Two-time Olympic rider Jessica Kürten hopes to lead the Irish showjumping team to future championship victory, having been appointed high performance jumping manager.

Jessica succeeds Michael Blake, who has been in place since 2019 and has “concluded his tenure”.

Jessica is a much-respected figure in the showjumping world. She represented Ireland at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics, and helped the Irish team win gold at the 2001 European Championships. She formerly reached number two in the world rankings, and was a regular on the World Cup circuit.

Jessica retired from international competition in 2015. She is a coach and commentator, and chair of the FEI athletes committee.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new high performance jumping manager. Ireland has a strong track record and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with [Horse Sport Ireland] HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position,” said Jessica.

“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships and the Olympics in 2028. I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.”

Jessica will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping programme, working with athletes, coaches and support teams to “build on Ireland’s recent international success, while strengthening the pathway from youth and development squads through to senior Nations Cups and championships”.

HSI chief executive Denis Duggan said Jessica is “one of the most iconic figures in jumping and her record speaks for itself”.

“A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivalled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” he said.

“The request for tender and interview process was comprehensive and highly competitive, and Jessica presented the strongest vision for the future of the Irish programme. Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”

Mr Duggan thanked Michael for his “dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport” and wished him “every success in the next chapter”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Fulfilling childhood dreams and the taming of a spicy horse called Tabasco: meet rising star Tom Wachman

‘Words aren’t enough to thank him’: ‘Magical’ Olympic champion who changed lives and touched hearts bows out in London to standing ovation

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This week, the European Showjumping Championships are in full swing from the Casas Novas Equestrian Center in A Coruna, Spain (16-20 July).

Horse & Hound will be bringing you all the insight, rider interviews and opinion, but if you’re tuned in to ClipMyHorse.TV’s live streaming or even lucky enough to be visiting the championships in person, who can you expect to be hearing on the commentary teams?

Who are the ClipMyHorse.TV commentators?

The two English commentators on the ClipMyHorse.TV livestream are Phil Ghazala and Jessica Kurten. Phil will be familiar to most equestrian fans, having worked extensively on the commentary side of horse sport, including many years voicing the action on FEI.TV. Jessica, meanwhile, is a former leading showjumper who represented her native Ireland at the very top level. She is a more recent recruit to the commentary side of the sport but has drawn great praise for her knowledge and insight.

Who are the arena announcers at the Casas Novas EC for the European Showjumping Championships?

The English commentator on the microphone for all the live action in the main arena at Casas Novas is the ever popular Steven Wilde. Steven has been the expert voice of equestrian sport for more than 20 years, leading the commentary from national venues to the Olympic Games and this will be his 11th European Championship. He is joined in the commentary box by Spaniard Carlos Miguel for whom this is a first European Championship but he will be familiar to anyone who has attended the country’s top showjumping shows.

How can I hear these commentators at the European Showjumping Championships?

You can tune into this brilliant commentary team either in person or via online channels alongside all H&H’s coverage.

• To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

You may also be interested in:

Your essential guide to the 2025 European Showjumping Championships in Spain

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships via live streams and on TV wherever you are around the world

European Showjumping Championships day one: all the stories you don’t want to miss

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Castle Forbes Libertina, the world-famous mare competed until recently by showjumper Jessica Kurten, was retired at Mullingar Show, Co Westmeath, last week.

Libertina, owned by Lady Georgina Forbes, had been back on Irish soil for around three weeks after being removed from Jessica’s German yard following a disagreement between the long-standing business partners (news, 3 February).

Mary Slattery, stud manager for Lady Georgina, said Libertina will be put into foal to Lady Georgina’s stallion Vivaldo.

A spokesman for Horse Sport Ireland said: “It is always disappointing when a top horse is no longer available to the Irish team, but we respect the right of owners to do as they wish with their horses.

“Lady Georgina makes a substantial contribution to Irish showjumping through her breeding operation in Ireland and we wish her well.”

Jessica Kurten told H&H: “I have lovely memories [of Libertina] and have enjoyed producing horses for Lady Georgina. Every day is a new challenge and I remind myself that I am only as good as the horse I am sitting on.”

The other horses who left Jessica’s yard remain in Europe. Paddington and Cosma are in Normandy and will be brought back to work shortly. Vivaldo and Myrtille Paulois are with French showjumper Roger Yves Bost.

Roger said: “They will be a good help for the transition between Ideal De La Loge and my young horses.

“Myrtille is an outstanding mare. They will need to return slowly to work as they had a four-month rest.”

There is much speculation as to why relations broke down between Lady Georgina and Jessica. Neither wished to comment futher as legal discussions are taking place but the row is thought to involve who should pay tax on winnings.

A new law is being introduced in Germany whereby a further 19% VAT is to be taken off any winnings won outside of the country.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (9 June, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten and the owner of a number of her top rides, Lady Georgina Forbes, have reached agreement over the horses’ future.

Mrs Kurten said she was pleased to have resolved the impasse with Lady Forbes.

“I can live with this outcome, the attorneys and courts will deal with the rest,” she said.

“Now I will be able to concentrate fully on riding again,” she added.

The Irish rider and Lady Forbes clashed in January when Lady Forbes wanted to take five horses — Libertina, Myrtille Paulois, Cosma, La Vie and Cadeau Z — back from Jessica (news, 3 February).

The pair apparently disagreed over who should pay the tax on Jessica’s winnings and the rider refused to return the horses until the issue was resolved.

Now, at a hearing on 6 April, the higher regional court of Düsseldorf has brokered an agreement, ordering Lady Forbes to deposit €300,000 (£265,000) in a German bank account as surety and for Mrs Kurten to return the horses.

Mrs Kurten’s spokesman said the deposit was to ensure money is available for any compensation or losses awarded to the rider as Lady Forbes does not live in Germany.

H&H was not able to contact Lady Forbes.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (14 April, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Lady Georgina Forbes’ showjumpers will stay at Jessica Kurten’s base in Germany until the financial dispute between the owner and rider has been resolved, a court has ruled.

Lady Forbes had forbidden Jessica from competing the horses and had requested their immediate return.

But following the results of a veterinary inspection, on 28 February the regional court of Duisberg found there was no reason to move the horses.

Mrs Kurten said that she now hoped for an “open and respectful dialogue” towards a solution that would not be too damaging for either “the sport or the financial outcome for all parties concerned”.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (10 March, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten announced this morning that she will no longer compete Lady Georgina Forbes’ horses.

H&H has not been able to confirm the news with Lady Forbes but Jessica said in a statement that the owner has decided that the horses, which include the highly successful mare Castle Forbes Libertina, will no longer compete.

Jessica has five horses owned by Lady Forbes at her yard in Huenxe, Germany.

And the pair have had a business relationship for more than eight years.

Jessica said: “I have been very fortunate to have celebrated many great victories with the horses from Lady Forbes and I am very grateful for this time.

“Both parties have profited from this relationship.”

Jessica said she does not know what will happen to the horses or when they will return to their owner.

A spokesman for Jessica said: “There are financial commitments which need to be cleared up between the owner and Kurtens, as well as third parties.

“There are diverse details also for the German tax authorities which need to be sorted out due to the fact that Lady Georgina Forbes is Irish and lives in Switzerland.

“It goes without saying that the horses from Lady Georgina Forbes will continue to be provided for and cared for while they are at Jessica Kurten’s facility in Rhineland.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten took the Queen’s Cup at Belgium’s five-star show in Mechelen yesterday (Tuesday, 28 December).

The 41-year-old rider pipped French challenger Caroline Nicholas to the prize by just fractions of a second.

Riding Lady Georgina Forbes’s 10-year-old chestnut mare Castle Forbes Cosma in the ladies-only class, Jessica won €2,000 in the 15-horse jump-off.

Jessica and Castle Forbes Cosma finished in a time of 37.33 while Caroline Nicolas finished in 37.39. In third was Aniek Poels from The Netherlands.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten is out of the Rolex FEI World Cup final in Switzerland next week (15-18 April) after a bad fall at home.

Jessica fell from a horse at her yard in Germany on Friday (9 April) and was taken to hospital. She was released over the weekend but will not be fit to compete in Geneva.

“I am very sore at present and while I expect to be back competing shortly, the final is just too soon,” said Jessica.

“While I’m obviously disappointed I feel lucky, because if it wasn’t for my riding helmet things would have been a lot worse.”

Kurten was joint fourth in the World Cup Final at Gothenburg in 2008, and runner-up in 2006 at Kuala Lumpur.

Dermott Lennon from Co Down and Darragh Kenny from Co Offaly will represent Ireland this year.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten is banned from competition until 6 January after losing her appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS).

Mrs Kurten was given a two-month ban by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on 7 May this year after a positive anti-doping test on her horse Castle Forbes Maike at the CSIO La Baule, France on 13 May 2007.

In July CAS lifted the ban on Mrs Kurten competing until after they had considered her appeal against the ban, but today (12 December) they upheld the FEI suspension, meaning the ban is reinstated

FEI secretary-general Alex McLin said: “The FEI welcomes the decision of the CAS, which is not surprising.

“The FEI judicial process is fair and respects the rights of the parties. The CAS now routinely confirms this, which is encouraging, and should be seen as such by those who seek justice before the FEI Tribunal.

“In this case the CAS panel needed fewer than three days of deliberation to reach this conclusion. While of course no two cases are ever the same, this is a positive and noteworthy trend.”

Mrs Kurten must also pay CHF 10,000 as a contribution towards FEI’s legal fees and expenses.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten’s two-month suspension has been put on hold from next Tuesday, 15 July by the Court Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The staying of the suspension came after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said it would be unable to attend a CAS hearing scheduled for 15 July — to hear Ms Kurten’s appeal against the ban.

The FEI decided on 7 May to suspend Ms Kurten from 7 June – 6 August as a result of a prohibited substance being found in horse Castle Forbes Maike, ridden by Ms Kurten at La Baule in 2007.

As the next available date for her appeal hearing is not until September CAS has put off the suspension until they make a decision on the case.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Show jumper Jessica Kurten is still banned from competing, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced today.

Jessica had hoped the two-month ban meted out to her by the FEI in May would be lifted while she appealed it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Jessica was given the ban — and a hefty fine — by the FEI following the discovery of a prohibited substance, etoricoxib, in her horse’s system during a competition in France last year.

But today, after consultation with the FEI, the CAS has announced the ban will remain in place while it considers the case.

Jessica Kurten is therefore suspended from competing now for two months — starting from 7 June finishing on 6 August.

H&H is waiting for a statement from the rider.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten will not be competing in this weekend’s show in Gelderland, Netherlands as she has been suspended from competition from tomorrow, Saturday 7 June, by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Yesterday Ms Kurten lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision made by the FEI on 7 May to suspend her from 7 June as a result of a medication case involving her horse Castle Forbes Maike in 2007.

As part of the appeal submission to CAS, Ms Kurten also sought a stay on her suspension pending a decision on her appeal.

CAS has written to the FEI seeking a response from them on this point before 2pm next Monday. After this CAS will make an order in relation to the request for a stay on the suspension.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s top show jumper Jessica Kurten has informed selectors she will not be available to compete for her country at this summer’s Olympics.

Jessica, 38, is currently ranked world number two in show jumping. She competed for Ireland in the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 and at Athens in 2004.

But this week she decided, together with owner Lady Georgina Forbes, to inform Ireland’s show jumping chef d’equipe, Robert Splaine that she would not be available to ride for her country.

“We already decided at the beginning of the year, that after I qualified a reasonably quick decision should be made to allow enough time for training of horse and rider for such a tough event,” said Jessica.

In a statement released this afternoon, Jessica says she and Lady Georgina decided that Castle Forbes Libertina needs a rest after a busy indoor season culminating in the World Cup final in Sweden last month and said there were “many reasons” why her other leading horse, Quibell, should not go.

Jessica says Quibell is a nervous flyer, and at 14 the stress of taking her to Hong Kong could take “a lot out of her”. The mare is also likely to be off for four weeks with an injury that ruled her out of last weekend’s Samsung Super League in Rome.

Ireland has been allocated one show jumping place at the Olympics due to Jessica’s high placing in the individual FEI rankings.

Chef d’equipe Robert Splaine said: “Obviously it is a pity that Jessica will not be available for the Olympics, as world number two she would have been one of the favourites.

“But her performances over the past year have secured us a place in the Olympics and I am now focusing on selecting a horse and rider to fill that place.”

Speaking from her home in Hünxe, Germany, Jessica said today: “To compete at the Olympics is a dream for every rider and I wish the horse-and-rider combination who flies the Irish tri-colour in Hong Kong the very best of luck.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten will appeal her two-month suspension from competition to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Yesterday, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) fined Jessica and banned her from competing for two months following the discovery of a banned substance in her horse’s bloods at a show in France last year.

After the CSIO 5* in La Baule, France in May 2007, Castle Forbes Maike was selected for a random dope check, and tested positive for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etoricoxib

The drug is a low-grade “medication” substance according to FEI rules and Jessica, Ireland’s top show jumper, has always protested her innocence.

Today, her spokesman Martina Brueske told H&H that Jessica intends to appeal the FEI’s decision to CAS — which will mean the two-month ban will be suspended until the CAS gives its ruling.

Jessica said in a statement: “I am not guilty, I gave my horse nothing.”

She has also questioned FEI procedures for the second time, claiming they are not in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

Ms Brueske confirmed to H&H that Jessica Kurten will be competing in Germany this weekend.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the country’s governing body for equestrian sport, has declined to comment on the case.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten has been banned from competing for two months for committing a “doping offence”.

The immediate suspension by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), follows the discovery of a prohibited substance, etoricoxib, in her horse’s system during a competition in France last May.

Last May, Jessica Kurten and Castle Forbes Maike won €22,000 (£15,400) at the CSIO 5* in La Baule, France.

Afterwards, Castle Forbes Maike was selected for a random dope test, and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etoricoxib, was found in the horse’s system.

Today, the FEI announced that the rider has infringed anti-doping rules, and will be suspended from competition immediately. Her suspension will last two months — a critical time for selection in the run up to this summer’s Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

Jessica will also forfeit the prize-money and placing at the show, and fined 3,750 Swiss Francs (about £1,800).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Reigning British Open champion Jessica Kurten put herself back in the reckoning in Birmingham with a breath-taking round on Quibell to deservedly head the second leg of the British Open qualifier.

“I over-cooked the goose yesterday (eight faults put her in 16th) and had to do something spectacular today,” said Jessica, who risked a virtually impossible line to the final imposing planks — the only one to dare — to move into fifth in the Standings Table.

The 12 strong jump-off made a record itself, with all five Whitakers jumping initial clears. Michael was the first to challenge the lead with Insul Tech Wonami Van Aard. This Bon Ami daughter was a second slower, taking an eventual third when John pushed Casino slightly ahead, sufficient for him to now head the leaderboard.

Drawn last, Robert was in contention until La Croix chipped the back rail of an oxer to drop them in ninth but still keeps him in the frame for the final just one and a half points behind his father.

Ellen Whitaker brought new ride Ocolado in fourth with cousin William just behind on Arielle.

Following his spectacular win the previous evening, Robert Whitaker compounded his form in Friday morning’s hotly contested Grandstand Classic in a 12 strong jump-off, on this occasion riding Rusedski.

“He’s returned fresh from a six week rest and won well,” said Robert.

Hailed as the round of the show so far, Nick Skelton annihilated the opposition in a masterclass of speed riding to top the Accumulator by almost three secs on Lisa Hales’s Russel.

This track was made for Russel’s ability to gallop at fences, especially the imposing ‘Joker’ vertical, and the striking stallion looks at his best after a four month break.

The World Class Development Programme Championship for Under 23-year-olds saw Brendon Stud stallions lift the top two places.

Scott Brash’s opener on Sebastian III, a winner for him on Portugal’s recent Atlantic Tour, looked sufficient for the top spot but Louise Pavitt, verbally encouraged by the audience, set off galloping and kept the momentum on Unbelievable Darco.

“I knew the track would suit him” said Louise.

Georgie Spence’s show jumping experience may have helped in the Red Mills Horse Feeds Indoor Cross Country Championship, but she certainly picked up the speed when crossing disciplines.

“I kept tight between two and three in the show jumping, then galloped flat out on the cross-country” said Georgie, the youngest competitor at 19 and incredibly some three secs in front of second placed Mark Kyle on Drunken Disorderly despite carrying a three sec penalty from a lowered pole. Professionally stylish, William Fox-Pitt was third on Ballincoola in his first visit to the show.

GRANDSTAND CLASSIC

1. Rusedski II (Robert Whitaker)

2. Robin (Geoff Luckett)

3. Rex (Mark Armstrong)

WORLD CLASS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Unbelievable Darco (Louise Pavitt)

2. Sebastian III (Scott Brash)

3. Osiris (Gemma Paternoster)

THE ACCUMULATOR

1. Russel (Nick Skelton)

2. VDL Groep Owendel (Eric Van Der Vleuten)

3. Castle Forbes Vivaldo Van Het Costerveld (Jessica Kurten)

RED MILLS HORSE FEEDS INDOOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

1 Song For Gull (Georgie Spence), GBR (3 secs to add) Total time 73.46

2 Drunken Disorderly (Mark Kyle), IRE (0) 76.45

3 Ballincoola (William Fox-Pitt), GBR (0) 81.33

BRITISH OPEN QUALIFIER SECTION TWO

1 Quibell (Jessica Kurten)

2 Casino (John Whitaker)

3 Insul Tech Wonami Van Den Aard (Michael Whitaker)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Four of the world’s top 10 show jumpers will compete at next week’s British Open Show Jumping Championships (3-6 April 2008).

Britain’s Michael Whitaker will be joined by Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs, Ireland’s Jessica Kurten and Germany’s Christian Ahlman jumping at Birmingham’s NEC.

In addition, John, Robert, Ellen and William Whitaker have accepted invitations to jump at the British Open, along with Tim Stockdale, William Funnell, Nick Skelton, Robert Smith and Guy Williams.

Two more riders will be awarded wild cards from this weekend’s Addington Manor easibedplus Classic.

www.britishopenshowjumping.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The complete file on the positive medication case involving the horse Castle Forbes Maike ridden by Jessica Kurten (IRL) at CSI 5* La Baule in May 2007 has been forwarded to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Tribunal.

The tribunal’s decision will be announced and published as soon as it is taken.

Two random samples taken from Castle Forbes Maike at Le Baule tested positive for a prohibited substance, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug.

Ms Kurten has always denied giving the drug — etoricoxib — to the horse.

The FEI Tribunal is composed of a chair and members with proven legal expertise and appropriate knowledge and experience of equestrian sport.

Members of the Tribunal are elected by the FEI General Assembly and are independent of the FEI bureau, technical committees and headquarters.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten has decided not to appear in front of a tribunal looking at the positive medication case of her horse Castle Forbes Maike.

Random blood samples were taken from Castle Forbes Maike at La Baule, France, in May 2007. Tests on two different samples returned positive for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Etoricoxib.

While not widely known for its use in horses, Etoricoxib is classed as a “medication” substance rather than a “doping” substance.

As such, the presence of Etoricoxib in the horse’s blood is a minor infringement of the rules set out by the governing body of horse sport, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

But since the first positive test, Jessica Kurten has insisted her horse was not given any drug, and that she wanted the case heard in front of an FEI tribunal. She also publicly accused the FEI of bungling the case.

But today the FEI announced that the tribunal was cancelled.

FEI spokesman Malina Gueorguiev told H&H: “Jessica decided not to appear at a hearing, and we have never received a formal complaint on FEI procedures.”

The FEI has sent of file of evidence gathered from vets and laboratories to Jessica’s legal team, who had until 4 February to return any further evidence with their own representation.

But the rider has requested has now requested an extension to this deadline. Her case will be submitted to the FEI by 28 February, and the federation’s disciplinary committee will return a decision within 28 days.

“The tribunal will examine everything in the file and make their own decision,” said Malina.

Maximum penalties for this offence are a one-year suspension from competition, together with a CHF15,000 (£7,000) fine and forfeit of the €22,000 (£15,400) prize-money Jessica won at La Baule.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s Jessica Kurten secured a second sensational victory with Castle Forbes Libertina in the 2007/2008 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series when coming out on top in Leipzig, Germany (20 January, ’08).

Irish team manager Robert Splaine said: “Jessica was in a class of her own and Libertina was unbelievable. They are such an amazing partnership.”

Robert Smith was Britain’s only representative in the 12-horse jump off. Taking the role of pathfinder, he was unfortunately eliminated after Kalusha stopped twice at the double. Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Lantinus collected four faults in 35.26sec to set the early pace but Germany’s Lars Nieberg and Lucie immediately demoted him with a clear in 36.10.

German amateur Max Kuhner produced a steady clear (42.75sec) with Acantus, which was good enough for eighth place at the end of the day.

Marcus Ehning and Sandro Boy then raised the bar by crossing the finishing line without any penalties in 34.42, to finish marginally ahead of Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and the exciting stallion Ninja La Silla by just 0.01sec.

Ludger Beerbaum and Couleur Rubin posted a keen time of 34.89sec to stay well in the frame, but no-one could match Jessica’s performance. Second-last into the ring, she set off with Libertina at full gallop and after getting a great turn-back at the fourth fence, she came home in an unbeatable 33.60sec.

“When Libby is in this kind of form then I just have to stay on board and let her take all the decisions,” said a delighted Jessica Kurten afterwards. “She is a super-intelligent horse and I’m so very lucky to have her!”

World Cup qualifier results

1, Castle Forbes Libertina (Jessica Kuerten) Irl 0/0 33.60;

2, Sandro Boy (Marcus Ehning) Ger 0/0 34.42;

3, Ninja la Silla (Rolf-Goran Bengtsson) Swe 0/0 34.43;

4, Couleur Rubin (Ludger Beerbaum) Ger 0/0 34.89;

5, Lucie (Lars Nieberg) Ger 0/0 36.10;

6, Levisto Z (Judy-Ann Melchior) Bel 0/0 36.35;

7, Le Mans (Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum) Ger 0/0 40.95;

8, Acantus GK (Max Kuhner) Ger 0/0 42.75;

9, Meautry’s Locarno (Luciana Diniz) Por 0/4 35.12;

10, Lantinus (Denis Lynch) Irl 0/4 35.26

Western European Leaderboard after round eight

1. Jessica Kuerten – 79

2. Rutherford Latham – 45

3. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson – 47

4. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum – 46

5. Ludger Beerbaum – 44

6. Helena Lundback – 41

7. William Whitaker – 39

8. Albert Zoer – 38

9. Judy-Ann Melchior – 33

10. Steve Guerdat – 31

11. Nick Skelton – 30

12. Malin Baryard-Johnsson – 28

13. Luciana Diniz – 27

14. Marco Kutscher, Michel Hecart- 25

16. Marcus Ehning – 24

17. Max Kuhner – 24

18. Michael Whitaker, Daniel Deusser – 24

20. Heinrich-Hermann Engemann – 23

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten’s smile lit up the Olympia arena after Ireland’s number one rider won the final afternoon’s World Cup qualifier and simultaneously confirmed her place in next April’s final.

Jessica had to produce a special round, first to demote Swedish star Malin Baryard-Johnsson (Butterfly Flip) and then hold off the last-ditch challenge from Britain’s Nick Skelton (Arko III).

The seven-horse jump-off included four British representatives, with John Whitaker’s double clear on Peppermill good enough for fourth place, Tim Stockdale fifth with Fresh Direct Corlato and Michael Whitaker, who had the worst of the draw, settling for seventh with Suncal Portofino.

“I was relieved to get into the jump-off, as I wasn’t feeling well, then the adrenalin took over and I decided to go for it,” said Jessica.

Both Jessica and Nick followed John Whitaker’s example and took a stride out to the final fence.

“But I gave up a bit two strides out and thought I wouldn’t make it. I sat back, braced myself for the crash and Arko was really good to me to clear it,” said Nick.

The rest of the day belonged to Robert Whitaker. After being assured of the £10,000 prize as leading rider, the 24-year-old Yorkshireman was back at the head of the line in the H&M Masters.

Alois Pohlmann-Schweckhorst looked certain to take the £14,500 prize home to Germany, but Robert was inspired and rode Prima Vera to victory by 0.29sec.

“I’ve been coming to Olympia since I was a kid and there’s no show like it,” said Robert afterwards.

Robert’s father John was at the head of the line earlier in the evening when he held off his 18-year-old nephew William in the H&N British Challenge. And to keep things in the family, William was riding Carnaval Path, a horse bred by his mentor, John’s brother Michael.

The day began with two hard-fought national classes, which both produced worthy winners.

Pony European team gold medallist Jordan Whittaker had to produce the round of her life to beat another member of the European squad, Emma Stoker, in the BSJA Rising Stars Championship.

Emma and Tick Tock Two Tone held the lead until the end of the 10-horse jump-off and it took a special round from Jordan and Edsilia to beat them.

Edsilia is for sale because Jordan will now move into young riders classes.

“I’ve got the grade A Pauldary’s Tiger’s Flight and a novice horse to ride,” she said.

Another rider with future European pony team ambitions gained her best ever win when Amy Inglis partnered Ellen Whitaker to victory in the H&M Pony Club mini major relay.

West Sussex-based Amy, the daughter of British team rider Duncan Inglis, represented the Southdown Hunt west branch on her 128cm pony J’s Junior.

“He’s more than amazing,” she said.

Ellen, who was scoring her first victory of the show, was grateful to her partner.

“I knew I could rely on Amy to help me win,” she said.

Results (top three and all British placings)

BSJA Rising Stars

1. Edsilia (Jordan Whittaker)

2. Tick Tock Two Tone (Emma Stoker)

3. Gold Harvest (Jordan Nason)

H&M Pony Club Mini-Major relay

1. Cortaflex Kanselier (Ellen Whitaker) & J’s Junior (Amy Inglis)

2. Una II (Guy Williams) & Strawberry Twist (Aoife Dooley)

3. Animation II (Tim Stockdale) & Racing Stripes (Harriet Barsham)

Rolex World Cup qualifier

1. Castle Forbes Libertina (Jessica Kurten), IRE

2. Arko III (Nick Skelton)

3. Butterfly Flip (Malin Baryard-Johnsson), SWE

4. Peppermill (John Whitaker)

5. Fresh Direct Corlato (Tim Stockdale)

7. Suncal Portofino (Michael Whitaker)

9. Sefana (Mark Armstrong)

H&M British Challenge

1. Azucar/Casino (John Whitaker)

2. Carnaval Path (William Whitaker)

3. Lavaletta II (Mark Armstrong)

4. Cortaflex Amber Du Montois (William Funnell)

5. Merva Des Hayettes (Guy Williams)

6. Rusedski II (Robert Whitaker)

7. Animation II/Lou Lou (Tim Stockdale)

8. Lady Des Hayettes (Michael Whitaker)

9. Mr Springfield (Robert Smith)

10. Henri De Here (Ellen Whitaker)

H&M Masters

1. Prima Vera (Robert Whitaker)

2. Paparazzi (Alois Pohlmann-Schweckhorst)

3. Kalusha (Robert Smith)

5eq. Insultech Mozart Des Hayettes (Michael Whitaker)

www.olympiahorseshow.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

IRISH show jumper Jessica Kurten is to face an International Equestrian Federation (FEI) tribunal committee at Lausanne on 21 February.

Jessica had accused the FEI of “gross procedural errors” after tests from her horse, Castle Forbes Maike, were found positive for the banned anti-inflammatory drug Etoricoxib.

She called for a tribunal after claiming news of her case was leaked to the media “indiscreetly”, and that an independent analyst should have been allowed to witness the testing of the second sample.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s Jessica Kürten stormed to victory in convincing fashion on Castle Forbes Libertina at the seventh IJRC Top-10 Final sponsored by Rolex in Geneva (Sunday 9 December).

Defending World Cup champion Beat Mandli from Switzerland slotted into second ahead of Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum in third.

It was a night of surprises, including elimination for Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding Checkmate, who twice ducked out at the wall during the first round of the competition.

Britain’s sole representative Michael Whitaker set off in determined mood after narrowly missing out last year due to a single time fault, but two down on Insul Tech Mozart des Hayettes dropped him out of contention.

Only Ludger Beerbaum on Couleur Rubin and Jessica Kürten managed to keep a clean sheet going into the second round.

Castle Forbes Libertina never looked like making a mistake in round two and galloped through the finish clear in 59.13sec to ensure her rider took home the €30,000 winners prize and a new Rolex watch.

A delighted Jessica said: “There is a lot of pressure in these type of competitions because you are competing against the best in the world but when you go into the final round you can’t think about making a mistake.

“I know my horse is good enough, although I sometimes wonder if I’m good enough, but she tries every time!”

After picking up four faults with Ideo du Thot in the opening round, Beat Mandli’s stallion was much sharper when he returned to the arena and soared home clear in 56.95 sec, which was good enough for second place.

Beat Mandli blamed himself for his first-round error and said he was “super-happy with my horse” despite Ideo du Thot being a bit nervous going into the electric atmosphere in the packed Palexpo Arena.

After surviving a spectacular hind-leg paddle in round one, Ludger Beerbaum’s Couleur Rubin rolled the top pole off the vertical three from home in the second round to finish third.

IJRC Top-10 FINAL presented by ROLEX

1, Castle Forbes Libertina (Jessica Kürten) 0/0 59.13;

2, Ideo du Thot (Beat Mandli) Sui 4/0 56.95;

3, Couleur Rubin (Ludger Beerbaum) Ger 0/4 61.49;

4, Coster (Christian Ahlmann) Ger 4/4 56.44;

5, Gitania (Marcus Ehning) Ger 4/4 57.60;

6, Insul Tech Mozart des Hayettes (Michael Whitaker) GBR 8/0 60.03;

7, Sam (Albert Zoer) Ned 4/8 51.85;

8, Judgement (Beezie Madden) USA 4/8 56.65;

9, Eurocommerce Acapulco (Gerco Schroder) Ned 4/8 60.07;

10, Checkmate (Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum) Ger 4/8 60.07.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten has until Monday, 12 November, to explain how a banned drug entered her horse’s system.

Random blood samples were taken from Jessica’s horse Castle Forbes Maike at La Baule, France, in May. Tests on two samples have since returned positive for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Etoricoxib.

While not widely known for its use in horses, Etoricoxib is classed as a “medication” substance rather than a “doping” substance.

As such, the presence of Etoricoxib in the horse’s blood is a minor infringement of the rules set out by the governing body of horse sport, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

“It’s absolutely standard procedure,” said a spokesman for the FEI, who added: “She requested a longer deadline, but we set it to 12 November. We are doing our best not to drag it on forever.”

If Jessica Kurten accepted liability, she could pay a CHF750 (£320) fine and forfeit the €22,000 (£15,400) she won at the show.

But the show jumper insists her horse was not given any drug, and has said she wants the case heard in front of an FEI tribunal. Jessica has also publicly accused the FEI of bungling the case.

Jessica Kurten has until 12 November to explain how the drug could have possibly entered Castle Forbes Maike’s system, after which a date will be set for her tribunal.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish show jumper Jessica Kurten has accused the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) of “gross procedural errors” over the medication case concerning her horse Castle Forbes Maike.

A second sample from Jessica’s horse tested positive last week for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Etoricoxib. The sample was collected at La Baule, France, in May this year.

The drug is classed by the FEI as “medication” rather than “dope”, making this a more minor infringement than for some substances .

If Jessica accepts liability, she would pay 750 Swiss francs (£320) fine and forfeit the €22,000 (£15,400) she won at the show. But the rider insists her horse was not given any drug and has said she wants the case heard by an FEI tribunal. She has also publicly accused the FEI of bungling the case.

“These things must be clarified…for the public impression of our sport, and its federation,” she said in a statement.

“The justifiable demand for clean sport is inseparable from the athlete’s right to a fair and correct hearing.”

Jessica claims that the news of Castle Forbes Maike’s first positive test was “indiscreetly passed on to the Irish and German media” in August, during the European Show Jumping Championships in Mannheim, Germany (news, 30 August).

She claims the FEI will not confirm how much of the drug was found in the samples and that an independent analyst was not allowed to witness the testing of the second “B” sample on her behalf.

Jessica also claims the media were informed of the positive B test before she and her lawyers were.

FEI spokesman Malina Gueorguiev denies this.

“We are extremely careful to follow our own rules so there can be no procedural errors,” she said, explaining that FEI rules permit a witness to check that a B sample is not contaminated, but not the actual testing.

She added that information leaked to the press about the positive A sample had not come from the FEI.

When H&H went to press on Monday, Ms Gueorguiev said the FEI had not been formally notified of Jessica’s complaints or her request for a hearing.

In September 2004 Jessica’s horse, Castle Forbes Libertina, tested positive for a prohibited substance at a show in Calgary. Jessica blamed contaminated feed. But the case was dropped by FEI when the sample container was found to have a leak.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (18 October, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The second blood sample from Jessica Kurten’s horse Castle Forbes Maike has tested positive for etoricoxib, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) tonight confirmed the result of the second test, taken from a sample from the Irish show jumper’s horse at the CSIO 5* La Baule in France (10-13 May).

Jessica’s husband, Ekhardt, told H&H he had not heard officially heard the result from the FEI, and will not make a statement at present.

Etoricoxib is classed as a “class A” substance, meaning that Jessica can accept an administrative penalty including disqualification from the event and a fine.

But in August, when news of the first positive test broke during the European Show Jumping Championships (news, 30 August), Jessica said there was absolutely “no grounds” to the situation.

“I didn’t give my horse anything, I don’t know the substance,” she said.

Tempers between the Irish team were frayed during the championships in Mannheim, Germany after the doping news was revealed.

Jessica swore on camera after her final round, where she came 13th, saying: “I think there’s a pack of Irish arseholes who are trying to give me a bad time.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Leading Irish show jumper Jessica Krten was under a cloud at the Europeans last weekend, when it was revealed that one of her top horses, Castle Forbes Maike, tested positive for a banned substance.

The positive test was at a CSIO5* at La Baule, France, in May where Jessica won the 100,000 (about 68,000) first prize.

There is a positive dope test, confirmed Jessica at the weekend. But there is absolutely nothing to ground this, I didn’t give my horse anything.

I dont know the substance. Ive left it in the hands of my lawyer. I gave everything to my lawyer just before the Europeans so that I could concentrate on my riding.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) will not announce anything until the second sample, B, has been tested. If this proves positive, Jessica could be fined and stripped of her prize-money from La Baule, plus, more seriously, she could be banned from competing for a period of time.

While the FEI has not released any further information on the substance, Jessicas husband, Eckardt Krten has told reporters the substance was the lowest of the three grades classified by horse sports governing body, the FEI.

The Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) last night, 20 August, confirmed that Castle Forbes Maike had tested positive for a prohibited substance, but said: we cannot give a date for the result of the [B] test because the FEI is still awaiting confirmation of a test date.

With pressure mounting between the Irish team riders in German, Jessica let off steam in front of TV cameras on Sunday, 19 August.

As she left the arena after hitting two fences in the individual competition, 37-year-old Jessica was captured on RTE cameras shouting: I think theres a pack of Irish a*******s who are trying to give me a bad time.

The EFI said of her outburst: While recognising the pressures to which riders are subjected at the highest level of international competition, it is not the policy of the EFI to condone intemperate behaviour by its officials or competitors towards members of the media or public.

• Jessica Kurten’s website
• International Equestrian Federation website
• Equestrian Federation of Ireland website
• European Show Jumping Championship website

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s Holmestead Saddlery has created a new competition for young riders offering a two-week all-expenses paid trip to train with Jessica Kurten.

The competition — named the Holmestead Young Rider of the Year — will run over qualifiers, warm-up and finals for the Royal Dublin Show (RDS). Points will be awarded to young riders (aged 14-21) competing in 110cm, 120 cm and 130cm classes on a handicap basis.

The eventual winner will take their own horse to Jessica’s state-of-the-art yard in Germany for two weeks. They will get training and advice from Jessica and her team, and all expenses will be paid.

“We wanted to make it more interesting for the young riders and to give everyone a chance to win,” said Bill Holmes, owner of Holmstead Saddlery. “We want to encourage more young people in sport.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten led an Irish one-two in this year’s British Open Show Jumping Championship. Although the German-based rider lowered a single fence on Galopin De Bioley, this was enough to keep her ahead of Billy Twomey, who jumped the sole double clear of the final on the good mare Anastasia.

The final round, contested by the top eight riders, was not without controversy after two officials blocked Swiss rider Markus Fuchs’s path to the triple bar. The resulting pole down with Ovation dropped the Swiss rider into fourth place, but Markus took it well.

“It’s one of those things. These guys do a great job and they went to sleep for a couple of minutes,” he said.

Jessica, meanwhile, is looking forward to the coming season.

“All the Irish horses have jumped so well and that’s good news for the European Championships and getting back into the Nations Cup Super League,” she said, after pocketing a £25,250 cheque here.

Earlier in the afternoon, Markus Fuchs showed everyone exactly how to ride against the clock when he took the British Speed Stakes on the Irish-bred Royal Charmer.

The day had also started well for last year’s Only Fools On Horses TV series when one of Jessica’s co-stars on the programme, Tim Stockdale, produced a fantastic round to take the £5,000 prize in the Winter A and B Grand Prix final with Fresh Direct Corlato.

Tim had to be at his best to hold off a spirited challenge from another popular pair, Helen Tredwell and Opportunity B.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report from the British Open Show Jumping Championships, including fantastic photographs, in this week’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ireland’s Jessica Kurten moved to the top of the British Open rankings after the jump-off leg on Friday night.

Bob Ellis’s big course produced a terrific nine-horse jump-off, where Jessica came from penultimate draw on Galopin De Bioley to beat Belgium’s Kristof Cleeren on another scopey stallion, Sea Coast Conan, by almost 0.5sec.

In a good class for the Irish, Billy Twomey rode Anastasia into third place, just ahead of Mark Armstrong, once again the best of the Brits on Thesaura.

Jessica Kurten took the ride on the 13-year-old Galopin in January. “And he’s getting better every time he competes,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Dutchman Eric van der Vleuten completed a winning double when he and the Andiamo mare Pitareusa held off Britain’s Paul Barker on Blue Chip Quinton in an entertaining easibed Accumulator.

But it was the early evening class that really headlined 17-year-old William Whitaker’s talent. Already looking certain — barring a disaster — to qualify for the British Open final itself, the junior European Champion took on the others in his age group in the British Equestrian Federation World Class Start and Potential Under-23 Classic.

There was again a tremendous jump-off. Classy Irishman Anthony Condon jumped a great jump-off round on Killy Jones, but William and Insultech Leonardo cut the corners tighter and crossed the line more than 1sec ahead.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s indepth report on all the action for the British Open in Birmingham in next Thursday’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Michael Whitaker finished sixth in the FEI World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur this weekend. Whitaker and Insul Tech Portofino produced a stunning double clear in the final leg of the competition to climb up the order from 12th place.

But the trophy went to Germany’s Marcus Ehning – for the second time. In the final stage of the Championships, Ehning held onto pole position to win with the stallion Sandro Boy. Jessica Kurten from Ireland finished just one pen behind with Castle Forbes Libertina. Third place went to Beat Mandli from Switzerland with Italy’s Juan Carlos Garcia in fourth.

In the end the 2005/6 FEI World Cup Jumping series closed with an exciting battle between two of the best jumping horses on the circuit. “He’s an unbelievable horse” Ehning said of Sandro Boy. “It doesn’t matter to him where he finds himself – how short he is to a fence, how long he is or how big the fence is, he just jumps it and the feeling is unbelievable”.

But Kuerten and Castle Forbes Libertina put up an impressive fight. The pair jumped a breathtaking clear in the final round but a slower time in the first leg of the competition cost them the trophy. “I never felt in any danger,” Kuerten said afterwards, “I was worried in the first round that Libertina would take charge but she jumped sensationally – she just wants to do everything right.”

Course designer Frank Rothenberger’s bold third-round track caught out a large number of contestants – with imposing planks and oxers 1.7 metres wide. Reigning champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Checkmate hit the front rail of the oxer at fence four in the third round, dropping them down the order to fifth place. Robert Smith did not compete in the final stages of the competition, after Kalusha knocked an uncharacteristic four fences in the second round, encouraging an anxious Smith to withdraw him.

Results

1, Marcus Ehning (Sandro Boy) Ger

2. Jessica Kuerten (Castle Forbes Libertina) Irl

3. Beat Mandli (Ideo du Thot) Sui

4. Juan Carlos Garcia (Loro Piana Albin) Ita

5. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Checkmate) Ger

6. Michael Whitaker (Insul Tech Portofino) GBR

7. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (MacKinley) Swe

8. Pia-Luise Aufrecht (Hofgut Liederbach’s Abrisca) Ger

9. Gerco Schroder (Eurocommerce Milano) Ned

10. Heinrich Hermann Engemann (Aboyeur) Ger

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There is no stopping Jessica Kurten. The Irish show jumper continued her unbeatable form this weekend, winning a new Mercedes in the Swiss Masters and €32,000 in the Swiss Classic. An attempt by Britain’s Michael Whitaker to put a stop to Kurten’s domination proved unsuccessful when she trumped him by more than a second in the Swiss Masters.

Now ranked fifth in the world, the 36-year-old has clinched seven major competitions in 15 days including the Dubai Masters and Dubai Grand Prix where she scooped $250,000 – show jumping’s richest ever prize.

Kurten also won in Liepzig last weekend and last Thursday she took another €20,000 by qualifying for the Swiss Masters when winning the Credit Suisse Masters Qualifier.

After winning the Swiss Grand Prix, Kurten was one of only two in the 15- strong line up to jump a double clear in Friday’s Swiss Masters. Partnering Castle Forbes Libertina she finished over a second faster than Britain’s Michael Whitaker and Portofino. Swiss rider Christina Leibherr who won the World Cup qualifier in Mechelen, Belgium three weeks ago finished third with L B No Mercy.

Kurten’s run of luck seemed to falter when she clocked up four penalties in the Swiss Classic after knocking a pole in the jump off. But her speedy round was good enough for third place and an impressive €32,000. Germany’s Marcus Ehning took the trophy with a double clear on Sandro Boy.

Kurten is now en route to Bordeaux for the next round of the Samsung World Cup where she will come head to head with Michael Whitaker for a second time in a week, as well as John Whitaker and Robert Smith. With so many major titles under her belt in just 15 days, the British contenders have a lot to prove.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten continued her recent remarkable run of form on the international show jumping circuit with a win in the Grand Prix at Zurich, Switzerland yesterday. The victory added another 20,000 euros to the quarter million dollar prize she took home a fortnight ago after winning the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge in Dubai (pictured).

Partnering Quibell, the 36-year-old Irish rider jumped a faultless first round to become one of only 11 jump-off participants.

In a nail-biting finish Kurten crossed the line under half a second ahead of Swiss ace Beat Mandli with Ideo du Thot. Germany’s Alois Pollmann Schweckhorst took third place on Candy. The victory marks Kurten’s fifth win of the last fortnight.

Meanwhile, The Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI ) has taken over selection for senior and developmental international show jumping from the Show Jumping Association of Ireland, on an interim basis.

The move is designed to ensure Irish teams enjoy stability and continuity in the current season, and in the run-up to the World Equestrian Games, following events in Irish show jumping over the past year, and the negative publicity and upset these have engendered. A show jumping selection committee will be announced shortly.

Picture by Kit Houghton

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Kurten won the richest prize ever in show jumping — $250,000 — at the Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge in Dubai on Friday. And if that was not enough of a story, she did it from a seemingly impossible first draw in the 13-strong jump-off while nursing a pulled shoulder.

Jessica and Quibell (pictured) set off at hunting pace and got a tricky double out of the way before kicking on around the huge floodlit arena, to go clear in 38.22 secs.

Trying to beat her forced error after error from the world class field, and eventually an entirely separate competition developed for second place and a not to be dismissed $170,000.

There was then the prospect of a “home” win. The Saudi star, Sydney bronze medallist Khaled El Eid was last to go and, with nothing to lose, was lightning fast out of the blocks and came very close on 38.85, but with two down, including an exasperating final fence.

Against this drama Nick Skelton surreptitiously held on to third, from the third draw, with Arko to pocket a cool $120,000. “Not bad, eh?” he beamed while furiously texting connections in the collecting ring.

For Jessica, it was a dream three days. She had also won Thursday’s Masters and paid huge credit to her home team who kept her horses in work after she was grounded by a fall immediately after Olympia.

“I would like to pay huge credit to the Maktoum family for this show,” she said. “We have never seen anything like it.”

Of the other British in the grand prix, Tim Gredley, John Whitaker and Michael Whitaker all went out in the first round.

Earlier, Nick continued his unbeaten run in the six bar with Russell. With eight previous wins, they shared first prize in Dubai version Alois Pollman Schwekhorst on Glen and took his show total to some $160,000.

pictures by Al Maktoum Memorial Challenge/Kit Houghton

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now