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November 2005
FEI World Cup Dressage in Stockholm In a Class of their Own - Standing Ovation for Brink and Briar Jan Brink (SWE) on Bjorsells Briar
Laying the groundwork with a personal best in the grand prix, it was no surprise that Jan Brink and Bjorsells Briar went on to an overwhelming triumph in the FEI World Cup Freestyle, bringing the ecstatic crowd of over eight thousand in Stockholm's Globen arena to their feet.
Brink commented: " I am really critical so in a few places I thought I could have ridden better. It is only the third time I have ridden this freestyle and I am now working towards perfection."
It has been a phenomenal year for Brink who won two European medals then capped that to become the first Swede ever to win the Aachen championship. "It has been really great, and such fun", he said. The main aim is to return to Aachen next year for glory at the World Equestrian Games, so apart from CDI-W Neumuenster, he is thinking of the long-term this winter. " I like the World Cup a lot", he explained, "Briar is now 14 and really strong physically but I don't want to overdo it. I want him to be as motivated as he is now as he gets older and for that I will give him breaks before he needs them". Brink also has Briar's seven-year-old son to bring on to grand prix level.
Ellen Schulten-Baumer was thrilled with Donatha S, and second place put her at the top of the FEI World Cup standings. "Donatha was fantastic, I had a wonderful ride", said Ellen of the mare bought as a four-year-old at the Verden auction. "On the one hand she is really powerful yet she is also really elegant, and she is so uncomplicated for a mare". Ellen is planning next to take Donatha to Frankfurt, and with her Aachen Nations Cup team ride Lesotho also on form, she has two horses to campaign for the FEI World Cup season. With a total of nine horses, she has put studying aside to concentrate on riding. "I know I can't do everything, and I'm lucky to have lovely horses who are fun to ride, so I want to give them 100 per cent."
Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff gained two perfect tens for Wahajama UNICEF's extended trot, one from Gustav Svalling at C. He commented: " Wahajama produced a marvellous extended trot. Unfortunately she made a big mistake in the one-tempis, but they should not worry - the rest is so good. Ellen did a good job, her mare has no weak points and I gave high artistic marks as the music really fits. Jan Brink and Briar's passage was a highlight although, for me, they were possibly even better in the grand prix."
Overall, Svalling commended the quality of the first five or six riders, and also remarked on the improvements shown this season by Louise Nathhorst. "Guinness is much lighter in his body", he said.
The next two rounds of the FEI World Cup take place in an intense week in December, with Anky van Grunsven leading the star-studded line up for the second Olympia qualifier, which will be followed closely by the first ever qualifier at Frankfurt.
CDI-W Stockholm result
FEI World Cup Qualifier Freestyle to Music
1, Bjorsells Briar (Jan Brink SWE) 78.825
2, Donatha S (Ellen Schulten-Baumer GER) 75.800
3, Wahajama UNICEF (Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff GER) 75.450
4, Guinness (Louise Nathhorst SWE) 74.725
5, Piccolino (Klaus Husenbeth GER) 72.975
6, Wilson (Kristian von Krusenstierna SWE) 71.975
7, Solo Carex (Tinne Vilhelmson SWE) 70.650
8, Galliano (Maria Eriksson SWE0 69.722
9, Memphis (Per Sandgaard SWE) 68.200
10, Hexagon's Kyrain (Thamar Zweistra NED) 67.825
Website: www.stockholmhorseshow.com
FEI World Cup Standings (after 8 competitions, including 5 Central European League) 1, Ellen Schulten-Baumer (GER) 32 2, Laura Bechtolsheimer (GBR) 31 3, Lone Joergensen (DEN) 29 4= Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff (GER) and Laurens van Lieren (NED 27 6, Louise Nathhorst (SWE) 26 7= Fiona Bigwood (GBR) and Klaus Husenbeth (GER) 22 9= Anky van Grunsven (NED), Andreas Helgstrand (DEN), Jan Brink (SWE) and Kristian von Krusenstierna (SWE) 20
CDI-W London (Olympia)
Media officer: Candy Burnyeat
Tel: +44 1753 847 900
Email: candyb.hpim@easynet.co.uk
Website: www.olympiashowjumping.com
Timetable
Tuesday 13th December 18.45 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix Supported by Berkeley Homes and Horse and Hound Wednesday 14th December 20.15 FEI World Cup Qualifier Freestyle to Music Supported by Berkeley Homes and Horse and Hound
CDI-W Frankfurt
Media Contact: Ann Börries Escon Marketing GmbH
Europa-Allee 12
49685 Emstek
Tel.: 04473 / 9411-140
Fax: 04473 / 9411-149
Email: presse@escon-marketing.de
http://www.festhallen-reitturnier.de
Timetable
Friday 16th December 12.15-16.00 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix Pries der Messe Frankfurt
Sunday 18th December 08.30-11.10 FEI World Cup Qualifier Freestyle to Music Preis der Schindling-Rheinberger Stifftung
www.feiworldcup.org
FEI World Cup Dressage in Maastricht Salinero stands firm for Maastricht victory
Anky van Grunsven and Keltec Salinero won the FEI World Cup Qualifier on home ground in Maastricht this afternoon in fine style with an 82 per cent score. The reigning world cup champions had been working on improvements and fine-tuning since Aachen, and reaped the benefits here.
Anky's husband and trainer Sjef Janssen explained: " We have been doing a lot of work on relaxation and we saw that here especially in the walk and the changes. You expect Salinero to be a 'live bomb' at these shows but he did his halts without hesitation and even after the very last passage he managed to stand still. He deserved the score, I'm happy." As an experiment the team substituted the normal passage entry for a long rein walk and it worked beautifully proving that even though multiple champions don't rest on their laurels, being able to stand to attention can count for a lot.
Edward Gal and Geldnet Lingh also surmounted the 80 per barrier for second place and in third Isabell Werth was just a whisker away on 79.025 with the Hanoverian Warum Nicht FRH.
Gal was delighted. " Lingh has done a lot of breeding this year and it was a bit much for him, so we have been concentrating on the basic work in training. He felt very good today, although the extended walk was a bit tense. He's quick off my leg again and the work felt easy."
Isabell Werth's nine-year-old Warum Nicht FRH was much complimented after this, only his fourth ever freestyle, ridden to Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. She commented: "I'm so happy, Warum Nicht was so good today. I'm really surprised as how quickly he has developed in his first grand prix season. Even in a week he is less spooky and more concentrated. He is such a big horse - 1.84 - but he has a small heart and can be afraid of his own shadow, yet he is a real athlete who likes to move and is very elastic. I don't like to compare my horses but in some ways he is the same type as Gigolo."
Like Anky and Edward, Isabell's next FEI World Cup show will be London's Olympia next month.
Jan Peeters at C reflected in the class: " In my opinion this was the first show where Salinero made really good halts! He was on the best form, although Edward Gal and Geldnet Lingh were also very good, and Isabell did a very good job." And has Gal's unusual music perhaps taken some getting used to for the judges? "With the music I look for the rhythm and the fit to the horse's movement and in that respect Edward's music is exact. The style is very Edward!"
Although it was not a full house, the Maastricht crowd certainly made the atmosphere feel as if it was. And while the applause dies down in Holland, tomorrow afternoon in Stockholm, the next FEI World Cup qualifier begins at 12.55.
Result
FEI World Cup Qualifier, Freestyle to Music
Presented by NASHUATEC
1, Keltec Salinero (Anky van Grunsven NED) 82.375
2, Geldnet Lingh (Edward Gal NED) 80.875
3, Warum Nicht FRH (Isabell Werth GER) 79.025
4, Salieri CH (Silvia Ikle SUI) 76.550
5, Sunrise (Imke Schellekens-Bartels NED) 76.375
6, Forest Gump NRW (Hubertus Schmidt GER) 74.60
7, Hexagon's Ollright (Laurens van Lieren NED) 73.475
8, Hardthof's Ludewig G (Lone Joergensen DEN) 73.00
9, Paganini (Jeroen Devroe BEL) 69.475
10, Amando (Gina Capellmann-Luetkemeier GER) 69.350
The FEI World Cup Dressage, initiated in 1985, is the only worldwide series in this discipline. It comprises qualifying leagues encompassing Western and Central Europe, North America, Canada and Australia. Each FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier comprises a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.
World record score Grand Prix Isabell Werth and Satchmo in Stuttgart!
Photo by Thomas Baur
An emotional Isabell Werth (36) received the ovations of the crowd at the Stuttgart Masters when she was honoured with the first prize for the Grand Prix in which she scored a new worldrecord of 79,958% riding Satchmo. “I am simply overwhelmed and very happy”, Isabell said. “I don’t think about what will come. Now is the moment to be happy that Satchmo has showed that we were right, to put our faith in him.”
After the Grand Prix test, trainer Wolfram Wittig and owner Madeleine Winter-Schulze shared their happiness and emotions as well. Wittig simply lifted Madeleine Winter Schulze and embraced her. Please look yourself at the world record test at the website of Stuttgart, click here (30,8 Mb)
Photo by Thomas Baur
Special thanks to ACM Mannheim Thomas Baur and Markus Bechert for photo's, facts and video's
For more information about the show in Stuttgart please visit stuttgart-german-masters.de
Martin Schaudt wins Kampmann Qualifier
Photo by Thomas Baur
Martin Schaudt secured his Grand Prix Special win in the spring by winning the Grand Prix Special for the Kampmann Cup in the Stuttgart German Masters again. He was rewarded with 7200 Euro by scoring 77,56% on Weltall VA.
German Master and European teamgold winner Heike Kemmer had to be satisfied with the runner up position, still winning 6100 Euro´s. The new world record holder of the Grand Prix Isabell Werth and Satchmo became third.
Martin Schaudt commented on his winning performance: „For me it´s important sports will stay interesting. With Weltall it really always does! He varies a lot in his performances and scores. But when the ups do follow the downs, I´m happy. For me Weltall still is the best horse in the world. If he is up, I am convinced he can beat any other horse in the world.“
The Grand Prix Special in Stuttgart was a qualifier for the Kampmann Cup. Heinrich Kampmann was too happy as well and said: "Congratulations to Martin Schaudt, but also to the crowds who really surprised me in Stuttgart with their wonderful enthusiasm for the dressage the last three days."
Please visit the Stuttgart website to have a look at the winning test of Martin Schaudt, click here (20,0Mb).
Online as well video winning Freestyle Hubertus Schmidt
The smooth winning Freestyle of Hubertus Schmidt and his home produced Forest Gump is now online as well at the website of the Stuttgart German Masters, please click here (33,5 Mb).
For those who understand the German language please have a look at the press conferences as well.
Go to stuttgart-german-masters.de, look at the button video, find your day of the test you like to see or go to Pressekonferenz (press conference).
Three record holders at dressage podium
Photo by Thomas Baur
Isabell Werth, Martin Schaudt and Anky van Grunsven were the centre of the attention when they attented the dressage podium in Stuttgart on Friday and were asked a lot of questions about the training method ´low and deep´. Isabell Werth emphasized that some ´ground tension´ should be there in the muscles of the horse to be able to perform at all. It is the balance in relaxation and the necessary ground tension that counts. All three riders emphasized that an individual way to approach, contact and train a sensitive horse is necessary to gain his confidence.
It was a tough talk with a lot of opposition. `I do hope now the attention will be on the sport again. The results speak for themselves, with Isabell and Martin Schaudt being the record holders and winners of Stuttgart`, the record holder of the best Freestyle score Anky van Grunsven commented on Sunday
FEI 2006 Eventing Rules (Proposed changes to be approved by FEI Bureau)
The final version of the rules will be available mid-December on the FEI Web-site, after the approval of theBureau.
Consultation With Riders: NEW ANNEX 10 CONSULTATION WITH RIDERS (TO BE UPDATED)
1. Prior to the riders’ first opportunity to inspect the cross-country course every Organising Committee (OC) of an international event must appoint a Rider Representative (RR) from among the riders taking part in the competition having first obtained that rider’s consent. This RR has the task of acting as a channel of communication between the competitors and the officials on any matter directly connected with the event without in any way removing the right of any rider to speak to the OC, Technical Delegate (TD), Ground Jury (GJ), or Course Designer (CD). The name of this rider must be notified to the competitors at the briefing if one is held or posted prominently on the event notice board if no briefing takes place.
2. The OC will appoint prior to the start of the competition the Chairman of an Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) – see # 8 below.
3. At the end of the day on which the First Horse Inspection is held there will be a meeting of all riders should they so wish to be called by the RR. The TD and representative of the OC should attend although not the Ground Jury unless specifically requested by the TD, OC or the RR.
4. If the event is a “normal” CCI following a ‘normal’ timetable the RR has the right, if there are any concerns amongst the riders, to ask for a riders’ meeting to take place at the end of the first day of Dressage to discuss major issues concerning the obstacles on the course and/or the distances of the course/phases. This meeting must be attended by the Ground Jury, TD, CD, and a senior representative from the OC. (If there are no issues the RR may advise the TD who will contact the OC and GJ and cancel the meeting).
5. At this meeting any such issues must be recorded in writing (the TD & RR have this responsibility) and the response of the GJ also recorded in writing and signed by the President of the GJ and the RR.
6. At this stage the riders may appoint a further two people (to join the already appointed RR) as RR’s to continue the discussions with the officials and the OC. These additional two people can be anyone the riders choose and do not necessarily have to be competing at the competition.
7. A further and final riders’ meeting, attended as before by all the officials and a representative from the OC, will always take place the evening before the cross-country test. Ahead of this meeting the written response by the Ground Jury to any written concerns of the riders raised the previous evening shall be given to the RR’s. At this meeting any final briefing of the riders will take place. If the riders are still dissatisfied with the decisions of the GJ a vote will be taken. If a majority of the riders actually taking part in the competition (50% plus one) so agree the outstanding issue(s) will be referred immediately to the AHC for a final decision against which there will be no appeal. At this meeting any such issues must be recorded in writing (TD & RR responsibility) and the response of the AHC also recorded in writing and signed by the Chairman of the AHC and the RR.
8. The AHC will consist of three people appointed on the first day of the event by the OC in conjunction with the RR – a non-competing current or recent rider experienced at the level of the event, a FEI qualified CD or TD, and a third independent person experienced in the sport, e.g. an Organiser. If such people are not available at the event the OC, in consultation with the TD and the President of the GJ, must appoint a committee of similarly experienced people likely to have the confidence of the riders and officials alike. Any one of these three people can be appointed as Chairman. The President or a member of the Appeal Jury may be appointed to this committee if suitably qualified.
9. At a CIC or CCI with only one day of Dressage it will be necessary to modify the above procedure. In these circumstances the above timetable may be compressed and/or certain steps omitted but the most important principles must be retained, i.e.:
- Concerns and responses recorded in writing
- The opportunity for riders to vote if dissatisfied
- Final decision by an Ad Hoc, independent Committee, provided a majority of starters so request
Note: It is recommended that the Ad Hoc Committee established above, whether or not it actually meets or has to take a decision, should also act as the committee of investigation reporting to the President of the Ground Jury in the event of a fatal accident to horse or rider and as the investigators required by the Ad hoc Investigation team (see FEI Eventing Memorandum/Guidelines). This recommendation is intended to avoid duplication of effort and of officials.
The above will not apply for Championships or team events (RR replaced by Chef d’Equipe) or for Young Riders, Junior of Pony events. The article will not apply for Championships, Team events, Young Riders and Juniors events.
ANNEX 7 Medical and ANNEX 5 CCI Speeds & Distances will be available on the FEI website following the approval of the proposed changes at the FEI Bureau Meeting in December.
CANADIAN YOUTH RIDERS WIN IN FIRST MEXICO CDI3*
Photos provided by Andrea Rhinelander.
The First CDI3* to be held in Mexico took place at the military centre Del Estado Mayor Presidencial, in Mexico City. The competition was held in conjunction with the annual Copa Mexico national competition, November 10-12, 2005. Vicky Apparicio was the Event Director and should be congratulated on her excellent first CDI.
Pictured left: Opening Ceremonies
Included in the CDI3* was an invitational competition on borrowed horses. Invited were Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru and the USA plus Mexican riders. A draw for the horses was held and each rider had an opportunity to get to know their horse for one day before the Horse Inspection held Wednesday. Many of the horses were just at the level required, a few slightly above and some were not, so this was an added challenge to the riders and coaches. Canada had six riders: Jessica Rhinelander (16) from Newfoundland (FEI Junior), Brittany Fraser (17) of Nova Scotia (FEI Junior), Jade Deter (14) of Ontario (FEI Childrens), Erika Urf (17) and Alexandra Duncan from British Columbia (FEI Juniors) and Pia Fortmuller (20) from Alberta (FEI Young Rider).
Pictured left : Jessica Rhinelander and Juvel.
Having the privilege of being invited as one of the judges, I have to say I could not have been more proud of our riders. They all rode superbly, with classical elegant positions. I received copious compliments from everyone at the show on how well they rode and looked. Alexandra Duncan 2005 Canadian National FEI Junior champion probably was faced with the biggest challenge when she realized that her horse had never done a flying change or been ridden in a double bridle! She then proceeded to teach her horse the change and to accept the double bridle with the skill of a far more mature professional. Brittany Fraser also rode a horse that none of the US riders could cope with and made it look as if she had been riding him for a long time. Jade Deter presented her little bull fighting Spanish horse with great skill particularly when he tried to do Spanish walk (for which he is trained!) during the walk sequence and in the canter!! Jessica coped extremely well with her mount which was not always happy to stay round, improving in each class under her quiet and tactful riding; Pia presented her big grey in the FEI Young Rider classes with the fluid yet dynamic riding that won her the Canadian National FEI Young Riders Championship. The heart stopping moment went to Erika when her little borrowed Lusitano stallion, Otto was sent to the holding box during the Horse Inspection, fortunately he was accepted at the re-inspection the following day.
Pictured left: Jessica Rhinelander, Jose Luis and his son Turn-Out Award winners.
The Organizing Committee asked some of the Jury to judge the Best Turned-out and presented horse and rider. Jessica won it hands down with her elegant navy blazer, beige pants and added touch of white gloves. However the panel felt that others also deserved note and the OC agreed to award two other prizes which went to Jose Luis Padilla M for the adult and his son Jose Luis Padilla L for the male youth rider. The Chef d’Équipe of Argentina presented the award at the reception and cocktail party. The award was a statue of a horse head given by the Argentinean NF. He also committed to providing similar awards to the two gentlemen winners. Jose Luis Sr. also was very generous in loaning one of his horses for the competition.
Competitors and guests at the opening reception party were treated to a special presentation given by Mariette Withages, President of the Ground Jury and Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee. Mariette gave a fascinating short talk on the history of riding horses to music and how the modern Freestyle came to be. She then answered questions about judging and riding Freestyles. She finished by showing a DVD of a brand new Freestyle of one of the British Team riders who will present it for the first time at the Olympia CDI-W in London this December. The music was prepared by the same composers that made Anky Van Grunsven’s music. It was met with loud applause and appreciation and I have to say personally that I actually preferred it to Anky’s piece which was also beautifully done. Perhaps we will see another 10 for Music!
Pictured left: Erika Urf and Otto
There were others who made the trip successful, those being the parents that came along as chaperones and cheer leaders! Last but far from least must be noted the two coaches that accompanied these youngsters, Albrecht Heidemann and Ruth Koch (also acting as Chef d’Équipe). Under the watchful eye of these two, the young riders built an amazing connection with their mounts in a very short time, presenting properly connected performances and having the skill to know how far to push and when not to. All their horse’s were clearly ridden from back to front and in a classical manner, which in spite of some horse’s limited movement still gave the impression of harmony and energy. In addition they all managed to keep their horses up and out, through well positioned and soft hands and with no sign of low polls or short necks. This impressive demonstration of skilled riding reflects highly on the Youth program that Albrecht had been charged with and developed in Canada. Every one of the riders has been part of his clinic program (in conjunction with their personal coaches) for some time with three of them actually having started with him.
One could say that the Canadian’s returned their borrowed horses back to the owners with more training than they began with. Canada you should be very proud of our wonderful young riders and coaches and the legacy they show promise of fulfilling for the future of Canadian Dressage.
Results of the CDI Invitational Classes:
FEI Childrens (3 classes):
Jade Deter: Two Second places and first in the Final Test.
| FEI Junior Team |
FEI Jr. Individual |
FEI Jr. Freestyle |
| 1st – Brittany Fraser |
1st – Erika Urf |
1st – Erika Urf |
| 2nd – Erika Urf |
2nd – Brittany Fraser |
2nd – Brittany Fraser |
| 3rd - Alexandra Duncan |
3rd – Alexandra Duncan |
4th – Alexandra Duncan |
| 4th – Jessica Rhinelander |
4th – Jessica Rhinelander |
5th – Jess Rhinelander |
| |
|
|
| FEI Young Rider Team |
FEI Young Rider Indiv. |
FEI YR Freestyle |
| 1st – Pia Fortmuller |
1st – Pia Fortmuller |
1st – Pia Fortmuller |
Mexico City CDI3* 2005 – by Erika Urff
Photo courtesy Nina Urff
From November 10 th-12 th 2005 six Canadian riders participated in Mexico City ’s first ever CDI3* competition. The riders included Pia Fortmuller of Vancouver (Young Rider), Alexandra Duncan of Vancouver, BC (FEI Junior), Brittany Fraser of Halifax NS (FEI Junior), Jessica Rheinlander of Newfoundland (FEI Junior), Jade Deter of Ottawa ON (FEI Children’s) and myself, Erika Urff of Langley BC (FEI Junior). Each rider would be riding a horse provided by the show committee. It was an opportunity for a select few young riders to participate in an International competition under top judges who included Mariette Withages FEI O (BEL ), Axel Steiner FEI O (USA), Cara Whitham FEI O (CAN),), Gabriel Armando FEI I (ARG) and Mercedes Campdera FEI C (MEX). Several riders came from countries such as Mexico , Peru , Argentina , Costa Rica , USA as well as Canada . This CDI was by invitation. Riders submitted scores and were selected by Dressage Canada to participate.
Photo left to right: Pia Fortmuller Erika Urf and Alexandra Duncan, wearing their CO GR8 Helmets which were kindly sponsored by Charles Owen
The facility was set on a sloping hill rich with Spanish culture. The grounds were stationed on a military base. There were several large sand arenas and one covered indoor in which the CDI took place. The ring was decorated with the flags of the represented countries and the Mexican colours. A large Coca-Cola® score board displayed the name of the rider and the horse currently riding. The climate was cold morning but warm days. Because of the high altitude that the facility was in walking up the hill literally left you breathless.
Each rider would draw for their horse. After some last minute shuffling around to eliminate unsuitable horses everyone had a horse that would stand up to the task. On Wednesday the 9 th of November, only the second day we were able to ride and the day prior to the show, we had to jog our horses. First the Children’s riders then the Juniors followed by the Young Riders. This is where some slight turmoil began. My little 15.0HH Lusitanian stallion appeared to be off on the left fore leg. After all the other horses in the CDI had completed the jog the FEI vet and Mrs. Withages, President of the Ground Jury decided that the following day, the first day of the show, they would re-inspect my horse at 12:00 PM prior to the start of the Prix St. Georges, only four hours before I would ride my test. So the afternoon of the 9 th I tried another horse that was brought in at the last minute for an American rider that did not work out. It was a nice little stallion but had some connection problems that would be of hindrance. I felt that I would be able to get around a test but it would all be schooling, so after a quick talk with Ruth Koch, Albrecht Heidemann and my father we decided that it would not work. The same owner of that horse then brought down a Ferro stallion that she was willing to pull out of the national competition for me to compete on. It was arranged that the American rider would ride the horse first as she did not have a horse, but whether my horse would pass the re-jog or not was questionable. After her ride she decided that the horse was too complicated and she could not manage the stallion. So on I got and worked through some of the horses issues. In the end he went well and it was a toss up. The next morning I was to try the Ferro horse again before the re-jog. If the Lusitanian was fine I would take him as I could do more on him. Upon my arrival I was told that the vet & Mrs. Withages had re-inspected my horse, Otto, and said he was fine. So I did not have to ride the other stallion.
The first day we rode the Team test and the following day we rode the Individual test. The final day we rode our freestyles, which were designed for our own horses for the most part.
The awards Ceremonies were mounted and consisted of the playing of the winning riders national anthem. The final ceremony was unmounted as the top three riders had to proceed to the podium. It was a large event; even the Mexican national television cameras were present to tape the top riders. In the end I came home with a large accomplishment under my belt, as did the other Canadian riders as they also were successful.
results1 results2 results3
A huge thank-you is owed to the horse owners for allowing us to ride their horses. We all ended up on nice horses, although it was an eye opener as the quality was different from what we are used to in Canada . Each owner was very supportive and they certainly bent over backwards to help accommodate us. We were each supplied with grooms who worked round the clock to prepare our horses. They did an amazing job and always had the horse ready for when you wanted. They were a big part of our success. The British Columbia Team also received generous sponsorship from Charles Owen Helmets and each received a GR8 Helmet. We are looking forward to a great working relationship with this very supportive company. Also, a thank you to the show committee for inviting us to participate in their first ever CDI3*. This was an amazing opportunity to show your riding ability and compete in a large international competition.
