Latest from Horse & Hound in Steve-guerdat

Olympic showjumper ‘facing a long recovery’ after second surgery within seven months

Becky Murray — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:40:35 +0000

Olympic showjumper Steve Guerdat has undergone a second back operation within seven months and is “facing a long recovery” – but said the surgery “went well”.

Steve first had an emergency operation for a herniated disc in February, forcing him to miss the World Cup Final on home soil in Basel, Switzerland in April. He returned to competition in mid-May, and went on to compete at the European Championships in La Coruna, where he and Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte finished 12th individually and helped Switzerland to fifth.

After the Europeans, Steve competed at the Dinard CSIO5*, France, on 24–27 July, where his back problems returned. He competed at the Spruce Meadows Masters (3–7 September), where he was third in the CKPC International presented by Rolex, won by Scott Brash, then had an operation on 11 September.

“Unfortunately I had to undergo back surgery again last Thursday. Everything had been progressing well, and I was feeling better since my return. My horses, in excellent form, have undoubtedly helped me a lot. However during the Dinard competition, the pain returned at the end of my Friday round. I was no longer able to ride and returned home for examinations, which revealed a recurrence,” said Steve.

“In some cases, the operated disc can protrude again. Many people advised me, and we tried several alternative therapies to avoid another surgery. Unfortunately, the situation only worsened. I consulted many specialists worldwide, and they all came to the same conclusion: there were no alternatives to surgery.

“I asked my entire team, both at the stables and those who take care of my health, to do everything possible so that I could participate in the Spruce Meadows Rolex Grand Slam, which I didn’t want to miss for anything. Thanks to them and my fantastic horses, we succeeded. It was amazing.”

Steve said he went into hospital on his return from Canada, and the surgery went well.

“I am now at home and facing a long recovery,” he said.

“I am eager to start my rehabilitation and look forward to riding my horses again and meeting all of you at competitions. In the meantime, a big thank you to everyone. It is a privilege to count on such a team, such horses, and your unwavering support. Thank you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very happy with second

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘I’m going to need time’: Olympic medallist recovering from emergency surgery

Becky Murray — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:54:11 +0000

European showjumping champion Steve Guerdat has been ruled out of action as he recovers from emergency surgery for a herniated disc.

Steve was competing at the Gothenburg Horse Show (19-23 February) when he developed back pain. He contested two classes on Thursday (20 February), but a spokesperson for Steve said when he started suffering with back pain that evening he did not compete again until the World Cup qualifier on Sunday to “preserve himself as much as possible”.

Steve and his European and Olympic medallist Dynamix De Belheme finished 14th in the qualifier, and Steve earned his place at the World Cup Final on home soil, in Basel, Switzerland (1-6 April).

But on Tuesday (25 February) Steve needed emergency surgery for a herniated disc.

Yesterday Steve said it is “quite rare that I personally take the time to write but I felt the need to express myself”, adding that he had “plenty of time” from his hospital bed.

“I’ve had some health issues lately, nothing major I can assure you; just before Christmas I had a successful meniscus operation, and this Tuesday I had to have emergency surgery on my back for a hernia,” he said, adding that it was not a new injury, but had “moved and gained a lot of volume in the last few weeks”.

“The urge to ride at the first Grand Slam of the year and qualify for the World Cup Final in my country took over the reason and I tried everything to qualify first, and then yes I dreamed of shining there,” he said. “What could be more beautiful than practising your sport, especially in a World Cup Final, in front of your friends, loved ones, fans and family?”

Steve was told by his medical team that it was “unthinkable” that he would be fit to ride in the Final.

“I’m going to need time to get back on my feet first and especially on horseback. I’m in very good hands and I’m highly motivated to return quickly, but I must take the necessary time,” he said.

“I admit that it’s quite hard for me to accept after all the efforts of this winter and this obsession with qualifying, which lasted until the very last moment in Gothenburg, but the pain and fear of the last few days also made me realise that despite all the passion that I have for my sport, it is of no use if my health is not there.”

Steve thanked everyone for their support.

“My entire team at home who followed me through this difficult period every day, my owners who were fantastic and who showed me all their friendship and presence to support me every second,” he said.

“My sponsors who show me their full trust and support, and obviously my friends and family who, as usual, are always there for me and simply perfect.”

Steve added that he would like to “end on a positive note”.

“I am perfectly aware of being a privileged person in life, I never forget that. My horses, my sport and my family make me the happiest man in the world and I accept this challenge with strength and humility in order to return as quickly as possible for new adventures,” he said.

“Thank you all and see you soon.”

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Why are top riders Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs boycotting the Longines League of Nations?

Lucy Elder — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:06:13 +0000

Two of the biggest names in showjumping are shunning the FEI’s flagship series in 2025 over disagreement with its choice of venues.

London 2012 Olympic individual gold medallist Steve Guerdat and former European champion Martin Fuchs will not be competing in the Longines League of Nations this year.

The Longines League of Nations, which starts this week in the UAE, is a revamp of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup series and ran for the first time in 2024. Hickstead and Dublin were among the longstanding host venues that did not make the cut to hold legs of the new series.

The two riders cited the calendar and locations of the Longines League of Nations stages as reasons for their boycott.

“The Nations Cups are very important to me. I am critical of the fact that the best traditional tournaments that have shaped the history of our sport are not included in the Longines League of Nations calendar in order to support tournaments that, in my opinion, have few spectators and few reputations,” said Martin, who is currently ranked fifth in the world.

“I will be available to Switzerland for all other Nations Cups this season and am looking forward to a successful year.”

Longines League of Nations qualifiers will run at Abu Dhabi (15 February), Ocala (22 March), Rotterdam (20 June) and Gassin – St Tropez (21 September), with the final at Barcelona (2 to 5 October). The St Gallen leg, which was on the original calendar and was cancelled in 2024 owing to weather, has been replaced by the St Tropez fixture.

Switzerland will be contesting the Longines League of Nations in 2025.

Chef d’equipe Peter van der Waaij said: “The Longines League of Nations competitions bring additional pressure with the new format; we experienced that in 2024. It is crucial to be strong as a team and to support each other. These are key aspects for Nations Cups and with a view to the European and World Championships. An important goal within the Longines League of Nations series is of course to qualify for the final in Barcelona.”

During a press conference at Bordeaux, where he won the Longines World Cup jumping qualifier with Connor Jei, Martin added: “I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to talk not only about this win, but also about more serious topics than just this competition.

“For us, it’s really the competitions such as this in Bordeaux, Falsterbo, Dublin, Dinard, La Baule, which have this tradition, the crowd, a buzzy atmosphere of a top competition – we think it’s really important to support these competitions.”

He added that “of course it is great that there are new competitions”, giving the examples of Abu Dhabi and Ocala, but the traditional ones – “those that are the best in the world” – should be supported, rather than prioritising the new.

“I think the new ones need to prove themselves first. If they are better, if they do prove themselves to be better, then let’s discuss again a change in the calendar,” he said. “But we don’t agree with the way it’s been done and are very, very disappointed for the sake of our sport and the Nations Cup.”

World number two Steve Guerdat said Nations Cups are “very important to me” and that it is “always a great honour to represent Switzerland at a Nations Cup”.

“I am also 100% behind Swiss Equestrian,” he said. “The atmosphere at the Swiss Nations Cup in St. Gallen, for example, or at other traditional tournaments in equestrian countries is incomparable.

“There are fantastic tournaments with a great atmosphere all over the world. It is precisely this atmosphere that I miss at tournaments that are organised less for the horse-loving public than for a select audience – I cannot understand the FEI’s strategy regarding the Longines League of Nations.”

Swiss Equestrian sports manager Evelyne Niklaus added: “We have had extensive discussions with Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat. We respect this wish. Both will be part of the team at other Nations Cups and will give their all for Switzerland.”

Dublin and Hickstead are among the historic former Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup venues that now hold their own legs, independent of an FEI series.

An FEI spokesperson told H&H: “The FEI regrets the absence of these two top athletes at the Longines League of Nations, but fully respects the right of each competitor to make decisions based on their own priorities and circumstances.

“While St Gallen was initially part of the Longines League of Nations series, the decision to remove it was based on safety concerns and the need for venues to meet certain standards. This decision, though regrettable, was made in the best interest of the sport and its participants.”

The spokesperson added: “While the participation of top athletes like Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat is certainly valued, the strength of the series lies in the calibre of competitors from around the world, which we are confident will continue to attract passionate spectators to these prestigious events.”

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Highs and lows for top riders in Olympic showjumping individual qualifier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top mare makes ‘fresh and feisty’ winning comeback and a remarkable case of déjà vu

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:43:01 +0000

Hitting the international showjumping news headlines this week is multi-winning mare Killer Queen VDM, who has made a welcome return to top-flight sport with regular rider Daniel Deusser after several months on the sidelines.

Meanwhile in the USA, one Irishman declares his winning mount as having the potential to be “one of the best in the world” – strong words, indeed. There’s also a remarkable case of déjà vu in the Chepstow’s CSI2* grand prix and even the 2012 Olympic champion admits to feeling the nerves ahead of a five-star class. Read on for our weekly round-up of international showjumping news headlines and results.

A welcome comeback for “fresh and feisty” top mare Killer Queen VDM

While the King, King Edward, has been making showjumping news headlines in recent weeks, this week it was the turn of the Queen, Killer Queen VDM, to take the spotlight.

Daniel Deusser and his multi-winning mare made a winning return to five-star competition at the Printemps Des Sports Equestres in Fontainebleau. The 14-year-old mare returned to competition on the Spanish Sunshine Tour this year but they stepped up to five-star for the first time since last summer, looking better than ever when landing a 1.55m class.

“I’m delighted she did so well,” said the German rider, crediting the mare’s “warrior spirit”. “She might even be a bit too fresh and feisty for a competition like this!”

Great Britain’s Joe Stockdale was also in winning form at the show with Equine Rescue Services Kandleford in a 1.45m speed class.

CSI5* Fontainebleau results

Showjumping news: “I think he’ll end up one of the best in the world”

Ireland’s Conor Swail won the $225,000 Kentucky Invitational four-star grand prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute with 11-year-old Casturano after a six-way jump-off in the Rolex Stadium. Egypt’s Nayel Nassar finished second with Igor Van De Wittemoere while US rider Charlotte Jacobs, who also managed to enjoy watching some of the three-day event at the venue, piloted Irish Sport Horse Rincoola Milsean (by Aldatus Z out of Rincoola Abu by Cruising) into third position.

“This horse jumps clear round after clear round and the confidence you get from jumping a horse with so much ability is how much he’s grown over the past year – I’m very excited about him,” said Conor, who scorched home quickest from penultimate draw. “If he keeps doing what he’s doing, I think he’ll end up one of the best horses in the world.”

Second-placed Nayel said: “I can’t even guess the number of times I’ve lost to Conor. But that’s the beauty of the sport, it’s not over till it’s over. Conor is a favourite of mine to watch.”

Kentucky invitational results

Conor Swail and Casturano win the CSI4* invitational grand prix at Kentucky. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A remarkable case of déjà vu

There was a remarkable case of déjà vu in the grand prix at the Chepstow Spring International CSI2* at the David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire, when the top two places went to the same combinations as the previous week at the CSI2* Chard – Mikey Pender on HHS Cornetta and William Whitaker on Chacco’s Lando.

“It was quite cool that Will and I were first and second again!” said Mikey, who also won Sunday’s CSI2* small tour 1.30m with Cornetta’s full brother HHS Cyprus.

Poles had fallen very easily round Colm Quinn’s jump-off course, with the first third of the 12-strong field all faulting. It was Mikey who broke the jinx, delivering not only the first clear but also taking some economical early lines to clock the quickest time of the class on the big-engined grey by Cornet Obolensky. Four other riders left the fences standing, with William and the striking 11-year-old getting the spectators behind them as they looked to be the only combination in touch – but they were lagging a second behind when they landed before the turn to the final line and couldn’t gain the ground.

“I was definitely quicker from two to three,”said Mikey, who angled the second fence and turned on a scything seven-stride arc round to the third. “I don’t think anyone else had seven there. I turned her so tight but she is really switched on, she is always with you waiting for you to give her the next instruction.”

Read the full report from the show in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday, 2 May.

CSI2* Chepstow results

Steve Guerdat wins with Dynamix De Belheme in Fontainebleau, despite admitting to feeling “more nervous than I have for a long time” (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A “perfect” mare takes notable victory

With preparations starting to take shape for many potential Olympians, all eyes were on the CSI5* in Fontainebleau, where Swiss showjumper Steve Guerdat and his brilliant “horse of a lifetime” Dynamix De Belheme triumphed in the grand prix with an eye-catching performance over tracks set by France’s Gregory Bodo and Spain’s Santiago Varela, who will be in charge of the fences in Versailles for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Dynamix has shown consistency since she started competing,” said the reigning European champion, who triumphed after a three-way jump-off. “She’s always been perfect, always jumped clear rounds in every age category and class.

“It’s fair to say that she surprised me this weekend. I wasn’t expecting her to be so dynamic; I thought she was still one or two competitions away from reaching top form. It gives us confidence for the rest of the season.”

Even the 2012 Olympic champion admitted to feeling particularly nervous at the start of the show’s feature class.

“More than I had been for a long time,” he confessed. “Not because of the course – at ’s-Hertogenbosch, Dynamix and I jumped really well on the Friday, but then I didn’t get things right on the Sunday; she hasn’t taken part in any competitions since, so I was left with that memory, which is why I was nervous. But she has some great qualities and made things easy for me as a rider on this really enjoyable course.”

CSI5* Fontainebleau results

Showjumping news: “A great couple of weeks” helped by “the most wonderful stallion”

British teenager Rosie Smith sealed “a great couple of weeks” as a vital member of the Nations Cup team when, after helping the children-on-horses team to a third-place finish in the youth competition in Czechia, she and the great stallion Fruselli landed the grand prix.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my owners for giving me the chance to gain this experience,” said Rosie, daughter of Olympian Holly Smith, who added: “Although Rosie is short on mileage at this level of competition, she rode to orders beautifully to win, helped by the most wonderful stallion!”

Ted Bastian-Mason also flew the British flag on the podium, finishing third with a double clear on Forest Ranger OL.

In the team competitions, the young riders took second, represented by Francesca Young (Carrickview Libretto), Glain Watkin Jones (La Vie Est D’Or), Tallulah Mackenzie Smith (Nistria VD Winning Z) and Connie Adams with Jagger. The junior squad also took the runner-up spot, this time after a jump-off, with a great performance from Henry Squibb (Diatencona PS), Alena Hughes (Hercules), Izzy Doyle (Claxon Van De Bosweg) and Ruby Barrs (Manzana De Rigo), who also finished runner-up in the under-25 grand prix on Guinot Di Nocciola.

“It was my first 1.45m so it was quite daunting,” she said.

A British first-timer, a horse bred in Scotland and the King defends his title: who’s who in the 2024 World Cup Final?

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 17:30:25 +0000

With the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in the Saudi capital of Riyadh fast-approaching (16-20 April), the preparations are currently in full swing for 35 of the world’s leading riders from 19 nations with 42 horses between them. So who’s who among this year’s star-studded field of World Cup Final showjumping contenders bidding for a place in history?

Remarkably, the last British rider to claim the World Cup crown was Nick Skelton in 1995 with Dollar Girl. The three contenders flying the union flag hoping to break that duck are Ben Maher, Scott Brash – both of whom qualified from the Western European League – and US-based British team rider Jessica Mendoza, who gained points from the North American League. Ben will be in action on his top mare Dallas Vegas Batilly while Scott lines up with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s super Swedish-bred grey Hello Valentino.

Meanwhile Jessica, who turns 26 just ahead of her trip to Riyadh, will be making her World Cup Final debut. She brings 12-year-old gelding I-Cap CL Z, who she has produced right up through the grades and with whom she represented Great Britain at the recent Longines League Of Nations at Ocala, Florida, alongside Ben.

Defending champions hoping to continue the World Cup dream

The defending champions Henrik von Eckermann and the brilliant King Edward will be back in a bid to retain their World Cup crown. After lifting the trophy in Omaha, USA, last year, the Swedish world number one said: “It was always a big, big goal and a dream for me to have my name on that trophy. This is very special.”

Henrik von Eckermann riding King Edward on the way to claiming the 2023 Longines FEI World Cup Showjumping title. (Image credit: Richard Juilliart)

Henrik will be joined by team-mate Peder Fredricson with his 2021 European bronze medal-winning 18-year-old Catch Me Not S, with whom he also finished third in the 2019 World Cup Final.

Former World Cup Final winners Martin Fuchs (Commissar Pezi) and Steve Guerdat (Is-Minka) will represent Switzerland. This will be the latter’s 15th World Cup Final and the 2012 Olympic champion will be bidding for a record fourth victory again this year.

Among the other A-list names in action are another World Cup three-time title-holder, Marcus Ehning for Germany, with a relatively new ride, the 11-year-old Coolio 42, plus Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet on 14-year-old gelding Ace Of Hearts, Julien Epaillard who will be one of the favourites on Dubai Du Cedre, with Kent Farrington lining up for USA. Kent is one of a handful of riders bringing two horses, the 10-year-old rising stars Greya and Toulayna.

World Cup Final showjumping debutant carries the Irish flag

Richard Howley was the highest ranked Irish rider in the Western European League, winning the opening two qualifiers of the series, and he will be Ireland’s sole representative as he makes his debut at the World Cup Final riding 13-year-old Equine America Consulent De Prelet Z, who he co-owns with Sarah Borthwick and his and his wife Morgan Kent’s HK Horses.

“He’s so clever and he’s so smart, so it makes my job easier because he’s so talented,” says Richard of the gelding. “I don’t think he’s even fully found himself yet – I still think he has more to give. So we’re just trying to find a bit of middle ground of consistency and trust in the partnership. I think the world of him, and my owner Sarah Borthwick and myself think this horse could give everything. But we’re just trying to get the best out of him.”

Richard Howley and Consulent Du Prelet Z, owned by Sarah Borthwick and HK Horses, land their second World Cup qualifier in as many weeks, this time in Helsinki, Finland. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Arab League is represented by five athletes, with three riders from the host nation Saudi Arabia qualifying with strong performances in the Middle Eastern sub-league. Seasoned World Cup veteran and Olympic medallist Ramzy Al Duhami brings Addressee and Untouchable 32, while 25-year-old Khaled Almobty rides Jaguar King WD and the former Ellen Whitaker ride Spacecake.

Olympic bronze medallist Abdullah AlSharbatly rides 16-year-old Alamo, with whom Steve Guerdat won the 2019 World Cup Final and who later went to Spanish rider Sergio Alvarez Moya before Abdullah took the reins at the end of 2022. The pair have gone on to achieve five-star success, but he also brings 13-year-old Fiumicino Van De Kalevallei, who came from Dutch rider Jur Vrieling last year.

World Cup Final attracts talented crop of young showjumpers

Among the crop of young talents stepping out on the global stage for this year’s World Cup Final showjumping contest are 22-year-old French rider Jeanne Sadran (Dexter De Kerglenn), who enjoyed a successful career on ponies.

Canada’s Mario Deslauriers holds the record as the youngest World Cup winner at the age of 19 in 1984, and the youngest riders in Riyadh later this month will be US teenager Skylar Wireman on Tornado and Egyptian showjumper Zain Shady Samir with London Eye. Both riders are just 19 years old.

Skylar has been riding since a young child, hitting the headlines in 2020 when she won the USEF Showjumping Talent Search Final. Swedish-bred Tornado was sent to her as a sales horse but she bought him with the help of some family friends. Skylar is trained by her mother and 2004 Olympic team gold medallist Peter Wylde, and although she doesn’t normally have a groom – preferring to do everything for her horses herself – she will be supported in Riyadh by groom Alicia Thompson.

Another youngster is Egypt’s 22-year-old Abdelrahman Shousha who brings the 14-year-old Quincy 230.

From Balcormo Stud in Scotland to the World Cup Final

British showjumping fans will recognise the lovely gelding How Easy (by Talan, out of the Quite Easy mare Come Easy), who was bred and produced at Balcormo in Scotland by Sandra Low Mitchell. He went on to compete with Julie Andrews and Robert Murphy, but now competes under the Czechia flag with Sara Vingralkova, 21, a consistent performer at junior and young rider European Championships. The young rider also takes the 14-year-old Belgian-bred gelding Kas-Sini DC.

Sandra’s 91-year-old mother Jacky had originally picked out How Easy’s sire Talan in a catalogue as a three-year-old and has hit the jackpot using him with broodmare Come Easy. Both Sandra and Jacky will be glued to the livestream as they continue to follow How Easy’s progress in Riyadh.

“Mum’s had the thrill of following him the whole way through, we’re so proud,” says Sandra. “They’ll be the babies of the class, but I love the way Sara rides him –How Easy has landed on his feet with her.”

Sandra’s late father Dugald bought How Easy’s grandam in-foal along with another mare at a local auction and her offspring, Come Easy, has produced a string of quality youngsters, including How Easy’s full-sister Mytee Easy LM, currently jumping with Molly Andrews and Julie Andrews.

“How Easy did two shows as a four-year-old and won the four-year-old sport horse at the Highland Show, then we just hacked him about when he was five and let him grow,” explains Sandra. “I registered him when he was six and he immediately won a British novice, but this was just before my hip operation and this horse was too beautiful and sensitive for me to ride at the time – it broke my heart as he was so lovely, but I knew I wasn’t the right person to ride him.

“I kept a share in him but Julie Andrews did the next steps, then Rob Murphy took him to the next level before Sara bought him. He was always beautiful and they all live up to their Easy names.”

History in the making at the World Cup Final?

For Japan, the sole representative Shinichiro Sugiyama rides the aptly named Rising Sun, while from the Eurasian League, Nurjan Tuyakbaev hopes to become the first rider from Uzbekistan to win the World Cup crown. Angelos Touloupis of Greece (Lord Mexx) is among the entries from the Central European League.

This is the first time the World Cup Final showjumping has been held in Saudi Arabia, with a record-breaking 2.6million euros in prize money on offer at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

The first jumping competition begins on 17 April, continuing with round two the following day, with the winner decided on Saturday 20 April. You can keep up to date with all the action with H&H.

‘I didn’t believe I could ever win again after my injuries’: a welcome comeback and an exciting mare

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:36:47 +0000

In a bumper week of international showjumping news, we bring you plenty of top-flight action including Harry Charles securing his ticket to the World Cup Final, and we were thrilled to see Laura Renwick winning her first grand prix since recovering from serious injuries sustained in consecutive falls. Then not a week goes by without mention of Daniel Coyle and his incredible winning streak.

Read on for a round-up of this week’s showjumping news and results from around the world.

Showjumping news: “The beginning of a very successful story”?

Swiss superstar Steve Guerdat landed the penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League in Bordeaux, France, with exciting 11-year-old mare Is-Minka. He was joined on the podium by 22-year-old Frenchman Jeanne Sadran (Dexter De Kerglenn) in second with young British star, 24-year-old Harry Charles, third on Sherlock, securing his ticket to the World Cup Final in Saudi Arabia in April.

Steve, a three-time World Cup title-holder, described the victory as “so exciting”, on this Mylord Carthago mare who was due to be sold last year, but Steve’s father-in-law stepped in to secure her future with the 2012 Olympic champion.

“We had a bit of bad luck with a lot of four faults in our first five-star grands prix, but today she showed what she’s capable of and it’s only the beginning of a very successful story for her!” he said. “The track was pretty tough – it started with two big jumps and that really backed up the horses, and then the triple combination [fence six] was very difficult but Is-Minka is a very good combination jumper and she showed that today.”

Three riders lost their chances here, including two falls, one from world number one Henrik von Eckermann and Calizi, although he later reported that both he and the mare were none the worse for the experience.

Harry Charles agreed that the first-round track was “relentless” but was delighted with his La Coruna victor Sherlock, whom he hopes to take to the final.

“He should have been clear in the World Cup last week in Amsterdam, he just had a small mistake at the last jump, but I’m happy to have put it right this week and I’m very proud of him,” said Harry. “He’s still very new at this level and he felt pretty at ease around there so I have good hopes for the future.

“I saw Steve’s jump-off round and he made it look a lot easier than it was. I thought maybe I could get him but then I realised quickly after the first three jumps ‘I don’t think I’m actually close’, so I just tried to leave the jumps up. Sherlock needs another few rounds at this height going at that speed to really get it. But I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Harry had earlier won a 1.50m five-star speed class at the show with Stall Zet’s multi-winning Billabong Du Roumois, while Matt Sampson continued his winning form from previous weeks winning Saturday’s 1.45m equivalent with MGH Candy Girl, chased home by Scott Brash on Hello Mr President.

Sunday’s Audi grand prix was won by home rider Julien Epaillard on Donatello D’Auge, with Irish riders Denis Lynch in second on Brooklyn Heights and Jessica Burke third on Nikey HH.

Jumping Bordeaux results

US-based British rider Grace Debney jumped to CSI2* grand prix glory on the grass Derby field at Equestrian Village in Florida riding 13-year-old Diamant De Semilly mare Zarina De Vidau. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Grand prix success for Debney on comeback mare: “I never have to wear spurs”

Also in this week’s showjumping news, US-based British rider Grace Debney jumped to CSI2* grand prix glory in week four of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on the grass Derby field at Equestrian Village in Florida. Riding 13-year-old Diamant De Semilly mare Zarina De Vidau, the 20-year-old US-based rider topped an 11-way jump-off

“My horse is naturally super fast,” she said. “I walked a plan and talked about it with a few people, but I felt like I should stick with it. A couple of people had different ideas but I know my horse really well because I’ve had her for five years.

“I was definitely worried about Tom Wachman and Mark Bluman – Mark had my time, so I was definitely sweating a little. She’s so quick though, I never have to wear spurs on her because she’s always just going and you can’t really beat that footspeed. She actually won this grand prix two years ago and then she was out last WEF, so it’s just really nice to have her back.”

Tom Wachman for Ireland finished nearly two seconds adrift on Coolmore Showjumping’s 15-year-old Lazzaro Delle Schiave.

WEF results

WEF’s $62,500 Hérmes CSI4* 1.50m classic resulted in a one-two for Ireland, led by Shane Sweetnam on new ride Irandole Du Flot. (Image credit: Sportfot)

Irish one-two in Florida

WEF’s $62,500 Hérmes CSI4* 1.50m classic resulted in a one-two for Ireland, led by Shane Sweetnam on new ride Irandole Du Flot (Vivaldi Du Seigneur x Ogano Sitte), ahead of Cian O’Connor with Eve D’Ouilly, after a 14-way jump-off at WEF.

“This horse has had a great week,” said Shane. “She only did her first 1.50m class at the end of last year so to be this competitive already against this standard of horses shows how good she is. It’s a great class because it’s not a grand prix, but it’s a top class. You can really judge where your horse is experienced and where they need more education, whereas a grand prix is a very tough class, so if the horse is inexperienced they can get lost.

“They learn a lot in these 12 weeks of circuit and it’s great to have options like the grass and the international ring throughout the season,” added Shane, who was awarded the Martha Jolicoeur leading international rider award.

WEF results

Showjumping news: Renwick makes winning grand prix return after injury

British rider Laura Renwick accumulated some eye-catching results on home soil last week and transferred that winning form during the first week of the Spring Tour in Valenica, Spain, claiming top spot in the CSI3* grand prix with a typically scorching round aboard the former Ben Maher ride Enjoy CK Z, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.

This was a welcome comeback for Laura, who only returned to the ring last summer and has been rebuilding her string after two consecutive falls put her out of action — in the first fall she broke her pelvis and femur, then she later broke her neck and was off for a further three months.

“I’m not sure I believed I would ever be able to win something like this again after my injuries, but this mare has given me everything,” she said of Enjoy. “It was a silly fall on the flat and I didn’t really think I’d hurt myself — I thought I’d hurt my arm and hit my head but when they did an MRI, they found a fractured bone at the top of my neck.”

Moura Tours in Valencia results

Showjumping news: Daniel Coyle wins the $100,000 Wheels Up grand prix at the World Equestrian Center on Ariel Grange’s Quintin. Credit @Andrew Ryback Photography (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Daniel Coyle makes it a big-class hat-trick

No stranger to H&H‘s showjumping news pages at the moment, flying Irishman Daniel Coyle landed his third big win in as many weeks when, now back in the USA, he topped the $100,000 Wheels Up grand prix at the World Equestrian Center, finishing first and second with Farrel and Quintin respectively.

Fresh from claiming back-to-back World Cup victories in Europe with Ariel Grange’s great mare Legacy, he qualified another two of her horses, both 14-year-olds, for the nine-way jump-off and ended up beating his own time to win.

“Leopoldo Palacios is the best course-builder there is,” said Daniel. “The most difficult for sure, but most people like that. I was lucky because I was able to go first on Quintin. He has a bigger stride, but Farrel is fast in a different way – he’s handy, neat and tidy in the way he jumps. I knew I had a good round on Quintin, but I also knew I could do a whole lot more with Farrel.”

The Irishman is hoping to represent Ireland at the forthcoming Longines League of Nations at the same venue.

“Legacy just got back here, so she’ll have a little break and she’ll start to work her way up and hopefully if everything goes well, we can get selected to jump,” he said.

Showjumping news: “I’m grateful for the entire team that makes wins like this possible”

US-based British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire credited her whole team for her four-star win with grass specialist Otto BH at WEF, Florida.

“He’s a great horse and the 1.50m is kind of his level, so I use him when I can,” said Amanda, who also finished fifth in the grand prix riding 16-year-old Cornwall BH.

“I’m grateful for the entire team that makes wins like this possible, and I love riding on this field, so I always save him for this. He’s fast, careful and very catlike and economical in his jump.

“He has a big stride so you can go forward to the fences, especially with this big field on a long run,” she added. “You can really dare him at the jumps, knowing you don’t have to slow up too much because he’s going to try to clear them.”

WEF results

Paul O’Shea and 16-year-old Emerald gelding Imerald Van’t Voorhof lifted the $215,000 MARS Equestrian CSI4* grand prix at WEF, Florida. (Image credit: Sportfot)

Paul O’Shea: “He feels as good as ever” at the age of 16

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, there was further Irish success when Paul O’Shea and 16-year-old Emerald gelding Imerald Van’t Voorhof lifted the $215,000 MARS Equestrian CSI4* grand prix at WEF, Florida. Nineteen-year-old Mimi Gochman finished second with a double clear on Holsteiner mare Celine BH for owner Gochman Sport Horses.

“He’s been a super horse for me; he’s done amazing things over the five years we’ve been together,” said Paul. “We jumped double clear in the Nations Cup at Hickstead which was a big thing for me because I always watched Hickstead growing up. He also won the Queen’s Cup in Spruce Meadows and he won the five-star grand prix at the Palm Beach Masters so he’s done a lot of really good things and he feels as good as ever.”

WEF results

‘She’s my horse of a lifetime’: newly crowned European champion pays tribute to gold medal-winning mare

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 13:48:16 +0000

Steve Guerdat of Switzerland has been crowned the new European champion at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

Surprisingly the 2012 Olympic champion and multi-championship medallist had never won an individual medal at a European Showjumping Championships. But, with the outstanding 10-year-old mare Dynamix De Belheme, who Steve describes as his “horse of a lifetime”, the pair jumped a crucial double clear in the individual medal decider to rise from their overnight second place to claim the gold medal in Milan, Italy, on Sunday (3 September).

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Steve. “I’ve never won a European individual medal – I’ve won team gold at the Europeans, but today I was lucky. Dynamix has been with us since she was five and she’s already given back to us 1000 times before today, she’s a horse of a lifetime. It feels incredible to be here as European champion.”

Steve, who lets Dynamix have a few bites of grass after every round and did so again during the prize giving ceremony, was last to go of the 11 finalists with the daughter of Snaike De Blondel, who is out of a Cornet Obolensky mare. The 41-year-old former world number one held his nerve under immense pressure to secure a glorious gold medal at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships.

“Normally I enjoy jumping every single fence with Dynamix but not today, I was so focused on my mare and jumping every single fence and fighting for it,” said Steve, who was previously Olympic champion with the great Nino Des Buissonnets.

“It’s her first championship so I tried to give her a bit of my experience to help her with her lack of experience.”

European Showjumping Championships: going for gold at Paris Olympics

“Since last year, my main goal is to make the 2024 Olympics with this mare,” added Steve. “If I do everything right, she’ll be one of the favourites in Paris, so it’s my job to bring her there in the best form I can.”

Claiming the silver medal was German rider Philipp Weishaupt with one of the youngest horses in these championships, the nine-year-old Zineday (Zinedene x Polydor), just less than four penalties behind the champions. The bronze medal was won by France’s Julien Epaillard, who, like Philipp, had climbed the leaderboard thanks to double clears over Uliano Vezzani’s final two tracks. The course-designer has received so much praise throughout these European Showjumping Championships.

Julien’s 10-year-old mare Dubai Du Cedre is a daughter of Baloubet Du Rouet and the flying Frenchman rides her in a hackamore. Alongside Dynamix and sixth-placed Iliana with Henrik von Eckermann, there were three mares in the top six, two of whom were in the medals.

“I’m super happy, my mare is only 10 and this is her first championship,” said the world number two, who finished 0.30 points behind the silver medallist, so tight were the margins in the individual final. “She had a super, super championships. The fault on the first day was down to me and she only had two down all week. I think if I knew her a bit better, I could take some of those faults off. But that was a nice experience and very good for the future.”

For the second championship in succession, Great Britain’s Ben Maher finished fourth with his own and Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s stallion Faltic HB. The highest placed Irish rider was Eoin McMahon and Mila, who finished ninth individually after helping his team win silver on Friday.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

Heartache for leaders in dramatic shake-up at European Showjumping Championships final

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 11:48:37 +0000

Long-time leaders, Jens Fredricson and his former riding school horse Markan Cosmopolit, have lost their place in the gold medal position at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

The Swedish rider, who was part of the gold medal-winning team on Friday (1 September), just picked up four faults in the first of two rounds in the individual medal decider. This dropped him behind new leader Steve Guerdat of Switzerland with the brilliant mare Dynamix De Belheme, who climbed one place after a fantastic clear in the first round of Sunday’s final.

In a dramatic shake-up of the top of the leaderboard, Philipp Weishaupt has climbed into the bronze medal position with the Zinedine stallion Zineday (pictured top). Julien Epaillard of France is another to have leapfrogged up the standings thanks to a super clear on Dubai Du Cedre, while the world number one and reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann with another mare, Iliana, have moved up to fifth.

Great Britain’s Ben Maher, who came through to Sunday’s final in fifth position, has dropped to eighth after a four-fault round. The stallion Faltic HB, with whom Ben finished fourth individually at the World Championships last year, just hit the oxer into the mammoth treble combination which caught out plenty of combinations.

Heartache at 2023 European Showjumping Championships

There was heartache for Ireland’s 28-year-old Michael Duffy, who had been in the bronze medal position ahead of Sumday’s final. Two fences down with the 14-year-old mare Cinca 3 have pushed them down the rankings to ninth.

The top 12 riders return for round two which will decide the individual medals at the 2023 European Showjumping Championships. With barely a fence separating the top five riders, this is set to be a thrilling finale. Stay tuned!

‘The best I’ve had, she’s unbelievable’: meet the highest placed mare bidding for gold at the European Championships

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 06:04:16 +0000

With less than four penalties separating the top five riders going through to today’s individual final for the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), it’s going to be a high-pressure finale.

Interestingly, three of those top five horses bidding for gold are mares and the highest placed of those is Swiss rider Steve Guerdat’s Dynamix De Belheme. On a score of 0.43, they are snapping at the heels of leaders Jens Fredricson and Markan Cosmopolit on zero. But Michael Duffy’s mare Cinca 3 is just a fraction behind in third for Ireland, with French rider Olivier Perreau sitting in fourth with another mare, the 10-year-old GL Events Dorai D’Aiguilly.

Steve Guerdat has long been talking about 10-year-old Dynamix De Belheme (Snaike De Blondel x Cornet Obolensky) as “the best horse I’ve ever had”. Strong words indeed from a former Olympic champion with the mighty Nino Des Boissonnets and a multiple winner with other top horses including Jalisca Solier and Bianca. But he describes this mare as, quite simply, “unbelievable”.

European Showjumping Championships: ‘That’s what makes Dynamix De Belheme better than most of the others’

“She’s an unbelievable horse – she tries very hard and she always has a great mentality,” said Steve, a winner of eight championship medals. “She also has the athletic ability to do it – the head wants to and the body can, too. That’s what makes her better than most of the others.”

Steve started riding the French-bred mare as a five-year-old.

“She has so much quality that I never wanted to step up too fast,” said Steve. “Everything she’s jumped in her life she’s been clear, clear, clear.”

There was disappointment for the Swiss squad in Friday’s team medal decider of the European Showjumping Championships. The quartet had gone through with a fighting chance for a medal, but dropped to sixth behind the new European champions Sweden, after the faults added up for the remaining three riders, Bryan Balsiger (Dubai Du Bois Pinchet), Edouard Schmitz (Gamin Van’t Naastveldhof) and Martin Fuchs with Leone Jei.

“I wasn’t very happy with my round – I didn’t give her a very good ride,” said the meticulous rider of his pathfinding clear. “But Dynamix was amazing; she helped me, so I hope I can keep her form and I can improve mine.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEF results

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

Ehning goes for gold

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

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

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab results

‘She has a heart as big as a lion’

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

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

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab results

Teenager beats Olympic eventer

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

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Rider cancels his plane to enjoy his World Cup celebrations

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

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

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

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

CSI5*-W Gothenburg results

Horse with limited vision wins $100,000 grand prix

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

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

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

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

A hat-trick of blue ribbons for Olli Fletcher

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

Villamoura Atlantic Tour results

Now for something completely different… a class featuring a quadruple combination

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 15:56:53 +0000

The talking point of Saturday’s schedule at the CHI Geneva (7-11 December) was the five-star Coupe de Geneve “competition over combinations” in which a quality field of 35 riders tackled a unique track consisting only of combination fences.

The six-fence course opened with a triple bar, but athletes then immediately faced an oxer-vertical double quickly followed by a vertical-oxer double at fence three. They then looped round to face a huge test, the Rolex quadruple combination, which comprised of a vertical to vertical on two strides, then one stride to an oxer and two strides to part 4b, another oxer; it was an incredible test of power jumping.

But there was no let up, as the home straight consisted of another pair of doubles on a dog leg.

Amazingly, 12 riders jumped clear to progress to the scaled back – although no less testing – jump-off against the clock.

The winner was home rider Steve Guerdat riding Venard De Cerisy, who powered round at incredible speed to claim the £32,000 top prize and led a Swiss one-two-three on the podium.

“Venard has always jumped combinations really well and he was really on form today,” said Steve. “I thoroughly enjoyed the jump-off, which was perfectly put together. It’s definitely an event that suits me and I always enjoy taking part in it because it’s also a bit of a change from what we usually do.”

Joe Stockdale: ‘It’s just a mass of poles’

But in fifth place with a tremendous double clear on his debut appearance at this five-star CHI Geneva show was a thrilled Joe Stockdale riding the 11-year-old Bingo Du Chateau.

“I’ve never done anything like that before,” said Joe. “And there were some big fences in there, it was tough. I wasn’t quite sure how Bingo was going to react going into such a big combination – when they come into a quadruple combination it’s just a mass of poles in front of them.

“But he just went in there and even from number one he was on it. He jumped it well.”

Joe admitted that he hadn’t been able to practise for this unique class.

“I’d planned to practise, but then I changed my plans and I’ve actually only jumped a couple of small rounds at home on him before coming here. So it was nice he came in and took on the challenge,” said the 23-year-old, who was crowned Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Young Rider of the Year at the recent Horse & Hound Awards.

“The calibre of horses and riders here is unreal, it’s the best in the world, certainly the best I’ve ever been to,” added Joe. “So I’m chuffed to bits. Bingo Du Chateau has had a big year, he’s done a lot of learning. He hadn’t done a lot before the start of this year, but he’s stepped up and that’s a nice note to finish on, with a good course and a nice result under his belt.”

Joe will be contesting his first ever Rolex Grand Slam leg on Sunday, the Rolex grand prix of Geneva, with his championship mare Equine America Cacharel.

“She feels great here and seems to like the arena,” said Joe. “She’s not gone in tense or a bit spooky like they can do in this ring. I know it’s going to be tough, but fingers crossed… The crowd here is just fantastic, lots of noise and a great atmosphere, it’s such a great show.”

You can read the full report from CHI Geneva in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops on Thursday 15 December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Lamaze riding Hickstead (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Tiffany says she learned to be resilient through Eric.

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

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

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

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

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

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam

Badminton, Chatsworth and Bramham sign new sponsorship deals, plus more partnership news

Lucy Elder — Sun, 01 May 2022 11:03:45 +0000

Ford official Badminton vehicle supplier

Ford is to be the official vehicle supplier at the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian (4 to 8 May).

Ford will supply vehicles to enable officials to carry out their task around the park, and will use the event to showcase its electrified vehicles.

“Badminton is an ideal fit for Ford, especially with the emphasis on sustainability, and we are very much looking forward to being part of the event,” said Howard Kee, of Ford.

“We know that people still have a lot of questions, not to mention anxiety, about the switch to electric and we are looking forward to answering queries and, we hope, banishing any myths.”

Event director Jane Tuckwell said: “I for one am very much looking forward to getting behind the wheel of one of Ford’s vehicles and I know other officials will thoroughly enjoy the experience. We very much look forward to welcoming Ford to Badminton.”

Badminton final scores

Lister’s support for Royal Three Counties Show

Leading clipping and shearing equipment manufacturer Lister is sponsoring the “ask the groom” feature at the 2022 Royal Three Counties Show in Malvern (17 to 19 June).

“Ask the groom” will include guest talks from a range of equine industries, sessions on practical horsemanship, the mounted police, plus live clipping demonstrations.

“With Royal Three Counties Show being so close to Lister’s factory in Gloucester, it is an event that is very much close to our hearts,” said UK sales territory manager Hefin Rowlands, adding that the firm is also looking forward to supporting the shearing event along side “ask the groom”.

“Education plays an important part in what we do and having the opportunity to bring live clipping to the show, will be not just insightful for those starting out but also for those with many years of clipping experience behind them.”

He added there will be demonstrating how to clip, as well as creative clipping and managing health conditions, such as PPID (Cushing’s).

“As for the shearing, having supported the event ever since it began, it is great to see it return in such an important year ahead of the World Championship. The event will certainly bring thrills and excitement to the show,” he said.

Wellness brand Walker & Morland joins Chatsworth International Horse Trials as a new key sponsor this year (13 to 15 May).

The terms of the agreement mean the brand is key sponsor of the 2022 event, with the intent of developing a longer-term relationship. This year’s fixture will also act as a campaign launch for Walker & Morland’s rollout across the UK and worldwide.

“We are very excited to welcome Walker & Morland to Chatsworth International Horse Trials, which will be returning bigger and better than ever after an enforced gap of two years,” said organiser Patricia Clifton.

“The event will mark the launch of Walker & Morland’s luxurious new wellness range. We’ve been incredibly impressed by the scientific rigour the brand brings to creating safe and restorative products that can be used with confidence by athletes and enthusiasts alike.”

The brand, which uses natural ingredients including cannabidiol (CBD) is part of Tenacious Labs. The firm states that it uses pure CBD isolate containing 0% THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation) and says its products meet World Anti Doping-Agency (WADA) standards. Tenacious Labs’ website states that all its products are manufactured and tested in certified laboratories and third-party batch tested “to meet the strictest standards”. The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) position on CBD products can be found on the UKAD website.

New best turned-out horse prize at Bramham

British Horse Feeds is delighted to be awarding a new best turned-out prize at Bramham International Horse Trials (9 to 12 June).

The Yorkshire-based company will present the British Horse Feeds best turned-out prize, which will run alongside the Hiho Silver-sponsored best-dressed rider, at the initial horse inspection.

“As one of our most local events we have enjoyed supporting it for a number of years and are pleased to be back this year with the British Horse Feeds Best Turned Out prize for the best turned-out horse,” said Hattie l’Anson of British Horse Feeds.

Event director Nick Pritchard added: “The British Horse Feeds best turned-out prize is a great addition to the prize list, recognising all the hard work and effort that goes into preparing the horses by the riders and their grooms.

“It is great to have support from British Horse Feeds, another Yorkshire company to continue the family and heritage feel of Bramham.”

The company already sponsors the British Horse Feeds under-25 CCI4*-L, the Fibre-Beet horse inspection area and the Speedi-Beet Double Feat cross-country fence at the event.

Steve Guerdat in new Horseware Ireland partnership

Gold medal-winning Olympic showjumper Steve Guerdat joins Horseware Ireland’s team of global sponsored riders.

The equestrian brand launched a worldwide new campaign with Steve, to coincide with the launch of its spring/summer collection, titled: “Steve Guerdat – ‘A True Horseman, Through It All’.”

“Horseware Ireland is a brand I have long admired for creating the most carefully and thoughtfully designed products for horse and rider,” said Steve.

“Since my earliest days as a young rider, I’ve seen that they’re the best at what they do. That’s really important to me as everything I do centres around the comfort and wellbeing of my horses.

“Being named a global sponsored rider by Horseware Ireland is such an honour for me and I’m proud to work with a brand that shares my values.”

Horseware Ireland chief executive Mark Saunders added: “His story is both inspiring and moving. Steve so completely embodies what it means to go ‘through It all’ and what it means to be a true horseman – the emotional journey, the life lessons, the heartbreaking losses, the absolute trust, and the unwavering bonds that have led to unforgettable victories.

“Steve shares these insights in our short film, which will resonate with horse lovers everywhere.”

New deals for Sameh el Dahan

British showjumper Sameh el Dahan has secured sponsorship from Dominick Rugs and its UK distributor The Centre Line.

Sameh, who is based in Northern Ireland and rode for Egypt before switching to compete under the British flag, rides as part of the WKD showjumping team with owner and business partner Joanne Sloan Allen.

“My horses will be protected from the changeable weather and extremely comfortable in their stable and travel rugs too. Thanks to the team at The Centre Line for helping fit the rugs and for all their advice. I stand behind this brand and recommend them to all,” said Sameh.

Sameh has also signed a deal with Hi Form Equine UK, UK distributors of supplement brand Hi Form.

He has been supplementing his horses with Oxydane, which is designed to promote and maintain a healthy immune system, and joint supplement Proflamaid Plus on a trial basis for several months.

“Hi Form are delighted to welcome Sameh, another talented rider on to their select team. Each individual rider has been chosen for support as they have independently chosen to buy and feed the supplements,” said a spokesman for the company.

Sundown sponsors British rider

British event rider Will Rawlin has signed a sponsorship deal with horse bedding company Sundown Products.

His first public role as brand ambassador for the British firm will be leading a course-walk at the Fairfax & Favour Rockingham International Horse Trials on 21 May for winners of a Sundown-run competition.

Will has been using Sundown’s straw bedding products for more than six years, and all 16 horses in his current string are bedded on a combination of Sundown Green (chopped wheat straw) and Sundown Yellow (chopped rapeseed straw).

“All of my horses love their Sundown bedding and it’s reassuring to see them lying down and getting their rest. We have a good routine on the yard, with the horses’ beds topped up with fresh Sundown bedding twice a week. It rots down really quickly in the muck heap, and even the messier horses do really well on it,” said Will.

“I’m really delighted to be sponsored by Sundown and working with them as a brand ambassador. I genuinely love their bedding products and it’s great to be building on our long-term relationship.”

John Whitaker bids for a record-equalling third World Cup victory (his first since Milton in 1991!)

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:36:32 +0000

In Leipzig, Germany, this week (7-10 April), 36 of the world’s best showjumpers will be battling it out for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final and, after a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic, the excitement levels are sky-high.

Among this year’s contenders, who have qualified from six different global leagues and who represent 19 different nations, are a trio of British riders – John Whitaker, his nephew Jack Whitaker, and Harry Charles.

The legendary John, 66, will be bidding for a record-equalling third World Cup victory; his previous two wins came in 1990 and 1991 with the great Milton, and this year he is riding his newly prefixed top horse Equine America Unick Du Francport.

Rising stars Jack, 20, and Harry, 22, will be making their debuts. Jack — son of John’s younger brother Michael Whitaker — takes the reins on Equine America Valmy De La Lande, and Harry is bringing his Tokyo Olympics ride Romeo 88 and his victor of the World Cup qualifier at the London International Horse Show, Stardust.

“The reason I’m taking the two horses is because they are both super-consistent,” says Harry. “Stardust has an extremely high clear-round rate at 1.60m and Romeo has so much experience behind him.”

Among the other returning champions at this year’s final are the current title-holder Steve Guerdat, who Harry Charles says has “a bit of a magical relationship with the World Cup Final”. The Swiss rider lifted the trophy in 2015, 2016 and 2019 and he will be joined this year by countryman Martin Fuchs.

German star Marcus Ehning is another three-time winner, lifting the title in 2003, 2006 and 2010, and he brings his in-form partner Stargold for this year’s competition. McLain Ward is also back in a bid to regain the title he won in 2017, one of nine riders from USA this year.

Flying the flag for Ireland are Conor Swail, currently ranked number seven in the world, and Denis Lynch, who headed the standings in the Western European League.

Among the other big names are Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, David Will and Christian Ahlmann for Germany and Belgium’s Jos Verlooy. But some new names are also in the mix representing the likes of Lithuania, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

This year’s courses are being designed by Germany’s Frank Rothenberger and the competition begins on Thursday (6 April) with the speed competition followed by a jump-off class on Friday. The final takes place on Sunday, when the 2022 World Cup champion will be crowned.

H&H will be bringing you all the action online with a full report in next week’s issue of the magazine, in the shops on Thursday 14 April.

‘Nobody would have put a penny on us winning a grand prix’ – Steve Guerdat reveals the secret to Spruce Meadows victory

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 20:00:52 +0000

Just a week after claiming team gold at the European Showjumping Championships, Swiss sensation Steve Guerdat is now bidding for glory in the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping after winning the world-famous 1.70m CP International at Spruce Meadows, Canada, on Sunday, 12 September.

The 2012 Olympic champion described jumping the only double clear on the 12-year-old Venard De Cerisy to lift the coveted silverware as “one of the best days of my career”.

“I’ve walked past the winners’ wall at Calgary 100 times and thought, ‘I’m not going to quit riding until my name is on there’,” revealed Steve after winning the historic sporting event, landed in the past by the likes of Eric Lamaze and Hickstead, John Whitaker with Milton and Ian Millar on Big Ben.

“Venard jumped here two years ago and always feels great in this arena. He felt amazing from day one and gave me an unbelievable feeling in every round. So I didn’t really mind what the course would be – if I rode well, Venard was going to be on my side and that’s exactly what happened. We had a good first round, a much better second round and the way he was feeling he could have gone for a third. So I’m so proud of him today. It’s a big reward for him and his owners.”

The CP International presented by Rolex is an illustrious addition to the pair’s list of five-star successes, but they endured a rocky start to their jumping career after Steve Guerdat bought the French-bred gelding as a seven-year-old.

“If you’d seen our first two years together, nobody would have put a penny on us winning a grand prix like this,” said Steve. “I couldn’t make him jump well at home and things only got better when I started training him over the Derby fences I have. He loved that and it’s changed him completely – he’s more happy to jump, easier to ride and at home, I rarely jump him other than those natural fences. He’s been unbelievable these past three years and he’s won a number of five-star grands prix. He’s given me so much, which is why I’m so happy for him to go in the history books today.”

Since failing to make the individual final of the Tokyo Olympics with just one fence down in the qualifier and going on to help the team finish fifth, Steve has targeted the “strong, powerful and brave” gelding for Calgary.

“The only way to make up for Tokyo was to win this class,” revealed Steve, who also admitted to suffering from terrible nerves, despite his ice cool exterior.

“I’m nervous even jumping a 1.45m class at a two-star show, so you can imagine how nervous I am jumping here!” he said.

US riders Kent Farrington (Gazelle), whose only fault came at the water in round one, and 2009 winner McLain Ward on Kasper Van Het Hellehof took second and third respectively in the CP International.

British contender and two-time victor in Spruce Meadows, Scott Brash, finished sixth on Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Hello Vincent, picking up four faults in each of his two beautifully executed rounds.

Steve Guerdat has been committed to winning the Rolex Grand Slam since its inception in 2013 – the only rider to compete in each of the Majors during this time – and the next leg takes place in Aachen this week.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win Geneva a couple of times, but Calgary and Aachen have been missing; I’ve won one now and I’m going to be able to aim for the second one very soon,” he said. “This is what drives us as riders.”

Medals decided, an emotional retirement, and a British withdrawal: the top stories from across the European Showjumping Championships

Becky Murray — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:37:49 +0000

The curtain has closed on a thrilling week of action at the European Showjumping Championships in Riesenbeck. Andre Thieme claimed individual gold on home soil, while the superb Swiss riders reigned supreme in the team final. Here’s all you need to know from across the competition…

European Showjumping Championships news and results

The individual final on 5 September went down to the wire as Andre and DSP Chakaria stopped Martin Fuchs retaining his 2019 crown.

Find out how the final day of action unfolded

The team final on 4 September had Switzerland battling Germany and Belgium for the top spot.

Read what Steve Guerdat had to say about his final team round

Emily Moffitt was the sole British rider to qualify for the individual final but decided not to take part

Read why Emily decided to withdraw Winning Good

Marcus Ehning’s superstar stallion Comme Il Faut retired in an emotional ceremony

Read what Marcus had to say about the stallion’s farewell

Ireland secured two places in the medal-deciding round of Sunday’s individual final

Find out what the Irish rider’s made of Frank Rothenberger’s penultimate challenging track

Greece’s sole combination Ioli Mytillineou and Levis De Muze shone throughout the competition. While their final round did not go to plan with the pair ultimately retiring, Ioli has much to celebrate having come from jumping one-star classes just 18 months ago.

Read what Ioli had to say about their senior championship debut

Superb Switzerland win European team gold in thrilling medal decider

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:01:21 +0000

Switzerland has won team gold as the European Showjumping Championships results in the team competition were decided, with Germany taking silver and Belgium bronze in a thrilling rollercoaster of an afternoon.

The Swiss, who went into today’s medal decider in the lead, pulled two clears out of the bag after Elian Baumann’s 12-fault opening round. So when 2012 individual Olympic champion Steve Guerdat went into the ring on Albfuehren’s Maddox as the last combination to jump, he knew he had a fence in hand.

And he needed it — a late pole meant he had to tackle the last tricky line, the big FEI oxer to the tricky double of verticals, plus the last 1.60 oxer that had caught a few out — knowing a touch would cost his team gold.

“I did have pressure, but I don’t think any more than the others did,” he said. “Everyone wanted to fight, not just for himself but for the team. We have a great atmosphere and I think it makes you fight harder when it’s for four of you, and not just yourself.”

Steve added that after a year that has not been plain sailing in equestrian terms, “this is what it’s all about”.

“You get good days and bad days, but it’s about keeping your head up,” he said. “Things don’t always go your way but when you believe in what you do, and a great team behind you helps, days like this make the bad moments go away. I’m so happy to be part of this.”

Steve’s teammate and defending champion Martin Fuchs is in the lead in the individual competition, which concludes on Sunday, on the nine-year-old Leone Jei.

“He’s just been amazing, all three days,” he said. “Steve has just said how crazy is it to be in the lead on a nine-year-old, but I’m very happy to already have secured a medal for him and I’ll do all I can to leave all the jumps up on Sunday and win another medal.”

For Germany, it was a case of so near but yet so far; Andre Thieme on DSP Chakaria continued his good form with a clear round, and Marcus Ehning and Stargold jumped their first clear of the competition to put them in a strong position. But when Christian Kukuk on Mumbai and David Will on C Vier tipped a rail each, the silver was confirmed — which was a nice birthday present for Marcus Ehning’s son.

“It’s my youngest son’s birthday today and I told him I hoped I’d be able to bring him home a medal,” Marcus said. “And now I can. I’m very proud of my horse and the whole team.”

Heartbreak for the super Swedes

There was heartbreak for Sweden, who had been in gold-medal position after the first day’s jumping, and bronze at the end of yesterday, but three eight-fault rounds meant that last rider Peder Fredricson’s clear was not enough to earn a place on the podium. They finished fourth.

But their loss was Belgian’s gain as the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists, this team including twin brothers Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts, made today their best of the week with four fault-free and faultless rounds to take the bronze by nearly five penalties.

Jos Verlooy, who jumped clear on Varoune today, said all four riders are friends outside the horse world: “So it’s very special to win a bronze medal together.”

It was another unlucky day for Britain as Georgia Tame’s ride Ascot Z7 refused the tricky wall at fence three, and she retired. Emily Moffitt and Winning Good lifted spirits with their best round of the week, a superb clear, but Joe Stockdale and William Whitaker were unlucky, clocking up 12 and eight faults respectively for the team to finish in ninth place.

Emily finished in 22nd place individually, which means she qualifies for Sunday’s European Showjumping Championships individual final, for which all penalties are carried forward from the three rounds jumped so far.

‘When I’m not good enough, I have to accept it and look forwards’: Steve Guerdat among shock departures from Olympic individual showjumping

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:31:52 +0000

With only the top 30 riders progressing to Wednesday’s individual final for the Olympic showjumping at the Tokyo Games there were, inevitably, some shock departures after the one-round Olympic showjumping individual qualifier on Tuesday (3 August).

Among them, was the 2012 Olympic gold medallist and current world number three Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who just tipped one rail to finish on four faults and just outside the top 30 on the leaderboard with his great horse Venard De Cerisy, with whom he was runner-up to Ben Maher in the Rolex grand prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show last month.

“Actually the beginning of the round felt really good – my horse was feeling super since he arrived here and he felt very good in the warm up, so I was very comfortable,” said Steve. “But maybe I underestimated a little bit the triple bar as it is normally his favourite jump. I felt at the take off that he backed off a little bit, but it was too late for me to react at that time and I couldn’t help. So then at the next jump, the distance wasn’t so nice because of the mistake. So it’s painful for the result, but we have to concentrate on the team now.”

Steve revealed that he didn’t feel any pressure coming here as a former Olympic champion.

“I think when you come to the Olympics, wherever you are on the ranking list, you just want to come here for a medal – we are all the same and I don’t need to listen to what’s going on around me, I just put pressure on myself. I know what my job is and I try to do it the best I can. When I’m not good enough, then I also have to accept it and hold my head up and look forwards towards the team competition and I’m going to be very motivated for that now.”

Kent Farrington and Laura Kraut were two other leading fancies to have fallen by the wayside in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier, meaning that USA has no representatives in the final.

Kent said: “That didn’t go as planned. It’s a harsh reality of our sport that one rail down means you’re out. It’s all or nothing. I think it was just a cheap fault – I think any horse can have a rail down and unfortunately it was the wrong day to have one down, and it was a costly night.

“We’ll go back as a team, regroup, come up with a team plan and look forward to doing better.”

Kent’s team-mate Laura Kraut produced a super round on her relatively new ride Baloutinue until picking up eight faults in the final line.

“I was really pleased with the beginning, actually probably three quarters of the course, and I thought my horse jumped fantastic,” she said. “He was focused, he stuck right with the plan that I wanted to have, right up until it all… I wouldn’t say that it actually went wrong. I think that I got the jump in over the wall that I wanted, which led me into the four [strides], and he had an uncharacteristic touch of a back pole. I haven’t ridden him that long but he almost never does that.

“And then I would say maybe I just lost a little bit of concentration or focus to the last and maybe just didn’t fight as much as I should have – he barely touched that. I’m not disappointed in him at all. I’m just probably disappointed with the score.”

The Olympic team gold medallist from Rio 2016, Penelope Leprevost of France, also finished out of the top 30 with 10 faults on Vancouver De Lanlore, while other leading riders Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia riding Identity Vitseroel and Christian Kukuk of Germany riding Mumbai both missed the cut with just four faults.

You may also be interested to read…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘That’s what makes a championship’: Scott Brash and Jefferson qualify for Olympic showjumping individual final

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I made the decision to go in and attack a bit’: Ben Maher takes pole position in Olympic showjumping individual qualifier

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He comes out, digs in and fights so hard’: Harry Charles on his Olympic showjumping individual qualifier round

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘We’re here to get a result’: high hopes for Great Britain’s medal chances with three clears in Tokyo Olympic showjumping

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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

‘My heart is broken’: Former Olympic champion’s farewell to top mare

Becky Murray — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:35:50 +0000

Former Olympic champion showjumper Steve Guerdat has paid tribute to his “queen” Albfuehren’s Bianca, who has died aged 15, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The Balou du Rouet mare, owned by Steve in partnership with Hofgut Albführen, enjoyed countless grand prix placings around the world.

A spokesman for Guerdat stables said the mare gave Steve some of his greatest results, including double clears in Nations Cups, victory in the Rolex grand prix at Windsor in 2018 and winners of the CSIO in La Baule, France, in 2019. The pair took bronze individually at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, and made three World Cup Final appearances.

“My dear Bianca, my queen; you left much too soon and my heart is broken today,” said Steve.

“You gave us so much happiness over the last years that this is a cruel moment. Cruel because I would have liked to have been able to offer you so much more. Cruel because you will leave behind you a huge void. My heart rings hollow, because I already miss you.”

Steve, who was part of the victorious Swiss Nations Cup team at La Baule on Friday on Albfuehren’s Maddox, said the victory was dedicated to Bianca.

“You are going to join princess Jaslica [Solier] and from there you will both watch over us. I never thought I would have a chance to ride a horse of your level and I am so proud of you. Rest in peace.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Revolution Sports)

London 2012 Olympic champion wins at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Crowds were treated to top class showjumping action in the Rolex Grand Prix on the final day of the show

(Image credit: Revolution Sports)

What does it take to be the world’s best rider? Steve Guerdat gives us his insight

‘The story of my life is more of a drama than a comedy’ — 60 seconds with Steve Guerdat

(Image credit: Revolution Sports)

The spokesman added that Bianca was called “queen of the Guerdat stabes”, who was loved by all.

“As a boss, she had a strong character and a spectacular jumping stroke recognisable among all,” said the spokesman. “She will leave a huge gap behind her.

“Considered an integral member of the Guerdat family, Bianca will always be our star. We would like to thank her owner Albführen’s and the Frey family for allowing us to cross paths with this phenomenon.”

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

NEW Olli Fletcher’s showjumping and training with the best blog: what it’s like to learn from the world number one

Olli Fletcher — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:55:25 +0000

Meet the newest addition to the H&H blogging team, 17-year-old bright young showjumping talent, Olli Fletcher. Son of showjumping parents Graham and Tina Fletcher, Olli has already notched a number of top international results, and here he will be taking us through his time training with current FEI world number one showjumper, Steve Guerdat, in Switzerland

When I text Steve Guerdat [2012 individual Olympic showjumping champion, 2015, 2016 and 2019 World champion and current World number one] during lockdown, I thought I was highly unlikely to get a response, let alone the opportunity to go and train with three of my own horses. It is now three weeks since I’ve been in Elgg (Switzerland) and I have loved every minute of it. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time, from different philosophies to how hard you must work to get to the top.

I would always say I’m a hard worker — at home I’m the first one out and last one in, alongside with my brother Will. But Steve takes it to a new level! He got back from Gorla Minore (Italy) at 3am last Monday morning after winning the grand prix there, and he was out riding one of his top horses, Bianca, before 6am and was cutting his precious grass jumping arena at 7.30pm — he is someone anyone in the world should look up to, for far more than just his phenomenal riding ability.

Hello William at Gorla (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Just over a week ago I went to my first show with Steve. It was a two-star at Gorla Minore. It was a great show considering it was my first competition since Vilamoura in March. Lady Harris’ and Lady Kirkham’s Hello William came on leaps and bounds that show, going double clear in the 1.40m grand prix to finish sixth and then took a massive step up to jump his first 1.45m two-star grand prix, going clear and finishing 10th as an eight-year-old, among the very best in the world.

Hello Disckoboy also jumped really well to be placed in the speed class the last day. Alison Walton’s IV Willem jumped super all week in the seven-year-old classes (pictured top) getting placed two or three times, including a fourth the second day.

Going into the ring getting last tips from Steve (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I feel like my horses are all going very well and the rideability has improved dramatically. I would also like to say a massive thank you to Izzy Corke who is helping me out here and doing a great job.

Continued below…

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Young British talent to train with world number one H&H Plus

At the yard it is very rare to see someone riding on a surface. Steve has one outdoor arena and is in the middle of building another one, plus one indoor and four grass arenas to ride in. Steve is a strong believer in riding on the grass and hacking in the woods as he believes it is good for the horses’ heads, and being the incredible horseman he is, I would 100% have to agree with him. He also jumps a lot of natural and cross-county fences as he believes it makes horses braver and it is fun for both the horse and rider. He is the most patient and persistent man I’ve ever met on a horse; he is so sympathetic when riding and will never give up, no matter how awkward the horse is being. He obviously loves the sport and he obviously loves to win, but I genuinely believe that the main reason he showjumps is because he truly loves his horses.

Olli

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Young British talent to train with world number one H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 06:14:08 +0000

“I was advised not to, but my arrogant self thought I should anyway!” Find out how a chance text led to the an incredible opportunity for a talented British young rider...

Showjumper Olli Fletcher is heading off on the opportunity of a lifetime, all thanks to a chance text message to the world number one rider, Steve Guerdat.

The 17-year-old junior team and individual silver medal-winning rider has long admired the Swiss champion and decided to put the wheels in motion earlier this year.

“I’ve always wanted to train with him because I really admire his way of riding,” Olli told H&H. “Not every goal is a winning post for him – he has his targets and he achieves them.

“None of his horses are particularly easy to ride but he manages to go in their way. He looks like he’s not doing very much in the saddle but in disguise he is doing a monumental amount. I love that way of riding.

“I decided to message Steve at the start of lockdown,” explained Olli, son of Tina and Graham Fletcher. “My parents and brother advised me not to because they thought it was rude, but my arrogant self thought I should anyway!

“I asked him if I could please come and work for a month or two — I offered just to do anything in return for riding one or two horses. He rang me up the next day and said ‘I can do better than that — bring three horses and yourself’.”

Olli heads to the 2012 Olympic champion’s base near Zurich in Switzerland this weekend (12 July) with his top ride Hello Disckoboy and the eight-year-old Hello William, both of whom are owned by the Harrises and Kirkhams, plus an exciting new seven-year-old.

“I just can’t wait to get out there now and see what there is to learn because he’s got a lot to show,” said Olli, who is planning to go for a month but says nothing has been decided in terms of dates.

“I’m taking two more inexperienced horses, which are fairly difficult to ride so I thought he’d be the master at helping me with them, and then Disckoboy to hopefully jump the bigger classes and see what ideas he has to offer there.

“He’s been so nice and I’m so grateful for what Steve’s offered. He said I could ride a couple of his horses and I’m going to a couple of shows with him so it’s a dream come true, I just can’t wait.”

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‘Forget about getting to shows and paying for your Mercedes’: world number one puts lockdown into perspective

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 01 May 2020 11:24:28 +0000

Stuck in lockdown with no shows to look forward to and his wedding put on hold, the world number one showjumper Steve Guerdat has been answering some burning questions.

Q: Who were your heroes when you were a child?

Steve Guerdat: “Michael Jordan [the world-famous basketball star who made several memorable comebacks during his extraordinary career]. I’ve always been a sports fanatic, and his story is an inspiration. Normally a superstar is really good over a short period of time, but with him you were never disappointed [each time he made a comeback]. It was like a lesson of life and sport, about not giving up, and as a kid he was someone I was crazy about. As a rider my hero has always been John Whitaker. I like him for much the same reasons. With John, everything is easy. I think he doesn’t even know what he’s achieving because he does everything so naturally. Horses respond to him and it’s just natural for him to ride and win in a very natural way with a completely natural attitude. That inspires me as a rider.”

Q: So what’s it like to be the hero now yourself?

SG: “I really don’t feel like that, I don’t see myself as really good. I trust what I do but so often I still have the feeling that I am so bad at it, so many mistakes, so many things I’d like to do so much better. I’m not even thinking about being a hero, being someone who inspires other riders.”

Q: Who has influenced you most?

SG: “My dad [Philippe Guerdat]. He was never pushing himself forward, always letting me be free to do what I want and that’s why I respect him so much. In the sport he was the most influential person since day one. And of course in recent years Thomas Fuchs has also been an influence on my career.”

Q: Who is in your support crew?

SG: “My long-time grooms Heidi and Emma, my rider Anthony — we have 10 people at home and they are also very important to me. My family, from my parents to my cousins, and I have a close relationship with my owners too. The blacksmith and the vet — there are so many people and they don’t just work with me and support me, they are also my friends. And of course now for a few years I have my girlfriend, who will be my wife soon, so I’m very lucky in the situation I am in and to have so many great people around me.”

Q: Why do you enjoy being around horses?

SG: “Because they give so much and they don’t ask for anything back. We try to give them as much back as we can, but they are not asking for it! They are so loyal, and they never cheat on you.”

Q: Of all the horses you’ve ridden, which is the one you’ve loved the most?

SG: “Jalisca, because she’s basically the horse that made the biggest step in my career. I don’t want to say she saved me — I was riding, I was healthy — but I was in a complete hole in my sporting career when that mare brought me into the spotlight, winning the Cup in Geneva [in December 2010] and always giving me 200%. She was the kindest horse you would ever find. She was always there fighting for me, she was the best horse that has ever been around for me.”

Q: Is there a horse that you didn’t like at all?

SG: “I’d be lying if I said I’ve never been frustrated with a horse. But the truth is as soon as I’d be annoyed I’d be thinking no, it’s you that’s to blame, you made the mistake of having too high hopes for this horse, or you didn’t educate it the right way, or you put too much pressure on it or… In the end if a horse doesn’t work out it’s only yourself to blame. It could be riding wrong, or buying wrong and having the wrong expectations of the horse who couldn’t do what you would like him to do. It’s not his fault, we are all born with some qualities — there are some things you can do and some things you cannot do so well — but there is only so much any of us can do.”

Q: Is there a horse that you would love to ride?

SG: “No, because I already rode the best horse in the history of showjumping, Tepic La Silla! I only rode him for three or four months and I won my first medal in the European Championships in Donaueschingen, Germany, in 2003 and a couple of grands prix. He was a horse from Alfonso Romo and I would have liked to have him longer, but I feel privileged I could ride him in just a few shows because he was unbelievable. He had absolutely everything. For me he was the very best!”

Q: Which horse gave you his personal best?

SG: “Nino Des Buissonnets. What was so good about him is that when I wanted to be clear I was clear 95% of the time. We also had some bad rounds, but from the time I really figured him out we had very few fences down. I didn’t jump him a lot, but most of the time he was double clear in grands prix.”

Q: What are your strongest friendships in the sport?

SG: “I don’t have many, but the ones I have are very, very close. Alain Jufer, he was on the team in Calgary when we won [first Swiss Nations Cup victory at Spruce Meadows in 2016]. We grew up together and started riding together as kids. Gregory Wathelet, for 15 or 20 years now, same with Daniel Etter and I could mention Eric Lamaze as well. They are my closest friends. I can’t say why, they are all very different people and came into my life at different times. They are good friends and get along together very well but it’s not that they are each best friends with the other — they are just people I know I can rely on and they know it’s the same the other way around.”

Q: Do you have cares and worries?

SG: “My biggest worry right now is I employ 10 people who’ve been with me a long time. They’re not just employees but friends and part of the family, and I want to have them around me. But I know that if I can’t keep some of them they will find another job and they will survive as well. Two or three times in my life I’ve had to start from nothing and I’ve no problem with doing it again. I’m not worried that tomorrow I have to muck out myself and drive the truck and work more, because I love what I do. When you like what you do the only motivation is not just adding more and more money, it’s about enjoying life with your friends and family.”

Q: Is there one silly thing you’ve done in your working life?

SG: “Maybe the first show I did when working for [Jan] Tops. There was a show in a place called Heikant and I drove the truck for about three hours with the groom and eight horses, but when we arrived we couldn’t find the showgrounds. There was no navigation system in those days and we drove around for a long time before I realised that I’d taken us to Heikant in Belgium, and the show was in Heikant in Holland! Luckily it wasn’t too far, maybe another two hours drive, and we only missed a couple of classes!”

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Q: How are you feeling about the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

SG: “It changes things for sure, it will be one year later and we don’t know what will happen between now and then. Horses will be one year older, but some that would have been too young this year will be ready for it. It’s different to anything we’ve faced before, but this is what sport is about. You have to be able to adapt to many different situations and make the best of it. There’s nothing we can do about it, and it was the right decision to move it. We’ll deal with this, and somehow we will move on.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the current situation?

SG: “Nobody talks about the millions of kids around the world who don’t have clean water to drink and are dying of hunger every single day. We only think about how am I going to get to the shows, how am I going to pay for my Mercedes, how am I going to buy my new car and buy my new truck and buy my new horse. The poor face a crisis every day of their lives. Now we in the rich countries have to face this problem, but there is no reason to be afraid. It’s an experience, and for once it’s the same for everyone. So we have to look forward and maybe think about doing things differently — but there will be a way out of it.”

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Meredith and Shutterfly, Rodrigo and Baloubet, John and Milton — who was your favourite World Cup winning legend?

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:24:36 +0000

This week (15-19 April), we were due to be dazzled by the world’s best showjumpers contesting the 2020 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, USA. Sadly, the worldwide pandemic has brought the sport to a standstill, so instead we decided to dip into the archives to remember some of the legendary partnerships to have won multiple World Cup crowns in the competition’s 41-year history.

1. Rodrigo Pessoa and Baloubet Du Rouet: winners in 1998, 1999 and 2000, placed in 2001, 2002 and 2003

Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa remains the only rider to secure a consecutive winning hat-trick of World Cups on the same horse, achieving the feat with the great chestnut stallion Baloubet Du Rouet in Helsinki, Gothenburg and then Las Vegas in 2000. They came within a whisker of making it four-in-a-row in 2001 when finishing second, going on to claim two more podium spots together.

“He was a horse of a lifetime and a freak of nature,” Rodrigo told H&H. “He had everything – the power, the health, he was careful and intelligent. We as riders are just fortunate to be able to cross paths with horses like that.”

2. Hugo Simon: winner in 1979 on Gladstone, then in 1996 and 1997 on E.T

Representing Austria, Hugo Simon won the inaugural World Cup in Gothenburg in 1979 and then, after a 17-year hiatus, returned for back-to-back victories in 1996 and 1997 with the renowned E.T. His third win came about on a return to the Scandinavium arena in Gothenburg when Hugo was 55.

3. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly: winners in 2005, 2008 and 2009, runner-up in 2004 (pictured)

American-born Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum represents Germany and she is the only female rider to win three World Cups. After narrowly missing out on the crown in 2004, Meredith made amends with her first victory in Las Vegas the following year with her phenomenal partner Shutterfly. The pair’s hat-trick came in the same city four years later, where the then world number one rider led throughout all three legs — Shutterfly didn’t touch a pole throughout — en route to claiming the title. “That was my most perfect victory,” said Meredith at the time. She describes her beloved “Petey” as “the most perfect horse in the world. He only became great when he entered the ring. There he knew he had ability and he became confident,” she says.

4. Marcus Ehning: winner in 2003 with Anka, 2006 on Sandro Boy and again in 2010 riding Noltes Kuchengirl and Plot Blue

Esteemed German horseman Marcus Ehning’s first World Cup success came in the 25^th running of the World Cup, held in Las Vegas, the day before his 29^th birthday.

“I never thought I would win,” he said. “If you think about it too much, it can hurt, so I tried not to overthink it but it really couldn’t have turned out any better.”

Less than a fence separated the top three riders going in to the final round but another faultless performance with the 12-year-old mare Anka claimed the top spot. In 2010 in Geneva he became one of the elite group of riders, now standing at five, who have won three World Cups.

5. Steve Guerdat: winner in 2015 riding Albfuehren’s Paille, 2016 on Corbinian and again in 2019 with Alamo; he finished second in 2013 on the great Nino Des Buissonnets

The reigning World Cup title-holder Steve Guerdat of Switzerland misses the chance to claim a historic fourth win in Vegas this year but still rules as one of the most successful riders in the competition’s history.

“The first one was amazing, the second one was amazing, the third one… I don’t know what to say,” said an emotional Steve after claiming his hat-trick in Gothenburg last year. “I just love being a part of this championship.”

6. John Whitaker and Milton: champions in 1990 and 1991, runners-up in 1989 and again alongside Grannusch in 1993. John went on to finish second again in 1997.

The legendary pairing of John Whitaker and the great Milton, one of the sport’s most popular combinations, couldn’t have come closer to claiming a World Cup hat-trick, but the achievement just eluded them. The duo’s victories came in Dortmund and Gothenburg, with the latter being one of the mighty grey gelding’s final major successes.

“He was a brilliant jumper and he just felt special from the very first fence I jumped on him,” John told H&H. “I’ve been very spoilt with some of my horses but he was so careful — when you went up in the air on Milton you felt as though you were never going to come down.”

7. Ian Millar and Big Ben: title-holders in 1988 and 1989, runners-up in 1986

In this Who’s Who of showjumping legends, the Canadian Ian Millar and his great partner Big Ben join John Whitaker as a rider to have come agonisingly close to a World Cup hat-trick. The pair gained three top 10 finishes between 1985 and 1987 before taking top spot in Gothenburg in 1988 and again in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The Belgian-bred Big Ben, who captured the hearts of showjumping fans around the world, goes down in World Cup history as the first horse to win the title back-to-back.

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8. Ludger Beerbaum: winner in 1993, with 12 top six finishes between 1992 and 2014

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What does it take to be the world’s best rider? Steve Guerdat gives us his insight

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 15:24:32 +0000

It’s the million dollar question — what does it take to be the greatest rider in the world?

We all know that hard work, motivation and talent goes a long way to achieving success — something the current world number one Steve Guerdat displays plenty of — but what else makes the Swiss rider tick?

As his answers to these quick fire questions reveal, there’s a lot more to the 2012 Olympic champion, who has won three majors and countless other prestigious prizes.

Steve prefers coffee to tea and a night at home rather than a night on the tiles.

Speaking at the world famous Spruce Meadows showground in Calgary, Canada, which hosts a leg of the Rolex Grand Slam, 37-year-old Steve also reveals he likes to eat salad more than pizza and his countryman Roger Federer is his favourite tennis player.

Interestingly, Steve puts forward Martin Luther King as the celebrity he’d most like to invite to dinner — now that’s an evening we’d like to be a fly on the wall for.

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‘Jealousy is natural — it’s a good thing to have when you’re competing to be the best’

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:24:34 +0000

It takes something pretty special to train two riders who have, between them, reigned as world number one for well over a year.

Meet Thomas Fuchs (pictured top), father of European champion Martin — the current world number two — and coach to Steve Guerdat, who returned to the top of the rankings last month. What is the secret to this phenomenal team’s success?

“I don’t need to be there every day for Steve and Martin, but I’m there for the big shows and the championships and I try to calm them down a bit,” says Thomas, who was a leading international rider himself.

“Overall we have found a great balance between being a trainer, a father and a friend.

“The rivalry between them is great — it makes them both train and compete harder, because they both want to be world number one. Of course, they compete against each other, but they are still good friends. Steve and Martin both want to win, but if they come second and the other one wins then they are still happy because they are so close — they support each other fully. Inside the ring, they’re competitors, but in private they’re very good friends.

“Sometimes, there is a bit of jealousy, but that is natural, it’s a good thing to have when you’re competing to be the best.”

Steve and Martin coursewalking (Image credit: Getty Images)

When Martin became world number one in January this year, Steve called Thomas straight away.

“He asked me ‘What’s it like to be the trainer for the number one rider in the world?’ I replied saying ‘I’m used to this!’” says Thomas. “What he should have asked was ‘What’s it like being the father of the world number one?’”

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It was actually Martin’s mother Renata who trained Martin in the early days.

“I did go a few times, but he fell off multiple times and so I stopped going!” says Thomas.

“Nowadays, I don’t really get nervous watching him compete. In the jump-offs, at the end of course, I get a little bit nervous, but his horse Clooney is really incredible, so overall, I’m not particularly nervous. I have confidence in my son and in Clooney, I don’t believe it’s necessary to be nervous anymore.

“I’d say the proudest moment of my career is probably becoming the trainer for the two best riders in the world.”

>>With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam for the interview.

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Swiss one-two in Gothenburg as Steve Guerdat claims third World Cup title

Polly Bryan — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 16:36:06 +0000

Steve Guerdat raised the roof on Gothenburg’s Scandinavium tonight, as he took his third World Cup victory, riding the relatively inexperienced 11-year-old Alamo. The Swiss world number one now joins an elite group of just five riders ever to have won this prestigious title three times.

He began his finals campaign in perfect fashion, winning the opening night’s speed leg. With one fence down in the second round he came into the final day sitting third on the leaderboard and moved up to the top spot after two flawless clears with the Ukato gelding.

“He was nothing short of amazing today; this was his first championship and he has never jumped three classes of this level in a row before,” said Steve, who showed nerves of steel as he entered the ring last, with no fences in hand. “He’s a real athlete, very powerful, and he showed today that he is one of the best.”

The last time Steve took the World Cup title was also here in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2016 on Corbinian, having also topped the podium in 2015 riding Albfuehren’s Paille in Las Vegas.

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It was a Swiss one-two as Martin Fuchs and the Cornet Oblensky son Clooney 51 also produced a stunning clear in both rounds on the final day, finishing second just ahead of the Swedish crowd’s beloved Peder Fredricson and the grey Cardento son Catch Me Not.

“Clooney has been fantastic throughout this championship. Those big tracks today had a lot of questions but Clooney made it look simple,” said 2018 world silver medallist Martin.

Despite not winning a class, it was Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and Rokfeller De Pleville Bois Margot who led coming into the final day of competition, after very consistent performances. Sadly though, two fences down in the first round of the afternoon dropped him out of contention for the overall title and, with another pole in the second round, he finished in equal 10th.

Don’t miss the 11 April issue of Horse & Hound for full coverage from the World Cup finals in Gothenburg.

Steve Guerdat: Why Royal Windsor triumphs where other major shows fail

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 17 May 2018 11:25:07 +0000

Paying his first visit to the CSI5* at Royal Windsor, the 2012 Olympic champion and Sunday’s Rolex grand prix winner Steve Guerdat was full of praise for this most traditional of shows with a highly educated crowd.

He first competed at Windsor in 2009 when he won team gold at the European Championships, so it’s obviously a lucky venue for the Swiss rider. Royal Windsor Horse Show, he believes, represents everything that is great about the sport.

“I heard how good the show was so I brought my best horse Bianca for the grand prix,” said Steve.

“I like it when you walk into a show and see horse-friendly people wherever you go — kids, ponies and people who are there for horses and the sport, whether it’s showjumping, hunting or whatever — that’s what you need. They are in the stands following the action, whereas at many shows these days they’re looking at what they have on their plate, doing business and at the prize-giving they’ll maybe ask, ‘Oh who won the class?’

Rolex round table with Steve Guerdat and Kent Farrington (Image credit: Kit Houghton/Rolex)

“I was very worried a few years ago about the future of the sport but I’m feeling more positive now. Thanks to Rolex — they have stepped big into the sport and are saving the ‘real’ shows, the ones that riders like and the ones the sport can benefit from and motivate young people to follow us and do our sport,” said Steve, citing Aachen, Calgary, Geneva and the Dutch Masters as examples. “I hope most of my fellow riders will follow these shows and keep them growing again.

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“If you can find 10 people that honestly tell you that those new team formats [like the Global Champions League] are good, then maybe I’ll worry again. But I think everyone, whether they play the game [and compete in them] or not, is going to tell you that this is complete nonsense. Maybe I’m wrong, but this is what people tell me and what I see. I think my sport doesn’t have to be worried about those classes.”

As told during the Rolex round table at Royal Windsor. Don’t miss all the action from the show, including the inside story on Steve’s grand prix win, in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 17 May.

London 2012 Olympic champion wins at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Horse & Hound — Sun, 13 May 2018 17:55:38 +0000

Report by Penny Richardson

Swiss star Steve Guerdat’s most recent visit to a major outdoor show in Britain prior to this week was when he became individual Olympic Champion at London 2012. He must be wishing he came here more often after jumping a sensational round to win the five-star Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show today on Bianca.

Course-designer Bob Ellis provided the perfect result with a 10-horse jump-off that included some of the world’s best riders. There were only four double clears and Steve with the 12-year-old Swedish-bred Bianca skipped round to beat the United States’ Laura Kraut on the recently addition to her stable, Catwalk 22, by half a second.

Third place went to Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano on the huge-jumping Caspar 232, while William Whitaker was best of the Brits in fourth with the only other double clear on Utamaro D’Ecaussines.

The result could have been different though, as Canada’s Eric Lamaze (Fine Lady 5) and Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV) were both faster than the winners and each rolled a pole at the last fence.

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Although they have competed at most of the world’s top shows and championships, this was a first grand prix win for Steve and Bianca.

“I’m very pleased for Bianca. That sounds mad because we’ve had loads of good placings, but we never managed to win before. I had a really good feeling about her. This was her first show after the World Cup final, she was fresh and the course suited her,” he said.

“Windsor is the kind of show I like. The crowd gets behind you, there are lots of real horse people here who appreciate what we are doing and it makes me very motivated.”

The two-star grand prix that kicked off the final day’s proceedings went to Britain courtesy of Joe Davison, who had his first ever win at the level on Coral Reef Wise Guy.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for full reports and coverage from the Royal Windsor Horse Show

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Olympic champions go for a spin on the beach

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:30:15 +0000

After a good battering from the ‘Beast From The East’ last week, most frozen-fingered horse owners have been left dreaming of warmer climes.

Well, the showjumpers were one step ahead of the game this winter and while the rest of us slithered across icy yards and trudged through snow drifts, the riders on the MET Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, were enjoying some downtime on the beach.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Top riders such as 2012 Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash, Italy’s leading rider Alberto Zorzi, Qatar’s Sheikh Ali Al Thani and Olympic champion Steve Guerdat have all been regular competitors during this series of international showjumping competitions and there’s nothing these hard-working competitors and their horses like more than a daily splash, even a swim, in the sea. The beach is just a 500m ride from the main competition complex where Great Britain’s leading rider Scott has been a big winner, teaming up with his exciting prospect Hello Mr President to produce the winning performance in a hat-trick of grands prix.

(Image credit: Elli Birch BootsandHooves)

But it’s not just the glorious beach that’s a huge selling point to riders at The Oliva Nova Equestrian Centre. The venue hosts daily classes across eight sand arenas with a grand prix grass ring and stabling for 1,000 horses — as well as the glitzy VIP area, on-site farrier and veterinary clinic, restaurants and shopping village. And let’s not forget the (almost guaranteed) wall-to-wall sunshine.

“It has been fantastic and I think the team here tries really hard,” says Scott Brash.

“Everything is really well organized; you can have a lot of horses jumping, everything is on time and the rings are great. It is fantastic to jump in a grass ring and get the horses ready before the outdoor season starts.”

With the Tour currently enjoying a short break, we look forward to the third series kicks off again next week and you can catch up with all the action in Horse & Hound every Thursday

New rides, health kicks and serious glamour… what you need to know from Glock’s CSI5*

Lucy Elder — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 11:44:58 +0000

The Glock’s tagline is “stars and horses” — and the reality more than lived up to the hype. With more than a third of the top 100 ranked riders competing, some of the best horses in the world and an astounding result in the grand prix, the quality of competition was super hot.

Evening performances came from none other than Robbie Williams, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey and rumoured A-listers there included Ed Westwick, Joan Collins and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Here’s a few things H&H learnt at the five-star showjumping show this week…

It is breathtaking…

Each show has a different theme, this summer it was Scotland and Ireland

GLOCK's Riders Lounge © GHPC / studiohorstPosted by Glock Horse Performance Center on Thursday, June 15, 2017

The CSI5* grand prix was fierce…

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs shared the top spot in the feature class in a feat made all the more astonishing by the story behind it.

Cian O’Connor has been on a health kick since tearing his abductor longus off the bone in his groin six weeks ago…

“Since my injury I have taken on a fitness coach because I am very disciplined with my horses, but I am a little bit weaker with my eating and habits,” he said, adding he has lost over 6kg.

“Over the past two months I have changed my lifestyle in terms of my diet and my exercise and I have probably never won as much in a month so I’ll probably have to stick at it.

“It was very easy to fix my diet because everything I did, I just do the opposite. Coca-cola, bread, butter, all the bad stuff I love, I just cut that out.”

The Irishman has also had an eventful week…

… involving two five-star wins, a third in the grand prix and a tack malfunction.

Cian was riding Callisto in the championat on the second day of the competition. As the bay gelding landed over the second part of the double at fence six it quickly became clear that something was wrong.

“When I was going down the line he just got strong and the leather connector [attaching the rein] to the pelham broke,” he said.

“I felt it straight away and I though ‘oh god, my leg if I fall off’ so I quickly turned him and got him reasonably slow and then just popped off.

“It happened quickly but I knew I had to get off him fast because if he realised I didn’t have control he would have bolted.”

Lucky both horse and rider were uninjured and went on to win the CSI5* 1.55m on the penultimate day.

The horses have a red carpet — well they are VIPs — and here is how they keep it clean…

Red carpet hoovering – because these horses are stars too ???? pic.twitter.com/g9gVJ8EKuSRed carpet hoovering – because these horses are stars too ???? pic.twitter.com/g9gVJ8EKuS— Lucy Elder (@LucyElder1) June 17, 2017— Lucy Elder (@LucyElder1) June 17, 2017

Rio medallists were back on song…

(Image credit: Michael Rzepa)

Peder Fredricson’s Rio 2016 individual silver medal-winning ride H&M All In (“Allan”) is back on form after months on the sidelines over the winter.

“I’m very happy with my horse,” said Peder, who also won a five-star class at in Hamburg last month with the 11-year-old gelding.

“He had a long break after the Olympic Games, he didn’t compete for six months because he had stomach surgery and now he is back and feels good.”

Laura Kraut and her lovely new ride Whitney are already forming a formidable team…

In the two months that Laura has been competing the 14-year-old chestnut mare, the combination have had two wins and two top-10 finishes at five-star shows, including the Glock’s accumultor.

“Anything I ask of her she does,” said the US rider.

“She is really cute — she is funny and definitely a diva. If she thinks you have treats she is all over you, but she is super opinionated also.”

A great round from Laura Kraut and her Windsor winner Whitney has won them the 5* Glock Horse Performance Center…Posted by Horse & Hound: Showjumping on Saturday, June 17, 2017

Glock’s is a great place to catch-up on Horse & Hound…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It’s also an ideal place to grab a celebrity selfie…

A photo posted by on

Brit Lara Whiteway had a dramatic time…

The 23-year-old was last to go with Bellagio II in the CSI2* 1.40m speed class on Saturday and very nearly didn’t make it.

The taxi she was travelling in was involved in a minor crash on the way to the showground. Luckily nobody was injured, but Lara and her team had to wait for the police and give statements.

“I thought ‘there is no chance I’m going to make it for the class’,” said Lara.

“I still had to pay for the taxi after all that!”

After footing the €18 bill, Lara dashed to get the horse ready and had five minutes to warm up ahead of her winning round.

“This show is just amazing —I’ve never been anywhere like it,” she added.

While fellow GBR rider Laura Renwick had a great week…

Her seven-year-old Alothain De Blondel picked up a win and a third place in the young horse tour, while Laura also took home third in the CSI5* two-phase aboard Bintang II on the final day.

Riders were unanimous in their praise for the show…

GHPC Austria © GHPC / studiohorstPosted by Glock Horse Performance Center on Sunday, June 18, 2017

“It is unbelievable, you can’t really describe it — it is just out of this world,” said Laura Renwick, who was enjoying her third trip to Glock’s.

“To me it is something you look forward to and when you get that call you think ‘yes!’

GLOCK's Riders Lounge at GHPC Austria © GHPC / studiohorstPosted by Glock Horse Performance Center on Saturday, June 17, 2017

Laura Kraut was equally enthralled by the venue.

“It is magnificent — people tried to tell me last week what to expect and you just can’t unless you see it for yourself,” she said.

Sergio Alvarez Moya was full of praise for the organisers.

“It is an amazing place for the horses, riders, grooms and owners,” he said. “Everything is fantastic they take super care — I am so happy I was able to come here, so I say thanks and I hope they continue this show for a long time!”

Don’t miss the full report from Glock’s CSI5* in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out Thursday (21 June)

Lightning strikes twice: astonishing result in blistering Glock’s grand prix

Lucy Elder — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 17:32:55 +0000

A winning formula struck twice in the same class in a remarkable finish to Glock’s CSI5* grand prix.

Swiss Olympians Steve Guerdat (Corbinian) and Martin Fuchs (Clooney 51) shared the first prize in the show’s feature class after finishing clear and on exactly the same time in a nail-biting jump-off.

But that is just the start — not only are the men best friends and compatriots, but their winning horses are the same age (11), are both sired by Cornet Obolensky and have the same owners.

The pair are also based just 3km apart and both train with Martin’s father, Thomas Fuchs.

“It is a very special story what happened today and something for sure that will never happen again and that I will always remember,” said Steve.

“It would be amazing if that had happened in a small class; it would be amazing if that had happened with someone else; but with everything to happen just the way it happened in that kind of class — it is something to remember for sure.”

Just eight riders finished on zero in the first round to make it through to the jump-off.

With the first three of these tipping a fence each, Steve was the first to finish on a clean slate with a textbook clear.

Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Corbinian – Winners of the GLOCK's 5* Gr…Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Corbinian ?Winners of the GLOCK's 5* Grand Prix (1,60 m) ?Posted by Glock Horse Performance Center on Sunday, June 18, 2017

“I saw Steve go and I knew where I could try to make some time, I’m not always the fastest with Clooney, but I knew that the jump off suited me very well today so I gave it a go,” said Martin.

“When I went in there were only two clear rounds. I was [standing] with my uncle Marcus Fuchs and Werner Muff asking them ‘what should I do? Should I just go for the slow clear?’

“I knew the jump off suited me very well and before I went in I asked my uncle again and he said ‘that’s really not a Fuchs attitude!’

“I didn’t have the best shot to the last jump, then through the finish line I looked up and I saw ‘first place’ but then I saw ‘Steve Guerdat first rank’ too.

“That was amazing — I looked out at the warm-up and did a thumbs up to Steve and he was just there smiling.”

Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Clooney 51 – Winners of the GLOCK's 5* Gr…Martin Fuchs (SUI) & Clooney 51 ?Winners of the GLOCK's 5* Grand Prix (1,60 m) ?Posted by Glock Horse Performance Center on Sunday, June 18, 2017

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Cian O’Connor finished third after a bold round on the aptly-named scopey Skyhorse, posting the only other double-clear of the competition.

This has been a fantastic week for the Irishman, who won two five-star classes at the show aboard Copain Du Perchet CH and Callisto just weeks after making his return to the saddle following a groin injury.

For the full report from Glock’s, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound — out Thursday (21 June).

Watch Steve Guerdat bid a tearful farewell to Olympic champion Nino Des Buissonnets

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:53:14 +0000

We challenge anyone to watch Nino Des Buissonnets’ farewell ceremony (below) and not shed a tear — it was emotional to say the least.

Seeing London 2012 Olympic champion Steve Guerdat bid a touching adieu to his 15-year-old gold medal-winning partner on Sunday (11 December) after they jumped their final round together in the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva had us all in pieces.

“The farewell was so special, it was so intense, powerful, so emotional. It was much more than I expected,” said the Swiss rider. “The stadium was full, everyone stayed after the Rolex Grand Prix and I am very grateful to all of the public and the show, for that. It will always remain in my heart.”

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Steve and the tenacious “Flying Nino”, owned by Urs Schwarzenbach, enjoyed phenomenal success over the years but his rider wanted him “to finish on a high note” and the decision to retire the gelding was made after the Olympics in Rio, where the pair finished fourth.

“He deserves the right to quit at the top of his form, at the end of a great season, in the special Palexpo arena. It’s the right time and place to stop,” said Steve.

Continues below…

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The formidable Nino, by Kannan, was bred in France at the Deroubaix Farm and came to Steve six years ago. He has never been the easiest ride, but displayed absolute brilliance to twice win this grand prix in their home town of Geneva (2013 and 2015), twice finished runner-up in the World Cup final, and the pair also landed the grands prix of La Baule and Helsinki among their many victories.

“Nino will turn 16 next year and if he were to sustain an injury, it would probably be the end of his career. I didn’t want to take that risk,” said Steve.

“Nino has become a legend, not just because of him winning Olympic gold or because of the two Major victories in Geneva. He never took part at too many shows, but whatever he did, he always turned in top results – and he is still in top form now.

“He is not only my best horse, he is without doubt one of the top horses in sporting history.”

London 2012 Olympic gold medallist to retire

Sarah Radford — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 07:02:33 +0000

Steve Guerdat’s London 2012 individual gold medallist Nino Des Buissonnets is to be retired at CHI Geneva next month.

The Swiss showjumping star has been a consistent world-class performer, finishing second twice in the world cup finals as well as narrowly missing out on another Olympic medal when he finished fourth in Rio.

In a brilliant career, he has also collected a string of prestigious grand prix successes, including at Rio, Helsinki and La Baule.

The Selle Francais gelding will make a final appearance in the ring on his home turf, jumping in Geneva’s Rolex grand prix on Sunday, 11 December.

The legendary bay has won the competition — one of the three legs of the Rolex grand slam — on two previous occasions, in 2012 and 2015. In their eight previous rounds in this grand prix, only once has this combination hit a single pole.

“He deserves the chance to call it a day at Palexpo, in top form. I’ve thought long and hard about it since the Rio Games and I have no doubts about my decision: Nino des Buissonnets will take his final bow at Geneva,” said Steve.

Continued below…

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“I said back in Rio that Nino wouldn’t be taking part in any more important championships, just in a few more shows. He’ll be 16 soon, and competing at that age has its risks, risks that I’d rather not take as I so much want him to finish on a high note.

“He deserves the right to quit at the top of his form, at the end of a great season, in the so-special Palexpo arena. It’s the right time and place to stop.”

Nino will be retired at the end of the competition, in front of his owner Urs Schwarzenbach, his team, stable staff and fans.

Bred in northern France at the Deroubaix Farm by Kannan out of Hermine Du Prelet, a mare by Narcos II, Nino was originally competed internationally by Frenchman Guillame Foutrier before the ride was taken over by Steve in 2011.

Defending champion held at Rio Olympics showjumping trot-up

Pippa Roome — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 15:06:55 +0000

Defending champion Nino Des Buissonnets was among three horses sent to the holding box at the horse inspection for the Rio Olympics showjumping this morning.

The 15-year-old horse was passed fit to compete when Swiss rider Steve Guerdat re-presented him. The pair were the individual gold medallists at London 2012 four years ago.

The other horses who were held were Amarillo, ridden by Australia’s James Paterson-Robinson, Zeremonie, the US reserve horse ridden by Laura Kraut, and Eliot DWS, the reserve horse for Argentina and the mount of José María Larocca.

Amarillo and Zeremonie were also passed on re-inspection, but Eliot DWS will be re-inspected tomorrow.

Eighty-seven horses came before the ground jury — president Stephan Ellenbruch (GER) and members Elaine Zander (BRA), David Distler (USA) and Alfred Boll (SUI) — and the foreign veterinary delegate Tim Randle (GBR) in total. Only 75 will compete, but nations are able to trot up their reserve horses and swap them in up to two hours before the action starts.

The British horses passed without problems. The team consists of Nick Skelton riding Gary and Beverley Widdowson and Oliver Robertson’s Big Star, John Whitaker on Team Harmony Management Co’s Ornellaia, Michael Whitaker with Gary & Beverley Widdowson & Hayley Robertson’s Cassionato and Ben Maher with his own and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac. The reserve is Jessica Mendoza with her mother Sarah’s Spirit T. Nick and Michael’s horses were trotted up by their grooms rather than the riders.

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The jumping competition kicks off on Sunday (14 August) at 10am local time (2pm British time) with the first qualifier. This is a one-round class which counts for qualification for the individual final and decides the jumping order for the team competition. Reserves can be swapped in until 8am on Sunday.

Full report on the Olympic showjumping in the issue of H&H dated 25 August, including full analysis of the team and individual competitions and comment from Geoff Billington.

Olympic champion speaks out over Agenda 2020 jumping proposals

Pippa Cuckson — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 14:39:15 +0000

Olympic and World Cup showjumping champion Steve Guerdat has spoken out against the most significant proposal for a new Olympic jumping competition format ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal discussion in Lausanne, Switzerland about the 2020 Agenda.

Most attention has been paid to the controversial changes faced by eventing in order to remain in the Olympic programme, but Guerdat surprised the FEI Sports Forum (4-5 April) by announcing jumping was also making a “big mistake to change something that works”.

The Swiss rider understood that the International Olympic Committee wanted to see “more flags,” meaning representation of more countries, but cautioned against involving teams which were not up to it.

“Involving people who are not able to jump 1.45m is not good for anybody,” he said.

All three Olympic disciplines are under pressure to adopt a team format of three riders with no drop score. Guerdat wanted to retain four riders, and was also against dumbing down of the Nations Cup leg to decide the team medal, following IOC pressure to produce competitions that are more palatable to the small segment culture of TV and livestream.

“Four riders with no drop score is not that difficult to understand,” he said. Regarding the public appeal of the Nations Cup, he observed: “I am seeing packed stadiums in the second round at least of team contests. If TV thinks they are too long, then maybe don’t show it all.”

Guerdat had been invited to the first day of the FEI Sports Forum to discuss the future training of officials. As he could not attend Tuesday’s debate, he grabbed an opportunity before leaving to explain his opposition to Olympic change. “I am speaking from the heart,” he added.

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More national federations have now contributed more detailed written responses to the eventing proposals, which are expected to generate the most heated debate. Nearly all of the leading eventing nations are firmly opposed to just three in a team and insist it is a recipe for minimal completions. They would also prefer the FEI to engage branding experts to advise of promoting eventing better as an alternative to changing the sport’s name.

Keep in touch with all the latest news from the FEI Sports Forum in Switzerland here on HorseandHound.co.uk

Steve Guerdat retains his crown as World Cup jumping champion

Alice Collins — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:18:58 +0000

The Longines FEI World Cup showjumping final trophy will once again have the Swiss rider Steve Guerdat‘s name engraved on it as he retained his 2015 Las Vegas title in the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden today (28 March).

Last to go as he carried forward no penalties after strong performances during the first two rounds of competition, Steve had no fences in hand as Harrie Smolders and Daniel Deusser had both just jumped faultless clears over Spanish course designer Santiago Varela’s testing track.

Steve’s horse Corbinian, a 10-year-old gelding by Cornet Obolensky x Pilot, gave him a dream ride and they finished on a zero penalties score.

“I was ready to give it a go and give it everything, but I didn’t think I’d stand here in front of you as a winner,” said Steve. “And I didn’t ride well in the final last year — even though I won — so that was my aim for today. My horse was really fighting for me.”

The much-decorated Swiss rider is also the defending Olympic champion, so all eyes will be on Rio to see whether he can do the double double.

“History is made through shows like these and I love the crowd,” said Steve in front of the 11,000 screaming spectators.

Second place went to the Dutch rider Harrie Smolders, who stepped on to a championship podium for the first time in his career. He carried three penalties into the final round as did Daniel Deusser, but Harrie’s round was faster, so he secured second and Daniel slotted in to third.

“I was thrilled with my horse; he really convinced me today. This was a great show and a really good showcase for our sport — just how it should be.”

Continued below…

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Ireland’s Denis Lynch jumped a double clear on the final day of competition so added no penalties to his and All Star 5’s score of eight. He finished the championship in equal fifth, scooping €52,500 (which is more than the winner of the world cup dressage final).

This was the 38th edition of the FEI World Cup jumping final and the 14th time it was held in the impressive Scandinavium, which was the venue for the inaugural running in 1979. This season, over 800 riders from every continent have competed via 15 regional leagues. Eventually, 36 combinations contested the final, representing 17 nations.

For a full report, plus guest column and analysis, be sure to pick up a copy of Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday 31 March.

Steve Guerdat: ‘The grand slam is something very special and a unique challenge’

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 12:25:52 +0000

Earlier this year world number one Scott Brash made history by becoming the first rider to win the €1million Rolex Grand Slam of show jumping.

The prestigious — and hefty — prize is made up of three grands prixs, Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows.

Now, Steve Guerdat is aiming on emulating Scott, as the Swiss rider secured the first leg of the challenge taking the Geneva grand prix with his his 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets (12 December).

But what does it feel like to win such a prestigious class in front of a home crowd?

Steve on…

…The Geneva grand prix

“The grand prix in Geneva is very special for me, on a par with riding at Championships. I prepared myself beforehand very well and only competed my horses in the run-up to the event at targeted shows so that were very fresh and in top form — I am delighted about this victory.

…His winning partner Nino Des Buissonets

“Nino is a unique horse, he is simply brilliant. I am totally happy”

…Winning the first leg of the grand slam

“The grand slam is something very special, a unique challenge for every rider. The grands prix at Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows are classics on the equestrian sport circuit, which every rider strives to win. Everyone is focused on them.”

…The possibility of winning the three ‘majors’

“The grand slam unites the Aachen, Geneva and Spruce Meadows into one competition where the most prestigious and most difficult-to-win trophy on the international equestrian sport circuit is at stake.”

There is a €1million bonus for three victories, but two out of three wins also comes with a prize.

If two grands prixs in succession are won the rider will take home a €500,000 bonus. If two classes are taken non-consecutively there is €250,000 up for grabs.

Will Steve do it? We’ll have to wait til next July for the next leg to find out….

Steve Guerdat eyes Rolex Grand Slam after Geneva win VIDEO

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:55:28 +0000

Swiss rider Steve Guerdat is one step closer winning the Rolex Grand Slam of showjumping, after taking the first leg of the treble at CHI Geneva.

Steve and his 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets took the prestigious Geneva grand prix at the show on Sunday (13 December).

Earlier this year world number one Scott Brash made history by becoming the first rider to win the prize — which is made up of three grands prixs, Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows.

At Spruce Meadows on 13 September Scott picked up a €1.3million (£950,000) total prize fund – which included the €1million grand slam bonus for winning the treble.

Scott was knocked out of contention when Hello Sanctos clipped a fence in the first round, but Steve will have the opportunity to follow in the Scotsman’s footsteps.

He was cheered on by a home crowd, as 9,500 spectators packed into the world-famous Geneva Palexpo Arena.

Sixteen riders made it through to the jump off, with Steve ninth to go. He made it round in 40.94 secs, ahead of Canadian rider Eric Lamaze who had been lying in first place. The remaining seven riders couldn’t catch him and Steve took the spoils.

The beginning of the jump-off was a little bit difficult for me and Nino, but he is a special horse – he is a genius,” said Steve.

“The rest of the jump-off went as we’d planned and I am really happy with the result. This show is really, really important for me. I always plan it as it is one of the main weekends in the year for me, it is not just another show so I try to plan in advance and come with fresh horses like it is a Championship. The crowd always helps me and luck must do the rest.”

Steve will now be aiming at the Aachen grand prix next July.

There is a €1million bonus for three victories, but two out of three wins also comes with a prize.

If two grands prixs in succession are won the rider will take home a €500,000 bonus. If two classes are taken non-consecutively there is €250,000 up for grabs.

Olympic champion calls for doping rule changes

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 06:30:10 +0000

Olympic champion Steve Guerdat has called for a change in FEI rules following a contamination case in which two of his horses tested positive for banned drugs.

Earlier this year two of his rides, London 2012 gold medallist Nino Des Buissonnets and Nasa, tested positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance. They were competing at the CSIO5* at La Baule, where he won the grand prix with Nino Des Buissonnets. The pair were subsequently disqualified.

Last month (28 September) Steve was exonerated by the FEI and the FEI Tribunal who said he bore “no fault or negligence”.

“The FEI accepts that the circumstances of the cases were exceptional and that the presence of the three prohibited substances in the horses’ samples is consistent with poppy seed contamination,” read a statement (news, 1 October).

However, Steve has said he knew “my life would never be the same again” when he received the news.

“The headline would still be Steve Guerdat in doping case. I had to fight and find out what happened,” he said.

Steve said his yard went through a vigorous process to prove that the traces of the drugs came from feed.

“I didn’t want to ride for 10, 15, 20 more years with an open case, I wanted to clear my name,” he added.

Despite having his ban overturned, the horses were still ruled out for two months, meaning he missed competing for Switzerland at the European Championships.

But now he wants the FEI to reconsider how they handle cases.

“It is our duty to walk together to look forward and change things. A modification would be good for the sport so can we avoid damaging the career of an innocent rider again,” he said.

“It is necessary that regulations are changed — every case that is positive should be discussed before it’s published to avoid things like this in future.”

The FEI told H&H there are already discussions in place regarding a rule change, which were started before Steve’s case happened.

“We have a proposal to a rule change prior to this case among the vet committee in June. It will be put forward at the general assembly in June,” FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch told H&H.

“Following the three 2014 cases involving morphine, in which the FEI agreed to the simultaneous lifting of the provisional suspensions because of the likelihood of contamination, and the high number of similar positives in racing in Britain last year, the FEI has been proactively looking at ways that potential contamination cases could be dealt with to give the athletes the fairest possible outcome.”

The new rule regards the idea of “specified substances”.

“These are not necessarily less serious agents than other prohibited substances, nor do they relieve the personal responsible of the strict liability rule that makes [riders] responsible for all substances that enter a horse’s system,” he added. “However, there is a greater likelihood that these substances could be susceptible to a credible non-doping explanation.”

The idea is that if it was a drug that is naturally occurring — such as oripavine or morphine — the person wouldn’t be banned automatically for two months, but would still have to prove how it entered the horse before being exonerated.

Mr Rentsch assured H&H the FEI has a strict commitment to clean sport.

“This is not a new concept,” he added. “It brings us in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency code.”

Steve is also unhappy with the disqualification from the event where the positive test was taken, claiming the amount was minimal and wouldn’t have affected performance.

However, the FEI remains staunch on this.

“We need to maintain a level playing field, the substance was still in the horse,” said Mr Rentsch.

Olympic champion ‘cleared of all wrongdoing’

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:57:26 +0000

Olympic champion Steve Guerdat has been cleared of all wrongdoing by the FEI after two of his horses tested positive for banned substances.

“The FEI accepts that the circumstances of the cases were exceptional and that the presence of the three prohibited substances in the horses’ samples is consistent with poppy seed contamination,” read a statement released today (Monday, 28 September).

The FEI added that Steve demonstrated he did not bear “fault or negligence” as well as proving how the banned substances entered the horses’ system.

“I am delighted to have been completely exonerated and vindicated of any suspicion of doping,” said Steve.

“The wellbeing of my horses is the absolute priority. The judges’ decision is extremely important to me; it means that my horses and I can finally re-focus all of our energy on purely sporting aspects.”

However, he added: “As jumping riders we have diligent duties to perform in the fight against doping, for the wellbeing of animals, in our own interest and that of equestrian sport.

“However, it appears that all those responsible should consider ways in optimising procedures and currently valid guidelines so that in the future, a non-proven suspicion of error on behalf of the rider, such as in my case, would be thoroughly treated before unjustified accusations — with grave consequences for the reputation of the person — are made public.”

Steve was provisionally suspended from competition, but had his bans lifted on 27 July after he pleaded that food contamination had caused the positive test.

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from his London 2012 gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old grey mare finished third in the La Baule Derby. These tests were positive for codeine and morphine. The horse’s sample also showed traces of oripavine, but not at a sufficiently high level for the testing laboratory to declare a positive for the substance.

The top Swiss rider missed the European Championships because of Nino Des Buissonnets’ ban. Both horses have been free to compete since 19 September.

Samples taken at the CSIOY young riders in Deauville, France, on 8 May from the horse Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel, also returned positive for codeine and oripavine, and morphine. She has also been fully cleared.

Both Guerdat and Bichsel had used the same feed supplier, and independent laboratory tests have proved that the feed was contaminated with poppy seeds.

“Both these athletes and the Swiss National Federation have worked in full cooperation with the FEI to secure these landmark agreements and it’s good to know that since the beginning of this year the FEI processes can facilitate such settlements so that athletes are able to clear their names when contamination is involved,” said FEI secretay general Sabrina Zeender

“Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel fully accepted that standard procedures had to be followed, but were able to provide proof that the positives were due to contamination, which meant that we could reach a settlement that was acceptable to both the FEI and to the FEI Tribunal.”

The cases are now closed.

Top Swiss rider to miss European Championships

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 11:31:44 +0000

Top Swiss combination Steve Guerdat and Nino Des Buissonnets will not be taking part in next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August) as the horse remains suspended.

The horse tested positive for banned substances in May.

The FEI Tribunal yesterday (Monday 10 August) ruled that the two-month provisional suspension on the 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning horse was to be upheld.

Two other Swiss horses — Nasa, also partnered by Steve, and Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel — also remain suspended after testing positive for banned drugs.

Both riders were cleared to compete again last month (27 July), following a hearing in which they pleaded food contamination caused the postive tests.

This meant that the Olympic champion would be free to jump at the Europeans. However, he is now without his top horse.

“The FEI Tribunal subsequently responded to Guerdat’s request for a further decision regarding the lifting of the provisional suspensions on his horses to be taken by 10 August, the closing date for definite entries for the FEI European Showjumping Championships 2015 in Aachen,” read a statement from the FEI.

“As a result of the FEI Tribunal decision to maintain the provisional suspensions of the horses, although Guerdat is eligible to compete in Aachen, he will not be able to ride Nino Des Buissonnets, one of his horses declared for the championships and will need to select an alternative pre-declared horse.”

But last night (Monday 10 August) the Swiss squad was chosen, and Steve — who is ranked at number three in the world — is not on the list.

Romain Duguet and Quorida du Treho, Paul Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse, Martin Fuchs and Clooney III, Niklaus Rutschi and Windsor XY and Janika Sprunger and Bonne Chance CW have had the call-up.

The Swiss Equestrian Federation added that Niklaus takes the place of Steve, in light of his strong performance in the Dublin Nations Cup.

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from Steve’s London 2012 gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old grey mare finished third in the La Baule Derby.

These tests were positive for codeine and morphine. The horse’s sample also showed traces of oripavine, but not at a sufficiently high level for the testing laboratory to declare a positive for the substance.

Steve Guerdat free to compete after suspension lifted

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:43:30 +0000

Olympic champion Steve Guerdat is free to compete again after a provisional suspension was lifted by the FEI.

The Swiss rider had a preliminary hearing with the FEI last week (23 July) following the news that two of his horses tested positive for banned substances (21 July).

And today (Monday 27 July) the FEI announced the suspension had been removed.

During the hearing, Steve Guerdat, pleaded that food contamination had caused the positive test.

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from his London 2012 gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old grey mare finished third in the La Baule Derby.

However, the two horses remain provisionally suspended for two months.

Samples taken at the CSIOY young riders in Deauville, France, on 8 May from the horse Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel, also returned positive for codeine and oripavine, and morphine. Her suspension was also lifted today (27 July) but the one on her horse remains.

“The FEI Tribunal’s decision is mainly based on the scientific evidence presented by the persons responsible (the athletes) which suggests the likelihood of food contamination,” read a statement from the FEI.

“While the FEI Tribunal lifted the provisional suspensions on the two riders, requests for the lifting of the provisional suspension on the three horses were denied.

“The Tribunal found that irrespective of the source of the prohibited substances, banned substances had been found in the system of the horses and it is the FEI’s established policy to impose a provisional suspension period of two months in such cases.

“Today’s decisions purely ruled on the lifting of the provisional suspensions. Decisions on the merits of the cases will be made at a later stage.”

Steve and Nino De Buissonnets have been shortlisted for the Swiss team for the European Showjumping Championships next month.

This means the rider is once again eligible to compete at the Championships, but currently the horse is not.

“The owners of the horses have the right to request a second preliminary hearing, provided there is new evidence to support a further request to lift the provisional suspension on the horses,” an FEI spokesman told H&H.

“This would need to happen before 10 August when the definite entries for the European Showjumping Championships at Aachen close.

“For the time being the horses are suspended until 19 September.”

Steve said he is “relieved and happy” about the decision.

A statement from the rider read: “At the same time, however, he regrets that due to the current FEI rules applicable the provisional suspension against his two horses is maintained.

“Guerdat and his team will put every effort in the further ongoing process of the FEI investigation to provide as soon as possible the evidence for the mentioned food contamination as the cause of the positive findings, in order to suggest the lifting of the suspensions also for the horses before the FEI Tribunal.”

Steve Guerdat pleads food contamination in positive drugs tests

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:55:38 +0000

Steve Guerdat has had a preliminary hearing with the FEI following the news that two of his horses tested positive for banned substances.

The Swiss rider, and 2012 Olympic showjumping champion, spoke to the FEI via a telephone conference yesterday (Thursday 23 July).

During the hearing, Steve Guerdat, plead that food contamination had caused the positive test and asked for the provisional suspension to be lifted.

The FEI Tribunal will now evaluate the plea and decide on their verdict.

The two horses — 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Nino Des Buissonnets and grey mare Nasa — have been provisionally suspended for two months.

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from Nino des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old finished third in the La Baule Derby.

“The presence in all these samples of oripavine, which is not found in any veterinary products, suggests that this could be contamination, but obviously we still have to follow standard procedure,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Zeender.

Steve and Nino De Buissonnets have been shortlisted for the Swiss team for the European Showjumping Championships next month (19-23 August) at Aachen, so if the suspension is upheld will miss the competition.

Steve said he is hoping for a “quick and clear response” by the FEI so that he can compete at the championships.

“The entire team are surprised and deeply saddened by this news. Especially as Steve’s top priority in all his daily work as a horse rider is and has always been only the welfare and health of his horses,” read a statement on his website.

“The Olympic champion from London is known and respected far beyond the equestrian community for his horsemanship and very prudent and careful handling of all his horses.”

Olympic gold medallist suspended after horses test positive

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 15:25:13 +0000

Olympic champion showjumper Steve Guerdat has been provisionally suspended by the FEI after two of his horses tested positive for banned substances.

The two horses — 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Nino Des Buissonnets and Nasa — have been provisionally suspended for two months.

A third Swiss showjumping horse, Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel, has also been suspended for the same period of time.

The FEI announced the news today (Tuesday, 21 July). The riders and owners now have the chance for a preliminary hearing before the FEI Tribunal to request the lifting of the provisional suspension.

Steve and Nino Des Buissonnets have been shortlisted for the Swiss team for the European Championships next month (19-23 August) at Aachen, so if the ban is upheld they look likely to miss the competition.

“The provision suspension will be in place until it has been lifted by the FEI Tribunal,” an FEI spokesman told H&H.

“If it is lifted before 10 August when the definite entries for the FEI European jumping championships 2015 close, Steve Guerdat will be eligible to compete.”

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from Nino des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old grey mare finished third in the La Baule Derby.

Meanwhile samples taken at the CSIOY young riders in Deauville, France, on 8 May from the horse Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel, also have returned positive for codeine and oripavine, and morphine.

As a result, Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel have both been provisionally suspended from yesterday (20 July) and the three horses have been provisionally suspended for two months.

“The presence in all these samples of oripavine, which is not found in any veterinary products, suggests that this could be contamination, but obviously we still have to follow standard procedure,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Zeender.

“The combination of oripavine, morphine and codeine have frequently been seen in contamination cases from other equestrian sport regulators. The FEI already has three outstanding cases from 2014 involving oripavine and morphine in which we proactively sought the lifting of the provisional suspensions.

“As the regulator of international equestrian sport, we have to balance fairness to the athletes with our dual role of protecting horse welfare and maintaining a level playing field.”

Oripavine is an opioid analgesic that is not used clinically due to its very narrow therapeutic margin (small margin between being therapeutic and toxic) and extremely high toxicity levels.

Oripavine positives are frequently the result of poppy seed ingestion. Codeine and morphine, both of which are found in poppy seeds, are also analgesics.

Due to increasing evidence of poppy seed contamination resulting in positives, the FEI downgraded morphine from a banned substance to controlled medication in 2013.

Among a number of proposed changes to the equine prohibited substances list due to come into effect on 1 January 2016, codeine is listed for a similar downgrading to controlled medication.

Steve Guerdat wins World Cup jumping final; Ireland’s Bertram Allen takes third [VIDEO]

Pippa Roome — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:34:52 +0000

Swiss Olympic champion Steve Guerdat held onto his lead to win the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final this afternoon in Las Vegas.

After his clear in round one on the chestnut mare Albfuehren’s Paille, Steve had the crowd on the edge of their seats in round two when he had two fences (5a and 12) down and finished within 1sec of the tight time allowed.

“It was an awful feeling coming to the last [12],” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to have the first mistake as I thought the four-stride distance [to the double at 5ab] was good for me, but it rode long. Then I was a bit worried because the triple [9abc] was not a good triple for my horse, so after that I thought I could not relax, but just not get any time-faults.

“I knew I could have the last fence down as long as I didn’t get any time-faults, so I just wanted to get to the finish line as fast as possible, regardless of the big fence in the way.”

Steve finished one penalty ahead of France’s Penelope Leprovost, who started the day in fourth but moved up with a first round clear and just the upright at fence 10 down in round two. Her ride was Vagabond De La Pomme, a 10-year-old stallion

Ireland’s Bertram Allen took third. After four faults in the first round, he hit fence two in round two. He then managed to leave all the other fences intact with the grey mare Molly Malone V, although he had fences six, eight and 10 bouncing in their cups, leaving supporters’ nerves in tatters.

Beezie Madden of the USA took fourth with Simon, another to match a first round clear with fence 10 down in the second round today.

“I’m so happy with the way my horse went,” said Beezie. “One rub today cost me quite a bit, but overall I’m pleased with the result.”

Jos Verlooy — who like Bertram is 19 years old — landed fifth place for Belgium. He too went clear in the first round today, then had fence 12b down in the second barrage.

Rich Fellers’ great veteran Flexible had two down in each round today and finished seventh, behind the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten.

There were no penalty-free performances in the second round today, although Gerco Schroder had a jumping clear with one time-fault on Glock’s Cognac Champblanc.

All H&H’s online World Cup finals coverage

Final results

Full reports from the dressage and jumping World Cup finals in Las Vegas in H&H this Thursday (23 April).

Steve Guerdat and Rich Fellers tied for World Cup final lead; Bertram Allen in third

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 05:31:47 +0000

Steve Guerdat won tonight’s second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final in Las Vegas. He sits joint first in the overall classification ahead of Sunday’s closing round.

Six riders reached the jump-off, as predicted by course-designer Anthony d’Ambrosio, and the USA’s Beezie Madden jumped the first clear on Simon, recording a time of 33.31sec. Dutch rider Steve managed to shave fractions off her target, finishing in 32.87sec on Albfuehren’s Paille.

Only the USA’s Rich Fellers could go ahead of Steve on the 19-year-old Flexible, but he had the first fence down, to gasps from the crowd. He finished fourth tonight, but sits equal first in the overall classification with Steve.

“My plan was to make up as many points as possible tonight — I wasn’t really focused on winning today but on the overall picture,” said Steve. “I knew Rich would be faster than me so my plan was just to catch Beezie. If I go a bit faster my mare doesn’t get hot for the next day and she responded very well, so I’m pleased.”

The Americans fielded four of the top six riders tonight and Lucy Davis took third. As the second rider to start the jump-off she made a bold bid for glory, including taking the inside turn to the final fence, but it didn’t quite come off and the fence fell.

“I planned to go for it a bit,” she said. “I was in 16th place going into today, so there was no room to be conservative. I tried to go as fast as I could without totally unravelling my horse for Sunday and I’m pleased as I think I’m now in a good place for Sunday [equal eighth].”

Bertram Allen still in the hunt

Young Irishman Bertram Allen, who won yesterday’s speed class, remains very much in the hunt, sitting third overall. He had the final element of the troublesome treble down in the first round today with Molly Malone V, so missed out on the jump-off, but as the fastest four-faulter he took seventh place.

The legendarily complicated World Cup final scoring system converts the riders’ points from yesterday’s speed leg and today’s jump-off class into faults, which are carried forward into Sunday. Steve and Rich start on zero faults, with Bertram on one.

French rider Penelope Leprovost is fourth on five faults, with the USA’s Beezie Madden, Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs tied for fifth on six.

On Sunday, the top 30 riders jump in the first round, then the top 20 after that take on the second course. A jump-off can follow if there is equality after these two performances.

“It comes down to clear round jumping now, unless there is a jump-off,” said Beezie. “A lot can happen on Sunday and there is usually a lot of movement. I’ll try to think of it as a seperate class and jump a couple of clear rounds.”

Results of second leg

Overall standings

Check back on www.horseandhound.co.uk for more updates from the World Cup final. Full reports in H&H out next Thursday (23 April).

Teenage showjumper wins big in LA

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:50:49 +0000

Belgian teenager Jos Verlooy (pictured) picked up the top spoils of $156,000 at the Los Angeles Masters at the weekend (25-28 September).

Riding Domino, the 18-year-old son of showjumper and dealer Axel triumphed over 2012 Olympic champion Steve Guerdat and Albfuehren’s Paille in the Longines Grand Prix of Los Angeles yesterday (Sunday 28 September).

“My horse jumped super. I had already a good feeling in the first round. The jump-off worked out exactly as I wanted,” said Jos.

“The idea was actually to put the pressure on the rest of the field. But when Steve (Guerdat) came in, I was very nervous. He’s one of the best riders in the world and it’s super for me that I could be first and he second… Sorry Steve!”

Steve praised Jos’s ride. “Jos did a great job and he absolutely deserved the win. I am satisfied with my second place and I am not thinking about what I could have done differently, but just about how to work and make it different next time. “Albfuehren’s Paille is very new — it was only our fourth big class,” he added.

US rider Georgina Bloomberg finished third on Juvina.

Scott Brash was best of the Brits with eight-year-old Hello M’Lady, after his intended ride, Hello Annie, knocked herself on the flight over. He finished 8th, not having made the jump off.

For full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H magazine (Thursday 2 October).

Horses touch down in California for LA Masters [VIDEO]

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:35:23 +0000

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) on the west coast of USA has been transformed into a five-star showjumping venue this week for the Longines LA Masters (25-28 September).

Thirty six riders, including Great Britain’s world number one rider Scott Brash and Michael Whitaker, world individual silver medallist Patrice Delaveau, 2012 Olympic champion Steve Guerdat, Dutch team gold medallist Gerco Schroder and USA rider Jessica Springsteen will take part in four days of indoor jumping, competing for a prize-fund of over $1million.

On Sunday (21 September), 51 horses touched down in California on a chartered Emirates flight from Liege, Belgium, ahead of the first class on Thursday (see video top).

Vande Capelle of European Horse Services explained: “We think we are making history, or at least equestrian history in Los Angeles, with the arrival of 51 horses for the Longines LA Masters.

“It takes a lot of preparation. We have been working for two months trying to co-ordinate everything and the preparation is 80% of the work. This flight took off from Leige airport in Belgium, which is a specialist airport for horse traffic. They do a lot of these horse charters. We also set up a centre in Leige of the horses so they can relax before they go on the flight.

“Quarantine will be done here in California. Unlike normal imports, who are done at the official USCA import centre, these horses can come straight to LACC to the show stables where they will be held in quarantine until Monday at least.”

The horses were transported from the airport to LACC in massive horse transport trucks.

Vande was relieved when the final batch of horses arrived: “Thank god we are here with the last group of horses. The last two trucks have just arrived. We are so excited to be making history here in downtown Los Angeles.

“It was a long trip, the flight took just under 11 hours, but we had our vet on board. We had our flight professional — a guy who is only flying horses, that’s his daily job. As far as it looks, all horses are well. We have no injuries and no sick horses. That’s the aim.”

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“She’s an unbelievable horse – she tries very hard and she always has a great mentality,” said Steve, a winner of eight championship medals. “She also has the athletic ability to do it – the head wants to and the body can, too. That’s what makes her better than most of the others.”

Steve started riding the French-bred mare as a five-year-old.

“She has so much quality that I never wanted to step up too fast,” said Steve. “Everything she’s jumped in her life she’s been clear, clear, clear.”

“I wasn’t very happy with my round – I didn’t give her a very good ride,” said the meticulous rider of his pathfinding clear. “But Dynamix was amazing; she helped me, so I hope I can keep her form and I can improve mine.”

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

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

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

Tiffany says she learned to be resilient through Eric.

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

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

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

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

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

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam

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