Latest from Horse & Hound in Windsor-european-championships

Lessons to be learnt from the Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:59:00 +0000

“There are some lessons from the Europeans,” said Andrew Finding of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). “And we will make sure they are learnt.”

Mr Finding confirmed low spectator numbers would be discussed at a meeting between stakeholders of the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor (25-30 August).

Organisers came under fire after audiences — predicted at around 60,000 — fell some 24,000 short. Only on Saturday night, for the dressage to music, were stands full.

“Maybe it was assumed that top sport would bring high-level audiences,” said Mr Finding.

“But it’s not acceptable to say no one knew about it — all British Dressage and BSJA members were informed.”

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) will also review the event, to “help organisers of future championships”.

Organiser Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Had show jumping mirrored the support we had for the dressage classes there would be no question over the success of the championships. I was bitterly disappointed and I think it’s a wider issue.”

He added: “We accept partial culpability but we had much more publicity in Europe than here. The marketing budget for the Euros was the same as for Olympia — over £100,000 — and it was all spent.”

UK Sport provided nearly £950,000 in funding.

UK Sport’s senior events consultant Simon Morton said: “We would love every event we support to be a sell-out, but we have to be realistic that in these current economic times this is unlikely to happen.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (10 September, ’09)

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Windsor Europeans prize-giving debate: on foot or mounted?

Horse & Hound — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:06:33 +0000

A debate erupted at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor last week, when chefs d’equipe petitioned the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for the team dressage prize-giving to take place without horses.

Riders came into the arena on foot to collect medals, and then returned mounted to walk sedately around the arena — robbing the medal ceremony of its atmosphere.

Only Edward Gal on the young stallion Totilas cantered a lap of honour after winning his gold medal for the kür.

British chef d’equipe Richard Davison initially requested the change in policy on the grounds of horse welfare since some riders expressed concern for their mounts in front of a roaring crowd.

But he acknowledged the situation was odd: “Dressage horses are meant to be more controllable, and every other discipline has mounted prize-givings — it’s a contradiction.

“That said, the safety of the horses needs to be considered, and riders need to work with the FEI to find a sensible conclusion that rewards spectators, too.”

World number one dressage rider Anky van Grunsven had a scare in 2006 when her horse, Salinero, bolted in the arena at Aachen.

She told H&H: “I do understand people want to see the horses, but prize-givings are getting wilder and these are not police horses. It’s not just dressage horses — [show jumper] Shutterfly is not used for prize-givings.”

Bronze medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer said: “I didn’t object to riding my horse in the prize-giving, I just didn’t want to pass him to someone on the ground while I got on the podium with everyone going mad.

“People are quick to say that if a horse is well ridden and on the aids his rider should be able to control him in the arena, but some horses are scared and others not. It’s nothing to do with how well they are ridden.”

Carl Hester said his ride Liebling is unaffected by prize-giving ceremonies, but he questioned whether the horses really enjoy it: “We riders enjoy the congratulations — but do the horses?”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 September, ’09)

Join in the debate over prize-givings in the Horse & Hound forum

Windsor Europeans verdict: supreme sport, small crowds

Horse & Hound — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:21:46 +0000

World records and personal bests abounded last week at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor.

But while some thrilling contests played out in the main arena, the banks of unsold seats against which much of it took place became a talking point, particularly for the show jumping.

And some of those who bought tickets for the non-championship performances felt they did not live up to their billing, particularly Friday’s gala evening performance.

Pre-publicity implied that Zara Phillips and Mary King would contest the eventers’ grand prix, but in the end neither took part.

“The whole evening felt rushed; things seemed to finish almost as soon as they began,” said visitor Rob Hulbert of Windsor.

“The eventers’ grand prix was brilliant, but needed more competitors, and the puissance was a bit messy. Some riders had refusals before even getting to the wall and others decided not to contest the second round.

“I found the whole thing a bit wet — unlike the freestyle to music on Saturday, which was amazing.”

A spokesman for organisers HPower did not have final gate numbers as H&H went to press on Monday, but said: “We estimate around 40,000 attended. Dressage definitely outsold show jumping with Saturday night’s performance of the kür the busiest.”

Readers have commented to H&H that many people were unaware that the championships were taking place at Windsor, and paltry coverage in the national papers — no one gave it more than a fifth of a page — did not help.

HPower spokesman Kelly Smith said organisers were disappointed with the coverage in the daily press, but added: “It seems to reflect the apathy of the support for show jumping, especially at the moment.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 September, ’09)

Moorlands Totilas breaks world record again at Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:41:41 +0000

The capacity crowds at the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships at Windsor were treated to a historic moment as the Netherland’s Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas smashed their own world record when scoring 90.70% to win the Freestyle gold medal.

As Totilas entered the ring he brought with him that spell-binding magic that has followed him everywhere over the last few months and the crowd were already electrified even before he entered the arena.

With “Totally Totilas” — a compilation of classical music with a modern and dramatic spin — ringing out across Windsor Great Park the most extraordinary horse-and-rider combination ever seen in the sport of dressage produced a spectacular display. The extended trot was so extravagant, the piaffe so elevated and the passage so graceful that it left those watching with a lump in their throats.

“I don’t know what to say anymore,” said an almost speechless Edward Gal after racking up an unbelievable 29 perfect-10 scores. “He feels so good you cannot describe it, you have to feel it but you cannot put it into words.”

Listen to Edward Gal’s interview

Grand prix special winners Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival had to settle for silver this time around on 87.35%, while Anky Van Grunsven and Salinero truly rose the occasion with a vastly improved performance to take bronze on 87.25%.

Britain’s Laura Bechtolsheimer finished fourth with Mistral Hojris scoring 81.750%. The big chestnut looked stronger and less relaxed than in his grand prix special performance, but Laura did a good job of managing him under the lights in the intense atmosphere.

Listen to Laura Bechtolsheimer’s interview

Emma Hindle finished eighth with Lancet on 76.05%, with Carl Hester in 10th on 75.9 with Liebling II.

Listen to Emma Hindle’s interview

Listen to Carl Hester’s interview

Grand prix freestyle final results

British show jumpers soar up the leaderboard at Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:19:07 +0000

The British show jumping team moves up to silver medal position in the team show jumping competition at the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships at Windsor, with one round to go.

A thrilling first round in Friday’s team finale saw Team GB rise up the leaderboard from seventh to second, thanks to two clear jumping rounds from Ben Maher (Robin Hood W) and Geoff Billington (Rosinus), the latter picking up just one time penalty. Peter Charles collected four faults plus a time penalty, while Tim Stockdale was the discard score as he finished on eight faults with Fresh Direct Corlato.

A testing championship track caused a complete reshuffle at the top of the team table. The Netherlands now have an unsteady lead on a score of 15.96. Britain hovers behind on 17.26 with Italy rising up to third (19). Early leaders Switzerland have dropped to fourth (19.66) but, with barely a fence between them, this afternoon’s decider looks set to be a battle of epic proportions.

Listen to rider interviews below

Ben Maher

Geoff Billington

Tim Stockdale

Windsor Europeans live results

Team results

Individual results

Windsor European Championships 2009

Horse & Hound — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:02:59 +0000

Live written coverage

Replay our interactive H&H Live service from the dressage at Windsor

Reports

Individual show jumping final: Kevin Staut takes gold for France

Dressage freestyle report: Moorlands Totilas tops his own world record

Team show jumping round two: Switzerland take gold, Britain finish empty-handed

Team show jumping round one: Britain soar up leaderboard

Third day’s dressage report: Laura Bechtolsheimer’s individual medal

First show jumping competition: the Swiss look strong

Second day’s dressage report: Britain take team silver

First day’s dressage report: Britain in bronze position overnight

Don’t forget to buy H&H on Thursday, 3 September, for our 16-page special report from the Windsor Europeans.

Blogs

H&H dressage editor Sarah Jenkins on the second day of competition

Radio

Listen to the official Windsor radio station

Pre-event coverage

How to follow the news from Windsor at home

British show jumping team announced

Maria Eilberg is final member of Britain’s dressage team

Laura Bechtolsheimer on Britain’s chances at Windsor

Three members of Britain’s dressage team announced

Tickets on sale

Windsor to host European Championships

Britain win silver medal at Windsor European dressage championships

Horse & Hound — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:08:18 +0000

Great Britain has taken team silver at the Windsor European dressage championships, beating Germany into bronze to the delight of the home crowd.

Laura Bechtolsheimer, the youngest team member at 24, led the charge on Danish-bred gelding Mistral Hojris (pictured right). The individual medal contender finished in third in the team test with 76.638% — a personal best and the highest mark a British rider has ever achieved in an international grand prix.

“I felt a bit of pressure because we knew we had a good chance,” said Laura. “But I also felt in control and prepared. He’s the most honest horse I’ve ever ridden and he tried so hard in there.”

Listen to interview with Laura Bechtolsheimer

Emma Hindle became the first British rider ever to win two team medals, having been part of the 2003 bronze team at Hickstead. She carried all the pressure being last to go and knowing she needed Lancet to produce a 71% test to get silver. She pulled off 72.9%, just to be sure.

“As the last rider in the team I wanted to do a risk-free test, but still do enough to get what we needed for the silver medal,” said Emma. “It was a different situation at Hickstead in 2003, we were a less experienced team — here we had expectations.

“I’m very happy, but I don’t think it’s sunk in. Just to ride in front of this home crowd and the castle is amazing.”

Listen to Emma Hindle’s interview

Carl Hester’s personal best with Liebling of plus-72% ensured the team had a chance of silver, but Germany put up a good fight, finishing 2.45% behind in bronze. This is the second time that Great Britain has won a European team silver medal, with the first in Lipica in 1993.

All four British riders, including Maria Eilberg who finished 27th on this her senior championship debut, go through to the grand prix special tomorrow.

The Netherlands had clinched gold even before Edward Gal started his test on Moorlands Totillas, who scored 10s for the first four movements, and more — the only other 10 in the entire class had been awarded to team-mate Adelinde Cornelissen (Parzival) for an extended trot. Edward finished to a standing ovation on 84.09%.

Watch Edward Gal’s dressage test

Don’t miss the full report, pictures, comment and analysis of the entire championships in Horse & Hound 28 August issue. You can also follow the action tomorrow on Horse & Hound Live, featuring interactive commentary from European young rider team member Charlie Hutton and Anna Ross Davis, best of the Brits at Turin Europeans 2005.

Windsor Europeans blog: Britain beating Germany at dressage? Surely not!

Horse & Hound — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:01:09 +0000

We’re sitting here over lunch at the Windsor European dressage championships wondering if Britain will take the silver or bronze team medal — we’ve never had this conversation before. Normally we’re mumbling about making the top six.

After Carl Hester topped his best score on Liebling by 3% to get 72% yesterday, bronze looked in the bag failing a disaster — just what Laura Bechtolsheimer wanted to here right before her test, no pressure… She scored over 76%, a personal best — excellent timing. So now we’re waiting for Germany’s Monica Theodorescu (Whisper) to go, and then we can calculate how much our own Emma Hindle (Lancet) will have to score to bag silver, because we’re geeky like that, and find this stuff deeply exciting.

So there’s Britain lining up for memorabilia, and in other news, Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands, multiple Olympic medallist with Salinero, scored 3% less than Laura B. Having been sitting in stands at internationals for three years I’ve never seen Salinero enter the arena and thought, ‘you know, I’m not sure she can beat our rider’. We’re either in a parallel universe, or it’s the beginning of a new era, which is rather a good one.

People keep texting saying ‘how good was Adelinde Cornelissen’s test on Parzival?’ except spelt wrong because that’s a nightmare on predictive messaging. And I’m not sure if they’re tuning into our live web commentary and this is an observation, or they know nothing and this is an actual question — so yes, seriously good, awesome in fact, nines all over the shot and a 10 for the first extended trot.

And it gets even more exciting again this afternoon when Edward Gal brings out Totilas The Wonderhorse, who is capable of doing even more. There were a few aneurisms from bystanders at the trot up on Monday when Totilas was spun and sent to the holding box. Gah! How many tickets have been sold off the back of that horse?! Fortunately for all concerned he passed on second inspection.

It’s a fabulous atmosphere here all round, better than anything I’ve been to in Britain in terms of organisation and the loos and food would meet the approval of Pammy Hutton I’m sure. I’m off to get a grilled halloumi wrap now, and to take a seat for something I’ve never experienced before. Hi Ho Silver…

Britain in bronze position overnight at Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:59:25 +0000

BRITAIN is sitting in bronze medal position going into the final day of the team competition at Windsor’s European dressage championships tomorrow (26 August).

The Netherlands is way out in front after a cracking performance from Adelinde Cornelissen on Parzival (80.64%), and Britain is 1.927% behind Germany.

Carl Hester pulled off a personal best riding Donald Mactaggart’s Liebling II (72.09%) and was in the lead until a mistake for the last one-time changes meant he scored fours and fives for that movement.

“I feel like I’ve played my part now and hopefully taken a bit of pressure off Laura [Bechtolsheimer] and Emma [Hindle] tomorrow,” said Carl. “We actually have a silver medal in our grasp — though I don’t care what colour it is, I just want a medal after all these years!

“I’m not worried what happens individually in the special or if I even get into the kür, I came here to do a good job for the team and Liebling’s done that. He’s not hugely elastic like the Dutch horses, he has to work really hard to do what he did today.”

Listen to interview with Carl Hester

Maria Eilberg, first to go for Britain, pulled off 67.92%, riding Two Sox. It was Maria’s senior team championship debut and she rode her socks off. A disappointing walk and extended trot was all that marred an otherwise smart and consistent test.

Listen to interview with Maria Eilberg

The Netherland’s Adelinde Cornelissen was also making her major championship debut, having been reserve at Hong Kong last August along with Maria.

“I knew he was in good shape coming here but you never know what they will do in the arena,” said Adelinde. “He was so focussed in every movement, really relaxed in the arena, and when he’s like that he finds the exercises really easy.”

Britain’s great individual medal hope Laura Bechtolsheimer rides Mistral Hojris at 11:27 tomorrow and Emma Hindle, best of the Brits at the 2008 Olympics on Lancet, is on at 14:45. You can follow all the action at H&H Live, our interactive text coverage featuring expert commentary from Anna Ross Davies and Charlie Hutton.

The individual gold medal favourite, Moorlands Totilas, competes under Edward Gal of the Netherlands at 15:03. The horse was sent to the holding box after the first horse inspection when presented to president of the veterinary committee Paul Farringdon, the foreign veterinary delegate Dr Friedrih Wilhelm Hanbucken and the FEI foreign technical delegate Mariette Withages. He was then represented and passed.

Twelve teams are fighting for the three medals tomorrow, with 54 horses having been presented at the first horse inspection.

Your chance to help Team GB win medals

Horse & Hound — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:21:11 +0000

Equestrian fans are being urged to head to Windsor next week to support Britain’s dressage and show jumping teams who stand a real chance of picking up medals at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships.

After a tricky summer in the Nations Cup series (news, 13 August), the Team GB jumpers need support more than ever during the competition at Windsor from 25 to 31 August.

An experienced squad of Geoff Billington (Rosinus), Peter Charles (Murka’s Pom D’Ami), Ben Maher (Robin Hood W), Robert Smith (Vangelis S) and Tim Stockdale (Fresh Direct Corlato) told H&H they are looking forward to jumping on British soil in front of a home crowd — and improving on the bronze medal Britain won in 2007.

Britain is one of 25 nations entered for the show jumping Europeans, 21 of which will field a team.

Reigning individual champion Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is entered, as is a strong team for the Netherlands — including Albert Zoer and Oki Doki — are ready to defend their crown.

The British team of Laura Bechtolsheimer (Mistral Hojris, reserve Andretti H), Maria Eilberg (Two Sox), Carl Hester (Liebling II) and Emma Hindle (Lancet) face 13 teams for the dressage championships. Seven more nations have entered the individual championships.

The Netherlands also look strong to defend both their team and individual gold — with Anky van Grunsven confirmed to attend.

Laura Bechtolsheimer said the team is the strongest Britain has ever had.

“We’re on good form, too,” she said. “We have a serious chance of pulling a medal out.”

Laura said the Windsor Castle setting, combined with a high number of entries for the individual championships, will make for the most exciting championship yet.

She added: “Having home support will make a massive difference — not only for the riders but the horses, too, they really know when the crowd is rooting for them.”

British Equestrian Federation chief executive Andrew Finding added his call for support: “Our riders need you: come and wave your GB flags!”

Tickets for the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships 2009 are available, tel: 0871 230 1087 or visit www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (20 August, ’09)

H&H Live at the Windsor European Championships

Horse & Hound — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:58:03 +0000

Welcome to Horse & Hound’s live interactive written commentary service from the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships at Windsor featuring expert opinion from top riders Anna Ross Davies and Charlie Hutton.

This service is running from approximately 9.15am until 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 August, the final day of the team dressage competition, and from 9.15am until 5pm on Thursday 27 August covering the grand prix special competition.

Expert written online commentary will be provided by former British team member Anna Ross-Davies, whose former ride Liebling II will be competing here under Carl Hester, plus British YR European team member Charlie Hutton.

Readers will be able to join in the commentary by posting their thoughts throughout the two days, as well as taking part in online polls.

You can follow Friday’s show jumping classes on the event’s official radio station, brought to you by H&H in association with Baileys Horse Feeds. You can also listen to the radio alongside our online H&H Live service.

Listen to Windsor Europeans radio here

Watch Windsor Euros online and on TV

Horse & Hound — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:34:33 +0000

If you are looking to watch the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships at Windsor on TV then the BBC has live coverage of the closing stages of the team show jumping finals, the grand prix kur and the closing stages of the individual show jumping final.

Windsor Europeans TV listings

Friday, 28 August: BBC2 1-4pm live coverage of the second round of team jumping finals

Saturday, 29 August: Red button 7.45-10.30pm live coverage of grand prix kur

Sunday, 30 August: BBC2 4.15-5.30pm live coverage of the individual jumping finals

Watch Windsor Europeans online

If you would prefer to follow the Windsor Europeans action online, then you have a few choices, depending on whether you wish to pay or not.

If you want to watch more of the action than the BBC is offering, you might choose the FEI TV pay-to-view service, which is offering highlights and interviews, along with the live action.

Or if you have better things to do with your hard-earned cash, but still want to know the very latest developments as they happen, why not join in with the H&H Live service on Wednesday and Thursday. We will be online throughout these two days of dressage, with expert written commentary provided by Anna Ross-Davies and Charlie Hutton. You can join in by offering your own comments, asking questions and voting in our online polls. Register now for a reminder at www.horseandhound.co.uk/europeanslive.

And finally you can also enjoy listening for free to the official Windsor Europeans radio, which H&H is bringing to you in association with Baileys Horse Feeds. For more information about the radio service and to listen live for free, go to www.horseandhound.co.uk/windsor-radio from Tuesday morning.

Dakota to perform at Windsor Europeans gala night

Charlotte White — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:55:41 +0000

Visitors to the Alltech World Equestrian Games Gala Night on the Friday night of the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships (25-30 Aug) will be entertained by new rock band Dakota.

Dakota, which is about to release its debut album Here, There and Everywhere, includes international show jumpers Ben Talbot and dressage rider Richard Davison’s son, Tom, who is also a show jumper, among its number.

The band has been picked to perform as part of a drive by the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) to introduce show jumping into the mainstream and encourage more young people to get involved in the sport.

Tom Davison said: “It will be amazing to perform at the Europeans, especially in front of Muhammad Ali. My dad will be there as Team GB’s Dressage Chef d’Equipe so it will be quite strange performing in front of him, at an event he’s involved with!”

For more details on Dakota, visit:

http://www.myspace.com/dakotabandofficial | http://www.dakotaband.co.uk

Laura Bechtolsheimer on Britain’s chances at the Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:42:22 +0000

As the British teams complete their final preparations for the Alltech European Dressage and Jumping Championships at Windsor next week, British dressage team rider and individual medal hope Laura Bechtolsheimer, reflects on the challenges ahead.

Listen to Laura’s interview below

Who is competing

Follow the Windsor Euros with H&H

Stay up to date with all the news as is happens throughout the show on Horseandhound.co.uk. We will be running our popular H&H Live text commentary service during the dressage competition on Wednesday and Thursday with expert opinion provided by Anna Ross-Davies and H&H blogger Charlie Hutton.

You can also listen to the event’s official radio station at www.horseandhound.co.uk/windsor-radio, brought to you by H&H in association with Baileys Horse Feeds.

And of course we will be publishing daily reports and blogs online, and don’t miss our 14-page special magazine report, including full analysis of how the championships were won and lost, on sale 3 September.

British team for Windsor European show jumping championships

Charlotte White — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:53:17 +0000

An experienced squad will represent Great Britain at the 2009 Alltech FEI European Show Jumping Championships (25 – 31 August).

They are Geoff Billington and Rosinus, Peter Charles and Murkas Pom d’Ami, Ben Maher and Robin Hood W, Robert Smith with Vangelis S and Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Corlato.

Team manager Derek Ricketts said: “We are all looking forward to competing on home soil at this year’s European championships.

“Windsor is a top class venue and I am sure that we will see some world class show jumping over the five days of competition.”

The team boasts all four of the riders who gained a joint second place in the final competition of this year’s Nations Cup competition, putting Team GB into eight place overall.

But a decision still has to be made by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as to whether Team GB or the Belgians will stay in the league for next year.

Geoff Billington said: “I was a member of the British Team when the championships were held at Hickstead ten years ago, so to make the squad again for the home championships at Windsor, is absolutely fantastic.”

And Tim Stockdale added: “To have such a prestigious competition on home soil is amazing and I am looking forward to being part of it and competing in front of a home crowd”.

Tickets for the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships 2009 are available on 0871 230 1087 or at www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com

Eventing grand prix to be held at Windsor Europeans

Horse & Hound — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:09:06 +0000

Windsor will host its first ever eventing grand prix this summer as part of the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships (25-30 August).

Competitors will take part in a show jumping round followed by an arena-based cross-country course, to fight it out for a £10,000 prize pot.

The clevent has attracted a star-studded line up — including eventing world champion Zara Phillips, Olympic bronze medallist Tina Cook and multi-gold medallist Mary King.

Junior young rider gold medallist Emily Llewellyn, junior european champion Laura Collet and Gary Parsonage, fresh from his record third win in the Quantum Saddle Eventing Grand Prix at Hickstead will also take part.

Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks, Lucy Wiegersma and Elizabeth Power add to the impressive line-up.

The eventing grand prix features as part of the gala night on Friday (28 August), which boasts a programme set to make a big impact, including the Duke of Richmond’s Ride quadrille, the Shetland Pony Grand National, puissance and displays in carriage driving, vaulting, para-equestrianism, reining and endurance.

For more information visit: www.alltechwindsoreuopeans.com

Maria Eilberg is final dressage team member for Windsor Europeans

Charlotte White — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:45:13 +0000

Maria Eilberg has been named as the fourth rider to join the dressage squad to represent Team GBR at the Alltech FEI European Dressage and Jumping Championships at Windsor this summer.

Maria (25), from Redditch, and her horse Two Sox, will join Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emma Hindle and Carl Hester in the team for the competition at Windsor (25–30 August).

Fiona Bigwood (33), riding Wie Atlantico, has been selected as non-travelling reserve.

Maria, a member of the BEF’s lottery-funded World Class Performance Programme, was travelling reserve for last year’s Olympic Dressage team in Hong Kong.

On her return, she produced her best ever result to win the grand prix freestyle at the National Dressage Championships to take the national title.

Maria said: “I’m thrilled to be chosen for the team, it’s been an ambition for a long time so it was an amazing feeling to get the call.

“Two Sox is such a consistent performer and absolutely at his peak, we’ve had him since he was a three year old so he’s really one of the family.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to perform in front of a home crowd at a European Championship and I’m so pleased he’s finally got his chance.”

Richard Davison, British team captain said: “With the competition only 25 days away it’s good to have the final member of the team decided so we can focus on the job in hand.

“In her role as reserve rider for last year’s Olympic Games Maria was an excellent team member and it’s great that she has made the cut this year.

“Maria’s selection now completes a very strong team and, although we cannot be complacent, I believe we are fully justified in having a medal clearly in our sights.”

For more information visit www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com

BBC to air live coverage of European Championships

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:55:59 +0000

Fans of jumping and dressage who can’t make it to this year’s European Championships will be able to watch the event from their own homes.

Seven different broadcasters — including the BBC — will be screening the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor from 25-30 August.

The BBC will have live coverage on Friday – Sunday (28-30 August).

Friday 28 August: 2pm – 4pm, live coverage of the second round of team and individual show jumping

Saturday 29 August: red button service from 7.45pm – 10.30pm live coverage of the dressage final and grand prix freestyle to music (Kur)

Sunday 30 August: 4.15pm – 5.30pm, live coverage of individual show jumping.

Live streaming from the event is also available on www.feitv.org

Other stations due to broadcast the championships include: Equidia (France), SVT (Sweden), SGR/SSR (Switzerland), ARD & ZDF (Germany), NOB (Netherlands) and RAI (Italy).

For more information visit: www.alltechwindsoreuropean.com

Chill out zone for riders at Windsor European Championships

Horse & Hound — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:57:39 +0000

Organisers of the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships 2009 (25-30 Aug 09) are planning the first ‘check in and chill out’ zone at a major Championship.

The ‘check in and chill out zone’ will provide riders, stewards and officials a sanctuary of solitude within the busy grounds, giving them the chance to relax and get away from it all.

This exclusive area will include comfy sofas, a calming view of the river and refreshments. It will be situated close to the FEI stables, ensuring maximum benefit to the riders.

Event director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “This is the first time such an area has been developed for competitors and I’m sure it will be much welcomed. When you’re expecting around 15,000 people in the show ground each day, plus the added stress of such top-class competition, you need somewhere to relax and get away from it all, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Now we have to think of a similar idea for the horses!”

Visit www.alltechwindsoreuropeans.com

Volunteers needed for Windsor 2009 European Championships

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:20:03 +0000

Volunteers are being sought to help out at this summer’s Alltech FEI European Dressage and Show Jumping Championships at Windsor.

The championships are held from 25-30 August and volunteers are needed from Sunday 23 August.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles from gate operators to presentation girls as well as a team of people to help man the equestrian, press and sales offices.

Team host/hostesses who are fluent in at least one other language are also needed.

Prior experience will be required for the more specialised roles.

Meals will be provided but volunteers need to find their own accommodation. There will be an area for camping within the grounds with loo/shower facilities.

Potential volunteers should apply in writing by Friday 8 May including name, full contact details and any other relevant information for assigning roles.

Email: stephanie.pearce@bef.co.uk or post to British Equestrian Federation, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RH.

New all-weather riding arena for Royal Windsor

Horse & Hound — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:46:39 +0000

A £500,000 all-weather arena is being built at Windsor in time for both the May show and the European Jumping and Dressage Championships in the summer (25-30 August).

The 68x80m Ecotrack arena will make Windsor “as weather-proof as it can be”, said event director Simon Brooks-Ward.

“We want the European Jumping and Dressage Championships to be a formidable, world-class event,” he said. “We needed a new arena to achieve this goal.”

Work began earlier this month and will be complete for the Royal Windsor Show (13-17 May).

The new arena will sit next to the existing all-weather main ring, and the two will hold around 70% of competition at the show.

The ground at Windsor faced criticism in 2005 after horses appeared lame while in the ring.

Mr Brooks-Ward said: “The improvements are good news for all competitors.”

• The entries deadline for the May show has been extended until 3 April. For tickets visit: www.rwhs.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (26 March, ’09)

BBC to televise the 2009 European championships

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:55:38 +0000

Fans of jumping and dressage who are unable to make it to Windsor in August for the Europeans will be able to watch the action from the comfort of the own homes.

The BBC will be providing coverage of the Alltech International Equestrian Federation (FEI) European Jumping and Dressage Championships — taking place at Windsor from 25-30 August.

The BBC will screen the individual final of the jumping and dressage — as well as the team jumping.

Michael Cole, deputy editor of BBC sport said: “The Alltech FEI Jumping and Dressage Championships represent a huge opportunity for us to highlight equestrian sport at its very best.

“In the run up to London 2012 we know the championships will have a big appeal and the BBC is pleased to be able to offer equestrian fans the chance to watch the top riders in Europe compete in a major championships, held in the UK.”

Show director Simon Brooks-Ward added: “The plan to stage both the FEI dressage and jumping championships together at the same time in Windsor is being very well received.

“The Championships are rapidly building momentum and we are delighted they are receiving such formidable backing.”

Thirty-two nations have put forward teams. And over 150 riders will be competing at the event.

The following countries have entered teams:

Austria

Belarus

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmakr

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Great Britain

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russian Federation

Serbia and Montenegro

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Switzerland

Turkey

Ukraine

For tickets and more information visit www.windsoreuropeans09.com

Sponsor for 2009 FEI Jumping and Dressage Europeans announced

Charlotte White — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Global animal health and nutrition company, Alltech, will sponsor the Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships 2009.

“In 2006, Alltech made history by becoming the first ever title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and today’s announcement represents another first,” said Alltech’s founder and president Dr Pearse Lyons.

“With the Alltech FEI European Equestrian Games, we are reaching out with our industry partners to each and every horse owner and trainer across Europe as well as bringing the excitement into the homes of millions of television viewers.”

FEI secretary-general Alex McLin said: “The FEI is delighted to see Alltech become the title sponsor of one of the highlights of the 2009 sporting equestrian year.

“Some of Europe’s best horsemen and women will convene at Windsor for the 2009 Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships and we are looking forward to an event of the highest competition and organisational standard.”

The Alltech FEI European Jumping & Dressage Championships will take place from the 25 to 30 August 2009 at Windsor Castle and mark the first time that the FEI European Jumping Championships and the FEI European Dressage Championships have been held together at the same venue.

Alltech will also sponsor the Alltech Royal Windsor Grand Prix, taking place during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, 13 to 17 May 2009.

Tickets for European jumping and dressage championships on sale

Horse & Hound — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:32:00 +0000

Tickets go on sale today, 8 September, for next year’s International Equestrian Federation (FEI) European jumping and dressage championships at Windsor.

Some 32 nations (see list below) will be invited to take part in the competition that will run 25-30 August 2009 in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

It is the first time senior dressage and show jumping championships will be held at the same venue.

The European jumping and dressage championships will start on the morning of Tuesday 25 August with individual and team dressage. The dressage final (grand prix freestyle to music) will be held on the evening of Saturday 29 August.

The team jumping final will be held on Friday 29 August, and the championships will finish on Sunday 30 August with the individual jumping final.

Tickets for the FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor Castle are priced from £7 to £49.

To buy, call 0871 2301087 (or +44 115 993 4409 if calling from abroad) or visit www.windsoreuropeans09.com

Nations taking part:

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtensein, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey; Ukraine.

Windsor dates for 2009 Europeans announced

Horse & Hound — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:53:58 +0000

The 2009 International Equestrian Federation (FEI) European jumping and dressage championships will take place from 25-30 August in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

It is the first time two Olympic equestrian disciplines have been run together at the same venue at European Championship level.

The event has been made possible by Lottery funding of almost £1million, awarded by UK Sport. This will allow for a planned extension to the existing all-weather warm-up arena and the installation of a second all-weather exercise area.

See www.windsoreuropeans09.com for more information.

Windsor to host 2009 European Championships

Horse & Hound — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:28:45 +0000

The private grounds of Windsor Castle have been selected by the FEI as the venue for the 2009 European Jumping and Dressage Championships.

UK Sport is providing substantial backing for the Championships which are scheduled to take place in the late summer. The event will be the first senior combined continental championships to be held.

Windsor was selected to host the Championships ahead of Copenhagen, the other bid city. “We are delighted that this country was selected and that we are able to support this event with up to £948,000 from our National Lottery funded World Class Events Programme,” said John Scott, UK Sport’s International Director.

It was the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) who initiated the plan for both jumping and dressage to combine together in one venue. “Now starts the long and hard road to make this the best Championships this country has ever seen,” said BEF President Hugh Thomas.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which up until now has been the only event to take place in the castle grounds, will occupy its normal dates in May and the European Jumping and Dressage Championships will take place in late summer.

Windsor bids for joint 2009 Europeans

Horse & Hound — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:23:57 +0000

Windsor Castle has been pitched to the FEI as the British venue to host a joint 2009 European Dressage and Show Jumping Championships.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF), which also plans to lobby for the 2011 European Eventing Championships at a yet to be decided venue, lodged its bid during the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen.

“We understand no other nation is bidding for the 2009 dressage and that only Copenhagen is competing against us for show jumping,” said BEF chief executive Andrew Finding.

An obvious selling point for Windsor, he said, was the unique British backdrop: an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world.

However, Windsor’s bid — put together by Royal Windsor Show organiser Simon Brooks-Ward’s H Power Group — did not so much beat competitors in the tender process, as find itself the last one standing. Other contenders, UNEX Towerlands and Hartpury College, pulled out before the 10 July deadline for final submissions with business plans.

“They expressed the view that they did not have the time to do all the work that was needed,” said Mr Finding.

Hickstead, which hosted the 1999 European Show Jumping Championships and the 2003 European Dressage Championships, did not submit a tender after the race was launched on 18 May. This was due to the time constraints in the lead-up to the Hickstead Derby and Royal International Horse Show.

Mr Finding, who will lead a delegation before the FEI’s jumping committee in Lausanne on 29 September, said H Power Group did “not cut any corners”.

Simon Brooks-Ward said he had no complaint about the tender deadline, adding: “I’ve always thought that if you want something hard enough you’ll pull out all the stops to make it happen.”

Aside from the backdrop, he said Windsor Castle’s selling points included it being “within spitting distance” of Heathrow and surrounded by hotels. The venue boasts a permanent 120x50m all-weather surface arena, completed last year, costing £500,000.