Latest from Horse & Hound in Eric-lamaze

Former Olympic champion banned till 2031 in human anti-doping case

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:28:59 +0000

Former Olympic showjumping champion Eric Lamaze has been banned for a further four years for violation of human anti-doping rules.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision on a case relating to the 2008 individual gold medallist. H&H reported in 2023 that the FEI had banned him for four years and fined him, owing to “the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing CAS proceeding”, and that Eric intended to appeal.

The case relates to Eric’s refusal to take a human dope test at a show in 2021. “The athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation under the [anti-doping rules for human athletes] ADRHA article 2.5 (tampering), due to the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing CAS proceeding,” the FEI said at the time, adding that Eric was deemed to have waived a hearing, admitted the violation and accepted the consequences as he did not respond to the charge.

He was banned for four years by the FEI. Eric told H&H at the time he had no knowledge of any fabricated documents adding: “I’ve never authorised any documents to be given to them. I’ve never authorised or forged any documents and have no idea why anyone did this.”

Reporting on the final CAS decision, an FEI spokesperson said: “On 8 March 2022, Mr Lamaze had received a formal notice of disciplinary charge by the FEI, for commission of an anti-doping rule violation… at Valkenswaard, 4-6 June 2021.

“While CAS proceedings were ongoing, Mr Lamaze submitted forged medical documents, which led to a four-year ineligibility period imposed by the FEI and starting on 12 September 2023.

“In its decision, the CAS panel found Mr Lamaze guilty of the anti-doping rule violation and imposed an ineligibility period of four years, starting once the ineligibility period already imposed by the FEI has ended.”

A spokesperson for Eric Lamaze told H&H he cannot be reached at the moment. But he told H&H in 2023 he refused the test as he did not know if the person asking for it was genuine.

“I’ve been tested 100 times and never seen anything like that,” he said. “They should have been wearing something with a logo, they had no accreditation. They’re supposed to have a form you fill in but they didn’t. They’re supposed to look the part, not have jeans with holes in and a jacket that looked like they were going to a nightclub. I thought I was being kidnapped – that’s why I refused the test. It was a bit scary, and my groom who was there said that; he’ll back me up.”

The extra suspension of Eric, who has retired from showjumping, will run from September 2027 until September 2031. He was fined CHF 15,000 (£13,151) and ordered to pay the arbitration costs and CHF 12,000 to the FEI towards legal fees.

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Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze ordered to pay $572,000 in horse sales lawsuit

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 11:51:29 +0000

Eric Lamaze has been ordered to pay over $572,000 (£433,000) plus costs, in a case regarding horse sales dating back over 15 years.

In the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on 8 August, Justice E Chozik found in favour of the claimants as the claim was not defended.

The claimants, Iron Horse Farm Inc, say they do not expect to see a penny of the money the former Olympic showjumping champion owes them for two horses bought for Karina Frederiks, the company principal’s daughter.

“But this was never about money for us,” Karina told H&H. “It’s about right and wrong.”

Karina, who said that her situation “wasn’t unique”, bought horses from Eric when she was a junior rider. The case was Iron Horse’s seeking damages regarding breach of contract regarding the purchase of two showjumpers, Rominka and Peppercorn.

Her father Gregory Aziz said in his statement to the court that he had known Eric personally for years, and that he “relied on his expertise, experience and representations” when buying horses from him and his co-defendant, Eric’s Torrey Pines Stables.

The statement says Iron Horse bought a horse, Jumping Mouse, from the defendants for $100,000, who was unsuitable. To replace the horse, Iron Horse bought Rominka, returning Jumping Mouse and paying an extra $150,000. Mr Aziz said Eric told him Rominka could jump at 1.40m when she was “unable to successfully jump 1.30m”. He said Eric took the horse back but did not refund the money or provide another horse.

The statement says Eric sold Rominka to another buyer and that records show she went on to compete, at a “much lower level”.

The statement says that in 2007, Iron Horse bought Peppercorn for $265,000 from the defendants, an eight-year-old with a good record. Peppercorn went lame a month later and, the statement says, Iron Horse learned that his real real registered name was Romen, who “did not have a good European show record”.

In a statement submitted to court, a vet who examined Peppercorn said scars on the horse’s foreleg were “strongly suspicious for surgical neurectomy [de-nerving] scars”. The vet also noted that the horse had two microchips.

“In total, Iron Horse spent approximately $3m on horses purchased from the defendants,” Mr Aziz’s statement adds.

Last year, H&H reported that a judge had dismissed a request from Eric’s team to adjourn the Iron Horse case owing to Eric’s ill health, casting doubts on whether Eric had had brain cancer that had spread to his throat owing to a lack of reliable evidence for this.

Eric told H&H at the time he had had cancer; that it was then in remission but that he had been given two to three years to live.

Karina, who now trains in the Netherlands, said in her statement Eric told her Rominka had competed successfully at 1.50m level but that records she found showed she had only ever jumped at 1.10m.

“I was told I was a terrible rider because I couldn’t get her round; he was crushing the confidence of a young girl,” she told H&H.

Eric was the Equestrian Canada showjumping chef d’equipe for a year, until 2023. Karina said she reported Eric’s behaviour but was “blackballed”.

“We spent a lot of money with Eric and he could easily have made it right,” she said. “We’ve paid lawyers for 15 years and it was always more than we were going to win but I think it’s important there’s justice in all this coming out.”

Neither Eric nor Equestrian Canada responded to H&H’s requests for comment.

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‘I thought I was being kidnapped’: Eric Lamaze to appeal FEI four-year ban linked to drug test refusal

Eric Lamaze of Canada during a post-competition press conference after his win on Chacco Kid during the Akita Drilling Cup individual jumping equestrian event, on the opening day of the Spruce Meadows Masters CSIO 5* Tournament at the International Ring, Spruce Meadows.On Wednesday, September 5th, 2018, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze faces horse sales lawsuit

(Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

‘I thought I was being kidnapped’: Eric Lamaze to appeal FEI four-year ban linked to drug test refusal

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:36:59 +0000

The FEI has banned Eric Lamaze for four years and fined him, “due to the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing [Court of Arbitration for Sport] CAS proceeding”.

The former Olympic champion told H&H he intends to appeal the FEI decision, which is in relation to his refusal to take a human dope test at a show in 2021. This CAS case is ongoing.

“The athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation under the [anti-doping rules for human athletes] ADRHA article 2.5 (tampering), due to the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing CAS proceeding,” the FEI said.

“In accordance with ADRHA article 8.3.2, the athlete was deemed to have waived a hearing, admitted the violation, and accepted the proposed consequences because he did not respond to the charge.

“Given the absence of any mitigating circumstances, the athlete shall be subject to a period of ineligibility of four years (12/09/2023 to 11/09/2027). He is furthermore subject to a fine of CHF 15,000 and shall be required to reimburse the FEI its legal costs in pursuing the matter.”

Eric, the World Anti-Doping Agency and Eric’s national anti-doping organisation, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, each have the right to appeal the decision to CAS within 21 days, and Eric told H&H he will do this.

He said he had no knowledge of any fabricated documents, adding: “I’ve never authorised any documents to be given to them.

“I’ve never authorised or forged any documents and have no idea why anyone did this.”

Eric said he refused the test as he did not know whether the person who asked for it, at a show in Valkenswaard in June 2021, was genuine.

“The test wasn’t done by the rules of any anti-doping programme,” he said. “I’ve been tested 100 times and never seen anything like that. They should have been wearing something with a logo on it, they had no accreditation or wristbands and they’re supposed to have a form you fill in but they didn’t. They’re supposed to look the part, not have jeans with holes in them and a jacket that looked like they were going to a nightclub. I thought I was being kidnapped – that’s why I refused to take the test.

“It was a bit scary, and my groom who was there said that; he will back me up.”

Eric said he called the FEI the next day to ask if it was a genuine test and had no reply for 30 days, “when it’s normally the next day”. He said he will appeal even though he has retired from competing.

“If I do anything it’s for the next guy,” he said. “If you can leave your mark and it will help someone in future, do it.”

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D5AWFC Canadian Eric Lamaze and his horse 'Hickstead' win the Grand Prix Dressage of Aachen at the CHIO 2010 in Aachen, Germany, 18 July 2010. Photo: Joerg Carstensen (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze maintains he’s had cancer despite judge’s doubts

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Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze faces horse sales lawsuit

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Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze maintains he’s had cancer despite judge’s doubts

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:12:52 +0000

Former Olympic showjumping champion Eric Lamaze maintains he has had cancer, and has few years left to live, after a judge questioned the reliability of his claims.

Justice Marvin Kurz published endorsements, on 14 August and 5 September, in a case involving Iron Horse Farm and Torrey Pines Stable, the home of Eric, and Eric himself. Iron Horse brought two breach-of-contract actions, now joined to be tried together, regarding the sale of three horses. Eric and Torrey Pines deny the allegations.

In his first endorsement, the judge stated that Eric and Torrey Pines brought a motion asking to adjourn the trial. Justice Kurz said he did not proceed, partly “because of questions regarding the true state of Mr Lamaze’s health; the ostensible reason for the request”.

Eric’s notice of the motion stated: “Eric Lamaze, (Torrey Pines) has been battling brain cancer for a number of years, which has now spread to his throat. Provided that his vitals are stable, Mr Lamaze is scheduled to undergo a further surgery on or about July 11.” Eric told H&H this cancer and surgery are fact, as is his brain tumour, and that he has been treated by multiple doctors in different countries.

Eric’s lawyer filed a statement stating that the rider was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2017 and competed until 2021, retiring last March.

Jerome Morse, for Iron Horse, did not accept the representations about Eric’s health; “in light of the fact Mr Lamaze made similar claims in early 2019, in hopes of adjourning his discovery. But he was found to have been successfully involved in equestrian events in Florida, on March 13, 14 and 16, 2019”, the judge said.

Justice Kurz’s first endorsement states that on 25 July, Eric’s lawyer sent Mr Morse a medical report dated 5 April.

He said this “raised suspicions” including over the languages spoken by the doctor it was purportedly written by, an incorrect address and a prognosis given.

The judge said Eric’s lawyer Tim Danson produced another report under the Chirec Cancer Institute letterhead, “undated and contained an illegible signature”, which raised more suspicions. He said the report said Eric was “a patient under my direct care”, and that Eric had been “under our care” since he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2017.

On 9 August, Mr Danson produced a report “ostensibly from a doctor at the Chirec Cancer Institute, provided to him by a representative of Mr Lamaze”, the judge said, adding that the author of the report was identified as Dr Benoît Pirotte, a neurosurgeon at Chirec.

The judge said this added that Eric had also been diagnosed with throat cancer, and more surgery would be needed. It said Eric was very ill and weak.

Mr Morse’s colleague, David Trafford, said in a statement that Iron Horse had used a Belgian investigator. The detective’s reports state that he met Dr Oulad Ben Taib, who said the signature on “his” report was not his and that he does not speak Dutch. The investigator’s report said he spoke to an employee of the hospital’s legal department who said the “‘documents of Dr Oulad Ben Taib and Dr Benoît Pirotte are forged’.”

“[She] referred to the two alleged reports as ‘fraudulent acts’,” the judge said. “In light of the information set out above, I find that there are no grounds to adjourn the trial. I cannot find any of the evidence Mr Lamaze relies upon in requesting a trial adjournment to be either credible or reliable.”

Justice Kurz dismissed Eric’s request for adjournment. His 5 September endorsement read: “The plaintiffs… argue that Mr Lamaze attempted to perpetrate a fraud on the court by filing three forged letters, which falsely purport to be medical reports regarding Mr Lamaze’s dire medical condition. Mr Morse argues that if that fraud were not sufficiently egregious, Mr Lamaze feigned end-stage cancer, which is an insult to all who have suffered from that dreaded malady. He did so only to avoid a ‘day of reckoning’.”

The endorsement concluded: “The defendants shall pay the costs of $32,400 by September 29, failing which their pleadings will be struck.”

In a phone call, Eric Lamaze told H&H how ill he had been; he cited going to the 2018 World Equestrian Games, adding: “I should never have been there. It was 105°F but I was freezing, throwing up and seeing double, the ground was moving. They gave me not long to live.”

Eric said he contemplated suicide owing to the questioning of his health and that although the cancer is now in remission, he said he has been given two to three years to live, as his body was badly affected by the chemotherapy and his organs are failing.

“When you’ve been so sick and someone says you’re faking it – you have no idea,” he said. “They want a doctor’s note; have they seen me? People were telling me to go home, every day for years, as I was so sick. People who have never seen me and don’t know, believe what they see online. I’ve always spoken the truth and will continue to.”

Eric talked of riding after his diagnosis but being unable to remember courses, and needing minutes to regain his balance after dismounting.

He says he was unaware of letters and documents submitted to the court and is taking legal advice on how this came about; he said he has suspicions. He cited issues such as data protection relating to his medical records, and the need to protect people who have treated him.

“It almost seems like if I’d died, people would have been happy,” he said. “But I didn’t.”

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze faces horse sales lawsuit

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 17:07:34 +0000

Former Olympic champion showjumper Eric Lamaze is accused of “deceiving” owners of two horses in a lawsuit worth over $1.3m.

The Canadian rider is the subject of the civil lawsuit against him and his companies in Palm Beach, Florida.

Lorna Guthrie and Jeffrey Brandmaier took action relating to horses Newberry Balia NL and Nikka VD Bisschop. The complaint states that the plaintiffs have a long history with Eric, and that the action is based on a scheme to “induce plaintiffs to transfer large sums of money to defendants, purportedly for the purchase of horses for investment purposes”, to “deceive plaintiffs regarding the purchase” of the horses, to “betray” plaintiffs regarding their sale and “withhold the proceeds of sale”.

The complaint states that in 2020, Eric offered the plaintiffs the chance to invest in Newberry, by paying $326,452.50 for 100% ownership. It claims that the aim was for Eric and his staff to train and compete the horse to “elevate her profile and value”, at which point she would be sold for a profit. The plaintiffs would cover all her costs and receive all profit from her sale, the complaint states.

The plaintiffs’ case is that they paid but learned one of Eric’s companies was invoiced €190,000. They claim he “falsely and deceptively inflated the price – and therefore made a wrongful profit of $103,343.06”.

Newberry won two classes at Aachen in September 2020, after which it was agreed a buyer should be found, the case states, but after 20 months, the defendants “failed” to do so. “This is no doubt linked to the fact that Newberry was retired from two classes due to crashes in the last three classes under Mr Lamaze’s care and arrived back in the United States with an injury”, the lawsuit states.

The complaint states that in or around September 2020, Eric proposed he and the plaintiffs invest in Nikka. The cost and profits would be split equally, it is alleged.

The plaintiffs say they paid $278,000, but “soon learned that defendants had no intention of performing their end of the bargain”.

US lawyer Avery Chapman, principal of Equine Law Group and founding chair of the equine law committee of the Florida Bar, told H&H although he cannot comment specifically, and has no position, on this suit, the alleged issues raised are “unfortunately, significant yet common”. These include accusations of omitting to declare financial interests, and accurate disclosure, in buying and selling horses.

State law requires financial interests to be disclosed accurately; Mr Chapman said of all the US states, Florida’s laws in this area are “the most aggressive and comprehensive”.

“These are allegations and a complaint and anything can be written in a complaint; that doesn’t mean it’s true,” he said, adding that the accusations, if proven, might constitute unfair trade practices.

“This looks like allegations of mis-statement of purchase price, so it’s a cleaner case,” he said. “It’s a serious lawsuit and will require legal counsel very knowledgeable in equine law.”

Eric Lamaze did not want to comment at this time.

Fighting spirit (and the Eric Lamaze factor) lifts all-female team’s chances at World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:02:26 +0000

The Canadian quartet of Beth Underhill (Nikka VD Bisschop), Erynn Ballard (Gakhir), Tiffany Foster (Figor) and Amy Millar on Truman have made it through to today’s (12 August) team medal decider at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, after some tremendous individual performances and a heartwarming display of team spirit.

Only the top 10 teams qualify for the team final under the lights on Friday night and the all-female Canadian squad, led by chef d’equipe Eric Lamaze, finished eighth with a score of 15.56 after Thursday’s second round, leaping up from their 12th-place finish on day one.

Both Erynn – riding a former horse of Ben Maher’s – and Amy posted four-fault rounds on Thursday, while Beth and Tiffany were thrilled with their clear rounds. Tiffany’s score (0.95) from the first two days’ of competition puts her in fifth place, with the individual medals decided on Sunday (14 August).

Pathfinder Beth Underhill, 59, is the veteran of the team and rides the nine-year-old mare Nikka VD Bisschop. Their opening clear on day two earned her an early top-six placing – they finished the day in 23rd – as well as helping to keep Canada in contention in the team standings.

Beth’s appearance for Canada at the World Showjumping Championships this week is something of a milestone as it has been over 20 years since she was last selected for a championship team.

“It’s wonderful to be back,” said Beth, who rode at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and won a bronze medal at the Pan-Am Games.

Beth, who turns 60 this year, joined Canadian chef d’equipe Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stables last year, and has since returned to the top level in what she has described as a “second career” in showjumping. She took the ride on the relatively inexperienced mare Nikka VD Bisschop from Olympic gold medallist Eric when he announced his retirement from competitive sport.

“I’ve been riding her since Wellington, Florida, in January, so not long,” said Ontario-based Beth, who embarked on a singing career before focusing on showjumping. “And we didn’t do a heavy circuit with her there. I just got to know her and she did her first under-the-lights small grand prix, 1.50m, at WEF and she was fabulous. We’ve just been gradually building her up.

“She had the opportunity to be under Eric’s tutelage until the end of last year so he’d done some bigger classes with her towards the end of last year and Nina Mallevaey had taken over in the winter and put some great mileage on her as well. So I was fortunate that I got her as a horse who had been developed beautifully and had so much confidence already in her programme. It was a very easy transition and she’s a lovely-natured horse so even with the change of riders, she’s always just gone with the flow,” added Beth, of the mare who was produced through her early years by British rider Emma Stoker.

“Nikka is a tomboy – she’s a very strong character. She’s old beyond her years, she’s a bit of an old soul. She doesn’t get upset or worried or fussed. She always comes to the races and she loves her job. She’s very resilient and always comes back wanting to do better. She just has a character that suits showjumping.”

World Showjumping Championships results: Canada’s top 10 finish

Canada’s phenomenal team spirit has shone through in Herning this week.

“It’s been great and we had Mario Deslauriers here as well, who was our reserve rider, so that puts a man’s perspective in as a group, which isn’t a bad thing sometimes!” said Beth. “But yes, we know each other well, all of us girls on the team, and we’ve worked together with our own businesses and together on teams in the past. So it really just feels like friends coming together to support each other and doing the best for Canada as possible. We do take it very seriously, but it’s also good to be able to go out and have dinner together and be friends as well. So it’s a great atmosphere, and I think it very much makes us stronger and more more resilient as a team.”

Talking about the World Showjumping Championships results on Thursday, Beth said: “Going early, you always have some questions and there were definitely some options when we first walked the course. I’m fortunate that I have an amazing team behind and beside me and my team-mates are watching and coming back and giving us information as we were warming up. But I had a plan A for sure. And then a couple of options for a plan B if I felt I needed them, given that she doesn’t have the experience and mileage as some of the older horses.

“I always have to adjust a little bit on the fly sometimes if she needs a moment of support or she needs a little time. But from the first jump she was focused, she was with me all the way and as it turned out, my Plan A was was the one I used. So it just shows how much maturity she has and how much she’s learned.”

Canada’s third rider Tiffany Foster was thrilled to move up to fifth individually with a super clear on Figor, crediting their team coach Eric Lamaze as the driving force behind the squad.

“He’s just really calm,” she said. “There’s a lot of energy coming from him, for sure. Eric and I have a long history together and I know how much this means to him. We’re so tight as a team, and I know that the girls and I were doing this a lot for him, too. We know how much it means to him and he’s put so much effort and so much time and energy in – you can see it, he’s vibrating out there! He’s just 110% behind the whole team.”

Five-star grand prix winner retired after injury: ‘I’ll always be there with oranges and bananas and a heart full of love’

Lucy Elder — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 19:45:37 +0000

Eric Lamaze’s major five-star grand prix winner Chacco Kid has been retired from competition after sustaining a leg injury.

The Chacco Kid Group’s 16-year-old gelding, who had been competed by fellow Canadian Beth Underhill and French rider Nina Mallevaey since July last year, will spend a “nice retirement in the field”.

Beth and Chacco Kid were competing in the 1.50m ATB Cup on Sunday (21 June) at the Spruce Meadows “National” tournament in Calgary when the horse sustained the injury.

“Chacco was landing and turning from the double Rolex vertical when one of his hind feet clipped the front foot,” said Eric.

“Normally, the front shoe would come off but in this case it didn’t. He tried to step out of it, resulting in an injury to his check ligament. At 16 years old, it’s too much to expect him to come back and jump again. Instead, we’re looking forward to giving him a nice retirement in the field in Belgium where we can see him every day and enjoy reliving many memories.”

Eric, who announced his own retirement from competition in March owing to his heath, enjoyed numerous international victories with the Oldenburg gelding by Chacco-Blue, out of a Come On mare.

Eric discovered Chacco Kid through Marcel Delestre, who was training the Colombian showjumping team at the time. The horse was imported from Colombia and joined Eric’s string in 2016.

The pair represented Canada at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and their top result together was the $500,000 (£315,008) RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, at the 2019 Spruce Meadows “National” tournament. It was Eric’s first competition since publicly revealing he had a brain tumour.

“My favourite memory with Chacco was winning the RBC Grand Prix when I wasn’t well,” he said.

“The win was 70% horse and 30% rider. He knew he had to take care of me and seemed to rise to the occasion.”

The pair’s other major wins included the $133,700 (£84,233) CANA Cup at the 2019 CSIO5* Spruce Meadows Masters. Chacco Kid also enjoyed success with several of Eric’s Torrey Pines Stable riders, including Kara Chad as well as Beth and Nina.

“Having success with four different riders over the course of his career is exceptional,” said Eric. “His personality, his heart, and his carefulness allowed him to manoeuvre some of the biggest courses in the world.”

Eric added that it was sad to see a horse who has “done so much for so many riders” leave the sport this way, and for Chacco Kid’s owners, the Chacco Kid Group; Rick and Sara Mershad, Ludi and Carol Sollak, and Andy and Carlene Ziegler.

“There are accidents that, even with the best care, we cannot prevent. On days like these, we should remember and celebrate this extraordinary horse and all that he accomplished,” he said.

Carol said it had “been an honour” to be part of the horse’s career.

“He has the biggest heart and is always happy to see everyone who walks into the barn. Chacco is a competitor and thrives on winning,” she said.

“He and Eric had such a successful career together and, after Eric’s retirement, Chacco had the same drive to win with his new riders.

“I have many fond memories travelling the world to watch Eric and Chacco. I will miss seeing him in the show ring, but I will always be there with oranges and bananas and a heart full of love for him.”

‘He will not accept cowardice’: top riders share why Olympic showjumper Eric Lamaze has become a true legend

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 10 May 2022 12:02:44 +0000

The showjumping world was rocked by Canadian Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Eric Lamaze’s recent announcement that he would be retiring from the sport owing to ill health. He has instead taken the helm of Canada’s showjumping team in his new role as chef d’equipe but the jumping circuit is certainly poorer without Eric’s beautiful horsemanship, competitive edge and of course his breathtaking speed in the ring.

Some of his biggest fans and dearest friends have come forward to highlight what has made the Rolex Testimonee a showjumping legend.

Swiss showjumper and fellow Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat says that it is the legacy between Eric and Spruce Meadows – the venue of some of his greatest victories – that stands out for him.

“It is unimaginable what he achieved in that ring,” he says. “Hickstead is one of the all-time greats and so similar to Eric – they are one pair I can’t stop watching again and again.”

Steve says the most useful thing he learnt from Eric, whom he describes as “confident and positive” is: “Never doubt, always stay positive and keep moving forward.”

Eric’s trainee Tiffany Foster, a regular member of the Canadian team, also remembers Calgary as a highlight in Eric’s career.

“My favourite Rolex Grand Slam Major memory with Eric is when he won the grand prix in Calgary on Hickstead for the first time in 2007,” she says. “It was an incredibly inspirational moment that I was able to witness first-hand. I’ll never forget the goosebumps that ran down my spine and the tears of joy when he cleared the final jump. It will be seared in my memory forever!

“I started working for Eric when Hickstead [pictured below] was nine years old and got to be along for the whole ride. In my opinion, he is the best showjumper of all time. He wanted to win as bad as Eric did and they were a perfect match. They would both try to win any class they entered; while most horses need a round or two of schooling in between classes, Hickstead never did. He was a joy to watch compete because you could feel his heart was in it. Truly spectacular!”

Eric Lamaze riding Hickstead (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Tiffany says she learned to be resilient through Eric.

“There is no room for not trying your hardest every time when Eric is involved,” she says. “He pushes you to give your all and he will not accept cowardice of any kind. He has made me stronger than I would have ever been without him.”

Young USA rider Spencer Smith was first impressed by Eric at the CHI Geneva and learnt to believe in himself thanks to Eric’s advice.

“I was very inexperienced and young,” says Spencer. “He really made me believe I could win the Rolex Grand Prix. I went into the ring so confident; he has that effect on people.”

For Spencer, who describes Eric as “determined”, it is his 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winning mare Fine Lady who stands out.

“She has the biggest heart and she would do anything for Eric,” he says. “Their partnership was amazing.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam

Teenage Derby horses, Holly Smith, and a son of the great Hickstead: who won showjumping ribbons at the weekend?

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 09 May 2022 14:42:30 +0000

There was another bumper action-packed weekend of international showjumping over the weekend (4-8 May) with plenty of success for British and Irish riders — as well as some star-studded equine progeny. Here is your weekly round-up of international jumping action.

1. “We trained in a lake near my home”: La Baule Derby victory for Denis Lynch

Irishman Denis Lynch and the 16-year-old stallion Rubens LS La Silla tackled La Baule’s famous 22-fence Derby track on Saturday and triumphed with the fastest of two clear rounds from a field of 14 riders. Taking second was French rider Nicolas Delmotte (Denerys Du Montceau) with another Irish rider, Mark McAuley and the 18-year-old Miebello, in third with the fastest round of the day but with four faults to add. Denis also won the La Baule Derby in 2012 riding Night Train when he was injured in the prize-giving, and he attributes this year’s victory to some cross-country practice at home.

“I knew Mark McAuley had a horse that was very fast and my Irish teammates in general are good, so I had to prepare myself well,” said Denis. “My horse and I know each other very well, we’ve done all kinds of competitions, and before La Baule, we trained in a small lake near my home. This Derby of La Baule was really a goal for me. Thanks also to my owners who have been with me for a very long time.”

Full results from the La Baule Derby.

2. Holly Smith and Fruselli surge to grand prix glory

British Olympian Holly Smith and the speedy chestnut Fruselli continued their phenomenal winning surge, claiming victory in the CSI3* grand prix of Le Touquet, France, doubling up on a win on Friday, while it was a hat-trick for Holly who had also won with Azolette on Thursday. Holly and Fruselli, who will be in action in Royal Windsor’s five-star classes this week, scorched home in Sunday’s grand prix just a fraction ahead of Ireland’s Richard Howley riding Consulent De Prelet Z. Sienna Charles was another winner at the show, riding Valkiry De Zance, as was Joe Whitaker (Icaterina), and Trevor Breen took the runner-up spot in the Derby riding Mandy Hall’s Toyger.

Full results from Le Touquet grand prix.

3. A victory on home soil for Robert Smith

On home soil, Northcote held its inaugural CSI2* show where victory in the AW Jenkinson-sponsored 1.45m world ranking grand prix was secured by Robert Smith with the 14-year-old Ilton (Dulf Van Den Bisschop x Calvaro Z) he owns with Karina Reilly. Robert steered the tightest of lines to win by 0.94sec.

“He’d had one down earlier in the week so I just went round – today he was good,” said Robert, who will look to the county circuit in the immediate future. “I voted for Brexit, but at the moment it’s making the horse job difficult.”

Full results from Northcote CSI2* grand prix.

4. “Eric told me to go for it”: Olympian’s former ride takes Rolex grand prix honours

The Rolex grand prix of La Baule went to Canada’s Beth Underhill riding the former top mount of her mentor Eric Lamaze, the 13-year-old stallion Dieu Merci Van T&L.

“I have a great track record in riding, with a little break in my career; I started again not too long ago,” said Beth, who was also part of the Canadian team who finished third in Friday’s Nations Cup. “I’ve been riding my horse for two months and this is the third 1.60m course I’ve done with Dieu Merci. He suits me perfectly because he is fast and has very long strides so we match up very well.

“This morning I went around the stadium and saw all the names of the winners on the marble in the René Pasquier stand, where my name will soon be. I saw the name of Eric [Lamaze], inscribed twice in 2011 and 2014. Eric told me after the first round to go for it because I could do it. I’m thrilled with my performance and thrilled to be with Eric who has given so much and continues to give us everything.”

The only other double clear from 50 starters came from runner-up Yuri Mansur of Brazil riding the 14-year-old Vitiki – the top six were all horses in their teens. In seventh was Frenchman Simon Delestre riding the 10-year-old Cayman Jolly Jumper, a son of Eric’s late great Hickstead.

View Rolex grand prix results.

5. Sam Hutton conquers in Belgium

Sentower Park’s CSI3* 1.55m grand prix also resulted in a British win, this time for Belgium-based Sam Hutton riding the 11-year-old gelding Givenchi. Victory came after a highly competitive 11-way jump-off.

Full results from the Sentower Park grand prix.

6. Belgium tops the Nations Cup podium

La Baule also hosted an independent Nations Cup, and eight countries fielded world-class squads for the event. A decade after they last won here, Belgium topped the podium with eight penalties, just ahead of France and Canada, who each came home on a score of 12 but were separated by time. All the riders praised Gregory Bodo’s track.

“What a place, what an atmosphere, what a public!” said Belgium team pathfinder Gregory Wathelet (Nevados S), who was also on the winning team 10 years ago. “To enter this arena is just incredible, we don’t often have this atmosphere. The course-designer has put together a very technical, tricky, but really enjoyable course to ride. We didn’t see the horses, I think, going too hard, it’s really what we needed. This win is well deserved by the whole team.”

Belgium’s chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg gave his insight: “I’m German and I’ve been here before with Germany, with whom I’ve already won the Nations Cup. I am happy to win again with the Red Devils. I set up this strategy to put Gregory first, if ever there was a jump-off, because the horse is the fastest and it allowed him to recover. It was a beautiful course, which was a bit technical, it required a good intelligent horse, but also a good rider.”

Nations Cup results here.

Former Olympic champion ‘crushed’ at being forced to retire, but focusing on new chef d’equipe role

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:11:20 +0000

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has announced with “regret and sadness” that he has officially retired from competition.

The Canadian showjumper, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, announced last November that he was “taking a sabbatical” from the sport owing to his health, and handing the reins to fellow Canadian showjumper Beth Underhill.

“It’s with great sadness that I am making this decision,” said Eric, 53, who is based in Wellington, Florida, and Belgium.

“There’s a part of me that feels really upset that I’ve been battling cancer with the hope of riding again and I’m crushed that that won’t be the case.

“I’ve always said that I will retire under my own terms when the time is right. The situation with my health has forced me to make the decision earlier than I had envisioned, but the silver lining is that I still have the will to win and can contribute to the Canadian team and the sport I love through my new role as chef d’equipe.”

Eric was appointed technical advisor, which includes acting as chef d’equipe, by Equestrian Canada in February.

“Now I have to turn my focus to giving my knowledge back to my fellow riders,” he said.

“I’ve always loved teaching and preparing horses and riders for major championships. I will give these riders every opportunity I ever had myself and I have great ideas for the future. I want every Canadian rider to know that their dreams are my dreams, too. When they win, I win.”

Eric has represented Canada at three Olympics; he and Hickstead won individual gold in 2008, when the team took silver, and he won individual bronze on Fine Lady 5 in 2016. He has ridden at seven World Equestrian Games, taking individual bronze on Hickstead in 2010, and five Pan Am Games in which he won four medals including team gold in 2015.

His last competitive appearance, after a career that also featured major grand prix wins across the world, was at Spruce Meadows in his home country last September, when the Canadian team won the Nations Cup.

Since he became chef d’equipe, Eric has led the Canadian team to second-place finishes in two Nations Cup competitions.

“The new role has been much more time-consuming than I first imagined, but I love the energy that we’re creating and the path we’re heading down,” he said.

“The excitement among the Canadian riders and the support they’ve given me has helped to make my decision much easier. What I’m giving up personally by not competing I’m gaining 10 times over by leading other Canadians on their journey to success. Yes, it’s bittersweet, but knowing that I can still make huge contributions to the sport in another role leaves me at peace with my decision.”

Eric added: “There are so many people to say thank you to for my career, especially the owners who I will personally thank for trusting me with their horses.

“I’m so sad to be making this announcement, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I am excited at the same time to still be able to play a role in the sport I love.”

Equestrian Canada CEO Meg Krueger congratulated Eric Lamaze as he retired, on behalf of the federation.

“On behalf of Equestrian Canada, I would like to thank him for his unwavering dedication and passion for equestrian sport over the past three decades,”she said.

“His many unmatched achievements are an enduring legacy for Canadian showjumping history. We are saddened that we will no longer experience the joy and excitement of watching Eric compete as an athlete, but look forward to his contributions and success in leading our Canadian showjumping team into a bright future.”

Eric Lamaze in major new role: ‘I will not stop until we reach perfection’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 17:56:55 +0000

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has taken on a new role out of the saddle as chef d’equipe of the Canadian showjumping team.

The 2008 Olympic individual gold medallist is Equestrian Canada’s newly appointed technical advisor for jumping, which includes acting as chef d’equipe.

Eric takes over from Mark Laskin, who held the role from 2012 until he resigned in November 2021, citing contract issues among the reasons for his departure. Equestrian Canada undertook a review of its jumping high performance programme after Tokyo, including its technical advisor role.

“I am excited to help lead the Canadian showjumping team to future success in a new capacity,” said Eric, who was appointed by a hiring panel, following an application and interview process.

“It’s an honour to be named to this position and not one that I take lightly. I look forward to building on the foundation that Mark Laskin laid and am committed to the success of our athletes, both nationally and internationally. I have a strong vision for the sport in Canada and will not stop until we reach perfection.”

The 53-year-old revealed in November 2021 that he would be “taking a sabbatical” from the sport, owing to health issues, with Beth Underhill piloting his string while he oversees training from the ground.

Eric is Canada’s most decorated equestrian and holds Olympic team silver and individual bronze alongside his Beijing gold. His major grand prix victories include Calgary, Geneva, Aachen, La Baule and Rome, and he has topped the world rankings on multiple occasions in his career.

He also claimed individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and has four Pan American Games medals to his name, including team gold.

In 2021, Lamaze was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and awarded the Order of Sport.

“I would like to thank Equestrian Canada and the hiring panel for putting their trust in me,” said Lamaze, who is based in Florida and Belgium.

His first duty as chef d’equipe will be at the CSIO4* Winter Equestrian Festival (2 to 6 March) in Florida, which features a Nations Cup leg. The World Championships in Herning, Denmark, in August, will be his first senior championship in the role, as Canada target Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.

Equestrian Canada chairman Karen Sparks said the organisation is “thrilled” to welcome Eric to the position.

“[We] are fortunate that he felt the timing was right to take on this challenge,” she said. “We are confident that he can build the national program and podium pathways and be the leader the team needs to be successful on the world stage.”

EC chief executive officer Meg Krueger agreed, saying, “There is no one with more experience and [such]? a proven track record in our sport than Eric. His knowledge and passion are truly remarkable, and there is little doubt that he is the right choice to lead Canadian showjumping into a successful future.”

Explosion W vs King Edward: who is the best showjumping horse in the world? Data experts reveal all

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:32:39 +0000

Who is the best showjumping horse in the world right now? Who is the best showjumping horse of all time? These are the questions we often ask ourselves while watching the likes of Ben Maher’s Explosion W jumping against Henrik von Eckermann’s King Edward or Daniel Deusser’s Killer Queen VDM week after week on the five-star circuit. Obviously whoever jumps fastest and clear is the winner on the day, but who ranked as the best showjumping horse in the world overall in 2021?

Fortunately our friends at the equestrian data analytics company Equiratings have once again come up trumps with their number crunching and produced the CAS – Clears Against Standard – metric system, a new way to evaluate and compare the best horses in the world statistically.

“This feels like a watershed moment in the sport,” says the company’s co-founder Diarm Byrne on the Equiratings Jumping Podcast.

“It [CAS] is a different way of looking at the sport, but it’s heavily researched and it’s backed up by data science,” he stresses.

CAS is the number of clears a horse has jumped against the number of clears that should have been jumped – the “standard” – over those courses.

“If you’ve jumped 20 times and the average clear rate [in a class] was 25%, you should have produced five clears” explains co-host Sam Watson.

So someone who jumped eight clears would have a CAS value of +3 – three more clears than that standard of five clears. Of course, for horses that jump fewer clears than the standard, the number will be negative.

The metric can be applied to any level, but the Equiratings team are focusing on 1.60m-plus tracks at five-star shows over the course of a year. They take out jump-off rounds, however, where the theory changes.

So in 2021, 25 horses produced the highest CAS value range of three or more.

Scott Brash’s Hello Jefferson, for example, jumped at the top level 22 times in 2021 and produced 11 clears – a 50% clear rate – whereas the courses he jumped had a clear rate of 30%, giving him a CAS value of 3.8.

Martin Fuchs’ Geneva grand prix winner Leone Jei jumped a bit less in 2021 – 15 times – but was clear on nine occasions. That’s a clear rate of 60%, but the courses he jumped were slightly harder with a clear rate of only 27%, giving him a higher CAS value of 4.6.

“That’s a really strong number – only 25 horses in the world last year had a value of three or higher,” says Sam Watson. “It’s a clean, crisp metric.”

He adds, of course, that: “The opinion will always be there, the theories will always be there.”

And the best showjumping horse in the world is…

So who came out top in the CAS ratings for 2021? King Edward and Explosion W seemed to make all the headlines over the past 12 months, but who was most effective at jumping clear rounds?

Explosion W was the top British horse with his phenomenal clear round strike rate – in 2021 he produced 10 clears from 17 rounds producing an astonishingly high CAS value of 5.5, only good enough for seventh in the standings however. The runaway winner on the stats was Olympic bronze medal-winning King Edward. He jumped 18 clears over 25 rounds, with an astonishingly high clear rate of 72% and a CAS of 11.5.

“This horse was head and shoulders above the rest if you’re talking about clear round efficiency at the top level of the sport,” says Sam. “King Edward is in a league of his own and it’s world class – as good as we’ve seen from some of the biggest names in this sport in the last decade.”

Here are the overall standings for 2021:

CAS values for showjumping horses jumping 1.60m-plus in 2021

King Edward (Henrik von Eckermann, SWE) 11.5
H&M Indiana (Malin Baryard Johnsson, SWE) 7.6
Beauville Z (Maikel van der Vleuten, NED) 7.5
Quel Homme De Hus (Jerome Guery, BEL) 7.4
Killer Queen VDL (Daniel Deusser, GER) 7
VDL Cartello (Darragh Kenny, IRL) 5.8
Explosion W (Ben Maher, GBR) 5.5

Who are the best showjumping horses in the world over the past decade?

King Edward also ranks highly among the figures which Equiratings have worked out back to 2010 – only six horses have produced a CAS of 10 or more and Eric Lamaze’s outstanding partner Hickstead comes out top as the greatest showjumping horse of the past 12 years by the smallest fraction of decimals. Big Star’s remarkable 86% clear round strike rate in 2013 puts him third and the best of the British showjumpers.

Explosion W’s highest CAS value of 9.2 was achieved in 2019, leaving him just off the top five. However, he holds the highest Elo ranking on the Equiratings database of 898.

“That tells us his consistency at beating the best opposition in the world is the most effective – that’s what he’s brilliant at,” says Sam.

The top five showjumping horses in the world over the past 12 years are:

Top CAS values for the best showjumping horses in the world jumping 1.60m-plus since 2010

Hickstead, Eric Lamaze (in 2010) 12.6
Casall ASK, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (in 2014) 12.6
Big Star, Nick Skelton (2013) 12
King Edward, Henrik von Eckermann (2021) 11.5
Cedric, Laura Kraut (2010) 10.6

So as you can see, King Edward is already holding his own with the best of all time.

“It’s why we can get excited about King Edward,” says Sam.

Of course, evaluating the best showjumping horse in the world like this is highly objective, but do you agree with the stats? Was King Edward the best showjumper in 2021? How can Explosion W, who won the Olympic gold medal, not be described as the best showjumping horse in the world? It’s one we could discuss for hours…

Let us know your thoughts by emailing them to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county and you may be published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine – you could also win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

‘One of a kind’: retirement for ‘little mare with huge heart’ who scored Olympic medal

Lucy Elder — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 20:57:15 +0000

Eric Lamaze’s Olympic bronze medal-winning ride Fine Lady 5 was officially retired in a special ceremony at CHI Geneva (10 December) ahead of starting her new venture as a broodmare.

The 18-year-old (Forsyth x Drosselklang II) arrived at Eric’s Torrey Pines Stable in 2014 and the pair scooped numerous top finishes, earning a spot on the Canadian team at Rio 2016.

They helped the side to fourth place and made it through to the individual final, toppling their only pole of the Games during the gold medal jump-off.

“She is one of a kind because she was not a horse that anyone thought could reach the level that she did,” said Eric.

“With Hickstead, he was favoured to win an Olympic medal and it was up to me to make a mistake. With Fine Lady, it was the partnership that we developed and the trust we had in each other that earned us the Olympic medal.”

The pair’s other major achievements included winning the €300,000 Rolex International Jumping Riders Club top 10 final that year at CHI Geneva. It was here, five years later, that Fine Lady officially bowed out of the sport.

Her first “husband” is set to be Eric’s star stallion Dieu Merci.

“I love that cross together, so we’re going to collect some embryos and go that way,” he told H&H in a recent interview.

Eric, who also won individual gold and team silver from the 2008 Olympics with Hickstead, added that Fine Lady is a horse he will “never forget and will be greatly missed” from his string.

“Winning a medal with that horse means a lot to me,” he said, thanking co-owners the Zieglers for their support over the years.

“She is a great little mare with a huge heart that believed in any adventure you faced her with. She became the leading horse in my stable, with the ability to win at any height, when she wasn’t bought to be that. Winning an Olympic medal and the Rolex Top 10 Final demonstrated her huge heart.”

He added: “I’m happy we were able to give her the retirement that she deserves, and especially to have the ceremony in Geneva during a very special competition that she won. Hopefully we’ll have many Fine Lady babies running around in the future as she continues in the sport as a broodmare.”

Former Olympic champion ‘takes sabbatical’ from sport owing to health issues

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:57:50 +0000

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze is “taking a sabbatical” from the sport owing to his health, and handing the reins to fellow Canadian showjumper Beth Underhill.

Beth is to take over Eric’s string of top horses when they move from the 2008 Olympic gold medallist’s base in Belgium to his yard in Wellington, Florida.

Eric has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour for three years; his last competitive appearance was at Spruce Meadows, Canada, in September, when he and his Rio 2016 individual bronze medal-winning ride Fine Lady 5 were on the winning Nations Cup team.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I’ve known Beth for many years, and we first rode on a team together at the 1994 World Equestrian Games in Den Hague,” said Eric. “I’ve always admired her determination and winning attitude as well as her dedication to producing the best results for Team Canada.

“Due to my own health issues, I have to hand the reins over to someone else and I could think of no better candidate than Beth. She’s been to Belgium to ride some of the horses, and we are both excited to see her in a position to compete with top-caliber mounts.”

Eric will oversee the training of the horses from the ground.

Beth has represented Canada at Olympics and World Equestrian Games, and with Eric, was on the side that took bronze at the 1999 Pan Am Games.

“I’m very excited at the prospect of riding for Eric,” she said.

“We’ve been friends for many years and competed on numerous Nations Cup teams together. He’s also been a fantastic supporter, teammate, and friend to me.

“While I’m saddened that Eric’s health is forcing him to take a step back from his own riding career, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to join the Torrey Pines team.”

At 53, Eric is Canada’s most successful showjumper. He and his 2008 gold medal-winner Hickstead were inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame last month.

Is loose jumping damaging young horses? Olympic champion joins the debate

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:32:26 +0000

The subject of loose jumping always seems to ignite healthy debate among breeders and producers – it’s a tried and tested formula in the production process of teaching many young horses to think for themselves, but can it also be detrimental to their health and wellbeing?

Many top names have spoken out on the subject from both sides of the argument and when we caught up with the Olympic gold medallist Eric Lamaze (pictured) recently, he revealed he had firm opinions about loose jumping horses when they’re younger.

“There are people that believe in free jumping. But when you’re free jumping a horse you’re constantly chasing it with a whip, so already his first experience of jumping is attached to somebody chasing him,” says Eric.

“It doesn’t tell you what they’re going to be like in the future either – if you took top horses such as Hickstead, Baloubet Du Rouet or Shutterfly and loose jumped them, they probably couldn’t do it that well. So I’m not a fan.”

Instead, the highly decorated Canadian showjumper gave an insight into his own production process with his youngsters.

“I’m a fan of letting them grow and become strong,” explains Eric, winner of an Olympic bronze medal in 2016 as well as being crowned Olympic champion and taking team silver riding Hickstead in 2008.

“At three years old, put a rider on him, give him a couple of little fences under tack then put him back in the field. Bring him back as a four year old, teach him the ropes a bit, go to a show or two and put him back in the field. As a five year old, do a few more shows, then back in the field. At six you can do almost a whole year and then at seven years old you know what you have.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

The pros and cons of loose jumping

Is loose jumping detrimental to young horses, or does it give them the chance to learn for themselves without rider

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘The greatest honour’: hall of fame induction for legendary partnership

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 19:31:36 +0000

Eric Lamaze and his “one of a kind” Olympic gold medal-winning partner Hickstead have been granted “the greatest honour you can achieve from your country”.

The showjumper and the KWPN stallion were inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony on 3 October, in the teams category.

Eric and Hickstead had a host of stellar achievements. As well as winning individual gold, and team silver, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, they won individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, in which Hickstead was also awarded the “best horse” title.

They also took individual bronze, and team silver, at the 2007 Pan American Games, as well as major grands prix across the world, including at Spruce Meadows in 2007 and 2011, Geneva in 2008 and Aachen in 2010. They also finished second at the 2011 World Cup final.

“I believe this is the greatest honour you can receive from your country,” said Eric. “Hickstead was incredible, simply one of a kind. Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage. It is well deserved on his part; I just went along for the ride.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

As well as the hall of fame induction, Eric has been given the Order of Sport, Canada’s top sporting honour. This was presented to him last month while he was competing at Spruce Meadows, at which a life-size bronze of Hickstead stands.

The Hamlet stallion, whom Eric bought as an eight-year-old in 2004, owing him with John Fleischhakcer’s Ashland Stables, won over £3m with Eric until his death in 2011.

‘My health is something I take very seriously’: Olympic gold medallist withdraws from Tokyo Games contention

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 17 May 2021 15:30:40 +0000

Canada’s triple Olympic medallist Eric Lamaze has withdrawn from consideration for the 2o21 Tokyo Olympic Games this summer citing his “personal health” for the decision.

The 2008 Olympic champion and reigning bronze medallist from Rio has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour for the past three years but had been selected as one of five athletes on Canada’s Olympic shortlist, from which one individual rider will be selected after the country lost its team qualification at this year’s Olympics.

“My health is something that I take very seriously, and I’ve decided that Tokyo is not the best venue for me,” said 53-year-old Eric. “While my health is stable at the moment, there are several risk factors that have to be taken into consideration.”

Eric also attributes the lack of a Canadian showjumping team at the Olympics to be a factor in his decision.

“I’ve always associated the Olympics with riding for the Canadian team,” said Eric, who was part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he also won individual gold riding Hickstead.

“My success has been due to having my team-mates there to pull together to be the best that we can be for our country. Having my owners there, my friends and fellow team-mates, and all the fans is what makes the Olympics special for me.

“When you come into the stadium, and hear the fans screaming and see the Canadian flags waving, it raises you up to another level. As a solo act, I cannot see myself finding the motivation to dig deep enough to pull off an individual medal.

“I cannot be a true competitor without my team.”

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Eric and his team-mates jumped off against Germany for the bronze medal, finishing fourth, Eric going on to win bronze with Fine Lady 5 behind Great Britain’s Nick Skelton. Eric is Canada’s top-ranked rider, currently 23rd in the FEI world rankings.

“With all that we’ve lived through this past year, and what we are still seeing with so many people living through horrible situations both in Canada and around the world, I’m not sure I would even feel right winning a medal,” said Eric. “The Olympics are a celebration of the athletes and I don’t think we’re going to have a true celebration in Tokyo.

“It’s not the time to celebrate.”

Eric is currently under the support of his medical teams in Brussels, Belgium, and Paris, France for his ongoing treatment for a brain tumour and has taken some time out from the sport. Eric has been back in the saddle since the start of the year, spending the winter months in Florida competing on the Winter Equestrian Festival, taking part in back-to-back five-star shows in Doha, Qatar, and was most recently seen in Saint-Tropez, France, earlier this month after international equestrian events were able to restart in Europe.

Eric says his decision was made with the full support of his Canadian owners, Mark and Tara Rein, who own his top horse Dieu Merci van T & L.

Continues below…

“I thank Mark and Tara Rein for their complete understanding of the situation and for their ongoing support,” he said. “With this difficult decision made, we can now concentrate on continuing to develop the fantastic young horses that we have in our training program.

“I’m also looking forward to next year’s World Championships, where our team will hopefully earn its qualification for the Paris Olympics. From there, I hope that our national federation, Equestrian Canada, will concentrate on putting together a fantastic program so our team can be at its best at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Five riders shortlisted for Canada’s sole Tokyo showjumping place

Becky Murray — Sat, 08 May 2021 16:03:29 +0000

Eric Lamaze is among the five showjumpers shortlisted to represent Canada individually at the Tokyo Olympics.

Last week Equestrian Canada announced the riders bidding for the one individual showjumping space available at the Games. Also on the list are Erynn Ballard, Mario Deslauriers, Tiffany Foster and Amy Millar.

Three of team Canada’s 2016 Rio Olympic squad are on the roster; Eric, Tiffany and Amy. If selected, Tokyo will be 53-year-old Eric’s fourth Games. He won individual gold and team silver at Beijing in 2008, was part of the London 2012 squad with Tiffany, and took individual bronze at Rio in 2016.

Mario, 56, represented Team Canada at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and the 1988 Seoul Games alongside Amy’s father Ian Millar, and was part of the 2018 World Equestrian Games squad in Tryon, USA, with Eric and Erynn.

An Equestrian Canada spokesman said the Canadian Olympic committee will submit the definite entry to the Olympic Games organising committee on or before 5 July.

Continued below…

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Tokyo dream ended for Canadian showjumpers by appeal ruling

Canada’s last hope of fielding a showjumping team at this summer’s Olympics has been quashed in a ruling by the

Tokyo Olympic place lost after rider unknowingly used teabag containing cocaine

The rider took what she thought was green tea from the breakfast area of the hotel

(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

The Canadian showjumping team lost its team place at the Tokyo Games after rider Nicole Walker tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the 2019 Pan American Games. Nicole was disqualified at a PanAm Sports disciplinary committee hearing in December 2019, meaning the team dropped from fourth to seventh place, and lost their Olympic qualification.

The Argentinian team, which originally finished fifth, were promoted to fourth following the amended result and took the Tokyo spot.

Nicole, who has always denied taking any illicit drugs, and EC appealed the decision. In an arbitral award, released this week, a Court of Arbitration for Sport panel said it accepted that the positive sample was caused by Nicole’s unknowingly using a teabag containing cocaine, provided by her hotel, but the disqualification stands.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Grand prix win for Ben Maher with his 18-year-old Olympic stallion

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:29:04 +0000

British rider Ben Maher piloted Jane Clark’s 18-year-old stallion Tic Tac, the horse he rode at the 2016 Rio Olympics, to a heart-stopping finish in Sunday’s $137,000 Restylane grand prix at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Florida.

His victory came by the narrowest of margins – just one hundredth of a second – over Canada’s Eric Lamaze, who was also riding his 18-year-old Olympic partner, Fine Lady 5, with whom he won the individual bronze medal in Rio.

Rounding out the top three in a fantastic result for teenage horses was Conor Swail of Ireland on the 13-year-old GK Coco Chanel.

“For me, the grass arena here is one of the best grass arenas there is in the world,” said Ben of the Derby field at Equestrian Village where this week’s classes took place.

“That’s why I picked this week to bring a horse of Tic Tac’s age over here. They’re great conditions. I thought it was a great course, and it was nice to see some new jumps out here this year. It’s so refreshing and great to be over here.”

A total of 42 entries tackled the track set by course designer Oscar Soberon (USA) with 12 returning for the jump-off, where the British rider soared round and crossed the finishing line with the clock stopping just to his advantage.

“It was my lucky day, and sometimes it just happens like that,” said Ben.

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Eric Lamaze said: “Fine Lady is naturally very fast. I’ve had a few classes where we went too fast and paid for it, and I asked myself, ‘Why did I go so fast?’ I was trying to keep a good rhythm. I knew who was coming behind me; Ben is one of the best riders in the world. I knew I rode a fast course.

“We appreciate all of the effort that is made to keep us safe from COVID. These are difficult times, so we should all be grateful for that,” he added.

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Ben Maher in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 28 February.

Olympic gold medallist makes winning return at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 23:46:31 +0000

After four months on the sidelines, Eric Lamaze (CAN) and his great partner Chacco Kid made a winning return to the ring in the opening class of international jumper competition at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

As competition began at the Wellington Regional Medical Center CSI3* at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Lamaze and the 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding scored their first victory of the season in fine style in the $6,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers on Wednesday, January 13.

The pair executed the two-round course flawlessly, stopping the timers at 26.97 seconds.

“It was a nice opening course,” said Lamaze of the track designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and Andy Christiansen Jr. (ECU). “It’s the first class of the week, two-phase [power and speed]. If you don’t go clear in the first phase, it’s a short course. Chacco is naturally fast, so for the speed part my strategy was just to shorten the turn and try to keep the same rhythm, and it was good enough for this class.”

First to go in the order, Laura Kraut (USA) and Goldwin owned by Stars and Stripes, held the lead for most of the class after putting forth a clear effort in a time of 27.55 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Lillie Keenan (USA) aboard Cazaan owned by Chansonette Farm, LLC, who crossed the finish line in 27.80 seconds.

The day marked nearly four months since Eric Lamaze has jumped in international competition and he was happy to be back in the ring at the Winter Equestrian Festival with Chacco Kid, who is owned by the Chacco Kid Group.

Eric Lamaze and Chacco Kid (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“The horses are fresh. They’ve been resting for a long time, so I feel very good about all my horses at the moment,” said the 2008 Olympic individual gold medalist. “They feel like they got a year younger with a year off [due to the COVID-19 pandemic]. We didn’t do any pre-circuit shows even though we’ve been here for quite a while. We jumped a little bit at home because [this] summer we really didn’t do much with them. It was not necessary. I chose to just stay home and start WEF when the FEI classes start.”

Lamaze will continue to campaign throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival and hopes to find himself atop the podium once again.

“I have enough horses with a great string that I think I can swap them enough to be competitive in all the Grand Prix [classes] and try my best,” he said.

Competition continues on Thursday with the $37,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 and championships for the professional hunters. Friday features the $25,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Jumper Classic followed by Saturday night under the lights with the $137,000 Wellington Regional Medical Center Grand Prix CSI3*.

Final Results: $6,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers

1 CHACCO KID: 2006 Oldenburg gelding by Chacco Blue x Come On ERIC LAMAZE (CAN), Chacco Kid Group: 0/26.97

2 GOLDWIN: 2012 BWP gelding by Emrald x Divine Idylle GTW De Tinmont LAURA KRAUT (USA), Stars and Stripes: 0/27.55

3 CAZAAN: 2012 Holsteiner stallion by Casall x Zamira M Iii LILLIE KEENAN (USA), Chansonette Farm, LLC: 0/27.80

4 EXCELLENT: 2009 KWPN gelding by Cicero Zvan Paemel x Ahorn PETER LUTZ (USA), Bosch Sport Horses: 0/28.01

5 CON PLEASURE 5: 2009 Westphalian gelding by Contendro 1 x Funny Fasion FLO NORRIS (GBR), Cisca Norris: 0/28.35

6 UNE DE L’OTHAIN: 2008 Selle Français mare by Conterno Grande x Cento HARRIE SMOLDERS (NED), Evergate Stables, LLC: 0/28.41

7 VARGAS ROUGE: 2009 Selle Français gelding by Manillon Rouge x Fantaisie Creole KIMBERLY PRINCE (USA), Kimberly Prince: 0/28.72

8 VITI DE LONGA: 2009 Selle Français mare by Contendro l x Babeth Desmulottes LACEY GILBERTSON (USA), Seabrook, LLC: 0/28.91

9 HILFIGER VAN DE OLMENHOEVE: 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Dulf vanden Bisschop x Querlybet Hero EMILY MOFFITT (GBR), Poden Farms: 0/30.93

10 EXOTIK SITTE: 2010 BWP gelding by Ogano Sitte x Ustina Sitte COCO FATH (USA), Hillside Farm, LLC: 0/31.72

11 VITTORIO 12: 2011 Hannovarian gelding by Van Hesling x Clarissa H CAPTAIN BRIAN COURNANE (IRL), Captain Brian Cournane and Glenbeigh Farm 0/32.85

12 CASTLEFIELD DREAM: 2011 Hanoverian gelding by Clinton I x Cero CAPTAIN BRIAN COURNANE (IRL), Glenbeigh Farm, LLC: 0/33.18

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

‘Jumping clear on Tripple X was my proudest moment’: 60 seconds with Canadian rider Tiffany Foster

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 08:24:25 +0000

We are big fans of Canadian showjumper Tiffany Foster here at Horse & Hound. She’s a stylish horsewoman who enjoys a wonderful bond with her horses and the results speak for themselves – she’s represented her country at the highest level, including at two Olympic Games and won team gold at the Pan American Games, and she’s won some of the biggest grands prix in the world. We particularly love that she rode the former Ben Maher ride, Tripple X III, to such great success after taking over the reins from the British rider.

But there are many things we didn’t know about 36-year-old Tiffany, as we discovered in this entertaining video of quick-fire questions produced by Rolex Grand Slam.

She reveals she enjoys coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, and prefers a night in to a night out. We also learn that her favourite singer is Dermot Kennedy and she really admires tennis player Serena Williams in her field. We were particularly impressed to find out that her karaoke song of choice is The Power Of Love by Celine Dion — now that’s a proper belter, go Tiffany!

When asked to pick her favourite horse, she opts for Eric Lamaze’s legendary Hickstead, rather than one of her own “because I don’t want to play favourite”.

According to Tiffany, the proudest moment of her career was “probably the team final at the Rio Olympics and the clear round on Tripple X III for Team Canada”. The squad finished fourth after a nail-biting jump-off for the bronze medal with Germany. Unsurprisingly, she picks Kent Farrington and Eric Lamaze as the riders she most admires in the world of showjumping. We definitely didn’t know that she would have been an interior designer if her showjumping career hadn’t taken off, though.

Continued below…

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She nominates Cameron Diaz as the actress to play her role in a movie — and there’s a definite resemblance, now you mention it!

The things we never knew about showjumpers — so thank you, Tiffany and thank you, Rolex Grand Slam.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Everyone must play a part in keeping safe at shows H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:37:07 +0000

Legendary Olympic showjumper Eric Lamaze spoke out about the low number of riders wearing masks at a show in Belgium the day before new rules were brought in by the country’s government. H&H finds out what protocols have been put in place by the FEI, how these differ from national shows in England and seeks advice from British Equestrian for riders who are planning to compete abroad...

Keeping safe at shows is a joint responsibility; riders have been reminded, following concerns about protocols at international shows.

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze raised issues on 24 July about a show he had been competing at in Lier, Belgium. He said he was disappointed by the low number of riders wearing masks while walking the course, adding it is the responsibility of riders and “especially” organisers and FEI to take precautions.

“The riders have the most contact with other people and therefore should absolutely be wearing masks,” he said. “I understand everybody has the freedom to make that choice but why not take all the best precautions to stay safe and healthy so the sport we love will be able to go on without any incidents or issues?

“If we are not careful, and taking all possible precautions, we will soon be back home riding in our own rings with no shows.”

The Belgian equestrian federation told H&H masks are now mandatory at shows, except for riders on horses, following a government announcement on 25 July.

Tanya Kyle, mother of 13-year-old British showjumper Tabitha who was competing in France on 23 to 26 July told H&H that everyone at the show was wearing masks while inside, except riders while competing, in line with the country’s government guidelines, and around 50% of supporters were wearing masks outside, but she said other protocols were not as strict as UK shows.

“Anybody was allowed in the collecting ring, whereas in England there are restrictions on who is allowed in the collecting ring,” she said.

“I was told before we went to the show there had been no cases of Covid-19 in the area. There were a huge number of people at the show, with five rings running national and international classes, so it will be interesting to hear if there is any sort of spike from that show.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H the organisation’s first priority is protecting the health and welfare of the equestrian community and said we must all take responsibility and do everything necessary to minimise any “further negative effects” on our sport.

The FEI launched a policy on 1 July for enhanced competition safety during the pandemic, which provides show organisers with a toolkit to plan events in compliance with regulations as well as recommendations from the World Health Organisation and the International Olympic Committee.

“The policy includes an obligation for organisers to carry out a full risk assessment in advance of an event. Any event that fails to return the completed risk assessment and mitigation measures plan will be removed from the FEI calendar,” said a spokesman. “Each organiser has the responsibility to adhere to the measures imposed by domestic government and public health authorities in their country.

“We can and we must ensure that we all work together and that we are mindful of our collective responsibility in this global pandemic. Maintaining a safe and healthy environment at events is key to ensuring competition continues, and while the FEI is leading on that, it is a joint responsibility that needs to be shared across our national federations, organising committees and all participants, including our athletes and their entourage.”

A spokesman for British Equestrian told H&H riders competing abroad must keep up to date with government regulations in the countries they visit.

“We’re advising riders to keep the safety and welfare of themselves, their grooms, owners and horses paramount, exercise extreme caution, comply with any protocols or guidance in place at shows – and be prepared for sudden change,” he said.

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New horsepower boosts Olympic hopes for 2008 champion Eric Lamaze

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:53:31 +0000

The 2008 Olympic champion Eric Lamaze has his sights firmly set on the rescheduled Tokyo Games after acquiring some new horsepower for his Torrey Pines Stable.

In partnership with Mark and Tara Rein, the Canadian showjumper has bought the 11-year-old Belgian sport horse stallion Dieu Merci Van T&L as his Olympic prospect.

The horse was sold to Chris and Thea Stinett’s Heathman Farm LLC as a top mount for Irish rider Cormac Hanley but when those two parted ways earlier this year, Eric was asked to take the horse back to Europe to sell.

“The more I rode him, the more I got an incredible feel from him and wanted to find a way to keep him,” says Eric, who has won Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals in his three Olympic appearances.

“Once again, I thank Mark and Tara Rein for partnering with me to secure this horse for Canada. As fellow Canadians, it is super exciting for them to have a horse who could potentially represent Canada at next year’s Olympic Games.”

The son of Toulon was bred in Belgium, and produced through the grades by Belgian rider Frederic Vernaet.

“He’s only 11, and I’m very excited for his future,” says Eric. “He is a breeding stallion who already has five- and six-year-olds on the ground; I’ve seen some of his babies jump and was blown away.”

52-year-old Eric had originally been aiming the 12-year-old gelding Idalville D’Esprit, who came from Swiss rider Alain Jufer at the end of last year, for Tokyo. But the rescheduling of the event to 2021 led to the dissolution of the contract with co-owners the Stinetts, which was in place until after the Olympic Games’ original dates.

Continues below…

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“It was very generous of Chris [Stinett] to provide me with Idalville as a prospect for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” says Eric. “I took my time with the horse with that goal in mind. I’ve ridden a lot of horses in my career and consider him to be one of the best.

“It was very disappointing when the Olympics were cancelled for this year, but considering all that is happening in the world, it was the right decision as health and safety must come first. I am grateful to have had Idalville for the short amount of time that I did and I am grateful to Chris for putting his trust in me. I wish him nothing but the best with the horse in the future.”

Eric, who revealed last year that he has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, is currently at his European training base in Écaussinnes, Belgium, and is said to be “erring on the side of caution” before resuming his competition schedule as Covid-19 restrictions ease across Europe.

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

‘My true partner’: Olympic champions to take their place in hall of fame

Lucy Elder — Fri, 29 May 2020 06:10:24 +0000

Olympic gold medallists Eric Lamaze and Hickstead are to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The pair are the second horse and rider combination to join the hall of fame, and Eric will also receive Canada’s highest sporting honour, the order of sport.

The combination claimed individual gold and team silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as individual bronze at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG), plus individual silver and team bronze at the 2007 Pan-Ams.

The Beijing success was a defining moment for Canada, as Eric was the country’s first Olympic showjumping champion. He ended the year as Canada’s first world number one in the FEI rankings, an achievement he followed up in 2010 and 2011.

Hickstead was also given the title of “best horse” at WEG 2010, when the championships still ran to the format where the top four combinations swapped horses in the final round.

Their grands prix record together included titles at Calgary, Geneva, Aachen, La Baule and Rome. They also finished second in the 2011 World Cup final in Germany.

“It is an honour for myself and Hickstead to be recognised for our achievements by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Eric.

“I’m especially happy for Hickstead. In our sport, it takes two athletes, one human and one equine, working together and in Hickstead I found a true partner. It’s wonderful that his accomplishments are being recognised for the great athletic feats that they were.

“Together, we were proud to represent Canada on the world stage. My sincerest thanks to all who supported this nomination and made it possible. I gratefully accept this honour on behalf of all of our supporters, our fans, and our great nation.”

The induction ceremony, which normally takes place in October, will not be held this year owing to the coronavirus, so Eric and Hickstead will be part of the 2021 cohort.

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Hickstead was bred in the Netherlands by Jan van Schijndel and joined Eric’s string as an eight-year-old.

Eric co-owned Hickstead with John Fleischhacker and the stallion earned more than $3m (£2.43m) in prize money during his career. He died aged 15 in 2011 after sustaining an aortic rupture during a leg of the World Cup series in Italy.

The Hickstead Trophy has been awarded annually in his honour since 2012 to Equestrian Canada’s horse of the year.

Eric, 52, who has competed at every WEG since 1994 as well as the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, winning individual bronze in Rio, has the rescheduled Tokyo Games in his sights.

Eric Lamaze’s groom on comebacks, tricky horses, stress and the Olympics

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:24:15 +0000

Olympic gold medallist Eric Lamaze returned to his native Canada last week for the prestigious Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary, where his groom Kaytlyn Brown (pictured) gave an exclusive insight into life on the road with one of the greatest showjumpers in the world.

Eric, who has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, took some time out from the sport after last year’s CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters but returned to competition earlier this year.

“My absolute highlight was to see Eric back in the ring — it’s unbelievable what he can do,” says Kaytlyn. “It wasn’t just a highlight for me, it was the highlight for all of the team. It was very difficult for all of us when he stopped showing. After everything that happened, to come to Spruce Meadows for the Summer Series and win two five-star classes back to back, we couldn’t have asked for any more than that.”

At last week’s show, Kaytlyn was looking after three of Eric’s horses, 14-year-old Coco Bongo; his dual-winner at the show, Chacco Kid, and the 16-year-old mare Fine Lady 5, with whom Eric finished fifth in the renowned CP International grand prix — the sport’s richest class.

“All three horses have very different personalities,” says Kaytlyn.

“Coco Bongo is very easy going and nothing seems to bother him. He’s very simple to take care of and has very low stress levels — I’d say he’s pretty cool. You can literally do anything with him – he’s so easy to have around all the time.

“Chacco Kid is the sweetest thing I’ve ever met — I’ve never met a horse that understands humans like he does. He always wants someone’s attention and he always has something in his mouth — he will literally try to eat anything. When Eric is around his stress levels go up and he gets quite anxious because he always wants to please, and he knows that Eric expects a lot of him.”

Of Fine Lady 5, Kaytlyn says she is “the most complicated out of the three”.

“She’s the only mare that we have,” says Kaytlyn. “She’s very sensitive and is bothered by everything, particularly music and anything loud — it drives her crazy. If it’s loud and she’s in the horse box, she’ll dig and roll around and generally cause a huge scene. She’s my absolute favourite, though and we’ll never have another one like her — she’s so willing to please all the time. When I look at her, I know I’ll never have another relationship with a horse quite like this one, she’s unbelievable.”

As every international showjumping groom will know, a huge part of the job is spent travelling the global circuit.

“We’re only in Canada for five weeks of the year during the Summer Series,” explains Kaytlyn. “We’re then in Florida, USA, from December through April, and the rest of the time we’re in Europe. It’s more exciting to be in Europe, as you’re at a new place every week, and every European location is always beautiful.”

Pressure comes at every show, but none more so than a Rolex Grand Slam Major on home soil.

“The week before the show starts, the stress levels at home are high,” says Kaytlyn. “We’re doing absolutely everything we can to prepare to come here, as we know it’s a long hard week for Eric and the horses. The horses came from Europe, so they had to endure a long flight, and our aim is for them to be the best that they can be and on top form, as soon as they arrive here. For sure, it’s stressful – coming here for the Masters isn’t the same as coming here for the Summer Series, as there’s a clear end goal at the end of this week.”

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In the Lamaze stables, preparations are already beginning for greatest event of all, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“We’re still a while away and it’s a long process, but we’re starting to discuss which of the horses we believe have the potential to perform at the Games, and which types of classes we need them to jump to ensure they’re ready,” says Kaytlyn. “We need to consider what time of the day we need to jump them, and if they need to jump more night classes, and we also must factor in the weather, as Tokyo could be very hot.”

Don’t miss the full report from the Spruce Meadows Masters in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 12 September.

‘This is an ongoing battle and today is a gift’: Olympic gold medallist’s emotional win despite brain tumour

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:28:00 +0000

There was a particularly poignant moment for Canada’s Eric Lamaze at the Spruce Meadows National tournament on Saturday (8 June) as he claimed his first home victory since publicly revealing in May that he has a brain tumour.

The 2008 Olympic champion took six months out from the sport over the winter, announcing in December that he had “health concerns”. He returned to competition in Wellington, Florida, in March, taking in Royal Windsor and La Baule before returning to his native Canada. So this triumph in the $500,000 RBC Grand Prix riding Chacco Kid was filled with emotion.

“I didn’t get up this morning thinking this was possible,” said 51-year-old Eric. “It shows what a good horse can do for you. When you don’t have the fight in you, they fight for you. It’s one of the victories I will cherish for ever.”

In a seven-horse jump-off, Eric triumphed over his close friend Steve Guerdat (Albfuehren’s Bianca), who he credits with helping him to return to the sport

“This is an ongoing battle for me and today is a gift,” said Eric, the all-time leading money winner at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, with more than $6million in earnings.

“With great support from Steve [Guerdat], my owners and clients, my staff, and people all around the world, you keep fighting and the dream came true. With the great Hickstead was the last time I won this grand prix [in 2010]; he was looking out for me today.”

Eric also claimed victory at the show with his 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winning partner Fine Lady 5.

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“The horses are a big part of why I am here today,” said Eric, who is based in Brussels, Belgium.

“I don’t know what level I will continue riding at as the year goes on but I know horses will always be a part of my life. I want to keep riding and I will keep fighting every day to do this. The horse is the greatest therapy you can have.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Showjumping legend Eric Lamaze prepares for his 7th world championships

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 06:05:11 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze will compete at his seventh consecutive world championships at the Tryon World Equestrian Games (WEG) in North Carolina, next week.

Eric, who turned 50 in April this year, has been named alongside Erynn Ballard, Mario Deslauriers and his 22-year-old pupil Kara Chad to represent Canada at WEG, alongside team reserve Lisa Carlsen.

The 2008 Olympic gold medallist has chosen to ride the 12-year-old gelding Chacco Kid (Chacco Blue x Come On), with whom he won at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour last month, rather than his 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winning partner Fine Lady.

“We are taking a young horse and giving him a chance,” explained Eric. “He’s a horse that I am very excited about and hope we will see great things from in the future.

“Fine Lady had her championships at the Olympics in Rio; I think the world championships would be too much for her at this stage in her career,” he said. “She is 15 this year and we carefully select our events in order to keep her fit and healthy. It was a tough choice, but the best interest of the horse is our number one priority.”

The current world number three rider made his world championship debut in 1994 and won individual bronze in 2010, where his mount Hickstead was named best horse after jumping clear rounds with every rider in the final four.

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Based in Brussels, Belgium, Eric is the most decorated Canadian equestrian athlete in Olympic sport having earned individual gold, team silver, and individual bronze medals.

His pupil Kara will be making her world championship debut riding Carona, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Untouchable x Silverstone) owned by Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable.

“I’m very proud that Kara made the team,” he added. “She paid her dues and was a very gracious alternate for us at the Rio Olympics. Now, she has the opportunity to be a part of the team.”

Keep up to date with the latest news from Tyron, here on HorseandHound.co.uk, plus don’t miss our extensive analysis and reports in the magazine, on sale Thursday 20 & 27 September.

Meet the banana-loving horse from Colombia — who’s turning into a superstar

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:39:33 +0000

Canada’s world number three Eric Lamaze was a winner at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London at the weekend (3-5 August) riding the breathtakingly fast Chacco Kid. In taking top spot in Saturday’s grand prix qualifier, he just beat Frenchman Simon Delestre (Hermes Ryan) — the rider for whom a young Chacco Kid was originally intended.

“The Colombian showjumping team coach had told Simon about the horse and he asked me if I would take him at my place in Florida as he travelled from South America to Europe where he’d eventually go to Simon,” explained Eric.

“But I rode him and loved the horse so much and a group of people bought him with me.

“The first year we got him [2016] he had no mileage and it was Olympic year so I was trying to save Fine Lady for that which meant he had some big tasks ahead [in the competition ring], which he was not ready for. So he never really learned to compete and go fast because I was always protecting him.

“But in the past year it’s all been about teaching him the ropes and now he’s won quite a bit and is really coming in to his own — he can be fast, scopey, he’s everything. And he’s such a great guy — a super friendly horse who just likes to eat oranges and bananas.”

Continued below…

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13 sights at the London GCT that made us look twice

Ronan Keating at a horse show? A man clearing an Olympic-sized jump? And just how awesome is Bertram Allen’s acrobatic

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Today at London – 6 bizarre and brilliant moments from the final day of the LGCT

A pony in a taxi and a spectacular performance from the world number one rider — it all happened on

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Today at London – 9 moments that rocked day one of the Global Champions Tour

From an appearance by Ronan Keating to a home win for the London Knights, it all happened on day one

The pair arrived here from the big grass arenas of Spruce Meadows and Aachen and Eric admits he overdid it on day one in the closer confines of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, making “a big mistake” between the first two fences.

“I underestimated the stride there — I thought the seven strides was going to be forward and the plan was to get to the bottom of that second element,” explained Eric. “But I overdid it and somehow the six showed up and I was like ‘What the…’

“Anyway, I wanted to redeem myself today!” he said after Saturday’s win. “When I walked the course I looked at a few inside turns but after watching how the class was rolling, I decided just to go round everywhere at his own speed — which is quick!”

Don’t miss the full report from the Longines Global Champions Tour of London, with exclusive comment from John Whitaker, in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday, 9 August.

Rising star beats Olympic legend to win first grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:24:19 +0000

Ticking off your first international grand prix win is a huge rite of passage for any aspiring showjumper, but to do so with the sole clear round — and to beat an Olympic legend in the process — made it a truly momentous occasion for 21-year-old Spencer Smith.

“This is amazing and unreal to be here,” said the USA rider after his victory in the $132,000 grand prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida on Saturday (17 March). “To be showing in these competitions anyway is a dream come true. To win one like this is amazing.”

Riding the 11-year-old Theodore Manciais, Spencer was the only rider from a world class field of 44 to find the key to a clear round over the 1.50m track. Fourteen combinations completed on four faults and Canadian legend Ian Millar (Dixson) took the runner-up spot as the fastest of those.

“The course was difficult. I think I had an advantage going early and not knowing how the course was unfolding,” said Spencer, who has trained with Olympic gold medallist Eric Lamaze for the past 18 months.

“I really have to say that Eric has changed not just my riding, but my life forever. I’m indebted to him for the rest of my life for sure.”

Continued below…

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Son beats London 2012 gold medal-winning father to win on grand prix debut

‘He beat me today and I couldn’t be happier about that’

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Olympic champions go for a spin on the beach

While the rest of us slithered across icy yards and trudged through snow drifts last week, the riders on the

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Not only was this the young rider’s first international grand prix win, but the first time he’d ever won a world rankings class, too.

“I couldn’t be happier for anybody than I am for this young man tonight,” said 71-year-old Ian Millar, who has competed at a remarkable 10 Olympic Games.

“I know what this means to him, and I talked to his grandparents and to his father. It probably means more to them even than it means to him. I’m almost happy enough to take the rail down, but not quite!”

Don’t miss the full international round-up in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 22 March.

Should the ‘final four’ stay? [H&H VIP]

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 07:55:03 +0000

Does the “final four” still have a place in modern showjumping? Despite discussion surrounding the controversial horse swapping competition at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) the event looks set to stay, according to the FEI.

The unique format of the WEG showjumping competition — in which the top four riders swap horses in the final round to decide the medals — has always provoked debate.

However, this year the competition was praised by both riders and fans, and the FEI has confirmed to H&H that there are no plans as yet to change the format.

“The final four was very much appreciated by the public and by viewers watching on television,” said an FEI spokesman, adding that there were no plans to change it.

“However, the FEI Jumping Committee is always prepared to study suggestions coming from the National Federations.”

In Normandy Dutchman Jeroen Dubbeldam took gold as the only rider to jump four clears. Patrice Delaveau took silver and Beezie Madden bronze, leaving only Rolf-Göran Bengtsson medal-less.

The riders take their saddles with them as they ride a round on each horse.

“The four horses in the final, even the oldest one, were fit at the end, and that in itself is proof of the success of this competition,” said course-designer Frederic Cottier.

Another spectator told H&H: “They had to jump a lot, but they didn’t look tired at all.”

But there were rumours some riders would prefer not to jump, in order to save their mount for future competition and would rather not have someone else ride their horse.

But winner Jeroen Dubbeldam said that wasn’t the correct attitude.

“All our horses are very well-schooled and fit — if you don’t want to do the change then you shouldn’t be here,” he said.

In last week’s comment Graham Fletcher said the 2014 competition was “as good as anything the sport has to offer” but questioned the fact that the top horses have a lot of jumping to do.

“In theory it’s not really conducive to modern showjumping,” he told H&H when questioned further.

“However, it was riveting competition in Normandy and 20,000 fans were enjoying it.”

Graham added that prize-money could be a factor, with so many opportunities to compete for top money on offer elsewhere.

“It is a shame that if anyone wants to go the whole way at WEG they are not sufficiently rewarded financially,” he added.

“If people didn’t want to jump and save their top horses, I’d understand that. A younger horse would handle the competition better, an older one would benefit from a break afterwards, and more prize money would allow for that.”

Canadian Eric Lamaze backed this up, as when asked whether he’d rather win WEG or the Rolex Grand Slam — worth €1m — he chose the latter (report, 18 September).

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 25 September 2014

WEG Showjumping: Leading riders pull out of individual championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:44:24 +0000

Kent Farrington (USA) and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann are among a group of riders to have pulled out of the penultimate round of the individual championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Christian and Codex One were in 10^th position in the individual standings, 5pen behind the leaders, going through to Saturday’s top 30 decider. They had also been part of the fourth-placed German team. But, in a joint-decision with his national coach Otto Becker and the horse’s owner, Christian has elected to withdraw as he felt he could no longer contest a podium place.

“I will not go in the final round with Codex One,” he says in a statement. “Codex has already yielded great performances this year, having won the Aachen and Valkenswaard grands prix and I want to protect him.”

Kent Farrington, part of the bronze medal-winning USA squad at WEG with Voyeur, has made a similar decision. He was ranked 27th individually. A statement reads:

“The decision was made after consideration with Voyeur’s owners. Kent feels that there is a lot of jumping still to do in the individual qualifying competition; a lot of ground to make up in the leader board and the likelihood of qualifying for the individual final on Sunday, with the standard of jumping this weekend is not likely. He is very pleased with the way Voyeur jumped this week and is very pleased to have had the honor of being awarded a bronze medal with Team USA.”

Ludger Beerbaum is reported to have pulled out from 30th in the individual classification and Canada’s Yann Candele (Showgirl), ranked 22nd, has also withdrawn.

“Due to the mare’s age [14], between Yann, myself, and Mark [Laskin, chef d’equipe], we made the decision that it was too much to put her through,” explained Eric Lamaze, who is one of Showgirl’s owners. “If they were in the top 10, we would consider sending her, but being in 22nd and having so many riders in front, it is not possible for them to advance to ‘The Final Four’. There are several other riders who have also made the decision not to go on Saturday for this reason.”

Great Britain’s Scott Brash pulled out of the individual competition on Wednesday (3 September).

The top 30 combinations are due to jump again on Saturday, after which the leading four go through to Sunday’s horse-swapping final. Beezie Madden (USA) is the current leader, with barely one fence separating the top eight riders.

Don’t miss the full reaction to these shock withdrawals, plus the full report from WEG, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out 11 September.

Tiffany Foster to keep ride on Tripple X III

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:00:40 +0000

Canadian showjumper Tiffany Foster is to keep the ride on Tripple X III — Ben Maher’s gold medal-winning Olympic partner.

The 12-year-old stallion was sold to Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stables in April, following a dispute between Ben and his long-term backers Mike and Emma Phillips.

And now the Canadian 2008 Olympic gold medallist has sold Tripple X III. The horse has been bought by Artisan Farms LLC, who Eric rides for.

“When I purchased the horse, it was with the intention to resell,” said Eric.

“After seeing the horse compete, Andy and Carlene [Ziegler] decided they would like to purchase Tripple X and keep him as part of the Artisan Farms family.”

While under Eric’s ownership his teammate Tiffany competed Tripple X III at the CSI3* Le Touquet, France, and CSIO5* Rome, Italy.

Last week (5 June) at the CSI5* Spruce Meadows National tournament the pair finished 2^nd to Eric and Artisan Farms LLC’s Powerplay in the $85,000 1.55m Spectra Energy Cup.

The Artisan Farms team is based in Vrasene, Belgium, and Wellington, Florida and are backers of both Eric and Tiffany.

Last year the Ziegler family of Artisan Farms were named Jump Canada’s owner of the year for the second time, after winning in 2011.

Tripple X III out competing with a new partner

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 16 May 2014 11:29:33 +0000

Ben Maher’s former ride Tripple X III has been out competing again — under Canadian Tiffany Foster.

The 12-year-old stallion, who won team gold at the London 2012 Olympics with Ben Maher was sold last month (16 April) to Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze’s company Torrey Pines.

Eric’s Canadian teammate Tiffany competed Tripple X at Le Touquet last week (8-9 May).

Tiffany has been working with Olympic gold medallist Eric since 2006, and has been jumping internationally since 2011 — including representing Canada in Nations Cup teams.

The pair finished 14th in the CSI3* Equidia Life class (8 May) and 51st in the CSI 3* Touquet Tourisme (8 May).

There is no confirmation that Tiffany will be Tripple X’s permanent new partner.

A spokesman for Eric told H&H “there is no comment from either Tiffany or Eric at this time”.

Tripple X, who is by Namelus R, was bred and produced by Ben.

The horse was sold as part of an ongoing legal wrangle between Ben and his long-term backers Emma and Mike Phillips. Due to the dispute between Ben and the Phillipses, the sale agreement was settled after a High Court hearing.

Photo by Christophe Bricot

Wedding bells for Eric Lamaze

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:30:10 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze has got engaged to his long-term girlfriend Alexis Stein.

The 45-year-old Olympic gold medallist surprised the 24-year-old musician and equestrian from New York by dropping down on one knee last weekend in Wellington, Florida.

“She’s meant something to me for a long time, but it took a while for me to realize what I really had,” said Eric, whose gesture was witnessed by the couple’s beloved Pomeranian dog Gigi. “I’ve known Alexis for many years, and it was time to act on my feelings.

“I will support her in anything that she does, just as she will support me in everything that I do. She is truly an incredible person.”

As yet, no date has been set for the wedding.

Eric Lamaze unveils statue of Hickstead at Spruce Meadows

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:36:27 +0000

A memorial statue of Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Hickstead has been unveiled at Spruce Meadows, Calgary.

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze unveiled the statue of his much-loved horse before the CN international Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows Masters (Sunday 9 September).

Hickstead, who parterned Eric to individual gold and team silver at the Hong Kong Olympics in 2008, died suddenly while competing in Verona last November.

The 15-year-old stallion collapsed and died after just completing his round. He was found to have suffered an aortic rupture.

Hickstead was popular showjumper, especially at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, where he won the $1Million CN International last year and in 2007. During that event, he also won a record four Queen Elizabeth II Cup titles.

Eric Lamaze to ride Derly Chin De Muze at Olympics

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:30:10 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze will ride Derly Chin De Muze at the Olympics. After two refusals at Spruce Meadows, it was speculated that he might choose his other horse, Verdi, for the Games.

But it was confirmed that he would jump the nine-year-old mare Derly Chin De Muze in smaller classes in the run up to the Games and that the partnership would go to Greenwich.

The horse is owned by Eric and Ashland Farms, who were co-owners of his late Olympic champion, Hickstead.

Eric Lamaze has two to chose from for London Olympics

Charlotte White — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:53:41 +0000

Showjumper Eric Lamaze has his sights set on London and has two horses he hopes will take him there, after the sudden death of Olympic champion Hickstead (pictured) last year.

The Canadian rider bought seven new horses and registered five of them in Canadian ownership last December, signaling they were on his Olympic long list.

Now he has narrowed this choice down to two – 10-year-old grey Heartbreaker-son Verdi, and Derly Chin de Muze, a nine-year-old Belgian warmblood mare by For Pleasure, Eric told Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail.

Dutch warmblood Verdi was previously ridden by Stephanie van den Brink of the Netherlands and Eric said he is still learning how to get the best from him.

“You’re not going to change a horse like that,” he said. “It’s about me getting to know his rhythm, his stride; what to do on show day and how much work to do before.”

And Derhy, on whom he rode two clears at the FEI Nation’s Cup in Florida, is “a very green horse that had a lot of mileage put on her in a short time,” Eric told the paper.

Eric lost Hickstead suddenly at Verona last November.

The 15-year-old stallion died from an “acute aortic rupture”as he left the ring after taking part in the fourth round of the World Cup.

Massive demand for Hickstead’s semen following his death

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:26:42 +0000

Breeders hoping to get hold of frozen semen from Hickstead, the mighty showjumper who collapsed and died while competing in Verona (news, 7 November), are likely to be disappointed.

H&H has learnt that the amount of semen available from the stallion – who won more than $3.7m ( £2.3m) during his illustrious career – is negligible.

North American agent Francis Berger, who is based in Ontario, Canada, has received over 500 emails from breeders prepared to sign a blank cheque for a straw of semen.

Mr Berger told H&H: “The demand has far outstripped the supply. There is none left in North America and only a very limited amount left in Europe. At this stage, we are unsure of exactly how much and to whom it might go.”

Hickstead has only been certified as an approved stallion by the Dutch Warmblood Breeders’ Association since winning Olympic gold three years ago.

As a two-year-old he was refused studbook approval on the grounds that he was too small (at 16hh) and not powerful enough to make a top grand prix horse.

Since the Olympics, only a limited amount of his semen, between 20 and 40 straws a year, has been available, at a cost of $5,500 ( £3,420). This has resulted in fewer than 100 foals worldwide.

“Eric [Lamaze, his rider] was concerned about the risk of Hickstead injuring himself during collection,” said Mr Berger. “Because of his size, there were concerns about the strain it would put on his back.”

It had been anticipated that the 15-year-old would have retired from competition in a year or so to breed full-time.

During a press conference Eric Lamaze paid tribute to the horse who “changed his life”.

“There have been many great horses but I think any rider will concede that Hickstead was the best in the world,” he said.

“I hope all riders get a chance to experience what I experienced on such a horse. It changes your life and career.”

A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death was an acute aortic rupture that led to heart failure.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (17 November 2011)

Hickstead: cause of death was a ruptured artery

Horse & Hound — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:12:26 +0000

See H&H’s tribute to Hickstead in pictures.

Top showjumper Hickstead’s sudden death at the weekend (6 November) was caused by a rupture of the main artery supplying his heart, it has been confirmed.

The announcement was made at a news conference at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, by rider Eric Lamaze’s lawyer.

Tim Danson said the 15-year-old stallion died from an “acute aortic rupture”.

Mr Lamaze then made an emotional tribute to his wonder horse and thanked everyone who had been involved in Hickstead’s career.

“Anyone who had anything to do with him – stable staff, people who rode him, blacksmiths – I want to thank them very much.”

Hickstead collapsed as he was leaving the ring in Verona, Italy, on Sunday.

Hickstead, the Canadian reigning Olympic champion, had just completed his round in the World Cup qualifier when his back legs went from under him.

He died within minutes.

Asked how he felt about the horse’s death, Mr Lamaze said:

“It’s too hard to answer…” and tailed off.

The Dutch warmblood was due to retire to stud after London 2012.

Mr Lamaze said he still hoped to get to the Olympics, in spite of losing his long-term partner.

“I’ve achieved everything I’ve wanted to, but I’m not ready to go yet. My last goal is to do another Olympics,” he said.

Tributes to Eric Lamaze’s Hickstead flood in

Charlotte White — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:42:00 +0000

See H&H’s tribute to Hickstead in pictures

Tributes are still pouring in for the world’s top jumping horse, Eric Lamaze’s Hickstead.

Hickstead died in the ring at Verona on Sunday (6 November).

The Canadian reigning Olympic champion had just completed his round at the grand prix when the 15-year-old bay stallion’s back legs went from under him and he collapsed and died within minutes.

It is thought he suffered a cardiac arrest but the results of a post mortem examination are expected later today.

FEI veterinary director Graeme Cooke said the results would be communicated first to the owner and rider and then to the public.

FEI president Princess Haya described Hickstead as “a horse in a million”.

“My heart goes out to Eric and everyone connected with this wonderful horse. This is a terrible loss, but Hickstead truly will never be forgotten. We were very lucky to have known him,” she said.â€¨

And Nick Skelton, who tried and rejected the young Hickstead, said: “It’s very sad to hear about Hickstead. He was truly a great horse. My thoughts are with Eric.”

As a mark of respect the show was cancelled and tearful riders filed into the ring for a minute’s silence, to pay their respects to this wonder horse.

Hickstead had been due to have the winter off in Florida from December, to prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Hickstead: the amazing record

Bred by Jan van Schijndel of Maren Kessel, Holland
A Dutch warmblood, by Hamlet out of Jomara, by Ekstein
Originally called Opel, but renamed after a previous owner’s favourite jumping venue
2011 won $1m grand prix at Spruce Meadows in September
2008 individual gold and team Beijing Olympics
Best horse in the 2010 WEG showjumping final with four clear rounds
More than $3m in prize money during his career
Eight years with Eric Lamaze
2011 stud fee $5,500 ( £3,432) per dose
He has sired fewer than 100 progeny worldwide
A full brother, Hickstead II, born in 2004, jumping at intermediate levelSee H&H’s tribute to Hickstead in pictures

Showjumping rocked by death of Eric Lamaze’s Hickstead

Horse & Hound — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:35:04 +0000

Eric Lamaze’s great showjumper Hickstead has died in Verona.

The pair had been taking part in the fourth round of the World Cup and had just completed their round when the 15-year-old stallion collapsed.

The competition was halted as the horse ambulance was brought in and Canadian Eric Lamaze was led out of the arena.

As a mark of respect to the reigning Olympic champions, the riders asked that the competition be halted and all the competitors then filed into the arena – many in tears – for a minute’s silence and for tributes to be paid.

Hickstead was one of the greatest horses the sport has ever seen – as well as taking individual gold in Beijing in 2008 and countless grands prix and Nations Cup victories, he jumped four clear rounds in the final of the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

The press office at Jumping Verona issued the following statement:

“Today at 15.25, as he was leaving the arena after his successful jumping round Hickstead, the horse ridden by Canadian Eric Lamaze, suddenly collapsed. The veterinary services were immediately in attendance, but unfortunately the horse was already dead.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled in the coming days.

Veronafiere, Organising Committee, were fully supportive of the request of the riders not to continue the competition and would like to express their affection and love towards one of the greatest horses in the history of the sport and his rider Eric Lamaze.

A minute’s silence was held in the arena out of respect.

Watch Hickstead jumping…

Eric Lamaze hits the number one slot in the Rolex World Rankings

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:39:11 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze is celebrating after rising to number one slot in the Rolex World Rankings.

The 43-year-old rider knocks French rider Kevin Staut off the top spot and now holds the position for the third time in his career.

Eric’s back-to-back Grand Prix wins at La Baule and Rome on stallion Hickstead have put him 111 points ahead of 31-year-old Kevin — who had topped the Rolex Rankings since 1 August 2010.

Eric, who won individual gold at the 2008 Olympics, shot to the top of the Rolex Rankings on 1 January 2009 and stayed there for three months. He was back in the number one slot for a second time in July 2010, the month in which he won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen with a broken foot.

European champion Kevin Staut is now in second place ahead of Billy Twomey, Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson fourth and Irish rider Denis Lynch in fifth.

Eric Lamaze is ‘owner of the year’ for third year in a row

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:13:21 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze has been named as owner of the year for the third year running.

Eric and John Fleischhacker, joint owners of 14-year-old bay stallion Hickstead, were awarded the title by the Jumping Owners Club.

The prize was awarded at a ceremony during the Rolex FEI World Cup qualifier in Switzerland on 11 December. Christian Baillet, chairman of the Jumping Owners Club, and Jean-Noel Bioul of Rolex SA presented the award.

“There is no doubting the extraordinary partnership between Hickstead and Eric Lamaze as seen by them winning this award for the third year in a row,” Mr Baillet said. “This award goes some way to recognising their many outstanding successes and we wish Eric and John many best wishes for continued success in 2011.”

Hickstead and Eric continued their superb form to maintain their position as the most successful horse and rider combination in 2010.

The Jumping Owners Club was formed in 2005 and is an organisation of international owners that aims to increase the popularity of the sport around the world.

The International Owner of the Year Award recognises the most successful owner of each year in the discipline of jumping, based on points obtained for the Rolex Rankings during the calendar year.

Previous winners of this award include John, Pat and Lisa Hales for Arko III in 2004 and 2005, Mrs Serena Hamberg for The Sixth Sense in 2006, Mrs Nancy Clark for Shutterfly in 2007.

Eric Lamaze out for three weeks with broken foot

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:55:40 +0000

World number one showjumper Eric Lamaze will be out for up to three weeks after breaking his foot.

Eric, who heads the most recent Rolex Rankings, had to withdraw from the Global Champions’ Tour’s stage of Chantilly (23-27 July) after breaking a bone in his left foot.

He underwent surgery yesterday (Tuesday 20 July).

Eric broke the bone competing in the first round of the grand prix of Aachen on Sunday (18 July), in Aachen, Germany.

He said he heard a crack and felt pain upon landing after the ‘c’ element of the triple combination.

But Lamaze and his Olympic gold medal partner, Hickstead, went on to complete two clean rounds before the jump-off where they again jumped clear in the fastest time to win the grand prix of Aachen over Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer.

Eric said yesterday “They are going to operate and put some screws in it.

“This is the more aggressive approach — it is the fastest way to come back. It should take two to three weeks to heal. Luckily, it was a clean break.”

Eric Lamaze tops showjumping Rolex Rankings

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:48:53 +0000

Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze has returned to the top spot in the Rolex Rankings — the world rankings system for showjumping.

The Olympic gold medal winning showjumper was number one back in February 2009. In February and March this year he was second and was third in the April and May.

Pius Schwizer, who has been world number one in the Rolex Rankings for the past five months, has now dropped down to second, with reigning European champion Kevin Staut moving up one place to third.

Rolex FEI World Cup champion Marcus Ehning, who was in second in the May rankings, is now in fourth.

The top British rider is Ben Maher who has dropped from ninth place last month to 15th position.

Eric Lamaze is Canada’s first Olympic show jumping champion

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:33:15 +0000

Eric Lamaze has become Canada’s first Olympic show jumping champion following a thrilling climax to the equestrian Olympics in Hong Kong. All the medals were decided in a jump-off and the gold only at the very last fence.

Eric, riding the much-admired Dutch warmblood Hickstead, jumped off against Sweden’s Rolf Bengtsson on the compact Ninja for gold. Eric and Rolf had jumped the sole double clears of the competition.

They both finished on the same time, 38.39sec, but Ninja crashed through the final fence, a multi-coloured wall.

Seven riders jumped off for bronze. The honours went to America’s Beezie Madden on Authentic who put in a cheeky sharp turn over a bank of rushes part way round the course.

Ben Maher maintained British interest with a lovely clear in the first round. Unfortunately the 90min wait between rounds took its toll on Rolette, and she looked a little tired in the second, clocking 20 faults.

Tim Stockdale also went clear in the first round but picked up 16 faults with Corlato in the second round.

Hong Kong is Eric Lamaze’s first Olympics, and this is vindication for a checkered past. He missed Atlanta and Sydney, due to testing positive for cocaine twice, but managed to get his lifetime ban lifted to compete here.

Read H&H’s full report on the individual show jumping competition, on sale 28 August, ’08

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“The athlete has committed an anti-doping rule violation under the [anti-doping rules for human athletes] ADRHA article 2.5 (tampering), due to the submission of fabricated medical documents during an ongoing CAS proceeding,” the FEI said.

“In accordance with ADRHA article 8.3.2, the athlete was deemed to have waived a hearing, admitted the violation, and accepted the proposed consequences because he did not respond to the charge.

“Given the absence of any mitigating circumstances, the athlete shall be subject to a period of ineligibility of four years (12/09/2023 to 11/09/2027). He is furthermore subject to a fine of CHF 15,000 and shall be required to reimburse the FEI its legal costs in pursuing the matter.”

Eric, the World Anti-Doping Agency and Eric’s national anti-doping organisation, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, each have the right to appeal the decision to CAS within 21 days, and Eric told H&H he will do this.

He said he had no knowledge of any fabricated documents, adding: “I’ve never authorised any documents to be given to them.

“I’ve never authorised or forged any documents and have no idea why anyone did this.”

Eric said he refused the test as he did not know whether the person who asked for it, at a show in Valkenswaard in June 2021, was genuine.

“It was a bit scary, and my groom who was there said that; he will back me up.”

Eric said he called the FEI the next day to ask if it was a genuine test and had no reply for 30 days, “when it’s normally the next day”. He said he will appeal even though he has retired from competing.

“If I do anything it’s for the next guy,” he said. “If you can leave your mark and it will help someone in future, do it.”

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Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze maintains he’s had cancer despite judge’s doubts

In his first endorsement, the judge stated that Eric and Torrey Pines brought a motion asking to adjourn the trial. Justice Kurz said he did not proceed, partly “because of questions regarding the true state of Mr Lamaze’s health; the ostensible reason for the request”.

Justice Kurz’s first endorsement states that on 25 July, Eric’s lawyer sent Mr Morse a medical report dated 5 April.

He said this “raised suspicions” including over the languages spoken by the doctor it was purportedly written by, an incorrect address and a prognosis given.

On 9 August, Mr Danson produced a report “ostensibly from a doctor at the Chirec Cancer Institute, provided to him by a representative of Mr Lamaze”, the judge said, adding that the author of the report was identified as Dr Benoît Pirotte, a neurosurgeon at Chirec.

The judge said this added that Eric had also been diagnosed with throat cancer, and more surgery would be needed. It said Eric was very ill and weak.

The endorsement concluded: “The defendants shall pay the costs of $32,400 by September 29, failing which their pleadings will be struck.”

In a phone call, Eric Lamaze told H&H how ill he had been; he cited going to the 2018 World Equestrian Games, adding: “I should never have been there. It was 105°F but I was freezing, throwing up and seeing double, the ground was moving. They gave me not long to live.”

Eric said he contemplated suicide owing to the questioning of his health and that although the cancer is now in remission, he said he has been given two to three years to live, as his body was badly affected by the chemotherapy and his organs are failing.

He says he was unaware of letters and documents submitted to the court and is taking legal advice on how this came about; he said he has suspicions. He cited issues such as data protection relating to his medical records, and the need to protect people who have treated him.

“It almost seems like if I’d died, people would have been happy,” he said. “But I didn’t.”

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Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze faces horse sales lawsuit

The plaintiffs’ case is that they paid but learned one of Eric’s companies was invoiced €190,000. They claim he “falsely and deceptively inflated the price – and therefore made a wrongful profit of $103,343.06”.

The complaint states that in or around September 2020, Eric proposed he and the plaintiffs invest in Nikka. The cost and profits would be split equally, it is alleged.

The plaintiffs say they paid $278,000, but “soon learned that defendants had no intention of performing their end of the bargain”.

The plaintiffs say Eric sold another 45% share in Nikka to the buyers, for $2,270,000 and they received none of this. They say Eric paid them $170,000, but owes them $1,325,834.21.

State law requires financial interests to be disclosed accurately; Mr Chapman said of all the US states, Florida’s laws in this area are “the most aggressive and comprehensive”.

“These are allegations and a complaint and anything can be written in a complaint; that doesn’t mean it’s true,” he said, adding that the accusations, if proven, might constitute unfair trade practices.

“This looks like allegations of mis-statement of purchase price, so it’s a cleaner case,” he said. “It’s a serious lawsuit and will require legal counsel very knowledgeable in equine law.”

Eric Lamaze did not want to comment at this time.

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Fighting spirit (and the Eric Lamaze factor) lifts all-female team’s chances at World Showjumping Championships

World Showjumping Championships results: Canada’s top 10 finish

Canada’s phenomenal team spirit has shone through in Herning this week.

Canada’s third rider Tiffany Foster was thrilled to move up to fifth individually with a super clear on Figor, crediting their team coach Eric Lamaze as the driving force behind the squad.

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Five-star grand prix winner retired after injury: ‘I’ll always be there with oranges and bananas and a heart full of love’

Beth and Chacco Kid were competing in the 1.50m ATB Cup on Sunday (21 June) at the Spruce Meadows “National” tournament in Calgary when the horse sustained the injury.

“Chacco was landing and turning from the double Rolex vertical when one of his hind feet clipped the front foot,” said Eric.

Eric, who announced his own retirement from competition in March owing to his heath, enjoyed numerous international victories with the Oldenburg gelding by Chacco-Blue, out of a Come On mare.

Eric discovered Chacco Kid through Marcel Delestre, who was training the Colombian showjumping team at the time. The horse was imported from Colombia and joined Eric’s string in 2016.

“My favourite memory with Chacco was winning the RBC Grand Prix when I wasn’t well,” he said.

“The win was 70% horse and 30% rider. He knew he had to take care of me and seemed to rise to the occasion.”

The pair’s other major wins included the $133,700 (£84,233) CANA Cup at the 2019 CSIO5* Spruce Meadows Masters. Chacco Kid also enjoyed success with several of Eric’s Torrey Pines Stable riders, including Kara Chad as well as Beth and Nina.

“Having success with four different riders over the course of his career is exceptional,” said Eric. “His personality, his heart, and his carefulness allowed him to manoeuvre some of the biggest courses in the world.”

Eric added that it was sad to see a horse who has “done so much for so many riders” leave the sport this way, and for Chacco Kid’s owners, the Chacco Kid Group; Rick and Sara Mershad, Ludi and Carol Sollak, and Andy and Carlene Ziegler.

“There are accidents that, even with the best care, we cannot prevent. On days like these, we should remember and celebrate this extraordinary horse and all that he accomplished,” he said.

Carol said it had “been an honour” to be part of the horse’s career.

“He has the biggest heart and is always happy to see everyone who walks into the barn. Chacco is a competitor and thrives on winning,” she said.

“He and Eric had such a successful career together and, after Eric’s retirement, Chacco had the same drive to win with his new riders.

“I have many fond memories travelling the world to watch Eric and Chacco. I will miss seeing him in the show ring, but I will always be there with oranges and bananas and a heart full of love for him.”

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‘He will not accept cowardice’: top riders share why Olympic showjumper Eric Lamaze has become a true legend

“It is unimaginable what he achieved in that ring,” he says. “Hickstead is one of the all-time greats and so similar to Eric – they are one pair I can’t stop watching again and again.”

Steve says the most useful thing he learnt from Eric, whom he describes as “confident and positive” is: “Never doubt, always stay positive and keep moving forward.”

Eric’s trainee Tiffany Foster, a regular member of the Canadian team, also remembers Calgary as a highlight in Eric’s career.

Tiffany says she learned to be resilient through Eric.

“There is no room for not trying your hardest every time when Eric is involved,” she says. “He pushes you to give your all and he will not accept cowardice of any kind. He has made me stronger than I would have ever been without him.”

Young USA rider Spencer Smith was first impressed by Eric at the CHI Geneva and learnt to believe in himself thanks to Eric’s advice.

“I was very inexperienced and young,” says Spencer. “He really made me believe I could win the Rolex Grand Prix. I went into the ring so confident; he has that effect on people.”

For Spencer, who describes Eric as “determined”, it is his 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winning mare Fine Lady who stands out.

“She has the biggest heart and she would do anything for Eric,” he says. “Their partnership was amazing.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam

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Teenage Derby horses, Holly Smith, and a son of the great Hickstead: who won showjumping ribbons at the weekend?

1. “We trained in a lake near my home”: La Baule Derby victory for Denis Lynch

2. Holly Smith and Fruselli surge to grand prix glory

3. A victory on home soil for Robert Smith

4. “Eric told me to go for it”: Olympian’s former ride takes Rolex grand prix honours

5. Sam Hutton conquers in Belgium

6. Belgium tops the Nations Cup podium

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