdrafter, Guy McLean was getting his horse to sit down so he could pick the ball up off the ground to throw it to the others, the polo player and campdrafter were playing cat and mouse with each other. If they weren't all so skilled it would have been chaos.
Equitana 2008 was HUGE success and a great triumph by Definitive Events who put together this logistical nightmare and made it seem easy. Well done organisers, instructors, competitors, exhibitors and everyone who braved the freezing Melbourne weather to be a part of Equitana 2008. We look forward to 2010. For full competition results and all Equitana information please see the web site www.equitana.com.au
Danish Dressage star Andreas Helgstrand; Brett Parbery on a saddle bronc: Heath Ryan wins the GP and the GP Freestyle on Regardez Moi
Brett Parbery on Reining stallion Smart like Smart: Clayton Fredericks and Alan Hannaford swap horses - I am not sure who looks most out of place?!
16 November 2008
Chris Burton wins Adelaide CCI 4*
Megan Jones 2nd, Wendy Schaeffer 3rd and 4th
Sunday 16 November
Chris could not afford a rail down but he was cool under pressure jumping a beautiful clear round to finish the 2008 Adelaide CCI 4* on his Dressage score and win the event. Megan Jones and Kirby Park Allofasudden also jumped clear to move her up from 3rd to 2nd. Wendy Schaeffer finished 3rd on Koyuna Sun Dancer and 4th on Koyuna Sun Shine - both horses finishing the event on their Dressage scores.
Unfortunately 5 rails and 4 time faults dropped Natalie Davies and Chatswood Sharp Move from 2nd to 7th. Natalie was still smiling thrilled to finish her first CCI 4*.
Lauren Balcomb won the CCI 2* with one rail down on the lovely 9-year-old Kootamootoo, 2nd Megan Jones and Kirby Park Fedwell, 3rd Shane Rose and APH Moritz.
The CIC 2* was won by Shane Rose on the black stallion Statford Novalis, 2nd Sam Lyle on Classic Mischief, 3rd Kevin McNab on Kelecyn Stiff Drinks.
Chris Burton and Megan Jones were joint winners of the Anna Savage Medal for 2008. Awarded to the Best And Fairest Event rider of the year and presented at the Black Tie Trot-Up Ball on Saturday evening.
SonjaJohnson's Ringwould Jaguar was awarded with the Pepermint Grove Trophy for 2008.
Congratulations to the Adelaide Organising Committee for a spectacular event.
Saturday 15 November
Clear and under time puts Chris and Newsprint in poll position going in to tomorrow's final phase - but only just.
A beautiful sunny day in Adelaide provided ideal conditions for the cross-country. Chris Burton and Newsprint have taken the lead after the XC in the CCI 4*. Chris remained on his Dressage score of 52. Just 0.4 penalties behind is Natalie Davies on Chatswood Sharp Move.
Dressage leader Megan Jones on Kirby Park Allofasudden incurred 4 time faults to be in 3rd place. Wendy Schaeffer was clear and within the time on both her horses to be currently in 4th on Koyuna Sun Dancer and 5th on Koyuna Sun Shine.
Luke Jones on Soul was the onl other rider to remain on his Dressage score and has improved his position from 17th to 9th place. In all 11 combinations were clear of jump faults, Robert Palm was the only rider to incur 20 penalties and there were 6 horses that retired or were eliminated.
Lauren Balcomb remains in the lead on Kootamootoo in the CCI 2* and Shane Rose is still leading the CIC 2* on Statford Novalis.
Friday 14 November
Megan and Kirby Park Allofasudden were the best of the day in the CCI 4* scoring 49.1 penalites. In =2nd are Natalie Davies and Chatswood Sharp Move and Christopher Burton and Newsprint on 52.00.
Disaster for Heath Ryan when Mystery Whisper (who was performing a stunning test) suddenly jumped out of the arena and was eliminated.
The Adelaide Commitee have put on a spectacular event. Today was called the Haigh's Dancing with the Stars Dressage Day. The VIP marquee was superbly hosted and the guests were treated to a wonderful fashion parade, a auction, good food and wine. It was a luxurious luncheon. Channel 7's Mark Baretta was a special guest. The area around the main Dressage arena is a little smaller allowing the spectators to be close to the action.
There was a good sized crowd, great shopping and entertainment. Local Olympians Megan Jones and Kirby Park Irish Jester performed a Freestyle Dressage test (Dressage to music) and Jester enjoyed the adoration of his fans who queued to pat him. Atlanta Gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer did a Dresage display on Koyuna Sun Magic.
Lauren Balcomb is leading the CCI 2* on Kootamootoo (45.60) and Shane Rose is leading the CIC 2* on Statford Novalis (46.6)
The Wayne Copping designed course is up to his usual high standards and looks set to deliver a great day of action tomorrow.
"What we want to do with this event is get to the stage where we're really tailoring a jump for a specific sponsor, so that it looks totally different from a normal cross country course" said Wayne.
Gillian Rolton (Event Director) and Wayne have new presentation ideas for the course, as Wayne explains. "Gill and my idea is to give this course a bit of pizzazz, so when people walking past or driving past will see the jumps and think 'wow, what's all that about?'
Thursday 13 November
The weather forecast is perfect, the course is beautiful and we look set for a great 2008 Australian Three-Day Event. All the horses passed the first veterinary inspection but it was a nervous start for some - Ali Foye’s Bondir, Wendy Schaeffer’s Koyuna Sun Shine and Jessica Mitchell’s AEC Stormin who were re-examined in the CCI 4*. It is a class of fresh faces in the CCI 4* with just 2 of the 20 combinations (Emily Anker and Keniski and Luke Jones and Soul) having ever competed at this level before.
Adelaide 3DE web site
Lauren Bacomb and Kootamootoo CCI 2*winners : Megan Jones and Kirby Park Allofasudden 2nd in the 4*: Robert Palm and He's the One at trot-up
26 October 2008
Heath and Regardez Moi are 2008 Australian Grand Prix Champions
A successful Australian National Championships held last weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre has earned Heath Ryan the crown of 2008 Australian Grand Prix Dressage Champion.
Heath and his 13-year-old black stallion Regardez Moi finished 2nd in the Grand Prix and 1st in the Freestyle which secured him enough points to be the overall winner. The competition was tight. Mary Hanna and her imported 8-year-old gelding Tango V won the Grand Prix and Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alabaster were second to Heath in the Freestyle by just 0.105%
International Judge Cara Whitham (CAN) commented “A good strong competition especially the top three horses. The decision in the freestyle was very close between Jaybee Alabaster and Regardez Moi with the strength of the piaffe, passage and pirouettes favouring Regardez Moi.”
Congratulations Heath and Regardez Moi.
Watch the video "Dances with horses -The AUS Dressage Championships" courtesy of Peter Haynes
Full results
Pics L-R: Regardez Moi, Rachael Sanna and Jaybee Alsbaster, Kate Taylor-Wheat and Oscar B
13 October 2008
CHRIS CHUGG & VIVANT WIN 2008 AUSTRALIAN JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Exhibition Park, Canberra
The 2008 Australian Jumping Championships were held 9 – 12 October. The successful four-day show had a massive 2,840 entries, 270 riders and 610 horses. The rings were running well after dark under the lights at Exhibition Park. A huge thank you to the event organisers Peter Core, Grant Hughes and Peter Dingwall who did an amazing job.
Chris Chugg won the Senior Championships on Vivant. The combination did not have a rail down all show and won the first two classes allowing them the luxury of being able to ride a little slower in the third Championship class (where they were 2nd to Becky Allen and Koyuna Ted). This makes it back to back Australian Showjumping titles for Chris and Vivant.
“He is great talent and we are really excited about the next few years with him.” said Chris.
Recently returning from his Olympic campaign in Europe Vivant only came out of quarantine on Tuesday. Chris rode him on Wednesday and went straight to the Championships on Thursday.
"He was kept in work as long as possible and then in quarantine he was lunged everyday, he stayed pretty fit." “He really matured from his time in Europe,” said Chris “he went away a young Grand Prix horse and has come back a real Grand Prix horse, I feel I could front up to any 5 star class in the world on him now.”
Chris plans to compete Vivant on the American circuit next year in preparation for the 2010 World Championships in Kentucky.
“Europe was great, and he (Vivant) benefitted from the international arenas and big classes, but is it is too hard to get into the 5 star shows, the US will suit us better.” said Chris. “This horse will continue to mature and improve for the next 15 months and with some 4 and 5 star shows under his belt he could be very competitive at the World Games and also at London in 2012.”
Jamie Winning was in both the Young Rider and Senior Australian Championship competition. She demonstrated her great potential riding her talented imported Alcatraz gelding, Yandoo Vangelo to claim the ACT Insulation Services Senior Australian Championship Runner Up award. Jamie was equal sixth and eighth in the ISS Young Rider Championships.
Emily Blinkworth regained the Australian Young Rider Championship crown, won at Sale in 2006 riding her imported German mare CP Romantic Dream. Emily also took the Runner Up award riding CP Rolex.
Monique Barrett won the first Canberra Motor Works Junior Championship qualifier riding her sensational Snowy River Ginger Meggs. A fall in the practice ring just prior to the final qualifier saw Monique unable to take part. Even so, the 2007 Champions took sixth place overall, with Monique also in seventh place riding her Deo Juvante (another ex eventer, formerly ridden by Chris Burton). Thomas McDermott won the Junior Championship riding Merriwa.
Young rider Nakita Misner from the Southern Highlands rode her imported Warmblood mare, Naromine to win the Cosmorex Coffee bareback Challenge. Nakita and Naromine jumped a 1.70m rising oxer. Nakita was more surprised than anyone, claiming that she has never ridden the mare bareback and never jumped that high with her.
The Eventers had a good weekend. Gold Medal Eventer Wendy Schaeffer placed 6th and 7th in the Senior Championship riding Koyuna Sun Magic (a top level Eventer who will be going to Adelaide CCI 4* next month) and Koyuna Sunset. Wendy and Koyuna Sun Storm to jumped two clear rounds and take second place in the Colliers PRD Mini Prix. Wendy also won two of the A&B classes, one on Koyuna Sundancer and the other on Koyuna Sun Storm. Wendy rode Lord of the Sun to 2nd in Saturday’s EFA Futurity Championship.
Chris Burton made an impressive debut show riding the Copabella Stud's wonderful imported stallion, Copabella Visage. The successful event rider and Visage had been placed earlier in the show and jumped two super rounds to post the faster of the two jump-off clears of five to win the Colliers PRD Mini Prix. Chris also placed 2nd in the futurity qualifier on Newsprint who will also be going to Adelaide CCI 4Star in November.
Shane Rose, a member of the Silver Medal Olympic Eventing team won the Equest World Nowra D Grade riding the ASH bred Ladybrook Remington and also won the Blinks Cement Products B & C grade on Statford Novalis.
Over the course of the weekend Shannon O'Meara had his float containing all his gear stolen from the show grounds. During Friday night someone literally hitched up the float and drove away with it. The jumping fraternity has contributed generously to getting Shannon back on the road. Emily Blinkworth, who won a Pessoa Jumping Saddle, donated by Canberra Saddleworld, as part of her Young Rider Championship prize, generously gave the saddle to Shannon to literally help him get back on his horses. It is to be hoped details of the stolen float and equipment will be posted on the Horse Deals website shortly.
Many thanks to the sponsors
ACT Insulation Services Pty Ltd
Equestrian Federation of Australia
Colliers International - Commercial Real Estate Colliers
PRD - Residential Real Estate
ISS Australia - ACT Office
Saddleworld
Canberra Motor Works
ACT Government
Horseland
Also thanks to the judges who judged the 2,840 entrants!
(Ring 1) Jan Goulding and Ann Sheehan, (Ring 2) Ann Sheehan and Daisy Pritchard, (Ring 3) Brigitte Cross
The course designers - (Ring 1) Leeson Sirett ,(Ring 2) Brad Longhurst, (Ring 3) Bob Harnas
The ground announcers John Vallance and Tim Dreverman
The Honorary Medical Officers -Dr Linda Mayer and Ms Jo Carrick-Bourne
The Chief Steward -Simon Barrey
The Medication Control Officer -Stella Saberton
The Entries Office Staff Ms Leslie Riley, Mrs Mary-Therese Daniel, Mrs May Vella
The caterer for the volunteers and sponsors -Mrs Edwina Mitchell
The co-ordinator of volunteers- Mr Gregory Calder The Ringmasters ;(Ring 1) Greg Vella, (Ring 2) Michael Archer
Full Results
L-R:Emily donating her new saddle to Shannon O'Meara, Junior Champ Tom McDermott Merriwa, Senior competitor Julia Hargreaves Copabella Haymen
YR Champ Emily Blinkworth CP Romantic Dream
10 October 2008
In what will be wonderful recognition for their achievements it has been confirmed that our Silver Medal Eventing Team accompanied by Bronze Medal Paralympian Georgia Bruce will participate in the presentation of the Melbourne Cup on 04 November.
In the pre-race spectacle the riders will come down the straight on horseback carrying the Cup before handing it over to fellow Olympians James Tomkins and Stephanie Rice.
Additionally, the riders will be involved in the Melbourne Cup Parade through the city of Melbourne on Monday 03 November.
So tune in or better still book a ticket to this year's "race that stops a nation."
30 September 2008
Dobsons Dominate Perth FEI World Cup Qualifier
Nicol Taylor reports from the Perth Royal World Cup Qualifier held Monday 29 September 2008:
David and Linda Dobson took out the first and second placings at the Perth Royal Show FEI World Cup Australian League Qualifier held in perfect conditions in front of a large public holiday Royal Show crowd on Monday September 29.
David Dobson riding the imported stallion Pico Bello finished on a double clear round. Pico Bello, a 17.1hh bay stallion by Calvados, has competed successfully in Europe and New Zealand and continued his World Cup form with two accurate and free flowing rounds.
While the stallion seemed to be making hard work of earlier rounds at the show, he found form and stepped up to the testing track in the World Cup class. "I was really very pleased with Pico Bello's improvement during the show, as this is the first serious show we've had the opportunity to prepare for since bringing the horse back from Queensland in September last year after the equine influenza outbreak. Given today was his fourth day's jumping and the temperature was quite hot, he is developing very nicely," David Dobson said after the class.
Linda Dobson rode the promising nine-year old Indoctro grey gelding, Argyle Stables Indigo into second place with just one time penalty incurred in the first round. Indigo continues to impress with his clean jumping and never looked like touching a rail. He proved a little strong in the first round, which cost time, but Indigo opened up and travelled well in the second round.
Matt Godwin recovered from a delayed start after losing a shoe at the practice fence on Kavorca to finish in third place on a total of eight jumping penalties from the first round, finishing on a good note with a clear second round. Alison Rowland finished a credible fourth place on Sennic on a total of nine penalties.
A field of seven riders competed over a testing track built by course designer Fred Freeman, who said the clear skies and good footing made for a perfect day’s competition. “The Perth Royal Show organisers allowed me plenty of room to build a true World Cup track on their magnificent arena with a big open track enabling the riders to really keep going forward, as they should at this level of competition,” Mr Freeman said.
The competition was run over two rounds, with all riders invited back to compete in the second round against the clock. The second round consisted of eight obstacles raised in height and included the doubles 7b and c, and ending over 10a and b.
The minor placings went to Anna McGregor on Mandarin in fifth place, Chad Donovan on Westphalia Park Amicus in sixth, and Chaise Ludgate on Barrabadeen Tycoon in seventh place. Both Anna and Chaise are members of the 2008 National Young Riders Squad, while Linda Dobson and Indigo are on the National Development Squad.
The valuable opportunity for these riders to compete at World Cup level was endorsed by David Dobson: "Even though we don't field very many horses in the World Cup events in Western Australia, these events are critical for the longer term development of our sport, not so much for producing a host of grand prix horses, but the event itself provides inspiration and aspiration for our young riders. The lower end of the sport would be significantly weaker without these World Cup events," David Dobson said. "It is very exciting for our sport to have the Commonwealth Bank support the World Cup event for the fourth year running," he said.
The riders now have three weeks to prepare for the second World Cup class to be held in WA, at the magnificent State Equestrian Centre indoor arena on 18 October. Leading the FEI World Cup Qualifiers in Australia after nine rounds is Amy Graham (SA) on a total of 83 points, from Clem Smith (Qld) on 78 points and Julia Hargreaves (NSW) on 63 points.
For more information on the FEI World Cup Qualifiers and to view the current standings click here
Above: Winners David Doson and Pico Bello, 3rd place to Matt Godwin and Sennic
2nd to Linda Dobson and Indoctro
Photos courtesy of Nicol Taylor
21 September 2008
Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton
Clayton wins 2008 HSBC FEI World Cup Final
Australia’s Clayton Fredericks is the World Cup Champion- once again.
Fredericks, 40, is only the second person to win two Eventing World Cup titles. Last weekend 19-21 September Fredericks rode 13-year-old Ben Along Time to victory in Deauville (FRA). Ben is the same horse on which he won the final in Malmo, Sweden in 2005 and rode to a Team Silver Medal at the Olympic Games last month.
Linda Algotsson (SWE) is the only other rider to have two World Cups adorning her mantelpiece, winning back-to-back titles at the start of the competition in 2003-04.
Owners Peta and Edwin McAuley and Clayton can now add the victory to Ben Along Time’s impressive list of successes. The Irish Sport Horse by Cavalier Royale was purchased as a 4-year–old and his resume now includes 1st at Malmo World Cup Final in 2005, 2nd at the 2006 World Equestrian Championships CH4* as well as a Team Bronze Medal, 1st at Kentucky CCI 4* in 2007, Olympic Team Silver Medallist in 2008 and now World Cup Champion for the second time.
Finishing 10th in this year’s Final was fellow Australian Kevin McNab. In his first World Cup Final and his debut to competition in Europe Kevin rode a perfect cross-country round on the 10-year-old Gameplay improving his position 18 places after the dressage.
Also representing Australia was Olympic Team Silver Medallist Lucinda Fredericks. After a wonderful start to the event Lucinda unfortunately had an uncharacteristic fall off her mare Headley Britannia, who was jumping brilliantly. Lucinda says that she perhaps was “a little too blasé”. Lucinda will bounce back to fight another day.
Well done to the Australians.
Final Results
All photos courtesy of Kit Houghton
(Above:)Pippa Funnel (GBR) 2nd, Clayton, Frank Ostholt (GER) 3rd
(Above Left): Clayton and Ben in the Dressage (Below): on the XC
14 September 2008
Heath Ryan wins Sydney CCI 3*
Heath held on to his lead in the Horseland CCI 3* by a narrow margin. Heath had 3 rails down on the Medallion gelding but still won the class by 0.8 penalties. Heath says the horse had a questionable start to his career (which was meant to be Dressage). Mystery Whisper was so naughty that noone would ride it. Heath decided to try eventing the horse, and said for years it was it was really annoying as even at the lowest grades he was the one who had to ride it because of it's behaviour. After some years the horse came to the party and this weekend it looked like a dream ride.
Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite had 1 rail to finish 2nd and Chris Burton and Unrepentant dropped one place to 3rd with 2 rails down. Hamish Cargill and Sandhills Tiger also lowered 2 poles to finish 4th.
There were no clear showjumping rounds in the CCI 3*, Jessica Mitchell was the only other 4 faulter on AEC Storman but unfortunately Jess also incurred 4 time faults.
Leaders after the XC Lauren Balcomb and Kootamootoo were deserving winners of the CCI 2* being the only combination to jump double clear today. Christopher Burton and Kolora Stud Secrets retained their 2nd position with a clear jumping round but 1 time fault. Sam Lyle was 3rd on Star Vision clear with 2 time. 4th Cassie Lowe and Bentleigh Gambler also clear with 2 time.
The showjumping in the Australian Sports Commission CCI 1* proved to be very influential. Of the 35 combinations to jump there were only 4 clear rounds. The first two riders were unaware of how difficult it was to make the time and incurred 14 and 21 time faults. Another rider incurred 35 time faults. In all 8 riders had more than 15 time faults. So with riders struggling to ride fast enough the quality of jumping suffered and rails fell readily. It makes you wonder if the time for eventing showjumping at this level is too fast and perhaps a slower time would encourage nicer rounds. Class leader Judith Clarke and Diablito withdrew at this morning's veterinary inspection. Sam Lyle and Foxridge Aspen moved up from 2nd to win the class with 4 faults but a lovely round. Chris Burton and Capricorn Zenith moved up from 10th to 2nd with a double clear. 3rd went to Cassia Montgomery and Foxdale Illusion, 4 faults. 4th to Indonesian rider Endarjanto Sumarsono and Aswatama Frankie Jay. 5th, 6th and 7th placegetters (Madeline Wilson, Andry Prasetyono and Madeline Wilson again) moved up from their post XC positions of 13th 15th and 17th places demonstrating how a good round on the final day can really alter the placings.
The EFA NSW CCN Pre-Novice was won by Chris Burton on Jaybee Calypso with a clear round. So that means Chris won the Pre Novice and was 2nd in the CCI 1*, 2nd in the CCI 2* and 3rd in the CCI 3* - an amazing effort. Tarsha Hammond and Gatineau finished 2nd also with a clear round. Bella Mobray was 3rd after the XC but sadly withdrew at the veterinary inspection. Emma Mason climbed into 3rd on Tainui Lad with a clear jumping round. 4th Stevie-Jade Shakoff Tickety Boo again with no jumping faults. Claudia Graham dropped from 4th place to 7th with one expensive rail.
Korea's Sung-Soo Kim was a convincing winner of the Eventing NSW Asian Pacific Challenge aboard Kylie Robert's Costalot. Sung-Soo Kim jumped a clear round but with 3 time over what was a modified version of the CCI 1* track to win by 11.2 penalties. He was coached by Sandy Lucas. 2nd was Japanese rider Masanobu Ito on Bandman who had just one rail. Also with one rail down was 3rd placegetter Gurvinder Singh Gill of India riding Rancho Tallahasse who improved his position from 6th. Unfortunately for Japan's Naoki Okawa who was in 2nd place after the XC Mr. Apples favourite phase is apparently not the showjumping, he incurred 48 jumping fauts and 1 time fault but still only dropped to 7th place.
Saturday 13 September
Heath retained his lead on Mystery Wisper in the Horseland CCI 3* class jumping clear and just adding 8.8 time faults to his score which is now 47.1. His lead is now 7 points over Christopher Burton Unrepentant (54.1). Chris was the only rider home within the time moving him up from 6th place. In 3rd place is Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite (55.9) who jumped a lovely round but 5.2 time dropped them down one place. Also clear with 5.2 time was Hamish Cargill on Sandhills Tiger to hold onto 4th place (56.9). The rest of the field jumped clear with the exception of Emma Armstrong and Voortrekker and Craig Barrett and Sandhills Darcy who each had 20 penalites. In all the 3 star rode very well and the horses coped well with the hot conditions (over 30 degrees!).
The EFA NSW CCI 2* was marred by the tragic loss of Rachael Lee's Freestyler. Freestyler collapsed between fences on course and at this stage the cause of death is unknown. Rachael was dazed and bruised and was taken to hospital to be examined but was given the all-clear. We offer our sympathies to Rachael and all the people who knew and loved this magnificent horse. The CCI 2* faired the worst in regard to performance. Of the 20 starters there were 8 clear rounds. 4 combinations had jumping faults, 4 were eliminated and 4 retired on course. Lauren Balcomb and the reliable Kootamootoo are now leading (54.4), Georgia Clifford and It's Monty and Christopher Burton on Kolora Stud Secrets are equal 2nd (54.8), these two not only got the same Dressage mark they both incurred 0.4 time. 4th is Sam Lyle and Star Vision (55.6). There is not a single rail separting the top 4 combinations which will make tomorrow's Showjumping very exciting.
The Australian Sports Commission CCI 1* was much less dramatic. The placings barely changed with 35 horses (out of 43) jumping clear and most of them within the time. The top 5 positions remain the same.
The NSW Institute of Sport CCN Pre-Novice was also smooth sailing for most riders. 28 clear rounds (out of 38 starters) mostly within the time.The only change to the top 5 positions was Emma Mason and Tainui Lad slipping form 4th to 5th with 0.8 time faults. A nice result for the horses and riders at this lower level. There is less than a rail between the the top 3 combinations, Christopher Burton Jaybee Calypso, Tarsha Hammond Gatineau and Bella Mobray Ganesh.
The majority of Eventing NSW Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy riders enjoyed a good day. The leader remains Sung-Soo Kim of Korea on Costalot (47.4), 2nd is still Naoki Okawa of Japan riding Mr Apples (51.7). Overnight 3rd place was lost by Rajesh Pattu (IND) when he missed the last fence therefore eliminating himself. 3rd is now Masanobu Ito of Japan on Bandman (57.6). 10 out of 14 combinations in this class jumped clear rounds 6 of them within the time. Well done to the Course Designer Wayne Copping, the Ground Jurys and officials as well as the huge number of volunteers who make the day run smoothly. It was great effort. Photos to come.
Friday 12 September
Heath scored 38.3 penalties to take a commanding lead. Trailing by 12.4 points is Kerrie Bowman and Fox Hill Aphrodite (50.7) followed by Jessica Mitchell and AEC Storman (51.5). Currently in 4th place is Hamish Cargill on Sandhills Tiger (51.7). The rest of the field are in the 50’s, with Craig Barrett and Sandhills Darcy in 9th on 57.8 penalties.
Keira Byrnes and Fox Hill are leading the field of 20 horses in the CCI 2* with 49.4 penalties. In second place is Freestyler ridden by Rachel Lee (54.0), third is Lauren Balcomb on Kootamootoo (54.4).
The CCI 1* was a tough class of 43 horses. Judy Clarke and Diablito took the lead on 45.2 just ahead of Sam Lyle Foxridge Aspen (45.9). Georgia Clifford Kolora Stud Falkrich 11are currently 3rd (51.0). Cassia Montgomery and Foxdale Illusion are in 4th place (51.9).
The Pre-Novice class is also a large field of 40. Christopher Burton and Jaybee Calypso are leading 43.8, 2nd is Tarsha Hammond riding Gatineau (46.8). Bella Mobray and Ganesh are in 3rd (47.8) and Emma Mason on Tainui Lad is 4th (49.4).
The Asia Pacific Challenge Trophy is being run with a CCI 1* Dressage test and Showjumping but with Pre-Novice Cross-country. 14 riders from 4 countries (Korea, Thailand, Japan and India) are contesting the Trophy all of whom are on borrowed horses. Korea’s Sung-Soo Kim rode a lovely test aboard Costalot to take the lead on a score of 47.4. Naoki Okawa of Japan and Mr Apples are second on 51.7. 3rd to 1996 winner Rajesh Pattu of India riding Rancho Illanois. However, it proved a very tough day in the office for some of the class with penalty points mounting up to 3 figures for one rider. Three of the Indian riders had their hands full and only just managed to control their horses enough to stay in the arena. Let’s hope they have had the worst of it and enjoy a better time tomorrow and Sunday. The Cross-country courses look superb and the going is ideal. Best of Luck for a safe and fun ride for all tomorrow.
Thanks to Main Event Photography for the photos.
Bates Sydney Three Day Event web site Results page
Keira Byrnes and Fox Hill, Chris Burton and Jaybee Calypso
4 September 2008