Wednesday's warm-up at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 in images

On Wednesday morning, the horses and riders took to the main ring in Leipzig for a training session ahead of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 which kicks off on Thursday. This will be the first final since 2019, when Steve Guerdat took the title aboard Alamo. This week, the Swiss rider is in Leipzig to defend his title and he has chosen to partner up with Victorio des Frotards for the occasion. If Guerdat can come out on top again, he will make history as the first four-time champion. Guerdat won the final in 2015 with Albführen's Paille, in 2016 with Corbinian and in 2019 with Alamo.

All photos © MacKenzie Clark.

“I think this might be my 19th World Cup Final. I like Leipzig, I have already competed here in the World Cup Final twice and it was always great," Mclain Ward said ahead of the action kicking off in Leipzig. "This year I brought Contagious with me, who won the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo with me. We had a very good season and I think we managed to keep this form until now. He is naturally a very fast horse and I would really like to be in the top group on day one already. However, I am not sure whether I’ll risk it all on the first day, this is always a bit daring. I will definitely try and finish in the top of the field in the first two classes and hope that it will be enough to compete on Sunday.”

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.

John Whitaker will be competing in his 22nd World Cup Final when entering the ring in Leipzig tomorrow. His first was in 1979 in Gothenburg with Ryan's Son. Whitaker has claimed the title twice, both wins came together with the legendary Milton, in 1990 in Dortmund and 1991 in Gothenburg. This week, the 66-year-old will be riding Equine America Unick du Francport.

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.

Robert Ridland keeping an eye on the American riders.

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.

This will be 22-year-old Harry Charles' first World Cup Final. “I have brought two very special horses with me. I will ride Stardust in the speed class and I think this will be an advantage for the first day and I will ride Romeo on the weekend," Charles said. "He has so much scope and is very powerful. On Sunday I will hopefully be able to tell, whether my strategy is the right one. I am very excited to ride my first World Cup Final.”

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.

Another young British talent making his World Cup Final-debut is Jack Whitaker, son of the famous Michael Whitaker – who himself has 24 participations in a World Cup Final on his record.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be here and excited to see what we can achieve this weekend. I hope everything goes well," Whitaker said. "My uncle (Editor’s note: John Whitaker) and my father are both here as well, they are huge role models for me. They are the reason that I started riding and it is a huge honour to ride here alongside them.”

The big difference between Jack and his uncle John, who is also competing in the World
Cup Final: “Actually only our age – and our hair,” Whitaker laughed.

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.

A total of 36 riders have qualified from six different leagues around the globe. Here is Abdelrahman Shousha, who has qualified through the Arab League.

Photo © MacKenzie Clark

Marcus Ehning is in the exclusive club of riders that have claimed the title three times; in Las Vegas in 2003, in Kuala Lumpur in 2006 and in Geneva in 2010.

“This is my 19th World Cup Final, but it remains fascinating nevertheless, especially as it takes place in Germany," Ehning said. "Surely, I now have different expectations than I had with 25 (chuckles), as you get a little calmer with age but I am still excited. Originally, I wanted to compete Stargold and Calanda, but unfortunately, I couldn’t bring Stargold with me. Even though Leipzig might not be her show, Calanda is a very fast horse and we’ll give our best. However, we won’t start with full speed, as she still needs enough power on Sunday.”

Photo © MacKenzie Clark.