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Jur Vrieling and Bubalu VDL will compete for the Netherlands. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 2 will take place in Copenhagen. Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Poland and Sweden will all have teams present in the hope of collecting some points for the overall standings. France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland on the other hand can not collect points at this leg.
Heading for Rome again; Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The coming weekend the beautiful CSIO5*-NC event takes place at Piazza di Siena in Rome. The show hosts the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 1, and France, Great Britain, Ukraine and Spain will be able to pick up points here. These teams send some top riders to Rome; Patrice Delaveau, Roger Yves Bost, Kevin Staut, Nick Skelton, Scott Brash, Ben Maher, Sergio Alvarez Moya and Kathi Offel are all on the list – in addition to lots of other strong names such as Philippe Le Jeune, Daniel Deusser, Carsten-Otto Nagel, David Will, Richard Spooner, Kent Farrington and Pius Schwizer to mention some.
After the first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 1 in La Baule, Switzerland has taken the lead of the series with 90 points. France, Ireland and Great Britain follows as joint rank two in the series with 75.67 points. Under the new rules of the Furusiyya series, just four of the teams starting in yesterday’s competition – France, Ireland, Great Britain and Switzerland – could earn points towards the final in September. In yesterday's Nations Cup Switzerland finished 2nd and France, Ireland, Great Britain joint 3rd.
The winning Dutch team in La Baule. Photo by © Dirk Caremans/FEI.It was the Dutch team that won the opening leg of the Europe Division 1 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in La Baule on Friday. Switzerland ended second while Ireland, Great Britain and France shared third place. Dutch Chef d'Equipe Rob Ehrens’ crew consisted of Albert Voorn on Tobalio, Hendrik Jan Schuttert on Cerona HS, Frank Schuttert on Winchester and Leon Thijssen on Tyson. After the first round Holland was in fifth position with Spain – both teams carrying seven faults. Germany and Belgium were in joint with six penalties, the French were in second with five faults and the Swiss in the lead with a single time penalty.
Rob Ehrens' team will be first to go in La Baule. The starting order for tomorrow’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in La Baule is as follows;
1. The Netherlands
2. Spain
3. Ireland
4. Great Britain
5. Belgium
6. Germany
7. Switzerland
8. France
A full list of the riders and teams that will compete in La Baule this coming weekend is ready. The CSIO5* event in France includes the opener of the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Division 1 in Europe which takes place on Friday, and the prestigious Grand Prix on Sunday. Top riders are heading for La Baule, and the full entry list can be seen here.
Olivier Philippaerts will be going to La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The German, Belgian and Spanish teams for La Baule have been announced. The German riders entered for the opener of the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series are Katrin Eckermann, Lars Nieberg, Patrick Stühlmeyer, Holger Wulschner and Tim Rieskamp-Goedeking. Belgium will have a strong team present with Dirk Demeersman, Judy-Ann Melchior, Ludo Philippaerts, François Mathy Jr and Olivier Philippaerts – while Spain send Manuel Fernandez Saro, Pilar Cordon Muro, Julio Arias Cueva, Manuel Anon and Paola Amilibia Puig.
After three out of eleven events in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe Division 2, Sweden holds the overall lead in the series. Sweden has collected a total of 152 points, while Finland is rank two with 141 points. Norway is currently the third best nation at 139 points.
Paul Estermann will be going to La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swiss team that will be heading for the opener of the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series in La Baule next weekend has been announced. The five riders that will travel to France are; Paul Estermann, Steve Guerdat, Beat Mändli, Pius Schwizer and Janika Sprunger. This is one out of four events where the Swiss can pick up points in the series. To view the team allocation click here.
Penelope and Topinambour have been picked to ride for France in La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.One team after the other is getting ready for the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series Division 1 (Europe) that will kick off in La Baule next weekend. The home team has now been announced and it will consist of; Aymeric de Ponnat on Armitages Boy, Marc Dilasser on Obiwan de Pilière*JO, Olivier Guillon on Lord de Theizé, Pénélope Leprevost on Topinambour and Kevin Staut on Estoy Aqui de Muze*HDC .
Source: The French Equestrian Federation
The French team; Nicolas Delmotte, Mathieu Billot, Chef d´Equipe Philippe Guerdat, Francois Xavier Boudan and Timothee Anciaume. Photo by Roland Thunholm/FEI.Yesterday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Drammen, Norway, saw the French team ending on top of the podium yet again. It was a close call though, with the Dutch team breathing the French riders in the neck all the way to the end. It was the anchor rider for France Timothee Anciaume that secured the win; the 34 year old had already produced a great first clear on Quorioso Pre Noir – a 9 year old stallion by Kannan. Timothee had one of only two double clears in the Nations Cup, the other belonged to French first rider Nicolas Delmotte on Number One d'Iso Un Prince (Baloubet du Rouet x Si Tu Viens). Together with Mathieu Billo on Pardoes (0-(9)) and François Xavier Boudan and Amadeus Z’s ((4)-4) performances it was good enough for the win as the team ended on a total score of four penalties, three ahead of the Dutch team at seven faults. Sweden ended third ahead of the hosts Norway in fourth.
Shane Carey and Ballymore Eustace will be going to La Baule. Photo by Hanne Christensen.Irish team manager Robert Splaine has announced his squad for the opener in the 2013 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series in La Baule. The Irish squad of five, from whom Splaine will pick his team of four, is: Shane Breen with Balloon or Cos I Can, Shane Carey with Ballymore Eustace, Capt. Michael Kelly with Annestown, Shane Sweetnam with Amaretto Darco and Billy Twomey with Tinka's Serenade.
Source: Press release from Horse Sport Ireland
Nick Skelton and Big Star will compete for Great Britain in La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Chef d’Equipes Rob Hoekstra and Rob Ehrens have picked their squads for the 5* Furisiyya Nations Cup in La Baule. The Nations Cup competition takes place next Friday. The British team will consist of; Scott Brash on Hello Sanctos, Tina Fletcher on Hello Sailor, Ben Maher on Cella, Nick Skelton on Big Star and Robert Smith on Voila. Frank Schuttert, Hendrik Jan Schuttert, Leon Thijssen, Albert Voorn and Albert Zoer have been picked to represent the Netherlands.
After the first two legs of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup division 2, Austria and Finland are in the lead with 75 points each. The two countries are followed by Sweden in third and then Denmark and Belgium which are joint fourth.
Division 2 consists of sixteen teams. The teams can only count their scores from five out of the eleven legs. The next leg will take part in Drammen, Norway, the coming weekend. Italy, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Belarus, Finland and Turkey will battle it out for points in the third leg of the series.
Olivier Guillon with Lord de Theize - a part of the French winning team in Lummen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.France won the Nations Cup in Lummen after two rounds on amazing zero faults. Both Marc Dilasser with Obiwan de Piliere Jo and Aymeric De Ponnat with Armitages Boy were double clear. France's fourth rider Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize were clear in the first round and did not have to come to start in the second round as they had already secured the win with a clear round from Jerome Hurel and Ohm de Ponthual in the second round.
Christina Liebherr helped her team win the Nations Cup. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Switzerland took home the win in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Linz today after a first round counting only 5 faults and a second round with 12 faults. Christina Liebherr and L.B. Callas Sitte Z was the best combination for Switerland with a clear first round. The team also consisted of Theo Muff with Leszek, Pascal Bettschen with Milor Landais and Claudia Gisler with Touchable.
Australia was in the lead after the first round with two clears and one rider at one time penalty. Unfortunately they were not able to hold on to their lead with 20 faults in the second round and they had to settle for second place. Australia's team consisted of Alison Rowland with Bickley Brook Bella, William James Passy with Yirrkala Cortina, Phillip Lever with Da Vinci's Pride and Rory Hovell with Yalambi's Val d'Isere VDL.
The CSIO4* in Lummen, Belgium, kicks off tomorrow – with the highlight being the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Friday. Belgium, Finland, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden will all be present with teams in the Nations Cup, and you can click here to view the list of the teams.
A full riders list for the event can be found here.
In a press release from FEI it is announced that the Real Club de Polo of Barcelona (ESP), venue for the equestrian events at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, will play host to the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final with a €2 million prize fund on offer, the largest ever in Nations Cup history. The event, which is open to the best 18 teams of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2013 season, will take place from 26 to 29 September.
The European teams in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup have chosen their events for the series. The team allocation has been made for both division 1 and division 2.
In the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup the world has been divided into six regions, and teams from all the regions will qualify for the final. Europe has been sub-divided in division 1 and 2. The top four teams of the 2012 Top League - Germany, France, Ireland and Great Britain - were the first ones to choose were they would like to compete. To see teams' events you can click here for division 1 and here for division 2.
USA has taken the lead in the North American Region of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™, and has their sight set on the final in September. Just three nations - USA, Canada and Mexico - are competing for the two available qualifying spots from the North American, Central American and Caribbean League. USA now carries the maximum of 100 points into the second of the two regional qualifiers at Spruce Meadows in June, where Canada will lie just 10 points behind after earning 90 points for their second place yesterday. For Mexico it is a long way up, as they finished last yesterday and just earned 65 points.
Here you can see an interview with the U.S. Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland after their win at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™.
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Reed Kessler and Cylana. Photo © Sportfot.The powerhouse U.S. show jumping team of Kent Farrington, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden earned victory in Friday night's $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by G&C Farm, at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Teams representing seven different countries participated in the evening's competition with a win for Team USA over Canada in second and Germany in third.
On Friday is it time for the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. The Nations Cup takes place in Wellington, Florida and will begin at 19.00 local time.
The starting order will be as follows:
1. Canada, 2. Mexico, 3. Ireland, 4. Germany, 5. USA, 6. Colombia, 7. Venezuela
Take a look at some of Frank Schuttert and Winchester HS' amazing jumping in Al Ain, as well as what the 19 year old had to say afterwards about his fantastic double clear. Rob Ehrens - Dutch Chef d'Equipe - is also commenting on his team's win, and Kamal Bahamdan shares his thoughts on the Nations Cup.
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar have qualified for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series final. There were three teams from the Middle East Region that competed for the two qualifying spots on offer in Al Ain yesterday, but it was Saudi Arabia and Qatar that each earned them. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping season moves to Wellington in Florida, USA, next week. There will be 22 qualifying legs leading to the final in September 2013.
Click here to read more about the series.
Source: fei.org
The winning Dutch team in Al Ain. Photo by FEI.The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Al Ain went to the Dutch team consisting of Eric van der Vleuten with Wan Architect, Aniek Poels and Baggio 11 (Heartbreaker x Concorde), Frank Schuttert with Winchester HS (Numero Uno x Nimmerdor) and Maikel van der Vleuten with Kisby (Kaiserwind x Lohberg). The Dutch team was by far the best at a total of four penalties over the two rounds. Frank Schuttert had the only double clear for his team though, and proved that his Grand Prix win in Amsterdam in January was no coincidence. His three team mates also produced a clear round each; Eric and Maikel in the second round, and Aniek in the first.
Frank Schuttert with Winchester will be on the Dutch team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup will take place in Al Ain tomorrow. The class will start at 18.30 local time and nine teams will participate.
The starting order will be as follows:
1. Germany
2. Egypt
3. Qatar
4. The Netherlands
5. France
6. United Arab Emirates
7. Great Britain
8. Saudi Arabia
9. Ukraine
Aniek Poels and Baggio II will represent Holland in Al Ain. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend the first leg of the new FEI Nations Cup series takes place in Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates. Some countries have already announced their teams for the Nations Cup that takes place on Thursday the 21st, with top teams from the hosting region as well as Europe present.
The Germans are sending Katrin Eckermann with Carlson and Firth of Lorne, Jörg Naeve with Calado and Cosimax, Patrick Stühlmeyer with Caribik, Lacan and Lord Lohengrin, as well as Holger Wulschner with Cavity and Fine Lady. The Brits have selected Tina Fletcher with Hello Sailor, Robert Smith with Voila IV, Joe Clee with Diablesse de Muze and Yazmin Pinchen with Van de Vivaldi – while the Dutch will be represented by Aniek Poels with Baggio II, Frank Schuttert with Winchester, Maikel van der Vleuten with Kisby and Eric van der Vleuten with Wan Arcitect.
FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping goes global next week,when the inaugural leg of the new series running under the Furusiyya banner takes place at Al Ain, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, 21 February 2013. This is a pivotal moment for the sport which was described by FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, as “the jewel in the crown” of the international governing body during the centennial of team jumping in 2009. Throughout the long and distinguished history of the FEI Nations Cup™, a great spirit of warmth and camaraderie has been matched only by the fierce pride and passion of the riders who have joined forces to represent their countries in the annual battle for international team supremacy.
The Nations Cup has new rules and will look quite different next year. Here the winning German team from the Top League leg in Rotterdam this summer. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup was launched by the FEI today. The FEI has published an executive summary of the new rules for the series. First of all the world has been divided into six regions for the purpose of qualifying teams for the final;
• Europe (Division 1 and 2)
• North & Central America
• South America
• Middle East
• Asia/Australasia
• Africa
EI President HRH Princess Haya announcing the 16 million euro four-year sponsorship package for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ ©FEI/HRH library The FEI Nations Cup™ jumping series will have a fabulous new look – and a new name – from 2013 onwards, following finalisation of a 16 million Euro four-year sponsorship package from the Saudi Equestrian Fund. The series will now be called the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™.
The sponsorship deal, worth four million Euro per annum and running through to the end of 2016, was announced at the FEI Bureau's first meeting at the Federation's General Assembly in Istanbul (TUR). The Bureau has given its unanimous approval for new rules for the series, completing the remodelling process initiated in April of this year.
Bye bye Top League; this is what it looks like right now and Germany will thus be the last team in history to have won the league. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.A regional qualification system, two semi finals and a final – these are some of the components in the draft of the rules for the new FEI Nations Cup Series. From 2013 there will be no more Top League and Promotional League – in addition to the other various leagues. Earlier this year FEI proposed a makeover for the Nations Cup Series, and now the draft of the rules for the new Nations Cup set-up is in circulation. Click here to access the draft of the rules.
The winning Irish team in Dublin. Photo by Tony Parkes/FEI.The Irish recorded a back-to-back double when winning the last leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 on home turf in Dublin, Ireland Friday. The result rocketed them up the leaderboard to third place behind France in the final standings, but, despite a disappointing day when finishing an uncharacteristic last, it was Germany that claimed the series title for the fifth time in the 10-year history of the top-level league.
France and Penelope Leprevost on Topinambour are first in the ring in Dublin. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The last leg of the Top League takes place in Dublin today. Yesterday the order to go was drawn, and it looks like this: 1, France; 2, Sweden; 3, Belgium; 4, Great Britain; 5, The Netherlands; 6, Switzerland; 7, Germany; 8, Ireland.
Germany was the winning team in Rotterdam - who will win in Dublin? Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The last leg of the Top League kicks off in Dublin tomorrow afternoon. It will no doubt be a battle, with only 3.5 points separating the bottom six teams. Germany is – at least in theory – already the winner of the series, as they have notched up 47 points over the season and are 10 points ahead of current rank two France. It a close race between Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium though – with points from 32-28.5 it’s really tight at the bottom.
Nick Skelton and Carlo will be in Dublin. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The last leg of the Top League 2012 takes place in Dublin this weekend. The entire entry list for the show can be seen here, and it also contains a full overview of the riders on the eight teams that are to compete in the final leg of the league.
William Funnel and Billy Angelo are competing in Dublin. Here seen in the Nations Cup in Falsterbo in July were the combination produced two clear rounds. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend Dublin is hosting the last leg of this year’s Nations Cup. Rob Hoekstra has selected the following riders for the British team in Dublin; Tina Fletcher is riding Hello Sailor and she brings four men with her to join the team; Nick Skelton and Carlo, William Funnel and Billy Angelo, Robert Smith and Voila as well as John Whitaker and Argento.
Great Britain is currently in third place with 32 points just ahead of Sweden and Switzerland in fourth with 31.5 points, while France holds second place with 37 points.
Cian and Blue Loyd can be seen in action in Dublin. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Olympic showjumping might be over, but next weekend it’s already time for the last leg of the Top League that takes place in Dublin. The Irish team has now been announced, and so has the Swedish. Ireland Equestrian's showjumping manager Robert Splaine has choosen five riders, and his team of four will be picked after the first two days of competition in Dublin.
Richie Moloney did a double clear for Ireland. Photo by Kerry Bowness.Ireland held on to an early lead to win the FEI Nations Cup Hickstead leg after their joint first round tying teams France and Germany faltered in the final stages.
All three countries had the luxury of starting the second round with zero scores, with France's fourth line rider, Penelope Leprevost decided not to jump Topinambour during the initial outings after all of her team mates had produced perfect scores.
And the winner of the Top League 2012 is - Germany! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Even though it is one leg to go in the FEI Nations Cup Top League, Germany is already announced as the winner. The only way for any other team to win would in theory be if France wins the last leg of the series in Dublin, and Germany doesn´t start with a team at all - otherwise no one can beat Germany's 47 points.
France took over the second place today with 37 points. Previous rank two Switzerland fell down to fourth place together with Sweden - both on 31,5 points. Great Britain climbed from 6th to third place with 32 points. The Netherlands can be found in sixth place with 29,5 points and they are just slightly ahead of Ireland, that has left the bottom rank to Belgium. Only half a point splits the three teams at the bottom.
William Funnell that secured the second place in Falsterbo will be part of the British team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It is the British team that will be pathfinders on home soil in tomorrow's Nations Cup in Hickstead. It is the seventh leg of the FEI Nations Cup 20012 and so far Germany is in the overall lead.
The draw took place today, and the order to go is as follows: 1, Great Britain; 2, Netherlands; 3, Germany; 4, Ireland; 5, Sweden; 6, France; 7, Belgium; 8, Switzerland.
Take a look at Jens Fredricson and Lunatic's winning jump-off in the FEI Nations Cup in Falsterbo.
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 A happy Rolf together with Ninja La Silla and chef d'equipe Sylve Söderstrand after the Swedish win! All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. |
The winning team! All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swedish team gave the home crowds value for their ticket money when they won their first Top League leg of the season on home soil in Falsterbo. After two exciting rounds, Sweden went into the jump-off together with Great Britain and France – where in-form Jens Fredricson and his fabulous little Lunatic made his competitors bite the dust in the grass ring surrounded with wildly enthusiastic Swedish fans.
Germany is still on top of the Top League - here represented by Jörg Naeve with JK Horsetrucks Commanchi. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After the 6:th leg of the Top League in Falsterbo Germany is still in the lead, now with 41 points. There are no changes at the bottom either, where Ireland can be found with 19 points. Switzerland has climbed to second place with 30,5 points and France is third with 30 points. Sweden climbed from 7th to 4th place with their victory today, and has now got 28 points. Then follows The Netherlands, Great Britain and Belgium ahead of Ireland at the bottom. Two legs are still left of the Top League; at Hickstead and in Dublin.
The home crowds went nuts when Jens took over the lead. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swedish Chef d'Équipe Sylve Söderstrand started off the press conference by thanking the fantastic audience in Falsterbo. "I don´t think you can find a better audience anywhere in the world. They are amazing. Then I have to thank our trainer Hans Horn who always supports us and of course a big thanks to these four great riders. Our goal before the class was to be among the top three - it is really hard to win - and we got a very exciting class!"
Ireland is first to go in Falsterbo. Here Shane Breen with Balloon. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Irish team will be pathfinders around Frank Rothenberger's track as the sixth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 gets underway at the arena in Falsterbo, Sweden tomorrow. The draw took place today, and the order to go is as follows: 1, Ireland; 2, Germany; 3, Great Britain; 4, Switzerland; 5, Netherlands; 6, France; 7, Sweden; 8, Belgium.
Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof´s Tamino fought their way around the course and were the best pair on the Dutch team. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
Mylord Carthago seems very happy with his own performance in the Nations Cup. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
A big congratulation to a very good French team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.In the huge arena in Aachen it was France who proved to be the best team tonight after a tough fight battling Germany nearly all the way to the last rider. Tonight’s course consisted of twelve fences and fifteen jumps including a water jump. Half way through the first round, the course seemed fairly easy, but as the rest of the riders kept coming the penalties came as well. It was especially the water and the last line which caused most difficulties. From fence number 11 the riders had to go either on seven strides really forward or eight short ones. The combination at 12 a and b then consisted of a red vertical followed by a huge white oxer that the horses found difficult.
Plot Blue was according to Marcus "Awesome" in today's Nations Cup. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Marcus Ehning on Plot Blue – the pair that delivered one of the four double clears of the day: “Plot Blue felt as he is in top form and he made it easy for me today. To ride him today felt awesome! The track was technical, but fair.”
French Chef d’equipe Henk Nooren on the win: “To win a Nations Cup anywhere in Europe is nice and wonderful, to win in Aachen – well it’s actually for all of us the best Nations Cup to win. The stadium, the atmosphere, the public. It’s something really unique. It was a quite exciting competition.”
Christian Ahlmann with Codex One did a great double clear in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Germany is still in the lead of the Top League after five legs. Germany has collected altogether 37 points. The Netherlands is still rank two with their 25.50 points ahead of Switzerland in third – also they on 25.50 points.
Breathing them in the neck is France on 24 points, and Belgium on 22 points. Then follows Great Britain in sixth on 20 points, Sweden in rank seventh on 18 points and Ireland on rank eight – also they on 18 points.
FEI Jumping Director John Roche at yesterday's draw in Aachen. Photo by FEI/Kit Houghton.The Swedish team will be pathfinders around Frank Rothenberger’s track as the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 gets underway at the prestigious Soers Arena in Aachen, Germany tonight. The draw took place yesterday, and the order-of-go is as follows: 1, Sweden; 2, Switzerland; 3, Germany; 4, France; 5, Belgium; 6, Netherlands; 7, Great Britain; 8, Ireland.
Click here for the starting order.
Source: fei.org
Denis Lynch will be in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ireland´s show jumping manager Robert Splaine has announced his team for the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup in Aachen. Shane Breen, Dermot Lennon, Denis Lynch, Cian O´Connor and Billy Twomey will all be in Aachen and Splaine will before Thursday announce which four of these riders that will compete.
Source: Press release Horse Sport Ireland
Harri Smolders will ride on the Dutch team in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After Jeroen Dubbeldam’s decision to withdraw from the list of riders heading for the Olympics he will thus not ride in Aachen either as originally planned. In his place Rob Ehrens has put in Harrie Smolders on the team after his great performances over the last months.
In addition to Harrie the team will consist of Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof’s Tamino – last weekend’s winners of the Grand Prix in Rotterdam – Leon Thijssen will bring his little bouncy Tyson and Maikel van de Vleuten and VDL Groep Verdi completes the team. The fifth rider will be Piet Raijmakers jr.
Christian Ahlmann will be on the German team in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The German Chef d'Equipe, Otto Becker, has announced the team for the Top League in CHIO Aachen next weekend. The team will consist of Christian Ahlmann, Marcus Ehning, Janne-Friederike Meyer, Marco Kutscher and Philipp Weishaupt. In Aachen Otto Becker will decide which four riders of these five that will compete in the Top League.
It is always easy to spot the Dutch supporters in their orange colours. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
Once again Lunatic jumped fences bigger than himself with Jens Fredricson in the saddle - and he did it in a fantastic way! All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
The winning German team! Photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.After a very exciting fourth leg of the Top League the German team won in Rotterdam. The team that consisted of Marcus Ehning with Copin van de Broy (Darco x Brownboy), Ludger Beerbaum with Gotha FRH (Goldfever x Presitge Pilot), Philipp Weishaupt with Monte Bellini¨(Montender x Ramiro) and Marco Kutscher with Cornet Obolensky (Clinton x Heartbreaker) repeated their win here from last year.
Ludger was on the winning team with Gotha FRH. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson."It was a very exciting competition, all to the end. That speaks for the Nations Cup - we want excitment. The course was nice, demanding and technical,"said Ludger Beerbaum after the win. Luder continued: "I was originally number five on the team, but since Otto Becker and Carsten-Otto Nagel decided to save Corradina a bit longer as she hasn´t done so many shows yet I was lucky to get in the team. Now to sit here with the winning team is amazing."
Peter Charles and Murka's Vindicat W will be on the British team in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Great Britain’s team for the Top League in Aachen has been announced. The team will consist of Peter Charles with Murka’s Vindicat W, Scott Brash with Intertoy Z, Guy Williams with Depardieu Van’t Keizeilhof, Nick Skelton with Carlo and Michael Whitaker with Viking V.
Source: britishshowjumping.co.uk
Heiner Engemann, Carsten-Otto Nagel and Otto Becker representing Germany. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After four legs of the Top League, it’s Germany that is number one on the overall ranking. Germany has collected altogether 30 points after wins both in Rome and Rotterdam. The Netherlands has been pushed down to rank two with their 22.50 points, while Belgium is rank three on 21 points. Then follows Switzerland in fourth on 20.50 points, Sweden on 16 points ahead of Great Britain that is also on 16 points. In the bottom of the list is France with 14 points and Ireland with 12 points.
Gerco Schröder and Eurocommerce London - the winners from GCT Cannes - will take part in the Dutch team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The fourth leg of the Top League takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, tomorrow and the first round will start at 4 o´clock. The Netherlands tops the league after the three first legs ahead of Germany and Belgium that share the second place.
The starting order for the teams will be:
1. Switzerland, 2. Netherlands, 3. France, 4. Great Britain, 5. Germany, 6. Belgium, 7. Sweden, 8. Ireland.
Denis Lynch and Abbervail van het Dingeshof is one of the combinations representing Ireland in Rotterdam. The Irish chef d’equipe Robert Splaine has named the Irish team for the Top League in Rotterdam. The Irish team is currently number seven at the bottom of the overall standing after the first three legs. For the fourth leg Splaine has chosen the following riders to make up the team;
Shane Breen/Cos I Can (ISH)
Jessica Kurten/Voss
Denis Lynch/Abbervail Van Het Dingeshof
Clem McMahon/Pacino
Cian O’Connor/Blue Loyd.
Rolf and Ninja La Silla last year in Rotterdam. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The next leg of the Top League will be held in Rotterdam the 22nd of June and the teams are ready. Several countries will let their best riders compete to try and collect more points in the League. Six of the top ten riders will participate - Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Ludger Beerbaum, Marco Kutscher, Steve Guerdat, Marcus Ehning and Kevin Staut.
Khaled Al Eid, who just got his ban reduced by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport, will also compete again in Rotterdam - his first show since February.
Henrik will be on the Swedish team in both Rotterdam and Aachen after great performances in La Baule and in Rome. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swedish Chef d’Equipe Sylve Søderstrand has decided on his teams for the Top League in Rotterdam and Aachen. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Henrik von Eckermann, Angelica Augustsson and Jens Fredricson will all be going to Rotterdam. In Aachen the team will consist of Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Henrik von Eckermann, Peder Fredricson and Lisen Bratt Fredricson. These will be Rolf’s two first appearances in the Top League this year.
Source: tidningenridsport.se
Jur and VDL Bubalu will take part of the team in Rotterdam. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Dutch team for Rotterdam has been announced. The team will consist of Gerco Schröder on Eurocommerce London, Jur Vrieling on VDL Bubalu, Maikel van der Vleuten on VDL Groep Verdi and Jeroen Dubbeldam on BMC Utascha SFN. The reserve rider is Leon Thijssen on Tyson. The Netherlands is currently in the lead of the Top League after three legs of the series.
Source: horses.nl
Paul Estermann will ride both in Rotterdam and in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Urs Grünig, Switzerland's Chef dÉquipe, has announced the team for the Top League in CSIO Rotterdam. The team consits of Paul Estermann with Castlefield Eclipse, Claudia Gisler with Touchable, Steve Guerdat with Nino des Buissonnets and Janika Sprunger with Palloubet d´Halong. Grünig is going to use the show in Rotterdam to make his decision about which riders that will represent Switzerland at the Olympics in London this summer. Urs Grünig will thus the Monday following the show in Rotterdam announce the five riders for London in front of the federation's selection committee.
Gerco Schröder and Eurocommerce New Orleans representing the Dutch team - here in Rome. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After today’s third leg of the Top League in St. Gallen, the Netherlands tops the league with 20.5 points. Belgium, the leader ahead of today’s leg, shares the runner-up position with Germany on their 20 points - while Switzerland is rank four on 16.5 points. Great Britain is fifth on 13 points, while Sweden follows with 9 points. The bottom two teams are France at 8 points and Ireland at 7 points.
The winning Dutch team in St. Gallen: Jeroen, Gerco, Marc and Leon with Rob Ehrens! Photo by csio.ch. Just like last year it was the Dutch team that took home the win in the Top League Nations Cup in St. Gallen, Switzerland. With only one penalty point down to runners-up Switzerland and Great Britain, the race for the victory became a close one – but in the end it was Rob Ehrens’ orange crew that could climb to the top of the podium for a second year in a row. This was the first Dutch win of the season, although they ended second in the opening leg in La Baule.
Janika Sprunger will replace Steve Guerdat in the Swiss team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The third leg of the Top League kicks off in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Friday. The order to go is as follows: 1. The Netherlands; 2. Germany; 3. Switzerland; 4. Belgium; 5. France; 6. Great Britain; 7. Sweden; 8. Ireland. The Top League can be viewed live on FEI TV at 14:40 CET.
A small disappointment for the home crowds: Steve Guerdat's mare Nasa has sustained a light injury and had to resign from the Swiss team. Janika Sprunger will replace him with the nine year old French gelding Palloubet d’Halong.
The coming weekend St. Gallen will host the third leg of the Top League for the 2012 season. The eight teams in the Top League bring many strong riders with them. On paper Germany looks strong yet again with Christian Ahlmann, Katrin Eckermann, Marcus Ehning, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Rene Tebbel all selected for the team. Switzerland has also put together a top team for the home crowd with Steve Guerdat, Pius Schwizer, Werner Muff, Clarissa Crotta and Janika Sprunger all selected. The same goes for Great Britain who has their super star Nick Skelton on the team together with veterans John and Michael Whitaker, Scott Brash and Tim Stockdale.
Here you can see some of the faces and feelings present during the Nations Cup in Rome yesterday. Enjoy! All picures by Jenny Abrahamsson.
The grooms of the day! Terri, Katta, Kay and Emma all work for the winning German team. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
The winning German team in Rome! All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.The German team was completely unbeatable in the second leg of the Top League in Rome, and reigned the competition from start to finish. The Germans ended on a four fault score, and Ludger Beerbaum didn’t even have to ride the last round as their win was already secured. With a strong team that consisted of Marco Kutscher on Cornet Obolensky (Clinton x Heartbreaker), Christian Ahlmann on Taloubet Z (Galoubet A x Polydor), Marcus Ehning on Copin van de Broy (Darco x Brownboy) and Ludger Beerbaum on Gotha FRH (Goldfever x Prestige Pilot) the Germans proved to be just as good in practice as they looked on paper. Cornet Obolensky and Taloubet Z jumped two fantastic rounds, and only had one unlucky pole down each – Cornet in the second round and Taloubet in the first. Copin van de Broy was double clear with Marcus – and jumped seriously impressive, as did Gotha FRH who was clear as well.
Jos and Valentina did a great job helping Belgium keep on to their overall lead in the series. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After today’s class in Rome Belgium is still in the lead with 16 points while Germany is right behind them on 15 points. Holland had a disappointing day in Rome, but with their second place from the first round they are number three with 10.5 points. Switzerland follows on fourth at 10 points after their impressive second place today, and Sweden is number five with 8 points.
Bottom three are Great Britain at 6.5, France at 6 and Ireland at 4 points. All three teams have struggled in both legs so far. But with six more to go we know that everything can happen.
The arena at Piazza di Siena. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today it’s time for the second leg of the Top League, and it takes place in Rome. The first team out is Belgium – the winning team from La Baule, then it’s the home team Italy that gets the chance to compete, before the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany and France enters the arena. Click here for the full start list.
WoSJ is present to give you full reports and lots of photos.
Jeroen has decided not to take Utascha to Rome as he thinks they can work better at home after some disappointing rounds. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Jeroen Dubbeldam has decided not to go to Rome this weekend with BMC Utascha SFN as planned. His decision is based on their performances at the Dutch Championship and in Hamburg last weekend. Their rounds have not been as hoped for and Dubbeldam feels they can work better at home than by riding the Nations Cup in Rome on Friday.
Due to Dubbeldam’s decision Leon Thijssen and Tyson will be travelling to Rome instead, but as reserves. The Dutch team will in addition to Thijssen include Marc Houtzager/Sterrehof’s Voltaire, Jur Vrieling/VDL Bubalu, Gerco Schröder/Eurocommerce New Orleans and Harrie Smolders/Regina Z.
The second leg of the Top League takes place in Rome on Friday. The show is organized in beautiful surroundings at Piazza di Siena, and this year the show celebrates it’s 80th birthday. The Italian crowds can look forward to some great showjumping with top riders from all participating nations. Germany travels to Rome with a strong team consisting of Christian Ahlmann, Ludger Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning, Marco Kutscher and David Will. France brings tops riders such as Roger Yves Bost, Patrice Delaveau, Marc Dillaser, Penelope Leprevost and Kevin Staut. WoSJ will be present to bring full reports from the show.
Shane Sweetnam and Amaretto Darco will ride for Ireland in Rome. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ireland and Belgium have their teams ready for the second leg of the Top League in Rome next Friday. Ireland’s team will consist of: Dermott Lennon/Loughview Lou-Lou, Cian O’Connor/Blue Loyd 12, Shane Sweetnam/Amaretto Darco, Niall Talbot/Nicos De La Cense and Billy Twomey/Tinka’s Serenade.
Belgium’s team consist of Jos Lansink/Cavalor Valentina van 't Heike/Prestige de Lannay /Cash del Mar Z, Ludo Philippaerts/Challenge Vd Begijnakker/Kassini' Jac/Tauber vh Kapelhof, Nicola Philippaerts/Carlos V.H.P. Z/Vadetta vh Mettenhof/Rochet de la Vaux, Olivier Philippaerts/Cabrio vd Heffinck/Sjoeke/Amici de Guldenboom and Ignace Philips/E Cantate Guldenboom/Aga Khanc/Dixson.
Source: horsesportireland.ie/equibel.be
Euphony Cadjanine Z and Gregory Wathelet in La Baule. hoto by Jean Morel/FEI.Belgian Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat on the jump-off between Belgium and the Netherlands: “It’s very rare to have a jump-off in a Nations Cup and we had not discussed it beforehand”.
And on who that should return to the arena: “Gregory had just finished, and his horse had caught his breath and it wasn’t a long jump-off course, so it made sense to send him back in”.
The winning Belgian team. Photo by Jean Morel/FEI.The opening leg of the FEI Nations Cup Top League was a thriller right to the very last fence was jumped; and it was Belgium that took home the win after an exciting jump-off against the Netherlands. Sweden produced a remarkable four clear rounds in the second part of the competition to end up third – a great result as this is their first season back in the Top League after competing in the Promotional League last year.
Steve and Nasa are first to go in La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swiss team will be first into the ring when the FEI Nations Cup Top League 2012 kicks off in La Baule on Friday. The draw took place Thursday morning, and the eight competing nations will go in the following order: 1.Switzerland; 2. Ireland; 3. Great Britain; 4. The Netherlands; 5. Sweden; 6. Germany; 7. Belgium; 8. France. The Swiss team consist of Steve Guerdat/Nasa, Werner Muff/Kiamon, Claudia Gisler/Touchable and Pius Schwizer/Carlina. The Swiss are back in the Top League after winning the Promotional League last season. Click here for the starting order.
Penelope is taking Topinambour to La Baule this weekend instead of her Olympic prospect Mylord Carthago. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Due to the discovery of an equine virus in Normandy - it has been decided to make some changes in the French team for the Nations Cup this weekend. The extra precautions are made as they don't want to risk their top horses catching this virus less than three months before the Olympics. The following horses will not compete in La Baule; Mylord Carthago*HN (Penelope Leprevost), Lord de Theize (Olivier Guillon), Nippon d'Elle (Roger-Yves Bost and Napoli du Ry (Simon Delestre).
Germany won the Top League in 2011. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.On Friday the FEI Nations Cup Top League kicks off in La Baule, France. The Top League will run over eight rounds; after La Baule the league moves on to Rome on the 25th of May, then to St. Gallen on the 1st of June, to Rotterdam on the 22nd of June before one of the biggest Nations Cups of all takes place in Aachen on the 5th of July. On the 13th of July the Top League moves on to Falsterbo in Sweden, before the last two rounds are held at Hickstead and in Dublin on the 20th of July and the 17th of August respectively. This year’s Top League will probably be used by many of the Chef d’Equipes to prepare their teams for the Olympic Games in London in August.
This weekend the Nations Cup kicks off in La Baule. As we have the Olympics coming up in three months, the riders and chef d'equipes have a lot to prove and find out over the next weeks. In La Baule we'll get the first pointer on how the teams look this year which will be very exiting as there are many new combinations out and about
To see the full list of riders present in La Baule – go here.
Marco Kutscher has been on twelve victorius Top League teams for Germany! Here in Rotterdam with Cornet Obolensky. Photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.First some history from the FEI: The Samsung Super League season got underway in 2003, and a total of 13 nations - Great Britain, Germany, USA, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Poland - have battled it out for the coveted title that sets the best jumping nation apart from the rest. Germany holds the record for most wins, with four over the eight-year period including the 2011 title which they secured at the final leg of this year's series in Rotterdam last month.
The German winning team in Rotterdam - Carsten-Otto Nagel, Ludger Beerbaum, Chef d'Equipe Otto Becker, Marko Kutscher and Thomas Voss. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Click here for full results from the last leg of the Top League.
The last leg of the Nations Cup 2011 had all the exitement a last leg should have. Netherlands and Germany were fighting for the overall win, while Belgium and USA tried to avoid being the second team that will compete in the Promotional League next year together with Denmark.
BMC Van Grunsven Simon and Jeroen Dubbeldam have been fantastic for the Dutch team this season. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The faith of the teams in the Top League will be sealed in Rotterdam on Friday. The last leg of the 2011 series kicks off in the afternoon at 17.15 pm, and it should be expected to be a tough battle – both for the teams that fight for the overall victory and for those that struggle against the relegation threat at the bottom.
The Dutch hold the lead in the Top League. Photo by Valeria Streun/FEI. With just one round left of the Top League, the Netherlands is still on top of the overall standing. With their 44 points, the Dutch are four points ahead of Germany and Great Britain on 40 points. It’s all very close in the top four, while Denmark is at the bottom with nine points and the US and Belgium struggling with their respectively 28.50 points and 30.50 points.
The winning British team in Dublin. Photo by Tony Parkes/FEI.The second last leg of the 2011 Nations Cup was won by the British team after the second jump off this season. The riders were presented with an easier course than many of the others we've seen this year, but the poles still fell spread evenly around the grass in Dublin.
Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago are first to go in the Nations Cup later today. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.France is the first team out in the Nations Cup later today with Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago as the first rider. For full start list go here.
Can Laura Kraut help USA keeping their place in the Top League? Here with Cedric in Wellington earlier this year. Photo by Sportfot.This weekend the Nations Cup is taking place Dublin which is known to be an amazing show. This is the last leg before the battle for survival is decided in Rotterdam the last weekend in August. After the last leg at Hickstead Netherlands is still leading the overall standings on 42 points - five points ahead of Germany at 37. In the bottom we find Denmark with eight points and no chance to stay in the Top League, while USA and Belgium at 24.5 and 25 points are fighting to avoid the Promotional League next year. France got seven valuable points last weekend, but are only four points ahead of Belgium with 29. Great Britian holds the fourth place on 32 points and home team Ireland is third with 32.5 points.
You find the overall standings here.
Full results from Dublin – go here.
The winning team at Hickstead. Photo by Kit Houghton/FEI.The German team won today's Nations Cup at Hickstead with France and USA right behind them. The course was a tough one, which resulted in lots of faults, and for the first time this year the victory was decided after a jump off that included, USA, France and Germany - all on 20 penalties after two rounds.
Jos and Valentina will be a part of the Belgian team in the Nations Cup today. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today is the day for the Nations Cup at Hickstead, and France will be the first team out. Then there is Great Britain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark and Germany before the USA is the last team out.
You can find the full startlist here.
Don´t miss Maarten´s blog from the show iat Hickstead. Maarten is working as a groom for Jos Lansink, who is riding Cavalor Valentina van´t Heike in the Nations Cup. You can follow the blog here.
The winning British team from Hickstead last year; W.Funnel, T. Fletcher, P.Charles and M.Whitaker. Photo by Kit Houghton/FEI.The traditional show at Hickstead has already been kicked off earlier this week, and at 2.15 pm Friday, the Nations Cup is on. There were some changes after the legs in Falsterbo and Aachen, and the pressure is most certainly on for severeal of the teams. USA, Belgium and France are all struggling in the bottom of the Top League with respectively 18.5, 21 and 22 points. They all have to fight for their place in the Top League in 2012.
The weather played a big role in yesterday's FEi Nations Cup. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
Eric and Jeroen celebrating Dutch victory in Aachen. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. The Dutch team proved phenomenal in the FEI Nations Cup in Aachen today, and in front of a crowd of 42.000 people they went all the way to the top in this prestigious competition. Jeroen Dubbeldam rode one of only two double clear of the day on BMC Van Grunsven Simon; the other one belonged to runner-ups Germany’s Carsten-Otto Nagel and his superhorse Corradina. On his double clear Jeroen said; "It was a tough course. We walked it this morning, and were nervous all day about it. It was a good thing though, as we kept sharp. It was a long course, so the horses had to be fit to make both rounds." Rob Ehrens was happy about the win and of the conditions he stated that the weather was "not sunny", but that the team "did a good job".
There is no such thing as bad weather.... Ludger had really dressed up for the course walking. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
Winning Germans in Falsterbo; Marco, Thomas, Carsten-Otto and Heiner (Ludger Beerbaum is missing). Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The FEI Top League in Falsterbo was the fourth leg of the season, and teams lined up to fight for important points and some additional glory on this rainy day. Germany had topped their team for the occasion to claim some serious points, and their tactics paid off as the strong team consisting of Ludger Beerbaum, Marco Kutscher, Thomas Voss and Carsten-Otto Nagel delivered everything that could be expected from them. Sweden and France shared the glory of the second position. “It was a big pressure on us today as we needed the points to climb up the ranking, it is important for us to stay in the Top League. It was good to see the horses jump so well today, and now we have a good feeling before Aachen,” said chef d’equipe Heinrich-Hermann Engemann after the win.
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