The
Eloquent Equine Special No. 4
A LOOK INSIDE the
WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES THE HISTORY OF THE GAMES 1990 - 2014
WEG 2014 THE VENUES, THE LOCALE, AND MORE
CENTER STAGE with
MEGAN LANE
RISING CANADIAN GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE STAR
AND
JESSICA PHOENIX CANADIAN OLYMPIC EVENTER
CONTENTS INSIDE WEG 04 History of the Games WEG 1990 - 2014
07 Normandy, France Host of WEG 2014
CENTER STAGE 08 Megan Lane Rising Canadian Grand Prix
Dressage Rider
10 Jessica Phoenix Canadian Olympic Eventer
NORMANDIE 2014 12 The 2014 Venues Find out where each discipline is competing 16 Horseball A lesser known FEI discipline, in exhibition
Editor’s Desk So here we are, nearing the end of August. It’s hard to believe the summer has flown by so fast! It’s always a busy time for equestrians, with school out, vacation time, show season in full swing, and lots of sunshine to enjoy. You may have noticed that things have been a bit quiet here at The Eloquent Equine, but we assure you it’s a temporary thing, we’ve been brainstorming some great new ideas that will be launching in the fall, as well as this great new issue you see before you. Of course, if that isn’t enough, we’ve also got our Anniversary issue just around the corner. It’s hard to believe we’ve been around for a full two years now. Onwards and upwards we go. We’ve got great mini special edition for you, all about this year’s edition of the Alltech World Equestrian games in Normandy, France. Rising Canadian Dressage star Megan Lane was kind enough to answer some of our questions in between competing in Aachen and preparing for WEG. Our social media manager Allyson also had the chance to speak with Canadian Olympic Eventing superstar Jessica Phoenix, to get her thoughts about competing at WEG and how she prepares for competition. This issue may be mini, but it’s packed with fun stuff, and we hope you enjoy!
Editor In Chief Krista Rivet
Social Media Manager Allyson Lowe
Guest Writer/Blogger Tia Culley
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On the Cover The bay of Mont St. Michel is a UNESCO world heritage site that will serve as the backdrop for the Endurance competition at WEG 2014. Photo*: Freestock / Nicolas Raymond [edited from original] *All WEG logos, discipline icons, etc. represented Image licence: within this issue are the property of the Alltech
The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four full issues a year. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
The Eloquent Equine • 3
WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES A HISTORY OF THE GAMES [1990 - 2014]
T
he World Equestrian Games (WEG) occurs once every 4 years, is run by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and brings together hundreds of horses and riders from across the world to one venue.
The FEI formally recognizes 9 disciplines, and the 7 globally recognized disciplines are now represented in competition at WEG (Eventing, Endurance, Reining, Vaulting, Jumping, Driving, Dressage and ParaDressage).
WEG was officially founded in 1990, though the idea for a competition of its magnitude was floated around by HRH Prince Philip (then president of the FEI) since the 1980s.
Horse-ball and tent pegging (regionally governed FEI disciplines) continue to maintain championships separate from WEG, though WEG 2014 will see Horse-ball in exhibition (as well as Polo, which the FEI does not govern).
Designed as a “one-off” event, the 1990 inaugural edition of the World Equestrian Games was so successful, that the decision was made to hold it again. Before the creation of the games, each globally recognized FEI discipline held its own championships, in separate locations. The modern version of WEG is held across 2 weeks, every 4 years, half way between each summer Olympics (the next of which is summer 2016, in Rio de Janeiro).
History • World Equestrian Games
More information about the 2014 World Equestrian Games can be found by visiting the games official site at: normandy2014.com For more information on the history of the games, check out the FEI website, at: history.fei.org
FUN FACTS •
The first WEG was held in 1990 in Stockholm (Sweden), with 37 countries represented across 6 disciplines (Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, and Vaulting).
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Reining was introduced to the competition in 2002, when the games were held in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).
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The 2006 games reached the largest audience to date – with 60% more coverage than WEG 2002
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The 2010 WEG was held in Kentucky (USA), marking the first time the competition was ever held outside of Europe, it was also the first time all 8 disciplines (Eventing, Endurance, Reining, Vaulting, Jumping, Driving, Dressage and Para-Dressage) were held in one location
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In 2010, all horses and riders tested negative for prohibited substances
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2010 was also the first time WEG had an official sponsor – Alltech
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While WEG 2014 returns to Europe, the 2018 edition of the games will be back in North America, as Bromont (Canada) has won the bid to host
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The reach of WEG continues to grow, as the 2014 edition of the games has seen a massive increase in entries from a wide range of nations across the globe
WWW.
The Eloquent Equine • 5
2018 Bromont (Canada) 2018 Bromont (Canada)
2014 2014 Aachen 2006 (Germany) Aachen 2006 61 Countries (Germany) 7 Disciplines 61 Countries 7 Disciplines
Rome
1998 Rome 1998 (Italy)
Normandy (France) 76 Nations Normandy 8 Disciplines
(approx.)
(France)
76 Nations (approx.) 8 Disciplines
Lexington 2010 (U.S.A) 58 Countries Lexington 2010 (U.S.A)8 Disciplines
58 Countries 8 Disciplines
de la Frontera 2002 Jerez (Spain) 48 Countries Jerez la Frontera Disciplines 2002 (Spain)7de 48 Countries 7 Disciplines
(Italy)
42 Countries 6 Disciplines 42 Countries 6 Disciplines
Stockholm 1990 37 Countries (Sweden) 6 Disciplines Stockholm 1990 37 Countries (Sweden) 6 Disciplines
History • World Equestrian Games
The Hague
1994
(Netherlands)
1994
Hague 37The Countries 6(Netherlands) Disciplines 37 Countries 6 Disciplines Disciplines
Dressage (1990 +) • Eventing (1990 +) • Jumping (1990 +) Endurance (1990 +) • Vaulting (1990 +) • Driving (1990 +) Disciplines Reining (2002 +) • Para-Dressage (2010 +) Dressage (1990 +) • Eventing (1990 +) • Jumping (1990 +) Endurance (1990 +) • Vaulting (1990 +) • Driving (1990 +) Reining (2002 +) • Para-Dressage (2010 +)
HOME OF THE 2014 WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
NORMANDY
FRANCE Normandy is a geographic region of France, which is divided into two regions: Upper and Lower Normandy. Upper Normandy consists of Seine-Maritime and Eure, two French departments (administrative divisions of France). While Lower Normandy, home of the 2014 games, consists of three departments: Orne, Calvados, and Manche. Normandy, and particularly Lower Normandy (a predominately agricultural region), is arguably one of the most important equestrian areas in all of France, known for its breeding and training of horses. The area is home to a significant number of riders, equestrian organizations, and has a strong infrastructure dedicated to equine health. There are over 93,000 horses in Normandy, 406 equestrian centres, 230 professional riders, and 2 national studs (Le Pin and Saint-LĂ´).
Photo: Normandy Pasture Freestock / Nicholas Raymond
Normandy also boasts one airport that specializes in equine transport.
The Eloquent Equine • 7
MEGAN LANE RISING CANADIAN GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE STAR
M
egan Lane is a young talent taking the Canadian Dressage circuit by storm as of late. Coming off of a successful show season in Ontario, she moved on to compete in Aachen at the World Equestrian Festival, before she heads to Normandy, France to represent Canada on the Canadian Dressage Team at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Born and raised in Collingwood, ON, this rising star gave us a few minutes of her time to talk about WEG, her goals, and her advice for aspiring riders.
What excites you most about being able to compete at the World Equestrian Games this year? ML: An International competition has been a lifelong goal of mine so to be able to have this time come is hugely exciting. Where Caravella and I came from is quite thrilling to me as well. To have her and I usually seen as the under dogs throughout our time growing together I see this as just another time to prove to everyone we can compete with the world’s best!
What are you goals following WEG 2014? ML: Following the WEG I plan on qualifying a couple of Deer Ridge Equestrian’s horses and Caravella for the Pan Am Games in Palgrave, Ontario; the World Cup in Las Vegas; and the Olympics in Rio de Janiero.
Centre Stage • Megan Lane
Can you speak briefly about your riding career so far? Did you always plan on riding Dressage? ML: Taking up dressage wasn’t a conscience goal for me, but more where the pieces fell. Even as a small kid I was fascinated with what the horses could do even before I grasped that dressage was what I was doing! Not having grown up with the most talented ponies and horses by any means, realizing correct training can lead them to surpass its natural talent is what drew me to this discipline. I also love jumping, so I still incorporate small gymnasticizing exercises, hacking and hill work into my training. I find it helps to keep the horses minds engaged and happy in their work, and is great cross training.
What do you consider your greatest achievement(s) in your riding career thus far? ML: My greatest achievement would be being named to Team Canada for WEG.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Dressage riders, or riders in general, who have dreams of succeeding in the competition ring? ML: My advice for aspiring competitors is to push yourself but also knowing your horse well enough not to over face him. As a rider you are a trainer, and building your horses confidence is one of my many priorities no matter the level of experience the horse has. Secondly, for most people, competing can be intimidating. I find a good way to over come this is to first practice at home with the mind-set of being at a show and since horses are creatures of habit it’s simple to use this to your advantage. If you and your horse have a flawless regime that you both know to the tea and are confident with, then everything from your warm-up to your last centre line will be just another day at the barn... until then you look around and notice the change of change of venue!
How do you work through those tough riding moments that can sometimes seem unsurpassable? What inspires you to push through those challenges that arise? ML: I am lucky to have learned from a young age anything done at the top level isn’t easily attained. In fact the “challenges” of the sport appeal to me more than the gloriousness of winning. The learning curves are what keeps me determined and I love the fact that the more you learn the more you realize how much more there is to know.
What do you consider the most important assets or skills a rider and a horse must have to excel in this sport? ML: I think to excel in this sport the skills necessary are dedication, hard work, talent, attention to detail and of course a love for horses.
WWW.
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To have her [Caravella] and I usually seen as the under dogs throughout our time growing together I see this as just another time to prove to everyone we can compete with the world’s best!” The Eloquent Equine • 9
JESSICA PHOENIX CANADIAN OLYMPIC EVENTER Interview by Allyson Lowe
J
essica Phoenix, Olympic Eventer and Pan Am Gold Medallist (2011), will be representing Canada alongside her team mates at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. She was kind enough to take some time out her busy schedule to sit down with us to provide her thoughts on WEG, international competition, and more.
How do you prepare yourself and your horse for upcoming competition? How have you been preparing for WEG in particular? JP: You have to take it day by day and not get too excited. You have to keep a level head and focus on the big picture. With horses anything can happen that can affect the outcome and you need to keep yourself from getting too excited.
What was your proudest moment during your international competitions? How did it feel to represent Canada in the London 2012 Olympics? JP: Every competition I have been in has had its highs. But winning gold at the PAN AM was one of the highest moments of my career. (Jessica and I also talked about entering the arena at the Royal and getting a standing ovation for her success at PAN AM) Competing in the London 2012 Olympics was a dream come true for me. The Olympics was also a very special moment for me as my mom is from England. It felt like I
Centre Stage • Jessica Phoenix
was returning home and England is a beautiful country. I also had the support of my family and loved ones that lived in England.
Will you get a chance to see any of the other riding disciplines at the WEG in Normandy? JP: I most likely will not be able to see any of the other events as the equestrian events are very spread out in Normandy. We will also be there for only a short period of time, but if I get the opportunity I would love to go and cheer on my fellow team mates.
How do you think Canada is doing on the international stage in Eventing? Are you proud to see that your involvement has helped shape Canada’s position in the international eventing community? Do you think your voice has helped inspire young riders to enter into the eventing riding discipline? JP: Canada is still a really young team but we have great staff and coaching team. It will be really interesting to see Canada develop as a team over the next ten years. As we have many talented young riders coming into the forefront. I will get to witness all the young riders develop and compete as I am the coach for the young rider eventing team.
Is there anything you would like us at the Eloquent Equine know about yourself and eventing career? JP: I want readers to know that people may see only the rider competing on the international level. But there is a huge group of people behind the scenes. They include vets, farriers, support staff, etc. All my sponsors who have helped me get to all my competitions. As well as my clients who sacrifice their training time for when I have to leave for a competition. Nobody can go to the top on their own.
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You have to keep a level head and focus on the big picture. With horses anything can happen...”
The Eloquent Equine • 11
WEG 2014
VENUES T
he majority of the competitions (7) will be housed in venues within Caen, the region’s capital. Many will be held in existing venues, such as the D’Ornano football stadium which will play host to the three Olympic disciplines (Dressage, Jumping, Eventing).
Find out where each discipline will be in competition
Vaulting will be held at the Zénith Conference Center in Caen, while the Caen Exhibition Centre will hold the Reining competition, and the La Prairie Racecourse will be home to Driving and Para-Dressage. The Le Pin National Stud, located in Haras du Pin (Orne), is a historic centre that will host a portion of the Eventing competition. The national stud is over 1,000 hectares in size and was built by Louis XIV. It is commonly known as the ‘Palace of Versailles for horses’. The Bay of Mont St. Michel (Manche – Sartilly), an iconic island and UNESCO world heritage site, will serve as the backdrop for the opening leg of the 160 km Endurance competition course. Since the 8th century, the island town has been the seat of a monastery, from which the bay derives its name. Also in the Manche region, the town of Saint-Lô will host the Horse-Ball exhibition tournament. The Polo exhibition will be held in Deauville, one of France’s most popular beach cities.
NORMANDIE 2014:
Inside WEG 2014 • The Venues
The Eloquent Equine • 13
Inside WEG 2014 • The Venues
The Eloquent Equine • 15
A LESSER KNOWN FEI DISCIPLINE - IN EXHIBITION
HORSEBALL
A
lesser known competition, when compared to the 7 globally governed FEI disciplines, Horse-ball is a competition that derives from the Argentinian sport of pato, which was developed in the early 1700s. Pato became Argentina’s national game in 1953, and the modern form of the sport, known as horse-ball (or horseball), was formally defined in the 1930s. The sport was standardized in France in the 1970s, and the international horse-ball federation currently has 18 members. The sport is played on a field measuring 60-80 metres long by 20-30 metres wide. The field is called a ‘rug’ and the players play with a 6 sided ball. Players of the game must pick up the ball from the ground, pass it to another team member, and then throw it through a hooped shape vertical goal (3.5 m high).
Inside WEG 2014 • Horse-ball
The game is played in 2 halves, each 10 minutes in length, with a 3 minute interval in between. There are two primary rules to the game: 1. Each team must make a minimum of 3 passes between 3 different players before attempting to score, otherwise the goal will be disallowed 2. Players cannot have the ball in their possession for more than 10 seconds at a time. Horse-ball was previously shown in exhibition at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain). For more information on the 2014 Horse-ball exhibition, taking place in the town of Saint-Lô, check out the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ website: normandy2014.com
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Horseball riders play as both attacking and defensive players.
PHOTO CLINIC
SERIES
Launching this fall, we’ve got a panel of industry experts to comment on your riding photos. Get input on your position and ride, while also getting tips on exercises and strategies to improve your form. Our mini photo clinic series gives you a chance to submit photos for critique from our panel of experts, made up of trainers (hunter/jumper and dressage) as well as equine medical professionals. Stay tuned to our website for to learn more about our experts, as and to learn how to submit your photo. [ theeloquentequine.com ]
[COMING SOON] The Eloquent Equine • 17
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THE ELOQUENT EQUINE THANKS FOR READING! Stay tuned for our Anniversary issue, coming soon to a computer near you! Can’t wait? Then make sure you check out our website for great articles, product reviews, clinic reports, infographics, and more to keep you inspired.
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