Pegasus Issue 3 by Pegasus Magazine

THE ART OF RIDING

Germany conquers JONELLE RICHARDS

Success is an attitude! 100 years of Olympic Games Issue 3 I 2012

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CON T E N T S I I S S U E 3 OCEANIA REGULAR FEATURES

AN EQUESTRIAN DYNAST Y

SUCCESS IS AN ATTITUDE!

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

TICK TOCK – TIME CHALLENGES TOP RIDERS

106

GERMANY CONQUERS

120

YOUTH OVER AGE

136

IF WISHES WERE HORSES

146

IN THE SHADOWS OF THE WHITE HOUSE

158

VAST L ANDSCAPES AND EX TREME TEMPERATURES

NEWS 9 STYLE GUIDE

SPECIAL FEATURES 170

Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy are only days away from representing Australia in the London Olympics, where she will compete alongside her cousin Kirsty Oatley and husband Patrik Kittel (SWE). Born into an equestrian family she first dreamed of representing her country when she watched the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and her dream is finally being realised.

Libby Law spoke with eventing rider, Jonelle Richards as she prepares to represent New Zealand for the first time at the London Olympics.

E U RO P E

Lucinda Fredericks is shown competing Headley Brittannia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she will represent Australia again at London. Photo: Tomas Holcbecher

The hopes and dreams of equestrian athletes and their support crews are all focused on Greenwich Park for the next 14 days of world class competition. Our Olympic preview brings you insight into the 2012 Games and reflects back over the past century of equestrian heroes.

Just weeks before London, many of the worlds leading riders struggled to ride inside the time allowed at Rotterdam CHIO. Of 32 starters only three finished with faultless rounds and ultimate victory went to Marco Kutscher after an unorthodox finish over the last fence.

Germany scored a morale-boosting win in the fourth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing, held on their home ground at Aachen (GER) and their final selection trial before the London Olympic Games.

Philipp Weishaupt and Loeville had a daring ride to win the Estoril Grand Prix ahead of their boss Ludger Beerbum in a thrilling jump off in the Portugal leg of the Global Champions Tour.

N O RT H A M E R I CA Tina Konyot and her stud muffin stallion Calecto will live it, believe it and strive for their best as they compete in the most important event of their dressage career.

The 54th annual Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders to the U.S. capitol.

A F RI C A People have ridden across the Namib Desert for over twenty years and it is rated as one of the toughest and most challenging rides in the world. THE ART OF RIDING I PEGASUS I

ith the 2012 Olympic Games already upon us there is no doubt that the equestrian world has all eyes focused on London as riders battle it out for the much coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The next 14 days of competition marks a milestone for international equestrian sport as we celebrate 100 years of Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping at the Olympics. In recent history, equestrian sports has been at risk of exclusion from the games but FEI President Princess Haya is confident we will be looking forward to another 100 years of legendary rider and horse combinations competing at the Olympics. In this issue of Pegsus we have embraced the Olympic spirit, bringing you exclusive interviews with Olympians from around the world. For Tina Konyot (USA Dressage), Jonelle Richards (NZL Eventing) and Lyndal Oatley (AUS Dressage) it is their first time representing their nations at the Games, and Pegasus talks with them about their struggles and triumphs as they have turned their Olympic dreams into reality. While it is exciting to see new riders making their Olympic debut it is also thrilling to watch living legends like Mark Todd and Ian Miller compete in their seventh and tenth Games respectively. In dressage, Isabel Werth and Anky van Grunsven will be striving for a podium finish with the hopes of becoming the first dressage riders to win nine medals... a formidable feat! On the world stage we have bought you event coverage of leading international events as riders across the world have battled it out for Olympic selection. From Aachen CHIO to the Global Champions Tour in Estorial, we have watched closely over the last two months to see how the highest ranked riders performed in the lead up to London. We are excited to have contributors on site at London and will be bringing you exclusive interviews and coverage of the event. We have a century of Olympics to celebrate and I anticipate the 2012 Games will produce some history making wins that will redefine what makes an equestrian hero. Kelly Wilson EDITOR

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editor â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notes

the art of riding I pegasus I

Tomas Holcbecher

100 years and counting...

Bringing the best stallions together

Chacco-Blue

Bretton Woods

Sandro Boy

Foundation

Paul Schockemöhle

Stud Paul Schockemöhle Münsterlandstraße 51 49439 Mühlen · Germany Tel.: +49(0) 54 92 - 96 01 00 Fax: +49(0) 54 92 - 96 01 11 www.schockemoehle.com deckstation@schockemoehle.com Balou du Rouet

We will be glad to send you our catalogue or dvd on request.

Diarado

Fürstenball

Fürst Romancier

Totilas

Chilensky

Messenger

Sir Donnerhall

Metall

Sandro Hit

NEWS

the team Publisher

Ned Dawson Associate Publisher

Craig Lord Editor

Kelly Wilson Contributing editorS

Kelly Wilson Kerry Bowness Libby Law Diana De Rosa Suzy Jarratt Louise Parks/FEI GCT Lauren Fisher Contributing photographers

Kelly Wilson Tomas Holcbecher Kerry Bowness Libby Law Karl-Heinz Frieler Diana De Rosa FEI GCT/Sportfot In the Saddle at African Horseback Safaris Graphic design

Dot Design

FEI LAUNCHES OLYMPIC WEBSITE In the final countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the FEI has launched a new online hub fei.org/olympic dedicated to all things Olympic and Paralympic, both old and new. In celebration of the centenary of equestrian sport in the Olympic Movement and all the equine and human athletes that have made Olympic equestrian history since 1912, the new section explores in detail each edition of the Games, with summaries on the sport, complete results, statistics and iconic photos. The richly illustrated website follows the evolution of a traditional activity open only to commissioned officers and “gentlemen riders” into the modern and exciting sport we know today. Amateur historians will be delighted to discover rare images and to enjoy little known facts

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and anecdotes.    The Olympic hub also includes all the technical information around the Olympic Games, links to schedules and results, as well as all the Olympic news from the FEI and a regularly updated photo gallery.

The online hub includes iconic photos of Olympic venues and the world’s most celebrated riders and horses.

“Each Olympics and Paralympics bring new achievements and the ever changing horizon of sporting enterprise, and we greet each new experience with anticipation and expectation,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya said. “But the Games are not only about the here and now and what is to come. They are also about what has been achieved; what limitations have been exceeded, and what barriers broken; what records have

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been set and what heights of endeavour scaled.

Head Office Address

“In the coming weeks,

PO Box 37 978, Parnell, Auckland 1001, New Zealand T +64 9 281 2020 F +64 9 528 3172

millions of people will have the chance to see equestrian sport at its very best at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. To all our athletes and

international numbers

support personnel taking part

United Kingdom +442030262560

in the Olympic and Paralympic

Los Angeles +13239272354 New York +17188798634 Australia +61283557056

Games, I wish the very best of luck. We are all aware of

Norman dello Joio (USA) and Irish competing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

the years of hard work that were necessary to take you to the top of our sport and we are immensely proud of you.” The hub will soon be expanded to include biographies for athletes and officials at the London 2012 Olympic Games, as well as the history of equestrian events at the Paralympic Games since equestrian joined the list of Paralympic sports in 1996.

www.pegasusforum.com @PegasusMagazine the art of riding I pegasus I

NEWS GREENWICH PARK FOOTING PASSES FINAL REVIEW

AMERICAN ACTRESS BO DEREK SUPPORTS FEI AWARDS 2012

A final assessment has been carried out on the allweather footing at Greenwich Park, and given approval by the FEI.

American actress Bo Derek has lent her

Debbie Jevans, LOCOG Director of Sport, who was

support to the FEI Awards 2012 by calling

present at the assessment, commented: “With support

on the worldwide equestrian community

from the FEI, the contractors and our own team have done

to make nominations. Derek, who shot to

a great job to get the make-up of the surface right, and

superstar status through her role in the 1979

we now believe this will be a world class surface for the

romantic comedy film 10, is a devoted horse

equestrian athletes in a stunning Olympic venue.”

enthusiast. She underlined the importance

The surface was changed after last year’s test

she attaches to horses in the title of her 2002

event following feedback from officials and riders. The

autobiography Riding Lessons: Everything

assessment took place on the main arena, and involved

That Matters in Life I learned from Horses.

two high-level competition horses which worked on the

Derek owns Andalusian and Lusitano

surface and jumped fences. The surface mixture of sand

horses and is an ambassador for Equine

and fibre has been further improved by the addition of

Advocates, a non-profit horse protection

a binder. Approximately 8,500 tonnes will be used at

organisation. She is a great fan of horse sport

Greenwich Park.

and cites USA Dressage rider Tina Konyot as

Also attending as FEI representatives were Technical

one of her heroes.

Advisor Leopoldo Palacios, Jumping Technical Delegate

“Knowing the grit and determination that

Frank Rothenberger, and footing experts Oliver Hoberg

equestrian athletes need to succeed and

and Bart Poels. Olympic course designer Bob Ellis was also

the unconditional love of horses that drives

present. All were unanimous in their view that the footing

those people who work behind the scenes, I

that has been produced is of a quality that would be

am only too happy to lend my support to the

expected of an Olympic Games and performs consistently

FEI Awards 2012,” Derek said. ”These global

across the full extent of the arena, as well as on the training

awards are an opportunity to let the people

and warm-up areas.

you admire step forward and enjoy a well-

The conclusions of those present following the visual

deserved moment in the spotlight. Making a

assessment of the horses jumping were supported by

successful nomination is a great way of saying

the scientific work carried out on the surface by Lars

thank you to consistently great performers.”

Roepstorff. Professor in equine functional anatomy at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lars has been carrying out research on the properties of equestrian

Some of the 2000 supports that hold up the arena at Greenwich.

surfaces around the world as part of a long-term scientific footing study for the FEI. He measured properties including surface firmness, elasticity, the dampening capacity of the footing, and grip. He considers the London 2012 footing to be amongst the best and particularly the most consistent that he has worked on, a view supported by attending FEI representatives. “A lot of work has been done on this footing with the involvement of many experts and we are really happy with the final result”, said FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos, who was also present at the assessment. “It is the first time that there has been such a scientific approach to footing and hopefully this will be part of the long-term legacy as it helps us to determine the parameters that can be used in the future to establish scientifically approved criteria for optimal footing. “Tim Hadaway showed me around the cross-country and we were happy to see that the footing is in very the recent adverse weather conditions have had no negative effects.”

10 I pegasus I the art of riding

FEI

good shape and ready for the competition, and that

w w w .d im a c c i. c o m . a u Available online and through selected stockists

NEWS Kelly Wilson

Surprise Victory for Ireland at Hickstead The Irish produced the shock of the season when beating crack sides from Germany and France to win the seventh leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 series at Hickstead (GBR). Trailing at the bottom of the league table after an inconsistent run that included a miserable last-place finish in Falsterbo, Sweden just seven days’ ago, Robert Splaine’s side appeared to have it all to do in this penultimate round of the eight-leg tournament. But

Just days out from the start of the London Games, Shane Rose’s gelding Taurus has sustained a training injury and has been withdrawn from the Olympics.

they came out with all guns blazing to finish with just four faults for a definitive victory over the French who completed with eight, while Germany slotted into third

DEVASTATING NEWS AS ROSE RULED OUT OF SECOND OLYMPIC GAMES Only days before he was supposed to represent Australia, Shane Rose has withdrawn from the Olympics following a leg injury to his star horse Taurus. The pair have been replaced by travelling reserve, Megan Jones and Allofasudden. Equestrian Section Manager Brett Mace said, “this is not uncommon in equestrian for a horse to sustain an injury of this nature close of a major campaign and while the injury is not serious, there is just not enough time for recovery with just under a week to go. “There is no doubt this is a blow for the team and we feel for Shane who has worked for many years preparing Taurus for these Games. He is a hard working athlete who was a formidable part of our silver medal Beijing team.

with 12. The host nation lined up fourth when collecting a total of 20 faults, and Sweden and Belgium shared fifth with 24 apiece. A first-round total of 20 put paid to Dutch chances and they concluded the day with 28 faults on the board for second-last spot ahead of the Swiss, whose 40-fault result left them last by a long margin. As always, the Hickstead fences took their toll, but faults were spread all around the track set by Great Britain’s Bob Ellis - the man who will build the courses for the forthcoming London Olympic Games at Greenwich Park. Splaine was naturally delighted with the result - “it’s fair to say we’re not going to win the FEI Nations Cup, but we’re really hoping for another good result in Dublin” he said. The Irish capital city plays host to the final leg of the 2012 series in four weeks time. The Irish Chef d’Equipe described the earlier part of the season as “a bit of a misfortune” and insisted that last week’s bottomplace finish in Falsterbo was “out of character” for his side. “There are more downs than ups in this sport, and you have to be very strong to come back from that” he pointed out, adding “when you are a professional showjumper, you have to know how to bounce back from difficult times”. Kit Houghton/FEI

“But we had to take the advice of our vets in relation to performance and also horse welfare and therefore Megan Jones and Allofasudden will be added to the team. Megan has been working with her horse to ensure they are competition ready. She has the experience and proven track record to make it at this level of competition after finishing with a team silver medal and fourth individually at Beijing”. “The team now needs to focus on finalising preparation, and while Shane will be a loss, we feel our medal chances remain just as strong,” he said.

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The winning Irish team with their trophy during the FEI Nations Cup Jumping at Hickstead.

EQUESTRIAN

N A D R G FINAL 15-18 November 2012, Melbourne Showground

The Equestrian Grand Final is a spectacular multi-discipline event held at EQUITANA, Melbourne 15-18 November 2012 at Melbourne Showground. This competition will showcase the ‘best of the best’ and include close to 50 of the top riders from around the country. This premiere event will bring together Australia’s elite Equestrian competitors in Dressage, Jumping and Exhibition Eventing. Big prizes, big action, big excitement.

Michelle Terlato Photography

Nicole Bartleet www.littlewingphoto.com.au

Michelle Terlato Photography

“The Equestrian Grand Final is a fun and exciting event. Bringing together the three Olympic disciplines makes it really special. I love it.” Megan Jones, Olympic Silver medallist.

www.equestrian.org.au

www.equitana.com.au

www.pegasusforum.com Keeping you up to date with the elite world of international show jumping, eventing and dressage.

FIND US ON

NEWS DOUBLE GOLD FOR GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND Germany took Dressage Team and Freestyle gold, the British once again dominated in Jumping and the Irish recorded their first-ever team success while also claiming two of the three individual medals in Eventing at the FEI European Pony Championship 2012 in Fontainebleau, France. Sanne Vos claimed the Individual Dressage title for The Netherlands, but was pipped by Germany’s Semmeike Rothenberger in the closely fought Freestyle by the smallest of margins.

Dressage Semmeike Rothenberger is following closely in the footsteps of her multiple medal-winning older sister, Sanneke. Riding the brilliant and aptly-named Golden Girl, the 12 year old produced the deciding result, and the highest score of the competition, when adding 76.744 to the 73.872 earned by Nadine Krause (Danilo) and 73.616 awarded to AnnaChristina Abbelen (Dornik’s Donovan) to ensure the German team victory.

Jumping The British continued their domination of the Jumping Championship with another convincing team win for a lineup that included two of last year’s gold medal winning side, Amy Inglis and Jessica Mendoza. The British squad was rounded up by Millie Allen and 15-year-old Alex Chitty. They were the only country to complete the first round of the Nations Cup on a zero score. Sweden and Germany lay second at the halfway stage carrying four faults each, while Denmark was next in line with eight followed by The Netherlands with 10. There were only two double-clear performances in the entire competition – and 14 year old Allen and Song Girl produced one of them which ensured the eight-fault second-round result for Chitty could be dropped, leaving them on a final tally of eight when Inglis and Mendoza both had one fence down second time out. It was Switzerland’s Emilie Paillot and Top Jezabel de L’Etape who won the Individual Final competition ahead of Britain’s Chitty in second and The Netherland’s Lisa Nooren and Rock Dee Jay in third.

Eventing There were big celebrations in the Irish camp after they took the Eventing team title for the very first time. And the addition of individual gold and bronze really put the icing on the cake. They established a narrow 1.3 penalty lead over the British in dressage and never looked back. They were the only one of the nine competing nations to produce three clears on cross-country day and went into the final afternoon with an advantage of almost 20 penalties. Continued on page 16

FEI

The individual eventing medal winners celebrate at the European Pony Championships.

the art of riding I pegasus I

NEWS Continued from page 15

Pathfinder Cathal Daniels was faultless throughout to finish on his dressage mark of 45.2 with Master Murrose, and that would prove the individual gold medal winning score. Irish Chef d’Equipe, Sue Shortt, said ““I knew in the last few weeks that we had the best team Ireland had ever fielded at the European championships, and their performance was fantastic. I’m delighted for the kids, they deserved everything they won today. This is the first time an Irish team has ever led the field after dressage and we owe that to our dressage coach Sue Smallman who turned the riders inside out in the months leading up to this”. Results: Team Jumping Championship: GOLD - Great Britain 8 faults: Nils d’Hurl Vent (Amy Inglis) 04, Song Girl (Millie Allen) 0/0, Amilie Jr Z (Alex Chitty) 0/8, Tixylix (Jessica Mendoza) 0/4; SILVER - Germany 16 faults and 0 in third-round jump-off: Mentos Junior (Marie Schulze Topphof) 0/0, Tiara (Julia Schacht) 8/Elim, Patty 23 (Justine Tebbel) 4/8, Carrick (Lars Volmer) 0/4; BRONZE - Switzerland 16 faults and 4 faults in third-round jump-off: Clogherboy Mirah (Thomas Nussbaumer) 8/0, Ocean des As (Vladya Reverdin) 16/0, Top Jezabel de L’Eta (Emilie Paillot) 4/0, Arts Deilo (Fabienne Egenberger) 4/12. Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD - Song Girl (Millie Allen) GBR 4 faults; SILVER - Rock Dee Jay (Lisa Nooren) NED 7 faults; BRONZE - Amilie Jur Z (Alex Chitty) GBR 8 faults and 0/36.12 in jump-off. Team Dressage Championship: GOLD - Germany 74.744%: Golden Girl (Semmieke Rothenberger) 76.744; Danilo 80 (Nadine Krause) 73.872, Dornik’s Donovan (Anna-Christina Abbelen) 73.616; Equestricons Lord Champion (Lena Charlotte Walterschei) 69.564; SILVER - Netherlands 74.128%: TC Champ of Class DVB (Sanne Vos) 75.769, Paso Double (Rosalie Bos) 73.385, Den Ostriks Dailan (Jelle Peeters) 73.231, Boticelli (Lotte Meulendijks) 71.205; BRONZE - Denmark 72.752%: Natalina (Victoria Vallentin) 74.256, Dornick Son (Kristine Koch Bejstrup) 72.154, Vegelins Goya (Maria Christensen) 71.846, Janine We (Sille Engermann) 68.590. Individual Dressage Championship: GOLD - TC Champ of Class DVB (Sanne Vos) NED 78.707%: SILVER - Golden Girl (Semmieke Rothenberger) GER 78.317%; BRONZE - Paso Double (Rosalie Bos) NED 75.561%. Freestyle Dressage Championship: GOLD - Golden Girl (Semmieke Rothenberger) GER 81.975%; SILVER - TC CHAMP OF CLASS DVB (Sanne Vos) 81.750% NED; BRONZE - Paso Double (Rosalie Bos) NED 78.125%. Eventing Team Championship: GOLD - Ireland 152.9: Master Murrose (Cathal Daniels) 45.2, Ice Cool Bailey (Ana O’Brien) 49.9, Nono (Lucy Latta) 57.8, Mr Hale Bob (Gavin Smiddy) 123.7: Great Britain 178.8: Carrowmore Gemstone (Louisa Nesbitt) 49.0, Cregann Scenic (Janou Bleekman) 53.8, Bandalera (Madeleine Taylor) 76.0, Three Wells Breeze (Charlotte Bacon) /: BRONZE - Netherlands 215.8: Anydale For Pleasure (Nina Knape) 59.3, Regent Des Mauvis (Joyce Van de Kuilen) 72.7, Veenstra’s VIP (Milou de Hoon) 83.8, Knock Out (Levi Driessen) Elim. Eventing Individual Championship: GOLD - Master Murrose (Cathal Daniels) 45.2; SILVER - Carrowmore Gemstone (Louisa Nesbitt) GBR 49.0; BRONZE - Ice Cool Bailey (Ana O’Brien) IRL 49.9.

PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ENDORSES FEI AWARDS 2012 Count Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has given his support to the FEI Awards 2012 as London prepares to host the Games of the XXX Olympiad.    Count Rogge, who was elected as the eighth President of the IOC in 2001 and re-elected for a new term in 2009, said “I am delighted to support the FEI Awards, which, since their creation in 2009, have rewarded some of the most exceptional people in the equestrian world. I encourage you to nominate individuals who give the best of themselves and embrace the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship in their work with horses and in their everyday lives.”    The FEI Awards have since their creation in 2009 rewarded 15 individuals in five categories: HSBC Rising Star, Reem Acra Best Athlete, Development, Against All Odds and Best Groom.

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Lyndal competing at the World Dressage Masters in Munich 2010 with Potifar. ÂŠ Sara Silverberg

the art of riding I pegasus I

yndal Oatley has spent her life with horses but did not take up dressage until twelve years ago. From an early age she was fascinated by the infinite subtleties of this complex equestrian art and worked tirelessly honing her skills. Over the years she would spend months away from home, learning from European trainers, eventually becoming sufficiently competent to compete in the big tours at international events. She gained invaluable experience and earned respectable scores against the world’s highest ranked riders. Lyndal Oatley from Sydney, Australia was becoming very good at dressage. So good that recently when competing in Australian qualifying events in Mannheim, Germany and Compiegne, France she was the leading Australian in all four classes scoring over 70% on three occasions. Her consistent results earned her a spot on the Australian team at London alongside Mary Hanna and ‘Sancette’ from Victoria and her cousin, Kristy, based in Germany, riding ‘Clive’. Both riders are seasoned Olympians. On a brief visit back to her home in Galston in north-western Sydney Lyndal, 32, spoke of her recent marriage, her early years as a young rider and her somewhat privileged background. The Oatley family has an estimated wealth of 1.25 billion dollars and is famous for wine, maxi yachts and Hamilton Island, a luxurious resort on the Great Barrier Reef. In one way or another the family has always been associated with horses. “When I was a baby they put me on one of mum’s imported New Forest ponies. We lived in Denman among the vineyards in the New South Wales Hunter Valley. I used to ride in my grandad’s carriage when he drove his teams of four.” (Robert, the Oatley family 30 I pegasus I the art of riding

patriarch now in his mid-eighties, was a highly successful competitive driver.) “I joined the local pony club and later did a lot of showing like mum had done.” Carol Oatley had come from the Sydney suburb of Beecroft and as a girl did not have the financial resources to buy a horse. “When kids in the neighbourhood fell off she’d catch their loose ponies and hide them in her backyard,” Lyndal revealed. “When mum was older she was able to buy a hack and became very competitive in the showring. Then after she met and married dad (Andrew a.k.a. ‘Sandy’) she began importing ponies. “When we were kids Kristy, who’s two years older, and I would ride together and we both had lessons at the nearby NSW Equestrian Centre with Heath and Rozzie Ryan. When she was 14 she went to Germany.” Over the years Kristy, who has dual citizenship, has ridden for both Germany and Australia. She is married to a former Polish soccer star, Piort Staczek; they have three children. Back in 1976 Kristy’s mother, Ros, and her then husband, former German Junior Dressage Champion, Reiner Nist, imported the first Hanoverian licensed stallion into Australia. This was Dom Herr the sire of Barcelona eventing gold medallist, Kibah Tic Toc, ridden by Heath Ryan’s brother, Matthew. In Lyndal’s early years she excelled in the showring, “I wouldn’t trade that time for anything,” she said. “My hack, ‘Anthem’, was really competitive and nearly unbeaten for eighteen months. He was twice

Lyndal with her Olympic mount Sandro Boy, shown competing at CHIO Aachen in 2012. ÂŠ Karl-Heinz Frieler

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Lyndal and Potifar competing at CHIO Aachen in 2010. © Tomas Holcbecher

Australian Champion and earned me a nomination for Young Australian of the Year in Sport.” During her formative years she studied for a degree in business. “I majored in Marketing with a minor in Business management.” It was while watching the Grand Prix tests at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 that she decided to get serious about dressage. “It was my first ‘in-person’ introduction at such a high international level. I was inspired to compete at such an event - great riding, amazing horses - what it must take to achieve such a level of training. “I knew there was more to feel. I was first told this by Vince Corvi who’s a fine horseman and driver of hackneys. As far as I’m concerned there’s no person in Australia with a better ability for piaffe and passage. He’s an untapped talent with amazing feel. I once sat on one of his hackneys and held that contact – I’d never experienced power and balance like it.” Lyndal began having lessons from Matthew Dowsley, a local dressage trainer and horse dealer. “I didn’t want to sit on a schoolmaster so he gave me lessons on ‘HP Anagram’ a powerful young Australian-bred horse by Belcam Aatlantis. We bought this gelding and I was able to fast track my learning. ‘Anton’ gave me a very good feel in the collected work and I haven’t ridden a horse to this day 32 I pegasus I the art of riding

who could so effortlessly do the piaffe, passage and one-tempi changes.” During these twelve years Lyndal has had some wonderful horses including ‘Weltspiel’, ‘Florean’, ‘Feramo K’, ‘Potifar’ (her first grand prix horse), ‘Toy Story’, now campaigned by Patrik Kittel and, of course, ‘Sandro Boy’ a.k.a. ‘Nissa’ soon to perform at the iconic Greenwich Park. “Sadly ‘Anton’ had an accident and now lives here on my parents’ property with many other of our retired horses.” Lyndal set her sights overseas and began training and competing in Germany. For three months she worked with Ulla Salzgeber and later with Jurgen Koschels. “I’m as Aussie as can be and I never planned to be away too long from my family. Yet a former boyfriend predicted what would happen. ‘You’re eventually going to marry some overseas dressage person and live overseas’. At one stage I bought ‘Feramo K’ from Patrik Kittel. He knew how to ride this 9-year-old stallion and I got to know the horse and to know Patrik.” She got to know him so well they were married two years ago. The ceremony was a sumptuous affair held on the Oatley’s island. “There was one hitch, however,” recalled Lyndal, “Patrik had swine flu and didn’t feel at all well during the ceremony. It was going

Lyndal with her Olympic mount Sandro Boy, shown competing in the Grand Prix fur Kur at Hagen in 2012. ÂŠ Karl-Heinz Frieler

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Patriks and Lyndal were married in 2010 on Hamilton Island. © Andrea Francolini

around when we were at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. He was competing for Sweden and I was riding ‘Potifar’ for Australia. They called it ‘blue grass fever’. I became sick the day after the ceremony and I think we infected many of our guests as some became sick when they got home.” Home for the Kittels is in Nottuln in the heart of dressage between Munster and Dusseldorf. Outstanding Stables was once the residence of Westfalien nobility now featuring stylish accommodation for twenty horses and bristling with capable Swedish grooms. “Patrik, who’s my trainer as well as my husband, doesn’t come from a wealthy background,” explained Lyndal, who has exceptionally supportive, generous parents. “He’s an only child, saw little of his father, and his mother worked hard to support him. He fought like hell to buy a horse for 5,000 euros, which ended up being his first World Cup ride. He’s competed in numerous international events, represented Sweden at the Beijing Olympics and will again do so in London. He’s only 36 and over the years he’s trained almost 40 grand prix horses. “The top riders are the ones who have the passion and the ability, not the ones with the cash cards.” Lyndal certainly has these two vital qualities –

it was only in March that she rode her first GP on ‘Sandro Boy’ who she is now taking to London. “’He’s by ‘Sandro Hit’ and his owners wanted to sell him so rang Patrik. Like many international riders he baulked at the idea. This stallion’s progeny are successful in young horses classes and at small tour level but at the time we were contacted the only moderately successful one doing Grand Prix was Victoria Max-Theurer’s ‘Salieri’.”

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Lyndal with her dog at Rotterdam, photographed with Bo Jena (Sweden) and Ton De Ridder (Holland). © Tomas Holcbecher

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Potifar getting a hug at the end of the grand Prix at the Altech World Equestrian Games in 2010. © Ken Braddickdressage-news.com

(It should be mentioned here that ‘Sancette’, partnering Mary Hanna on the Australian team, is an 11-year-old gelding by ‘Sandro Hit’ out of a ‘Contender’ mare). “The owners were very persistent so we finally went to look at him. He was super sweet but had no piaffe/passage or one–tempis and we considered the price inappropriate. The owners, who’d had him since he was three, then asked if Patrick would campaign him and sell him on. I had a feeling this horse might just be for me. “Within two months he’d won at Lingen scoring over 75% in both the PSG and Inter 1. Some top riders then became interested but thankfully I’d put my hand up first. In the beginning he was a little resentful about collecting but was never mean. When he’s confident about what you want he’s with you 100%. He’s a stallion but has no idea what’s between his legs and I’d like to keep it that way!” Lyndal and Sandro Boy are on form for London and ‘Nissa’ has passed the required veterinary

examination to compete at the Olympics. When asked which team she expects to have a podium finish at London, Lyndal sees the host country as the nation most likely to win gold, “and the Germans will give them a run for their money. I think most people would agree that number one on that team is Helen Langenhanenberg with Damon Hill, a super rider, nice person and an amazing horse.” Lyndal has completely immersed herself in the team spirit – it is of paramount importance to her. “Both the Australian and Swedish Olympic Committees were happy for Patrik and me to be together during the Games but I’d have had to stay in the Swedish village. “This is my first time and I want to live with the Aussies. It’s all about being a team event. For me it’s Australia all the way and I’ll be in the village hopefully with Kristy in the same room, which would be fun. I’ll spend time with Patrik when things aren’t too hectic. It’s the Olympics, you’re there for your team and your nation – the marriage can wait a week.” 1 the art of riding I pegasus I

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Libby Law spoke with eventing rider, Jonelle Richards as she prepares to represent New Zealand for the first time at the London Olympics. photos by Libby Law

Jonelle Richards and FLINTSTAR at

the art ofthe riding I pegasus I 39 New Zealand Training Camp just

days before the 2012 Olympics.

Tonks again keeps an eye on proceedings.

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Sitting in the Richards-Price yard, close to Marlborough, Wiltshire in Great Britain, amongst the smell of leather and horses, with staff and their beautiful dog “Tonks” bustling about just outside the doors of their stunning tack room, you can feel the dedication and hard work that has been put into this yard…

onelle Richards, the 31yr old blond bombshell from Motueka, New Zealand, who aced her Bursary Exams and began a degree in Law at Canterbury University, speaks with Pegasus on her competitive outlook and how her passion for horses over ruled her love for academics – and it is proving to be the right choice as she steps into the direct spotlight of the London 2012 Olympics. “I was torn between academics and my passion for riding – and the tear was definitely in favour of riding!” Sitting in the Richards-Price yard, close to Marlborough, Wiltshire in Great Britain, amongst the smell of leather and horses, with staff and their beautiful dog “Tonks” bustling about just outside the doors of their stunning tack room, you can feel the dedication and hard work that has been put into this yard by Jonelle Richards and Tim Price over the past 6 years, paying off in dividends… “I started riding when I was 7yrs old. I was very much a kid, and I befriended someone who had a pony. I used to ride two or three days a week with them. I was 10 when I got my own pony and did the Pony Club thing, representing Nelson/ Marlborough/West-Coast in the 1995 NZ Pony Club Champs, but I was quickly drawn into the more senior Horse Trials circuit”. Jonelle moved to Christchurch with her mother, Lesley Richards, when she was 17, and did her first Advanced Horse Trail the following year. Along with studying Law at Canterbury University she dedicated a lot of time to riding, building up a string of 10 horses.

The following year she decided to take a break from studying to focus on her riding 100%... and she hasn’t looked back! Every season she would pack up her truck, and make the journey to the North Island for six weeks where the events are more concentrated. Another good friend, Tim Price would do the same, so they would be on the road with two trucks and 10 horses: “It was a lot of fun”. Their friendship turned into a little more when Jonelle was 21 years of age!

STEPPING UP TO INTERNATIONAL LEVEL “In 2003 I had a fairly decent horse (Mazetto) who finished 4th in the CCI3-Star at the National Three Day Event in Taupo, and I was asked by ESNZ if I had given any thought to travelling to Great Britain – I was on the ‘Development Squad’ at the time. So, I thought about it, and decided to come over and do Burghley. Unfortunately Mazetto became sick and we never got to Burghley. But I had a good look around and got a feel of the scene here.” In February 2004, Jonelle returned with her focus being on Badminton, again with Mazetto, and this time they had a great run, finishing 17th, which was good enough to get a place as travelling reserve for the 2004 Athens Olmpics. Both Mazetto and Jonelle flew out to Athens and were part of the team all the way through, except for the competing part! “I had a very good taste of the Olympics, even though I didn’t get to start. I stayed with the team and had full access to the Games.” the art of riding I pegasus I

Jonelle Richards and FLINTSTAR competing in the CIC*** the 2012 GBR-Equi-Trek 42 I at pegasus I the art of riding Bramham International Horse Trial.

It’s been a hard road leading up to where they are today, due to perseverance, determination and drive that is inspiring, Jonelle and Tim have a beautiful yard brimming with Jonelle and Tim – an incredible team!

colour and positivity.

From there Jonelle and Mazetto competed at Burghley – after their disappointment the previous year in not running, this time they started with all guns blazing, only to come unstuck at the second-tolast fence! You can imagine the frustration of getting nearly to the end of what is known as the World’s Toughest Course only to topple so close to those finish flags! The perils of this sport! It was back to New Zealand to do one more season as Jonelle still had her team in Christchurch. Then the big change took place. The decision was made to move to Great Britain permanently. She had two good horses at home that she decided to relocate, the rest were sold, including her truck and everything that was not needed. In February 2005, they made that long flight to Great Britain – the heart of the World’s Eventing Scene.

A EUROPEAN BASE Through the previous season in Great Britain, Jonelle had been based with Jackie Green. With her big move, she quickly came across a beautiful, but very run down property near Marlborough, Wiltshire (was there a pull towards this area due to the name I wonder?!). Jonelle’s partner, Tim Price, had stayed in New Zealand as he wanted to do another season there, however, his decision to join Jonelle was made rather quickly and he also sold up and joined her in June 2005, and together, with the help of a lot of kiwi friends and a huge amount of “can-do” attitude, they have turned a derelict hint of what was once a yard under a huge amount of overgrowth, rotting wood and crumbling stone, into the gorgeous state of beauty it is

today! As many will appreciate, it will continue to be a work-in-progress! “We got a lot of friends over from New Zealand, hired diggers and dump-trucks and all sorts of hardware – and with a lot of kiwi-can-do attitude managed to get it workable. Our landlords are wonderful – we are very lucky as coming into our 7th year here, we still have a great relationship with them”. The first four years saw a smaller team, and a lot of work going into the yard. This also meant less to work with when things did not go their way. Jonelle secured a team reserve spot for the 2006 WEG-Aachen with Mazetto, and shortly after this, the decision was made to sell him. Jonelle did have another promising horse at the time, BROOKLAND, however he suffered a heart attack and died at an event. “That was really tough, you never want to experience something like that happening, but you have to give yourself time to get over it, then move on with more knowledge and experience under your belt. I did have another horse competing at 3-Star level, NEMO, but decided to sell him – it was another hard decision, but I thought it was worth taking a step back in order to take two steps forward”.

THE PROMISE OF THINGS TO COME During this time, there were young ones coming along and a lot of work to be done, Tim had horses competing at the higher levels, which in a way was a good thing to keep the energy in the yard. It is such hard, relentless work, which takes a lot of patience and understanding, and a strong support to keep you the art of riding I pegasus I

Jonelle and FLINTSTAR competing in the CCI**** at Burghley.

going through the tough times – and in Jonelles case, this is definitely Tim (and visa-versa). “Having the two of us in this together is a huge bonus. We support each other whole-heartedly and we both have our own uniqueness when it comes to the horses we click with – Tim can ride the tricky or strong ones, I can ride the small, deviant ones! There’s not much we can’t do. A lot of horses come our way, and we decide which is best suited as to who will ride them”. It was another 3 years before Jonelle had another 3-Star start – the horses in this interim kept her busy in the lower classes and development stage! However Tim had a number of horses at the higher levels and was on the short list for 2010 WEG Kentucky. “It seems we swing in round-a-bouts – he had a number of top horses when I had a number in the development stage, and over the last 18months it has been opposite! We hope to get enough depth and strength in our string of horses to sustain us at the highest level – when you are running on small numbers and a small team, you have less options…”

A STAR IS BORN And then Flintstar entered their lives in 2008! Well actually, Flintstar had been in their lives since the day he was born, they just weren’t aware of it. Flintstar was bred by Tim’s parents who sold him 44 I pegasus I the art of riding

as a 2yr old via another link, to Darnelle Hubbard (now Darnelle Price – Tim’s brothers wife!). Darnelle broke him in and he was leased out to a young rider when she decided to travel. Invariably she answered an advertisement for Jonelle and Tims Yard in Great Britain and began working for them. She had always talked about this horse at home and how she wanted to bring him over. She finally convinced her father to put him on a plane! She rode him to 2-Star level. Then Jonelle and Tim bought half shares, and Tim began riding him. “He was quite unruly and not particularly cooperative! But boy, he could jump! We thought maybe he had a bit more there…” Then a little over 2 years ago, Tim had too many horses to go to Houghton Hall Interntional 2-Star with, so Jonelle said she would ride Flintstar. They had a great run, finishing on their dressage score. The next day, Tim broke his femur, and Jonelle had to take over the entire yard for the rest of the year. Knowing the horse’s capability, it was decided to enter him in the Blenheim 3-Star 2010 where they had another successful run, and from there it was apparent that they clicked! “When Tim recovered, he was very kind and generous to let me keep him, but he was aware of the suitability for him, which is so important”. Flintstar is an incredible jumper, his weak point

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Jonelle training with the ESNZ High Performance Squad (Show jumping with Luis Alvarez Cervera (ESP) & Erik Duvander (ESNZ HP Coach).

is the Dressage, and Jonelle has been working on this with great focus, with Bettina Hoy coaching in the past, and more recently Mark Todd. “Mark has such incredible experience with New Zealand Thoroughbreds he has made a huge amount of progress. We know he can be competitive and his jumping phases are so good – this is why he is going to the Olympics”.

“Flintstar and I are heading in the right direction and will continue this training. We are very confident with the balance we have achieved”. Jonelle feels that in the past she has been an outside chance, whereas right here-right now she is in her element, “I deserve to be here – I feel completely part of the team”.

THE FUTURE AN OLYMPIC DREAM IS REALISED It’s been a hard road leading up to where they are today with not a lot of financial backing, but due to perseverance, determination and drive that is inspiring, Jonelle and Tim have a beautiful yard brimming with colour and positivity – there are over 30 horses in their care, a mix of their own, ones ridden for owners, in training for competiton and being schooled. They have a very good reputation locally, and a lot of respect from the Eventing community here. Tim has made a very good name for himself in breaking-in horses and being able to deal with “tricky” ones, and Jonelle is very busy giving lessons. 46 I pegasus I the art of riding

Of course, the 2012 London Olympic Games are upon us and Jonelle is looking forward to representing New Zealand! And beyond? The 2014 WEG Normandy is looming, with the 2016 Rio Olympic Games only getting closer, and Jonelle and Tim have some brilliant prospects in their yard – we may be seeing this dynamic-duo featuring together in the not too distant future. And even closer, with a star shining as brightly as her place in the 2012 Olympic team – will be her marriage to Tim Price – her wonderful partner of 10 years – on 11th February 2013 in New Zealand – now, this will be the 5-STAR event of their lives! 1

It is an incredible atmosphere watching the New Zealand eventing team train and compete together. Libby Law has had the opportunity to see them in action over the past two seasons on the European Circuit – and their dynamics are incredible. There is such a sense of comradeship. You can feel the respect they have for each other, for the team at ESNZ, and for all the fans, followers and supporters back home and around the world! With the 2012 London Olympic Games on our doorstep, New Zealand has a team that is causing ripples of excitement that are quickly forming into tidal waves! The expectations of this team are huge – they have the strength to match… Both Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson are going into their seventh Olympic Games with extremely exciting horses. They are New Zealand’s most capped Olympians from any sport!

Andrew Nicholson and Nereo Nereo is striking – his gorgeous long legs and uplifting gait catches breaths in the Dressage, his power through the Cross Country is palpable, and his cleverness and carefulness in the Show Jumping phase makes him an incredibly strong member of this team. Andrew has an incredible career that is showing no signs of slowing down! This man is known for his ‘stickability’, endurance and ability to go forth and conquer, and to be able to take knocks, spring up, brush himself off and carry on! His most recent achievements include being former No. 1 ranked rider in International Equestrian Federation World Eventing; Current title holder of the Festival Of British Eventing Open Championships with Nereo; and most recently took both the title and 2nd place at this years Barbury Castle International CIC3Star on his other Olympic qualified horses: Avebury and Quimbo.

Andrew Nicholson will join Jonelle in the New Zealand Team to compete in London. He is shown winning the FOBE Open Championship with NEREO and placed 2nd with Avebury.

Mark Todd and NZB Campino NZB Campino has superstar quality – he has fast become known to produce top marks in the Dressage, his lightness and agility makes him fly in the Cross Country, and he lifts his toes beautifully in the Show Jumping phase. He has been under the incredible skill of one of the Worlds leading riders for three years, entering Marks yard as a Pre-Novice, and quickly moving through the grades and becoming strong in 3-star competitions last year. Mark Todd, the living legend is a popular addition to the New Zealand eventing team. He is the only rider to compete at London that has previously won Gold.

The highest peaks of Mark Todd’s eventing career were his two Olympic gold medals on Charisma, in 1984 & 1988. He remains the only person to win back-to-back individual Olympic titles since World War II. He also was proud to carry New Zealand’s flag at the Opening Ceremony of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain and was made an MBE [Member of the British Empire] in 1984 and a CBE [Commander of the British Empire] in 1995. In 2000 he was voted FEI Event Rider of the 20th Century by the International Equestrian Federation. the art of riding I pegasus I

“In the back of my mind, I always thought he would be the one I would take to the Games. This year he’s come out and he has developed and matured and he feels great. He is a little light on mileage, but The Olympics is based on a 3* course and I am confident he is up to it. He has been to Greenwich for the test event last season and had a great run.”

Caroline Powell and Lenamore The ‘forever young’ 19 year old Lenamore, has an incredible fan base around the world and throws a huge amount of vitality into an already strong team! Caroline represented New Zealand at the 2006 World Equestrian Games where she finished 26th. Since this debut she has become a strong part of New Zealand’s Eventing Force, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; 2012 WEG-Kentucky Silver Medal Team and most famously, her win on Lenamore at the 2010 Burghley International Horse Trial. Formerly from Christchurch, Caroline is now based in Scotland with husband Richard and has brilliant talent in her yard.

Jonathan Paget and Clifton Promise

Caroline Powell and LENAMORE and strength to the New Zealand Team, they are shown here competing in the CIC*** at the 2012 GBR-Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trial where they finished 4th.

The beautiful and “quirky” Clifton Promise has risen to fame quickly with their 7th place at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky – and these two have continued to wow the Equestrian World since! Jonathan sits at No.4 position in the 2012 FEI Eventing Rider Rankings (as at 1 June 2012). This combination returned to the USA-Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event CCI4* this year, placing 4th, and Jonathan has earned great respect within the International Eventing community with his string of brilliant prospects in his yard. “I have a lot of respect for him, he is a powerful horse, he is a little bit quirky, but he is a champion and always gives his best whenever he can. He is at a point now that he can be competitive at the highest level. He has matured through to the exciting point where we go out to win. He’s definitely the most difficult horse I have ever had to manage, as simple as tying him up, washing him down, walking him on a long rein, there is a whole lot of horse about him, but when everything is in place on the day, he can pull out an incredible performance”. “We all get along really well which is really nice. It has been a while developing this team, not just the riders, but the management – we all work really well together which makes for a great environment to progress!”

Jonelle Richards and Flintstar The dynamic Flintstone and his gorgeous rider are perhaps the least known of the New Zealand team and will be representing New Zealand in their first Olympic Games. We hope you enjoyed our exclusive interview with this rising star and look forward to following their results at London. Jonelle and FLINTSTAR

COUNTING DOWN THE HOURS The competition is fierce, and in the world of Equestrian, it is known that “anything can happen on the day”. These combinations, both within the team and individually, have to ride every second like it’s their last, every second as though the previous didn’t exist and the next can wait. This is the pinicle moment, the edge of the seat excitement and adrenalin charging atmosphere that will make these stars shine. We hope everyone has something to hold on to, the 2012 Olympics is going to be an unforgetable ride!

48 I pegasus I the art of riding

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Europe

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story by FEI/Louise Parkes

54 I

Kelly Wilson

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thletes from 40 countries on six continents will compete in the equestrian events of the London 2012 Olympic Games, which get underway on 28 July. The list of entries validated by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is now available on the FEI website. Continuing the Olympic tradition, Jumping is the strongest discipline with 26 nations represented, but Dressage – for the first time – has overtaken Eventing and has the second highest number of nations taking part, with 23 compared to 22 for Eventing. Seven nations – Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the USA – will be represented by teams in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. Four countries – Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, and host nation Great Britain – have qualified the maximum number of 13 riders.

EVENTING PREVIEW EVENTING FIRST UP AS GREENWICH WELCOMES THE EQUESTRIAN WORLD Eventing leads the way, with the First Horse Inspection taking place on the same day as IOC President, Jacques Rogge, greets Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at the entrance to the Olympic Stadium at Marshgate Lane during the London 2012 Opening Ceremony on Friday 27 July.     The horse inspection follows the allimportant draw, which will decide the running order for the first two phases of the competition. This takes place in the presence of the Ground Jury, Denmark’s Anne Mette Binder (President), 56 I pegasus I the art of riding

Kelly Wilson

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Tomas Holcbecher

Nadine Capellmann, Heike Kemmer and Isabell Werth celebrate their triumphs at Bejing.

Olympic glory is elusive however. Despite their remarkable record in the sport, the British have only taken Eventing team gold on three occasions.

Britain’s Nick Burton and Australia’s Gillian Rolton. Germany’s Martin Plewa is Technical Delegate and will have Brazil’s Ataide Barcelos Pereira working alongside as Assistant TD. As the draw is made, blocks of individual athletes will be interspersed between team members, with the fifth athlete from each team going in the final group.

DRESSAGE    Dressage takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July, followed by Cross-Country on Monday 30. The Dressage Test is OG CCI 4-Star Test B, Short Version. The following morning, Tuesday 31, after the Second Horse Inspection, the team medals will be decided in the first round of Jumping. The top-25 will then qualify for the Individual final in the afternoon, again competing in reverse order of merit and with only three riders from each nation permitted to make the cut.    The restriction on numbers could lead to a gritty internal battle in some of the teams on that final day, as precious places in the afternoon individual decider hang in the balance. And that includes the heavyweight host-nation which boasts one of the biggest names in the sport – William Fox-Pitt, the No. 1 rider in the HSBC World Rankings and a hot contender for Olympic glory. He is joined by multiple medallist Mary King, Tina Cook who claimed Individual bronze in 2008, Nicola Wilson and Zara Phillips. The latter pair have never made it to the Olympics before, but in the case of World and European champion Phillips, that was down to last-minute unsoundness for her horse Toytown in both 2004 and 2008. It will be a momentous occasion should the 31-year-old rider take a medal in the year that her grandmother, the British monarch, marks 60 years on the English throne.

ELUSIVE Olympic glory is elusive however. Despite their remarkable record in the sport, the British have only taken Eventing team gold on three occasions – most recently at Munich (GER) in 1972 when Richard Meade also took the

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It is America that holds the record for most Olympic team victories, with four in total.

individual title. That’s a 40-year gap, and one the home team is keen to bridge. Zara Phillips’ father, Mark Phillips, was on that 1972 winning side along with Mary Gordon-Watson and Bridget Parker, and the entire team went on to become highly influential in the world of equestrian sport in the years that followed. Mark Phillips comes to London in 2012 as US Eventing team manager.    It is America that holds the record for most Olympic team victories, with four in total. And US riders have another statistic on their side. On the only other occasion when the Olympic Games were previously staged in London, 64 years ago in 1948, they came out on top. Perhaps this augurs well for the fortunes of the squad of William Coleman, Tiana Coudray, Boyd Martin, Karen O’Connor and Philip Dutton – the latter a double-gold Olympic medallist when competing under the Australian flag at Atlanta (USA) in 1996 and Sydney (AUS) in 2000.     The Germans are a formidable bunch however. Like the British, they have three team and two individual titles under their belt, and they are also the defending champions. Ingrid Klimke and Peter Thomsen were both members of the gold-medal-winning side at the Beijing Games in Hong Kong four years ago, when team-mate Hinrich Romeike put in a stunning performance to win the individual title. And this time their squad includes a man who may well be destined to lay down a major marker in Olympic history.

FABULOUS FORM    Michael Jung showed fabulous form at the HSBC FEI Classics™ in Luhmühlen (GER) last month, and if the reigning World and European champion can add Olympic gold to his extensive collection, then he will be the first rider ever to hold all three titles at the same time. He celebrated his 30th birthday on 31 July, so it will be a day to remember if he succeeds. He competes alongside Klimke, Thomsen, Sandra Auffarth and Dirk Schrade in the crack German side.    But the battle for the individual title looks wide open, and southern60 I pegasus I the art of riding

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Living legend Mark Todd riding Gandalf at Bejing. Todd is the only former individual gold medalist that will be competing in the eventing discipline at London.

EVENTING 22 nations AUS, AUT, BEL, BLR, BRA, CAN, ECU, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, JAM, JPN, NED, NZL, POL, RSA, RUS, SWE, THA, USA 13 teams AUS, BEL, BRA, CAN, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, JPN, NED, NZL, SWE, USA 9 nations represented by individuals only AUT, BLR, ECU, ITA, JAM, POL, RUS, RSA, THA

Tomas Holcbecher

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Caroline Powell and Lenamore shown competing at Beijing in 2008, the duo will return again this year to represent New Zealand at London.

The Cross-Country course, designed by Sue Benson over the unusually hilly terrain in Greenwich Park, is bound to play its part, and there will, no doubt, be more than a few surprises over the four days of competition.

hemisphere representatives will be a big threat. The Australian team abounds with talent in the shape of Christopher Burton, Megan Jones and husband-and-wife Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks - the latter two were members of the silver medal winning team in 2008, while four-time Olympic medallist, Andrew Hoy, will match the record set by America’s Mike Plumb for most Olympic Eventing appearances when lining out at his seventh Games.    And New Zealand looks so strong – Jonathan Paget, Caroline Powell, Jonelle Richards and the living legend, Mark Todd – the only former individual gold medalist in the competition – are joined by the man they are all talking about right now, 50-year-old Andrew Nicholson. The Kiwis were really impressive when filling the top three places at the pre-Olympic event at Barbury Castle in Great Britain recently. Nicholson was on fire that weekend as he swept to victory and also claimed runner-up spot. There is a sense that somehow the time is right for this popular and gifted horseman to get his chance to stand directly under the spotlight.    But with 13 teams, and riders from 22 nations in action there is no predicting the outcome. The Cross-Country course, designed by Sue Benson over the unusually hilly terrain in Greenwich Park, is bound to play its part, and there will, no doubt, be more than a few surprises over the four days of competition. What is guaranteed is one of the most competitive and exciting Olympic events in the long history of a sport that tests the skill, courage and stamina of horse and rider like no other.     As the final countdown begins, those hopes and dreams are about to take flight. the art of riding I pegasus I

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Tomas Holcbecher

Eric Lamaze and the legendary Hickstead took out the individual gold show jumping medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.

JUMPING PREVIEW A Wide-Open Contest for Jumping Glory  Since equestrian sport was first officially embraced by the Olympic movement a century ago, Jumping has always been the largest and most popular discipline, and the historical records tell of wonderful horseand-rider partnerships whose names will never be forgotten. Golden heroes like Germany’s Hans Günter Winkler, Italy’s Raimondo d’Inzeo and Graziano Mancinelli, Pierre Jonqueres d’Oriola from France and America’s Bill Steinkraus are the stuff of legend, their names forever forged into the annals of their sport.     At the Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong four years ago, the Canadians broke new ground as Eric Lamaze and the late, great stallion Hickstead helped earn the first-ever individual title for their country. It was an epic battle in which Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson had to settle for silver with Ninja, while America’s Beezie Madden and Authentic took the bronze. All three of these riders will be in action once again at London 2012 where the Americans will be vying for a hat-trick of team titles. If they succeed, they will join Germany as the only other nation to clinch gold at three successive Olympic Games.

Significance    For one man however, the 30th Olympiad has another significance entirely. At the age of 65, and still at the top of his game, Ian Millar, the man affectionately known as “Captain Canada”, will be lining out for the 10th time – an extraordinary achievement by any measure and a record across all Olympic sports. Joining Lamaze, Jill Henselwood and Tiffany Foster, he will be aiming to make it another one to remember for the Canadian side.     With 15 countries in action it’s going to be a super-tough contest however, and the result is harder than ever to predict. New nations have emerged to take their place at the top end of the sport in recent years. And they have done so with one major target in mind – Olympic glory. The Ukraine, currently leading the FEI Nations Cup™ Promotional League series, has become a force to be reckoned with, while Saudi Arabian riders flexed their muscles at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) in 2010 when finishing eighth in the team event before Abdullah Al Sharbatly went on to claim individual silver.    The Belgians have a rather longer history at Olympic level, taking their first individual medal at Stockholm in 1912 when Emmanuel de Blommaert and Clonmore claimed bronze, and their first team medal at Antwerp in 1920 when second to Sweden. According to Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat, the art of riding I pegasus I

Since equestrian sport was first officially embraced by the Olympic movement a century ago, Jumping has always been the largest and most popular discipline, and the historical records tell of wonderful horse-and-rider partnerships whose names will never be forgotten.

the Belgians took themselves by surprise when snatching team bronze in Kentucky two years ago, where Philippe Lejeune also came out to give a master-class in horsemanship and claimed the individual world title. Any side with a man of his calibre joined by accomplished veterans Jos Lansink and Dirk Demeersman and the talented Gregory Wathelet cannot be overlooked. But the team Jumping event in London really is a wide-open affair.

Pivotal    The French were inconsistent in the early stages of this season’s FEI Nations Cup™ series, but Penelope Leprevost produced a pivotal doubleclear with Mylord Carthago to help clinch victory at the fifth round on the hallowed turf of Aachen (GER) this year and the French went into a thrilling third-round jump-off in Falsterbo (SWE). As their Chef d’Equipe Henk Nooren said that day, they are finding form at just the right time, and both Leprevost and 2009 individual European champion Kevin Staut are hot contenders for individual Olympic honours.    The Netherlands’ side looks really competitive, and Gerco Schroder will be keen to show why he named his horse London. He will also be determined to put the deep disappointment of last year’s FEI European Championship behind him. He so nearly had the individual gold medal in his hand, but it slipped from his grasp in the very last round.  Instead it went to Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson who has been on a roll ever since and has been world number one in the Rolex Rankings 70 I pegasus I the art of riding

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Alex Hua Tian rides Chico during the eventing phase of the Beijing Olympics.``

since the start of the year. And the Swedish victory on home turf last Friday has put them in just the right frame of mind. Jens Fredricson clinched it in the jump-off with a polished performance from his horse, Lunatic, who showed no sign of living up to his name.    The Swiss team is full of talent, and Paul Estermann, Steve Guerdat, Werner Muff and Pius Schwizer will be coming out with all guns blazing, but it’s difficult to look past the Germans and Americans. Things didn’t quite go to plan for several of the leading German team candidates, but with such a deep pool of gifted horses and riders to choose from the line-up still looks absolutely formidable – Christian Ahlmann, Marcus Ehning, Janne Frederike Meyer and Philipp Weishaupt will be tough nuts to crack. Germany leads the individual medal table with five golds to their credit, the last taken by Ulrich Kirchhoff at Atlanta (USA) in 1996, and any of this German side could be in contention on that final afternoon.

Huge Threat    And the Americans pose a huge threat. At 18 years of age, Reed Kessler is a full 35 years younger than team-mate Rich Fellers as both make their Olympic debut, but she earned her stripes with superb performances in the US Trials. Fellers has been a hot favourite for the team since securing America’s first victory in 25 years at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final at ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) in April with the aptly-named stallion, Flexible. McLain Ward bounced back from a serious knee injury sustained in January to get the call-up along with Beijing individual bronze medallist Beezie Madden, and both Ward and Madden were on the gold medal team four years ago.    For all their strength however, they may all watch out for the British. On home soil their determination will be second to none, even though gold has eluded them on all but one occasion – and you have to go a long way back for that to 1952 in Helsinki where Wilfred White (Nizefela), Douglas Stewart (Aherlow) and Harry Llewellyn (Foxhunter) claimed the team title. Scott Brash, Peter Charles, Ben Maher and Nick Skelton will be trying to bridge that 50-year gap, and with Skelton, who was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list last month, showing the form of his life, anything is possible. Marion Coakes and the pony Stroller took individual silver in Mexico in 1968, Ann Moore and Psalm followed suit four years later in Munich and the team took silver at Los Angeles in 1984. Another British gold medal is long overdue – and London would be the perfect place to win it. the art of riding I pegasus I

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, Eric Lamaze and Beezie Madden on the podium at Beijing.

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JUMPING 26 nations ARG, AUS, AZE, BEL, BER, BRA, CAN, CHI, COL, EGY, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, JOR, JPN, KSA, MEX, NED, POR, RUS, SUI, SWE, SYR, UKR, USA 15 teams AUS, BEL, BRA, CAN, CHI, FRA, GBR, GER, KSA, MEX, NED, SUI, SWE, UKR, USA 11 nations represented by individuals only ARG, AZE, BER, COL, EGY, IRL, JOR, JPN, POR, RUS, SYR

Tomas Holcbecher

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How it will play out....    The horses will be first inspected on 2 August and checked over again the following day when a training session also takes place. The first individual competition, on 4 August, serves as a qualifier for the individual competition and decides the starting order for the team event. It is a one-round Table A, not against the clock, and the scores of the best three from each team are added together. If there is an equality of penalties between teams, then the teams retain the same starting place as in the first Competition. There are 12 fences varying from 1.40m to 1.50 in height, with at least two standing at 1.60m, and it is not compulsory to include a water jump. A maximum of our horse/rider combinations per nation are permitted to compete in this class. The starting places are decided by a draw held in the presence of the Ground Jury, which consists of Stephan Ellenbruch (GER), President, and members Freddy Smeets (BEL), Jon Doney (GBR) and Kim Morrison (CAN), Foreign Technical Delegate Frank Rothenberger (GER) and the Chefs d’Equipe. Individuals are drawn first, followed by a draw for the teams.    The team competition runs over two days, 5 and 6 August, and also embraces the second and third individual qualifying competitions. All teams start on a zero score in the first round of the team event. There are different courses each day, with up to 13 fences, including a double and one treble or three doubles, and spreads up to 2m, or 2.20m for a triple bar. Two verticals standing at 1.60m will be included, along with an open water up to 4.5m wide. The best three scores on each team decide the result.    If, after two rounds, there is an equality of faults for first, second or third place, there will be a jump-off against the clock with all team members competing. Jump-off courses consist of at least six obstacles including a combination, and the result will be decided by combining the three best scores from each team, with time as the deciding factor if there is still a tie. The result of the jump-off determines the final placings of teams but does not count toward qualification for the final individual competition.    The individual final, which will take place on 8 August, will run over two rounds. The top 35 riders qualify, and no more than three from each nation are permitted to take part. All riders start the final day on a zero score. The top 20 go through to the second round, including ties for 20th place, and riders compete in reverse order of merit based on their penalties from the first round. If there is a jump-off then the starting order remains the same as it was in the second round.  76 I pegasus I the art of riding

Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum and Shutterfly shown competing at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Tomas Holcbecher

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DRESSAGE PREVIEW BIG BUZZ AHEAD OF OLYMPIC DRESSAGE AT GREENWICH PARK There was a time when the world of international Dressage was all too predictable, but how much that has changed. Since the last Olympic Games in 2008 this sport has experienced an extraordinary make-over which, despite the reticence of the purists, has ensured that the buzz ahead of London 2012 could hardly be more electrifying.    Who could have known that one black stallion would prance into a floodlit arena on an August night in 2009 and that things would never be the same again? The Dutch combination of Totilas and Edward Gal are no longer together, and the horse whose magical spell attracted a whole new audience to this most disciplined of sports during a record-breaking spree that is already the stuff of legend, will not be returning to the country where it all began during the FEI European Championships three years ago. His new rider, Germany’s Mathias Alexander Rath, cannot compete in London due to unfortunate ill-health, but Totilas has already created a wonderful legacy - gone is the stuffiness, and the fear of making a mistake. If riders are prepared to take the risk, the rewards for expressive, inspired performances – while still retaining the accuracy – are scores like we have never seen before.  And the records just keep on tumbling. At Hagen CDI 4* in April this year, Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro brought the German crowd to their feet when setting a new standard in the Grand Prix Special with a mark of 88.022%. Dujardin, was a member of the quartet that claimed Great Britain’s first ever team gold medal at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam (NED) last August. Not long ago, Olympic glory would have seemed an almost impossible dream for this year’s host nation. But now they are surely destined for both team and individual medals - the only question is what colour they will be, as Dujardin joins her mentor, the inimitable Carl Hester, and Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ triple silver medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer in the Grand Prix, which gets the first leg of the team and individual competitions underway on 2 August.

Team Medals    The Team medals will be decided after the Grand Prix Special on 7 August, which is also the second Individual qualifier from which the top18, and those tied for 18th place, will go through to the Freestyle Final two days later. The Freestyle to Music is a stand-alone competition from which the individual champion will emerge. And it’s going to be like a pressurecooker from the outset.    the art of riding I pegasus I

Teams consist of just three riders, and with all three scores counting there is absolutely no margin for error. In the other two Olympic disciplines – Eventing and Jumping – there are drop scores, which leave some “wriggle room” for an off-form performance. Not so in Dressage – the slightest mistake, or spooky moment, will prove desperately costly, and of course an elimination will prove terminal for team chances. So, with a huge weight of expectation on their shoulders, riders must try to balance complete accuracy and obedience with enough sparkle and flair to get that extra edge right from the very start. No mean feat in the cauldron of tension that the Greenwich Park arena will become over the next few weeks. And there is no breathing space either. Previously the team result was based on performances in the Grand Prix alone. However at London 2012, for the very first time, the results of both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special will be combined to decide the final team classification.

The Draws    The draw for the first class, the FEI Grand Prix, will be computerised and will take place after the First Horse Inspection. Starting spots for individuals will be decided first, followed by the order-of-go for teams. Individuals are drawn in reverse order of the World Dressage Rankings list in two groups, the highest-ranked riders drawn to compete on the second day of competition. Chefs d’Equipe will declare the running order of their team members no later than one hour before the draw takes place.    The second competition, the Grand Prix Special, is limited to, and compulsory for, the seven best teams in the Grand Prix along with the leading 11 Individual riders. If all three athletes of a team qualify, they may all participate. While last-minute substitutions are allowed in the Grand Prix, they are not allowed for the Grand Prix Special. A maximum of three athletes per nation can compete in the Freestyle Final, which has long established itself as the most popular competition from a public perspective. The carefully chosen musical scores reflect the character and movement of the horse and symmetry with the rider. From 82 I pegasus I the art of riding

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Anky van Grusven and Salinero took out individual gold at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

Not long ago, Olympic glory would have seemed an almost impossible dream for this year’s host nation. But now they are surely destined for both team and individual medals.

marching music to poignant love-songs, the range is diverse, but each musical compilation is designed to fit, and complement, the partnership.    For the very first time, a Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP) will be in place to ensure that any scoring anomalies are immediately corrected. David Hunt (GBR), Dieter Schule (GER) and Jan Peeters (NED) have been appointed to the JSP, while the Ground Jury consists of Stephen Clarke (GBR) as President, Maribel Alonso (MEX), Evi Eisenhardt (GER), Wim Ernes (NED), Gary Rockwell (USA), JeanMichel Roudier (FRA) and Leif Tornblad (DEN). Poland’s Wojtek Markowski is FEI Technical Delegate.

Overtaken   Underlining the tremendous growth in the sport, for the first time ever Dressage has overtaken Eventing in terms of the number of competing nations, with a total of 23 as opposed to 22. There will be 10 teams, five countries represented by a team and one Individual, 13 countries with an individual only, and a total of 50 riders in action.    The Netherlands’ Anky van Grunsven will be setting a new record when becoming the first Dressage rider to compete at seven Olympic Games. She already shares the record for most Olympic medals in Dressage - eight in total along with Germany’s Isabell Werth and Reiner Klimke – so she will be making history if she picks up her ninth in London.    Van Grunsven is defending individual champion, and the only Dressage rider ever to take three back-to-back Olympic titles – at Sydney (AUS) in 2000, Athens (GRE) in 2004 and Hong Kong (CHN) in 2008. She has been less visible in recent years, but will add huge weight to the Dutch side that also includes Edward Gal and double Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion, Adelinde Cornelissen, who took gold in both the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle to Music at last year’s FEI European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam (NED).     Outstanding    The country with the most outstanding record in Olympic Dressage however is, undoubtedly, Germany with 12 Team and seven individual titles to their credit. And the German team heading for London 2012 has a really refreshing feel to it. Helen Langehanenberg, who showed spectacular form throughout the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage league last season, and who was just the art of riding I pegasus I

Isabell Werth riding Satchmo during the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Werth has won eight medals at the Olympics and will make history if she has a podium finish in London.

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DRESSAGE 23 nations AUS, AUT, BEL, BRA, CAN, DEN, ESP, FIN, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, JPN, MAR, NED, NOR, NZL, POL, POR, SWE, UKR, USA 5 nations represented by a team and one individual DEN, GBR, GER, NED, USA 10 teams AUS, CAN, DEN, ESP, GBR, GER, NED, POL, SWE, USA 13 nations represented by individuals only AUT, BEL, BRA, FIN, FRA, IRL, ITA, JPN, MAR, NOR, NZL, POR, UKR

Tomas Holcbecher

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The stage is set for an Olympic experience like none before. The last time the sport of Dressage set the world on fire, the event took place in the shadow of Windsor Castle and the winds of change altered everything.

pipped for the series title by Cornelissen at the Final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) in April, was an obvious choice. But she was denied the honours in the Grand Prix at Aachen (GER) two weeks ago by Kristina Sprehe, who also went on to win the Grand Prix Special at the premier German fixture. Langehanenberg was back on top in the Aachen Freestyle, but Sprehe had made her mark, and Dorothee Schneider, who sprang into contention at the German Championships in Balve, claimed the third available team spot when finishing behind these two in that Freestyle. They are likely to prove a formidable force.    While the battle for the team medals is likely to be waged between the British, Dutch and Germans – with additional pressure from Denmark, USA and Sweden – there is plenty of scope for many other spectacular performances. America’s Steffen Peters and Ravel followed their victory at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Las Vegas (USA) in 2009 with double-bronze at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ a year later. Denmark’s Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein can always be relied upon for a great effort at the right time, and the Spanish can never be discounted. Beatriz Ferrer-Salat has produced some excellent results of late, while no major Dressage fixture would be the same without the flamboyant Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz, the showman of all showmen who knows exactly how to please the crowds.  The stage is set for an Olympic experience like none before. The last time the sport of Dressage set the world on fire, the event took place in the shadow of Windsor Castle and the winds of change altered everything. Three years later the spotlight returns to England once again, this time to Greenwich Park which is framed by many of the most iconic buildings on the London skyline and overlooks the River Thames. It is a superb location, and the perfect backdrop for Dressage that is set to bring the equestrian events at the Games of the XXX Olympiad to a spellbinding conclusion. 1 88 I pegasus I the art of riding

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Marco Kutscher (GER) and Cornet Obolensky (winning Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

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Harrie Smolders (NED) and Regina Z win the Championship of Rotterdam

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Marc Houtzager (NED) and Sterrehof’s Tamino (winners Grand Prix Rotterdam)

ust one show out from the selection of their London 2012 Olympic team, German riders delivered a strong performance in Rotterdam. The Dutch venue for the nation’s 2011 Top-Level Nations Cup league victory is a lucky one for them, with team victory again here giving them a record now equal to Britain’s of 14 wins over the 64 runnings of the event. However, the Swedish made them work for it in the closing stages of the battle, putting heavy pressure on Germany’s last rider, Marco Kutscher and Cornet Obolensky. To secure the win for his country, Marco had to jump clear but had the small luxury of a time fault to do it in. “That’s what I did,” he said, “rode for the clear without worrying too much about the time.” Things were really going his

way, until the last fence. Cornet Obolensky took off awkwardly and twisted himself over the final effort. For a few seconds it looked as though the Swedes, who were all faultless in the second of the two-round competition, may have snatched victory. However, the 13-year-old stallion’s unorthodox but effective technique left every pole of the oxer in place. “I am sure people would like to know what was going through my mind,” said Marco. “But I wouldn’t be able to repeat it! I don’t know what my horse did to get over the fence, but he did.” Marco knew something wasn’t quite right on the approach. “He seemed a little scared coming to it, which isn’t like him at all,” Marco said. “After the class, I found out he’d overreached, which would explain it.” Of all of the difficulties the art of riding I pegasus I

Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric (winners first GP qualifier and 2nd Grand Prix Rotterdam)

competitors encounter during the tough rounds of the Top-Level Nations Cup series, the time allowed proved to be the biggest bugbear in Rotterdam. Of the 32 starters in the first round, 18 of them collected time faults, with combination fences causing the majority of jumping errors. Dutch course-designer Louis Koninckx suggested the dimensions of the arena, which is owned and used by a riding club for the rest of the year, was the 96 I pegasus I the art of riding

reason that many could not make the time allowed. “The ring here is quite small so it’s difficult to get the required 500m track in there,” said Louis. “Because there are lots of turns to get those 500m, the riders find it very hard to maintain the 400 metres-per-minute speed. If they can’t maintain that speed, they will collect time faults.” Just five faultless scorecards were returned in the first round, from Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum

(Gotha FRH), who secured class and league victory for his team here last year; Britain’s Peter Charles (Murka’s Vindicat W); Belgian rider Ludo Philippaerts (Challenge van der Begijnakker); Sweden’s MalinBaryard Johnsson (H&M Tornesch); and the Swiss team’s Paul Estermann (Castlefield Eclipse). The final two did the same in round two. Ludger’s teammates Marco and Philipp Weishaupt (Monter Bellini) both collected just a time penalty each, while Marcus Ehning

(Copin Van De Broy) produced the drop score of nine. “I was really very pleased with this, as I was originally fifth man,” said Ludger. “Gotha had some time off and we were not planning to put her on a team for another few weeks. But, [our chef d’equipe] Otto Becker decided to save CarstenOtto Nagel’s horse, Corradina, [who was recovering from dental surgery], so I was called in.” Sweden were close behind on a score of five, helped hugely by

Malin’s clear, while Britain and The Netherlands sat equal third on nine. A super-charged Sweden emerged in round two, with each rider – Malin, Rolf-Goran Bengttson (Caruso La Silla), Jens Fredricson (Lunatic) and Henrik von Eckermann (Allerdings) – gaining not a single fault between them. This put the pressure on Germany, but, with the exception of four faults from Marcus, who recorded the drop score in this round, too,

the team left no poles dislodged. With a single time fault from Ludger and no faults for Philipp, it came down to Marco to secure the defending league champion’s victory. Cornet Obolensky’s huge effort to clear the fence, despite his overreach, worked perfectly and, with just one time fault gained, not only gave Germany victory, but promoted the country to the top of the FEI Nations Cup League table. Sweden finished second, while the the art of riding I pegasus I

Malin Baryard-Johnson (SWE) and H&M Tornesch (Double clear and runners up Nations Cup Rotterdam)

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Team Germany (winning Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

Laura Kraut and Woodstock O (USA) winners Eversheds Faasen Prijs

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) and Caruso la Silla (runner-rup Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

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Philipp Weishaupt (GER) and Monte Bellini (winning Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

performances in round two from the French and Irish took third and fourth, respectively. Despite a strong performance in Rotterdam, a week later at Aachen, Germany, Ludger announced that he did not believe Gotha was quite fit enough to contest the Olympics, so withdrew her from selection proceedings. Also, Carsten-Otto pulled Corradina out of the running, citing a lack of fitness, too. The home team of The Netherlands had finished a disappointing seventh of eight in the Nations Cup. On the final day of the show, however, the orange adorned fans had a huge celebration after the Longines Grand Prix Port of Rotterdam was claimed by their own Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof’s Tamino. 100 I pegasus I the art of riding

In contrast to the Nations Cup, time proved to be no hindrance in this competition with a massive 20 clears produced from the 50 starting combinations. All knew that this meant a fast jump-off from the outset. “The course was big, but maybe not as technical as [the coursedesigner] Louis had thought,” said Marc. “However, there were also a lot of good horses and riders in the class.” The final line of an oxer-vertical double to an oxer caused many to come home with a tainted score sheet in the jump-off. This same line had caused the most problems in round one, when the double was then part of a triple combination. Marc had decided to ride Sterrehof’s Tamino in Rotterdam

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Ludger Beerbaum (GER) and Gotha (winning Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

as his first major show back after time off and cruised the line in both rounds. “He was injured last year and I started riding him at home during the winter,” said Marc. “This was his first grand prix since he started competing again.” The jump-off course included long gallops and this suited Tamino’s big stride well, as he was able to take strides out around the track. This physiology was what the USA’s runner-up Laura Kraut put down as Marc’s advantage over her and Cedric. “My horse is a bit smaller so during the first run, Marc was able to get in seven strides where I had to go on eight,” said Laura, who had secured first place in the first qualifier for this class at the show 102 I pegasus I the art of riding

with her 2008 Olympic team goldmedal winning partner Cedric. Laura, had gained another victory earlier in the show, snatching a late win from Britain’s John Whitaker (Argento) in the Eversheds Faasen Prijs 1.50m speed class. John’s fellow Brit Scott Brash (Intertoy Z) and France’s Simon Delestre (Valentino Velvet) were holding a shared lead from early starts in the class, until John found a tighter approach through an important turn back to an oxer. But, Laura, second last to go, had managed to spot an even tighter line of attack still with Woodstock O to claim the win and boost her winnings. Another major win for the Dutch was granted courtesy of Harrie Smolders, who reclaimed

Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Ashley (winners OSeven Prix Rotterdam)

Marcus Ehning (GER) and Copin van de Broy (winning Nations Cup Team Rotterdam)

the Rabobank Championship of Rotterdam Prijs he won in 2011 after a fast and exciting 12-horse jump-off. A year earlier, he’d been victorious with Exquis Walnut De Muze, this time his winning partner was Regina Z. “She’s a very fast horse anyway, but I got the turn from the vertical to the green oxer just right and was taking out strides down all of the long distances,” he said. “Rodrigo [Pessoa, of Brazil] got very close in the end, but not quite close enough.” Harrie had not formed part of the Dutch Nations Cup team here and was not expecting to be part of the team for Aachen, when his country was due to decide its Olympic riders. 104 I pegasus I the art of riding

“I think it means I am out of the running, which is a shame because I have two horses in prime form,” he said. “So I will do a lot of the Global Champions Tour shows, starting with Monaco, and try to earn some good wins there.” Harrie’s nearest rival in the competion was Rodrigo Pessoa, who had finished second with Winsom. He had earlier gained a win of his own in the Oseven Prijs with HH Ashley, beating Jos Lansink into second with a former ride of the Belgian 2006 World Champion. In 2010, the chestnut mare had spent some time at Jos’ stable for brief period before being bought Double H Farm for Rodrigo to ride. Britain’s Tina Fletcher (Unique

IX) was the long-time leader in the 14-competitor jump-off, and it was just the last two who prevented her from winning. Jos took only 0.01sec from her target, but Rodrigo was able to take over half a second further from this. Jur Vrieling and Albert Zoer gave home supporters more to wave their orange scarves about, in addition to Marc and Harrie’s big wins. Jur secured the winner’s purse in a 1.40m competition with Sissi Van Schutteshof, while Albert claimed a pair of classes with Wollie Bollie and Vigo. Albert almost gained another first with the Wollie Bollie, but was defeated in the Stoeterij Sterrehof accumulator by the UAE’s Ramzy Al Duhami (Al Capone). 1

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Germany scored a moraleboosting win in the fourth leg of the FEI Nations Cupâ&#x201E;˘ Eventing, held on their home ground at Aachen (GER) and their final selection trial before the London Olympic Games. Words by Louise Parks 106 I pegasus I the art ofPhotos riding by Libby Law

Monica Theodorescu (GER) and WHISPER 128 won Grand Prix CDI.

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he Germans, who also won last month in Strzegom (POL), have now opened up a 20-point lead in the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing over the Dutch, with two events to run in this new series. Great Britain, the runners-up in Aachen, are in fourth place but on the same points tally as third-placed France. Australian Christopher Burton took the individual honours on Under Discussion, but he had elected to ride Haruzac (10th) for the team and the Australian effort disintegrated when Sam Griffiths was eliminated across country on Real Dancer and Clayton Fredericks withdrew Bendigo after Dressage and Jumping. The defending Olympic champions had left nothing to chance in the team contest, fielding European team gold and individual silver medallists Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Opgun Louvo, who finished fourth, plus reigning world and European champion Michael Jung (GER) on his recent Luhmühlen winner Leopin, eighth, Dirk Schrade (GER) on Hop And Skip, seventh, and Ingrid Klimke (GER) with her 2008 Olympic gold medallist Butts Abraxxas, 18th. Klimke was the only one of the quartet not to go clear across country, having a runout at a water complex. “It was extremely important for the team to win here, for the sport in Germany as much as anything,” commented team trainer Christopher Bartle. “Aachen is such a high-profile occasion in this country and, in the past, Eventing has been something of a “Cinderella” [secondary] sport in comparison to Dressage and Jumping. “The opposition was very strong this weekend, so

there was all the more pressure on us to deliver. But at the same time, I realise this was not the end goal – our mission is to retain our Olympic team gold medal in Greenwich.” Britain’s Olympic horses had stayed at home, but the team still finished only 4.6 penalties in arrears of Germany after a brilliant start by Laura Collett, who led the Dressage phase with a score of 30.2 on Rayef. She eventually finished third, having dropped her reins on the Cross Country, forcing her to take an unplanned long route, which incurred a few time penalties. William Fox-Pitt, who currently heads the HSBC Rider Rankings, was sixth on Neuf des Coeurs and Francis Whittington was 12th on Sir Percival lll. Sweden, fielding only three riders, rose to third place. They didn’t have the best of Jumping phases – all three scored 12 faults apiece – but shone with fast and clear Cross Country rounds. Ludwig Svennerstal finished best, in 11th place on Shamwari 4. There was mixed success for New Zealand, fourth in the teams. Andrew Nicholson had an excellent competition on his Olympic horse, Nereo, and finished fifth, but Jonathan Paget had a Cross Country stop on Bullet Proof and Lucy Jackson (Kilcoltrim Ambassador) was hampered by a low dressage placing. Mark Todd withdrew NZB Grass Valley after uncharacteristically lowering five fences in the Jumping. Aachen, which will host the 2015 FEI European Championships for Dressage, Jumping, Vaulting, Reining and Driving, is Germany’s premier showground and first created a Cross Country course, which finishes excitingly in the

“The opposition was very strong this weekend, so there was all the more pressure on us to deliver. But at the same time, I realise this was not the end goal – our mission is to retain our Olympic team gold medal in Greenwich.”

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Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and NEREO competing in the DHL Preis CICO*** Eventing.

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Guy Williams (GBR) and DEPARDIEU VAN’T KIEZELHOF.

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Rolf Moormann (GER) and ACORTE competing in the Preis von Europa.

main arena, for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games™. Course Designer Rudiger Schwarz (GER) is known for his ability to produce imaginative and challenging tracks in restricted spaces and, as usual, his course proved influential. “The course is super and you can always keep up a nice forward gallop. The crowd are 100 percent behind you and the conditions are excellent,” commented Michael Jung, who also finished second individually on La Biosthetique Sam.

“Regarding the Olympic Games, we have still got some work to do. We have all seen that things don’t always go as planned in the dressage and we have got to improve our fitness, but we have a very strong team that is in great form and mentally very strong.” The FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing, which is proving popular with riders and team managers, moves south next, to Montelibretto, near Rome (ITA) before what is sure to be a closely contested final at Boekelo (NED) in October. the art of riding I pegasus I

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The German Team conquered in the DHL Preis CICO*** Eventing Nations Cup.

SHOW JUMPING FABULOUS FRENCH FLY TO VICTORY IN AACHEN In a super-tough clash that tested character to the limit, it was the French who came out on top at the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 series at Aachen, Germany. Henk Nooren’s team displayed grit and determination as they pipped the much-fancied host country whose deep pool of riding talent has been somewhat diminished in recent days. An extraordinarily poor performance from the anchor partnership of Marco Kutscher and the stallion Cornet Obolensky has left even more questions hanging in the air ahead of Germany’s final Olympic selection. The Irish battled hard to finish a creditable third ahead of Switzerland in fourth and Great Britain in fifth, while the 2011 winners from The Netherlands had to settle for sixth this time around. The Swedish team was reduced to just three after a fall for Peder Fredricson and H&M Arctic Aurora Borealis in the first round, and they slotted into seventh ahead of the Belgians whose big score of 40 faults saw them tail the rest of the field. It was a long, hard day at the office all round, but 112 I pegasus I the art of riding

when the going got tough, it was the French who proved they had what it takes, and they clinched victory in resolute style. Germany, however, has lost little in defeat as the runner-up result tonight has only served to further strengthen their position at the head of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 leaderboard.

UNCOMPROMISING Frank Rothenberger’s track was nothing if uncompromising. The massive Aachen arena is a daunting place at the best of times, and under floodlights and with 40,000 spectators watching your every move, the pressure on horse-and-rider is even more intense. The German course designer’s signature track is always big and bold, and at Aachen there was no exception with the 4.3 metre open water claiming a large number of victims, and the difficult final line of fences through a big oxer to flimsy planks and, finally, a double of vertical to oxer, leaving them with plenty of food for thought. Several made it all the way to the very last before faulting there, but it was the triple combination at fence five that reduced the Swedish team to a three-strong side when second-line rider, Peder Fredricson, had a nasty fall with H&M Arctic Aurora Borealis at the final element.

Christopher Burton (AUS) and UNDER DISCUSSION won the DHL Preis CICO*** Eventing title.

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Hayley Beresford (AUS) and BELISSIMO NRW competing in Grand Prix CDIO Nations Cup.

HALFWAY STAGE The French already had the advantage at the halfway stage, when carrying just the single time penalty picked up by Roger Yves Bost and Nippon dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elle after lovely clears from Eugenie Angot (Old Chap Tame) and Penelope Leprevost (Mylord Carthago). Olivier Guillonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mistake with Lord de Theize at the opening element of the triple combination provided the discount score. The Germans were close behind with just four faults on the board after fault-free efforts from Marcus Ehning (Plot Blue) and Christian Ahlmann (Codex One), and a single error from Janne-Friederike Meyer (Cellagon 114 I pegasus I the art of riding

Lambrasco). The shock of the first round was the 16-fault result for Kutscher whose stallion lost concentration after a mistake at the water and who then went into backward-thinking mode all the way to the last. The Dutch were still competitive with just eight faults at the halfway point, while Ireland and Sweden were next in line with 12, the Swiss were close behind with 13 while Belgium carried 15 and the British began round two with 17 on the board. But with 24 additional faults in the second round, the Dutch disappeared from the reckoning, and it came down to a game of cat-and-mouse between the Germans and French.

Patrik Kittel (SWE) and SILVANO competing in the Grand Prix Kur.

Jessica Michel (FRA) and RIWERA DE HUS finished 4th in the Grand Prix CDI with a score of 72.894%.

KEPT THE PRESSURE UP Germany kept the pressure up when both Ehning and Ahlmann went clear once again, so when Angot and Bost picked up five faults apiece it seemed the French might lose their grip. But Meyer’s double-error – at the bogey water and the second element of the final double – left the host country vulnerable, and when Leprevost produced a second sensational run then France could finish with no less than 11 points in total. Kutscher could still turn the tide. A clear from his stallion would ensure that Meyer’s 8 faults would not be added to Germany’s first-round four, and even a single mistake would leave the door open. But Cornet

Obolensky was right off form, kicking out the opening vertical, putting a foot in the water and lowering the oxer three from home along with the second element of the final double for another 16 faults. The Irish battled their way into third thanks to gutsy second-round clears from Billy Twomey (Je T’Aime Flamenco) and Cian O’Connor (Blue Loyd), and the fourth-placed Swiss were greatly assisted by another remarkable double-clear from Paul Estermann and the 10 year old mare Castlefield Eclipse who has now competed in three legs of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 series without fault. The Irish however continue to languish at the the art of riding I pegasus I

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FRA-Eugenie Angot (FRA) and OLD CHAP TAME competing at the 2012 CHIO Aachen on Wednesday.

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bottom of the league table, on an equal score of 18 with the Swedes who, however, lie one place above them due to higher placings so far in the tournament. Irish Chef d’Equipe, Robert Splaine, said his team came into the competition with all guns blazing. “We aspired to win, so we won’t be ecstatic with third, but I’m really pleased with the attitude we showed – we fought to the finish” he said.

GOOD START Looking back on the competition afterwards, German team manager, Heinrich-Hermann Engemann said “we made a very good start with two clears and a four, but then Marco’s horse was not in the same form as he was two weeks ago in Rotterdam. In the second round we had two clears, but Janne had a bit too much power, so we hoped that Marco would bring us back a little bit. It wasn’t a good day for Marco, and it was unlucky for the team” he pointed out. He wasn’t altogether despairing however, because apparently the statistics may be on Germany’s side. “We have been second here every year before the Championships – second before Kentucky (Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010) and Madrid (FEI European Jumping Championships 2011) – so second before the

Olympic Games is lucky for us then!” he insisted. And French Chef d’Equipe, Henk Nooren, was well-pleased with the performance of his talented side which, up until now, has failed to live up to expectations. “To win a Nations Cup in Europe is wonderful, but to win in Aachen for all of us is the best – the stadium, the atmosphere, it is completely unique!” he said. “We wanted to do the season a bit different from normal” he continued. “In 2009 we showed form much too early, so this time we deliberately wanted to be better by the time we arrived in Rotterdam and Aachen. We didn’t plan to have a disastrous Nations Cup as we had at the beginning of the year! We found ourselves having to use our reserve horse always, never the exact team we wanted, there we always hiccups here and there. Thank god it started to go our way in Rotterdam and I hope we can keep it going for a few more weeks as there is something important coming up!” he concluded. That “something important” is, of course the London Olympic Games which is already upon us. The last leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ series will take place in Dublin, Ireland a week after the Olympics draw to a close. The destiny of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 trophy is still far from decided. 1 the art of riding I pegasus I

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01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Doha 05-07 April Valencia 04-06 May Hamburg 16-20 May Wiesbaden 25-28 May Cannes 14-16 June Monaco 28-30 June Estoril 13-14 July Chantilly 20-22 July Valkenswaard 17-19 August Lausanne 14-16 September Vienna 20-23 September Shanghai 04-06 October Abu Dhabi 22-24 November

Philipp Weishaupt and Loeville had a daring ride to win the Estoril Grand Prix ahead of their boss Ludger Beerbum in a thrilling jump off in the Portugal leg of the Global Champions Tour. Story by GCT photos by GCT/Sportfot

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The winner of the GCT Grand Prix of Estoril, Phillip Weishaupt and Loeville. the art of riding I pegasus I 121

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or the seventh year running the Global Champions Tour returned to the exquisite Cascais showground on Portugal’s Estoril coast. The eyes of the equestrian world were focused on the Manuel Possolo Hippodrome where a star-studded line-up competed in the GCT Grand Prix. With a big slate of Global Champions Tour riders selected to travel to the Olympic Games in London, the big names were in action at the latest leg of the GCT series. Home rider Luciana Diniz headed a fantastic field of show jumping talent including Christian Ahlmann, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Penelope Leprevost, Denis Lynch, Sergio Alvarez Moya, Pius Schwizer, Ludger Beerbaum, Steve Guerdat, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Billy Twomey, Marco Kutscher, Michael Whitaker, Lauren Hough, Gregory Wathelet, Philippe Rozier and Ben Maher. GCT is the world’s premier show jumping circuit and travels throughout the year to special destinations which also host other elite international sports including Formula One, ATP Tennis and America’s Cup Sailing. Estoril has been the stage for all these events and from July 12 – 14 it was the setting for the eighth leg of the Global Champions Tour series of 2012. Duarte Nobre Guedes, President of the competition in Portugal, said: “This year, Cascais will once again receive those recognised as the world’s elite of equestrian sport – European and World Olympic champions. I am pleased to confirm that five Portuguese riders will join this notable array, amongst them, Luciana Diniz.” the art of riding I pegasus I

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BEATING THE BIG BOSS Philipp Weishaupt was saluted for his brave and daring jump off round as he clinched his first Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Estoril. The 26-year-old German pulled off a brilliant clear on Leoville in an unbeatable time of 44.96 which his boss Ludger Beerbaum described as a triumph of “youth over age”. Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker was second on Viking in 45.65 and Ludger on Chaman came in third in 47.46 in a vintage jump off. Weishaupt took a smart inside turn after the second fence, the Cascais wall, and was seriously lucky at the Massimo Dutti fence when the rail held and allowed him to go flat out over the final part of the course. The climax of the GCT Estoril took place under 124 I pegasus I the art of riding

floodlights in an electric atmosphere in the chic Cascais resort on the Atlantic coast. The footing on the new grass surface was widely praised as the “best ever” by riders including Whitaker and Beerbaum. It was a breakthrough Grand Prix for leading Saudi rider Kamal Bahamdan, who will be going to the Olympic Games in London. Kamal, riding Noblesse des Tess, the bay mare by Cumano, took some courageous risks in a brilliantly executed round with a blistering finish over the final GCT fence in 48.98 and fourth place. It was a feast of world class show jumping for the crowds packed into extended spectator stands as 20 riders went clear in the first round, more than usual, despite the big challenging course. In the second round there were only six clears, including Christian

Chrsitian Alhmann wins the CSI5* 1.50m on Aragon.

Ahlmann, but a number of riders fell into the trap set by course designer Frank Rothenberger when they knocked a brick out of the high Cascais wall, which had risen 10cms. Denis Lynch, Gregory Wathelet, Roger-Yves Bost were among the casualties. Other riders who did not make it through to the jump off included Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum who was caught out at the Jaeger-LeCoultre oxer and the GCT triple.

BOST BLASTS TO VICTORY Speed demon Roger-Yves Bost clocked up another Global Champions Tour win taking first place in the opening Table A 5* class. The French rider hit the pedal in classic style on Castle Forbes Cosma, jumping clear in 58.68 and putting it all down to “experience”.

There were moments of sporting drama as two of his key challengers had surprise problems on their rounds. Christian Ahlmann and Sergio Alvarez Moya were both at the end of the running order and in with a good chance of seizing victory from Roger-Yves. But Ahlmann’s gelding Firth of Clyde had a sharp refusal at the very first fence and was almost unseated. And Sergio almost came off after his horse Sirius stumbled after the GCT upright. Sergio made a brilliant recovery but Sirius was clearly unsettled and put in a stop at the double combination. German rider Mario Stevens, in his first GCT Estoril, came second with a smooth, quick clear in 59.63 on Corlanda OLD. Italian Emanuele Gaudiano on Admara 2 was third on 62.74 and Britain’s Laura Renwick on Roller Coaster was in fourth on 63.78. the art of riding I pegasus I

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Mario Stevans, third in CSI5* 1.45m.

Michael Whitaker placed second in the Grand Prix of Estoril.

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Ludger Beerbaum congratulates Phillip Weishaupt.

After his lap of honour Roger-Yves said: “I would say it is about experience. I started very young riding ponies very fast and I know the speed classes well. My horse is so fast I don’t have to take risks.” Mario Stevens commented: “I had a really good round. I saw Roger-Yves so I just tried to jump really good. It is my first time at the GCT Estoril and it is great.” It was also British rider Laura Renwick’s first appearance on the Global Champions Tour circuit. Her horses travelled to Portugal with Ben Maher’s horses and she said of her fourth place result: “The arena footing is superb, it felt really good for the horse. It is a beautiful location. My ambition is to reach higher up the world ranking so I can take part in as many GCT shows as I can. I am thrilled to be here.” Rothenberger’s course, in particular the green and white oxer and the Massimo Dutti upright, caused upsets for some of the top riders including Marco Kutscher, Ludger Beerbaum, Julien Epaillard, Michael Whitaker and Philipp Weishaupt. But there were some impressive clears from Pius Schwizer, leading US rider Lauren Hough on her celebrity horse Quickstudy and Denis Lynch from Ireland.

BOSTY MAKES IT A DOUBLE Roger-Yves Bost produced a stunning encore by clocking up a double win on the final day of the competition. Bosty lived up to his speedy reputation setting a

Philipp Weishaupt was saluted for his brave and daring jump off round as he clinched his first Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Estoril.

cracking pace on his star speed horse Castle Forbes Cosma to seize the Prix Mercedes Benz - the build up class to the all-important Grand Prix of Portugal. The 1.45m course was designed to invite riders to go all out for speed and Bost and Belgian Gregory Wathelet, who finished in second place, certainly delivered. Celebrating his double win, Bost said: “My horse was feeling even better. Really loosened up and relaxed. I have been with the horse since December last year and she is so fast and so careful. Wonderful. In this class it was easy for her and I am also taking her into bigger classes like 1.55m now.” The Table A class was in two phases with riders needing to go clear in the first round and then go for speed in the second phase. the art of riding I pegasus I

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Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan placed fourth in the Grand Prix of Estoril.

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Winner of the CSI5* 1.45m Roger-Yves Bost.

Bost started lower down the 34-strong field and immediately hit the gas to chase the lead time of 30.90 set by Belgian rider Gregory Wathelet on his statuesque 10-year-old chestnut mare Banda de Hus. Wathelet made a super turn into the red and white casino upright and was fast by the time he turned from the Jaeger-LeCoultre fence to the final jump. But Bost was unrelenting and when a rail on the double was rattled but held, he was on his way to victory in 30.58.

CHRISTIAN AHLMANN AND ARAGON VICTORIOUS Leading German rider Christian Ahlmann leaped to victory in the Prix Massimo Dutti class on his new star Aragon. The dramatic grey gelding flourished around the Cascais showground with huge leaps in the jump off to clinch the unbeatable winning time of 43.26. Ahlmann, winner here at the GCT Grand Prix in Estoril last year, said he was completely surprised at the huge success he is having with Aragon, by Askari and Kolibri, as they have only been a combination for four weeks. They had another success in a 5* class at GCT Monte-Carlo only last month. Ten riders went through to the jump off in the 1.50m class and the big, long track between fences proved pivotal in the final results. Highly talented British speed rider Laura Renwick got off to a flying

Roger-Yves Bost produced a stunning encore by clocking up a double win on the final day of the competition.

start and took second place on Oz de Breve in 44.06, her second placing of the day in her first GCT appearance. Legendary British rider Michael Whitaker on Viking received a big cheer finishing third in 44.17. Irish rider Denis Lynch was fourth on his stunning bay stallion All Star. The biggest applause was reserved for home rider Luis Sabino GonĂ§alves who was first in the arena and jumped the first clear of the night on his grey stallion Imperio Egipcio Milton. In the jump off Luis delivered the first clear again and raced to the final Massimo Dutti fence in 47.47 thrilling the home crowd in the grandstand, finishing in fifth place. But the win in the Prix Massimo Dutti undeniably belonged to Ahlmann and Aragon, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am really, really surprised. It is a great result. It is working so well with the art of riding I pegasus I

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Marina Frutuoso de Melo after the first round of the Grand Prix of Estoril.

The presentations of the GCT Grand Prix of Estoril.

Laura Renwick placed second in the CSI5* 1.50m Ludger Beerbaum placed third in the Grand Prix of Estoril.

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Mario Stevans, second at GCT CSI5* 1.45m in Estoril.

this horse. I have had Aragon for four weeks only. He has a lot of scope and I’m really surprised at how it is working.”

EDWINA HOLD THE LEAD Course designer Rothenberger has promised to set some special challenges to test the skills of the highest ranked riders and he has continued to deliver. So far this season each show has produced a different set

of riders on the podium, but Edwina Tops-Alexander remains overall GCT ranking leader. Despite four faults in the second round of the Grand Prix of Portugal, she has extended her lead further to 189 points - a whopping 68 ahead of her nearest rival Denis Lynch. GCT Show Director Marco Danese said: “It is great to have such different riders on the podiums so far as it keeps the competition really exciting through the season.” 1 the art of riding I pegasus I

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Tina Konyot and her stud muffin stallion Calecto will live it, believe it and strive for their best as they compete in the most important event of their dressage career. story & photos by Diana de rosa

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“I was 15 and I went with my parents and watched the talented Dressage riders and horses and I said, ‘I am going to do that one day’ and now that one day has arrived. Here I am.”

t took Tina Konyot 35 years to accomplish the wish she made when she was just 15 years old. In 1976 she went to the Montreal Olympic Games and it was then that she decided she would one day be an Olympian. “I was 15 and I went with my parents and watched the talented Dressage riders and horses and I said, ‘I am going to do that one day’ and now that one day has arrived. Here I am. “When I was named to the team it didn’t hit me right away. Then my boyfriend, Roger Attfield, bought me a beautiful belt that said London 2012. One day a lady walking behind me admired my belt and asked if I was going to the Olympics. I turned around and said ‘actually I am.’ It was like a slap in the face – a great slap.” Tina and her famed stallion Calecto V will now have their chance and will be joining Steffen Peters, Jan Ebeling, and Adrienne Lyle in England for the 2012 Olympic Games. Tina, a 2010 World Equestrian Games veteran, is pleased with the team that was chosen for these Games. “I think we have a very good team. All of us are seasoned competitors. All of us are friends. We care about the well-being of each other and each other’s horse. We all know what we are capable of doing. I think the support of each other to bring the best out will also help.” After being named to the team Tina made decisions on what she felt would be the best preparation for her 14-year-old, 17H, dark brown, Danish Warmblood Calecto to peak at the Games. This was a horse she first saw at an auction in Denmark in 2006. “Nobody bid on him but we were able to organize purchasing the horse a couple of months afterwards for a very reasonable price.” This was a point Tina emphasized: the fact that she is not wealthy, but

rather just a hardworking equestrian female with a goal. “So often the media makes it appear that only the wealthy can make it to an Olympic Games, but I am proof that you don’t have to be rich to achieve what so many little girl’s wish for; to ride in an Olympic Games,” she stated.

THE PREPARATION Once the announcement was made that she and Calecto had made it onto the team she focused on how to best prepare her mount. In her mind that meant to maintain as much of the norm for both her and her horse. “After the team was selected I chose to be home for a couple of weeks to have some peaceful time for my horse and myself. It was important that he could be out in a paddock. I wanted to not take him away from his normal routine even though he has somewhat of an abnormal routine with the flying, shipping, showing and other things. Yet, he deals with all of it in a very comfortable way,” she explained. If you wonder how she knows he’s comfortable some of that is because Calecto loves his siesta time. “He sleeps well,” she said with a smile. “Everyone finds it humorous how he lays down and stretches out several times a day.” There are more reasons why Tina also likes being home. Home for Tina is both Connecticut and Canada and then during the winter it’s Florida. “At home in Canada he can be doing different types of work for fitness because we have beautiful hills there. I ride up and downhill which increases his fitness level,” she continued. When we chatted Tina was on her way back to Gladstone to meet up with her teammates and prepare for their departure to Europe. Unlike Tina, because her teammates live much further away than the nine hour the art of riding I pegasus I

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“So often the media makes it appear that only the wealthy can make it to an Olympic Games, but I am proof that you don’t have to be rich to achieve what so many little girl’s wish for; to ride in an Olympic Games,” 140 I pegasus I the art of riding

drive she had, their horses had to remain in Gladstone until their departure out of Newark with Federal Express. But some, like Steffen, chose to fly home for a couple of days. “It’s important that we also keep ourselves fresh as athletes,” she quipped. Health is important to Tina as well and she is thankful for her genes. “Genetically I am blessed. I don’t have to worry about carrying too much weight. I am 50 years old. I do not go to a gymnasium. I choose to be outside doing things like mowing grass or running around doing whatever I can. I keep myself fit and healthy that way.” What she consumes is also important to her and so when she can, Tina cooks dinner at home because she knows that meals prepared at home are healthier. Knowing her fitness and comfort routines are in place, Tina was feeling confident about the upcoming travel because they’ve been there and done that before.

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“In other situations such as travel and flying to horse shows in Europe in the past Calecto has handled it very well. We’ve also traveled a lot up and down the East Coast of the United States. So, I foresee a very comfortable trip.” Our conversation turned to the stallion that has taken Tina to these Olympic Games.

CALECTO V Since Calecto is a stallion he is a powerful horse yet unlike most stallions, “he doesn’t take any notice to mares and doesn’t get wound up,” she explained. Tina keeps Calecto on a very good fitness and aerobic program. “Most afternoons we do very slow jogging up and down hills thanks to his caring groom, Lauren, who is on the same fitness program.” When it comes to what Calecto is fed Tina answers that in general terms noting, “I think every horse that is an athlete is on some sort of diet but each horse is an individual and so the diet may vary. For Calecto most of his grain is oats since that is what he loves more than anything. Nutrena sponsors me and feeds all of my horses. He gets a Nutrena grain.” Delving a bit deeper it was clear to see the connection she has with Calecto. “He is my pet horse. And no matter who is around, when Calecto sees me he pushes everyone aside.” Calecto’s favorite treat is stud muffins. “If you have apples in one hand and carrots in the other hand you

first have to give him one or two stud muffins and then he will choose an apple or carrot. He travels with a big three foot tall teddy bear. He plays with it, throws it up in the air, bites it and we hang it in his stall.” While we already know Calecto loves his many naps he also “loves sleeping out in the sun in the paddock,” remarked Tina. As far as how Calecto is to ride, “He is like a giant couch. Like the most comfortable couch you would ever want to sit on and you don’t want to get off,” she said. Tina tried to explain what he’s like even more. “He is a big strong stallion and you feel an enormous amount of power underneath you. It is like sitting in a very fast car, like an Indie car with an enormous engine underneath you, yet very comfortable to drive. And he appears that way also. He is a bold strong stallion.” Fortunately the stables where they will be set up in England have all the amenities they need to keep their horses comfortable and happy. “We do have turnout with beautiful outside fields to ride where we are staying in England,” she added.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES When asked what her plans were for peaking at the Olympic Games Tina made it clear that you do the best you can but, “every day is different with animals and people. You will never have the same answer on that. It’s an animal that has feelings the art of riding I pegasus I

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Dressage Team: Jan Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) on Amy Ebeling, Beth Meyers, and Ann Romney’s Rafalca Tina Konyot (Palm City, FL) on her own and John Byrialsen’s Calecto V Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) on Four Winds Farm’s Ravel Individual: Adrienne Lyle (Ketchum, ID) on Peggy Thomas’ Wizard

“Making it to the Olympics proves to me that people who work hard and do their very best can accomplish their dreams. Finally at 50 I have accomplished my dream,”

and you have to keep everything in mind including how they warmed up, what the temperature is, the surroundings and so on. But in general before I go into the arena I am riding to do a great job and to try and win. I always talk to him and tell him what a good boy he is and that he’s my boy and we get it together and off we go.” When asked what she is most looking for Tina was quick to remark, “It’s a package. First it is being an Olympian and representing our country. Then it is knowing that my dream as a 15-year-old has finally come true. I’m looking forward to all the parts, from the Opening ceremony, to meeting all the other Olympians, to the competition, to sharing time with my teammates.” 144 I pegasus I the art of riding

“Making it to the Olympics proves to me that people who work hard and do their very best can accomplish their dreams. Finally at 50 I have accomplished my dream,” she added with a note of content in her voice. As for her goals, they are to “ride the very best I can, to ride a mistake free test and to peak at the right moment for that day. I want both of us to be at our highest level of performance. That is my goal. You can’t say I want to win a medal because there are so many factors, including a panel of seven judges. All I know is that when I am ready to enter the Olympic arena I will have prepared my horse to the very best of my ability and at that moment I will then live it, believe it and ride my very best. 1

The Konyot Family Legacy

ina’s family legacy is one to amaze because she truly comes from a long line of equestrians from all walks of life. Tina’s great-grandfather, Leopold Konyot, was owner of Circus Leopold. His passion for the circus began when he ran away from his Hungarian home in 1870 at 15 to join the circus. Leopold and his wife Henrietta had 12 children (yep 12). All were known for their bareback riding skills as they performed in many European circuses. In 1907 John Ringling brought them into his Barnum and Bailey Circus. They did that until 1912, at which time they went back to Europe to start their own Konyot Bros. Great American Circus and Wild West Show. Among the 12 children was Arthur Konyot who was known for his Dressage expertise. After a stint in the Austro-Hungarian Army, the lure of the circus pulled him back into that arena. He managed a circus in Italy and performed in French circuses. This was in the 1920s. Arthur was especially known for his work with horses at liberty. The legacy continued as Arthur, his wife and their two children, Alex and Dorita, continued to move around with their horses and other animals always focusing on a circus-like life and also started to focus on Classical Dressage. In time the Konyots rode Andalusians and Lusitanos and performed a high school act throughout Europe. Then in 1940 the family was part of the opening of the John Ringling’s circus which took place at Madison Square Garden. In 1950, Arthur and his daughter Dorita headed for Chicago where Arthur opened the Riding Academy and School of Equitation. Among the famed horses and riders they trained was Arthur Godfrey. In 1961 Arthur Konyot’s story was told in his autobiography “The White Rider: My 60 Years as a Circus Equestrienne.” Death for Arthur came in 1966 when he was 78 years old. While he never made it into the Circus Hall of Fame while he was alive, it was awarded to him posthumously. Now this is where Tina’s parents enter the story. Alex was married to Tina’s mom, Josephine Berosini, a Czechoslovakian high wire artiste whose nickname was “Fina.” In 1939 she came to the U.S. for the World’s Fair and performed for the Ringling Circus. Alex and Josephine met and were married in 1952. Alex eventually opened an equestrian school in Florida focused on Dressage. In 2006 Tina lost her dad to heart disease. He was 91. Tina credits her dad with teaching her horsemanship, care and feeding, managing horses and showmanship. Her riding career began when she was just a baby riding in front of her dad on the saddle while she held on to the horse’s mane. In her early years riding was fun, going bareback with hands spread eagle jumping fences. As she got older she began to focus. Her training included five years in Europe, two years studying with noted trainer Herbert Rehbein and later with Rudolf Zeilinger and Klaus Balkenhol. She was short-listed for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 on a horse named Justice and for the Athens Olympics in 2004 with Anna Karinina. Finally in 2010 she made it on to the 2010 World Equestrian Games U.S. team. Tina is more than a Dressage rider. Rather she has the genetics from an astute family of equestrians from all walks of life. That influence helped bring her to where she is today, heading to England as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games team. the art of riding I pegasus I

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Nemo 119 and Lucy Davis GP. (Photo: JWM)

The Belgium team competing in 1976.

Carlo 273 and Nick Skelton during the presentation for the Grand Prix. (Photo: JWM) 146 I pegasus I the art of riding

In the Shadows of the White House The 54th annual Washington International Horse Show brings top horses and riders to the U.S. capitol. story by Lauren Fisher/ Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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Nice de Prissey and Brianne Goutal competing in the Grand Prix. (Photo: JWM)

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Betty Ford presents the trophy at the Washington International Horse Show.

he nation’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show, the WIHS is a special event each and every year for top equestrian competitors and spectators alike. The show has a long history, hosting many of the biggest names in the sport, and drawing world famous celebrities and U.S. leaders to its ringside seating. Over the years, notable guests have included President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, and President Gerald R. Ford along with their First Ladies, and celebrities such as Christopher Reeve, Bruce Springsteen, William Shatner, and many more. WIHS was also host to a competitive Nations Cup class that brought teams from all over Europe. An equestrian tradition, the Washington International Horse Show is the pinnacle of the equestrian year with top riders, including Olympic medalists, and their world-class horses competing. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show, with many competing all year just to qualify. A highlight of WIHS each year is the impressive roster of riders that come from around the world to compete. Many competitors attending this year’s Olympic Games in London have been WIHS winners in recent years. 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medalists and members of this year’s London show jumping team, McLain Ward and Beezie Madden, have each shown regularly at WIHS throughout the years. Show jumping phenom Reed Kessler, who at eighteen years old will be the youngest rider to ever compete on an Olympic show jumping team, has been a fixture in the winner’s circle at WIHS for many years. Kessler began showing in the pony divisions as a child, moved up to the grand prix level just last year, and will now represent her country in London this summer. Great Britain’s Nick Skelton has also been a big winner at WIHS, showing there often since the early 80’s, and will be a part of his country’s Olympic show jumping team in London this year as well. Skelton took two huge wins at last year’s WIHS in the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by DC Events and the $25,000 Puissance presented by The Boeing Company. Past grand prix winners include A highlight of the WIHS each season is the presentation of special awards to the leading hunter and jumper riders following the conclusion of their competition, and Skelton was the big winner in 2011. Skelton earned the honor of Leading Jumper Rider. the art of riding I pegasus I

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Unique and Nick Skelton jumping the winning round of the Puissance. (Photo: JWM)

The Leading Hunter Rider was four-time World Champion Hunter Rider champion Scott Stewart, of Flemington, NJ, after he earned four division championships in the professional hunters. For the leading rider titles, competitors were awarded a Rolex luxury timepiece, courtesy of Tiny Jewel Box. Another rider who has had great success at the WIHS and gone on to make her country proud is 23-year-old Brianne Goutal, who was recently named The Rolex One to Watch for July 2012. Currently based out of Cloverleaf Farm LLC in Wellington, FL, Goutal jumped from 413th to 226th in the Rolex Rankings this summer – a move of 187 places. Goutal made history as the first junior rider to win all four major equitation finals: the 2004 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East; the 2004 Washington International Equitation Classic Finals; the 2005 USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Finals; and the 2005 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Maclay National Championships. Goutal, who started showing at the WIHS in 1995 on ponies, commented on the show last year, stating, “It has always kind of been one of the peak stops in my year. It has always been a very important finals for us. It is a very patriotic event, and it is prestigious. It is just a great show to come to. I look forward to it every year.” The unique atmosphere of competing in the United States’ capitol city is a great distinction for the WIHS. The WIHS is the only equestrian competition in the U.S. currently still held in a world-class arena in the middle of a major city. The competition is held at Verizon Center, located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. Verizon Center is home to some of the city’s top professional sports teams and hosts many concerts for chart-topping artists. When the WIHS moves into town, the city blocks surrounding Verizon Center are shut down, the temporary stabling is set up right in the street. Horses ship in and out of the city each day. This unique atmosphere, in addition to the distinction and prestige of showing in the large arena, all add to the special quality of the show. There is a huge amount of work that goes into producing and managing 150 I pegasus I the art of riding

Jackie Kennedy walks with the winner of the Grand Prix.

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Garfield and Scott Stewart competing in the HP. (Photo: JWM)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Photo: Diana De Rosa

Jessica Springsteen and Cincinnatti La Silla. (Photo: JWM)

The legendary Capitan Kirk won in 1989.

The Irish team competing in 1976.

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Reed Kessler and Ligist JWM.

Carlo 273 and Nick Skelton competing in the Grand Prix. (Photo: JWM) Photo: Diana De Rosa Photo: Diana De Rosa

Around the grounds during the 2009 Washington International Horse Show. 154 I pegasus I the art of riding (Photo: Diana De Rosa)

Photo: Diana De Rosa

an equestrian competition in a venue such as Verizon Center, and horse show managers David Distler and Robert Ridland do an amazing job at organizing even the smallest details. Ridland has been named the upcoming Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. Show Jumping Team following the retirement of George Morris in 2013, and is one of the most respected men in the industry. With Distler and Ridland’s great leadership, the WIHS remains one of the nation’s best horse shows. In addition to the fantastic competition at WIHS each year, the event is known for its hospitality, featuring many options for exhibitors and spectators. At Verizon Center, the Fidelity Investments® Club, a concourse-level dining area, and the Acela Club Cafe, located at the skybox level, will offer buffet dining and open bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The Sterling Club Exhibitors’ Lounge, located near the in-gate, will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and snacks. WIHS also has a special partnership with the military community, which has grown into a cherished tradition. This year, WIHS will honor TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) as their military charity and salute the service of the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon. A highlight of Friday night is the presentation of the Armed Forces Cup to the Puissance winner. Thanks to the support of generous donors, the Military Ticket Program continues to grow. This year, thousands of show tickets will be distributed to members of the military and their families, thanks to help from the Armed Forces Foundation. The WIHS debuted its free live streaming video feed online in 2011, so that horse lovers around the world could watch the competition and special events from their computer from any location. After its hugely popular debut, the WIHS free live stream will be offered again this year with several new features. The complete show will be streamed on wihs.org. Exciting equestrian exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities such as Kids’ Day and Breakfast with the Mounted Police round out this familyfriendly event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.wihs.org. 1 the art of riding I pegasus I

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People have ridden across the Namib Desert for over twenty years and it is rated as one of the toughest and most challenging rides in the world. story by Marnie Steffny

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hen you look at a map of Namibia, you’ll see tracts of wilderness and protected reserves, with few major cities and smaller settlements linked by a thread of roads and gravel tracks petering out into the desert. Once you experience the country first-hand, you can see that it’s a land shaped by extreme temperatures that can rise above 40 degrees Celsius by day, and plunge below freezing once the sun sets. Most years, Namibia receives very little rainfall, if any. One might wonder who on earth would attempt to cross this formidable landscape on horseback. Sarah Jane Gullick – “SJ” to many – is at the helm of the Namibia Horse Safari Company, and explains her fascination with Namibia. “Horse safaris are in my blood, and having ridden in many parts of the world, I found myself drawn to its wildlife and dramatic scenery. Experienced on horseback - I couldn’t resist!” These original Reitsafari Horse Trails have crossed the Namib Desert for over twenty years, and rate as some of the toughest, most challenging rides in the world. She adds that there’s little to beat the freedom and thrill of covering distances at a good gallop. “Our rides are all about getting back to basics – caring for your horse, and sleeping under the stars after a great traditional meal cooked on the fire in front of you. Respect for your horse builds as you explore this remarkable desert together as part of the wilderness, and you’ll make friends for life. It’s like nothing else you have ever done.” These were my thoughts on the first morning as we gathered at the paddock fence to meet our horses. We were a mixed bunch – young, not so young, English, Russian, French, Swiss and South African – some booked onto the ride through inthesaddle.com who arrange riding holidays and safaris all over the world. Many of us were new to the endurance saddles designed to distribute weight evenly across our horses’ backs, and to be as comfortable for both horse and rider as possible. A thorough demonstration of tacking up soon sorted that out, and we were off. Ahead lay four hundred kilometres of desert. It usually takes a bit of time to get used to an unfamiliar horse, yet we settled into the rhythm quickly, and soon were cantering through sandy

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river beds with springbok darting off in puffs of dust amongst the trees, over rocky plains and up into boulder-strewn foothills. Baboons barked down at us as we followed a winding track through a canyon towards camp, with the clipping of hooves on stones echoing back. Certainly different to the expanses of sand that I’d been expecting. I was also wondering what it would be like to camp with horses. We arrived after a good day’s riding at Waterval Camp, complete with picket lines for the horses, cold beers for the riders and a circle of chairs around a crackling fire. Views across the valley below to mountains in the distance were nothing short of breath-taking. The day’s warmth quickly vanished with the setting sun, and once the horses were fed 162 I pegasus I the art of riding

and watered, we gathered around the camp fire for supper. Talking quietly over a drink or two, we got to know each other a little before our first night under the stars. Quite something to be able to lie in bed and watch shooting stars at the same time! Logistically, a trip like this takes a lot of organisation. Imagine planning a camping expedition for a group of people you’ve yet to meet, all from different backgrounds, with a dozen horses, in one of the most inhospitable environments you can imagine. Food, water, equipment and tack is meticulously accounted for, and there’s no end of clever little gadgets like bucket showers with piping hot water, proper filter coffee, ice-cold drinks, and even bread baked over the coals.

“Our rides are all about getting back to basics – caring for your horse, and sleeping under the stars after a great traditional meal cooked on the fire in front of you. Respect for your horse builds as you explore this remarkable desert together as part of the wilderness, and you’ll make friends for life. It’s like nothing else you have ever done.”

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Talking quietly over a drink or two, we got to know each other a little before our first night under the stars. Quite something to be able to lie in bed and watch shooting stars at the same time!

With any safari, the guide has a huge impact on the overall experience. Andrew Gillies leads many of these desert rides, and knows the desert like the back of his hand. His sense of adventure and great company kept us entertained all the way, and he has a knack of sharing his knowledge in an easy manner. It’s also a rare treat to watch such a talented horseman in action. Together with Dr Telané Greyling, co-guide and author of Wild Horses of the Namib Desert, we had a huge stock of knowledge to draw on, and more importantly, lots of laughs along the way. Next day, a long tricky ride down the steep descents of the Gamsberg took us further into the Namib. Shortly after leaving camp, Andrew pointed out hyena tracks, honey badger spoor and – very exciting – fresh leopard tracks. Mountain zebra galloped across the ridges, stopping abruptly to watch us picking our way

carefully down the mountain. In the distance, shy kudu stared from beneath the scattered trees dotting the slopes. Often, the edge of the game paths that we followed dropped down to dry gorges far below. A pair of Verreaux’s (Black) Eagles rose level with us on the thermals – magnificent birds with a wingspan of nearly two metres. Fantastically shaped trees, specially adapted for the arid conditions, clung to the slopes, and as the kilometres ticked past, the landscape gradually transformed from the craggy central highlands, through the Kuiseb Canyon and onto the vast plains of the Namib/Naukluft National Park. The desert is a place of contrasts and wonders, like the bizarre and ancient Welwitschia plants that can live for more than a thousand years, and ephemeral rivers that flow for just a few short hours in times the art of riding I pegasus I

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We galloped across open plains dotted with mysterious “fairy circles” – perfect discs of bare sand that no-one can explain.

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of rain. We galloped across open plains dotted with mysterious “fairy circles” – perfect discs of bare sand that no-one can explain. Seas of pale yellow grass concealed smaller creatures, like scrub hares and bateared foxes, and in the distance, we saw a journey of giraffe that Andrew had tracked across stretches of sand. At this stage, Desiree from Switzerland turned to me with an enormous smile and said “Marnie, I could get drunk on this landscape!” A ride like this calls for real riders who can be in the saddle for most of the day at all paces, often over tricky ground. Great care is taken to match horse and rider, and each horse is chosen for hardiness and temperament, with smaller compact ones best suited to this kind of endurance riding. They’re also incredibly sure-footed, and when we dismounted on some very steep rocky passes, we could truly appreciate just how well-balanced and careful they are.

As we approached the end of the ride near Swakopmund, the dunes rose ahead, and in the distance we caught our first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Just a short time left before we reached the sea, and one by one, we fell silent, thinking back on the 400km we’d just covered. A final gallop along the beach, and then champagne with one or two moments when I was unable to put into words what we’d just experienced. I’d left home feeling apprehensive, yet yearning to challenge myself physically in a way I’d never done before. After ten days of not seeing myself in a mirror, I was jolted to see the person looking back – tanned, relaxed, and agreeing with the unknown person who said “We love horses for what they embody: freedom, spirit, adventure, perseverance, and drive. Horses are gentle, loyal, fierce friends and the ultimate travel companions who are willing to go the distance with you”. Would I do it again? In a hoof beat. 1 the art of riding I pegasus I

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* équitation d’avant garde

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advanced riding experience *

THE SAFETY STIRRUP

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special features

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Through the

Lens

From the Middle East, to France, Monaco and Spain, we bring you cutting edge photography of the 2012 Global Champions Tour.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This round fitted him well. He is a very competitive horse, very careful, always going forward. Tonight he prevailed. If you wanted to win the way to do it was at the combinations. I knew exactly what I was going to do!â&#x20AC;? Rodrigo Pessoa talking about HH Palouchin winner of the Speed Class in Cannes.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Our trainer has decided to start here because the level of competition is difficult and therefore a good test for the rest of the season. All horses jumping here will also jump in the London Olympics.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nicki Skelton, winner of the GCT Grand Prix in Hamburg

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My horse is amazing, that is why I am here. I was unlucky I had the last fence down, but I do not regret anything with superstars in the jump off. I am delighted.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Manuel Anon riding Baldo, third placed rider in the Grand Prix at Wiesbaden

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‘It is quite hard to hold a lead the whole way through but I hope I can do it. My horse has been very consistent and he jumped great today. I am very happy about today. It is my horse’s last preparation before the Olympic Games.’ Edwina Tops-Alexander, following the Monaco Grand Prix

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‘It was a fast course. There was not so much space between the fences. Aristo is a fast horse. He is clever and he always wants to win. It’s always good to go last and win.’ Ben Maher, winner of the opening round of the Monaco GCT

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‘I am really, really surprised. It is a great result. It is working so well with this horse. I have had Aragon for four weeks only. He has a lot of scope and I’m really surprised at how it is working.’ Leading German rider Christian Ahlmann, winner of the Estorial Grand Prix

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kisby is a very fast mare and we made some good tight turns. Because she has so much speed it means I did not have to take as much risk.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sergio Alvarez Moya, winner of the Grand Prix in Spain

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MAC

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‘He is a very fast horse and I’m very pleased. We won a lot of classes at 1.50. I’m also pleased because I changed plans and decided to ride him in this class.’ Roger-Yves Bost, winner of the CSI 5* in Spain on Castle Forbes Vivaldo

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The new

Raphael

by Tredstep

...the choice of

champions

Liza Towell Boyd