Latest from Horse & Hound in Laura-kraut

Laura Kraut wins unusual Dublin grand prix: ‘I was sick to my stomach watching’

Pippa Roome — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:22:46 +0000

Laura Kraut claimed victory in a highly unusual Rolex grand prix at the RDS Dublin Horse Show today (10 August) when she won with the only clear round in the class.

“Dublin is one of those that’s on your bucket list of classes to win – I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to win this today,” said the 59-year-old US rider, whose last five-star grand prix win was over two years ago.

Laura and Cherry Knoll Farm Inc’s Bisquetta were the penultimate combination to tackle Alan Wade’s track. When they entered the arena, 11 pairs had finished the course with four faults and it looked as though they would have to jump off to decide the honours.

But Laura showed all her class and experience when she piloted the 11-year-old mare round with both determination and precision to record the only fault-free performance of the class and ultimately take the top spot. It was all over when final pair Trevor Breen and Highland President hit the oxer into the Rolex treble at fence 4a and then retired further round.

“I expected a good class, but didn’t think I’d get a great class. You don’t expect one clear to win it and I didn’t aim for that,” said course-designer Alan Wade.

“I thought there would be six or eight clears, but there were 11 on four faults and all of them would have probably gone clear if they’d been given a second chance. At this level, you’re building for the top level, you have spread, you have height, you have good material here in Dublin.

“I don’t think I’d have done anything different. The time was comfortable and you couldn’t say we were forcing them into mistakes. Maybe some will think we should have had 10 in the jump-off, but with lighter material you can get softer faults. Sometimes you get one or two go clear, or I’ve had it go all the way up to 17. It’s not an exact science and you have to be fair to the horses and the occasion.”

Alan joked that he blamed Shane Sweetnam, who went in second with James Kann Cruz and ended up third with just the orange oxer over a water tray at fence three down.

“When I did 12.2hh pony qualifiers, you needed someone to settle the rest and if he’d gone clear, we’d have had eight or nine in the jump-off!”

Laura Kraut: ‘Bisquetta is terrified of other horses’ tails’

Laura said: “Thanks to Alan for building a course that suited my horse perfectly! He’s right, we were not settled – I was sick to my stomach watching each horse go.

“I had a plan from when I walked it and I stuck to it. She’s very careful, very brave. This year she has really stepped up a level so I had confidence it wasn’t going to be too much for her, but I didn’t expect she’d do it as easily as she did. She rode perfectly and I cannot tell you how good she is.”

Laura’s partner Nick Skelton has won this grand prix five times. Asked if he put the pressure on her, Laura said: “He was great but he did say about halfway through, ‘This is the perfect class, you get in there and be the only clear, don’t worry about it.’”

Laura said Bisquetta has a lot of quirks, but doesn’t show them when you’re riding her.

“She’s terrified of other horses – mostly she’s terrified of their tails. If they swish their tails, she likes to run away! She’s actually very sweet in the stable, but she doesn’t like people or other horses and she’s becoming more and more of a princess.”

Laura Kraut and Bisquetta jump the only clear in the grand prix at Dublin 2025. (Image credit: picture courtesy of Rolex series)

Dublin grand prix: faults well spread

There was no particular bogey fence, faults were well spread. One of the favourites, Ireland’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy on ESI Rocky, had the first and last down, others faulted at the line of the Rolex wall (fence six), six strides to the water and then seven or eight strides to a delicate Rolex upright, which was topped with a thin yellow plank.

Tom Wachman (Tabasco De Toxandria Z), the other rider besides Seamus who jumped a double clear for Ireland in Friday’s Nations Cup, was among those who faulted when he went to the plank on seven strides.

Laura said she didn’t change a great deal from what she planned when she walked the course, but she did confirm her approach to the “very technical and careful” final line, triple bar to delicate double to oxer.

“The one part of the course that worried me was the vertical at fence 11 with the rollback to the triple bar,” she said. “I didn’t want to count a number of strides there because it’s not something I like to do, but as I watched it looked like the best option was to drop in and go on eight, so you had momentum to get five strides to the double.”

On the podium

Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom take second in the 2025 Dublin grand prix. (Image credit: picture courtesy of Rolex series)

Rodrigo Pessoa finished second for Brazil on Major Tom with the fastest four-fault round. With a late draw, he pressed on after he had fence 4b down, a mistake he blamed on himself, saying he came in “a bit hot” to the treble and ran out of room.

“In the beginning I was bummed about having the fence down, but when I saw my time I was rooting for Laura to jump clear as I’d rather be second than have to jump off against 10 others,” he said.

Third-placed Shane Sweetnam said his day was “weird” as he had assumed he was out of the running after his four faults, then he got excited as the class went on.

He said: “I was perhaps a bit tight back to fence three – when I walked the course I thought whatever you do, don’t have a time-fault as I had one last year, so that was in my head and I made a mistake, but the horse jumped great. Laura jumped an immaculate round and deserved her win.”

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Dream win – and an ‘exquisite dinner’ – for top rider in Aachen grand prix

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:14:34 +0000

Martin Fuchs had a feeling on Sunday that it might be his day – and it was, in spades, as he and Leone Jei won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen after an epic 11-way jump-off.

The Swiss rider and Adolfo Juri’s star 13-year-old finished two seconds ahead of Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, with Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme half a second behind in third.

This was a fifth major title for Martin but a first Aachen grand prix, 21 years after his uncle Markus did the same.

“A great day; a lot of emotions,” he said. “Winning in Aachen has been something I’ve tried to do many times, and I’ve been close. Today, when Leone Jei jumped so incredible, I was very focused for the jump-off, and I thought today could be the day. I didn’t want to let him down again; last year I made a rider’s mistake in the jump-off so today I thought ‘Let’s try to improve’.

“It’a special day for the whole family and team. Leone Jei is such an incredible horse; in all the majors, he’s always there, and when I do a good job, usually he leaves the poles up. In a ring like this, he has a huge stride, which allows me to leave out strides, go full risk and still usually jump clear. To be riding a horse like this – I’m very lucky.”

Of 40 starters, only 14 had jumped clear to make it to the second round, in which they were joined by two with time-faults and two on four. Of those 14, only three did not repeat the feat, leaving a huge and stellar jump-off line-up.

The European champions Steve and Dynamix had jumped a fabulous clear on 52.59sec but left the door ajar. Martin took advantage of Leone Jei’s ground-covering ability and left strides out on the crucial lines; forward and accurate and focused, they got the perfect shot to the gold double that caught many others out, and rode a beautiful line to the last vertical.

Last in, Laura and St Bride’s Farm’s 15-year-old put in more strides but were faster in places, and had their noses in front at one point, but Laura took just a check to the double and went slightly wider.

Very happy with second

“I’m very happy with second,” Laura said. “When there were 11 in the jump-off, with a lot of the fastest riders in the world, I thought ‘This could end not so well’. I knew the golden double was the thing to jump; it was very difficult, and many people were quick until that. I wasn’t sure I was up on Martin, because I know how fast he is. So when I jumped the wall, instead of taking all the risks like he did, I chickened out and thought ‘I’m going to play it safe and not have it down’, which is where he went well into the lead – and the way you went to the last fence, no chance! So in the end, I’m very happy.”

Steve said he had “many reasons to be happy”; he was delighted with how Dynamix went, and he knew the win would take a horse with a bigger stride than her.

Asked what he thought Leone Jei would say to him at that point if he could, Martin said: “Let’s go again!” And when asked how he would spend his prize money, he said that most of it would go to his owners and parents, so “I’m not going to see much of it”.

“My parents are very generous with me, so I’m sure my mum will make an exquisite dinner tomorrow for us,” he said.

Credit has to go to Nina Mallevaey of France and Dynastie de Beaufour, who finished in 50.01sec, but clipped the gold double, to finish fifth.

Best of the Brits was Ben Maher with his European Championships ride Point Break in 13th; the pair were unlucky to tip the first element of the Rolex triple in the first round but Ben then put his foot down, securing a place in round two as one of the fastest four-faulters. They came back to jump a polished and speedy clear but the penalties carried over.

The result also helped Ben to win the leading rider title of the show, and his Paris Olympic team gold medal winner Dallas Vegas Batilly was leading horse.

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An iconic venue returns and USA team wins by the narrowest margin: ‘We live for days like this’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 17:26:51 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to the iconic Grand Palais on the Champs-Élysées in the centre of Paris, where top-tier showjumping makes a welcome return after several years. There was much excitement across the pond too, where, in Florida, the second leg of the Longines League of Nations produced a high-pressure finale, resulting in the narrowest of winning margins.

Read on for a round-up of this week’s leading international showjumping news stories and results.

Showjumping news: iconic venue makes welcome return

After a hiatus of several years during which the Grand Palais was transformed into an Olympic sporting venue for Paris 2024, top-flight showjumping made a welcome return to the iconic venue, on the Champs-Élysées in central Paris.

Under the breathtaking glass roof, the prestigious Saut Hermès took place over three days and Sunday’s feature grand prix was won by Simon Delestre with Cayman Jolly Jumper, finishing just ahead of Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker riding the brilliant stallion Vermento.

Robert and the Blatchfords’ 12-year-old stallion were drawn first against the clock, producing a double clear in 41.70sec. But France’s Simon Delestre triumphed in a time of 41.21sec, marking a historic third victory in this prestigious class.

“You can sense the weight of history at this venue,” said the in-form Simon, who won the Rolex grand prix at the Dutch Masters the previous week.

Robert said: “Simon was too quick, but I have no regrets.”

Great Britain’s Allana Clutterbuck (Vykinbay) and Claudia Moore (Hardesther) finished second overall in the Les Talents Hermès team competition.

Saut Hermes results

USA claim victory in showjumping team thriller

With a vocal home crowd to propel them, the US squad of Lillie Keenan (Argan De Beliard), Aaron Vale (Carissimo 25), Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 and McLain Ward with Ilex delivered a dazzling victory in the second leg of the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Ocala, Florida.

“To win on home soil and to have everyone see one of the best venues in the world is so special, because we all share an incredible sport,” said 28-year-old LLN debutante Lillie, who referred to Argan De Beliard as her “trusty team-mate”. “The more pressure the better for us.”

But in a dramatic evening of twists and turns, the contest remained nail-bitingly close at every stage and Germany were left ruing a first-round time-fault which kept them one point off the victors in the final standings. USA’s victory was only sealed with a final double clear from final rider McLain Ward (Ilex), marking a first LLN success for the United States.

McLain Ward and Ilex produce the double clear that clinched victory for USA in the Longines League of Nations in Ocala, Florida. (Image credit: FEI)

World number seven McLain, who spent four weeks on the sidelines after a fall in January said: “The drama at the end is a testament to the format – it makes for excellent sport and competition.

“When Sophie Hinners [Germany’s final rider] jumped clear, I got a smile on my face and thought, ‘OK, game on’. This is what we do – you focus and this is what you live for.”

Belgium finished third with 13 faults, equal with Ireland who missed out on the final podium place by just one second when the two teams were split by accumulated times.

“We set very high expectations of ourselves, so obviously we’re disappointed,” said Ireland’s chef d’equipe Michael Blake, who picked Darragh Kenny (Eddy Blue), Cian O’Connor (Bentley De Sury) and 20-year-old Tom Wachman with Tabasco De Toxandria Z as his trio for round two; Daniel Coyle and Incredible sitting it out after a four-fault tally in round one.

“Some of the poles that dropped were ones that we ordinarily wouldn’t have, but that’s jumping. There were some real positives out there and plenty to build on,” added Michael.

Great Britain repeated their Abu Dhabi result of sixth. Pathfinders Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly returned from an eight-fault first round to stay faultless in round two, while Jessica Mendoza (In The Air) hit a rail in each round and anchor rider Harry Charles (Casquo Blue) jumped clear in round one but added four penalties in round two. GB’s LLN team debutant Charlie Jones, 26, produced a super opener for just four faults on Capitale 6, but was on the sidelines for round two.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard said, “It was a tough competition with strong teams and a strong course but everyone handled it well.

“The team were so unlucky; we were four faults away from third place and a clear from Jess or Harry in the second round would have clinched it.”

Di credited Charlie’s “unbelievable” performance.

“He had an early rail at fence two but kept it together to come home on four faults, all credit to him, he was outstanding.,” she said. “It is a shame with this format he couldn’t go again.”

LLN results

Olympic champion lands grand prix

After a nine-way battle between some of the titans of the sport, the reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk landed Thursday’s $350,000 Lugano grand prix at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

Riding the hugely exciting mare Just Be Gentle, with whom he jumped double clear in the LLN, the German rider set an unbeatable target from first draw. Ireland’s multi-medallist Cian O’Connor came closest with his own Iron Man but next-generation talent was hot on their heels, with 25-year-old French rider Nina Mallevaey (Nikka VD Bisschop) and 20-year-old US competitor Mimi Gochman (Inclen BH) in third and fourth respectively, the top five rounded out by the mighty combination of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward.

“She’s as sharp as a lion and in the ring she just wants to go fast,” said Christian of the Dutch warmblood by Tyson. “I’m excited for the rest of the year with her.”

Lugano grand prix results

Showjumping news: “We’re over the moon”

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Wellington, Florida. As the Winter Equestrian Festival reaches the final furlong, 20-year-old US rider Ansgar Holgers Jr landed the biggest success of his career in the $200,000 KASK CSI4* grand prix with Pixel-K Van’t Kattenhey.

“Any win feels nice, but this is definitely the icing on the cake,” he said, after beating Spencer Smith (HHS Seattle) and Shane Sweetnam (Gilona AO) to the top of the podium.

Ashlee Bond was among the other winners this week, riding Night Wish to victory in the WEF Challenge Cup. Their partnership hasn’t been plain sailing, however.

“He had a rearing issue and he was quite opinionated,” she said. “I worked with Leo Rauscher and he spent two weeks with him and completely turned this horse around. I’m really proud of the work because this was almost a lost cause. The fact that we’re here a year after he did his first 1.40m is really special. My goal is for him to do the FEI World Championships next year at Aachen, and the LA Olympics is my end goal. I think this horse has a good shot at jumping clear every day. I’m working backwards from three years to today.”

WEF results
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When your whole family visits from Ireland to watch you win in USA: meet a teenage star living the dream

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:51:34 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up we head to Wellington, Florida, where Irish teenage sensation Tim Brennan has everyone talking. There’s also the latest Nations Cup contest to read about and this week the Longines Global Champions Tour of 2025 kicked off in Qatar, where a whizzy mare stole our hearts for the second year running.

Read on for this week’s international showjumping news and results round-up.

Showjumping news: Irish teenager is living the US dream

Remember the name, because Tim Brennan is a real rising star of the sport. Having jumped with great success on youth teams in recent years, the Kilkenny 19-year-old has made the trip to Florida to contest his first Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). In this season’s prestigious BrainJuice under-25 series, he’s been in flying form and sealed overall victory by landing the penultimate grand prix riding his own Diadema Della Caccia.

“She has the heart of a lion,” Tim said of the Italian-bred Diamant De Semilly mare he’s been riding for five years.

The pair topped a competitive six-way jump-off and were cheered ringside by Tim’s family who were visiting from Ireland.

“She’s deadly careful,” said Tim of the flying grey mare. “She will jump anything for you once you ask her and I just have to be on the ball. She’s taken me all the way up through the ranks in Ireland and now we’re lucky enough to bring her out [to Florida].

“I was always thinking about coming out here; it’s a great experience to get more mileage under my belt. I’m looking forward to carrying this experience home, hopefully for a good year.”

“A good grey mare will try for you”: Tim Brennan and Diadema Della Caccia winning the BrainJuice under-25 semi-final grand prix at WEF. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tim is based with John Roche while in the US, who credited his teenage pupil for having “a good eye, a good feel and a strong bond with Diadema Della Caccia”.

“A good grey mare will try for you. He gets on very well with her,” said John, who also credited Tim’s groom Juan Luis “Guicho” Rebollo for his help. “This series brings great development. For juniors or amateurs, it gives great opportunities for team involvement, and there’s no one route to success. I can’t say enough positive things about the division.”

BrainJuice Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix results

Nations Cup serves up team thriller

Nine teams came forward for Saturday’s $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup at Wellington International’s WEF and it was won by the all-female US team of Natalie Dean (Acota M), Carly Anthony with Heavenly W, Charlotte Jacobs riding Playboy JT Z and Laura Kraut with Tres Bien Z, making her 90th Nations Cup appearance for USA.

“When Robert told me who the team was, I was really pumped,” said Laura. “These three amazing riders have been on fire for a while now, not just recently but for years. The way they rode the first round, it was textbook. I think building towards the Los Angeles Olympics we have three exciting young girls here that I think have a strong chance if things go right.”

Senior team debutante Carly Anthony was full of praise for Heavenly W after jumping a double clear.

“We wouldn’t be here without the horses, so I owe everything to Heavenly and to my team that supports me every day to be able to achieve this incredible opportunity and goal,” she said.

Ireland finished seven penalties behind USA for the runner-up spot. Lining up were Michael Duffy (Cantano 32), Bertram Allen riding Qonquest De Rigo, Cian O’Connor with Belvedere and Daniel Coyle on Incredible.

Great Britain’s three-rider team of Jessica Mendoza (In The Air), Charlie Jones (Capitale 6) and Harry Charles riding Casquo Blue finished sixth.

WEF Nations Cup results

Showjumping news: Kimosa returns to the winner’s enclosure

On the CSI2* Andalucia Sunshine Tour, British riders were in flying form. Among the winners was Jodie Hall McAteer and her 15-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof, who landed the 1.45m ranking class, and Chloe Winchester who topped the 1.40m small grand prix riding eight-year-old stallion Toblerone OS.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results.

Showjumping news: the podium for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha, Qatar, topped by Abdel Said of Belgium. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Global Champions Tour kicks off with remarkable double

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round up, we head to Doha, Qatar, where the opening grand prix of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) went to Abdel Said with Bonne Amie for the second year running. The Belgian rider finished ahead of Daniel Deusser (Gangster VH Noddevelt), and Saudi contender Abdulrahman Alrajhi claimed his first LGCT podium finish in third on Ventago.

“When I walked the course, I thought ‘Wow’ – you don’t come across courses like this every week,” said Abdel. “I’m incredibly proud of ‘Bonnie’ today.”

Best of the Irish was Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights who jumped clear in round one but tipped the first fence in the jump-off to finish seventh. Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker (Korlenski) and Scott Brash with recent dual grand prix winner Hello Folie each picked up four faults in round one.

The opening Global Champions League contest went to reigning champions Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, one of 17 teams in action this year.

LGCT of Doha results
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‘I’m proud to say he’s as sound as a young man’: farewell to jumping hero, who retires aged 17

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:40:29 +0000

Showjumper Laura Kraut has paid an emotional tribute to her wonderful partner of the past nine years, the super grey Confu. She announced the 17-year-old gelding’s retirement “through happy tears”.

The pair have been core to USA teams in Nations Cups, including at the Barcelona final in 2017, as well as winning four-star grands prix in Wellington, Florida, and one of the duo’s earliest five-star achievements was claiming victory in the Aachen speed stakes in 2016.

“He has been a loyal friend and competitor, always accepting any challenge that was put in front of him,” said Laura of the German-bred son of Contact Me, known at home as Rocket.

The Holsteiner gelding was bred by Kai Gerken and was produced by French rider Fabrice Schmidt before Laura first took the reins at the end of 2015.

“He jumped double clear in every Nations Cup he competed in for the United States, and won many classes around the world,” said Laura. “We used to joke that he was always up for anything we asked of him, he was that kid in the schoolroom that raised his hand to volunteer!”

At the end of 2021, Confu suffered from a serious virus and his future had been unclear. It made his winning return to the winner’s enclosure in 2022 as “an emotional one”. Laura said at the time, “The win tonight means everything. A few months ago, we were crying because we weren’t sure he was going to make it.”

Laura Kraut and St Bride’s Farm’s Confu compete in the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International in 2019. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Laura Kraut on Confu: “No horse deserves the life of leisure as much as him”

This week, Laura paid a special thank you to his owners Barb and David Roux of St Bride’s Farm “for allowing me to have such a special animal”. Confu will now enjoy his retirement with his owners in Virginia, USA.

“I know that you both will enjoy having him at home and he will be treated like the celebrity that he is!” said Laura, admitting that it would be hard not to think of Confu being in the stable “to greet us each day”.

“I’m proud to say that he is as sound as a young man and will love the beautiful rolling fields at his home in Virginia.”

People would jump at the chance to ride stable star Confu

Laura Kraut also thanked the “extensive” list of people who have played a part in Confu’s phenomenal success over the years.

“Emile Hendrix, thank you for finding him for me, I knew when I walked into the stable that day and saw him standing in the cross-ties that he was coming home with me,” she said.

“Mary Elizabeth, my sister, for treating him like her son and helping to keep him in perfect condition. Margo Thomas, Alex Tyler-Morris, Dale Hailstones and Johanna Burtshoff for being the best caretakers a horse could ever ask for. Christiana Ober for being his vet and keeping him young, as well as Edwin Enzerink and Melissa Welker.

Laura Kraut of USA completes a clear round over the final obstacle on Confu to secure victory for her country in the FEI Nations Cup during the Dublin International Horse Show at RDS, Ballsbridge in Dublin. (Photo By Cody Glenn/Sportsfile via Getty Images). (Image credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Laura Kraut: “Thank you for everything Rocket, you are my hero”

Laura continued: “Paul Bocken, Arnie Gervais, and Ian ‘Spud’ Allison for the beautiful job you all did with his shoeing. Steve Engle, for your chiropractic work, even though he wasn’t a huge fan. Along with many other physios, Janus Marquis, Wolfie Mayrhofer, etc.

“Julie Welles for helping me keep him fit while I was away, along with all of the rest of the riders at home who would jump at the chance to get to ride him!”

Laura summed up by saying, “Thank you for everything Rocket, you are my hero and I cannot wait to come for a visit and see you with the big belly you always wanted!”

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Highs and lows for top riders in Olympic showjumping individual qualifier

Becky Murray — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:38:25 +0000

There have been highs and lows for a number of top combinations as the pressure remains on in the Paris 2024 Olympic showjumping individual qualifier.

The second block of 25 riders have gone, with Ireland’s Daniel Coyle posting a speedy clear with the light-footed 14-year-old mare Legacy, to take provisional second in the standings. He sits behind fellow countryman Shane Sweetnam and James Kaan Cruz, who still lead the way from the first session.

“I don’t know what to say anymore,” said a delighted Daniel. “She’s 14, but her mind doesn’t think it, which is hard sometimes. I was expecting her to be more tired, but then when I felt that she was fresh, I thought ‘Ok, I need to change a little bit how I’m going to ride her today otherwise, I’ll end up making a mistake’.

“There was a lot of pressure today, in all the wrong ways. It’s nothing to do with the jumping or the crowd – it’s just trying to get through the finish with a good score because after this week, she deserves to be in the final, no matter what. So I would have been disappointed if she wasn’t.”

Daniel felt today’s course was more simple than the team qualifier and final.

“They were both really tough rounds. This one’s for sure a little softer, and there’s a lot of clears, which is a little scary, because who knows how it will go tomorrow,” said Daniel.

European champions Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme found redemption with a confident clear, which will come as relief after Switzerland missed out on a place in the team final. The pair currently sit in fourth.

“It has been a long three days waiting,” said Steve. “The worst part is I didn’t know really what happened the first day, so I didn’t know what her reaction would be until the first fence today. But straight away she gave me a much better feeling in the ring than in the team competition and made my life easier. She was back to herself today and we had really, really good round.”

Steve was frustrated following his round in the team qualifier last week, and reflecting back he believes Dynamix De Belheme perhaps need some more exposure.

“I think probably the mistake I made was not in my riding the first day, but more in my preparation prior to this championship where she was maybe just not ready,” he said.

“Coming in she was maybe lacking a few bigger classes, and I didn’t give her enough confidence the first day, so I tried to stay a little bit calmer today and trust her even though it wasn’t that easy prior to the class. But when she gave me that feeling, I thought ‘Ok now she’s back to normal’ so I can concentrate on just giving an easy ride.”

Discussing the course, Steve said they haven’t jumped the same fence twice, “something we only see in the Olympics”.

“We have new jumps every day. My mare hasn’t that much experience, even though she’s 11. She hasn’t jumped many really big championships and she can be a little bit spooky so that probably didn’t help us on the first day, but that’s the same for everybody. It’s an advantage for a few horses and disadvantage for a few others,” he said, adding that the course is big and some of the fences are “very delicate”.

“It’s a lot of jumping effort for the horses, but we are a great sport and we’ll see what we can bring tomorrow.”

It was also joy for Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson, who jumped clear in 75.78sec and sit just behind Harry Charles and Romeo 88 on 75.72sec, who also posted a superb clear.

Combinations are feeling the pressure as they navigate course-designers Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo’s track. Thirty places are up for grabs in tomorrow’s medal-decider, and with only 15 clear rounds after the 50 combinations who have jumped so far, combinations who are on four-faults still have a chance to make it through to the final, where the slate is wiped clean. So far, Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z, who jumped in the first 25, are the quickest of the four-faulters, on 70.94.

The home side’s Simon Delestre, who became a team bronze medallist on Friday, had an unlucky pole with I Amelusina R 51 – as did the USA’s Laura Kraut and Baloutine, who tapped the planks at fence 6. Sweden’s Peder Fredricsson and Catch Me Not S, who have had an uncharacteristic performance in Paris, had eight faults, having knocked the final part of the triple combination, fence 10c, and fence 11.

Fence 12, an optical illusion wall, has played its part for this second group of riders, with the UAE’s Abdullah Mohd Al Marri’s ride McGregor and Ladriano Z, ridden by Daniel Bluman for Israel, both having stops, and opting to retire. Spanish rider Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and Rokfeller De Pleville also retired after experiencing difficulty on course.

At the time of writing, there are 22 combinations left to jump in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier, including Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly, McLain Ward and Ilex, and Cian O’Connor and Maurice.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

An extraordinary grey, a ‘tiny’ horse with no-nail shoes and a win ‘you can only dream of’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 06 May 2024 13:31:25 +0000

What a week of showjumping news! We were treated to a feast of international showjumping on our doorstep at one of our favourite events, Royal Windsor Horse Show this weekend. Some of the leading riders in the world going into battle made for exceptional sport and you can’t help but fall in love with the gallant grey Rolex grand prix winner Leone Jei – he and Martin Fuchs are simply in a different league.

British showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer may have been competing on the other side of the world, but she made international showjumping news headlines with a five-star win in Shanghai, while we also investigated a “tiny” horse, who “thinks he’s 17.2hh” wearing an unusual set of no-nail shoes.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: “We had to risk it all”

Swiss sensation Martin Fuchs has built an incredible partnership with the gallant grey Leone Jei, but he took a chance taking just the one horse for the CSI5* classes at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show. His faith in the 12-year-old’s exceptional talent was rewarded when he took home the Rolex grand prix – the second consecutive year that the Swiss rider has secured the €125,000 (£106,990) first prize here.

“I knew after I walked the course that the jump-off would suit us very well and if I do a good job, then normally he’s going to jump two clear rounds,” said Martin, who piloted one of his other phenomenal horses, Connor Jei, to win in 2023.

“I knew that I had to risk everything, having some of the fastest riders in the world coming after me. If I do the same amount of strides as the others I can be a bit slower but his energy and ability enables me to leave out strides where other horses aren’t able to.”

Both Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond De Hay) and Steve Guerdat, with his recent Fontainebleau winner Dynamix de Belheme came close, lodging 41.75sec and 41.86 sec respectively for second and third place, with Robert Whitaker best of the Brits on his King George winner Vermento in fourth.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Rolex grand prix results

Gilles Thomas of Belgium celebrates winning the LGCT of Shanghai grand prix riding Luna Van Het Dennehof. H&H recommends always wearing a hat. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

LGCT of Shanghai: “You can only dream of this!”

In China, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Shanghai went to Belgium rider Gilles Thomas with Luna Van Het Dennehof, with the pair celebrating in epic style (pictured, above). From first draw in a seven-way jump-off, the speedy pair proved unassailable, finishing well clear of the only other double clear from Edwina Tops-Alexander with Fellow Castlefield. Miami winner Michael Duffy of Ireland set the fastest time with the 10-year-old Cantano 32 but the last fence agonisingly hit the floor for third.

“I only have dreamed of this moment and now twice on the podium – one second and now my first LGCT Grand Prix win, twice on Luna – she is just such a fantastic mare,” said Gilles.

Edwina also heaped praise on the 25-year-old winner, “I think the world of Gilles, he is the best young rider and up and coming rider in the world today,” she said.

“He has so much talent, he is super cool in the head, he is such a team player and I think he has a massive future and this has just boosted it even more.”

Jodie Hall McAteer finished win four faults in round one on Hardessa in the grand prix, but had earlier sealed victory in the two-phase with 14-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof.

LGCT of Shanghai results

Laura Kraut (USA) and Calgary Tame win the CSI5* Manama Rose Show Stakes at RWHS. The “tiny” gelding “who thinks he’s 17.2hh” wears glue-on aluminium front shoes. (Image credit: Peter Nixon / RWHS)

“The horse didn’t love the nails”

In Sunday’s 1.50m Manama Rose Show Stakes at Royal Windsor, Laura Kraut took a well-earned victory with Calgary Tame, who was previously competed barefoot, but now sports ultra lightweight glue-on rubber-coated aluminium front shoes.

“He is so cool, he thinks he’s 17.2hh, but he’s tiny,” said Laura, who took over the ride on the 161cm (15.3hh) Selle Français, who is co-owned by his breeder Eugenie Angot and the Stars and Stripes syndicate, from flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard in 2021.

“When Julien had him before me, he had no shoes, because that’s what Julien does – but I just didn’t like the feeling of it. I always got the impression that the horse didn’t love the nails, so these shoes are rubber coated and they glue on.

“With these shoes he feels great, he’s been really happy with them. I also have Confu in them, as well as a couple of my other horses, and they seem to really like it.

“Knock on wood, they seem to stay on much better than shoes with nails and I have never had one come off! They are also much lighter. We have got to do something [when classes are so close] and every little bit helps!”

The same type of shoes were used by racehorse trainer Charlie Appleby on his Qipco Guineas Festival runner Castle Way at Newmarket on Friday.

Royal Windsor Horse Show results

Kent Farrington and Landon scorch to victory at Royal Windsor. (Image credit: Peter Nixon / RWHS)

Showjumping news: a remarkable hat-trick for one of the fastest riders in the world

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we return to Royal Windsor Horse Show, where speedy US rider Kent Farrington claimed the King’s Cup for a third time when he headed the Saturday’s Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes.

“I always loved coming to this show, it’s a great crowd, great atmosphere, top course designers, top competition and Rolex grand prix money!” he said.“It was a fast class as it always is here. It was great fun. As first to go I just stuck with my plan for my horse and it worked out in my favour that some other fast rounds had a rail down.”

It was Brit Joe Stockdale who had almost denied Kent a hat-trick when he jumped an inspiring round 2.66sec up on the clock with Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale’s talented 10-year-old stallion Ebanking – only to lower the final fence with the lightest of touches.

Royal Windsor 5* winner’s go-faster shoes: ‘Every little bit helps!’

Sarah Radford — Sun, 05 May 2024 12:55:26 +0000

Laura Kraut and the brilliant 15.2hh chestnut Calgary Tame have been on lightning form at Royal Windsor — winning Sunday’s CSI5* Manama Rose Stakes and coming second by 0.04sec in Saturday’s Defender Challenge Stakes.

Besides having the edge of “thinking he is 17.2hh”, the 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding also has another potential advantage in the ring —he wears unusual light-weight front shoes, made of rubber-coated aluminium.

The horse, who is co-owned by his breeder Eugenie Angot and Laura’s long-term Stars and Stripes syndicate, began his career with flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard but Laura took over the ride in 2021.

“When Julien had him he had no shoes, because that’s what Julien does, but I didn’t love that, I just didn’t like the feeling of it,” Laura said.

“I always got the impression that he didn’t love the nails but these shoes are rubber coated, so they glue on.

“With these shoes he feels great, he’s been really, really happy with them. I also have Confu in them, as well as a couple of my other horses, and they seem to really like it.

‘He’s very quick and very brave’

The “very cool” Calgary Tame has an enormous amount of stride and scope for a little horse, and managed to beat some great rounds in the Manama Rose show stakes, including toppling mid-field leaders Lorenzo De Luca and Violino Il Palazetto by a surprising 1.36sec.

“I watched the first two go (Rob Whitaker with Evert and Joe Stockdale with Ebanking, who finished fifth and sixth) and they were so so quick, I didn’t think I could catch them. They didn’t leave room for anything,” Laura said.

“I followed the same track as them, my horse was just that little bit quicker. He’s tiny, so what would be a normal line for most horses is fast for him. He is just very quick and very brave.”

Laura came to Royal Windsor 10 days after moving her horses from Florida to Holland for the summer and will now head to Peelbergen before picking up the Global Champions Tour in Madrid.

‘I finally got it!’: Brit celebrates first Royal Windsor 5* win after missing out by hundredths of a second twice

Sarah Radford — Sat, 04 May 2024 15:12:58 +0000

MATT Sampson had more than earned a victory lap of Royal Windsor Horse Show’s Castle Arena after coming second for two consecutive years in the show’s opening 1.45m speed class with the electric 15.2hh mare MGH Candy Girl.

After taking runner up to Victor Bettendorf by less than 1sec on his debut in the 5* here last year, history repeated itself for Matt and Candy when the combination came second to Shane Breen (Cato Boy) this time by an agonising 0.03sec margin.

But on Saturday morning they flipped their luck around to snatch a 0.04sec advantage from Laura Kraut (Calgary Tame) in a dramatic 1.50m jump off class, the CSI5* Defender Challenge Stakes.

“It was amazing to win. On my first year here I was second in one class with Candy and I was second in the same class again yesterday, so I finally got it!” said Matt, who has been riding Isabel Fox’s 11-year-old mare since taking over the ride from Gemma Stevens, who produced her, at the end of 2022.

“Yesterday I was 0.03sec off winning today I won by 0.04sec, so I suppose it works it’s way round!”

Riders fall foul of the clock

Under this class’s format, the top 10 of 28 starters make it through to the jump off and in some instances time proved more critical than rails, especially for Britain’s Sam Hutton (Desiree Dr Z), who jumped clear but didn’t make the cut after clocking five time penalties.

The eventual line up included two riders with time faults and four on four faults, with all penalties carried through to the second phase. Only four had clean sheets — Matt, Laura, Ben Maher with Enjeu De Grisien, who withdrew before the jump off, and Harrie Smolders, who earned final draw against the clock with the fastest first round clear on the brilliantly consistent Monaco N.O.P.

Harry Charles, carrying four faults through, set a bold lead from first to go after storming the long gallop to the final black vertical on his rising star, nine-year-old Bandit. It was another six riders before he was toppled from the top spot by Austrian Max Kuhner (Eic Julius Caesar), who jumped a strategic safe round to go in front on his one first round time penalty.

But the clears had the advantage, and knowing there were quick riders behind her, Laura Kraut delivered a classy performance on the 12-year-old chestnut gelding to set a brilliant lead.

‘She’s really fast but she is very small’

Matt certainly had the crowd biting their fingernails, as he scooted round on the little mare, flying boldly towards the last before briefly doubting his distance with a “woah” but still landing clean with 0.04sec in hand.

Last in Harrie had the advantage of stride and scope but perhaps with later classes, or the rest of a critical season, in mind, opted for a smooth round to finish almost 5sec slower.

“Going in, I just felt like I was against the clears, so my plan was to see what Laura did and she had an amazing round. I had to try my best to be faster and luckily I was just a little bit ahead,” Matt said.

“Candy is so careful and really fast but she is very small, so sometimes the strides that the other riders get I don’t manage to with her length of stride, but she’s fast enough that I can make up for it.

“I saw Harry [Charles] did eight big strides to the last and it walked 10. When I saw Laura do it, it looked like it got a bit long for her and I know her horse does have quite a decent stride so I thought it was going to be a bit longer for me than what it was but Candy really covered the ground. I had to shout ‘woah’ at the end to slow her down a little bit!”

Matt has two horses at the show and plans to contest Sunday’s Rolex grand prix with James Davenport and Angelie Von Essen’s stallion Daniel.

‘This one’s for you, Jack Dodd’: grand prix winner makes emotional dedication

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:25:52 +0000

This week’s international showjumping news headlines revolve around Irish rider Michael Duffy dedicating an emotional first five-star grand prix win at Miami Beach, USA, to his friend Jack Dodd, who died in 2018.

Read on for a round up of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘This one’s for you, Jack Dodd’

Miami Beach once again pulled out all the stops for the second leg of Longines Global Champions Tour, but emotions ran high after Ireland’s Michael Duffy, the winner of Saturday’s grand prix, dedicated his first five-star grand prix success to his close friend Jack Dodd, who died in a car accident six years ago at the age of 25.

“I won my first five-star grand prix and I want to dedicate this to Trish and David Dodd, parents of my friend at home [Jack Dodd] who passed away,” said Michael.

From nine jump-off contenders, Michael and relatively new ride, the 12-year-old Claptonn Mouche, produced the only double clear to take top honours, ahead of Max Kühner and EIC Cooley Jump, with France’s Julien Anquetin and Blood Diamond Du Pont in third as the fastest of the four-faulters.

“It’s been a while coming now, it’s probably about time we got our fingers out and did something,” said Michael. “It’s amazing, I’m a bit lost for words… I’m not the biggest talker but even more so this time. I have no words.

“It’s tough jumping here, it is so delicate. I wanted to be as quick as I can and leave the jumps up to get the job done.”

LGCT of Miami Beach results

Cian O’Connor, pictured aboard Fancy de Kergane, earned the overall leading international rider award, presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur with Michael and Wendy Smith, following consistent performances throughout the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Photo by Sportfot. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

WEF Leading rider award to Cian O’Connor

Another Irish showjumper was celebrating this week as Cian O’Connor claimed the overall leading international rider award, presented by Martha W Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman with Michael and Wendy Smith, in recognition of his consistent performances during the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida.

Margie Goldstein-Engle of USA took second, with another Irish rider, Shane Sweetnam, finishing third in the standings.

“We had an incredible winter in Florida,” said Cian. “The horses performed really well and that is thanks to all of their owners – Sue and John Magnier, Sarah Stoute, Nikki Walker, and Pat Crean. All our horses jumped outstandingly and I was delighted to have won the title of leading international rider of the WEF circuit.

Lorenzo De Luca helps the Rome Gladiators win the GCL of Miami Beach with a clear on Cappuccino 194. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“All credit must go to the brilliant team behind the scenes, from everybody in the stable who puts in the hard work, day in and day out, to all of my support staff, and everybody else who contributes to the Karlswood team. I am extremely grateful to each and every one of them.”

Showjumping news: Rome Gladiators win GCL of Miami

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, the Global Champions League (GCL) of Miami Beach, held against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, was won by the Rome Gladiators squad of Michael Duffy, Laura Kraut and Lorenzo De Luca. The squad climbed the leader board in round two to top the podium.

“We’re both new to the Rome Gladiators this year, although we were former Gladiators, we are back for 2024!” said Laura, who jumped clear with Bisquetta, with team-mate Lorenzo on Cappuccino 194 in round two. “I love being at home and it’s really fun to have the crowd here watching and cheering for me.”

GCL of Miami Beach results

A long-awaited win and an incredible comeback in the battle for Olympic qualification

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:27:33 +0000

It’s been a bumper week for international showjumping news this week. Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam is ranked number 12 in the world and has contested the World Cup Final but, somewhat surprisingly, had yet to win a World Cup qualifier. But, thanks to his flying grey James Kann Cruz, that all changed last week, when he won the feature class in Lexington, USA.

There was also a mighty comeback in the hard-fought battle for Olympic showjumping qualification, as well as the medals, at the Pan American Games. You’ll find all that and more British success in this week’s international showjumping news and results round-up.

Showjumping news: a long-awaited World Cup win

Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam won the Longines FEI World Cup at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, USA, riding the brilliant grey James Kann Cruz with whom he won team silver at the European Showjumping Championships. The US-based rider held off the challenge of defending champion Daniel Bluman of Israel riding Gemma W, with US rider Devin Ryan finishing third for the second week running on Eddie Blue after an 11-way jump-off over Alan Wade’s track. This was Shane’s first World Cup success.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz make headlines by winning the World Cup qualifier in Lexington. (Image credit: LINDSAY ANNE BROWN)

“To win this class is a big deal,” said Shane, who piloted the scopey 10-year-old to the top of the leaderboard from fourth draw, despite a dramatic slip on the turn back to the combination. “It was always one of the classes I wanted to win. I really did as much as I could in the ring. James Kann Cruz had to show how amazing he was [after the slip].”

“He does spend a lot of time in the air, but obviously, that’s a help,” added Shane. “He’s a very smart horse. But I still think there’s more room there for us to go to another level.”

National Horse Show Lexington results

The name’s Bond Jamesbond De Hay

Spectators at the CSI5*-W Longines Equita Lyon in France were treated to a pulsating and eventful 14-way jump-off to decide the third leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League series. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and the 12-year-old stallion Bond Jamesbond De Hay were neither shaken nor stirred when scorching to victory ahead of home hero Julien Epaillard (Dubai Du Cedre), with British riders Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly) and the world’s leading under-25 Harry Charles on Romeo 88 third and fourth respectively.

“My horse doesn’t have much experience with jump-offs, but I felt I had something to play with today,” said Gregory, who’s next leg will be at the London International Horse Show in December. “I am getting to know him more and more, and he is showing so much scope and quality over the fences. I did not think he was that agile when I started riding him, so I am very happy with how things are developing.”

Ben Maher added: “It would always be nice to have a second go! But Gregory was unbeatable, so well done to him.”

Equita Lyon results

A mighty comeback for Olympic qualification: ‘I needed the defibrillator!’

Also making showjumping news headlines this week were the USA squad of McLain Ward (Contagious), Kent Farrington (Landon), Laura Kraut (Dorado 212) and Karl Cook (Caracole De La Roque), who made a mighty comeback from fifth position after an eventful first round to claim gold at the Pan American Games in Chile. The Canadians also rallied to move into silver, with Brazil dropping from top spot to finish with bronze. With a ticket for the 2024 Olympics also at stake, there was delight for USA, Canada and fourth-placed Mexico, who are now Paris-bound.

“If you were watching it with nobody in the hunt, you’d have to say this was fantastic sport. But when you had somebody in it, it was very, very concerning at times because of course the qualification for Paris is such a big deal to every country and no team wanted to go home and say ‘guess what, we didn’t qualify!’” summed up Canada’s chef d’equipe Ian Millar. “I needed the defibrillator, but other than that I’m fine!”

American riders dominated the individual podium too, but gold went to Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barch after a brilliant performance with his quirky mare Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio, who makes a performance of going in the arena.

“To win this kind of championship in South America is a dream come true,” said Stephan, who was flanked on the podium by Kent Farrington in silver and McLain Ward, who secured bronze.

“Since I started this journey 25 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, I worked every day for a day like this – I want to just say thank you to everybody that has helped me during this journey.”

Pan American Games results

Showjumping news: ‘What a horse!’: British top three

Graham Gillespie paid tribute to his 15-year-old partner Veneno by saying “What a horse!” after the pair won the CSI2* grand prix in Vilamoura, Portugal, in another successful week for British riders. The grand prix podium was all British, with Guy Williams and Ernie Of Greenhill Z finishing second and James Smith (Tayvale Hunky Dory) third.

Villamoura Champions Tour results.

Mare bought untried proves unbeatable, Olympic veteran wins first five-star grand prix and a teenage rider beats top eventer

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:43:00 +0000

An amazing assortment of exceptional showjumping horses took starring roles this week as we enjoyed five-star competitions from Qatar to USA to Sweden.

We’ve always loved Marcus Ehning’s exceptional stallion Stargold, with his charismatic flick of the heels, and he once again proved unbeatable in Saturday’s feature class in Doha, while Laura Kraut’s outstanding championship horse Baloutinue somewhat surprisingly won his first five-star grand prix at the age of 13. A gelding who is blind in one eye proved that having limited vision is no barrier to success and a British teenager had the honour of beating an Olympic eventer in an international grand prix, as we bring you this round-up of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

‘A dream come true’: Kraut’s Olympic hero wins his first five-star grand prix, aged 13

The $425,000 CSI5* Lugano Diamonds grand prix during week seven of WEF at Wellington International was won by US rider Laura Kraut with her Tokyo Olympic team silver medal-winning partner Baloutinue. Somewhat surprisingly, this was the consistent 13-year-old gelding’s first five-star grand prix victory.

The pair had penultimate draw in a seven-way jump-off and survived a sharp challenge from final rider and her US team-mate Mclain Ward (Contagious), who finished 0.3sec slower, with Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam third riding the 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding James Kann Cruz (Kannan x Cruising).

“I had a good feeling when I walked the course,” said Laura. “My horse had jumped very well on Thursday, so this is just a dream come true.

“I took a real shot at the double – I came in there a little more forward than I’d have liked to! But he tried so hard coming out,” said Laura of the galloping jump-off track, describing Baloutinue’s (pictured below) flying leap over the final oxer as a “heroic effort”.

Laura Kraut and Baloutinue winning their first CSI5* grand prix (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I’m just so excited by Baloutinue, he’s been so great for so long – I haven’t had the opportunity to jump very many jump-offs with him but I felt like tonight he was right there for all of it,” added Laura of the Balou Du Rouet x Landor S gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm. “I always try to go faster than I probably should, but he’s fast enough on his own, and tonight I just let him go his speed and that seemed to work better. He’s a trier, he’s elastic and he’s very careful.

“It was a fantastic crowd; the atmosphere here at night is as good as it gets,” added Laura. “We feel like the crowd is really behind us; when I was clear it was an explosion.”

Baloutinue’s groom Margo Thomas was also awarded with a $500 award presented by Double H Farm.

WEF results

Marcus Ehning on Stargold in flying form (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ehning goes for gold

Germany’s Marcus Ehning and the charismatic Stargold (pictured above) produced a scintillating triple clear on a warm night in the Qatar desert to become the first back-to-back winners of the CSI5* 1.60m grand prix at Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, Doha.

“He felt so fresh and enjoys the heat here, so I had a good feeling,” said Marcus after the stallion threw in some trademark bucks en route to victory. “He’s a stallion with a lot of character and I try to let him stay that way.”

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab results

‘She has a heart as big as a lion’

Shane Breen posted a win for Ireland in Thursday’s 1.45m two-phase in Doha, Qatar, with his gallant mare Haya, whose gritty style makes her deceptively quick, scoring by 0.28sec over Kevin Staut (Dialou Blue PS). Shane first spotted the grey at a show in France, when his brother Trevor had tipped him off.

“She struck me as really smart, with laser-vision to her jumps and was super careful,” said Shane, who won last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead with the mare. “So I slept on it but when I went to ask her rider Harold Megahey if I could try her, she’d already gone home. So I bought her without trying her! She has a heart as big as a lion.”

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab results

Teenager beats Olympic eventer

Great Britain’s 18-year-old Olivia Banks recorded the novel achievement of beating New Zealand Olympic eventer Tim Price on his Boekelo winner Happy Boy, to land the CSI* grand prix on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour riding Geodina HS. Swiss showjumper Steve Guerdat claimed the CSI4* 1.55m Equine America grand prix at the venue riding the 10-year-old mare Dynamix De Belheme, whom he thinks is “the best horse I’ve ever had”. The pair soared home half a second faster than team-mate Martin Fuchs riding Commissar Pezi after a 12-way jump-off. Nicole Lockhead-Anderson and Emerald Irish Cruise were among the other British riders on form this week.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Rider cancels his plane to enjoy his World Cup celebrations

The final leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League in Gothenburg, Sweden, was won by French rider Marc Dilasser riding the 13-year-old gelding Arioto Du Gevres. For the top 18 riders, all roads now lead to Omaha, USA, in April for the World Cup Final, and this includes Great Britain’s Harry Charles and Scott Brash.

Marc Dilasser winning the last World Cup qualifier in Gothenburg, Sweden (Image credit: Kim C Lundin; KimC.nu by Ateni AB)

“This is my first ever World Cup win,” said Marc, who was drawn first in the jump-off. “Arioto was not always an easy horse – when he was young, he was difficult to ride, but he has always been a fighter!

“This has been a fantastic day for me and my owners. I had a plane to catch this evening but instead we cancelled that and we will stay one more night and break out the champagne here in Gothenburg – it’s important to celebrate the big moments!”

CSI5*-W Gothenburg results

Horse with limited vision wins $100,000 grand prix

Brazilian showjumper Santiago Lambre won the $100,000 Hampton Green Farms grand prix at the World Equestrian Centre, Ocala, Florida with the 16-year-old gelding Chacco Blue II, who is blind in one eye.

Santiago Lambre and Chacco Blue II, who is blind in one eye (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Irish course builder Colm Quinn set the track and Santiago describes his Chacco Blue son as a “slow mover” but with “a mile long” stride and the pair executed some terrific turns to win.

“Tonight, he showed his speed,” he said. “I tried to gallop everywhere I could and be tight back to the second to last vertical. Luckily for us, both tight turns were on his good side, and not blind side. If it were on his blind eye side I would’ve had to give him a touch more room, but this course was perfect for him.”

A hat-trick of blue ribbons for Olli Fletcher

Great Britain’s Olli Fletcher finished runner-up in the Villamoura Atlantic Tour grand prix for the third time, this time riding the 12-year-old Garande. His previous two close finishes came with Hello William. This time he missed out to Dutch victor Niels Kersten riding Tippy Z. Guy Williams and Crispina Z, and Adrian Speight on Millfield Baloney won a rankings class and James Smith, Laura Mantel and Chloe Aston were just some of the riders flying the British flag in impressive style.

Villamoura Atlantic Tour results

‘His intestine flipped over his spleen’: horse comes back from colic op to win championship

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:59:37 +0000

Showjumper Kath James achieved a long-time ambition when winning the major veteran title at the National Amateur and Veteran Championships at Aintree International Equestrian Centre (8-13 November) riding Herciro Van’t Kiezelhof. Her victory came 20 years after Kath won the national amateur 1.05m championship with Cornish Quest.

“I’ve been second, third, fourth; I’ve finally won,” said an emotional Kath, who jumped the only double clear in the 1.20m decider. “I thought I’d be beaten, Brian Thompson had two horses in it and he’s won at a good level.

“I was in tears when my 11-year-old twins raced into the collecting ring saying, ‘We’re so proud of you’, and then ‘A moment like this’ played, I couldn’t stop crying or kissing ‘Snowball’ – I kiss him so often he puckers his lips!”

The Cicero Z x Puccini 15-year-old – a former ride for the USA’s Laura Kraut and the Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling – was bought four years ago.

“We’ve only competed for two years – he took nine months to recover after a colic operation followed by the Covid-19 lockdowns,” said Kath. “I’d sectioned off a paddock so he could graze but not canter and injure himself. He was so fresh he threw five enormous bucks on the spot, flipping his intestine over his spleen.

“I knew something was wrong and went to vet Ollie Crowe at B&W Equine, Gloucestershire. It wasn’t compacted colic and he didn’t have any intestine removed but he has a visible lump on his belly, although it doesn’t affect him.”

Kath is from a non-horsey family.

“My childhood passion has been showjumping and I went to one local annual show and hacked two hours to get there. If I could have applied to be John Whitaker’s groom, I’d have been off,” said Kath, who achieved two university degrees in business, finance and marketing, and first-class honours in property and valuation.

“Now I’m aiming for the veterans’ European championships.”

Two brothers (and a 15hh gelding) clear 6ft 10in puissance wall, winning cupcakes, and a rider takes seven CSI5* classes in a row

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:00:42 +0000

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifiers are coming thick and fast, with Irish showjumper Conor Swail and Frenchman Julien Epaillard claiming victories on either side of the Atlantic this week. The latter’s win in Lyon marked an astounding seventh consecutive five-star success for the world number three. Meanwhile Great Britain finished on the podium in the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Spain, where Tim Gredley returned to team duties for the first time in many years and Robert Murphy made a sterling debut.

Here is H&H’s weekly round-up of just some of the international action from the world of showjumping over the past week, plus showjumping results.

Irish brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle, and US rider McLain Ward, all cleared 2.10m (6ft 10in) to share the $25,000 Defender puissance spoils at the Washington International Horse Show. This was the 10th time McLain has won or tied in the puissance at the show and he returned with his 15hh speed specialist Catoki, who tied for victory last year as well.

“I knew he was always brave, but he’s barely bigger than a pony,” he said. “He did the speed class [at this show] and was brilliant, almost won that. It’s incredible. I have barely any spur and the horse pulls you down there like a lion and I think he enjoys it. He’s an incredible winner.”

Daniel Coyle, who won the opening class at this year’s show with the great mare Legacy, was also a co-winner of last year’s puissance and entered the 14-year-old Oak Grove’s Carlyle, owned by Ariel Grange, “to give him a bit of heart” after a slow start to the week.

“He jumped great every round,” said Daniel. “That’s him; he’s one or the other, he’s either frantic or he just goes and does it very simply.”

Daniel’s older brother Jordan completed the trio of Washington’s puissance winners with Eristov (main image), a 13-year-old KWPN gelding with whom he finished fifth in the Hickstead Derby.

“He was my first big-time horse,” he said. “I’m thankful for everything he’s done for me. We gave him a break, planning to wind down and retire him, but he didn’t love that so much.

“By the end of tonight [puissance] it felt like I could have jumped anything.”

Daniel said of competing against his brother: “We’ve competed our whole lives together. We’re brothers, but when the helmet goes on, you become a competitor and that’s how it is. It’s great, we’ve learned a lot from each other over the years and it’s great now to be at the top of the sport together.”

WIHS puissance results

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup 2022/23 - Lyon (FRA)Julien Epaillard (FRA) rides on Caracole de la Roque - winner of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup 2022/23 - Lyon (FRA)Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster (Image credit: FEI)

Epaillard’s spectacular seven-timer

French star Julien Epaillard (pictured above) continued his superb run of form when landing a staggering four five-star classes in Lyon, France, including the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier and the Longines Grand Prix with the 10-year-old mare Caracole De La Roque. His remaining wins came with Donatello D’Auge, in the Equita Masters on Saturday and the opening two-phase

“You can never expect a weekend as good as this one,” said the 45-year-old, who had landed a hat-trick at St Lo the previous week, meaning that he has won all seven of the last five-star classes he’s entered. This also marked his 69th international win this year.

“I am lucky enough to ride outstanding horses, but there is always an element of luck involved too. You have to enjoy it while it’s there.”

Longines Equita Lyon showjumping results

‘We’ve gone through the roof’

Conor Swail landed his second World Cup qualifier in a row, this time riding Count Me In, and now holds a commanding lead at the top of the North American League.

His victory at the Washington International Horse Show presented by Mars Equestrian in Upper Marlboro, USA, came after a nine-way jump-off on the 15-year-old Count Grannus gelding, owned by Mannon Farm and Sandy Lupton, and known at home as Crosby, on whom he finished eighth in last season’s World Cup Final. It followed Conor’s success in the opening leg in Sacramento with Vital Chance De La Roque.

“This is his first five-star grand prix win with me and I’m just so thrilled for him,” said the Irishman, who triumphed with a slick clear in 35.76sec, just ahead of runner-up Daniel Bluman riding Gemma W. Barely a second separated the top four riders and third went to US rider Brian Moggre on his long-time partner MTM Vivre Le Reve.

“Count Me In has really changed my career,” said Conor, who just needs to win one more leg of the World Cup to match his record hat-trick from last season as we head towards the 2023 final in Omaha. “He’s brought me to a lot of places I’d never been and has been successful doing it. This year, I know he’s capable and [returning to the World Cup Finals] is something that I’m looking forward to doing with him.

“Since I got these two horses, Count Me In and Vital Chance De La Roque, we really hit it off and we’ve gone through the roof.”

WIHS World Cup qualifier results

Showjumping results: bronze for British team in Spain

Great Britain claimed third in the CSIO3* Nations Cup of Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, where the hosts were victorious, with Colombia taking the runner-up spot. Ireland finished on equal faults with Great Britain but were three seconds slower, placing them fourth. The squad consisted of pathfinder Robert Murphy, making his senior debut with How Easy, Joe Fernyhough and Calcourt Particle, Tim Gredley riding Medoc De Toxandria and Skye Higgin with the nine-year-old Djordania Du Tillard.

“They all worked very well together and the experience they gained here will stand them in good stead going forward,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “It was a great result from 15 teams. Robert was on his first senior Nations Cup and jumped solid rounds, Joe, on his second Nations Cup after being on the winning team in Gorla Minore, Italy, put in good rounds. We needed clear rounds and Tim, on his first Nations Cup for many years, and Skye, who also jumped for clear and four in Prague, both handled the pressure extremely well and delivered.”

Nations Cup showjumping results

Irish success on the Andalucia Champions Tour

Niamh McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick landed the 1.55m CSIO3* grand prix on the Andalucia October Tour at Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, while Billy Twomey and Lady Lou took the two-star equivalent.

Niamh has racked up numerous victories and placings on the tour and sealed it with a superb grand prix performance on Sunday, beating countryman Cian O’Connor and Kilkenny.

“My mare has jumped phenomenally,” she said. “She was very strong in the first round, there were some very difficult lines, especially at the beginning of the test, but she put her heart into it as always and she succeeded.”

Andalucia October Tour showjumping results

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘The cupcakes are why I wanted to win here!’

US rider Laura Kraut landed Friday’s feature class, the $75,000 speed final, at the 2022 Washington International Horse Show riding Eugenie Angot’s and Stars And Stripes’ Calgary Tame (pictured above).

“He’s a new horse for me this year,” said Laura of the 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Old Chap Tame x Kashmir Van’t Schuttershof. “He’s been a fantastic horse for me so far, but this is the first class I’ve won with him, so I’m excited. The funny thing about this horse is that I’ve had a bit of steering issues along the way. Tonight you definitely needed all of your power steering. I thought, ‘I have nothing to lose and I’m going to have to give it a go. He’s super brave and he was just right on it for me.”

But the best prize of all for Laura?

“I’m dying for these Georgetown cupcakes; it’s why I wanted to win here!” joke Laura, who won the show’s leading lady rider award and tied for the international jumper championship.

WIHS results

From tears to triumph: Confu returns from life-threatening virus to provide emotional win for Laura Kraut

Sarah Eakin — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 12:27:36 +0000

Laura Kraut and Confu had a triumphant return from uncertainty to win the $216,000 grand prix CSI4* during the “Saturday Night Lights” at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“The win tonight means everything,” said Laura. “A few months ago, we were crying because we weren’t sure he was going to make it.”

It was the first grand prix for Confu since November 2021. Laura explained that the gelding suffered from a serious virus at the end of 2021, and his future had been extremely unclear.

Laura Kraut and Confu en route to victory (Image credit: Manue Macker)

Forty-five entries from 14 nations contested Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt’s opening course. His stamina-challenging track included two double combinations, a triple combination, and a triple-bar early on at obstacle three.

Ten contestants returned to the jump-off and the night looked to be sewn up by the Irish as Mark McAuley sat in second and Conor Swail put in a blazing round in 37.10 seconds as the second to last with Vital Chance De La Roque, to go into the lead. Laura and Confu clearly had other plans as the last to go in the jump-off.

Conor Swail and ‘Vinny’ catch big air in last night’s grand prix (Image credit: Manue Macker)

The duo proved they are never a pair that should be counted out. Kraut and the 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contact Me x Cambridge 8) exploded into action, finishing with a final time of 36.44 seconds.

“I knew how quick all of the riders were tonight, so when I was heading in, I thought, ‘I would be happy with fifth’,” explained Kraut. “My plan was just to go at his pace and hopefully let him be double clear. The turn to the wall and the rollback to the oxer felt incredibly fast to me. I was then lucky to get a good jump on the second to last fence, and then also lucky to keep the final fence up. He knew exactly what to do.

“It means the world to have him win, and to win on Horseware week [at the Winter Equestrian Festival], I don’t think we could have scripted it any better. I’m so thankful to have had their support for many years, and it feels like winning this class was meant to be.”

Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut help rising showjumping star fulfil his potential

Sarah Eakin — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 21:30:38 +0000

USA’s Brian Moggre is just 20 and in the salad days of his professional career but he has already accomplished something most showjumpers are lucky to achieve in a lifetime, by taking a grand prix second place at Aachen last summer – and he has done it with the support of two of the world’s legendary showjumpers, Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton.

“I started getting help from them a year and a few months ago,” said Brian, who is set to ride in tonight’s Saturday Night Lights at the Winter Equestrian Festival, riding Stevie Macken’s Dior P Z, competing against 45 other combinations including Laura on St Bride’s Farm’s Confu.

“They are fantastic,” Brian said. “Laura, being a competitor here herself still, and Nick. As a young professional they really encourage me to be my own person. They guide me along the way and they help with training. And provide insight in any way I need it, whether that be the riding or running the business aspect of it. I am so grateful that they have kind of taken me under the wing.”

Last year Brian and his Aachen horse Balou Du Reventon, were shortlisted for the Olympics. He was 19 at the time and could have been overwhelmed, had Nick and Laura not been ready to weigh in with support.

“I think it’s a lot for a 19-year-old to handle,” said Brian. “They really helped me to keep my head on my shoulders, keep my head in the game and really keep a competitive mindset about it, plus being realistic. Laura and Nick have both been to endless championships. They’ve been through the process so to be associated with people who have done all the things that I hope and dream to do someday really makes me feel great as an upcoming professional.”

Tonight’s track will be designed by week 10’s international arena course designer, Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt. “It’s later in the circuit so it [the course] definitely won’t be a walk in the park,” Brian predicted. “For a four-star grand prix it will definitely ask all the right questions, but I don’t think it will over-face many horse-rider combinations. I also don’t think it will be a giveaway and I think it will be good sport tonight.”

Dinner with Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut sold for $10,000

Sarah Eakin — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:59:58 +0000

New records were set for attendance, auction proceeds, and funding raised to support FEI partner charity, Just World, at an annual gala, held in the Grand Prix Village, next to the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“The fun thing is everyone was happy,” said Laura Kraut, who has been a longstanding ambassador of the Just World charity. “Everyone’s there because they know it’s for a good thing. Even at the end of the circuit, when everyone’s kind of tired – myself included – when we got there all of a sudden you had energy and it was well worth going.”

A highlight of the evening was a live auction in which a dinner with Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut at Maxwell Plum’s in Wellington, proved to be a prized item. “I think we went for ten thousand!” said Laura, who added “No, not at all,” when asked if she expected her and Nick to raise that much.

“We will try to arrange the dinner before [the end of WEF] and if not, we will do it next year,” said Laura. “The people who bought us were lovely people.”