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It was a good day at the office in Rio for Doda yesterday. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Philipp Weishaupt took home the biggest class at the five star event in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. Aboard Leoville (Landor S x Wettruf) the German rider beat home rider and organizer Alvaro de Miranda with the tiniest of margins; the two riders were just separated by 0,02 seconds! Doda rode AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno (Baloubet du Rouet x Elanville). Ben Maher and Aristo Z were third, about two seconds behind Philipp and Doda.

Doda had a great day at the office, and was also second in the 1.45 class. The Brazilian rider was aboard Show Show in this class and was only beaten by German rider Hans-Dieter Dreher on Constantin B (Contendro x Espri). Another Brazilian superstar was third; Rodrigo Pessoa on HH Let’s Fly (Contendro x Espri).

The Best of Brazil competition – a 1.50 class – went to no other than the most consistent man of the day; Doda! He rode the lovely AD Ashleigh Drossel Dan in this class (Drosselklang II x Ashleigh Brigadier), where fourteen Brazilian riders competed against each other.

Click here for full results from Rio.

Sam Williams and High Rail Salt Bush. Photo provided by Equestrian Australia. Sam Williams went to the top against a strong field of riders to win the Melbourne WC Qualifer. Sam - the brother of Olympian Matt Williams - and his 10 yo gelding High Rail Salt Bush were the only combination to jump clear in the first round. They picked up four jumping penalties in the second round but it didn't change their positioning on the leaderboard with second placed Jamie Kermond and Valhalla 3 ending the event on a total of 12 jumping penalties (four from round one and eight from round two).  

Scott Brash won the Sky Sports Trophy at HOYS yesterday. Photo by/copyright Roberto Cubeddu.Scott Brash was delighted to claim his first international victory since winning show jumping team gold at the London Olympics in front of a home crowd at Horse of the Year Show. Spurred on by rapturous applause as he entered the ring to jump in the Sky Sports Trophy on Liz MacTaggart’s Bon Ami, Scott sped round the course to snatch victory from The Netherlands’ Albert Zoer, riding Sam.

“It’s a privilege to jump in front of this home crowd,” said Scott. “It’s a fantastic show for us British riders, the atmosphere here is incredible and the spectators always give you such a warm welcome. It’s great to be able to repay their support.”

Bon Ami, who was Scott’s winning partner in last year’s Zinc Management Trophy, gave such a good performance tonight that his rider has a few options for Sunday Gala evening’s Leading Show Jumper of the Year contest. “I was planning on riding Intertoy Z on Sunday, but Bon Ami is on form, so we’ll have to see,” said Scott.

Antony Condon and Special Lux. Photo by/copyright: Roberto Cubeddu. Billy Twomey might have a potential star in his eight year old gelding Special Lux (Lux Z x Coille Mor Hill) that won the 1.40 Addington Manor Talent Seekers class including the 7 year old Championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham yesterday. Special Lux was ridden by the talented Anthony Condon whose former boss is Billy. "He's a fantastic animal who always gives 110%," Anthony said after his round. "I am competing in the international classes here later on in the week, so this was great start. I'm aiming to jump him in the Leading Show Jumper of the Year on Sunday."

Tracy Fenney and MTM Centano on course in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Photo by ©ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney finished another year of HITS horse shows doing what she does best – winning! The Flower Mound, Texas native has found Grand Prix success throughout the year at HITS Ocala, Saugerties, and Culpeper and made her third appearance in the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix this past September. As another year at HITS Culpeper comes to an end, Fenney aboard MTM Farm’s MTM Centano sealed a victory in Sunday’s $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to earn her ninth Grand Prix victory at HITS in 2012.

“There’s no better way to end a year than with a win,” said Fenney. “Even though the course was challenging with some difficult turns and questions all across the field, this turned out to be such a good class.  Overall, I’m just really happy that we had such a great summer both here in Culpeper, as well as in Saugerties, and it’s nice to finish up victorious before heading back down to Texas. I’m so lucky to have great horses who work very hard to compete and win.”

Not the winners in Moorsele, but Kamal and Delphi secured a nice second place. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend has been all about Zangersheide and the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championship in Lanaken, but some riders still found their way to Moorsele for the CSI2* show as well. The Grand Prix class Sunday went to Sam Polleunis from Belgium riding Elias P. The combination was double clear and had the time 36.5 in the jump-off. The only other double clear combination was Kamal Bahamdan and his lovely ride Delphi. who were 0,11 seconds slower than the winner. Willem Greve secured third place with Sonate and Henk van de Pol was number four riding BMC Warrant TN.

For full results go here.

Rene Tebbel, Florian Meyer zu Hartum and Mathijs van Asten. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The winner - Florian Meyer zu Hartum on his ride Chacciana; - “I have been riding Chacciana since April. Andreas Kreutzer rode her before. She was here in Lanaken as a five-year-old where she had the fastest time in the jump-off, but the last one down. She is very competitive, but a bit special also in the stable. She is a quite fast horse with a big stride.”

Florian on today’s course; “I think the course was ok. I mean it is the World Championship so it is supposed to be big. It started off nice and then after the water the horses got a bit strong so the last line away from the entrance was a bit difficult.”

Florian Meyer zu Hartum and Chacciana Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The World Breeding Jumping Championship is a popular event every year, and the 7-year-old final was crowded with people as Florian Meyer zu Hartum took home the win aboard Chacciana (Chacco-Blue x Andiamo Z) . Only four combinations were clear in the first round as a lot of riders collected faults on the open water jump.

Luxembourg, Columbia and Brazil on the podium after the final for the 6-year-old horses. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson. The winner Dayro Arroyave about his winning ride and himself; “The horse was known to be difficult and several riders have been falling off him, but I have had him in five or six months now and I really like him. He has qualities, but he is a stallion and likes to play around a bit. I work for several different owners in Belgium and ride about 30 different young horses every week.”

Lap of honour for Dayro Arroyave and Gangster de Longchamps. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The final for 6-year-old horses in Lanaken was won by Dayro Arroyave from Columbia riding Gangster de Longchamps (Orlando x Sheyenne de Baugy). The course designer had put up a challenging course for the six-year-olds as fence one and two were placed away from the entrance along the all the spectators. The winning-stallion was one out of only two horses producing two clear rounds, the other one being Goya van de Begijnakker (Wandor van de Mispelaere x Palestro vd Begijnakker) ridden by Charlotte Bettendorf from Luxembourg.  Number three in the final was the Brazilian rider Marion Modolo Zanotelli aboard Carthagena 6 (Cornet Obolensky x Landor S).

For full results go here.

Pieter Clemens, Toni Hassmann and Gerben Morsink. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Toni Hassmann about his winning horse Con Cara (Con Air x Franklin); “Con Cara is not placed at my stable, but in the Warendorf-area where I rent boxes. So I just ride here once a week. In the end of july and beginning of august I started to ride her to qualify for the Bundeschampionat and she did that on the first try. At the Bundeschampionat she was number seven after being clear in all rounds. She really wants to go clear. She is very clever and easy to ride. This is our seventh show together.”

The winners. Toni Hassmann and Con Cara. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Toni Hassmann and Con Cara (Con Air x Franklin) took home the win in the World Breeding Championship for 5-year-old horses in Lanaken today. The combination was the last one to go in the jump-off, and secured the win after a fast and clear round. The first round had 12 fences including a triple combination with a vertical, vertical, oxer which caused problems for several of the young horses. This was also the first time the 5-year-olds competed at the Ratina Z main arena as the qualifications have been held on the Alme Z arena.

Jos Verloy won the 7 year old consolation class. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The consolation classes of the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championship took place at Zangersheide today. For the seven year old horses it was Belgium’s Jos Verloy that won aboard Farfelu de la Pomme (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Darco) with the fastest clear round in this 1.35 class stopping the clock at 58.99 seconds. Second place went to French rider Loup  Briffaut on Ravel de Pantomime  (Elan de la Cour Sf) on 60.57 seconds, while Giovanni  Consorti from Italy was third on Indor GP (Indorado x Ahorn).

Click here for full results.

The medalists in the Belgian Championship. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Jerome Guery became Belgian Champion today. The championship took place at Zangersheide, and sixteen riders participated in the final. Guery’s win came on Tic-Tac du Seigneur, a nine year old stallion by Clinton x Darco. The pair ended on an overall penalty score of 6.53, with Philippe Le Jeune right behind them on Carlino STX (Carvallo x Romino) with 6.76 penalties. The bronze went to Rik Hemeryck on Papillon Z (Perhaps x Cassini I) with 8 penalties overall.

Click here for full results.

The fantastic Hunter's Scendix looked a bit shy at the prize giving where he looked at the crowds between the legs of the riders on the podium. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Happy winners - Brecht Bille, Linn Zakariasson and Gerben Morsink! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Hunter's Scendix (Stakkato x Dinar) won the FEI Sires of the World last year, he won the warm up class yesterday and he won the FEI  Sires of the World 2012 today. Brecht Bille has been riding the fantastic stallions for just two months after the two reunited following Scendix's stay with Eric Lamaze.

53 stallions lined up for the 1,50 class and the crowds had to wait for a long time before there was a clear round, and in the end only seven cleared the course. The jump-off course consisted of eight fences with a combination as second last fence.

Move it! Harrie Smolders trying to steal the spotlight from Leopold van Asten by riding in front of the photographers. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Gábor Szabó with Timpex Centes won the second qualification for the six year olds. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It has been a busy day at  Zangersheide Stud in Lanaken were the World Championship for Young Horses is taking place. The riders have been competing at three different arenas, the five year olds in the Almé Z arena, the six year olds in the Ramiro Z arena and the seven year olds in the Ratina Z arena. The warm-up class for the stallions that will compete in the FEI Sires of the World-competition also took place in the Ratina Z arena.

Parlanti Leading Rider Reed Kessler and Mika. Photo by Parker/Russell-The Book LLC.Parlanti Custom Riding Boots was pleased to present the American Gold Cup Leading Rider Award to Reed Kessler. The award honors included a pair of boots from the popular Parlanti Passion line of products.

Reed Kessler is more than deserving of accolades and this special award at the American Gold Cup. Kessler, at only 18 years old, was the youngest person in show jumping history to compete in the Olympic Games when she participated in the 2012 Olympic Games aboard her mare Cylana. With nearly 40 show jumping wins since 2009, including the US Show Jumping National Championship, Kessler is one of the most important talents in the show jumping arena today.

Hugo Simon was the first rider ever to win the World Cup final in 1979 - here on the young and promising CT in 2012. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.With the kick-off of the Western European league World Cup season for 2012/2013 right around the corner, WoSJ takes a look at some historic winners, last year's season and what it will take to win the prestigious final in Gothenburg next year.

Historic World Cup-winners

The first winner of the World Cup Jumping title was Austria's Hugo Simon on the legendary Gladstone (by Goetz), who in 1979 won the trophy in Gothenburg. Seventeen years later in Geneva Simon would yet again take the title home – this time on another legend of a horse; the special chestnut gelding E.T. FRH (by Espri). The following year – 1997 – Hugo Simon was back in Gothenburg to claim the title again. These three wins have made Hugo Simon historical; he is one of four riders who have recorded a hat-trick of victories.

Doda is the host in Rio. Photo by Jeny Abrahamsson.A prize of one million euros in a show jumping competition - that's almost unique worldwide. Some things will be exceptional when Doda – Alvaro Affonso de Miranda Neto – sends out the invitations to his international show jumping tournament, the "OI Athina Onassis Horse Show" from October 4 to 6 to Rio de Janeiro. "Throughout my long athletic career, I've noted the things I like best about the horse shows and I'm trying to implement everything here as perfectly as possible," says the 39-year-old world-class rider, born in Sao Paolo. The participating riders know how to appreciate this kind of preparation, and they're already looking forward to the best soil conditions, optimal all-round care for horses and rooms, world-class sport and show, and all of this in a unique setting. No question about it: for the riders, the trip to Rio de Janeiro means great sports and a short holiday in one.  

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.

Finals Team jumping round 1

Finals Team jumping round 2

Tom McDermott with CP Romantic Dream. Photo by Equestrian Australia.Tom McDermott wrote history this weekend when he became Australian Champion in both the senior and young rider division. In the senior division Tom and his 15 yo mare CP Romantic Dream narrowly defeated Sharon Slater and CP Ulixes who finished second. Jamie Kermond and Yandoo Laughtons Legacy were third. 

Tom’s win with Statford Delight in the young rider category was backed up with a third position riding LH Annie-Elka. Olivia Hamood and GH Eternal Flame were runner-up.

Full results are available here.

Source: Equestrian Australia.

Salvador couldn't help but take a taste of his new blanket. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Pilar and Nuage Bleu were on the winning Spanish team in Barcelona - here in Drammen earlier this year. Photo by Hanne Christensen.The Spanish team went all the way to the top on home soil in the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League Final in Barcelona after a thrilling competition at the Olympic arena of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. Spain left Sweden behind them in second, and Italy in third. The Spanish team consisted of Pilar Cordon on Nuage Bleu, Paola Amilibia Puig on Prunella d'Ariel, Manuel Anon on Baldo DS and Sergio Alvares Moya on Action Breaker - with Pilar being the best on the team with two clear rounds.

Sweden was in the lead on a zero penalty score after round one with three out of four riders producing clear rounds, but things changed in round two. The last riders to go on the two best teams Sweden and Spain were left to battle it out for the win. Sergio Alvares Moya saved the day for Spain with a  clear second round leaving his team at a total of  eight penalties, while Swedish Peter Fredicson with H&M Cash In was unlucky to have one pole down leaving Sweden at a total of 12 penalties. Spanish victory was secured with the enthusiasm of the spectators who filled the stands of the Real Club de Polo.

Eric van der Vleuten was the happy winner of the Grand Prix in De Warre, Neeroeteren . Photo by Hanne Christensen.The CSIO5* show in Barcelona invited the riders to Trofeu Longines Saturday evening. This Saturday was clearly made for female French power. Penelope Leprevost won the GCT Grand Prix in Vienna and Eugenie Angot gave the French people more to cheer for as she guided Davendy S (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Pachat II) to victory in Spain. Pedro Veniss secured second place with Morlam Des Etisses (Quidam de Revel x Uriel) ahead of Brianne Goutal with Nice de Prissey (Rosire x Amarpour) and another French rider, Jerome Hurel  riding Ohm de Ponthual (Voltaire x Calypso d’Herbiers Ecolit). These four riders were the only four double clears in a class that saw 58 riders to start.

For full results go here.

Johann was lucky enough to start at the end of the jump-off. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson."I was lucky enough to be in the end of the class so I could see some riders and Stefan among them. That made it easier for me to make some tactics. I had to risk everything to be faster than Stefan, but Salvador is a really fast horse,"  Johann Ehning said after his win and added; "To ride in front of this City Hall is a once in a lifetime experience!"

Johann Ehning with Salvador took home the last class. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Johannes Ehning with Salvador V (Calvados x Voltaire) took home the 1,50 - 1,55 class over two rounds that finished off the show in Vienna. Fourteen riders went clear in the first round and made it on to the second.

Edwina Tops-Alexander with Guccio (Quick Star x Cantus) was first to go and rode a great and safe round in 38.52 seconds. The home rider Stefan Eder on Concordija (Caretino x Landgraf) was next and he produced a fantastic round. Concordija jumped amazing and with full speed and short turns Stefan ended the course four seconds faster than Edwina and put some real pressure on the rest of the riders.

Ömer Karaevli and Dadjak ter Puttenen (Toulon x Vanitas) were clear as well after some luck on the b-element of the combination. Ludger Beerbaum didn't seem to give it all today and ended on 36.18 with Chaman (Baloubet du Rouet x I Love You).

The winning team - horse, rider and groom. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Penelope Leprevost jumped to victory in the rain with Mylord Carthago *HN. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Top three in Vienna - Penelope, Meredith and Gerco. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.In front of  a historic and impressive backdrop in Vienna, it was Peneleope Leprevost who went all the way to the top and took home the Global Champions Grand Prix. The win in the penultimate leg of the series this season came aboard Mylord Carthago *HN, and the French rider left Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on Bella Donna and Gerco Schröder on Eurocommerce London behind her. The 18 best riders from the first round qualified for the second round in Vienna. Only six cleared the first round though, and they got company from three riders with one time fault and then nine on four faults.

Edwina is still in the lead of the Global Champions Tour, this time together with Rolf. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.With just the final in Abu Dhabi remaining, Edwina Tops-Alexander is still in the lead of the prestigious series but this time together with Rolf-Göran Bengtsson. Edwina and Rolf are equal on points as both riders are ranked with196 points. Rank three is still Christian Ahlmann, now on 180 points. Denis Lynch is rank four on 178 points, and Philipp Weishaupt fifth on 169 points.

Click here for the full ranking.

Penelope had nothing to lose in the jump-off. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson."I had luck in the second round, so it was just to give it all in the jump-off. I had nothing to lose," said a happy Penelope Leprevost after her win.

On the question about the Olympics Penelope answered: "Before the Olympics I had little time to concentrate on other shows as I was in the middle of the preparation for the Games, and then unfortunately it didn't go as well as planned there."

Words can't describe the backdrop of the GCT in Vienna: The Rathaus - or City Hall - build between 1872 and 1883 by Friedrich Schmidt is breathtaking, in the flodlight or in daytime - and from any angle. This GCT stage is one of the most impressive ever! Take a look and enjoy! All photos of Jenny Abrahamsson.

Denis and Night Train really did their best to get on top of the result list, but Bosty was faster... All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

No one could beat Bosty and Cosma. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It was an exciting speed class that Roger Yves Bost won with Castle Forbes Cosma (Couleur Rubin x Peter Pan) in Vienna today. Denis Lynch with Night Train (Calvaro Z x Papillon Rouge) tried to catch Bosty's time, but the French rider was still 2,5 seconds faster and Denis had to settle for second place.

Third place went to Emanuele Gaudiano with Chicago (Chambertin x Quinar) and fourth place to Marc McAuley with Loriot (Lavall x Coriander).

Patrice and Carinjo *HDC is already a winning combination. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The new pair Patrice Delaveau and Carinjo *HDC (Cascavelle x Landgraf) won the 1,45 class with jump-off in Vienna today. It was a class with 50 riders and fifteen of them made it to the jump-off.

The jump-off consisted of seven jumps with one vertical - oxer combination. They started off with a vertical out of a short turn from the short side of the arena. Then it was a long distance to another vertical where most of the riders did nine strides. Then came a short left turn to an oxer and then once again a long distance to an oxer with water beneath. Here most of the riders did eleven strides. After the oxer it was a short right turn to a vertical and then seven strides to the combination. Some of the riders took one stride out to the combination and did six instead; saving time. Then it was a long left turn to the last fence, which was an oxer on the long side of the ring.

Once again the Global Champions Tour has managed to have one of their shows in an amazing setting. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson.
 

A young and happy winner in Vienna. Photo by Sportfot/GCTThe iconic 'Rathaus' or City Hall was the key witness to Thursday's opening competition over 2 phases. The field of 83 riders got the honour to open the first-ever GCT event held in Austria. Many of the GCT stars have been in a battle over the long season and decided to give their tophorses a look around the impressive arena en retired after a couple of jumps in order to save strengths for the highly important GCT Grand Prix of Austria on Saturday.

With tension rising riders like GCT nr.1 Edwina Tops Alexander on Itot du Chateau, last weekend's Grand Prix winner Laura Kraut on Cedric and the Valkenswaard runner up Richard Spooner retired after the first round. With the famous saving up on energy it was up to the young wolves to grasp the opportunity to jump in the spotlights of Vienna. And so they did. After being beaten by Patrice Delaveau, last week, Jessica Springsteen set things straight with a sharp double-clear, improving Brazil's newcomer Marlon Zanotelli on Corrito.

Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino fly into The American Gold Cup Winner's Circle.Peter Leone, aboard Lincourt Gino, sailed to the win as the only double clear horse and rider combination in the starting field of 29 at the $200,000 American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, on Sunday.The day dawned cool with fluffy clouds dotting the sky, while the wind billowed the tents dotting the show grounds. The weather throughout the week in North Salem has been ideal for riders and spectators alike.

Leone's clean round (44.050 seconds) placed him ahead of Kent Farrington, who came in second riding Voyeur with a time of 41.630 seconds with four faults in the second round. McLain Ward, riding Antares F, claimed third place with a time of 42.00 seconds with four faults in round two, while Beezie Madden, riding Cortes C, earned the fourth place ribbon with a time of 43.140 seconds, also with four faults in the jump-off.

Alvaro de Miranda "Doda" with AD Rahmannshof's Bogeno. Photo credit: Sportfot/GCT. In the last competition of this GCT weekend in Lausanne Alvaro de Miranda of Brazil and AD Rahmannshof's Bogeno claimed the No 1 position in 39.74 seconds with a spectacularly fast round. Even the major talents of Christian Ahlmann and Ben Maher, who both did everything to come close to Alvaro's time, could not succeed. Christian Ahlmann and Lorena 111 finished second in 40.07 seconds followed by Ben Maher and Triple X III in third place in 40.43 seconds.

Patrik Spits and Withney van de Dwerse Hagen was one of this weekend's GP winners - here seen in Bremen earlier this year. Photoby Jenny Abrahamsson.Patrik Spits won the 3* Grand Prix in Villeneuve Sur Lot in France. The Belgian rider partnered up with Withney van de Dwerse Hagen for the win. The two had one of five double clears in the class, and by far the fastest time in the jump-off at 43.92. Spits’ fellow countryman Rik Hemeryck ended second on Papillon Z with the time of 46.23. Home rider Herve Godignon was third aboard Quedge Deenne. The fastest time of the day belonged to Francois Mathy Jr., but he had one down on Opus PSG.

Click here for full results.

Tracy Fenney with MTM Centano. Photo by Parker/Russell-The Book.LLC.Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas, came away with the win in the $35,000 Double H Farm Classic 4* on Saturday at The American Gold Cup.

Fenney said she was hesitant to come and ride against the well-seasoned competition 'out East,' but her horse was ready for the challenge and did well over the Steve Stephen's designed course. Ready indeed, as the pair produced the only fault-free go of the day, racing home in 79.610 seconds for the Saturday afternoon win.

Rusty Steward with Bristol. Photo © Captured Moment Photography. The Blenheim Indoor Arena was bursting at its seams this evening during the $50,000 Blenheim World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Summit General Insurance Agency. Equestrian fans of all ages got to witness the veteran rider Rusty Stewart and his incredible 10-year-old mount Bristol ride a perfect round and win his second consecutive World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix. The pair has been on a roll all season but it takes the perfect pair to stay on their game and post back-to-back World Cup Qualifier victories. Stewart knew Bristol was just as good indoors and could without question perform just as well. Stewart was right on the money.

Laura, Rolf and Edwina on the podium in Lausanne. Photo credit: Sportfot/GCT.The GCT championship race intensified dramatically tonight with only five points between Edwina Tops-Alexander and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson after one of the most electrifying Grand Prix of the season.

American rider Laura Kraut won the first-ever Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Switzerland on her 14-year-old grey Cedric - even beating her partner and Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton in the jump off. Laura admitted she was "over the moon" and the jump off had a nailbiting twist with Australian rider Edwina facing a tough challenge for the No1 ranking spot from Swedish rider Rolf.

Edwina Tops-Alexander is still in the lead. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Edwina Tops-Alexander still tops the GCT ranking after today's round in Lausanne but Rolf-Göran Bengtsson is now second and just five points behind Edwina. Christian Ahlmann, who ended ninth, fell down to a third place. Denis Lynch stays on place four with his 151 points.

Next weekend the GCT moves on to Vienna and the 22 - 24 of November it is time for the last leg in Abu Dabi.

Harrie Smolders with Exquis Powerfee. Photo credit: Sportfot/GCT.GCT Lausanne produced another fantastic speed class ahead of the Grand Prix with super fast Dutch rider Harrie Smolders thrilling spectators to win in 53.46 over the 12-fence course.

Earlier British rider and Olympic team gold medallist Ben Maher guided Aristo to a brilliant clear in 53.74 with a relentless pace. He was eclipsed by speed supremo Rodrigo Pessoa on Let's Fly. The Brazilian was dramatically quick turning after the Jaeger-LeCoultre fence and despite checking his horse several times he still managed to nudge ahead in 53.54.

Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One.Christine McCrea jumped ahead of the competition Friday to place first in the $50,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier at the picturesque Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The day was clear and warm to welcome the 50 entrants to the final class of the day on the spectacular grass Grand Prix field.

Six entries went clear and headed to the jump-off. McCrea had the winning time with 40.830 seconds aboard Romantovich Take One owned by Candy Tribble. "He's really fast," McCrea said. "He's always been really fast."

Winner in Adelaide; Alison Rowland on Bickley Brook Bella. Photo by Nicol Taylor.The World Cup qualifiers are well under way in Australia, and The Royal Adelaide Show hosted the 7th qualifier so far. The event presented a first class arena for Australia's leading horses to contest the 2012 World Cup qualifying round. The grass surface provides as good a jumping surface as anywhere in the country and the horses and riders showed their appreciation with some excellent jumping over the course designed by FEI International Peter Holmes of Canada.

Sixteen combinations started in the competition with five horses having their first start in the World Cup competition. Peter Holmes hit the spot with a balanced track which encouraged the new talent as well as ensuring an exciting class for the patrons of the Adelaide Royal. There were five clear rounds, one on a time fault and a further four on two faults.

Patrice Delaveau and the amazing Ornella Mail *HDC won in Lausanne. Photo by GCT/Sportfot.Patrice Delaveau wowed the GCT Lausanne with a sprint finish to win the 2nd CSI 5* today on Ornella Mail *HDC. American rider Jessica Springsteen set the pace in the 1m50 speed class, accelerating and clearing the three challenging double combinations around the compact sand arena in 60.23. Jessica, daughter of “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen, has rocketed into the 5* league and is fiercely competitive. She was clearly delighted with her round on Vornado van den Hoendrik and held on to the lead through much of the class.But Frenchman Patrice looked like he meant business from the start and took full advantage of the course design which invited riders to take a forward line and pull out all the stops. Patrice jumped clear in 57.63 shaving over 2 second off Jessica’s time.

Laura Kraut went to the top in Lausanne. Photo by GCT/Sportfot.US rider Laura Kraut triumphed in GCT’s first-ever class in Switzerland with the opening competition providing a tantalising glimpse about the form of riders and horses before tomorrow’s crucial Grand Prix. Laura, riding the talented mare Cincinatti La Silla, outpaced the rest of the field winning in 33.51 - over a second ahead of second place rider Katharina Offel of the Ukraine on Olivia de Nantuel who finished in 34.74.

The 2-phase 1.45 m class at the GCT Lausanne next to Lake Geneva saw Brazilian speed supremo Rodrigo Pessoa come in third in 34.82 on the brilliant Let’s Fly. There was a strong showing from the big contingent of French riders with particularly fast and polished clear rounds from Pénélope Leprevost and Simon Delestre.

The winners; Michelle Parker guiding Xel Ha over the final fence. Photos by Captured Moment Photography.Michelle Parker and Xel Ha are simply uncatchable as they continue their domination in the Wednesday night $32,000 Blenheim Jumper Classic.Parker and her incredible nine-year-old Selle Francais mare mastered Brazilian Guilherme Jorge's track in the Blenheim Farms Indoor Arena to clinch their second Jumper Classic victory in two weeks. The one-round speed class saw twenty-one horse and rider combinations, and only five were able to beat the time allowed and keep all the rails in their cups. 

Jonathan McCrea and Twisther take the 1.45m Speed Stake.The spectacular Old Salem Farm was the backdrop for sensational show jumping action on the second day of The American Gold Cup in North Salem, NY. Forty-six riders took to the field in the warm afternoon sun for the Danbury Porsche Audi $10,000 1.45m Speed Stake held in the Grand Prix ring.  Jonathan McCrea edged out the competion on Twisther with a time of 66.156."You know, I think I'm lucky with Twisther," McCrea said. "He's a specalist in these classes and he's going to win every time. I'm lucky.  We work well together. He won in New Hampshire and he won in Spruce Meadows and I was second in in the $30,000 Saturday Grand Prix in The Hamptons−the fastest time by three and a half seconds. He's just a winner."

Franke Sloothaak with Lascar won "The President of Russia Cup". Photo by Elena Zobova.The international show jumping event was held last weekend in the former East Prussian town Chernyakhovsk on the arena of the horse stud Georgenburg, where Hannoverian and Trakehner horses are bred.

One of the main classes of the event - the 1,55 m Chernyakovsk Cup - was won in a brilliant and very fast manner by Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano with the Holsteiner gelding Chicago (Chambertin x Quinar). The pair was the only clear in the jump-off, while Belgium's Jerome Guery with SBS stallion Tic Tac du Seigneur (Clinton x Darco) had a rail down and Russian rider Vladimir Beletskiy with the Westfalian gelding Littlefoot (Lord Caletto x Pierot II) finished with 8 penalties.

McLain Ward and Esplanade sail away with the win in the Hallmark Feeds.The first day of The American Gold Cup FEI CSI 4* dawned clear and cool with a cloudless sky in North Salem, NY. The magnificent Old Salem Farm is the new home of the 2012 show after an off-and-on hiatus and it's back and better than ever. The American Gold Cup is one of the world's most prestigious show jumping events, now celebrating its forty-second year. The highlight of Wednesday's action was the $7,500 Hallway Feed & KER Sport Horse Nutrition Open Jumpers held in the meticulously groomed grass Grand Prix field. McLain Ward came away with the win aboard Esplanade 7.

Trevor Breen and Adventure De Kannan. Photo by Julian Portch. A huge class of 52 riders came forward for the £6,000 All England Grand Prix at Hickstead on Sunday (9 September), and the very last rider to jump – Ireland's Trevor Breen – walked away with the top prize.

Twelve riders made it through to the jump-off, with the times getting quicker as the class progressed. A fast clear by Paul Crago and About Time V put the pressure on the remaining riders, but his time was soon bettered by Keith Doyle and Walk Tall II, winners of the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup earlier this summer.

But Keith wasn't the only rider in the class to have already secured a big win at Hickstead this season, and Trevor Breen – winner of both the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby and the Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix with Adventure De Kannan – made it a hat-trick with a superb clear to win the All England Grand Prix by 2 secs.

Antares and McLain Ward won the Pfizer $ 1 million Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties. Photo by ESI Photography.While the tunes of concert headliner Michael McDonald played in the background, McLain Ward soaked in another Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix victory Sunday. After riding to a win in the inaugural event in 2010 aboard the famed mare Sapphire, Ward returned to glory, this time in the irons of Grant Road Partners, LLC's Antares F, who is fresh off the Olympic Games in London. "With being injured and trying to qualify for the Olympics, our schedule was a little unpredictable this year, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of this class and it was a great thing to aim this horse to at the end of his year," said Ward. "The jumps were beautiful and the course was hard. You needed a real Olympic caliber horse to jump a lot of those obstacles."

Will Ludger be able to take another GCT win this weekend? Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Global Champions Tour moves on to Lausanne, Switzerland this weekend for the tenth leg of the tour. After Lausanne there is only one leg left in Vienna before the final is held in Abu Dhabi in November.

Several of the best riders in the world will participate in Lausanne including Edwina Tops-Alexander, Rodrigo Pessoa, Kevin Staut, Marcus Ehning, Gerco Schröder, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Nick Skelton.

Click here to see the entire riders list.

Mikael Forstén became Finnish Champion this weekend. Photo by Sonja Holma, SRL.Mikael Forstén won the Finnish showjumping championship this weekend in Ypäjä, Finland. The championships were ridden over the weekend in all age categories as well as for ponies cat. I and II. The main championship was of course the one for seniors which was ridden over three days and four different 140-155cm tracks.

The first leg was ridden against the clock in a 1.40 table C class and was won by Mikael Forstén riding Nandele. Sanna Backlund was second aboard Wiseguy before Mikael on his second ride Isaac du Jonquet. Saturday's course was ridden over a 145cm track under difficult windy conditions and the only clear came from Sanna Backlund and Wiseguy. Mikael Forstén was second with only a time penalty on Isaac du Jonquet after suffering a fall from Nandele. Germany based Lotta-Riikka Rintamäki claimed third place with FIM Fräulein Smilla.

Olivier Philippaerts and Cabrio Van De Heffinck, winner of the CN International Grand Prix. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services. The biggest day in show jumping saw the youngest CN International winner in History in an exciting finale to the 2012 Spruce Meadows tournament season. With $1,000,000 on the line in the CN International Grand Prix, 30 horse/rider combinations entered the International ring. Round one, designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) saw only one clear round through the 17 jumping obstacles stretched over 580 meters of course. Round two began with the top twelve riders returning to the changed course, with 480 meters of track and 14 jumping obstacles.

Katrin Eckermann won the first leg in Hagen and is in the overall lead. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Grand Prix in Paderborn was the fifth leg of the DKB Riders Tour. Only two leg remain - the German Classics in Hanover and the Munich Indoors. The rider with the most points after the show in Munich gets the title "The Rider of the Year". Ludger Beerbaum won the DKB Riders Tour last year.

At the moment Katrin Eckermann is in the lead with 39 points. She is just one point ahead of Marcus Ehning who holds the second place. Luciana Diniz is third and David Will fourth.

Marcus Ehning won with Noltes Küchengirl in Paderborn - here in Hamburg. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Marcus Ehning, Eric van der Vleuten and Julien Epaillard were this weekends Grand Prix winners at the CSI3* in Paderborn and in Humlikon and the CSI2* in Castres.

Marcus Ehning with Noltes Küchengirl (Lord Z x Cambridge Cole) won the Grand Prix in Paderborn after being more than a second faster than second placed David Will and Colorit (Coriano x Capitol). Luciana Diniz ended third with Lennox (Lifestyle x Grammus) and Albert Zoer with Sam (Calvados x Sable Rose) took the fourth place.

Click here for the total result list.

Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo winners of the Suncor Energy Winning Round. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services.With the sun was shining and 80,961 spectators watching in the stands, 25 horse/rider combinations saddled up for the Suncor Energy Winning Round, spread over 495 meters with 15 jumping obstacles. The top eight riders returned to the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), and in the end veteran Beezie Madden (USA) took home gold aboard Coral Reef Via Volo, “It’s a good win for her,” Madden commented about her 14 year old Belgian Warmblood mare. “She’s been pretty consistent all week, I couldn’t have asked for much more from her today”. Madden is busy preparing for tomorrow’s $1,000,000 CN International Grand Prix, where Madden is one of three riders qualified for a $50,000 bonus, after winning the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup in July

Team Germany, Hans Dieter Dreher, Daniel Deußer, Philipp Weishaupt and Christian Ahlmann, this year’s winner of the BMO Nations’ cup. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services.With 9 nations represented in the $300,000 BMO Nations’ Cup, 35 horse/rider combinations took to the International ring. The Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) course featured 15 jumping obstacles over 560 meters of track. After round one, 2011 champions team France, were forced to withdraw after only 2 of their 3 riders completed the course. After finishing first in the second round with a combined total of 4 faults, team Germany rode to victory for the first time since 2007. Mentored by Chef D’Equipe Sonke Sonksen, Christian Ahlmann, Hans Dieter Dreher, Daniel Deußer and Philipp Weishaupt completed the course with a combined total of 12 faults over two rounds. This win comes as a surprise to Weishaupt, who is at Spruce Meadows for the first time. “This place is incredible” Weishaupt commented after the competition. “You hear about how good it is, but it’s nothing compared to what it feels like to actually be here.”

Hungarian Champions; Kaarlo Kovacs and Agropoint Cassius. Photo by Ivan Kovacs.The Hungarian Championships final was held last Sunday afternoon at the National Riding School of Hungary. Eighteen riders participated in the two-round competition and completed the 1,50m courses in front of a crowded tribune for the title of ’Hungarian Champion’ and for the Fiat Grande Punto, which has been offered to the winner by Fiat Hungary.

Dr. Sam Shaw, Vice President, Natural Gas Policy Development, Encana Natural Gas presenting the winners’ cheque to Kent Farrington. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services.The $100,000 Encana Cup saw 34 horse/rider combinations move through the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Over the 575 meter course with 16 jumping efforts, 4 combinations moved through to the jump off. Kent Farrington (USA) saw his 7th FEI victory at Spruce Meadows this year alone riding his 11 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Uceko. With this victory, Farrington sits as a favorite the $1,000,000 CN International this Sunday. The Chicago native is also one of three riders that are in play to take home the CN Precision Series bonus of $50,000, after winning a previous CN Grand Prix this summer. “The CN International is the one you are always working for” commented Farrington. “I’m looking for consistency in my horses, and Uceko has shown to me that he has what it takes to get there.”

Laura Chapot and Quointreau Un Prince on their way to victory. ©ESI Photography Coming off an enormously successful summer show season at HITS Saugerties, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, New Jersey cruised to another victory in today’s $30,000 G&C Farm Wild Card Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard her and McLain Ward’s Quointreau Un Prince. With Frank Chapot on her mind, who is currently on the mend after surgery to repair a subdural hematoma earlier this summer, Chapot topped a 17-horse jump-off for her sixth HITS-on-the-Hudson grand prix victory this year.

George Lidgett, Executive Vice President Operations & Manufacturing, ATCO Structures and Logistics presenting the winners’ trophy to Christian Ahlmann. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services.The sun was shining on the International ring for the Thursday of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Forty one horse/rider combinations walked through the clock tower to compete for the 1.50 meter ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup. With 5 combinations moving into the jump off, Christian Ahlmann (GER) took home first place with a jump off time of 36.79, a full four seconds faster than second place. The course, designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), stretched over 470 meters with 15 jumping obstacles. Ahlmann was very happy with his 11 year old Warmblood gelding Aragon, commenting “He loves it here. The ground was perfect for him, and he jumped great”. Ahlmann hopes Aragon will continue to jump well through the week in preparation for the $1,000,000 CN International on Sunday.

Richard Spooner, winner of the Akita Drilling Cup. Photo Credits: Spruce Meadows Media Services. Fifty-three horse/rider combinations from 9 nations took to the International Ring for top spot in the 1.50 meter Akita Drilling Cup. Over the 500 meter course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), with 14 jumping obstacles, it was Richard Spooner (USA) that topped the field, riding his 13 year old Warmblood gelding, Apache. Spooner is pleased with Apache, saying things are starting off well for him. “I got lucky, and everything just fell into place for me. My horses are in great shape, so I have high hopes for the rest of the week”. With the win, the reigning Spruce Meadows North American Champion qualifies for the $1,000,000 CN International on Sunday.

Toni Hassmann won the Bundeschampionat (German championship for young horses) for six year olds with Crespo PKZ (Cornet Obolensky x Landadel) after an incredible fast jump-off. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Ludger Beerbaum will be in Paderborn this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend it will be a CSI5* show at Spruce Meadows with a Nations Cup on Saturday. Several top riders are in Canada to compete and among other you can find Beezie Madden, Rich Fellers, Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Jur Vrieling, Harrie Smolders, Christina Liebherr, Michael Whitaker and Eric Lamaze in the riders list.

Click here to see Spruce Meadow's riders list.

John Pearce and Chianto on jumped perfectly during the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, and walked away with the win. Photo ©ESI Photography.Canadian Olympian and show jumping star and HITS Thermal regular John Pearce brought his talents to the East Coast once again as he pursues the coveted Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. Pearce arrived for HITS-on-the-Hudson VII and easily gained his footing in the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium with a win in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Sunday aboard Allison Moore’s Chianto.

Sunday’s course was designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida and 27 horse-and-rider combinations attempted to challenge the track. At the end of the first round, the playing field was trimmed to five, and set up an exciting jump-off with a mix of some of the best athletes coast-to-coast. “I thought today’s course was good – it had some different lines and the jump-off was quite a challenge. I pretty much had to throw all caution to the wind to leave out the strides and go fast enough to win,” said Pearce. “Chianto jumped great today and he is in perfect condition for the [Pfizer] Million.”

Trevor Coyle with Jubilee d'Ouilly won in Gijon. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Irish rider Trevor Coyle and Jubilee d’Ouilly were victorious in Gijon Monday evening as the only combination to produce two clear rounds. Nine riders were clear after the first round and additionally three riders on four faults went on to a second round. Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago came closest to Coyle, while Laura Renwick ended third, both on four faults. The ladies followed up on the next two places as well with Katharina Offel and Vivant in fourth and Katherine Dinan and Nougat du Vallet in third place, also them at a total score of four faults after two rounds.

Philipp Weishaupt will compete with Catoki at Spruce Meadows. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The riders list for the Nations Cup that will take place at Spruce Meadow on Saturday are now ready. Nine teams will participate and those are USA, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland.

Several top riders such as Eric Lamaze, Christian Ahlmann, Werner Muff, Michael Whitaker, Scott Brash, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Ian Miller, Roger-Yves Bost, Shane Breen and Simon Delestre will compete.

Kent Farrington - here with Uceko. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Kent Farrington set the pace as the first rider to go in the decisive jump-off for the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, and it was a pace his two competitors couldn’t match. Riding Voyeur, Farrington, of Chicago, Ill., was the first starter in the jump-off, and they kept all eight jumps standing as they sped to a time of 47.53 seconds. Farrington won $82,500 and added to the lead he was already holding in the North American East Coast League of the FEI World Cup.

Irish rider Shane Sweetnam just brushed the front rail of the oxer in front of the packed grandstand on Amaretto D’Arco to finish with 4 faults in 48.04 seconds. Molly Ashe-Cawley and Carissimo slipped badly on the 180-degree turn to the same oxer before leaping awkwardly and demolishing the jump. They regrouped, though, to cross the finish line with just those 4 faults in a time of 55.19 seconds.

Henrik von Eckermann and Captain Sparrow were best among the five year olds. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The prestigious German Championship for Young Horses - the Bundeschampionat - took place in Warendorf this weekend. Henrik von Eckermann won the final among the 5 year olds with Captain Sparrow (Cormint x Barnaul xx), while Toni Hassmann took home the final for the 6 year olds with Crespo PKZ (Cornet Obolensky x Landadel).

The five year olds got points from 0 - 10 for how they jumped, there ridability and the rhythm. The eight horses with the highest scores from the first round qualified for a second round where they once again were judge the same way. The pair who got the total best score over the two rounds won the final. Henrik ended both rounds with a total score of 17,6 and was 0,2 points better than second placed Bastian Freese with DSP Araldik (Con Air x Franklin). The bronze medal went to the Olympic Champion in eventing Michael Jung with Cardea (Caretino x Capitol I).

Cassio Rivetti and Temple Road jumping for Ukraine in Gijon yesterday. Photo by FEI/tankalab.com.Ukraine won the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League 2012 title after finishing fourth in the Nations Cup in Gijon, Spain, yesterday. As the FEI Nations Cup Series will undergo a total make over in the coming months, the win does not upgrade the Ukrainian team to the Top League as it would have if the system had stayed as it has been. The plans are to introduce a new system of regional qualifying leagues, semi-finals and a world final. A draft copy of proposed changes for 2013 has already been sent to National Federations, the International Jumping Riders Club, Chef d'Equipes and show organizers for their comments. These will be considered at a meeting of the FEI Jumping Committee on 12/13 September, following which a final proposal will be submitted to the FEI Bureau for approval.  

Rusty Stewart and Bristol - here in the Showpark Jumper Classic earlier this weekend. Photo © Amy McCool Photography.Rusty Stewart and Bristol made a flawless performance in Saturday's $50,000 Showpark World Cup Grand Prix, presented by EQU Lifestyle Magazine. Stewart guided Bristol to the only double clear round of the day over the large track set by Michel Vaillancourt  (CAN). It was an FEI regulated course at it's finest with large spreads and tall verticals with an objective to shave down the field. Many pairs fell victim to the multiple combinations, while a select few had to end their day when the brick wall caused for refusal. Ashlee Bond and her mount Wistful were the only other pair to post a clear round and qualify for the jump-off.

William Funnel and Billy Congo - here seen in Rome earlier this year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The biggest Grand Prix today was the five star one at the Donbass Tour in Ukraine, and it was won by William Funnel on Billy Congo. The British rider beat a field of thirty riders on the lovely Vechta-stallion, and had one of six double clear rounds in the class. William and Billy Congo were slightly faster than runner-up Max Kühner on Coeur de Lion (Coriano x Cassini I), with 41.19 in the jump-off compared to Max’s 41.50. Third place went to Edwina Tops-Alexander and the lovely stallion Guccio (Quick Star x Cantus) on the time of 42.16 in the jump-off.

Click here for full results.

McLain Ward is unbeatable at The Hampton Classic. Here seen in London. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.McLain Ward scored his fourth victory this week at the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show when he guided Vocas to the top prize in the $30,000 Pilatus Cup on Saturday afternoon. This was also his second consecutive victory in the Pilatus Cup and his third victory in the class in the last four years.

Vocas was the only one of the five horses who qualified for the jump-off to finish the second round  faultlessly, which he did in 34.22 seconds. Twisther and Jonathan McCrea, of Suffield, Conn., finished second (4 faults/31.87 seconds), while Carribas Z and Irish rider Richie Maloney finished third (4/32.61).

Penelope Leprevost and Mylord Carthago on the winning team in Gijon. Here seen after their Nations Cup win in Aachen earlier this year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The French team took home the win in the Promotional League Nations Cup in Gijon today . The French team consisted of Penelope Leprevost riding Mylord Carthago (Carthago x Jalisco B), Kevin Staut with Reveur de Hurtebise HDC (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Capricieux des Six Censes), Marie Hecart with Myself de Breve (Quidam de Revel x Grand Veneur) and Aymeric de Ponnat riding Armitages Boy (Armitage x Feo). With a final score of 13 faults after two rounds France was never threatened in the second round, and they only needed three riders to secure their win. The only team close to France was Italy at 19 faults. Great Britian ended third with 29 faults.

Michelle Park and Xel Ha wins. Photo by Blenheims EquiSports. Leave it to Michelle Parker to outdo herself by not only posting the fastest clear round time of the day, but the second fastest as well. Today's $32,000 Showpark Jumper Classic was a race against the clock as thirty-six horse and rider combinations gave it their all in the one-round speed competition. Many riders were preparing their mounts today for this Saturday's $50,000 World Cup Grand Prix, however with only four clear rounds posted, numerous riders became aware that a new level of performance would have to be met to earn those valuable World Cup Qualifying points.

McLain Ward is the man to beat at The Hampton Classic - here seen in Valkenswaard. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.McLain Ward is hard to beat at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. On Friday afternoon Ward rode Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve to victory in the $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier, and he grabbed third place on Antares F. As the third rider to start in the 13-horse jump-off, Ward, on Antares F, stopped the timers just 0.02 seconds short of the mark Kent Farrington had set right before him on Venus (42.26 seconds). Four more riders tried and failed to lower Farrington’s time before Ward returned to the Grand Prix ring on Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve. Ward, 36, visibly set his jaw to go for first place and then submarined the two leading times, finishing in 40.33 seconds.

Only one of the remaining six riders finished faultlessly as they attempted to surpass the top pair. Farrington, of Chicago, Ill., kept second place. “I knew I had second with Antares when I came back in, and I thought we could hold it, so I figured I’d go for it,” said Ward. “Pjotter is a very fast horse.”

Laura Chapot with Umberto. Photo by ©ESI Photography. After winning four in a row during Weeks V and VI at HITS Saugerties this summer, Laura Chapot is off to another great start as she and Mary Chapot's Umberto rode to a win in today's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. They topped a field of 30 horses who rode over Jerry Dougherty's track and pocketed the last $25,000 grand prix before HITS Championship Weekend arrives September 7-9.

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.

McLain Ward won again at The Hampton Classic. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.McLain Ward won his second jumper class of the 37th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show on Thursday morning, guiding Vocas to the fastest clean jump-off round in the $7,5000 Prudential Douglas Elliman 1.45m Open Jumper class. Riding about halfway through the 35-horse class, Ward and Vocas recorded a faultless first round and then finished the jump-off clean in a time of 34.98 seconds to take the lead.  They then withstood the challenges of 13 other horses in the jump-off, against top riders from the United States, Ireland and England. Louisburg Farm, of Boston, Mass., owns Vocas.

Shane Sweetnam rode aggressively, on Spy Coast Farm’s Siri, to try to win his second jumper class of the Hampton Classic, but his time of 35.26 seconds fell just short. Christine McCre urged Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Avenir to third place (37.06). McCrea, 34, double Gold Medalist at last year’s Pan American Games, also claimed sixth place on Victor E (38.13).

Kristaps Neretniks from Latvia was named Best Rider of the show, and won two classes on Conte Bellini. A big show jumping event with prize money of 393.000 Euro was held in Russia for the first time last week. Riders from six countries came to Moscow to compete in the Nations Cup as well as in several Middle Tour and Big Tour classes. The finishing touch of the CSIO 5* show was the Grand Prix of Moscow on Sunday afternoon. It was a tough course designed by Stefan Wirth with five clear rides out of 29, two of which got a time penalty. Former eventing rider Kir Major from Russia with the KWPN gelding Unique (by Guidam) won the Grand Prix after a fast and clear jump-off, Belarus' Vadim Cherevan with Kokain (by Come On) became second having one fence down and Russian Alexandr Belekhov with Sancho Pansa (by Silvio) finished on third place with eight penalties.

Sergio Alvares Moya is one of the top riders you find in Gijon this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend Gijon holds the CSIO5* Nations Cup for the Promotional League. As we still don’t know how next year’s Nations Cup system will be organized, the excitement around the Nations Cup in Gijon is not as big as one normally would expect. Gijon is still hosting a great show though and we find several top riders present such as Eric Lamaze, Sergio Alvares Moya, Laura Kraut, Michel Robert and Kevin Staut.

To see the full list of participants go here.

Shane Sweetnam took the lead in the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series during the $10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake at the KHJA Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.It was a thrilling Welcome Stake for the final week of the Kentucky Summer Series, during the KHJA Horse Show. It was Shane Sweetnam who rode to the top of the standings for the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series. Sweetnam's first place finish knocked Kaitlin Campbell into the second place position, with Reed Kessler holding strong in the third place position.

Consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2012 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, offers a $50,000 Leading Rider Award. The rider accumulating the most points throughout the series will be presented with the bonus during the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier at the Kentucky National Horse Show in September 2012.

Katrin Eckermann - here in Munich last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After four legs of the DKB-Riders Tour, it’s Katrin Eckermann who is in the lead. The German rider has picked up 30 points, while Christian Ahlmann is breathing her in the neck with his 26 points as three legs of the tour remain. Nisse Lüneburg is rank three with 20 points, a spot he shares with Ludger Beerbaum and Luciana Diniz who have the same amount of points. The next leg takes place in Paderborn, before the tour moves on to Hannover and finally Munich.

Click here for the overall standing in the tour.

Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon in the zone as they find their way to victory in Sunday's $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Culpeper. ©ESI Photography.It all came down to speed in Sunday’s $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, as Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas and MTM Farm’s MTM Timon rode to their second victory during the Constitution Classic. Five of the seven pairs who advanced to the second round went double clear and looked to the clock to reveal the final results. Douglas Russell of Ocala, Florida set the track with 15 jumping efforts and saw the majority of faults at the double combination at fence five, and the triple combination at the end of the course at fence 11. “I never think a course looks easy when I walk it,” said Fenney. “But this course turned out to be really nice.”

Coming off a successful week at HITS Culpeper, Tracy Magness of Hughsville, Maryland was first to ride and posted the first clear round aboard Mr. & Mrs. John Bartko’s Tarco Van Ter Moude. She and Tarco Van Ter Moude also rode to the blue in Thursday’s Level 7 Jumper class. Ragan Roberts of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania guaranteed a jump-off with a clear round seven trips later on Quipit Group’s Quipit L.F. They were eventually joined by five more horses, two of which had Fenney in saddle.

Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo win 2010 American Gold Cup. Photo by Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com.When the American Gold Cup makes it much anticipated return this year at Old Salem Farm in North Salem NY, it will be a star-studded lineup of world-class show jumpers that will compete for the 2012 title. The show, now just a couple of weeks away, is scheduled for September 12th through the 16th, 2012, with the famed $200,000 American Gold Cup as the highlight event on the final Sunday.
 

This year's event has been designated an FEI CSI 4*-W, with Sunday American Gold being an East Coast League World Cup qualifying event for the 2012/2013 show jumping season. With over $30 million dollars in improvements, Old Salem Farm, in New York's Westchester County, is a premier equestrian venue, offering state-of-the-art facilities, surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

The Rolex FEI World Cup kicks off in Oslo in a little under seven weeks. Maybe we will see Marco Kutscher and Cash make a comeback? Here the two are seen during the WC final in Leipzig in 2011.The Rolex FEI World Cup calendar for the Western European league for the 2012/2013 season is ready. So is the complete FEI World Cup™ Jumping Calendar for all the leagues. In the Western European league the season kicks off in Oslo, Norway – true to tradition – on the 14th of October, before it continues on to Helsinki, Finland. Then follows ten more legs before the final takes place in Gothenburg on the 24-28 of April 2013.

Swedish Champion: Daniel Zetterman with Glory Days. Here in Aachen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Daniel Zetterman and Glory Days (Cardento x Diamond Serpent) won this weekend's Swedish Championship. Daniel was in the lead ahead of the final and kept his nerves under control to win the gold medal. Second place went to Linda Heed with Bee Wonderful (Cagliostro x Indus) and third place to Viveca Lundbäck with the second Cardento offspring among the top three - Canthara.

Click here to see the total result list.

It rained a lot in Münster yesterday, and during the prize giving cermony Philip Weishaupt was hiding under an umbrella. Leoville didn't seem to mind. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Michel and Nenuphar'Jac were today's winners in Verbier - here seen in Paris last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Michel Robert took the win at the CSI 3* in Verbier today. The French veteran and Nenuphar’Jac (Cumano x Pidayack) were double clear and more than a second faster than runner up Katie Prudent riding V (by Landstreigher). Alain Jufer secured third place with Casha vd Kornelishoeve (by Toulon). The Grand Prix was quite though as nine riders retired and two got eliminated. 13 out of the 59 riders competing in the class still made it through to the jump-off though were seven of them produced yet another clear round.

For full results go here.

In Auvers Rik Hemryck won the CSI2* Grand Prix aboard Cantho Z (Cumano x Fidji Du Fleury). Rik was about a second faster than Mathieu Billot in second and Christophe Vanderhasselt in third.

For full results go here.

Best rider and best female rider of the show - Christian Ahlmann and Janika Sprunger. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Christian Ahlmann was the best rider of the show in Münster and won a gold bar worth 10.000 Euro. Second best was Ludger Beerbaum who got a horse trailer and Janika Sprunger was third and received 5.000 Euros in gold.

That was not the only prize that Janika Sprunger won, she also got a watch worth 4.200 Euros fas the best lady rider during the show in Münster.

Even the grooms got prizes and Celia Rijntjes from Rolf-Göran Bengtsson got the prize as the best groom.

Ludger and Chaman. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ludger Beerbaum; "I am super happy that it worked out so well today. Of course it was an advantage to see the riders before me and especially Christian's round that really inspired me. Then I just have to say that Chaman is in a super shape and when everything comes together it is great. And I couldn't get a better birthday present!" said Ludger after his win.

 Christian Ahlmann, who won the big class yesterday and was second today, said: "I am going home from here with a great feeling. Especially with the fact that Codex One has been so good. In London he and I didn't have the best show and this was the first event for us to together again, and he was back in his old form again and really worked with me. We really went as fast as we could and I thought we had a chance, but now when I see the difference in Ludger and my own time I realize it wasn't bad luck that we didn't win," said Christian laughing.

Ludger Beerbaum repeted his win from Valkenswaard with Chaman. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ludger Beerbaum had a great day in Münster today celebrating both his birthday and his win in the CSI 4*Grand Prix together with the fantastic stallion Chaman (Baloubet du Rouet x I Love You).

The first round caused problems for several of the riders and even though the faults were spread evenly around the course, the b-element in the triple combination and the triple bar as number eleven, were the trickiest ones. Only four riders managed to clear the course, but since 25% of the 45 riders went to the second round we could follow 12 riders in the jump-off.

The winners: Janika Sprunger with Jl's Komparse. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Janika Sprunger with Jl's Komparse (Kolibri x Kronenkranich xx) won the final of the Middle Tour in Münster today after a very fast jump-off.  Eleven riders went to the jump-off and Mario Stevens with Corlanda OLD (Cordalme Z x Landcapitol) was the first one to enter the ring. He did an amazing round and really put some pressure on the other riders. Mario stayed in the lead until the last rider - Janika Sprunger - entered the ring and managed to shave off a second of Mario's time.