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The individual medalists - Steve Guerdat, Gerco Schröder and Cian O'Connor. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Now you have the possibility to relive the great showjumping from the Olympic Games in London earlier this year. Here you can see how Simon Delestre remarkably managed to get over the last fence with just one rein (about 1.55.30 in to the first video) and of course all the fantastic rounds the medalists produced.
All human and equine samples taken during the Olympic equestrian events at Greenwich Park were negative. More human and equine testing took place at London 2012 than at any previous Olympic Games. All medallists' horses were tested, plus all fourth-placed horses. Random testing was also carried out, with horses being picked by computerised selection. For human testing across the Games, all top four finishers, plus two other athletes selected at random, were tested by the IOC, along with other individuals selected at random.
Jennifer Hall took care of the press rounds.During the Olympics, WoSJ got the opportunity to go on one of the press rounds to the temporary veterinary clinic in Greenwich Park. The Equine Anti Doping-building could also be found next to the clinic, and this was where all the doping tests were taken. This part of the building was not open for visits though, as it was a testing facility with controlled access.
The horse clinic in Greenwich was an equine version of the poly clinic that the human athletes had access to in Stratford. "Permitted treatments can be done here, as an example the horses can get rehydration fluid or some of the joint support products here – they just have to come over here to do that. That's been a development since Hong Kong. So that the horses can have the same level of medical support as human athletes really,"explained Jennifer Hall, the vet service manager at Greenwich.
Got to love it: This is how an Olympic Champion thanks his horse!
Cian illustrating to Ireland's Chef d'Equipe Robert Splaine - little did he know that his plans would bring him a bronze medal.
Equine Canada states that they "fully stands behind and supports our athlete Tiffany Foster".Equine Canada has issued the following further statements regarding the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) hypersensitivity testing protocol, follwing the one made yesterday:
"Equine Canada agrees that the FEI's hypersensitivity protocol is in place to protect the welfare of the horse and the fairness of our sport," states Mr. Gallagher.
"Victor sustained a superficial cut on the front of the left front coronary band," states Canadian Olympic Team Veterinarian for Jumping Dr. Sylvie Surprenant. "In our opinion the horse was fit to compete as he showed no signs of lameness. However the FEI hypersensitivity protocol is such that if the horse is sensitive to the touch, regardless of the cause, the horse is disqualified. While the FEI rules for the hypersensitivity protocol were followed, we believe that there should be a review of this protocol." [Continues below]
The fence design at the London Olympics has been out of this world! Take a look at the amazing fences used in the individual final, starting with the London Bus.
The happy medalists - Gerco Schröder, Steve Guerdat and Cian O'Connor."The World Cup Final was an important step to this medal, because he proved there that I could ride him here. That way I could give him a break and he has now only been doing four shows before the Olympics. I always said that I wanted a medal. I knew I had a horse that could jump everything and I knew that if I rode good I could be a medal winner," said Steve Guerdat happy with his medal around his neck.
The medalists in London; Steve in the middle with Gerco to his right and Cian to his left. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Swiss rider Steve Guerdat is Olympic Champion! Steve and Nino des Buissonnets (Kannan x Narcos II) were the only pair to produce two clear rounds over Bob Ellis’ very technical tracks in the individual final in London this afternoon. The silver and bronze had to be decided by a jump-off after both Gerco Schröder on the appropriately named London (Nabab de Reve x Chin Chin) and Cian O’Connor on Blue Loyd (Landor S x Hadj A) ended on a one penalty score. Gerco ended with the silver after a clear and fast round, and Cian with the bronze as the jump-off’s last fence fell in the chase for Gerco’s time.
Steve didn't know how right he was when he spoke to the press after round one. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Read about how Steve Guerdat predicted something great would happen, how Gerco Schröder got his time fault in the first round, about a tired Bella Donna and Simon Delestre who had to jump the last fence the other day with just one rein among other things.
Steve Guerdat after he had jumped the first round - not knowing how right he would be: "The feeling was good, he is in a great shape. He has been like this all way through. He jumped fantastic in the first three rounds; he touched two fences in four rounds and they both came down really unlucky - but the horse feels at his best and just gets better and better and I hope it stays that way. The horse can jump anything if I just ride him good. Especially now when he has been jumping a few rounds and just gets more and more confidence. So I know if I ride good I'll be somewhere at the end. And he is still very fresh, he is prepared to jump five more rounds if he has to."
Clear after round one: Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos. Twenty two riders have moved on to the second round of the Olympic individual final to fight on for the medals. The lowest ranked riders are on a five penalty score, and include Cassio Rivetti/Temple Road, Paul Estermann/Castlefield Eclipse and Rich Fellers/Flexible. Estermann was especially unlucky in the first round with only a tiny foot in the water. Nine riders are on four faults; and out of these Rodrigo Pessoa’s Rebozo jumped amazing in the first round with a foot in the water – while Simon Delestre/Napoli du Ry, Alberto Michan/Rosalia La Silla, Alvaro de Mirand/Rahmannshof's Bogeno, Ian Millar/Star Power, Daniel Bluman/Sancha, Edwina Tops-Alexander/Itot du Chateau, Ben Maher/Tripple X and Marc Houtzager/Tamino also produced great rounds, but had a fence down each.
Four riders are on a one penalty score after a time fault; Luciana Diniz/Lennox, Gerco Schröder /London, Pius Schwizer/Carlina and Kamal Bahamdan/Noblesse des Tess all had great rounds over Bob Ellis' very technical twelve fence track.
The Charles Darwin fence will be fence 7 in today's first final round - it was also used on Monday as fence 10.On course designer Bob Ellis’ website you can take a look at the courses for today’s Olympic final in London, and you can also take a look at each of the fences that will be used during the two rounds.
The starting order for the Olympic individual final can be found here.
Rolf and Casall will not start today.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson has withdrawn from the Olympic final today. To WoSJ Swedish team vet Jonas Tornell explains that Casall has been withdrawn from the final after he did not trot up right at this morning’s vet check. During the second part of the team competition on Monday Casall stepped on himself right above the hoof on the outer part of the left front leg, and was not quite right afterwards. Tornell explains that Casall looked fresh again yesterday morning, and also when Rolf rode him this morning but when he trotted up today he was not fine. Casall was thus placed in the holding box, and Rolf was given the chance to show him again. Nevertheless Rolf decided to withdraw Casall and will thus not ride the final today.
It would be an understatement to say that the WoSJ-team feels deeply sorry for Rolf and his team.
Eric Lamaze. According to chronofhorse.com Eric Lamaze has said that he will not compete on any teams for Canada until his national federation steps up its public support of Tiffany Foster. On August 5th Foster’s horse Victor was disqualified from the Olympic Games following a failed hypersensitivity test, due to a sensitive area on front of the left forelimb. At the press conference in Greenwich Park that followed after the disqualification, Lamaze described it as a “complete miscarriage of justice” and said that “the only sensible part of that horse is that spot that six persons have been poking on!”.
Yesterday Equine Canada released a statement regarding the disqualification, which among other things said: “We fully support the FEI in its hypersensitivity testing protocol… Equine Canada appreciates that the FEI has shared with us the findings of the veterinary examinations.”
Jur was so happy after the Dutch team silver in London that he just couldn't let Maikel go!
Tiffany Foster and Victor just when they passed the first horse inspection without any problems. Equine Canada has issued the following statement regarding the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) hypersensitivity testing protocol:
"We fully support the FEI in its hypersensitivity testing protocol. This is an important testing procedure for the fairness of our sport and for the welfare of the horse which must always be paramount. Victor, our team horse, did have a small but sensitive area on the coronary band as a result of a minor lesion. This resulted in the disqualification of the horse in accordance with the FEI's hypersensitivity protocol. The Canadian Team is disappointed with the outcome, and the impact both on our team and the Olympic dreams of our athlete Tiffany Foster," states Michael Gallagher, President of Equine Canada.
The fence designing at the London Olympics is amazing. Every fence has a British theme to it, and they all look incredible. Here's a selection from yesterday's team final, and we start off with the guarding lions at the Nelson's Column fence. Click in here to read more about each of the amazing fences.
Marcus and Plot Blue will compete in the final on Wednesday. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Thirty five riders have made it to Wednesday’s individual Olympic final in London. In the final all the riders will start on scratch, and no penalties are brought forward. Twenty of the best riders will qualify for a second final round. After both rounds the individual medals will be decided.
The gold winning British team; Peter, Ben, Scott and Nick. Nick Skelton was obviously a popular man on today's press conference that followed after the British Olympic gold medal: "I have been to a lot of Games and doing a lot of mistakes so I have been waiting a long time for this medal," Nick said about finally winning an Olympic gold medal.
Nick for sure is one of the favorites for the individual medals and said this about the final on Wednesday: "It is another day and a different competition. Big Star is in tremendous form and couldn't jump better. But everything can happen and anyone of the riders in the final can win."
Julia Hargreaves has made it to the final for Australia. Read about what Marcus Ehning said after his clear round today, Reed Kessler's thoughts about her Olympic debut at the age of eighteen and Nick Skelton's words about the fantastic Big Star and much more in the quotes from today.
Julia Hargreaves about her Olympic experience so far: "I didn't think I'd make it this far in the first place. When I got here I was happy to jump around the first day and in the team competition, and put it under my belt as experience. I have been very happy with how he [Vedor] has gone, he has been looking after me incredibly well. It is no better horse to be on for your first games and I am not a super relaxed competitor so he really looked after me." So you have been nervous? "You have no idea!"
The British team won Olympic gold on home soil in London. Here are Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Peter Charles with their medals. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Great Britain made history and took home the Olympic gold in London in the team competition. This was Great Britain’s first Olympic jumping gold since 1952, and the first Olympic jumping team medal in 28 years – the last came in Los Angeles in 1984. Not only was the gold historic, it was also much longed for – not to forget extremely deserved after amazing performances from Nick Skelton and Big Star (Quick Star x Nimmerdor), Ben Maher and Tripple X (Namelus R x Cantango), Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos (Quasimodo VD Molendreef x Nabab de Reve) and Peter Charles aboard Vindicat (Guidam x Libero H) through what ended up to be three rounds of team competition. After a thrilling jump-off – almost too much to bear – between Great Britain and The Netherlands, the latter had to settle for silver as three of the British riders rode clears and two of the Dutch had poles down. The bronze went to Saudi Arabia, after great performances from the entire team.
There will be no more Games for Penelope Leprevost. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Olympics are over for several riders. There have been a lot of surprises over the last days and several of our gold medal candidates will miss the rest of the Games. Not one of the medal teams from the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010 - Germany, Belgium and France - made it to the second round of the team competition. Instead the two teams with just three riders, Brazil and Canada, did an amazing job and qualified for today.
The starting order for the third individual qualifier and second part of the Olympic team competition in London Monday, can be found here.
Philippe and Vigo after today's round.The reports from London say that Philippe Le Jeune’s ride Vigo d’Arsouilles (Nabab de Reve x Fleuri du Manoir) will not compete in the third individual qualifier tomorrow due to a minor injury. The final decision has not yet been made, but it looks like the reigning World Champion has jumped his last fence in London. Several websites also reports that this might have been Vigo’s last competition, and that the wonderful stallion now will be used for breeding only.
We will keep you updated tomorrow as soon as we know anything more. Fingers crossed for Vigo and Philippe. We would love to see more of them together.
A press conference regarding Victor's disqualification was held this afternoon. Victor, ridden by Canadian rider Tiffany Foster, will take no further part in the equestrian events at London 2012. The horse has according to FEI been disqualified under the FEI’s hypersensitivity protocol due to an area of clear and obvious hypersensitivity on the front of the left forelimb. A protest was lodged by the Canadian chef d’equipe and was heard by the FEI Appeal Committee before the end of the competition, however the protest was denied. A press conference with Princess Haya, president of the FEI, Tiffany Foster, Eric Lamaze and FEI Foreign Veterinary Delegate Kent Allen has just been held at Greenwich Park.
“I do want to be very clear with you, it is absolutely no accusation what so ever of malpractice. We have this rule for the welfare of the horse. I totally sympathize with what Tiffany is going through,” Princess Haya said at the press conference. “We are here to stand beside Tiffany and we are very grateful for her to be here,” Princess Haya added later as Foster was clearly very upset and cried through the entire press conference.
The Saudi Arabian team - here represented by Abdullah Sharbatly and Sultan - are in the lead of the Olympic team jumping in London. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Day two of the Olympic Games ended in the most surprising way, when the Saudi Arabian team took the lead after the first round of the Olympic team competition and favorites Germany and France made a shocking exit together with five other teams. Germany was considered as one of the favorites – if not the favorite – for the Olympic team gold, but after ending up on a twelve penalty score the team competition was over for the German team at day two. A small comfort was nevertheless that Janne Friederike Meyer, Marcus Ehning and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum all made it to the third individual qualifier as they were among the 45 best riders. Expectations were high for the French team as well, they were in the medals both at the Europeans last year and at the WEG in 2010, but after today the French had to wave goodbye to their team medal chances after ending on a 14 penalty score – and also seeing Penelope Leprevost sadly exit the individual competition.
"He didn't touch a fence, he is in super shape!" Edwina said about her super star Itot.The homecrowd favorite Nick Skelton: "It was a nice course, not crazy big. I am happy. He [Big Star] is very fresh, but outside he is very quiet and you might think it is something wrong with him. But as soon as he gets in the ring he lights up ten gears," said Nick about his round with Big Star. Nick also explained why he likes to ride first. "I am not a very patient person"!
Luciana Diniz about her big baby Lennox: "The feeling was good. I was number one to go so I didn't have to worry about anything. I could just be me there - me and my horse. So we went in there to enjoy it and have fun and so we did. Lennox has a lot of caracter, we call him the big baby. He is still a baby in his mind, he needs a lot of support and a lot of trust, a lot of friendship from the groom and the team - he is a great horse."
Ian Millar just seconds before he does his first start in his 10th Olympic Games. For sure an impressive record!
Medal candidates Nick Skelton and Big Star were clear on the first day of the Olympic showjumping in London. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.The first individual qualifier at the 2012 Olympic Games in London brought with it plenty of lovely clear rounds and some very unexpected drama. Out of the 75 riders, 32 rode clear rounds – and many of the favorites for the medals could be found among these. Nine of the riders also left the fences intact, but had time penalties – while on the other end of the scale four riders found themselves eliminated after some dramatic stops and a fall.
The first showjumper in the ring at Greenwich Park was Dutch rider Jur Vrieling on Bubalu (Baloubet du Rouet x Nimmerdor). Vrieling opened up with what was going to be the first of an amazing four clears for the Dutch team – giving them the best possible warm-up before tomorrow’s first part of the team competition.
Reed Kessler is the youngest rider at this Olympics with her 18 years. "She is brilliant all the time, she is always brilliant," said a happy Reed Kessler about her horse Cylana after their Olympic debut where they only had one time penalty.
Marc Houtzager on the course and his horse Tamino; "He jumped really good and was super today. He is just a fantastic horse. And the course was build really fair. The horses have to jump four days with the warm-up class yesterday and that is a lot. Normally we give our horses a day off in between, but it will be the same for everyone. It will be tough for the horses though. So this was a good and fair class to start with," explained Marc.
"Silvana is a really careful horse and sometimes she can be a little bit scared and loose her capicity to make a good jump. She is a little bit stiff and need her flatwork, but I have to take my time with her. It is a little bit the same story every day so I have to give her time,"Kevin Staut said about his mare.
The start list for tomorrow's first round of showjumping is ready, click here to see it. We can’t wait for the jumping to begin!
The warm-up tonight was probably the only time reserve rider Olivier Philippaerts and Cabrio van de Heffinck was seen in the arena. This evening the show jumpers were allowed to jump in the main arena and every rider got 90 seconds to spend how they wanted to. A course with nine fences and ten jumps were set up in the arena. There was one combination an oxer - vertical, and one overbuild water jump among the jumps.
Some riders jumped the course as it was built while other riders chose their own lines. Most of the riders jumped the combination and very few riders jumped the overbuild water. A couple of riders didn't jump at all and spend their 90 seconds to ride around and show their horses the arena.
2008 Olympic champions Eric Lamaze and the late and legendary Hickstead. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Olympic showjumping will start tomorrow on the 4th of August with an individual class. It is not a speed class, but the riders will have to be clear and within the time allowed to have a good position for the next individual rounds. The riders will bring the penalties from this round with them.
Scott Brash, Peter Charles, Ben Maher and Nick Skelton are riding for the British team.This morning the British team had a press conference here at Greenwich park. All the riders were united on the fact that it is a very special feeling to be at the Olympic Games on home soil.
"I think it is very special to be in London and for us as a team it is a great advantage. Individually I probably have my best chance here as Big Star is the best horse I have ever had," Nick Skelton said about his seventh Olympics.
Doda showed Drossel Dan as reserve horse for the Brazilian team. It was an easy going vet check for the showjumpers, where all the horses - except for two - passed the control on their first try. Chile had a nervous moment though with two horses in the holding box - Tomas Couve Correa's Underwraps and Carlos Alberto Morstadt's Talento. Underwraps passed the second time around though, but Talento will be re-checked tomorrow.
The Canadian team: Tiffany Foster, Jill Henselwood, Eric Lamaze, Ian Millar and reserve rider Yann Candele. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.Canada’s showjumping team had a great Olympics in 2008, and really has something to live up to in London with an individual gold and team silver from Hong Kong to defend. Reigning Olympic champion Eric Lamaze, Tiffany Foster, Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood are the riders that will fly the Canadian flag at Greenwich Park.
Eric Lamaze – born on 17th of April 1968 – won the individual gold in Hong Kong with the late Hickstead that very sadly passed away in November last year. In London Lamaze will partner up with Derly Chin de Muze, a 9 year old Belgian bred mare from the stud of Joris de Brabander by For Pleasure x Nabab de Reve. Derly Chin is owned by Ashland Stables and Torry Pines Stables. “I don’t feel like I’m defending my title because Hickstead is not here,” Lamaze said at Canada’s press briefing. “My horse is lacking some experience, but has quality to go to the very end. She definitely has the quality to leave the rails up, but she lacks mileage. We tried to give her that mileage though, and I feel very good," Eric said.
George Morris, Beezie Madden, Rich Fellers, Reed Kessler, McLain Ward and Charlie Jayne. Photo by © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com.The American team is reigning Olympic champions, and will defend their gold from Hong Kong in London. The team consists of three of the sport’s most experienced riders; McLain Ward, Beezie Madden and Rich Fellers – as well of the rising star Reed Kessler, who is making her Olympic debut at only eighteen years old.
Marc Houtzager and Tamino. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today it is time to present our fifth Olympic team - the Dutch team. The team consists of Marc Houtzager, Gerco Schröder, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jur Vrieling together with their coach Rob Ehrens.
Marc Houtzager is 41 years old and will do his second Olympic Games. He did his first Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, where Marc finished 7th individually and 4th with the team. That time he was riding Opium VS and this time he will ride Sterrehof's Tamino by Numero Uno x Farmer. Tamino is a 12 year old gelding owned by Stoeterij Sterrehof. The breeder is E. ten Hoor from Holland.
Everything is prepared for the Olympics. Just follow the pink signs and the pink people and you will reach the Olympic arena for the equestrian events in Greenwich. Everyone is in Olympic mood here. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
There will be no Olympics for Denis Lynch. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in London heard Denis Lynch’s case Saturday evening after the Irish rider challenged Horse Sport Ireland’s decision to withdraw his nomination for the 2012 Olympic Games. The ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport has concluded that it has no jurisdiction to resolve the dispute, and has dismisssed the application filed by the Irish rider. This means that Cian O’Connor gets to compete in London instead of Lynch who was originally nominated together with Billy Twomey.
The decision from the ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport can be read here.
Source:tas-cas.org
Related article: Lynch appeals to CAS
Rolf and Casall are hot medal candidates for Sweden. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.We continue to present the Olympic showjumping teams and today it is time for the Swedish team.
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson just celebrated his 50th birthday and will do his fourth Olympics in London. In 2004 he was second with the team aboard MacKinley, and at the Olympics in 2008 Rolf climbed to the podium to receive the individual silver medal riding Ninja. Last year this couple also won the European Championship in Madrid.
Rolf will ride Casall at the Olympics in London and it will be the first championship for the 13 year old stallion by Caretino x Lavall I. Casall is owned by Holsteiner Verband together with Rolf. Celia Rintjes, who has worked for Rolf since his time with Jan Tops, will make sure that Casall get all the attention that he needs.
Philippe and Vigo d'Arsouilles. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today we present our third Olympic team - and this time it is Belgium's turn. The German and the British team have already been presented, and you can click here to access our Olympics 2012 section to read more about these teams. The Belgian team consits of Philippe Le Jeune, Jos Lansink, Dirk Demeersman and Gregory Wathelet.
Philippe Le Jeune is reigning World Champion with Vigo d'Arsouilles that will also be his partner for the Olympics. Philippe was born on the 15th of June 1960 and started competing when he was 12. In 1982 Philippe rode for his country for the first time.
Vigo d'Arsouilles was born in 1998 in Belgium and is a BWP stallion by Nabab de Reve x Fleuri du Manoir. Vigo was bred by Viaene Didier and is owned by Joris de Brabander from Stal de Muze.
Christian Ahlmann and Codex One. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Now it is time to present another Olympic team from the folders that are handed out by the federations. This time it is Germany that's in the spotlight.
Christian Ahlmann was born on the 17th of December 1974 and will do his third Olympics. Christian has already secured several championship-medals under the German flag. At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens Christian was part of the team who got the bronze medal. In 2003 he won the European Championship with the team and as an individual. Christian was also a part of the winning team at the Europeans in 2005, and in 2007 when the German team got team silver.
Denis Lynch. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in London will hear Denis Lynch’s case today. On CAS’ website it is stated that the procedure is in progress and a panel is expected to hear the case and render a decision on the 28th of July. According to WoSJ’s knowledge the hearing will take place at 8.00 pm tonight, and a decision should therefore be expected shortly thereafter.
Lynch’s appeal to CAS was filed on Thursday. The Irish rider has challenged Horse Sport Ireland’s decision to withdraw his nomination for the 2012 Olympic Games. Together with Billy Twomey, Lynch was originally one of the two Irish riders nominated by HSI to compete at the Games – but the nomination was later withdrawn and Cian O’Connor was selected to replace Lynch.
Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.When it is time for championships the federations are handing out folders with information about their riders and horses. We are going to present some of the showjumping teams with the help from those folders, and we start with Great Britain's team.
Scott Brash is 26 and the youngest member on the Britain's team. This will be his first Olympics, but he did ride at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and was travelling reserve for the European Championship in Madrid in 2011.
It has finally kicked off; the Olympic Games in London! All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
If you want to keep up-to-date on the schedule and results from the equestrian events in London, you can click here to access london2012.com. The jumping takes place on 4, 5, 6 and 8th of August.
FEI reports that there will be extensive online coverage of the London 2012 Olympic equestrian events thanks to the national/regional rights-holding broadcasters. Read more about where and when you can watch the equestrian events online on FEI’s website.
Do you want to know more about the showjumpers competing at the Olympics in London? FEI has now released Olympic Biographies for all of them, and if you want to know more about your favorite rider you can click here to find out more.
Denis and Lantinus - here seen in Aachen where the disqualification leading to the withdrawal of his Olympic nomination took place. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Denis Lynch made an unexpected move yesterday, as he in 'the last minute' asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to consider the withdrawal of his Olympic nomination by Horse Sport Ireland. To Irish Examiner Denis’ brother and manager Shay Lynch has stated that Denis "would not have submitted the appeal unless he felt there was a reasonable chance of success".
We really hope that Nick and Big Star will end up in the medals in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The WoSJ-team has taken a closer look at who we hope, dream, think and wish will take home the medals at the Olympics in London. Ten individual combinations have been chosen as our hottest tips, and five teams. But, as always – it’s a wide open contest and in showjumping nothing is decided until the last fence has been jumped. And – there’s almost always a surprise element; that one horse and rider combination that nobody placed their bet on. Anyway, here are our bets in random order:
Individual medals
1. Nick Skelton and Big Star (Great Britain): The powerful Big Star (Quick Star x Nimmerdor) is relatively young at the age of nine, but has endless scope and talent – and all the qualities needed to take home the Olympic gold. It would be the perfect scenario for Skelton; a gold medal on home soil in London. Big Star needs little introduction; he has won some big classes in Aachen, Hamburg, Antwerp and Wellington this year – as well as being double clear for Britain in the Nations Cup in La Baule. This horse rarely touches a pole. Skelton is currently rank five on the Rolex Rankings, and has competed at no less than six Olympic Games, won ten European Championship medals, six World Championship medals, a World Cup title and over 60 major Grand Prix’ titles. We think Big Star deserves to live up to his name in London!
Rolf: Sweden's flag bearer. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson will carry the Swedish flag in the Olympic opening ceremony in London tomorrow. During the Parade of Nations athletes from each country participating in the Olympics will parade in the Olympic stadium, preceded by their flag. It is considered a huge honor to be selected as flag bearer. Rolf is not the only showjumper that will be present as flag bearer – Rodrigo Pessoa will carry Brazil’s flag.
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson is currently the highest ranked showjumper in the world, reigning European Champion and individual silver medalist from the 2008 Olympics.
Michael and Viking are the British reserves. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to horseandhound.co.uk Michal Whitaker will ride Viking in case he gets called up as the British reserve for the Olympic Games. The decision has supposedly been made on the basis of veterinary advice as the three Olympic rounds demands any horse to be in perfect condition to stand a fair chance. Even though GIG Amai and Michael recently won the Aachen Grand Prix Amai recently came back from an injury and the decision has been made with "the best interests and welfare of Amai".
Source: horsandhound.co.uk
Hans Günter Winkler holds the record on winning the most Olympic medals in showjumping. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Louise Parkes has written a really good preview on the Olympics for the FEI. If you haven´t been through it already, you can read it below:
Since equestrian sport was first officially embraced by the Olympic movement a century ago, Jumping has always been the largest and most popular discipline, and the historical records tell of wonderful horse-and-rider partnerships whose names will never be forgotten. Golden heroes like Germany's Hans Günter Winkler, Italy's Raimondo d'Inzeo and Graziano Mancinelli, Pierre Jonqueres d'Oriola from France and America's Bill Steinkraus are the stuff of legend, their names forever forged into the annals of their sport.
Helena Persson with Bonzai H will be the Swedish reserve. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Helena Persson and Bonzai H will be the Swedish Olympic team’s back-up ahead of the Olympics. One and a half weeks ago, Malin Baryard-Johnsson’s ride H&M Tornesch got an injury and was replaced on the team by reserves Lisen Bratt Fredricson and Matrix. With these changes, Ninja La Silla stepped in as reserve horse for Rolf-Göran Bengtsson’s ride Casall La Silla – and now the Swedes have an extra back-up in Persson who will join the team in their preparations towards the Olympics.
Source; ridsport.se
We would have loved to see Michael Whitaker and GIG Amai in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Some horses and riders will really be missed at the Olympics in London this year. The most obvious once are probably Michal Whitaker and GIG Amai that put on such an amazing performance in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, and won this prestigious class. The British team was selected ahead of the CHIO Aachen, and British Chef d’Equipe Rob Hoekstra thus missed out on taking Michael’s performance into account when choosing his team.
Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Rebozo - here seen at the WEG in 2010. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rodrigo Pessoa has been chosen to be the Brazilian flag bearer at the opening ceremony in London on July 27th. It is a big honor to be chosen to do this job for your country, which also makes it an honor for the equestrian sports.
Pessoa took home the individual gold medal during the Olympics in Athens in 2004, and he also has two Olympic team-bronze medals from Sidney in 2000 and Atlanta in 1996. For the 2012 Olympics Pessoa is bringing the stallion HH Rebozo on which Pessoa came fourth during the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.
Congratulations and good luck!
Meredith and Bella Donna will compete on the German team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Philipp Weishaupt's Olympic horse Monte Bellini is out of the Olympics due to a fever that followed an infection. The stallion is currently being treated at a clinic. This means that the German reserve Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum with Bella Donna will step in on the team.
"With Philipp Weishaupt and Monte Bellini out, we have to give up another top pair. I am very sorry for Philipp, he and the stallion presented themselves really well over the whole season and Philipp was so happy about his first Olympic Games," said the German Chef d'Equipe Otto Becker to the German Federation.
As Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum with Bella Donna will be on the team, Thomas Voss with Carinjo will be the new reserves for Germany.
Source: pferd-aktuell.de
We are heading closer and closer to the Olympic Games and it is time to get prepared for the exciting championship. Here is a timetable over the four days that will decide the Olympic winners in showjumping.
The showjumping will start on the 4th of August with a speed class. On the 5th of August is it time for the first round of the team competition and the second round will be the day after. After two rounds of the team competition the team medals will be presented to the winners.
Shane Sweetnam is First Reserve with Amaretto Darco. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ireland's Chef d'Equipe Robert Splaine has now announced that Shane Sweetnam with Amaretto Darco have been nominated to the Olympic Council of Ireland as First Reserve for the Olympic Games in London.
Thirty year-old Sweetnam, from Cork, has been a regular member of Ireland's Nations' Cup teams over the last two years, and with Spy Coast Farm's stallion Amaretto Darco has had notable successes on both the European and American circuits.
The final entry list for the Olympic Games in London is now official. Athletes from 40 countries on six continents will compete in the equestrian events in London. Jumping is the strongest discipline with 26 nations represented. 15 of these nations are represented by teams, while 11 nations are represented by individual riders only. The showjumping will take place from 4-8 August.
A final assessment has been carried out on the all-weather footing at Greenwich Park, and given approval by the FEI. Debbie Jevans, LOCOG Director of Sport, who was present at the assessment, commented: “With support from the FEI, the contractors and our own team have done a great job to get the make-up of the surface right, and we now believe this will be a world class surface for the equestrian athletes in a stunning Olympic venue.”
The Olympics in London will have the largest anti-doping program in the history of the Olympics. The coming weeks the International Olympic Committee will supervise around 6250 doping tests and that is more than ever before.
Around 1000 people will work with the anti-doping collecting urine and blood samples from the athletes during the competitions and the controls have already started.
Malin and H&M Tornesch - here seen doing two great rounds in Rotterdam in June. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Malin Baryard-Johnsson has discovered a light tendon injury on her horse H&M Tornesch (Lux x Libero H) and is thus out of the Olympics. Malin decided to get Tornesch examined after the Nations Cup Friday as she did not feel he jumped as normal. Tornesch has never been injured before and it is very sad for both Malin and the Swedish team that this happens only two weeks before the Olympic Games.
Reserve Lisen Bratt Fredricson will step in for Malin with her lovely gelding Matrix (Cardento x Maximus). Sylve Söderstrand stated in Falsterbo today that Matrix has more than proved that he is capable of jumping the big classes, but there is no secret that he doesn’t have the experience one normally would prefere when going to the Olympics.
Henrik will ride Allerdings in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann has changed his choice of horse ahead of the Olympics. Originally Henrik intended to compete Coupe de Coeur in London, but after a veterinary inspection in Falsterbo the stallion was found not to be 100 % fit and will undergo further examinations in Germany. Henrik will thus instead compete Allerdings - whom he also was pre-entered with – at the Olympics. The pair has done great in this season’s Top League for Sweden, producing some great clear rounds.
Source: tidningenridsport.se
Paul Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse - here in Rome. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Swiss Federation for Equestrian Sports’ Selection Committee for showjumping has made a change on their Olympic team. Paul Estermann who originally was selected as a reserve rider, has received a place on the team together with Steve Guerdat, Werner Muff and Pius Schwizer. The change was made after Estermann has produced some extraordinary results over the past weeks; last weekend Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse were double clear in the Nations Cup in Aachen, and in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam a few weeks ago he managed to do exactly the same. Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse were also double clear for the Swiss team in Rome.
This means that Clarissa Crotta, who was originally included in the team, is now reserve.
Source: fnch.ch
Steve and Nino at the Nations Cup team in Rotterdam in June. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Steve Guerdat has decided to bring Nino des Buissonnets (Kannan x Narcos II) to compete for Switzerland at the Olympic Games in August. Steve and Nino have been very successful together over the past year, and the two came second in the World Cup final in Den Bosch in April. Steve also competed at the Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008 where he ended as number nine individually riding Jalisca Solier (Alligator Fontaine x Jalisco B).
Michael after his win in Aachen on Sunday. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Michael Whitaker has been announced as a non-travelling reserve for Great Britain at the Olympic Games. The British Equestrian Federation has confirmed that Michael Whitaker and GIG Amai will be non-travelling reserves for the showjumping team. Whitaker will be nominated to the British Olympic Association (BOA) to compete for Team GB if a substitution is required.
Michael and GIG Amai won the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen last Sunday, which is one of the most prestigious Grand Prix classes in the world.
Source: britishshowjumping.co.uk
Kamal Bahamdan with Delphi will go to London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The team that will represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympics in London consits of Ramzy Al Duhami with Bayard van de Villa Theresia, HRH Prince Abdullah Al Saud with Davos, Abdullah Al Sharbatly with Sultan and Kamal Bahamdan with Delphi.
Source: horseandhound.co.uk
Cian O'Connor and Blue Loyd 12 will ride at the Olympics for Ireland. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Cian O'Connor will represent Ireland at the Olympic Games, after Horse Sport Ireland decided to not proceed with the nomination of Denis Lynch. Horseandhound.co.uk reports that the Olympic Council of Ireland today approved Horse Sport Ireland’s nomination of Cian as the second Irish showjumper at the Olympic Games. Cian will join Billy Twomey, who was selected together with Lynch last week. Cian will ride Blue Loyd 12.
Al Eid and Presley Boy will miss the Olympics. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Khaled Al Eid’s Olympic ride Presley Boy (Concorde x Damiro) has suffered a colic attack, and will not be able to participate at the Olympic Games. According to horses.nl the 15 year old stallion got the colic attack last Friday, and is now under veterinary supervision. Presley Boy’s recovery will thus prevent him from going to the Games, and the Saudi team will replace Al Eid with Kamal Bahamdan.
Source: horses.nl
Denis Lynch and Lantinus in Aachen last week. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Denis Lynch has made a statement regarding the removal of his nomination for an Olympic place in London. The statement reads as follows:
"Today, following my attendance at a meeting at the OCI/HSI Monitoring Group, I am devastated to relate that my nomination for the Olympic place in London has been withdrawn [Statement continues below].
Denis Lynch will not go to the Olympics. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Horse Sport Ireland has decided that Denis Lynch will not ride at the Olympic Games. The press release that came from HSI today reads as follows:
"HSI STATEMENT ON DENIS LYNCH AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Horse Sport Ireland has decided not to proceed with the nomination of Denis Lynch to represent Ireland in show jumping in the London Olympic Games. Horse Sport Ireland has now asked Show Jumping Team Manager Robert Splaine to put forward another combination from amongst his list of reserves."
Meredith and Bella Donna in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The German Olympic Team is already announced and will consist of Janne-Friederike Meyer with Lambrasco, Christian Ahlmann with Codex One, Marcus Ehning with Plot Blue and Philipp Weishaupt with Monte Bellini.
Now the German federation has announced who the reserve will be and it is Meredith Michaels Beerbaum and the only nine year old Bella Donna (Baldini II - Calido I) that will travel to London and be prepared to step in if anything would happen to her team mates.
Source: www.sportal.de
Henrik and Coupe de Coeur will ride for Sweden. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It will be Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with Casall La Silla, Malin Baryard-Johnsson with H&M Tornesch, Henrik von Eckermann with Coupe de Coeur and Jens Fredricson with Lunatic that will represent Sweden at the 2012 Olympic Games. Lisen Bratt Fredricson with Matrix will be the reserve rider.
Rolf, Malin and Lisen have all been competing at the Olympics before but it will be the first time for Henrik and Jens.
Alvaro de Miranda with AD Bogeno is on the Brazilian team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Brazil’s Olympic team has been announced. The riders and horses that will be going to London are; Rodrigo Pessoa with HH Rebozo LS, Alvaro de Miranda with AD Bogeno, Luiz Francisco de Azevedo with Special and José Roberto Reynoso Fernandez jr with Maestro St Lois. Carlos Ribas with Wilexo is reserve rider.
Source: grandprix-replay.com
Simon Delestre will be on the French team in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The French team for the Olympics has been changed as Orient Express *HDC has sustained an injury. The French Equestrian Federation has thus announced a new list of showjumpers selected for the London Olympics. The team will consist of: Simon Delestre with Napoli de Ry, Olivier Guillon with Lord de Theizé, Penelope Leprevost with Mylord Carthago * HN or Topinambour and Kevin Staut with Silvana * HDC. Roger-Yves Bost with Nippon d'Elle will be substitute rider, while reserve riders are Eugenie Angot with Old Chap Tame and Jerome Hurel with Ohm de Ponthual.
Source: grandprix-replay.com
Philipp and Monte Bellini will compete in London. Photo by Hanne Christensen.The German team for the Olympics is now announced. After showing off great in the Top League season this year the German team is without any doubt one of the favorites to take home the gold medal in London. Their team will consist of Marcus Ehning with Plot Blue or Copin van de Broy, Philipp Weishaupt with Monte Bellini, Janne-Friederike Meyer with Cellagon Lambrasco and Christian Ahlmann with Codex One or Taloubet Z. The reserve rider will be announced after the Grand Prix in Aachen tomorrow.
The big surprise on the German team is probably Marco Kutscher’s absence. Normally he would have a spot on the team, but after two disappointing rounds in the Nations Cup in Aachen Thursday changes were made. We are happy to see Philipp Weishait on the team though as he has performed very well over the last months and most definitely has earned his place.
Katharina Offel will ride Vivant in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The riders that will represent Ukraine at the Olympic Games are: Katharina Offel with Vivant, Björn Nagel with Niack de L'Abbaye, Cassio Rivetti with Temple Road and Aleksander Onishchenko with Comte d'Arsouilles. Verdi, that Cassio Rivetti normally rides, will follow along to London as a reserve horse.
adly we won't see Angelica and Mic Mac in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Unfortunately there will be no Olympic Games in London for Angelica Augustsson and Mic Mac du Tillard. The owners of Mic Mac has stated the following; "The Elevage du Tillard team is very very sad to announce that Mic Mac du Tillard will not be competing on the Swedish team at the Olympics in London due to a later infection from a tooth extraction and abces which has kept her out of the latest Nations Cup and top shows. She probably could not be back early in shape and strong enough to compete for the Olympics so the decision had been made to withdraw her from the team."
After this news we now look forward to finding out which riders and horses who will compete for Sweden in London in less than a month.
Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof's Tamino have secured a place on the Olymic Team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rob Ehrens has announced the Dutch team going to London for the Olympics. Their team will consist of Gerco Schröder with Eurocommerce London, Marc Houtzager with Sterrehof’s Tamino, Jur Vrieling with VDL Bubalu, Maikel van der Vleuten with VDL Groep Verdi and Leon Thijssen is travelling as their reserve bringing Tyson.
source: knhs.nl
Jos Lansink and Valentina van't Heike are going to London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Belgian team for the Olympic Games has been announced by Chef d’equipe Philippe Guerdat. Their team will consist of reigning World Champion Philippe Le Jeune with Vigo D’Arsouilles STX, former World Champion Jos Lansink and Cavalor Valentina van't Heike, Gregory Wathelet with Citizenguard Cadjanine Z and Dirk Demeersman with Bufero van het Panishof. The Belgian reserve will be Olivier Philippaerts and Cabrio van de Heffink.
Source:studforlife.com
Billy Twomey and Tinka's Serenade will again represent their country in a Championship. Here seen at the WEG in 2010. Photo by jenny Abrahamsson.Horse Sport Ireland has nominated Denis Lynch and Billy Twomey to compete during the Olympic Games in London representing Ireland. Ireland did not manage to qualify as a team, but Lynch and Twomey still managed to secure two individual places. These places were Irelands places though and any qualified rider could be selected.
As there have not been any other riders proving better than the two - Lynch and Twomey are now traveling to London with their respective horses Abbervail van het Dingeshof and Tinka’s Serenade. For Abbervail this will be his first Championship as Denis over the last years have chosen Lantinus for the bigger jobs. Tinka on the other hand was Billy's partner both during the World Equstrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 and at the Europeans last September in Madrid.
Ludger Beerbaum has given up the thought about the Olympics. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After the first class in Aachen Ludger Beerbaum decided that he not will try to get on the 2012 Olympic Team for Germany with Gotha. After getting 15 faults in the warm-up class this morning, Ludger decided to just jump the smaller classes on the Goldfever-mare.
"The mare isn´t in shape. Therefore it is also obvious for me that I´m no longer at disposal for the Olympic Games," said Ludger Beerbaum.
Source: www.st-georg.de
Ben Maher and Tripple X will be on the team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The four athletes that will represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games on home soil are: Scott Brash with Hello Sanctos, Peter Charles with Murka´s Vindicat W, Ben Maher with Tripple X and Nick Skelton with Big Star. Tina Fletcher with Hello Sailor will be Team Great Britain´s travelling reserve.
This means that Nick Skelton will do his sixth Olympic Games while Ben Maher will do his second. Peter Charles will do his first Games for Great Britian, but has represented Ireland two times before. For Scott Brash this will be his Olympic debut.
Andy Hunt, Team GB Chef de Mission says to Team GB´s website: "The selection of the jumping riders and their horses completes our equestrian line-up for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The athletes selected today have a good mix of experience and strong form leading up to the Games and with the support of the home crowd behind them at Greenwich Park I have every confidence they will deliver inspirational performances. Earning selection to compete at your seventh Olympic Games is a very special achievement and is a tribute to Nick Skelton's quality, determination and consistency. I am sure the other riders and athletes across Team GB will learn a lot from Nick's wealth of experience."
Patrice Delaveau and Orient Express HDC are heading for London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Although the official announcement of the French competitors for the Olympics won't take place until July 9th, the French Federation has named the combinations they suggest for the French team. These combinations are; Patrice Delaveau with Orient Express HDC, Simon Delestre with Napoli du Ry, Olivier Guillon with Lord de Theize, Penelope Leprevost with Mylord Carthago HN or Topinambour and Kevin Staut with Silvana HDC.
Eugénie Angot with Old Chap Tame, Roger-Yves Bost with Nippon dÉlle and Jerome Hurel with Ohm de Ponthual are named as reserves.
Clarissa Crotta will go to London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Urs Grünig, Switzerland's Chef d'Equipe, has announced the country's Olympic team. Clarissa Crotta with West Side van Meerputhoeve, Steve Guerdat with Nino des Buisssonnets, Nasa or Carpalo, Werner Muff with Kiamon and Pius Schwizer with Carlina or Verdi will all go to London as well as Paul Estermann with Castlefield Eclipse as reserve.
Switzerland will bring four of these five riders to Aachen. Clarissa Crotta will not go though, so Paul Estermann takes her place on the team. Clarissa will therefor ride the Nations Cup in Falsterbo.
This will be the first Olympics for Clarissa Crotta and Werner Muff, and the first championship ever for Paul Estermann.
Source: www.psi-magazin.de
Jeroen Dubbeldam ans BMC Utascha SFN will not be a part of the Dutch team in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to Stall de Sjiem's Twitter account Jeroen Dubbeldam has decided there will be no Olympic Games for him in London. The decision to give up his spot on the Dutch long list for the Olympics comes after a disappointing weekend in Rotterdam where Jeroen and his horse BMC Utascha SFN have not been able to make things work. Jeroen only got Utascha in October last year and the combination has not had long time to try and find their ways before the Olympics. Dubbeldam already has an Olympic gold medal though. In 2000 he won the Olympic Games in Sidney riding De Sjiem.
Reigning Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze will bring either Derly Chin de Muze - seen here - or Verdi to London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Canada has announced which riders that will be on the team in London. It will be Yann Candele on Carlotta Singular La Magnifica (Chasseur x Singular Joter), Tiffany Foster on Victor (Elmshorn x Grandeur), Jill Henselwood on George (Garant x Don Juan), Eric Lamaze on Derly Chin de Muze (For Pleasure x Nabab de Reve) or Verdi (Heartbreaker x Mr. Blue) and Ian Miller on Star Power (Quick Star x Calvados) that represents Canada at the Olympic Games 2012.
Source: equinecanada.ca
Qualified for the Olympics; Abdullah Sharbatly. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly qualified for the Olympics at the CSI 2* show in Hoofddorp in the Netherlands last week. Prior to the event, a special 1.60 FEI competition was organized as a qualification to the Olympic Games. Sharbatly – who’s ban from competition was reduced by the CAS in the beginning of last week – rode a clear round on the 10 year old Sultan. We have not been able to find any results from the class.
Related article: Al Eid and Sharbatly get reduced bans by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport
Source: saudiequestrian.com
James-Paterson-Robinson will be a part on the Australian team in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Australian team for the Olympics 2012 in London has been announced. In addition to Edwina Tops-Alexander who was selected through early nomination, the team and will consist of;
James Paterson-Robinson - Lanosso
Julia Hargreaves - Vedor
Matt Williams - Watch Me vd Mangelaar
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