Latest from Horse & Hound in Showjumping-world-championships

‘We made each other stronger’: star stallion who won £1.2m retires aged 20

Becky Murray — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:02:00 +0000

Grand prix superstar Con Quidam RB, who helped the Netherlands win team silver at the 2022 World Championships, has retired from sport aged 20.

His rider Sanne Thijssen confirmed the KWPN stallion’s retirement after they came second in a CSI4* 1.55m grand prix in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, on 15 March.

“The fact this chapter is coming to an end is indescribable,” said Sanne.

Con Quidam RB was produced as a young horse by Bulgaria’s Rossen Ratichev, who competed him in the six-year-old final at the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken, finishing 13th. “Connie” joined the Thijssen family in spring 2013 – ridden by Sanne’s father Leon, before Sanne, then 16, took on the reins in August 2014.

Over the next 12 years Sanne and Connie climbed the ranks together, amassing an impressive 19 grand prix victories and €1.4m (£1.2m) in prize money. They competed at the 2015 and 2016 young rider Europeans, helping the Netherlands win silver at the latter.

In 2021 they were on the team that won gold at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, and in 2022 the team silver at the World Championships in Herning. Some of their many other highlights include winning the Longines Global Champions Tour grands prix in Valkenswaard and Madrid and the Rotterdam CSIO5* grand prix.

Sanne said Connie taught her “to fight and not to give up” – and “always gave 200%”.

“You could sense so well when it needed to happen. When it was an important day. When we wanted to show the world what we could achieve together,” she said.

“The same applied to these final rounds. We fell short by 0.15 seconds for a final victory, but that second place felt just as good as a victory.

“I am sure if it had been up to you, this would not have been the last one. But to protect your golden heart, your lion heart that will always keep going, we have decided that it is time. Time for your well-deserved retirement.”

Sanne said there was “joy and sadness” in Connie’s retirement.

“Joy, because you deserved this so much, and we were able to conclude it so beautifully. Sadness, because I am going to miss you so much at competitions. Not just the performances we had together in the ring, but also your character and demeanour. Everything that made you you,” she said.

“Sometimes it seemed as if we could communicate with each other. You felt exactly how I felt, and I knew exactly how you felt. We made each other stronger and complemented each other where necessary. Two peas in a pod.”

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‘Thank you will never be enough’: Olympic gold medallist retires sound and happy with his best friend

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:22:33 +0000

Olympic gold medallist Romeo 88 has retired aged 16 to spend a happy retirement with his best friend.

Ann Thompson’s Zangersheide gelding and Harry Charles represented Britain at two Olympics, jumping clear to win team gold last year – and the world team bronze in 2022 that secured our place in Paris. They also came fourth in the 2022 World Cup Final and jumped double clears, and secured podium places, in top grands prix and Nations Cups across the world.

“Romeo, thank you for everything,” Harry said. “You changed my life and I’ll for ever be grateful. You were with me all the way and I loved every second.”

“We’re not retiring him for any other reason other than it’s the right thing to do,” Harry’s father Peter told H&H. “He’s perfectly sound; the team vet came last week gave him a full bill of health to compete and we thought it couldn’t get any better.

“Two Olympics, the World Championships, second in the Dublin grand prix, nearly won the World Cup Final – and he’ll never beat what he did last year. What a way to retire him.”

Harry Charles and Romeo 88 at Paris 2024. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Harry took the reins on Romeo in 2021, months before they made their Olympic debut.

“The start wasn’t easy as there were various issues to iron out,” Peter said. “But Romeo soon developed a wonderful partnership with Harry and it didn’t take long to get great results and win.”

Peter added that last year, the decision was made to aim Romeo at the Olympics, where they excelled despite the fact Harry had broken his wrist in a fall three weeks earlier.

“Romeo and Harry with his broken wrist went to Paris in top form,” he said. “What the three-man team achieved with no drop score was incredible. For Romeo and Harry to achieve again the only clear and win gold was the stuff of dreams; it never gets old.

“Romeo 88 was and is an incredible horse because he loved his job and he loved Harry. He always gave Harry 110% because of his trust in his rider. Equally Georgia his groom kept his grumpy attitude in check; nothing for her was ever too much trouble.”

Harry Charles with Romeo 88 at Heathcroft Farm (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Romeo will enjoy his retirement with Ann Thompson’s other 2022 World Championship contender Balou De Reventon, whom Harry also rode.

“They’ve been great friends all their lives; they’ll know each other instantly,” Peter said. “He’ll hack around and go in the field, and do exactly what he wants to do.”

Harry thanked Ms Thompson for trusting Romeo to him.

“I hope we did you proud!” he said. “Thank you for the opportunities also with Balou du Reventon and Aralyn Blue, you gave me a chance that many could only dream of.

“Romeo will have the best retirement; it makes me happy that he will leave the sport on the highest of the highs and have the long, healthy retirement he deserves. Thank you will never be enough – happy retirement, my friend.”

Ann added that she told Harry in Tokyo that those Games were practice for Paris.

“Thank you for believing in me,” she said. “I knew Romeo would do whatever you asked of him. That horse loves and trust you, Harry; it is that relationship unlike in any other sport that creates champions. That little extra the horse will give you when you need it comes from the care you give outside the ring.”

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Harry CHARLES riding ROMEO 88 for GBR during the Team Jumping Final of the Olympic Showjumping Team Competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games held on the Etoile Royal Esplanade in the grounds of the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) in Versailles just outside Paris in France between the 25th July and 6th August 2024 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Probably the best round of my life’: Harry Charles and Romeo’s fabulous Olympic clear keeps Britain on top

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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‘Taking off his shoes was a complete game changer’: the story of King Edward’s journey to World Cup Final winner

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:32:25 +0000

After being crowned the new world champion last year, Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann paid a touching tribute to his “once in a lifetime” horse King Edward who, for a second championship in a row, sailed through the competition without touching a single fence.

“I owe him for this for life” says Henrik. “I will remember this to my last breath.”

For the past few years, we have become utterly smitten with this charismatic little spring-heeled chestnut and his heroic will to win, and last week (8 April) he added to his tremendous list of accolades by claiming the World Cup Final in Omaha, USA.

Of course, there’s been much rivalry with Ben Maher’s brilliant uber-horse of the same colour, Explosion W – the question is often asked, who is the best in the world, King Edward or Explosion W? But at the moment, it is King Edward’s turn to reign – never has a horse been better named to rule the world.

To celebrate this all-conquering superstar, we caught up with his rider, the Swedish world number one Henrik von Eckermann, to find out about King Edward’s phenomenal rise to the top.

Once upon a time in Belgium…

King Edward started life in Belgium in 2010 boasting great genetics, but his bloodlines certainly aren’t striking or fashionable in the jumping world. Breeder Wim Impens put the mare Koningin De Lauzelle, by Feo, to the stallion Edward 28, a son of Embassy I. The resulting Belgian Warmblood colt, who was originally named King Edward Ress, was his dam’s 12th foal and sadly the 13th, who would have been a full-sister to King Edward, died at birth. The versatile mare’s other offspring include everything from 1.40m jumpers to a dressage stallion and Edward was sold as a yearling.

The early years: ‘Such unbelievable power’

Belgian rider Ines de Vos bought King Edward when he was five and produced him through national young horse classes, where he became champion seven-year-old, and soon caught the eye of Peter Eeckman, who set about trying to purchase the youngster for his Swiss rider Janika Sprunger. Ines was totally devoted to her talented young horse and despite growing interest in him, she had no plans to sell. However, realising King Edward’s scope and potential to go far in the right hands, she agreed to let Janika and her partner Henrik try the gelding – but only once, because it was so hard for Ines and her family to say goodbye.

“Both Janika and I were sure he would be something special – we obviously didn’t know he’d be what he is now, but we thought he’d be very good,” says Henrik. “But after we tried him once they said no, either you buy him or we keep him. So we had to figure out how to buy him, and then the owner [under the Dufour Stables banner] came later. He watched him and it was no discussion because he also saw something special. When you trotted and cantered, King Edward had such unbelievable power, and that power is what he has when he springs off the ground. I don’t know where it comes from, it’s just unbelievable.”

From 1.30m to five-star hero

Janika immediately clicked with the gelding and the pair began competing at 1.30m level early in 2019, when King Edward was a nine-year-old.

“He has always been a very careful horse, he has a big stride,” says Henrik, saying his fiancee did a “fantastic job” with King Edward.

Their first big win came in a four-star grand prix in Poznan, Poland, at the end of that year and they were placed in the five-star World Cup qualifier in Basel, but their journey would soon be halted as first Covid struck, halting all international sport, and when Janika became pregnant with their first child, she passed the reins to Henrik.

The new partnership made their competitive debut in a 1.40m at St Tropez at the end of 2020 and produced some good results in their first few months together, stepping up well to five-star level, but something just wasn’t quite right, says Henrik.

Henrik Von Eckermann riding King Edward during the Grand Prix ROLEX presented by AUDI at Knokke Hippique 2022 on July 10, 2022 in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. (Photo by Pierre Costabadie/Icon Sport via Getty Images) (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

‘Taking off his shoes was a complete game changer’

It was while competing in Doha, Qatar, that Henrik decided to remove King Edward’s shoes.

“I was not happy with the way he was landing over his fences – he was jumping too much to one side,” explains Henrik. “He’s a very sound horse, so we were always trying to find out why he was doing this. Taking off his shoes was the only thing we could think of that was causing him to be a bit sore sometimes in his feet. He’s a very sensitive horse, so even if his discomfort was very small, he reacts to it. Taking off his shoes was a complete game changer. Directly you felt he was more relaxed and more satisfied. Since then he’s been without the shoes.

“I still believe that if we hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t have been here today.”

From that moment, the accolades began flooding in; their first five-star grand prix podium came in May of that year, back at St Tropez, and they thrilled British crowds shortly after when jumping double clear to take fourth in the Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor – the first time they’d gone head-to-head with Ben Maher and Explosion W, who won the title there.

Henrik describes the gelding as having “everything you want; his brain is clever, he’s so careful but still so brave, and such a sweet horse.”

Olympic gold: ‘For us, it was lucky we could wait’

Just a month later, Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward were wowing a global audience at the Tokyo Olympics where they were part of the phenomenal Swedish team who claimed the gold medal. But Henrik explains that, had the Games been run in 2020, rather than being postponed a year, King Edward would not have been ready.

“I’m sure we wouldn’t have won an Olympic gold medal with King Edward,” says Henrik. “That gave him another year to develop. He’s a very careful horse, so he needed confidence and to take his time to slowly get into the sport. For us, it was lucky that we could wait one more year to get that experience.”

Agonisingly, however, the pair had narrowly missed out on an individual medal at the Olympics when finishing fourth – once again to champions Ben and the mighty Explosion W – in the six-way jump-off to decide the podium.

Henrik von Eckermann ( SWE) riding King Edward in the Team Jumping Qualifier for the Team Final for the Olympic Jumping Competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held at Equestrian Park in Setagaya-ku in Tokyo in Japan between the 23rd July and 8th August 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Best of the best in the Super Grand Prix

King Edward and Henrik finished 2021 on a tremendous roll. After jumping double clear in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, the pair won the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) grand prix of Samorin, qualifying for the prestigious Super Grand Prix in Prague, in which they triumphed in impressive style, despite King Edward getting his tongue over the bit.

“When you have a run, things do go smoother,” says Henrik, who beat Ben and Explosion into third on this occasion. “This is my run and I appreciate it, I really try to enjoy it.”

In their final outing of 2021, Henrik and King Edward finished runner-up in another feature class on the international jumping calendar, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Geneva. The winner that day? Ben Maher and Explosion W.

“He’s never had bad form, ever,” says Henrik of King Edward. “He has the whole package, he’s so consistent, we know him very well now and what we have to think about with him, for example he’s a very sensitive horse so he needs to be very relaxed – when he’s tense, his jump gets a bit tense. So that’s what you need to focus on. Otherwise just keep him happy and healthy.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

All roads lead to the World Showjumping Championships

This year was all about building up to the World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, in August and this gallant pair took in a grand prix victory in St Tropez, before a runner-up spot in Stockholm and a Nations Cup appearance at Knokke en route.

Henrik also pays tribute to King Edward’s owner, who has turned down astronomical sums of money to allow this astounding partnership to continue their enthralling journey together.

“We are so privileged that this horse has not left our stable,” says Henrik.

Their fate was almost written in the stars in Denmark, but as we all know, nothing about the sport of showjumping is predictable – except, perhaps, the magical King Edward. Once again this hugely consistent gelding delivered five faultless rounds to not only help Sweden claim the world title, but then despite the cauldron of pressure and the eyes of the world watching, the pair – always so in tune with one another – climbed from fourth individually on day one to the top of the leader board.

After Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward soared over the final fence to earn one of the sport’s ultimate accolades, the Swedish rider flung his hat into the air – the ecstasy was evident for all to see. This superb horseman and his “unbelievable” horse had earned their place in history as the new world champions.

“I believed we could do it – I have a fantastic horse,” says Henrik. “Edward has the capability from I don’t know where, it’s beyond something else. He can jump a big fence without any effort. No other horse I’ve ever sat on has given me that feeling.”

The hero of the 2023 World Cup Final

In April 2023, Henrik and a 13-year-old King Edward breezed home to secure victory from a star-studded field for the World Cup Final and Henrik’s joy at adding this accolade to their illustrious list of titles was clear to see.

“It was always a big, big goal and a dream for me to be able to have my name on that World Cup trophy. So for me, this is very special,” he said after taking the World Cup crown. “King Edward is a very small horse, but when he comes into the ring, it feels like he’s growing five centimetres more, and that makes the difference. It’s like starting an engine.”

King Edward, we salute you.

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‘I saw the horses getting sounder’: first findings from study into barefoot v shod horses’ movement

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 10:03:46 +0000

RESEARCHERS behind a study into the difference in equine movement when horses are shod and unshod hope to help reduce lameness and benefit horses and owners.

The first findings of the collaborative study, involving top showjumper Peder Fredricson, vet Staffan Lidbeck and Lars Roepstorff, professor and researcher from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and sponsored by insurer Agria’s research fund, were announced at the World Showjumping Championships.

Peder, who was won world and Olympic team gold on an unshod horse, said: “I’ve been riding my horses barefoot for a couple of years, and have found that barefoot, they’re healthier and have fewer injuries, so I think it will be very interesting to show why this is.”

Mr Lidbeck, who competed alongside Peder before he switched from eventing to showjumping, and has known him for years, said he was “sceptical” when Peder first mentioned riding unshod horses.

“But after a while, I could see with my own eyes his horses getting sounder,” he said. “He said he was a bit disappointed the veterinary community didn’t really care about this, and I was thinking about that. He’s correct, and I wanted to do something.”

Mr Lidbeck contacted Prof Roepstorff, who said he was happy to look into this “very interesting” subject, which also connects to his work on different arena surfaces. He added that the force on each of a horse’s limbs when landing after a jump are huge – “we’re talking tonnes” – so as well as the surface, the treatment of the feet is key to equine health and performance.

The researchers looked at previous studies, and then interviewed top riders, vets, farriers and others about their unshod experience.

“There’s no scientific knowledge about competing showjumping horses barefoot,” Mr Lidbeck said. “There’s quite a lot of scepticism. The normal state of mind is that horses should be shod; we don’t ask ‘Why do we have shoes on the horse?’”

The researchers then carried out practical tests; using markers, video and motion analysis on horses working on the flat and over jumps, shod and unshod, to try to measure any differences in movement.

“It’s important to say you go in without expectations,” Prof Roepstorff said. “The fun of research is when you find things you didn’t expect. But what you hope to see is a difference, and what the difference is.”

The finding announced at this stage is that when unshod, the movement in the hoof is “freer and larger”, specifically widening over the heels, and contraction of heels during the breakover. There was also more vertical independent movement in the barefoot hoof.

“It’s very interesting as we see a lot of injuries in the hoof,” Mr Lidbeck said, adding that of course the hoof affects all the structures in the limb.

“Everyone talks of the hoof as a pump,” added Prof Roepstorff. “If we see not only widening but contraction, it could be two things contributing to increased blood flow [to the leg], which is also important in rehab.”

More results will be announced when they have been analysed.

“One study can never find all the answers but we hope it will contribute to the first piece of the puzzle that leads to new knowledge,” Prof Roepstorff said. “This is a dream for a researcher! We got 480 recordings, with 38 markers, so there’s a bit of data to analyse.”

The team stressed the importance of scientific data and findings to inform best practice, and that whatever the full results, each horse and its hooves must be considered individually, as what is best for one may not be for the next.

“When you want to develop, the only way forward is knowledge,” Peder said. “Hopefully, with this study, we can make something better for horses.”

Agria CEO Agnes Fabricius added: “Agria has for years striven to reduce the risk of horses suffering from lameness. I have high hopes that we can get a result that in the long run can benefit more horses and owners.”

What do you think of the shod/unshod debate? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county

Organisers praised as grooms put to the forefront at World Championships

Becky Murray — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:12:36 +0000

Grooms were at the forefront of the FEI World Championships in Herning (6–14 August), as “important strides” were made.

The Herning organising committee has been praised for “setting a new standard” for grooms, with highlights including a dedicated lounge at the stable area, an exclusive restaurant with “grab-and-go” options, recognition of grooms on screens during the competition, and grooms taking part in prize-giving ceremonies for the first time.

Herning was Charlotte Dujardin’s groom Alan Davies’ 20th major championship and he said the organising committee “tried so hard”.

“They stabled all the teams together, which is always really good at a championship. A WhatsApp group was created and the stable manager put any information we needed and there were at least three or four messages a day keeping us updated,” he told H&H.

“The restaurant was one of the best I’ve ever seen, this is my 12th championship in a row and the food was tip-top. They did fantastic buffets and supplied eco-friendly boxes so you could take food away, and there was always fresh fruit and salad available.”

Alan added that the recognition on the televised screen – each groom was pictured along with each horse and rider – “meant a lot”, and said the event was a “massive improvement” on previous ones he had been to.

“It’s all going in the right direction. If we can really get the International Grooms Association [IGA] off the ground [news, 5 May] and get people to listen, and if there can be more communication between the organisers, the FEI and grooms, then we can keep [the standard] up to a level, which it is getting to,” he said.

“Herning did a really good job and the level of care for grooms is getting better, but it’s going to be keeping those standards up that’s difficult. The cost of living is creeping up, so it’s not going to be easy.”

The IGA, which launched at the end of April, met the Herning organising committee before the championships, and IGA executive director Lucy Katan told H&H she was “delighted” with their “forward-thinking approach”.

“Historically, many shows plan everything and then say, ‘and the grooms’, as kind of an afterthought, but that was not the case here. The organising committee really put the grooms at the forefront of their planning and it created such a different atmosphere of positivity,” she said.

The championships’ sport chief executive Jens Trabjerg confirmed to H&H the committee was “let down at the last minute” with the accommodation, but this was “solved” on 3 August. He added that the committee was “very pleased and proud of the many positive comments” they received.

Alan, who opted to stay in a horsebox with Gareth Hughes’ groom Steph Sharples, said the accommodation was a “bit of a problem” but the committee tried to resolve the issue.

“I feel for them that it went wrong on that level because everything else they were trying so hard to do right for us,” he said.

An FEI spokesman told H&H “important strides” were made at Herning.

“The organising committee was extremely proactive and dedicated to setting a new standard for grooms, which at many levels they achieved. While we fully acknowledge there were some challenges – such as the accommodation – these were resolved in the best possible way given the situation,” he said.

“It was a big team effort with the organising committee, IGA and FEI working together in the build-up and throughout the championship to fulfil a shared vision whereby grooms got the recognition they fully deserved.”

The spokesman added there will be a “thorough debrief” with stakeholders, and the FEI will continue to liaise with the IGA on all matters regarding grooms.

‘He was on fire’: 13-year-old British showjumper holds her own against top riders in Herning

Becky Murray — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:03:04 +0000

A young showjumper held her own as she competed alongside the world’s best in Herning – while also picking up some tips as she watched her heroes warm up for the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

London-based Noora von Bulow, 13, made the journey to Denmark with her two horses Interstar B and Lucky Lisa to compete in the international and amateur classes running alongside the championships.

Noora, who is a familiar face on the pony and children-on-horses teams, and trains at Ashbourne International Stables, made the trip worthwhile, picking up top-three placings in the CSI2* small tour sections with both horses, and winning three 1.40 classes on nine-year-old Interstar B, known at home as Frank.

“Frank was placed every single day in the top three – he was on fire,” Noora told H&H. “They were definitely quite technical tracks. In the two-phase classes I aimed to jump the first phase nicely before deciding whether to really go for it in the second round, but my horses jumped so well it really gave me the confidence.

“The two-star was really competitive, there were more than 100 people in it including a few of the individual riders from the World Championships. It was a really cool experience to be able to compete at the same venue alongside them.”

Noora von Bulow pictured and Interstar B. (Image credit: Ridehesten.com)

When not competing Noora found time to watch her idols warming up for the championship classes.

“It was really good watching how different riders warmed up in different ways and learning from that. I look up a lot to Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsoon and Sanne Thijssen who rides for the Netherlands – and of course Scott Brash. Sanne is only 23 and it’s really inspiring she’s got so far in her career when she’s so young,” said Noora, who also watched Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann’s individual gold medal-winning round on King Edward.

“We were right at the bottom of the stands when Henrik realised he’d won the world championship which was really cool.”

Sharifa von Bulow, Noora’s mother, said she is very proud of everything her daughter has achieved.

“We’re not a professional horse family, so we continue to learn as we go along. Noora is always surprising us and we’re really enjoying the sport with her,” she said.

World Championship bronze medallist is top Brit in London LGCT thriller, on horse bred by David Broome

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:08:38 +0000

The opening CSI5* class at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour was won by Swedish rider Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli, chased home by two members of the British squad for last week’s World Showjumping Championships, Joe Stockdale and John Whitaker, taking second and third respectively.

Tiny fractions separated the leading contenders, who accelerated and twisted round the snaking 1.45m track for Friday’s opening two-phase, and the top three were all drawn late, making for a thrilling finale to the competition.

Joe Stockdale took a late lead with the 12-year-old Kannan gelding, Equine America Kandleford, who was bred by David Broome, only to see his time beaten by 0.25sec by the Swedish athlete on the 10-year-old mare Danna RJ.

An ambitious challenge from John Whitaker with Old Lodge’s 13-year-old Sharid stopped the clock 0.33sec behind to slot into third.

“It feels amazing – it’s always nice to start the week in this way,” said Angelica (pictured below) who was competing at the London LGCT for the first time, fresh from seeing her husband Marlon Modolo Zanotelli representing Brazil at the World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, last week, where she could also cheer home double gold medal-winning Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann.

Danna RJ is Brazilian-bred by Quiz Time.

“We bought Danna RJ at the start of her seven-year-old year – it’s always special when you bring them from young horses up to this level,” said Angelica. “When they are young you are always hoping, so to have done it with her makes me very proud.

“What makes her special is that she’s a real fighter. She wants to win so much when she goes in the ring and I know she will always do her best, that’s what’s so important.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

London LGCT: ‘He has his own way of doing things’ says Joe Stockdale

Joe Stockdale, fresh from collecting his team bronze medal at the World Showjumping Championships on Equine America Cacharel, coaxed an electric round from the Colin Garrett-owned 12-year-old Equine America Kandleford, whom he describes as a “real personality”.

“I thought he wouldn’t be far away from winning that, so I’m a bit gutted to finish second, but he jumped fantastic,” said Joe. “He’s feeling very fresh – he hasn’t had a round since he jumped at Hickstead [Royal International Horse Show] a couple of weeks ago because I’ve been away, so he’s a bit short of rounds coming here. But he took it all in his stride which is lovely.

“He’s really improved this year – he was green and he took a bit of time to learn the job. He’s got his own way of doing things and he’s not everyone’s cup of tea – he’s strong and he’s blood at the same time. But he’s found his own way of doing it and he’s been pretty successful. He has a real personality – he doesn’t know he’s a horse! He’s a home-bred from David Broome’s so he’s very people-friendly, loves attention and he’s a friendly character – he’s a nice one to have in the stable.”

Joe revealed that his newly acquired bronze medal already has pride of place on a shelf at home and he’s been inundated with messages since taking to the podium at the World Showjumping Championships last week.

“I can’t keep track of them all at the moment!” he said.

The Horse & Hound Podcast 116: World Championships review and BSPS Championships preview

Carol Phillips — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:02:35 +0000

Our 116th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast features our review of Ecco FEI World Championships, including all the showjumping and para dressage action, as well as the dressage freestyle (check out last week’s episode for the rest of the dressage medals). H&H’s showjumping editor Jennifer Donald catches up with our Herning showjumping reporter H&H’s news editor Eleanor Jones, while H&H’s dressage editor Polly Bryan, who was also out in Herning, chats to H&H‘s senior news writer Lucy Elder. Turning our eyes to the future, H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson interviews producers Sara Parrott and Craig Elenor about their BSPS Championships memories and their plans for this year’s show, before filling in our podcast host H&H’s Pippa Roome on why this show is so important in the showing calendar and what highlights to look forward to. We hope you will enjoy listening.

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Our 116th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast is the second part of our review of the Ecco FEI World Championships action, kicking off with H&H’s showjumping editor Jennifer Donald catching-up with H&H’s news editor Eleanor Jones, who was part of our team reporting from Herning.

“We all wish we had a horse like King Edward, don’t we. He never looks like he’s going to touch anything” – H&H’s Jennifer Donald

H&H’s Polly Bryan, who was also out in Herning for the competition, and H&H’s Lucy Elder, who has been covering the event from back in the UK, share their thoughts on the incredibly exciting dressage freestyle and all of the para dressage medals.

“I’ve watched Lottie’s freestyle test about seven times since she rode it – I actually feel quite emotional just thinking about it now” – H&H’s Polly Bryan

Looking ahead to the British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Summer Championships, H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson catches up with top pony producers Sara Parrott and Craig Elenor to find out their favourite BSPS Championships memories and their plans for this year’s show. Then Alex sits down with our regular podcast host H&H’s Pippa Roome to explain why this show is so important in the showing calendar and what are the key classes to look out for.

“We’ve got a complete range of ponies, from opens to one who’s only been to one show before. We’ll win a flowery sash hopefully!” – Sara Parrott

We would love to hear your feedback on our new “summer of sport” podcast series, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 116

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The Horse & Hound Podcast 112: Hickstead Derby review with Shane Breen, plus Royal International preview

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The Horse & Hound Podcast 113: Lottie Fry | Herning World Championships preview | Festival of Hunting review

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Elation and exciting times ahead: ‘I’ve never witnessed a championship like it’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:41:10 +0000

“I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a championship like it.”

British Showjumping performance manager Di Lampard, home after a wonderful week in which team bronze, and qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics was achieved at the first opportunity, spoke to H&H about the dramas of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships last week.

Di was on the British team that last won a medal, and Olympic qualification, at a World Championships, on her superstar Abbervail Dream in 1998.

Asked what she would have said if someone had told her then the next time this was achieved, she would be the chef d’equipe, she said: “I’d have said no chance! It’s just amazing to think it’s been 24 years.

“It was a week of highs and lows but I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a championship like it. Top competition as always, but with the excitement and drama of the last team round; it was amazing.”

The live scoring system was down during the team final on Friday night (12 August) and with so many teams in contention for medals, other than clear winners Sweden, and with faults coming everywhere, it was very hard to keep track of who was where.

“When you look at the last lines of riders; the Swedes were clear and then [Peder Fredricson] had 12, the Dutch did best to get two and clear, we had a clear, which was brilliant, but then Scott came out with eight,” Di said.

“It just went crazy. The Irish had five and then a retirement, Germany an elimination and and four, France eight and 12, Brazil nine and a withdrawal, and these are the best riders; it was drama right to the finish.

“I was trying to keep score, which isn’t easy, and I had our worst scenario down if all the final riders had gone clear – at one point, I said ‘We’re going to struggle to qualify for Paris’ to Ben Maher, and he said ‘What?’. Then I looked at what the other teams had done and we were in bronze position, and it was just elation.”

Di said the goal had always been that top-five position to secure an Olympic place, as well as a medal, and that achieving this takes away the pressure of having to qualify at the last minute, as was the case at the 2019 Europeans where Britain also won bronze.

“[In that case], throughout the year you’re sparing horses, and your heart’s in your mouth when you ride the top horses,” she said. “Now we can make proper plans into the next year, and give everyone equal opportunities. We’ve given plenty this year and can do even more next year, and hopefully give someone the chance to make their championship debut at the Europeans.”

Di said she is always trying to build more depth into the British squad, and to do so, riders and horses need to be in those top environments, adding: “With the talented riders we have, hopefully we can get some more owners to get behind them. We’ve got so many young, talented riders who we haven’t even talked about – Rob Murphy, Joe Fernyhough, Jodie Hall McAteer; super talents, Lily Atwood; this is how strong we are with the youth, and we just need to give them experience.

“We’ve no excuses now; there’s enough time to plan towards Paris.”

Di said she believes there is now more detail going into planning for championships, citing the example set by Nick Skelton, who planned Big Star’s campaign for Rio to perfection.

“When you get a top horse, you really have to look after it as they’re few and far between,” she said. “You have to compete them sparingly, make a plan and be bold enough to say ‘That’s my goal, and these are my SMART goals en route to it’, and not over-jump them.”

Di gave full credit to Ben Maher, who finished a pole off the podium in fourth, on Faltic HB who was subbed in for Explosion W at the last minute, and whom he has been riding less than a year.

“He’s been the spearhead of my teams since I’ve been in place, and when that man’s on the team it gives such a lift to everyone else,” she said. “He’s an absolutely fantastic rider; he’s Olympic champion and that’s not through luck, and Faltic was a fantastic partner. I can’t thank his owners enough for allowing him to go at such short notice.”

Di paid tribute to all the support from the British Equestrian World Class programme, as well as the support teams, at home and at the championships.

“These are exciting times for British showjumping,” she said.

William Funnell on the World Showjumping Championships: ‘Anything worth winning is tough’

William Funnell — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:00:52 +0000

Top British showjumper and trainer William Funnell on the team spirit which contributed to Britain’s bronze

FRIDAY night’s World Showjumping Championships medal decider was one of the most exciting team competitions I’ve ever seen. With only 10 teams, in a great time slot for people to sit down and watch, plenty of twists and turns and it all coming down to the final team riders, it made for great viewing; it was a great shot in the arm for Nations Cup team competition.

When it works so well, you have to ask, “Why don’t we have that format at the Olympics? Why do we need to tinker with something so successful?”

Course-builder Louis Konickx did a fantastic job all week, but it also showed just how much strength in depth nations need to be competitive in a championship. Sweden’s gold was thoroughly deserved and what a fantastic horse family the Fredricsons are, but it was great to see Jens, who has been slightly overshadowed by his brother Peder, do so well – he is a class rider.

Exceptional team spirit

THE last time I was in Herning, I was part of the gold medal-winning British team at the European Championships in 2013, whereas this time I was supporting Joe Stockdale, whom I train. With all that pressure, I’d much rather be riding than watching!

The atmosphere in the British camp, from the back-room staff to the front-line riders, was the best I’ve ever known – everyone was helping one another. Stanny van Paesschen has become an invaluable support for performance manager Di Lampard and we’re so lucky to have such a high-level and well-used infrastructure of support from British Equestrian, the National Lottery funding and UK Sport. It’s a huge team that pulls together to win these medals.

It was a great opportunity for the younger generation, Joe and Harry Charles, to draw from the experience of such high-calibre riders as Ben Maher and Scott Brash. They are two of the most professional riders in the world and were a huge help.

Feeling the pressure

LET’S not forget how short of experience Joe is, having missed out on the junior ranks completely. He benefited hugely from riding at last year’s Europeans and he’s worked really hard to come up to the next level.

It’s not until you put yourself on the line at a championship that you realise just how big and tough they are, but anything worth winning is tough. The horses need to be exceptionally fit – the first three rounds come in quick succession, with 14 jumps on both Thursday and Friday in Herning, but even the opening speed leg was tough.

Joe made one mistake in the first round of the team competition, which unfortunately came at the combination and cost him three fences – that fell heavily on him, because he didn’t go there to have a round that didn’t count or to feel like he’d let the team down.

After pathfinder Ben’s faults at the first fence in the team final, there was real pressure on Joe and Harry and it takes great strength when you’re down to believe in yourself. So for them both to broaden their shoulders, come back out and jump so well – and for Harry to produce a clear when we really needed one – showed that the future is in great hands.

Hopefully Joe’s father Tim Stockdale is looking down and thinking what a great purchase he made with Cacharel, who he bought as a three-year-old, and what a great job Joe is doing. He would be very proud.

Great Britain had been in contention after day one, then dropped away after the first leg of the Nations Cup, so it’s always special to come back into a medal position after rallying back like that. Every rider produced a counting score towards that bronze medal.

To have got the Olympic qualification so early in the cycle is a huge benefit – I’m not saying we don’t need to field a top team for next year’s Europeans, but it allows riders who may be on the periphery of earning a slot at the Games to gain some championships experience, in the same way that Joe did last year.

That can only be a positive as we head towards Paris.

This exclusive column can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 18 August

Faltic HB: watch Ben Maher’s 2022 World Championships ride clearing his first ever jumps under saddle

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:32:54 +0000

Faltic HB, the ride of Ben Maher at the 2022 World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, was the best performing horse of the British squad, finishing fourth individually and helping the team to claim bronze. He most certainly stepped up to the plate when Ben decided his originally selected mount, Explosion W, was not going to make the trip to the championships.

The 12-year-old stallion is owned by Oakingham Stud, where he still stands for his duties in West Sussex. The stud purchased Faltic HB, who was bred in the Netherlands by H.A. Brinkman, as an unbroken three-year-old.

This son of Baltic VDL has a strong dam line with more than 100 offspring jumping 1.50m and above. He was fully approved as a four-year-old by the Anglo European Studbook (AES) and he was produced by Oakingham Stud, with Ireland’s Eoin Gallagher later competing him on Nations Cups teams before Oakingham offered Ben the ride on him later last year, with him joining Ben‘s stable in October 2021.

Ben said after his World Championships performance with Faltic HB: “Thank you to Oakingham Stud for believing in me and giving him to me. He’s had a great upbringing in his life and jumped up to the three-star level.

“My job was just to bring him to that next level and we’ve been preparing him slowly, building him up through the year. This wasn’t the first idea to bring him here obviously, but he stepped in just nicely and he’s proved he’s a great horse. A lot of people have been a part of this horse’s career and they’ve done a good job with him,” said Ben, adding back in October if someone had suggested Faltic HB would be at the World Championships this year he would have said “it wasn’t possible”.

“It’s our job to train and build them up and get them fit and produce them over months. It’s not a two-month thing, it takes years to produce horses to this level.”

Oakingham Stud posted a video of Faltic HB jumping under saddle for the first time onto their Instagram account prior to the World Championships with part of the caption reading: “Who would have thought buying an unbroken three-year-old, to watching his first jump under saddle and now to see him selected for his first championship, how did we ever get so lucky. Thank You Faltic HB!

“To everyone who has been involved in Faltic’s career to-date, it’s been an amazing journey, we have everything crossed for next week and we hope Faltic and the rest of Team GB can bring home a ?

“Thank You @benmaherofficial for giving Faltic this opportunity.”

A photo posted by on

A King is crowned, a British medal and Paris 2024 qualification: seven of the biggest stories from the World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 19:55:11 +0000

It has been a fantastic week of top-class competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark – the final fence has now been jumped, the medals handed out, and horses and riders on their way home. We round up what you need to know from a superb championship.

It was team bronze for Britain; the first World Showjumping Championships medal we have won since 1998, which also secured qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Sweden took gold.

Find out how the medals were decided in an action-packed evening

King Edward did not touch a pole all week to claim his crown in the individual final with Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann

Find out how the individual final played out

Ireland may have missed out on medals, but the team secured Paris 2024 Olympic qualification in their first attempt

Read what Cian O’Connor had to say about getting that “monkey off their back”

Sweden’s chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona discussed the realities of the championship rollercoaster, as Sweden held gold-medal position in both the team and individual rankings from day one

Find out what Henrik had to say when our reporter caught up with him

Among the horses competing was a gentle stallion with no front teeth, who has a teddy bear on his halter

Read what former Olympic champion Nick Skelton had to say to this horse’s rider before they went into the ring

Another notable horse was a homebred mare making her senior championship debut along with her Australian rider

Find out why H&H named this mare horse of the day on Wednesday

And you won’t want to miss this gelding who has returned to top form after being ruled out for seven months owing to an injury

Read about this rider’s ecstatic reaction to one of the few clear rounds in the team final

‘He has the fight – he gave it his all’: Ben Maher on Faltic HB’s final round at the World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:58:59 +0000

Olympic champion Ben Maher has missed out on an individual medal after finishing fourth in the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results. Ben and Oakingham Stud’s stallion Faltic HB came agonisingly close to the bronze medal, with only a handful of clears in the second round of the individual final.

A clear round from the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten on Beauville Z N.O.P really put the pressure on Ben and Faltic HB, who were the eighth combination to jump and lying in fifth. The pair started out looking cool and collected as they navigated Louis Konickx’s 1.65m track, which included a treble combination at fence five and an influential double at fence 10 – a Liverpool leading to a big oxer with a water tray. Faltic HB really showed off his athleticism, but just tapped fence seven – a vertical leading to a related distance at fence eight – with his front hooves and the pole fell, to add four faults to their 5.72 score – to finish on 9.72.

Next to jump Max Kuhner went on to have a pole and a time-penalty on Elektric Blue P, which pushed Ben into fourth place. Belgium’s Jerome Guery delivered an expert clear on Quel Homme De Hus, but Swede Jens Fredricson fell victim to the third part of the treble combination, and took both parts of the double at fence 10 down, dropping him right down the leaderboard on 15.71. This moved Ben momentarily up into third, but last to go Henrik von Eckermann – who had led the competition from the start – delivered the goods on King Edward and claimed gold in the World Showjumping Championships results. Jerome Guery won silver, and Maikel van der Vlueeten took bronze.

The World Showjumping Championships was 12-year-old Faltic HB’s first championship, and he only got the call up after it was announced Explosion W had been ruled out owing to not being at his “peak” fitness.

Faltic HB had an exciting first few days, providing solid performances and vital clear rounds on Wednesday and Thursday. The pair added just four faults to their score during Friday evening’s team medal-decider.

Although Ben had to settle for individual fourth, he was still positive about the outcome and he leaves Herning with the team bronze.

“I’m happy, I mean I would have taken that [result] probably last week before leaving – the first priority was the team and to get qualified [for Paris 2024] – and to get a medal was a bonus on top of that,” he said.

“I knew on Friday evening the first fence down was going to be costly this weekend for an individual [medal], but for him to come out when he was a little bit tired today probably – for the horses it’s been hot this week – he jumped incredible all day. Again [it was] a very silly mistake; I feel like I rode well all week – you can always do something better, but in the end it just didn’t go our way.”

Ben only took on the ride of Faltic HB in October last year and the stallion was produced by the team at Oakingham Stud before then.

“He’s had a great upbringing, my job was just to bring him to that next level and we’ve been preparing him slowly, building him up through the year. This wasn’t the first idea to bring him here obviously, but he stepped in just nicely and he’s proved he’s a great horse. A lot of people have been a part of this horse’s career and they’ve done a good job with him,” said Ben, adding back in October if someone had suggested Faltic HB would be at the World Championships this year he would have said “it wasn’t possible”.

“It’s our job to train and build them up and get them fit and produce them over months. It’s not a two-month thing, it takes years to produce horses to this level.”

Ben said the stallion has been feeling good all week.

“The one thing I learnt about him is he has the fight, he tries, he gave it his all this week. They were big jumps for a small horse,” he said.

“It’s been a great week. To get the team qualified; I have an absolutely amazing team of horses and owners behind me. This gives us the push towards Paris 2024 now and we can start to plan. It’s very exciting, we have an incredible team of good young riders and horses.

“Everyone says how great Sweden is with their team of horses, but we could also have won this week. We had a lot of silly mistakes among us that we will all learn from. We can take out from this week that we have a team capable of winning a medal at these championships for the next few years now and it’s exciting times.”

Ben added championships are “always tough” but he uses his experience to his advantage now.

“I try to use that a little bit to help Joe [Stockdale] and Harry [Charles] as well. It’s my job and Scott’s [Brash] job to help them where we see they need that – especially on Friday after not a great day the day before,” he said.

“It’s a great team environment, I’ve been on a lot of teams now and there was one team that stuck out years ago that was not necessarily the strongest on paper, but we were as a team – and this felt very much like that this week.”

‘It worked out today’: phenomenal partnership secures historic showjumping world gold

Lucy Elder — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:58:14 +0000

Henrik von Eckermann and his exceptional campaigner King Edward added another historic gold for Sweden to their CV, topping the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results table with two flawless rounds on individual final day (14 August).

This unstoppable partnership, who helped Sweden to Olympic gold in Tokyo last year, have not touched a pole all week. They started the final day as leaders, with a clear first round further solidifying their gold medal chances.

“King Edward, we love him. Thank you, King Edward, I owe you for life,” he said. “It is quite difficult to describe [the feeling of riding in there], you are thinking you have to stay calm in your head and just do what you walked. But it doesn’t always work out, so I’m really happy it worked out today.”

As they cantered into the ring to contest Louis Konickx’s imposing course, as the last of the final 12 combinations to jump in the second, deciding round, the title was theirs to lose. But this is the position Henrik likes to be in, and King Edward is dubbed the clear round machine for good reason.

The 12-year-old barefoot gelding, owned by Dufour Stables, showed his exceptional athleticism to clear the influential treble at fence five. The pair took a stride out down the line between the two towering verticals at fences seven to eight, and made short work of the double of Liverpools at 10ab, which had ended many others’ hopes of world glory.

As they landed clear over the final yellow oxer, the crowd erupted – Henrik punched the air, his world number one white armband catching in the sun, chants of “Henrik, Henrik” filling the Stutteri Ask Stadium. Ahead of these championships, Sweden had never won a world gold showjumping medal. They end the week with two.

Three rails down for Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit, a horse who was found in a riding centre for training instructors and producers, ended hopes of a Swedish one-two in the individual World Showjumping Championships results.

Jérôme Guery and the 16-year-old stallion Quel Homme De Hus climbed the leaderboard to secure silver for Belgium.

“My horse deserves it, it is nice to bring a medal home. It means a lot to get an individual medal, but my team deserved to get one too,” said Jérôme, who owns the Quidam De Revel son with Alexander Oancea and Eden Farm FARL. “The Swedish are amazing, and we knew it before we came here.”

The Netherlands’ world team silver medal-winning partnership of Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. repeated their Tokyo Olympic individual performance in bagging individual bronze. Two clear rounds resulted in the pair climbing from eighth at the start of individual final day to stand on the podium.

“Friday, I made a little rider mistake. My horse deserves the medal, and I had two amazing rounds [today],” said Maikel. “It puts pressure on the last riders with my two clear rounds – and the luck was on my side today.”

Four faults at the second element of 10ab dropped Max Kühner and Elektrik Blue P, provisional fourth ahead of the final round, out of medal contention. Britain’s Ben Maher and Faltic HB were unlucky to clip one rail in the second round, putting them just out of the medals in fourth on the final leaderboard.

King Edward may be ranked the second-best horse in the world by data analytics company EquiRatings, but in Herning, he claimed his crown.

Ireland’s sole rider in World Showjumping Championships final misses out on second round

Lucy Elder — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 13:31:10 +0000

Ireland’s sole rider to contest the individual final that will decide the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results today (14 August), Denis Lynch, produced another solid round on his consistent partner Brooklyn Heights.

The powerful chestnut looked fresh on the final day of these championships, showing his incredible adjustability and scope. One pole down means the pair will not progress to the second and final round, but will finish no lower than 20th in the World Showjumping Championships individual results.

The duo clipped the powder blue rail at 10a, to add four faults to their score in an otherwise foot-perfect round over Louis Konickx’s maximum dimensions 1.65m track in the first round of Sunday’s final.

The 13-year-old Nabab De Reve son, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, joined Denis’ string in February, and the pair were a crucial part in helping the Irish team to fourth place and secure Paris 2024 Olympic qualification earlier this week.

A total of 12 combinations go through to the final, second round this afternoon. Competition was fierce in the first round, as expected with world individual medals on the table.

There was little breathing room for anyone to make a mistake – even a clear round could not guarantee a spot in that final 12. A total of 14 of the 21 starters jumped clear, with Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and the eye-catching Leone Jei the only four-faulters from this morning to progress to the second round.

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward head the provisional standings, with their team gold medal-winning compatriots Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit in provisional silver. Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme De Hus hold provisional bronze for Belgium.

Britain had two of its world bronze team medal-winning competitors on the start list this morning – Olympic champion Ben Maher and Scott Brash. Ben will carry Britain’s hopes of an individual medal in this afternoon’s second round.

Ben Maher sets Britain’s individual medal hopes alight at World Showjumping Championships

Lucy Elder — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 13:08:23 +0000

Olympic champion Ben Maher remains in the hunt for an individual medal in the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results after a sensational round in the first phase of Sunday’s (14 August) final with Faltic HB.

Their clear round puts the British combination in provisional fifth in the World Showjumping Championships results ahead of the second, deciding round this afternoon.

This compact bay may not be the biggest, but his technique, scope and heart are what make him such a competitor.

The pair cruised round the early stages of Louis Konickx’s 1.65m course, with the 12-year-old stallion jumping for fun. There was one heart-stopping moment, where he appeared to peck slightly after landing from the teetering upright at fence nine, recovering impressively to clear the imposing pastel-coloured double at 10ab.

The Baltic VDL son, owned by Oakingham Stud, has jumped superbly all week, helping Britain to historic team bronze – and crucial Paris 2024 Olympic qualification – on Friday night.

Ben’s team-mate Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) was competing alongside him in the individual final, with a rail dropping them out of contention for the second round.

The top 12 competitors after this morning go through to the second, final round this afternoon.

The fierce Swedish contingent continue their purple streak, with Henrik von Eckermann and the great King Edward heading the provisional standings, and their team gold medal-winning compatriots Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit in provisional silver. Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme De Hus hold provisional bronze at this stage.

‘You learn from your mistakes’: Scott Brash reflects on World Showjumping Championships round

Becky Murray — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 12:58:04 +0000

Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson have picked up four faults in the first round of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships individual final (14 August).

The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham, looked eager to get the job done and appeared a little hot, notably pulling Scott into fence five, a big oxer.

The pair continued to put in a brilliant jumping round, but once again Hello Jefferson got a bit strong after the water at fence eight and knocked down the 1.65m vertical at fence nine. Scott and Hello Jefferson finished comfortably inside the 87 second time allowed, adding just the four faults to their score of 8.23.

Reflecting on his round, Scott said Jefferson was “a bit tense” today.

“In the last line he was getting strong and keen with me, and there was a bit of atmosphere – it’s the way it goes,” he said.

“One down is not bad, I think we were unlucky to have the fence but I just felt he was a bit more tense than I’d like him, to have the best result.”

Louis Konickx’s up to height track in the World Showjumping Championships individual final has not proved to cause as many problems as the team final on Friday, with lots of clears inside the time. Twenty-one riders came forward today, and the top 12 will jump again in the final medal-deciding round. Scott finished in 17th place, so will not be jumping again.

Scott and Hello Jefferson have had a mixed week; the pair posted superb clears on Wednesday and Thursday to put them into provisional individual silver. However, a difficult round in the team final where they had an uncharacteristic eight faults, meant they dropped down to 11th place coming into the final today. Scott was understandably disappointed and said Hello Jefferson had become tense in the warm-up ahead of his round. Despite this, the Brits scooped team bronze with Harry Charles posting a sterling clear on Romeo 88, Ben Maher and Faltic HB adding four faults to the score, and Joe Stockdale having four faults with Equine America Cacharel.

“You learn from your mistakes,” said Scott. “I still believe he’s [Hello Jefferson] a championship horse and he still has more championships in him, that’s for sure. We’ve learnt a lot this week. I think he can still go well in future championships.”

In the World Showjumping Championships results going into the final round, Henrik von Eckermann leads on score of 0.58 with King Edward, Sweden’s Jens Fredricson is in silver on 2.71 with Markan Cosmopolit and Belgium’s Jerome Guery is in bronze on a score of 3.35 with Quel Homme De Hus.

World Showjumping Championships: when the Brits will ride in individual final

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 09:30:01 +0000

The individual champion will be crowned at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships this afternoon (14 August), so if you are looking forward to the action as much as we are, you’ll want to know the British riders’ times for the World Showjumping Championships individual final.

The class starts at 2pm local time (1pm UK time), and there are 21 combinations taking part, in reverse order of merit, including Brits Ben Maher on Faltic HB, and Scott Brash on Hello Jefferson. Ireland has one representative in this final, Denis Lynch riding Brooklyn Heights.

The top 25 combinations individually qualified for today’s final competition in the World Showjumping Championships, but a number of these riders are not competing.

One of these is Brazil’s Yuri Mansur, on QH Alfons Santo Antonio, who was in seventh place on 5.65 penalties, and whose absence means Ben and Scott, who were eighth and 13th respectively, move up a spot each.

Irish and British riders’ times: World Showjumping Championships

No times have been given for combinations but allowing two minutes per rider, the approximate times are:

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 2.10pm local time, 1.10pm UK time

Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: approx 2.20pm local time, 1.20pm UK time

Ben Maher and Faltic HB: approx 2.28pm local time, 1.28pm UK time

Belgium’s Jerome Guery, who is in bronze-medal position and so third-last to jump on Quel Homme De Hus, will go in the ring at about 2.36pm (1.36pm UK time), followed by Sweden’s Jens Fredricson on Markan Cosmopolit, then world number one and leader Henrik von Eckerman on King Edward, as last to go.

The top 12 from this first round of the final go through to the second round, which will decide the individual medals.

‘Horses jump with their heart –and he has a very big one’: gelding returns from injury to shine at World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 15:45:32 +0000

Daniel Bluman let the crowd at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships know just what his clear round on Ladriano Z meant to him last night (12 August) as he joined in with the celebrations.

Daniel and the 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding were jumping as individuals after the culmination of faults incurred on days one and two meant the three-rider Israeli team finished 16th, so did not make it into the top 10 for the team final.

Daniel, who has produced Ladriano Z since he was a seven-year-old, made no attempt to disguise just what the round meant to him as he joined in with the crowd’s celebrations.

“He was really good tonight. I really felt like he was in great shape, just like he has been all week. He wasn’t overly impressed by the lights, there’s definitely a lot of atmosphere inside,” said Daniel

“We knew the time allowed was very short so I knew that from the beginning I had to be on the pace. Nowadays with the change of rules of the one time-penalty per second it makes a big difference. But this was fantastic, the more I jumped the better he felt and he was he was he was with me the whole way around.

“It was definitely one of the most emotional rounds that I have jumped so far in my career.”

Daniel discussed Louis Konickx’s increasing challenges as the competition has gone on.

“I thought the first day was super fair; it was a straightforward class which was great for everyone from every level of the 105 people that started because you could ride a little bit depending on your level of experience and the level of your horse. You could pick how tight and how fast you wanted to go,” said he said.

“Thursday I thought it was big enough. I knew that some people were going to struggle out of the 105. It was a fair course, but big – and then we knew tonight [Friday] Louis was going to step it up even more. It’s a world championship and the level is high. And he did [step it up]; the time allowed being tight, a lot of careful jumps, a triple combination towards the end, a massive vertical for the last fence. We jumped 14 fences the first day, 14 yesterday and 14 tonight. It’s a lot of jumping. If your horses are not in great shape, somewhere along the line you’re gonna start making mistakes.

“Ladriano Z jumped amazing the first day [here]. He jumped amazing yesterday, I should have been clear but I made a little mistake. For him to jump a beautiful round like that tonight and put us in great shape for Sunday is super exciting. Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think we’ve ridden a great championship so far and I’m proud of my horse. I’m proud of my team and I’m a bit proud of myself.”

The experienced pair competed at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon and the 2019 Europeans in Rotterdam, and had their hopes set on the Tokyo Olympics but Ladriano Z sustained an injury in 2020 that ruled him out of competition for seven months. Daniel had then been due to ride Gemma W at Tokyo, but a dispute with the FEI over the mare’s registration meant he missed the Games entirely.

It is clear to see what being back at a championship means to Daniel.

“One year ago I couldn’t go to Tokyo, I think everyone knows a little bit about what happened there. That was definitely a difficult moment for me,” said Daniel. “At the same time Ladriano Z was rehabbing from an injury. It was a difficult time and we brought him back in the game together with the entire team; the grooms, vets, farriers – there’s a lot of people behind this.

“We tried at the beginning to give him a couple of months to see if maybe I could get him back for Tokyo but we realised that wasn’t going to happen. Then I decided just to turn him out then after Tokyo I started working with him occasionally, to get his muscles back. There was a little bit of uncertainty about exactly what was going to happen so I really just took it day by day, and by having faith. He’s just been an incredible horse. At the end of the day, horses jump with their heart and this one has a very big one in his chest. It’s as simple as that.”

Daniel and Ladriano Z go into Sunday’s individual final in sixth place on a score of 5.14. It is exceptionally tight in the top 10; Sweden’s Henrick von Eckermann (King Edward) are in provisional gold on 0.58, his compatriot Jens Fredricson (Markan Cosmopolit) is in silver on 2.71, and Belgium’s Jerome Guery (Quel Homme De Hus) is in provisional bronze on 3.35. Ben Maher (Faltic HB) is the highest-placed Brit in eighth on 5.72, less than a pole off the podium, and Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) is in 13th on 8.23.

Bronze for Britain, a horse with a teddy bear on his headcollar and brothers on the podium

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:57:41 +0000

It was a rollercoaster of a team medals decider at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships. Here’s the run-down of what you need to know from day three in Herning

After ups and downs like surely no other sport can provide, the gold team medal went to Sweden, with almost three poles in hand. The Netherlands took silver, with Britain winning bronze, and Ireland in fourth place.

Find out how the evening’s events played out

Harry Charles said his ride Romeo 88 had had the ‘round he deserved’ with a foot-perfect clear round as the third combination to go for Britain.

Read about Harry’s super round

Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel made a fantastic comeback to just clip one pole in their round.

Hear from Joe on his day three experiences

It was mission accomplished for Ireland, who secured qualification for the Paris Olympics, finishing a whisker off the podium.

We hear from the riders and chef d’equipe

A horse with no front teeth who has a teddy bear on his headcollar rope and his rider who is the youngest at the World Showjumping Championships, having celebrated his 21st birthday a few days ago, have been among those turning heads in Herning.

Find out what Nick Skelton had to say before their round

Brothers, and team gold medallists, Peder and Jens Fredricson have had plenty of top-level success in showjumping for Sweden — but at the ages of 50 and 54, they are this week on the same championship team for the first time.

We hear from both brothers

It can be harder to watch than it is to ride yourself at this top level: we caught up with Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona on the emotional rollercoaster of a championship, and how “you want it so bad, it hurts”.

How does it feel to lead a team at this level?

Britain’s brilliant world showjumping bronze as super Swedes take the win

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:43:24 +0000

Sweden took the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships team title with a rider to spare — and Britain secured a brilliant bronze and Olympic qualification on a rollercoaster of an evening.

The Olympic champions held the lead they established on day one of the competition to win gold on 7.79 penalties, almost three fences in hand over silver medallists the Netherlands on 19.31.

Britain added a total of eight faults to their overnight score to finish on 22.66, just ahead of Ireland on 23.15, who also qualified for the Paris Olympics.

“The whole week has been fantastic for us,” said Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona. “A championship is always like a rollercoaster but the horses jumped well.

“It’s been an amazing year since Tokyo. We made a plan to come here and we knew we had a good chance; we wanted to be on the top of the podium and were quite clear on that. We knew we had the capability and the horsepower and skill to do it, but it’s one thing to say it, and a completely different thing to pull it off. Thank you to these four riders, and our fifth Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and all the teams; they’re just amazing.”

The first in for Sweden today were world number one Henrik von Eckerman, and King Edward, who are yet to knock a rail at this championship and are now in gold-medal position going into Sunday’s (14 August) individual final. Malin Baryard-Johnsson and H&M Indiana clipped one rail today but third in Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit jumped their third superb clear of the week. This secured the win, which meant the 12 faults clocked up by the normally ultra-consistent Peder Fredricson and H&M All In did not matter.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In a competition with more ups and downs than a mountain range, Britain were sixth in the morning, and dropped to eighth and out of the Olympic qualification places at one point. Ben Maher and Faltic HB clipped the first fence and Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel the second part of the double, in otherwise class rounds. Harry Charles and Romeo 88 then came in and pulled off a fantastic clear.

Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson had two down — Scott said his horse had become tense owing to issues in the warm-up — but Britain had done enough to secure their place on the podium.

“We’ve been really looking forward to this for the past year,” said performance manager Di Lampard.

“It was the plan to go away with a medal; we were expecting a medal and came here with the ambition to get one, and Paris qualification, so I’m absolutely delighted with how this team fought.”

Ben added: “It’s been fun this week. We have a very strong team, with two young riders , and we all fought all the way till the end. I’m very happy to be on the podium.”

The French, who had been in silver-medal position overnight, slipped to sixth after long-term individual leaders Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque had eight faults, Gregory Cottard and Bibici nine, Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper four and Kevin Staut and Scuderia 1918 Viking D’La Rousserie 12, to put them in sixth place on 26.44.

The top 25 combinations go through to Sunday’s World Showjumping Championships individual final; Henrik von Eckermann leads on 0.58 penalties, with teammate Jens Fredricson in silver on 2.71 and Belgian Jerome Guery on Quel Homme De Hus in third.

Both Ben and Scott qualify for the final, in eighth and 13th place, and two and a half and five faults off the medals, respectively.

‘I’m disappointed’: warm-up problems leave Scott Brash rueing faults in World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:32:54 +0000

Great Britain has claimed the bronze medal at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, on Friday 12 August. But the team’s anchorman Scott Brash, who had also been in the individual silver medal position after day two, picked up an uncharacteristic eight faults under the lights with the spring-heeled Hello Jefferson, having jumped clear all week.

Scott was understandably “disappointed” with what became the team’s drop score for today, and attributed some tensions in the warm-up arena for his below-par performance.

“The warm-up was bad – I was pretty disappointed in there,” Scott explained. “A lot of guys were getting excited at the practice jump next to Hello Jefferson and my horse is sharp, so he doesn’t need that sort of thing going on. So I wasn’t really happy with the warm-up. I think the tension came through to the ring and we didn’t do the best round. I think we’ve done not bad considering, but yeah, a bit disappointed.”

World Showjumping Championships: ‘Hello Jefferson has been amazing’

Scott continued: “Jefferson has been amazing. But just under the lights with a bit of atmosphere, the warm-up, then it didn’t go to plan for us today.”

Scott Brash’s faults with the 13-year-old gelding, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, came at the second element of the double of oxers midway round the course, then the pair hit the oxer coming out of the treble combination, where many horses and riders ran into difficulties.

Scott’s team-mates Ben Maher (Faltic HB) and Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel), both produced four-fault rounds while Harry Charles (Romeo 88) jumped clear to help Great Britain climb the leaderboard in a thrilling team medal decider, won by Sweden.

“The others were brilliant – Joe, Harry and Ben really dug deep and it was great for the two young lads pulling out great scores there today,” said Scott. “So I’m delighted for the team.”

Scott’s individual score after day three is 8.23, which puts him in 13th in the individual standings of the World Showjumping Championships, with the medals being decided on Sunday.

‘That’s what we came here to do’: Ireland’s showjumping team secures Paris 2024 Olympic qualification

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:05:23 +0000

Ireland has finished fourth – and secured Paris 2024 qualification – in a dramatic team final at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

The Irish entered this evening’s proceedings in ninth place – and came within touching distance of team bronze – but an unfortunate five faults from Cian O’Connor on C Vier 2 and a shock retirement from Daniel Coyle and Legacy – led to them finishing in fourth place in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Cian O’Connor has enjoyed a fantastic week with Susan Magnier’s 14-year-old gelding, with clears in the first and second rounds of the competition – but the pair just ran out of steam in the final combination, knocking the vertical at fence 13b. The pair go into the individual final on Sunday on a score of 9.70, after also picking up one time-penalty.

It was a different story however for Ireland’s final combination, Daniel Coyle and Legacy, who retired mid-round. The pair had started confidently, but knocked the triple bar at fence six and the vertical at fence seven. They briefly regained their composure, but took down the second part of the combination at fence nine and after rattling the next fence, Daniel looked to the scoreboard before sensibly calling it a day – with only the three top scores counting in the team competition. The round will be a blow for Daniel, who produced a clear on the 12-year-old mare in the first day, and added just two time faults to his round on day two.

Denis Lynch started proceedings for Ireland this evening with a clear round and one time-penalty with Brooklyn Heights, and second to go Bertram Allen came out fighting on Pacino Amiro with a lucky clear, despite a few rattles.

The fourth place means Ireland has secured Olympic qualification at the Paris 2024 Games.

“We’re delighted to finish in fourth place,” said Cian. “Obviously we just miss out barely on a bronze medal, but we’re thrilled because the group of horses that we have here are all a little bit new to us in the team at this level; particularly C Vier 2 – I only got him this year – and Denis’s horse is also new.

“Olympic qualification [at the first attempt] is a real monkey off our back because it’s something that’s eluded us [previously]. In all my career we’ve never managed to do it the first time anyway, so I’m not sure when the last time Ireland qualified in its first attempt.”

It was tight at the top with Britain finishing in bronze on 22.66 – only 0.49 less than Ireland – and pathfinder Denis Lynch reflected on the score.

“If I didn’t have the time-fault, or maybe yesterday if we didn’t have the time-fault for example, we were thereabouts for a medal, so that’s a pity,” he said. “But ok, we qualified for the Olympics – that’s what we came here to do and I’m very proud of my horse and my teammates.”

In what was a rollercoaster evening, Sweden claimed team gold, the Netherlands won silver, and Great Britain took bronze in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Three members of the Irish team will next jump in the individual team final on Sunday, which features the top 25 combinations. Denis is currently in 19th, Cian 20th and Bertram 21st.

‘The round he deserves’: Harry Charles delivers stand-out performance in World Showjumping Championships team final

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:00:12 +0000

Showjumper Harry Charles said he was “delighted”, having jumped Great Britain’s sole clear round to help the team win bronze at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

Harry, 23, described the big-jumping Romeo 88 as very fresh, even after three days of gruelling jumping, under the lights in the team final on Friday, 12 August, in Herning, Denmark.

“He was fantastic – although that wasn’t the easiest ride I’ve ever had!” said Harry, who made his championship debut at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.

“He was quite strong today even after three days, somehow – he’s still absolutely wild in the warm up, bucking and kicking, so he was quite fresh. He needed a bit of zip for how big the jumps were today and he fought so hard for me, I’m delighted with him.”

Mistakes were being made all over Louis Konickx’s demanding course for Friday’s team final at the World Showjumping Championships, but Harry’s team-mates Ben Maher and Joe Stockdale, who had jumped before him, relayed some handy advice about riding the treble combination on the final line.

“We knew the time was very short and Romeo wouldn’t be the quickest horse in the world, although he’s not a slowboat, but the distances came up perfect,” said Harry. “I think the biggest one was getting into that combination as slow as you can as that seemed to be the big problem on the course – you had to wait until you’d jumped those two verticals before you even thought about jumping the oxer, that’s what I got told from Ben and Joe, and Romeo jumped it super.”

World Showjumping Championships results: Great Britain climb the leader board

Reflecting on the faults he’d picked up in the opening two rounds, Harry said: “I was not disappointed in Romeo at all, more myself. It was just unlucky the first few days, we could have been in a great position, but that’s how the sport goes and hopefully I have many more championships ahead of me. I’m happy to have given him the round he deserves.”

Romeo 88’s owner Ann Thompson was in Herning to watch Harry and her horse climb up the World Showjumping Championship results on their final appearance this week.

“She [Ann] has just changed my career – without her I definitely wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t have gone to the Olympics last year,” said Harry. “She’s trusted me with so much and I’m forever thankful and happy.”

Great Britain won the bronze medal behind the new world champions Sweden, with the Netherlands in silver.

‘I didn’t sleep at all last night’: Joe Stockdale makes great comeback at World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:59:49 +0000

Great Britain’s youngest team rider Joe Stockdale and the 11-year-old mare Equine America Cacharel have posted a great round in Friday’s team final of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, just adding four faults to the team score.

The pair looked confident as they attacked Louis Konickx’s tricky track in determined style, just succumbing to the second part of the oxer-oxer double at fence nine in an otherwise foot-perfect performance, and neatly inside the time allowed.

Joe had to bounce back from a disappointing 12-fault round on Thursday, which put him out of contention in the individual World Showjumping Championships results.

“I was laying in bed and replaying that one mistake in my head over and over. I didn’t sleep at all last night,” revealed Joe. “So yeah, it was a tough day yesterday. It was nice to come back today and sort of put it right, nearly.”

Joe said he hadn’t done much differently with the mare, but he adjusted his own preparations after yesterday.

“It was a long competition yesterday and I maybe watched a few too many horses and just started to over-analyse the course and my plan a bit,” he reflected. “So today I walked the course twice, made my plan, sat and watched first few go and then I actually didn’t watch anymore and I really stuck to that plan.

“I think yesterday I was trying so hard to make it perfect, that’s what sort of caused my mistake – this is not really the place to do that.”

Talking about Equine America Cacharel, who the Stockdale family have owned since she was a three-year-old, Joe said: “I’m so proud of her. She was all over it today. And you know, she jumped good enough yesterday – it was only my error that caused those few fences so actually the whole week she’s jumped far better than the scores will look. But certainly, I’ve learnt a lot again at this championship. It would have been nice to put in a clear today, but we weren’t far away.”

Reflecting on Friday’s course, which has provided plenty of drama, Joe said: “There have been fences falling all round the course. So I think it was one of those that snuck up on you a bit and it is maybe a little bit more difficult than you thought at the start. But it’s fantastic course-building.”

Joe has also been bolstered by his team-mates.

“The guys on the team have been amazing,” said Joe. “I was really kicking myself last night and I didn’t want to let them down. Having that result yesterday wasn’t what I came here to do. So they were very good to me – they’ve supported me all day. William Funell was here training me as well. He’s been by my side the whole time.”

‘I wasn’t worried’: Bertram Allen fights back for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:32:13 +0000

Bertram Allen has made up for a disappointing second day at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships with a redeeming clear round in the team final.

Riding the 10-year-old gelding Pacino Amiro, owned by Aiden McGrory, Bertram navigated Louis Konickx’s course clear inside the time. The pair rattled the final part of the combination fence 13, and had a light tap of the final fence but the poles stayed in place, and they added nothing to their 9.80 score.

“It’s a big course tonight under the lights and there was a lot of pressure on Ireland,” said Bertram following his round.

“We’re a bit far behind so we have to climb up today, my horse was fantastic and grand. It went how we wanted and I’m delighted.”

After a brilliant first day in the competition, Bertram incurred eight faults yesterday but the Irishman was undeterred coming into this evening’s final.

“He jumped great yesterday, he jumped a much better round than his result so I was still pretty confident going in. Sometimes you have a bad round and you’re scratching your head a little bit, but I wasn’t at all worried. He feels very good and sometimes that happens,” he said.

“One more round from the two boys and we’ll be laughing.”

Denis Lynch was first to go for Ireland with Brooklyn Heights, producing a clear jumping round and adding one time-penalty. Ireland’s place in the team final looked in doubt at one stage yesterday, but they secured their place in ninth – of 10 teams.

Cian O’Connor – who has been in magnificent form all week – jumps next for Ireland in the World Showjumping Championships results on Cier Vier 2. Daniel Coyle will jump last with Legacy.

‘A minor judgement error’: first fence heartache for Ben Maher at World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:00:37 +0000

Great Britain’s team pathfinder Ben Maher has collected four faults in the team final of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

Riding Oakingham Stud’s 12-year-old stallion Faltic HB, the pair agonisingly tapped out the front rail of the oxer at fence one – and then proceeded to jump the rest of the very difficult track clear and in their trademark immaculate style.

“That was a terrible start – the first fence down,” said Ben. “Normally he’s very, very focused on the first fence, maybe there was just a little bit of adjustment between the light outside and inside, I don’t know – it was just a minor judgement error. He just threw a toe and knocked it down.

“It was a long way to go – that course is a long way after you’ve had the first fence down! But I just told myself to settle down, jump one fence at a time and he jumped unbelievable, he jumped fantastic. But those kind of fences at this level are expensive, but I’ll help the other boys now and hopefully we can stay in it this evening.”

This was Ben and Faltic HB’s first error at the World Showjumping Championships, having jumped clear in each of the first two rounds and the British rider been in sixth place individually coming through to Friday’s third leg.

“We’ll keep fighting,” said Ben. “I’m obviously not on my most experienced horse but Faltic’s done an incredible job this week, he’s really proved that he’s championship horse. It’s difficult for all the horses as there’s no room for error. And I think it’s going to change around a little bit, the top teams are strong,”

World Showjumping Championships results: Great Britain in sixth

Great Britain came in to Friday’s medal decider in sixth position and, after the first rotation of team riders had all jumped, the squad maintained a strong position in the World Showjumping Championships results. The only clear round from the first team riders came from Swedish hero Henrik von Eckermann riding King Edward, maintaining his nation’s dominant position at the top of the leader board.

The second rider for the British showjumping team at the World Showjumping Championships was Joe Stockdale riding Equine America Cacharel, who also just picked up four faults.

Harry Charles on Romeo 88 were set to follow and the anchorman again tonight (Friday 12 August) under the lights will be Scott Brash on Hello Jefferson, currently holding the silver medal position individually.

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Game on: Britain in the hunt as World Championship medals decided tonight

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Ireland’s first combination delivers in the team final at the World Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:57:12 +0000

Ireland’s first combination to go in the team final round at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships has produced a clear jumping round – in what has proven to be a testing track.

Denis Lynch and the scopey 13-year-old gelding Brooklyn Heights, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, soared round Louis Konickx’s course – but added one time-penalty to their score, to finish on 9.68. Their clear jumping round was only the fourth of the evening at this stage, with the penultimate treble combination proving too much for some in the final line.

Denis, 46, who only took on the ride of the Nabab De Reve son in February, jumped a tidy clear on the first day of competition on Wednesday, and added four faults to his 4.68 score in the second leg yesterday when the pair knocked the front rail of the final part of the treble combination.

Ireland was sitting in ninth position in the World Showjumping Championships results table of the team competition final. The next Irish combination is Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro. Cian O’Connor comes forward on a score of 4.70 following two clear rounds, and Daniel Coyle will jump last for Ireland on a score of 2.

In the World Showjumping Championships results, the French are just behind leaders Sweden in the team competition, which will be decided tonight. Germany is in the bronze medal position, and Britain sits in sixth. The top 25 combinations from the team competition will go through to the individual final on Sunday.

Schedule changes mean World Showjumping Championships on TV tonight

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 19:07:50 +0000

The rest of the Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Para Dressage Championships are being live-streamed on the FEI YouTube channel — and tonight’s Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships will be on Eurosport.

Live coverage of the para championships has been running today (12 August) on the FEI’s YouTube, and Eurosport 2 has live coverage of the showjumping team final this evening from 7.50pm UK time, as well as coverage of Sunday’s individual final from 9pm.

Eurosport is included in many television subscription packages.

A British Equestrian spokesman said: “It’s great that anyone who wants to can tune in to see the para championships, and the amazing sport they offer. It may be something some people wouldn’t consider but if they have the chance to view it free, they might have a look and enjoy what goes on, especially on Sunday for the freestyle; this is the pinnacle of the sport, it’s the World Championships.”

She added: “Many subscribers will get Europort; it’s not totally free but it is more available to people.”

Britain is in sixth place going into today’s competition, and retains yesterday’s order so Ben Maher and Faltic HB, who are in sixth place individually at this stage, are first to go for the team. The 25 combinations who are only competing as individuals go first, then the first team rider, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli of Brazil, on Like A Diamond Van Het Schaeck, is due in the ring at about 10.05pm local time (9.05pm UK time).

World Showjumping Championships standings after day two

Sweden: 3.69
France: 5.44
Germany: 11.76
Netherlands 13.31
Belgium 13.49
Great Britain 14.66
Switzerland 14.83
Canada 15.56
Ireland 17.15
Brazil 17.29

‘He touched the pole with his head’: superb rider and horse come back from fall to jump world-class clear

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:42:11 +0000

It has been said that a definition of true greatness is not necessarily just to succeed, but to pick yourself up from a devastating knock and come back better.

French rider Kevin Staut and Scuderia 1918 Viking d’La Rousserie suffered a mishap in the triple combination on day one of competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, and were eliminated when Kevin fell.

But the rider, who has a team Olympic gold and two world team silver medals under his belt, showed his world class by jumping a fantastic clear round the next day, helping secure France’s silver-medal position going into tonight’s (12 August) team final.

“Yesterday was so disappointing,” he said. “We didn’t understand what happened really; you watch again and again, not to make more pain than I had but just to try to have a technical explanation.

“I think the horse arrived in the combination a little bit too short from the A-B, touched the pole with his head, before the take-off, and he was completely shocked. But today was a new day, coming back and trying to feel how the horse could react and produce and it was amazing.”

Kevin said he had “about five different plans” according to how the 13-year-old selle Francais gelding coped on his return to the ring yesterday, adding: “I had not so much to think about, just trying to be focused on my horse, trying to leave every stride with him. [I wanted to] have a plan for my course but also be aware that with what happened yesterday, maybe he would be a bit worried; he was not but I had to.

“We are a couple. Honestly the horse was with me every stride; he was focused, he was giving his best at every jump. Even after the last oxer I felt it was like this with him. He was ‘Are you sure it’s finished?’ It’s so emotional to have this type of feelings, unbelievable. And I’m so happy today.

“He was brave; the horse is fantastic and he proved it. When you have a horse like this, it’s also easier to come back with your mind.”

There was reference made to the Rio Olympics, where the French suffered drama after drama, including one team horse suffering a hock micro-fracture, another going down with a bout of colic and a third pecking on landing leading to a rider fall — but they rallied to take the gold.

“We love to be cut everywhere and come back better!” Kevin said. But I think when you have a few soldiers in your team, for sure they become better when they feel the pressure is coming. And we had the pressure today, and we did well and we have to continue with this same team spirit. Now we’re focusing on tomorrow.”

The French are just behind leaders Sweden in the World Showjumping Championships team competition, which will be decided tonight.

‘You want it so bad, it hurts’: the realities of the championship rollercoaster

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:01:54 +0000

Showjumping is a tough sport and championships are the pinnacle of that, for all those on the ground as well as the riders in the spotlight day after day.

H&H caught up with Henrik Ankarcrona, chef d’equipe of the Swedish team that has maintained its gold-medal position since the first day of competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships.

The Olympic champions are in the lead with 3.69 penalties, with France snapping at their heels on 5.44, and Henrik said although the mood in the Swedish camp is very good, “It’s tense”.

“There are a lot of feelings, and we came here with a high goal and we’re still aiming for that,” he said. “And competitions like these are like rollercoasters; you’re up in the sky and then you hit the floor like crazy, and then you’re trying to get up again. And we know this.”

Henrik added that the team has talked through all these issues “but still it’s emotional”.

“And it’s tough, and as a leader you want it so bad that it hurts; you want the success but you want the rider to perform because I know all the work behind it and I know the whole teams and there are so many people that put a lot of hours into this so it’s just great when they have come up with a good round and the horse jumps great and looks good and that’s what they want, in the end.”

Henrik, who competed himself to five-star level and represented Sweden, added that it is almost harder to watch his riders jump than to do it himself.

“It’s terrible and it’s not getting any easier!” he said. “It’s the feeling you want. You want them to go clear but you want them to come out with a good feeling. We all know that you can have a fence down so easily; it’s a matter of a split second. The horses should jump well and as you should have a good feeling; that’s the most important thing.”

Asked about the thriller of a competition so far at the World Showjumping Championships, Henrik added: “Well, we try to keep it exciting, so we don’t get cold!”

Nick Skelton said: ‘Are you nervous? You should be!’ Young rider and horse with no front teeth dazzle on world stage

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:20:28 +0000

Young American rider Brian Moggre will be one of only two showjumpers representing the US from now on at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, on a horse who has no front teeth and a teddy bear on his halter.

Olympic silver medallists the US finished in 11th place after two rounds of jumping, just missing out on the team final, but Brian on Balou Du Reventon, along with McLain Ward on Contagious, are still in the running for the individual competition.

Brian, who having celebrated his 21st birthday last Sunday is the youngest rider in the competition, and is making his senior championship debut, jumped clear on Ann Thompson’s 16-year-old German-bred stallion on the first day to finish 19th.

“He’s the most gentle kind stallion you could ever imagine,” he said. “I lie in the stall with him, he has a teddy bear on his halter, he holds the rope. He’s so gentle, but he knows when it’s time to really show up and he does.”

Brian added that the Cornet Obolensky stallion is “the funniest thing”.

“He has no front teeth,” he said. “We have a dragon, Toothless, from How to Train Your Dragon in his stall, and it’s kind of fun to put your finger in his mouth because he has no teeth there. But overall, he’s just such a gentle, sweet character and that’s really the best part about him.”

Brian was delighted with his day one performance, as the third of the US team to go, saying: “Nick [Skelton] and Laura [Kraut] kind of thought we might as well go give it a shot and see what we have. So I went out there kind of going for it”.

“I think to finish where we did was a really great start to the week and I think myself and my team are very pleased with that,” he said. “My horse loves a forward rid; he’s such a gentle stallion outside the ring, but once you get in the ring, he turns into this powerhouse kind of dragon. We don’t often get to do speed rounds so to go out there and really just let him go and let him rip; he loved it.

Asked whether former Olympic champion Nick and his partner, fellow top US rider Laura, gave him any advice before his World Showjumping Championships round on Wednesday (10 August), Brian said: “I think there were a lot of words of wisdom right before I walked in the ring, though I do remember Nick said to me: ‘Are you nervous?’ And I said yes, and he said: ‘Good, because you should be!’.

“They’re such a fantastic support team that kind of everything they say is support.”

Brian and Balou Du Reventon tipped one rail on day two to put them in 25th place going into tonight’s competition, in which they are 20th to jump.

‘Our parents are happy, and looking after the kids!’ Brothers in their 50s finally share team duties

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 12:31:30 +0000

Sweden is in the lead going into tonight’s team final at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, and for the first time, the Fredricson brothers are on the same championship team.

Both Jens (pictured) and Peder Fredricson are veterans at this level, but they have never before competed at the same championship. Both have jumped clear on the first two days of competition, helping put Sweden on a team total of 3.69 penalties, just ahead of France on 5.44.

Peder and his superstar H&M All In, with whom he won individual Olympic silver at the last two Games, as well as team gold in Tokyo, and individual gold and team silver at the 2017 Europeans, are in bronze position individually, behind France’s Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque in the lead, and Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson in second place.

Jens and Markan Cosmopolit are in 10th place on 2.71 penalties, less than a pole behind the gold medal.

Peder, 50, said it was “fantastic” finally to be on a championship team with his 54-year-old brother.

“We’ve been riding together since I was three,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of other competitions, and I’ve done a few championships where he’s been with me on the ground just to help; I’ve been with him at a lot of shows, but this is the first time we ride together. It’s fantastic.”

Jens, whose 11-year-old Swedish warmblood gelding is making his championship debut here in Herning, added that it is special to be on the same team at last, at the World Showjumping Championships.

“My parents are happy,” he said. “They’re not here. They’re home and taking care of the kids!

“We ride, we do our own thing and we breakfast together; we’ve been riding for such a long time in our own teams, and I’m there if he asks me, or the other way round, but he knows what to do!”

Horse who was ‘in the woods and doing dressage’ till aged eight shines on world showjumping stage

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:52:18 +0000

The stars of team Brazil at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships yesterday (11 August) were Yuri Mansur and a horse who only started jumping at the age of eight, having previously been “in the woods and doing dressage”.

QH Alfons Santo Antonio and Yuri chalked up the only clear for their team on Thursday, a class round that lifted them from 35th place after day one to 14th going into the team final.

The Estonian-bred gelding, who was on the team that finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics last year, is 15 but, as Yuri explained, was a late starter in showjumping.

“He only started jumping when he was eight; before that he was in the woods a bit, doing a little bit of dressage,” he said. “But he loves what he does now.”

Yuri said that although the course for the second team qualifier was not easier than yesterday’s, it was one that suited the horse, who he owns with Santo Antonio Horses BV and Clear Round BV.

“Today was more his class; yesterday was more stressful because he’s a slow horse and I knew that to play the game well, I had in mind I couldn’t be more than four points behind the leader,” said Yuri, who was and still is on 3.65 penalties. “I was just within the limit! I tried to keep calm today because I know we can go to the end [of the World Showjumping Championships ] and it’s a long way yet, the week is just beginning. But the horse is really good and he’s fighting to be there.”

Yuri added that is feeling on top of his game.

“He’s a funny horse; he really has a strong personality,” he said. “But once he trusts you, he gives everything.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Showjumping Championships results: Canada’s top 10 finish

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game on: Britain in the hunt as World Championship medals decided tonight

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 08:49:42 +0000

The draw has been made for the team final at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships this evening (12 August).

Britain is in sixth place going into today’s competition, and retains yesterday’s order so Ben Maher and Faltic HB, who are in sixth place individually at this stage, are first to go for the team. The 25 combinations who are competing solely as individuals go first, then the first team rider, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli of Brazil, on Like A Diamond Van Het Schaeck, is due in the ring at about 10.05pm local time (9.05pm UK time). Exact times have not been released but allowing two minutes per rider, the approximate times are as follows.

World Showjumping Championships approx times: British riders

Ben Maher and Faltic HB: approx 10.13pm local time, 9.13pm UK time

Joe Stockdale and Equine America Cacharel: approx 10.33pm local time, 9.33pm UK time

Harry Charles and Romeo 88: approx 11.01pm local time, 10.01pm UK time

Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson: approx 11.19pm local time, 10.19pm UK time

Irish riders

Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights: approx 10.07pm local time, 9.07pm UK time

Bertram Allen and Pacino Amiro: approx 10.27pm local time, 9.27pm UK time

Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2: approx 10.55pm local time, 9.55pm UK time

Daniel Coyle and Legacy: 8pprox 11.13pm local time, 10.13pm UK time

The last combination to go is Sweden’s Peder Frericson and H&M All In, at about 11.29pm. The final team standings will then be confirmed and the medals presented.

We are the champions! Celebrating the world medallists in Herning

Carol Phillips — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:49:07 +0000

The Ecco FEI World Championships 2022 is a feast of top-class horse sport in Herning, Denmark, crowning the best horse and rider combinations in dressage, showjumping and para dressage. Congratulations to all who won Herning World Championships medals.

World Dressage Championship medals

Team

Gold: Denmark

Silver: Britain

Bronze: Germany

Grand prix special

Gold: Lottie Fry on Glamourdale (GBR)

Silver: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Vamos Amigos (DEN)

Bronze: Dinja van Liere on Hermes (NED)

Grand prix freestyle

Gold: Lottie Fry on Glamourdale (GBR)

Silver: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Vamos Amigos (DEN)

Bronze: Dinja van Liere on Hermes (NED)

World Showjumping Championship medals

Team

Gold: Sweden

Silver: Netherlands

Bronze: Great Britain

Individual

Gold: Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward (SWE)

Silver: Jérôme Guery on Quel Homme de Hus (BEL)

Bronze: Maikel van der Vleuten on Beauville Z N.O.P. (NED)

World Para Dressage Championship medals

Individual grade IGold: Rihards Snikus on King Of The Dance (LAT)Silver: Sara Morganti on Royal Delight (ITA)Bronze: Michael Murphy on Cleverboy (IRL)

Individual grade IIGold: Katrine Kristensen on Goerklintgaards Quater (DEN)Silver: Pepo Puch on Sailor’s Blue (AUT)Bronze: Sir Lee Pearson on Breezer (GBR)

Individual grade IIIGold: Tobias Thorning Joergensen on Jolene Hill (DEN)Silver: Natasha Baker on Keystone Dawn Chorus (GBR)Bronze: Rebecca Hart on El Corona Texel (USA)

Individual grade IVGold: Sanne Voets on Demantur RS2 N.O.P. (NED)Silver: Demi Haerkens on EHL Daula (NED)Bronze: Rodolpho Riskalla on Don Henrico (BRA)

Individual grade VGold: Michèle George on Best of 8 (BEL)Silver: Sophie Wells on Don Cara M (GBR)Bronze: Frank Hosmar on Alphaville N.O.P. (NED)

TeamGold: NetherlandsSilver: DenmarkBronze: USA

Freestyle grade IGold: Sara Morganti on Royal Delight (ITA)Silver: Rihards Snikus on King of the Dance (LAT)Bronze: Michael Murphy on Cleverboy (IRL)

Freestyle grade IIGold: Katrine Kristensen on Goerklintgaards Quater (DEN)Silver: Sir Lee Pearson on Breezer (GBR)Bronze: Georgia Wilson on Sakura (GBR)

Freestyle grade IIIGold: Tobias Thorning Joergensen on Jolene Hill (DEN)Silver: Lotte Krijnsen on Rosenstolz (NED)Bronze: Natasha Baker on Keystone Dawn Chorus (GBR)

Freestyle grade IVGold: Sanne Voets on Demantur RS2 N.O.P. (NED)Silver: Kate Shoemaker on Quiana (USA)Bronze: Rodolpho Riskalla on Don Henrico (BRA)

Freestyle grade VGold: Michèle George on Best of 8 (BEL)Silver: Frank Hosmar on Alphaville N.O.P. (NED)Bronze: Sophie Wells on Don Cara (GBR)

Hopes high for team final, and stopping mid-round to pat your horse: what you need to know from day two of the World Showjumping Championships

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 22:22:47 +0000

There was plenty of top-class action at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, with almost more changes of teams’ position than horses in the ring. Here’s the run-down of what you need to know from day two in Herning

Ben Maher and Faltic HB jumped a superb clear as Britain’s day two pathfinders, boosting hopes after a great start had left us in fourth place overnight.

Find out what Ben had to say about his round.

Luck was not with Joe Stockdale or Harry Charles but last to go Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson pulled out all the stops to jump clear, and retain their silver-medal position.

We caught up with Scott after his round

The last few combinations to go in the World Showjumping Championships shook the order up again and again, but it finished with Britain in sixth place and Ireland in ninth, both qualifying for the team final tomorrow (12 August).

‘We’re still in the hunt’

There were mixed fortunes for Ireland today but one of the highlights was a copybook clear from Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2.

The ride of the day was produced by Canadian Tiffany Foster and Figor, who are in fifth place thanks to two strong clears.

‘I wanted to stop halfway and pat him!’

The horse and rider who have held the lead since the first day are a championship debutant and a feisty mare who is warmed up in a bit and jumped without.

Find out more about French rider Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque.

Meet the championship debutant (aged 45) and the slightly-out-of-control mare leading the World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 21:12:20 +0000

Dominating proceedings at the top of the leaderboard after two days of competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, is French rider Julien Epaillard, riding the 10-year-old mare Caracole De La Roque.

This fiery mare, whom his rider describes as slightly out of control at times, needs a special routine to manage her quirky nature, but there is no doubting one thing – she has bucketloads of ability and a fierce will to win.

After their second round on Thursday (11 August), Julien said: “The mare was a bit fresh today – I don’t have the best control, but she’s amazing and she jumped super.

“She doesn’t have the best precision, but she still has the best quality. It was not easy to decide what to do at the triple combination – I decided finally to make seven strides to it, but only when I was in the ring, not before I went in the ring.”

Julien has led the World Showjumping Championships from day one; he currently holds the gold medal position on a score of zero, just 0.23 penalties ahead of British rider Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson). Julien is also part of the French team who currently sit in the silver medal position behind leaders Sweden.

“We will see what happens as we try to fight, but it’s a good thing for for the rest of the competition to see her so fresh,” said Julien.

World Showjumping Championships: an unusual preparation

Unusually, the French rider warms up the 10-year-old Zandor Z mare in a bitted bridle before swapping to a hackamore just before they go in to compete.

“I do flatwork with a normal bit and when I start to jump I put the hackamore on,” explained Julien. “It’s easier to have the mare under control with a normal bit, but with the hackamore she’s a bit more free and the jump is better – but the control is not.”

French showjumper Michel Hecart, who rode the mare until last year, takes the shoes off all his horses and Caracole continues to compete barefoot. She and Julien have rocketed to the top level in a very short space of time, only teaming up in 2021 and taking in just a handful of five-star shows before heading to the World Showjumping Championships.

“When I started with her I jumped very small – 1.30m in Saint Tropez last year,” said Julien. “During Covid, she was just in the field. So we started slowly and she finished the year in Valence, where she won a two-star grand prix. After that, in Oliva, Spain, she won two three-star grands prix. We then went step by step and in her first Nations Cup in Knokke she jumped double clear [and helped the French team to victory].

“We didn’t know how good she’d be as she did not have so much experience. But I know she’s a fighter and she would jump through fire if I asked her to.”

Julien was quick to bat off any pressure he may have been feeling holding the lead for so long during the World Showjumping Championships.

“I just try to jump clear and I don’t look at the rest!” said Julien, who is long established as a familiar name on the international showjumping circuit, forging a fierce reputation as a brilliant speed rider, but somewhat surprisingly the world number nine had never represented his native France at a senior championship.

At the age of 45, however, Julien was selected for Herning.

Much to the delight of French fans, he and the nippy mare by Zandor Z kicked off their medal bid by jumping the fastest clear of the day on the opening speed leg on Wednesday (10 August).

“It’s a good way to start and I had a good feeling with her, she was very focused,” he said. “I hope I didn’t ask her for too much speed, but she jumped really good until the end. I had a little bit of luck on the triple bar where I took a little risk. I trusted her scope and it worked.”

The individual medals for the World Showjumping Championships won’t be decided until Sunday, and as Julien pointed out: “This is only the beginning, the most difficult part is still to come.”

‘I wanted to stop halfway and pat him!’ World Championships ride of the day

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:47:44 +0000

Canadian rider Tiffany Foster said she wanted “ to stop halfway” round the course today at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, to pat her horse Figor as he was “trying his absolute heart out”.

The combination sit in fifth place individually after day two of competition, just 0.95 penalties behind leaders Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque.

After a strong clear in yesterday’s opening speed class, Tiffany said: “It felt amazing.

“I really wanted another clear round today, but I felt like I wasn’t really with my horse for the first four jumps. I don’t know why, I just felt like I wasn’t doing all the right things. I got way too deep to number four, and he totally saved me.

“And then I thought, okay, from now on I’m gonna give him a good ride; get organised, do what you need to do. And I feel like for the second half, we felt really together with it. And he tried his absolute heart out – I just wanted to stop halfway through and pat him.”

Tiffany has had 12-year-old KWPN gelding “Figgy”, who she owns with Artisan Farms LLC, for about five years.

“He has a bit of nervous energy that we’ve had to try to manage,” she said. “His flat rider was here, Max Manzardo, and he does a great job with that. It’s a team effort for this horse, because he is a little bit of a handful sometimes, but when you can get him in the zone, I feel like he just gives everything and that’s the best.

“He’s actually not strong, he’s like the most amazingly lovely horse to ride, he’s just really bloody, like he really wants to go the jumps, and my favourite thing is to try to calm horses down so that was really what drew me to him in the first place. It’s been a bit of a journey with him because it hasn’t totally been easy, but he’s lovely to ride. He’s like the dream; he wants to go but you have all the controls and all the brakes and even though he’s a bit fussy now and I have a really soft bit in his mouth, he doesn’t need much bridle and I feel in total control all the time, which is a great feeling.”

Tiffany added that Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms bought Figgy for her when he was seven, in hopes that he would be a championship horse.

“Then with Covid and injuries and things that have happened, this is the first championship we brought him to,” she said. “And so I have high expectations because there’s no course he can’t jump. He is the scopiest horse I’ve ever ridden, even when I went in the ring and there was that fence with the bushes, I thought ‘Oh my god, how are horses jumping it?’ But he just flies. He’s got so much scope and it gives you so much confidence. He’s just amazing.”

Tiffany and Figgy will be in action again tomorrow (12 August) in the World Showjumping Championships team final.

‘They’re our soul mates’: Brilliant Brash in world silver medal position overnight

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:25:25 +0000

Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson showed their class in the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results with a superb clear keeping them in the silver-medal position.

Last to go of the British team, and overall, in today’s second qualifier for the team final, Scott and Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 13-year-old added nothing to their day one total of 0.23 penalties to stay in second place, to France’s Julien Epaillard and Caracole De La Roque.

“Jefferson feels good, he’s really running,” said Scott. “He jumped great and still felt very good at the end of the course, so I’m delighted with him.”

Scott said he came to Herning feeling like his Tokyo Olympic ride was in very good form.

“He jumped amazing in Aachen and it feels like he can do anything so I was pretty confident coming here that he was in good shape,” he said. “But to come and to go well the first day, to keep all the poles up every day and inside the time allowed, is so demanding and so you need a bit of luck along the way as well. You never know what can happen but I was very happy with where he was at, in his fitness and our partnership leading into this championships.”

Scott said Jefferson has a “busy brain” and always wants to be doing something.

“He’s a lovely horse; the other horses can be sleeping in the stable and he’s got his head over the door, saying ‘Where are we going, what are we doing next’,” he said. “He’s very energetic, and everyone loves him. Anyone who walks past him is always clapping him and he’s lovely.”

Scott added that the horse, who Nick Skelton once said could tempt him out of retirement, was “tricky” to start with.

“I think just because he’s such a busy brain and he’s strong-minded, so he always thinks he knows best!” he said “It’s taken time to get a partnership. Very early on, a couple of months in, we were still having difficulties, the rounds weren’t brilliant, but [Nick] said ‘That’s an unbelievable horse’ and it was just trying to get that partnership and that rideability.

“Thankfully, that’s coming through; hours of training and hours working every day. They’re your soul mates at the end of the day, they’re who we spend most time with, like our family. I spend more time with them than my family!

“It’s just hours of training and practice and getting to know one another that’s brought out partnership.”

In bronze medal position overnight in the World Showjumping Championships results are Tokyo Olympic silver medallists Peder Fredricson and H&M All In.

Nip tuck for Irish team due to time-faults in World Showjumping Championships

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:10:02 +0000

Ireland’s fourth and final team rider Daniel Coyle had a case of so near yet so far with his Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results second round performance this afternoon (11 August). He jumped a class round with 12-year-old mare Legacy, but they were slightly over the 86 second time allowed, and incurred two time-faults.

This meant that for a while, the Irish team were relegated to 11th place, which would have been devastating for the them as only the top 10 teams qualify for the final tomorrow evening (12 August).

But, owing to other teams faulting after Daniel’s round on Legacy, who is owned by her rider and Ariel Grange, Ireland have since risen up the leaderboard and will now qualify for tomorrow’s team final in ninth place on a score of 17.15, while Sweden are in the lead on 3.69.

Earlier this afternoon Cian O’Connor jumped a fabulous clear round with Faltic VB at these championships in Herning, Denmark, with Denis Lynch and Bertram Allen incurring four and eight faults when they put in their World Showjumping championships results.

The British team has qualified in sixth place on a score of 14.66, which leaves them still within reaching distance of a medal, with France in second on 5.44 and Germany in third on 11.76.

The team final will get underway tomorrow at 9pm local time (8pm BST), and will take place under the floodlights in what promises to be an exciting crescendo.

‘It was a bit of a mess and I don’t really know why’: Harry Charles reflects on his second World Showjumping Championships round

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:19:30 +0000

Great Britain’s Harry Charles was none the wiser as to his day two Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results in Herning, Denmark. Riding the 13-year-old Romeo 88, Harry jumped what looked to be great round, apart from knocking the final two parts of the treble at fence nine.

“It was nearly the perfect round and I don’t know what happened and why we had those down – I need to watch the video back,” said a bemused Harry, who is 23 years old. “We jumped into the combination really well and it just ended up somehow being a bit of a mess and I don’t really know why.

“He jumped better than yesterday and still has loads of energy. I just don’t know – it was uncharacteristic. I need to analyse the video and try to see what went on.”

Interestingly, a number of riders who followed Harry also had parts of the treble down, and Irish Olympic showjumper Jessica Kürten said on the ClipMyHorse.TV livestream that she thought shadows could be causing horses some issues in reading the fence properly.

Harry said he is still hopeful of his chances with his own and Ann Thompson’s Tokyo Olympic ride and the British team’s World Showjumping Championships results chances ahead of the team final tomorrow (12 August).

“He finished really well after that so hopefully we won’t be too far behind and Scott [Brash] can keep us in the hunt for a medal.”

Harry’s round came on the back of pathfinder Ben Maher‘s great round with Faltic HB and Joe Stockdale’s 12-fault round on Equine America Cacharel earlier in the day at the World Showjumping Championships.

Final British team member Scott Brash is last to go on Hello Jefferson later this afternoon.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled’: Cian O’Connor posts copybook round at World Showjumping Championships

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:53:48 +0000

Ireland’s third team rider Cian O’Connor has posted another clear for his country at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships with his relatively new ride C Vier 2. His class round keeps Ireland in the hunt for a team medal in the World Showjumping Championships results, although the team are currently sitting in 12th place.

“I was delighted – he’s a special horse and he jumped around so easily,” Cian said after his round on the 14-year-old owned by Susan Magnier. “You know, we make our plan when we walk the course and it’s rare that the plan comes up like that. He just got into a good rhythm at the start and everything came up very nicely, so I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Cain’s round is the only clear for Ireland so far on day two of the championships in Herning, Denmark, after Denis Lynch and Bertram Allen incurred four and eight faults respectively earlier in the day.

“I think Denis and Bertram did well and it’s tough out there,” said Cian of their World Showjumping Championships results. “Hopefully my round helps and then if Daniel Coyle can come in at the end and do a good round, that will really help as well.”

Cian only started riding the Cardento x Concorde gelding in May, with the horse having come from Germany’s David Will, who jumped him at the European Championships last year.

“He’s got a huge jump and all the experience, but I have to work to keep him settled,” explained Cian. “Today he just gave me a great feeling the whole way around. He can be quirky to get on and in the warm-up – he’s sensitive, but obviously a brilliant jumper.”

‘Not the result I wanted’: Joe Stockdale reflects from day two of World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:30:28 +0000

Great Britain’s second team rider Joe Stockdale said it was “not the result he wanted” after picking up 12 faults on day two of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, on Thursday (11 August). This means that he drops down the order in the World Showjumping Championships results table.

Joe, 22, who only made his senior championship debut at last year’s Europeans, is riding at his first World Showjumping Championships with the 11-year-old mare Equine America Cacharel.

The pair just picked up four faults in Wednesday’s opening leg and looked to be jumping well round Thursday’s considerably heftier 1.65m track, only to come unstuck at the oxer-vertical-oxer treble combination at fence nine where they hit two rails, also adding four faults at the flimsy planks which followed. Joe then did extremely well to regain his composure and steer the stunning mare “Cash” home round the tricky final line with no extra faults.

“That was obviously not the result I wanted,” said Joe. “I thought my mare was jumping well until there [the treble] – I made a mistake and it basically cost me three fences.”

“It’s good to be here and it would have been nice to go well today – we’ll come back tomorrow and see how we do.”

Joe Stockdale’s 12 faults are added to his 6.39 score from day one, leaving him on an individual score of 18.39 in the World Showjumping Championships results.

Joe followed Ben Maher’s excellent clear with Faltic HB and the remaining two riders for Great Britain, Harry Charles (Romeo 88) and Scott Brash riding Hello Jefferson are still to come.

‘I am not happy’: Bertram Allen reflects on his latest World Showjumping Championships round

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:21:58 +0000

Bertram Allen continued Ireland’s attempt for a team medal at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships. Riding the Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro, the 27-year-old Irishman incurred eight faults, meaning he has dropped down the World Showjumping Championships results table.

“The result today was not that good, so I am not happy, but hopefully we can get some clear rounds for the team with the last two riders,“ Bertram said after his round with the Irish Sport Horse by Pacino out of Carnone Dancing Queen (by NC Amiro). “My round today was actually not that bad, but in the end, it is all about the result. I hope for a bit more luck tomorrow.”

Bertram travelled to Herning, Denmark, as a reserve, but when Darragh Kenny had to withdraw, Bertram stepped up and right into the reckoning, jumping a fantastic and fast clear round on the first day of competition yesterday (10 August). But unfortunately Bertram and the 10-year-old, who he has been riding for the past three years, knocked down both fence 10, which was a plank, and fence 13, which is the second to last fence, and another upright.

The first Irish rider to go earlier this afternoon was Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights, who incurred four faults.

The top 10 teams go through to the final round of the team competition tomorrow, so the performance of Ireland’s next two riders will be crucial for their World Showjumping Championships results.

‘He couldn’t jump any better’: Ben Maher sends British hopes soaring at World Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:20:15 +0000

Ben Maher and Faltic HB, Great Britain’s pathfinders on day two of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships results in Herning, Denmark, jumped a copybook clear to keep the team in medal contention.

The British team were lying in fourth position after Wednesday’s opening leg so a zero score is a great way to start proceedings on day two. Ben has also slotted into second place individually behind Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden with King Edward on a score of 1.72.

“Everything went to plan again, so it makes my life a lot easier when I don’t have to adjust and change the rhythm,” said Ben. “Everything seems to be happening how I planned so far this week and the pace was right, the angles, the numbers, everything come up exactly and I don’t think he could jump around any better than he did today.“

The Olympic champion came to the World Showjumping Championships without his gold medal-winning partner Explosion W, who was ruled out of contention just the week before, but Oakingham Stud’s 12-year-old stallion has stepped up impressively and looked completely at ease over today’s 1.65m track.

Faltic HB showed great athleticism, particularly through the triple combination at fence nine, and they cruised home clear, 2sec inside the time allowed. The stunning bay stallion earned big pats from his rider.

“Experience comes into play a little bit between yesterday and today – yesterday is about risk management. You can’t win on the first day but you can lose on the first day and we kept us up well positioned,” said Ben. “Now it’s just about jumping one jump at at a time and trying to knock off the rounds. Hopefully, I’ve given the team good positive confidence to finish the day.”

The second team rider for Great Britain on day two of the World Showjumping Championships will be Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel), followed by Harry Charles (Romeo 88), with Scott Brash coming as anchorman riding Hello Jefferson – they will all be hoping to post great World Showjumping Championships results to keep the team dream alive.

First Irish rider gets a score on the board, while we find out more about a barefoot clear round ‘machine’ at World Showjumping Championships

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:17:06 +0000

Ireland’s first team rider to go in the second leg of the showjumping competition at the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, Denis Lynch, added four faults to his first round score of 4.68 in the World Showjumping Championships results this afternoon (11 August).

Denis was ninth to go, riding Brooklyn Heights, a new ride for him since February and they jumped a good round, but took the front rail of the final part of the treble combination at fence nine.

Brooklyn Heights, who is owned by Molly Ohrstrom, is by Nabab De Reve and is out of a For Pleasure mare.

The next Irish rider to go will be Bertram Allen, who rides Pacino Amiro at these World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Meanwhile, current world number one showjumper Henrik von Eckermann did what he does best with the incredible gelding King Edward by jumping a flawless clear round, which puts him in top spot after the first rotation of riders in the World Showjumping Championships results table.

“This is a great place to ride but maybe the course is a little bit soft today,” Henrik said after his round on the 12-year-old who jumped clear in every single round of the Tokyo Olympics. “I think we’ll see too many clears today – it’s still a long course though [with 14 fences] and they have to jump a lot, plus there are some more weak countries that are still in the competition and so I think the course tomorrow will be more tough when the more established riders are the only ones left in the competition.”

Henrik explained of King Edward’s round today: “He’s so confident and the good thing is I can jump five, six jumps in the warm-up, go in and be really relaxed, do that job and and he comes out hardly blowing – it’s definitely an advantage.”

Henrik has been riding this son of Edward 28 for the past two years since taking over the ride from his partner Janika Sprunger

“King Edward has the whole package – his brain is great, and he is so careful but still so brave and he’s such a sweet horse – a once in a lifetime horse,” explained Henrik, who has been riding this horse barefoot for the past 18 months. “He has fantastic feet – like rocks – and I feel he goes better without his shoes on, so why not?”

‘Vets said he was finished’: horse who sliced tendon in plane accident comes back to World Championships

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:53:26 +0000

Norwegian rider Victoria Gulliksen jumped clear in the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships today — on a horse vets said was “finished” when he sliced open a tendon in an aeroplane accident.

Victoria, daughter of showjumping legend Geir Gulliksen, and 13-year-old Equine America Papa Roach put in a class round to sit in 31st place after the opening speed round.

Victoria has had the ride on the “very talented” Perigueux x Zeus gelding since he was six, and said he had started jumping some big tracks by the time he was eight.

“Then when he was 10, unfortunately he had a very, very bad accident,” she said. “He was flying home from Athens; we had won and qualified for the [Global Champions Tour] Super League. A metal piece came loose in the plane and cut through his whole back tendon.

“All the vet said ‘Your horse is finished. It’s never coming back. It’s done.’”

But, Victoria said “Pappy”, as he is known at home – “Or Lipsy, because he’s got very big lips!” – is a fighter, and after 21 months, he was back in competition, jumping at last year’s Europeans en route to the World Showjumping Championships.

“We took a very long time; we went hacking in the woods a lot, just hacking,” she said. “And then he came back and we did it very slowly. So for me when I go in the ring, every round is a bonus because he was supposed to [be retired] in the field.

“He was a very good boy today; he saved me a lot. He does when I put him far off and close, he always tries. He was trying hard to do the jumps perfectly and I’m very, very happy.”

‘She’s a lot!’: homebred at her first championships is Horse & Hound’s horse of the day

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:01:28 +0000

Horse & Hound’s horse of the first day of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships is a 15-year-old homebred at her own and her rider’s first senior championship. Australia’s Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way jumped clear to finish on 5.11 penalties in today’s speed class, leaving them in 55th place.

The flying Clearway x Jalisco B grey mare, owned by Alice Cameron, has been competing at top level with Hilary over the world, with results including a top-10 finish in the five-star Spruce Meadows grand prix last September, and 11th in the CCI5* ‘s-Hertogenbosch Rolex grand prix this spring.

“I’m really, really happy with my horse today,” Hilary said. “I don’t think I really could have gone any quicker, or it would have been rails down so I’m happy with the clear.”

Hilary has ridden Oaks Milky Way since the mare was backed aged four.

“So she’s been with us all her life,” she said. “It’s one thing to go to an event like this, but then again, a horse you’ve bred and that you know so well, it’s a special feeling.”

Asked what Oaks Milky Way is like, in terms of performance and personality, Hilary said: “A lot! She’s got a lot of energy, a lot of character and she loves a crowd and atmosphere.

“So she gets very excited when she sees it, and I try and keep her a little bit quiet, it’s difficult! But I’m very happy with her.”

Australia is in 15th place overnight, on 14.9 penalties, and Hilary said it was an “amazing feeling” to make her World Showjumping Championships debut with the team.

“It’s a real privilege and honour; not everyone gets to get to do this,” she said. “So I feel very honoured to be part of it, and we have a fantastic team.

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In April 2023, Henrik and a 13-year-old King Edward breezed home to secure victory from a star-studded field for the World Cup Final and Henrik’s joy at adding this accolade to their illustrious list of titles was clear to see.

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‘I saw the horses getting sounder’: first findings from study into barefoot v shod horses’ movement

Mr Lidbeck, who competed alongside Peder before he switched from eventing to showjumping, and has known him for years, said he was “sceptical” when Peder first mentioned riding unshod horses.

“But after a while, I could see with my own eyes his horses getting sounder,” he said. “He said he was a bit disappointed the veterinary community didn’t really care about this, and I was thinking about that. He’s correct, and I wanted to do something.”

The researchers looked at previous studies, and then interviewed top riders, vets, farriers and others about their unshod experience.

“There’s no scientific knowledge about competing showjumping horses barefoot,” Mr Lidbeck said. “There’s quite a lot of scepticism. The normal state of mind is that horses should be shod; we don’t ask ‘Why do we have shoes on the horse?’”

The researchers then carried out practical tests; using markers, video and motion analysis on horses working on the flat and over jumps, shod and unshod, to try to measure any differences in movement.

“It’s important to say you go in without expectations,” Prof Roepstorff said. “The fun of research is when you find things you didn’t expect. But what you hope to see is a difference, and what the difference is.”

The finding announced at this stage is that when unshod, the movement in the hoof is “freer and larger”, specifically widening over the heels, and contraction of heels during the breakover. There was also more vertical independent movement in the barefoot hoof.

“It’s very interesting as we see a lot of injuries in the hoof,” Mr Lidbeck said, adding that of course the hoof affects all the structures in the limb.

“Everyone talks of the hoof as a pump,” added Prof Roepstorff. “If we see not only widening but contraction, it could be two things contributing to increased blood flow [to the leg], which is also important in rehab.”

More results will be announced when they have been analysed.

“One study can never find all the answers but we hope it will contribute to the first piece of the puzzle that leads to new knowledge,” Prof Roepstorff said. “This is a dream for a researcher! We got 480 recordings, with 38 markers, so there’s a bit of data to analyse.”

The team stressed the importance of scientific data and findings to inform best practice, and that whatever the full results, each horse and its hooves must be considered individually, as what is best for one may not be for the next.

“When you want to develop, the only way forward is knowledge,” Peder said. “Hopefully, with this study, we can make something better for horses.”

Agria CEO Agnes Fabricius added: “Agria has for years striven to reduce the risk of horses suffering from lameness. I have high hopes that we can get a result that in the long run can benefit more horses and owners.”

What do you think of the shod/unshod debate? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county

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Organisers praised as grooms put to the forefront at World Championships

“They stabled all the teams together, which is always really good at a championship. A WhatsApp group was created and the stable manager put any information we needed and there were at least three or four messages a day keeping us updated,” he told H&H.

“The restaurant was one of the best I’ve ever seen, this is my 12th championship in a row and the food was tip-top. They did fantastic buffets and supplied eco-friendly boxes so you could take food away, and there was always fresh fruit and salad available.”

Alan added that the recognition on the televised screen – each groom was pictured along with each horse and rider – “meant a lot”, and said the event was a “massive improvement” on previous ones he had been to.

“Herning did a really good job and the level of care for grooms is getting better, but it’s going to be keeping those standards up that’s difficult. The cost of living is creeping up, so it’s not going to be easy.”

The IGA, which launched at the end of April, met the Herning organising committee before the championships, and IGA executive director Lucy Katan told H&H she was “delighted” with their “forward-thinking approach”.

“Historically, many shows plan everything and then say, ‘and the grooms’, as kind of an afterthought, but that was not the case here. The organising committee really put the grooms at the forefront of their planning and it created such a different atmosphere of positivity,” she said.

Although the majority of feedback was very positive, some issues around accommodation were highlighted when some grooms had to share caravans with grooms from other nations.

The championships’ sport chief executive Jens Trabjerg confirmed to H&H the committee was “let down at the last minute” with the accommodation, but this was “solved” on 3 August. He added that the committee was “very pleased and proud of the many positive comments” they received.

Alan, who opted to stay in a horsebox with Gareth Hughes’ groom Steph Sharples, said the accommodation was a “bit of a problem” but the committee tried to resolve the issue.

“I feel for them that it went wrong on that level because everything else they were trying so hard to do right for us,” he said.

Lucy said the IGA “firmly believes” grooms should only be sharing with their own national federations, and will be highlighting this to the FEI. She would also like to see “minimum standards” set for grooms at FEI events.

“It was a big team effort with the organising committee, IGA and FEI working together in the build-up and throughout the championship to fulfil a shared vision whereby grooms got the recognition they fully deserved.”

The spokesman added there will be a “thorough debrief” with stakeholders, and the FEI will continue to liaise with the IGA on all matters regarding grooms.

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‘He was on fire’: 13-year-old British showjumper holds her own against top riders in Herning

When not competing Noora found time to watch her idols warming up for the championship classes.

“We were right at the bottom of the stands when Henrik realised he’d won the world championship which was really cool.”

Sharifa von Bulow, Noora’s mother, said she is very proud of everything her daughter has achieved.

“We’re not a professional horse family, so we continue to learn as we go along. Noora is always surprising us and we’re really enjoying the sport with her,” she said.

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Joe revealed that his newly acquired bronze medal already has pride of place on a shelf at home and he’s been inundated with messages since taking to the podium at the World Showjumping Championships last week.

“I can’t keep track of them all at the moment!” he said.

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Elation and exciting times ahead: ‘I’ve never witnessed a championship like it’

Asked what she would have said if someone had told her then the next time this was achieved, she would be the chef d’equipe, she said: “I’d have said no chance! It’s just amazing to think it’s been 24 years.

“It was a week of highs and lows but I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a championship like it. Top competition as always, but with the excitement and drama of the last team round; it was amazing.”

The live scoring system was down during the team final on Friday night (12 August) and with so many teams in contention for medals, other than clear winners Sweden, and with faults coming everywhere, it was very hard to keep track of who was where.

“It just went crazy. The Irish had five and then a retirement, Germany an elimination and and four, France eight and 12, Brazil nine and a withdrawal, and these are the best riders; it was drama right to the finish.

Di said the goal had always been that top-five position to secure an Olympic place, as well as a medal, and that achieving this takes away the pressure of having to qualify at the last minute, as was the case at the 2019 Europeans where Britain also won bronze.

“We’ve no excuses now; there’s enough time to plan towards Paris.”

Di said she believes there is now more detail going into planning for championships, citing the example set by Nick Skelton, who planned Big Star’s campaign for Rio to perfection.

“When you get a top horse, you really have to look after it as they’re few and far between,” she said. “You have to compete them sparingly, make a plan and be bold enough to say ‘That’s my goal, and these are my SMART goals en route to it’, and not over-jump them.”

Di gave full credit to Ben Maher, who finished a pole off the podium in fourth, on Faltic HB who was subbed in for Explosion W at the last minute, and whom he has been riding less than a year.

Di paid tribute to all the support from the British Equestrian World Class programme, as well as the support teams, at home and at the championships.

“These are exciting times for British showjumping,” she said.

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