British showjumpers look set to miss World Cup

Nick Skelton has told H&H that he will not contest the Rolex FEI World Cup showjumping final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands (18-22 April).

Nick achieved 10th position in the Rolex FEI Western European League, Scott Brash 15th and Ben Maher 19th.

That means all three have qualified for the World Cup final. Yet none may go as the riders want to follow the best possible preparations for the Olympics.

Ben confirmed last week that, after consulting his horses’ owners and team manager Rob Hoekstra, he would not be going to Holland.

And 26-year-old Scott remains doubtful about his attendance.

He said: “It would involve jumping inside after the horses have been outdoors [at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida] for so long.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (15 March 2012)

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Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.