Grid reference TQ339303. Ardingly Showground is situated on the B2028 four miles north of Haywards Heath.
What the organisers say
The dressage is sited on flat grass. The CIC2*, CIC* and under-21 open intermediate dressage will be held in one of the showground rings.
The showjumping, designed by John Farrell, is in the main Ardingly ring for all classes, giving horses the chance to jump in a large arena.
Scott Brickell and Philip Herbert design the cross-country tracks. The BE100 and novice are flat but intermediate, open intermediate and CIC horses have to negotiate one steep hill. The tracks will be agri-vated and sanded if it is hard. The novice course is solid and inviting for young horses. There will be new fences for all classes.
The courses are suitable for all. Both the novice and intermediate tracks are straightforward and suitable for a newly upgraded horse. There will be alternatives at any difficult fences.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The rings are very flat on good ground.” “The dressage is well organised and there is someone on the gate telling you how long you have to get across to the main arena.” “Both the dressage and showjumping are held in the showing rings, so the ground is well levelled and good.” “The showjumping has loads of space in the warm-up and is very flat.” “They always have quite a lot of jumps so you’re not crowding over one fence.” “The showjumping is completely flat and on good ground in the main arena. It’s very well looked-after.”
Cross-country — “You need a fit horse in both the one- and two-star, as you run down a hill to the bottom and then back up again.” “The courses are educational and old-fashioned with some hedges and big fences to ride at like a ditch palisade, so it’s quite a decent track.” “Can be hard to get the time so it makes it a good test.” “They try really hard with the ground — it can get a bit tacky if it’s rained, but they do their best.” “I wouldn’t recommend it as a first-time one- or two-star course as there are some decent questions.”
Burghley Horse Trials 2015: guide to the cross-country course
The cross-country course for the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials has a fresh new look for 2015 as the route has been reversed. Instead of heading into the main arena after the first few fences before taking on the challenge of Discovery Valley and the Leaf Pitt, this year riders will head straight to the Lion Bridge before the long climb up to Cottesmore Leap via Capability’s Cutting.
Course designer Capt Mark Phillips explains: “The riders had learnt how to [ride the course in the old direction]. This time they are going to have to employ a very different tactic. We know that if they ride too quickly in the first few mintues horses typically hit the wall at 8 to 9 minutes so this year’s course is a very different question.”
The first fence is the familar Olympic Horse Shoe, followed by Lambert’s Sofa in front of the house. Third is the chunky Picnic Table after which riders head down to a new boat house at fence 4a, The Lion Bridge, with a left-hand turn before it. Riders then drop down into the water and ride through the central arch over a boat in the water (4b), before heading briefly back on to dry ground.
At Anniversary Splash ‘In’ (5ab) there is a brush spread followed by a turn to a single skinny brush landing in the water. Horse and rider then gallop across the lake, over the island, which doesn’t feature a jump this year, before heading to a choice of challenging routes at the Anniversary Splash ‘Out’ (6ab, 7).
The big white sleepers at the Burghley Station at the bottom of the hill have been replaced by The Slate Mine (8) before riders travel up the hill to Capability’s Cutting (9, 10). There are two routes here, both feature a house before the steep road crossing with a difficult corner on the way out. The positioning of each ask slightly different questions of horse and rider. It will be interesting to see which proves more popular on the day with a very real risk of a glance off earning 20 penalties.
Riders then head on up towards the iconic Cottesmore Leap at the highest point on the course via the Rolex Grand Slam Viaduct (11) and Winner’s Avenue (12). Cottesmore Leap at 13a doesn’t look any smaller coming in the opposite direction and this year it’s followed by a skinny triple brush (13b) on five strides.
Horses then get a brief breather as they head down to the Land Rover Dairy Farm (14abc). This year a very upright gate welcomes riders at the top of the mound followed by an imposing spread that looks like you’re jumping into space. Once horses take off they will be able to see there is ground to land on, but it requires a leap of faith first.
This is followed by the Rolex Combination (15abc) which needs an accurate line if you aren’t going to land in the ditch followed by a turning four strides to a corner. Then it’s on to the fences 16, 17ab, 18 at the Maltings 360. Here riders have a big white oxer to jump before coming to a triple brush on a mound followed by a brush corner on three strides before heading out over a second big white oxer.
Horse and rider then jump the Captain’s Log at 19 before heading down to the Trout Hatchery (20abcd, 21). The question here begins with a curved brush spread, before dropping down into the water over a log, then a bounce up the step and over a log before running down into the second pond to a curved skinny hedge.
At Herbert’s Hollow riders gallop up to the hedge at 22a followed by an open oxer on six strides at 22b. Then they head downhill over Thomson’s Wall (23) to their first visit to Discovery Valley. Here are two angled brushes on one stride (24ab) to be negotated before heading out to the traditional Elephant Trap at 25. At the Leaf Pit (26ab, 27) riders jump the moon off a left turn with two strides to the famous drop, then run down the hill and through the Sun.
On the return to Discovery Valley riders have a chest (28) to negotiate on a fairly tight turn, or they can choose to jump the ditch as a hazard to make the line easier, before heading up into the main arena. Here are fences 29abc, Up & Under, which resemble a rugby pitch to acknowlege title sponsor Land Rover’s world wide partnership with the Rugby World Cup.
After negotating the stands and rugby ball, there are just the Flower Frame (30) and the famous Land Rover Finale (31) to negotiate on their way to complete the course. It’s exciting to see a really fresh new look to the course this year and I can’t wait to see how it rides.
Charlotte DUJARDIN (GBR) riding Valegro during the Grand Prix Special Competition at the FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany on 15 August 2015
The drama continued to unfold at the European Championships in Aachen, Germany, today (Saturday, 15 August).
Charlotte Dujardin successfully defended her grand prix special gold medal on Valegro, posting a new Europeans record of 87.577%. However there was heartbreak for Edward Gal, who was eliminated when blood was spotted in Glock’s Undercover NOP’s mouth during their performance.
Blood in Glock’s Undercover NOP’s mouth in the grand prix special at the European Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
He was the second rider to crash out after Sweden’s Patrik Kittel’s mare Deja got her tongue over the bit and became upset, prompting him to retire.
Charlotte’s test, barring a tiny mistake at the end of the one-time changes, was crisp, clean and powerful; Valegro back to his best.
“It’s a great feeling that this tough crowd – the Germans – have come here and appreciated what Valegro and I have done,” said Charlotte, who picked up €18,000 for her victory.
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro claim gold in the grand prix special at the European Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
Germany’s Kristina Bröring-Sprehe set the bar high (83.067%) with Desperados FRH, claiming silver. This is consolation for her nation as the Germans were disappointed to finish in bronze medal position in the team competition.
Her trending score never dipped below 80% throughout the well presented test on the 14-year-old black De Niro stallion.
Dutch rider Hans Peter Minderhoud clinched the bronze medal in the special with a wonderful ride on another stallion, Glock’s Johnson. He and the imposing Johnson x Flemmingh 13-year-old added their bronze to their team gold medal earlier in the week.
They scored 79.034%. Had it not been for a mistake in the changes, they would likely have crept over the 80% mark.
Carl Hester and the 11-year-old Nip Tuck pulled off one of the few mistake-free tests of the day to finish in fifth place with 77.003%.
“Forget Valegro, Nip Tuck’s had his moment today,” he beamed. “I’m smiling from ear to ear; it’s like having a whole pack of pastels in one go. That horse has the best work ethic and always tries for me.”
Fiona Bigwood made a few mistakes on Aterrupgaards Orthilia in their special test, claiming ninth place with 74.510%. They endured the worst of the weather, which hampered Fiona’s already compromised vision, but she was delighted with her Gribaldi mare’s attitude.
Mistakes in the one-time changes pulled the pair’s score down just below 70%, for the second time at this competition.
“It’s a good score but I’m a bit annoyed about the mistakes as the horse’s physique and way of going were really good,” he said. “Sadly problems in the one-times aren’t a new phenomenon for this horse.”
Michael Eilberg and Marakov in the grand prix special at the European Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
Michael, who finished in 19th place, won’t defend his British Dressage nationals champion title with Marko, but he has a number of other horse qualified for the show, including Woodlander Farouche’s dam, Woodlander Dornroschen, in the grand prix.
Charlotte, Carl and Fiona have all qualified for the individual freestyle, which takes place tomorrow (16 August) and is being shown live on the BBC.
For a full report on all the action, see Thursday’s Horse & Hound magazine – a special European Dressage Championships issue packed with news, photos, analysis and comment.
Whether you’re keen to get green fingered after riding or whether you would just like the space to kick back and relax in and let someone else do all of the hard gardening work, these equestrian properties come complete with horsey facilities and gorgeous gardens.
1. Granby House, Wiltshire
The gardens: specimen trees, wisteria walkways, established flowerbeds and ornamental fishponds. For you: a seven-bedroom Edwardian house with an orangery, swimming pool, tennis court and self-contained two-bedroom cottage. For the horses: three stables and paddocks set in 11 acres. What’s the damage? £2.85m Agent: Savills Telephonenumber: 01225 474500 Visit: www.savills.com
2. Campfield House, East Sussex
The gardens: extensive areas of lawn, specimen trees, mature hedges, a lighting and sound system, and a stone ha-ha. For you: a six-bedroom Victorian house with a detached cottage. For the horses: seven loose boxes and a 60x20m arena, set in 24 acres. What’s the damage? £2.25m Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse Telephone number: 01424 775577 Visit: www.batchellermonkhouse.com
If living in the countryside, alongside your horse simply isn't enough, then how about one of these equestrian properties which More…
3. Hockwold Hall, Norfolk/Suffolk borders
The gardens: a croquet lawn, aviary and hawk house, topiary hedging, a walled garden, extensive orchard and vegetable garden. For you: a 10-bedroom Grade II listed house with a detached cottage, plus an annexe and tennis court. For the horses: the outbuildings, dated to 1757, include four stables with access to the hay loft, plus a loose box. Set in 39.43 acres. What’s the damage? £1.85m Agent: Savills Telephone number: 01223 347147 Visit: www.savills.com
4. The Manor House, Lincolnshire
The gardens: a walled garden, which includes a terrace with ornamental pond and fountain, fruit orchards and a productive kitchen garden. For you: a five-bedroom house, next to a listed church, with a tennis court. For the horses: paddocks with a trough with a mains water supply and the possibility of developing a “modest equestrian facility”. Set in six acres. What’s the damage? £735,000 Agent: Fine & Country Telephone number: 01476 584164 Visit: www.fineandcountry.com
Gone are the days of calling out the vet only if something is wrong with a horse. Roger Lee MRCVS discusses whether modern preventative health checks are worth the time and money
How well is your horse? Perhaps you’ve been lucky — he seems perfectly healthy and you haven’t needed the vet out since last year’s vaccination. But can you be sure? Equine vets are often rushing to the next appointment, and a quick flu injection hardly amounts to proper assessment of a horse’s wellbeing.
Owners seem happy to make regular appointments with the equine dentist, the physiotherapist, the saddle fitter and even the nutritionist, but for veterinary matters, the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach still seems to rule the day.
So what’s the solution? It could already be on offer from your local equine practice in the form of an annual “wellness check”.
A proper wellness check is an opportunity to have an experienced set of eyes looking for things you may be too close to your horse to see. You also get the vet’s undivided attention and a chance to discuss all the accumulated small concerns you may have — a lump here, a slight cough there — that individually don’t seem worth a call-out.
Early warning signs
Ideally a wellness check will follow a similar routine to a standard vetting, starting with an examination of the eyes and heart.
Fortunately heart problems are rare in horses, but murmurs can develop as horses get older and unusual changes in rhythm can be present without obvious signs. Similarly, a proper ophthalmoscope is needed to pick up on the development of cataracts and other eye problems.
Typically the exam would then move on to the rest of the body, identifying skin problems such as sarcoids and melanomas, as well as checking out the various bumps and swellings that all horses develop over time.
Probably the most valuable part of any wellness check is an assessment of soundness. This doesn’t just mean trotting the horse up to see if he is lame, but checking carefully to pick up on any potential problems before they cause unsoundness.
Considering how many problems start in the feet, foot shape and balance are often neglected areas. All horses will get stiffer as they age, but wear-and-tear also depends on the “miles on the clock”.
Assessing the range of joint movement and how well the horse trots off following a flexion test provides lots of valuable information. Are there any changes within the expected limits for a horse of that age? Early intervention along with careful management can significantly prolong a horse’s active life.
Size and weight is another important topic. Obesity is so widespread that it can come to be seen as normal, while any sight of ribs or muscle definition is greeted with cries of alarm. Vets have to be tactful when telling owners their horse is too fat, but effective weight control is important for soundness and general health — not just preventing laminitis. This is best achieved by creating a customised weight control plan, including monitoring with a weigh tape and measuring feed and hay intake.
The final part of an examination should be an evaluation of how well the horse is working. Horses very rarely do exactly what their riders want, but is such resistance simply behavioural or is it a reflection of underlying physical discomfort? A wellness check is an opportunity to discuss training issues and to try and eliminate pain as a cause of misbehaviour.
Digging deeper
Blood tests are sometimes offered as part of a wellness check, but the wide individual variation in results means they are a lot less meaningful than owners imagine.
If, for example, a horse has lost condition or his energy levels have declined, then checking cell counts and blood biochemistry is an essential diagnostic tool. However, a one-off blood test from a healthy-looking horse is unlikely to generate much useful information.
But there are exceptions to this.
For older horses and ponies, screening for Cushing’s disease is definitely worth considering, even if they are not showing any of the classic symptoms.
A common first sign of Cushing’s is a bout of laminitis in a horse who has not previously had it. Early screening can help identify and prevent this.
Pros and cons
Are there any downsides to these wellness checks?
There is the cost to consider, but while you will pay for the vet’s time, it won’t usually involve expensive diagnostic tests.
Additional screening can of course be done, including X-rays, scoping of the stomach for ulcers and ultrasound examination of tendons. However, if a careful examination and a full history from the owner don’t suggest a problem, then unnecessary and potentially invasive examinations should be avoided.
Some practices offer “equine health plans”, under which a small monthly fee covers a yearly health check and vaccination, plus other staples such as a dental examination and regular worm egg counts.
Will vets use such schemes as an opportunity to sell you medication and treatments your horse doesn’t actually need? The answer is to use an experienced vet whom you both know and trust.
The bottom line is that being proactive about your horse’s health has to make sense — because ignorance is unlikely to be bliss for either of you.
Competitors in the east of England have been given a welcome boost after recently losing two affiliated show centres.
Patchetts Equestrian Centre in Hertfordshire, which hosted both British Dressage (BD) and British Showjumping (BS) events, closed on Tuesday 3 August.
Norton Heath Equestrian Centre in Essex also recently lost its BD affiliation and now holds unaffiliated showjumping and dressage (news 16 April).
However, two other show venues hosting affiliated competitions in this region have been busy improving their facilities.
Wix Equestrian Centre recently replaced the surfaces in its two indoor arenas.
The Essex venue hosts BD and BS competitions.
“We have put in 540 tonnes of Andrews Bowen Propell waxed and did the work ourselves in less than two weeks, finishing on 1 July,” Jenny Hall, manager of Wix Equestrian Centre, told H&H.
The work cost around £60,000 to complete.
“We have been inspected by BS and BD, who have given us the go-ahead to continue running their shows.”
The next BD competition will be held 17-18 October and BS competitions will continue in January next year.
Meanwhile, Keysoe equestrian centre, Bedfords, is extending its indoor school by 30 metres and adding a Martin Collins surface.
An indoor and outdoor arena and 44 stables are included in the designs for the Whites Farm site in Basildon.
A decision on the application to Basildon Council is due by mid-October.
Essex-based dressage rider Gaby Lucas, who was on the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class development (now known as World Class podium potential) squad from 2012-2014, welcomed the improvements to show centres in the area.
“Local shows are good for qualifying with younger horses,” she told H&H.
“You usually have to travel quite a long way and it would be much better to go up the road.
“[The improvements] will be good for riders at all levels.”
The treatment of horses’ teeth moves forward at a rapid pace, yet sometimes the simplest procedure can cause concern. Our vets and equine dental technicians answer some of the most common questions
1. Can dental issues be linked directly to poor performance?
ANSWER Yes. When a horse is uncomfortable he may hold his head in an unnatural position, which can cause pain in the poll, neck and back. When a horse is asked to work in an outline, he needs to be able to work comfortably in the vertical head position. This means the lower jaw moves forwards slightly due to the change in body position, so it’s important to make sure there are no overgrowths that would affect this. A tight noseband may make this more uncomfortable for a horse. There is a view that rounding off the front of the second pre-molars helps to reduce discomfort — the so-called bit seat.
2. Is it true that regular dental treatment can reduce the risk of colic?
ANSWER Yes. Horses and ponies who have their teeth checked regularly have been shown to be at reduced risk of colic caused by large colon impaction/distension. But it is important not to over rasp the teeth, as that may make it hard for the horse to eat and could cause colic.
Looking for money saving tips for your grooming kit? These household items should do the job
3. I think my horse has tooth problems but I’m not certain. Is a horse suffering from dental pain easy to identify?
ANSWER No. A horse’s natural chewing action may change in response to pain, but obvious signs of discomfort may not be apparent.
They can adjust their chewing patterns to adapt to dental pain, often to the point where owners are unaware that there is a problem.
When they eventually show the problem, it may be too late to treat. Meanwhile, the result is the abnormal wearing of the teeth, which may eventually result in severe overgrowths and other painful dental disease.
However the good news is that early intervention, through regular veterinary checks and careful rasping may well prevent many future dental issues.
Slow eating, dropping food (quidding) and bad breath are all signs of possible dental pain and should be looked into immediately.
4. What is the pulp in a horse’s tooth?
ANSWER The pulp is the term applied to the internal blood and nerve supply to a horse’s tooth. We have always known that horse’s teeth have a blood and nerve supply that enters at the root (apex) and travels up inside the tooth. But the numbers, distribution and interconnections of these vital structures inside a tooth and how they change with age are still being investigated.
These pulps are numerous and communicate with the dentine of the tooth, meaning that equine teeth are very much living structures, to be respected and preserved where possible. If we rasp more than 3-4mm off the surface of a horse’s tooth, we can expose these pulps and potentially cause irreparable damage.
5. Why do we need to rasp teeth?
ANSWER A horse’s tooth and root are several inches long. Each tooth continues to erupt through the gum at a rate of 3mm per year on average, with more tooth emerging in the younger horse.
Horses were originally designed to eat coarse vegetation for 18-20 hours per day. The modern horse, however, is largely fed on lush grass and soft hay and their chewing time has changed with the different diet. Another factor is horses eating with their head up, for example munching hay nets can alter tooth wear.
These changes produce extremely sharp points which can damage the soft tissues within the mouth and need to be removed by rasping.
6. My EDT (equine dental technician) has referred my horse to the vet for an X-ray. Why is it necessary to X-ray a horse’s teeth?
ANSWER Traditional oral examinations can only show about one-tenth of the horse’s tooth. In some cases changes in horse’s teeth can be picked up through a thorough oral examination with sedation, while with use of a dental mirror and more sophisticated techniques, oral endoscopy (examination by camera) shows us a clearer magnified view of the teeth.
Such examinations, however, will only show the part of the tooth visible in the mouth — the clinical crown. To assess the remaining tooth, many vets now use digital X-rays and, in some cases a CT (computerized tomography) scan or a combination of both of these to examine the tooth beneath the gum.
7. Is sedation a requirement of dental treatment?
ANSWER No. Unless, for some reason, a horse takes a severe aversion to the routine process, sedation is completely unnecessary. However, in cases requiring motorized equipment or where a detailed diagnotic assessment is necessary, judicious use of sedation under vet supervision is appropriate.
8. How do I care for my veteran’s teeth?
ANSWER Equine teeth continue to erupt until around 18 years of age. The older horse needs to be treated with caution because, unlike young animals, their cheek teeth have stopped growing and there is no reserve crown left, so any tooth rasped away will never be replaced.
As the horse ages molars eventually wear out and become level with the gums — this is sometimes called “cupping” or expired teeth. Once this has occurred the horse will require special dietary management. Horses can also develop gaps between their teeth, known as diastema. These gaps become impacted with food, which can lead to painful gingivitis.
9. My horse is about to have a filling. What will be used?
ANSWER Some cavities in horse’s teeth are suitable for filling to prevent further decay, fracture or root infection. Modern human filling materials — tooth coloured and mercury free — are usually used for the fillings.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound Ask The Vet (Spring 2012)
Fiona Bigwood and Atterupgaards Orthilia during the grand prix special at the European Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
The news broke this morning that the promising British combination of Fiona Bigwood and her 10-year-old Atterupgaards Orthilia (Gribaldi x Donnerschlag) will not compete in today’s grand prix freestyle individual final.
After competing in yesterday’s special test in driving rain, the mare has had a reaction on her back under the saddlepad.
“I got a call from the vets this morning who said I had to come to the showground,” she said. “She’s had a reaction under the saddle – I think because she got so wet yesterday – and when you touch the area today she’s putting her ears back and kicking out.
“Of course horse welfare is our number one priority and she certainly doesn’t deserve to be ridden when she’s uncomfortable and she’s given me everything and tried so hard this week. I’m gutted but it’s all about the horse.”
The next major aim for the pair is the Rio Olympic Games next year.
“We’ll all sit down and work out the plan of campaign ahead of Rio now,” said Fiona. “It’s less than a year away and the time will fly.
“Tillie will go home later today as I don’t want her to be alone in the stables,” added the Sussex-based rider, who was at the championships with her Danish husband Anders Dahl and their three children.
Fiona and “Tillie” scored 74.51% in the special, finishing in ninth. They also posted a counting score for the team’s silver medal of 75.8%.
Fiona was so sure that she wouldn’t qualify for the music final that she left her music behind. However, they were barely out of their driveway when she let slip, and Anders made her go back and get it.
The remaining two Britons, Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, compete today. Carl rides Nip Tuck at 14.55 UK time and Charlotte is last-drawn with Valegro at 15.39 UK time.
Second withdrawal
Dane Anna Kasprzak also withdrew from the freestyle less than an hour before the class was due to start.
She was kicked in the chest by her horse Donnerperignon at the trot-up and had been coping with a lot of pain while riding. The freestyle test was a bridge too far.
For a full report on all the action, drama and medals – as well as analysis and comment – see the bumper European Championships Dressage Horse & Hound magazine edition, out Thursday (20 August).
Richard Davison is at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Aachen, Germany, to help British team member Carl Hester with his ride Nip Tuck, known as Barney.
“I help Carl warm-up and train the horse before he goes in the arena,” says Richard.
Four-time Olympian Richard’s main role is to tell Carl how movements and the horse’s way of going looks from the ground, vital information as that will be the judges’ viewpoint during the test.
Obviously a good relationship between Richard and Carl is essential for this to work.
“Carl and I have known each so long, we’ve done so many championships together,” says Richard.
In this video, Richard reveals some specific advice he has given Carl this week about riding his corners, an essential skill for all dressage riders from prelim through to grand prix.
He also talks about Carl’s mindset and the difference between warming up for the other tests and the freestyle. In the freestyle, riders design their own floorplan, which is ridden to music of their choice, rather than performing the movements in a set routine.
Once Carl has ridden Barney, he has to put on the metaphorical trainer’s hat, as he has a huge role to play in helping his protégée Charlotte Dujardin prepare for her turn in the arena on the Olympic, world and European champion Valegro.
For a full 14-page report on all the action, drama and medals – as well as analysis and comment – see the bumper European Championships Dressage Horse & Hound magazine edition, out Thursday (20 August).
A team of British observers attended the CIC2* event at Deodoro Park, including eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner and British Equestrian Federation (BEF) performance director Dan Hughes, who said “initial impressions are good”.
“The Rio 2016 staff and volunteers had clearly worked wonders in the past few weeks to pull everything together to make the test event a success,” he told H&H.
“The venue itself is impressive — it is a good size, well laid out, yet has a feeling of space.
“The stables, training arenas, vet clinic, storage areas, grooms accommodation and other functional areas are all within easy reach.”
He added that it was not yet all in place but that the venue “works”.
“There is still much to be built, facilities to be maintained, volunteers to be trained, and planning to take place. But the good news is that the important things are well on the way,” he said.
Former BEF performance director Will Connell, who is now the director of sport programs at the United States Equestrian Federation said the progression had been “pleasantly surprising”.
“There are of course areas that need working on, but it was encouraging that these had already been identified by the venue management team,” he added. “They’re not big things and are easily curable. If they carry on developing the venue at this rate it will be one of the best Olympic and Paralympic venues we’ve ever seen.”
Swedish rider Ludwig Svennerstal, who hopes to compete at next year’s Games, told H&H he was “very impressed” with Deodoro Park.
He travelled there as a rider representative together with the Swedish chef d’Equipe Staffan Lidbeck, and representatives from the Swedish Equestrian Federation and the Swedish Olympic Committee.
“I was pleasantly surprised, the site had come on a lot further than expected,” he said.
“It made me more excited and motivated to ride there next year. There were no problems, the course was quite up and down, but looked beautiful.
“It was hotter than average for this time of year [30 degrees] but the horses coped well and the stables were cool.”
The CIC2* competition featured a cross-country course designed by France’s Pierre Michelet, who will be in charge of the 2016 track. The event was won by Marcio Jorge and Coronel MCJ.
“The Rio 2016 legacy will be spectacular,” said Brazilian eventer Marcio. “It will be a great incentive to get a new generation into the sport.”
The test event allows for testing of results, scoring and timing, the field of play, training arenas, stabling operations, sanitary and biosecurity procedures, spectator flows and management, accreditation and media operations.
Tim Hadaway, FEI director, games and championships, also felt that the test event had been beneficial.
“We’ve seen great progress with infrastructure completed in time for the test event and an efficient competition delivered”, he said.
“However there is still a lot of work to do to scale the venue up for next year and to ensure the standard of facilities, services and general experience for our human and equine athlete is of a true Olympic standard in 2016.”
Lars Roepstorff, the FEI appointed footing analyst, was in Deodoro to conduct scientific testing on the all-weather footing.
“The material and installation definitely has the potential to provide excellent footing for next year’s Olympic Games”, he said. “But it is vital that the correct maintenance is done over the next 12 months, right up to and during the Games. Everything is in place for excellent Olympic competition next year and as it’s a pre-existing equestrian facility, all our athletes — human and equine — will be really well looked after.”
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro win individual freestyle gold at the 2015 European Dressage Championships. Picture by Peter Nixon
In a nail-biting finale to the FEI European Championships for dressage in Aachen, Germany, today (16 August), last-to-go Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin retained her freestyle title with Valegro – by the tightest of margins, just 0.25%.
It initially looked like it would be even closer, with just 0.1% splitting the two riders, before Charlotte’s score was revised up slightly.
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro win individual freestyle gold at the 2015 European Dressage Championships. Picture by Peter Nixon
Germany’s Kristina Bröring-Sprehe took silver and Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat stepped onto the podium for the first time at this championships to take bronze, riding a new freestyle personal best of 82.714% on the De Niro son Delgado.
The penultimate competitor, Kristina, laid down a massive 88.804% on Desperados FRH immediately before the British rider had to contend with wild and protracted applause from the 40,000-seater stadium.
Charlotte’s test started well, but she made mistakes in the first line of changes, and the second. She was able to repeat the two-times, but not the one-time changes.
“When you make mistakes in a test like that, you’ve just got to try to put it behind you and not dwell on it,” she said.
Charlotte Dujardin after their freestyle test at the European Dressage Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon
Her compatriot Carl Hester rode to 79.5% and eighth on Nip Tuck – the highest-placed rider to score under 80% in an exceptionally competitive class.
Isabell Werth and Don Johnson slotted into fourth (82.482%) with their best ride of the week. Yesterday’s special bronze medallist Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Johnson TN finished fifth (82.411%), while Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl were the other two riders to top 80%.
For a full report on all the action, drama and medals – as well as analysis and comment – see the bumper European Championships Dressage Horse & Hound magazine edition, out Thursday (20 August).
Aske Hall is located on the B6274 between Richmond and Gilling West and will be appropriately signposted.
What the organisers say
2015 is the start of an exciting new chapter for Aske Horse Trials. A new organising team of professionals are introducing a range of changes and developments to provide rider-friendly events with a social feel, and create the “must do” dates in the north’s eventing calendar.
The July fixture has BE90, BE100, novice and intermediate classes. A new leading course-builder and designer (to be announced shortly) are redeveloping the cross-country course with interesting new fences. They’ll make best use of the ground to avoid a continual uphill course, which will make the event more accessible and enjoyable for horse and rider.
The September event has BE90, BE100, novice and intermediate sections, plus a CIC*. Our CIC* means Aske will be one of only two events in the north-east to have international status. The new course-builder will also be further developing the new cross-country course, which is being rebuilt for the July event.
What the riders say
Dressage & showjumping — “The warm-up is quite far away from everything which is a good thing except spectators can’t see what’s going on.” “It’s quite small which means you spend a lot of time looking around to see where everyone else is going instead of concentrating on yourself.” “The dressage arenas are well out of the way so that the horses aren’t distracted by anything.” “They are not the flattest rings but not bad.” “The showjumping warm-up is slightly downhill and a bit bumpy so it can be hard for young horses because they are unbalanced.” “The actual ring is quite bumpy and on a slope, too, but the ground is always pretty good.” “The course is quite tricky and has a lot of questions so it’s good for people moving up to the next level.”
Cross-country — “There are trees in the warm-up and you’re always jumping uphill, so it can be hard to get them working properly.” “The warm-up fences are fine and I love the actual course.” “It’s undulating and you start off going uphill with gentle slopes and the jumps are nicely laid-out with good combinations.” “A few questions so you have to think about it.” “It is usually good ground and I’d say a top-level BE100 course, so not for inexperienced horses at that level.”
Buy Eventing magazine’s April issue for our full horse trials guide detailing every event from July to October 2015 or purchase a digital copy of the guide here.
When your family and husband-to-be just aren't enough, inviting your number one (your horse) is an obvious choice, as demonstrated by these brides
Helen and Oliver Shaw
The story: “Helen and I got married on 6 June this year. Our horse, Lenny, led the hounds to our wedding, ridden by Andrew German, the huntsman of the Cheshire Forest. We had no idea that it had been set up. We came out of the ceremony room and there were the hounds and Andrew, I didn’t even recognise the horse. I walked up to Andrew to thank him and he said: “Have you looked at my horse sir, I think he is for sale” and I suddenly realised it was Len. Needless to say it was a huge honour for us and Len looked pleased as punch to be in front of hounds. Len is my first horse and to make matters more poignant the first time I hunted Lenny we met at Colshaw Hall which was where Helen and I go married.”
Jenny and Christopher Telford
The story: “Christopher and I got married on 16 May this year at St Leonard’s Church in Sandridge, St Albans, Hertfordshire and my beloved horse Dantelicious (Dante to her friends) was our honorary bridesmaid and was waiting for us outside the church after we got married… it brought tears to my eyes and was a dream come true! Christopher had lived in London all his life and had never been in contact with a horse before we met. On our first date when I mentioned I had a horse, he said he loved watching showjumping whenever it came on TV. I didn’t believe him at first that a boy from London who had never seen a horse loved showjumping so much, but tis true and he soon became confident in handling Dante.”
Chelsea and Rich Gammon
The story: “My wedding was on 6 June this year, in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania USA. My husband is British and I met him while I was in the UK for university. Since many of his friends could not make it to the wedding over here, we had my 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Exeter (“Exy”) be one of his groomsmen, complete with a tuxedo custom made for him. We carried the horsey theme through the wedding by having it in a barn, using a saddle as our guestbook, and having horseshoe table numbers.”
Jane and Heddwyn Jones
The story: “Heddwyn and I met through hunting and it seemed only right to have a horse themed wedding! The horse I am riding won the SEIB Search for a Star cob of the year at HOYS last year (Farmhill Apache or Dex to his friends). Heddwyn, who is master of the Vale of Clettwr Hunt is here riding his favourite hunter called The Field Master (“Liam”). My father also rode with me to the wedding. We had a fantastic day!”
Lauren Seeley
The story: “This is take in Sydney, Australia. The horse wasn’t originally intended to be a part of the wedding, but a chance encounter between a horse and rider on their way for a swim at the same beach where the wedding photos were being taken, ended in these lovely shots. The bride was so excited to see a horse, she asked to borrow him to be in a few photos. Meanwhile, the groom stood back and would get nowhere near him!”
Jessica Tainsh
The story: “My husband and I are crazy busy eventers based near Geelong in Victoria and had our reception for our wedding on 14 March this year at my parents’ farm Granite View. Having my horse in our wedding was a must for me as they are such a massive part of our lives. I had my photos with my warmblood gelding, Solo before our ceremony and was a little terrified he would slobber on my dress.”
Kate O’Mara
The story: “I got married on 20 September last year at Firle Place, East Sussex. I even wore riding boots (Konigs) as my wedding shoes as I figured I would get more wear out of them than a pair of white Jimmy Choo’s! I rode one of my horses Madam, and my other one, Poppy, also came along for the day.”
Liz and James Gilbert
The story: “My horse Bobbie (Silver Dawn) was the guest of honour at my wedding on 1 September 2012 and I couldn’t have been happier that he was right there with me when I married the other love of my life! I have had the honour of him being my horse since I was 12-years-old and I am now 33. Sadly he had to be put to sleep in May this year, so it means so much to me that he was there when I got married and I will always treasure the pictures (although can’t see them for crying at the moment!). I had a rug printed with ‘guest of honour’ on the side (just in case there was any doubt!) and the wedding reception took place in his field with Bobbie just over the fence right by the marquee while we had our wedding breakfast.”
Jennifer and Lindsey Carew
The story: “This is a picture of my husband and I with my beautiful Welsh cob, Draytown Trooper, who is being driven by my mum, Yvonne. He has competed to win many titles in New Zealand and Australia in driven eventing, and is New Zealand’s only advanced driven dressage horse. He means the world to our family, and I couldn’t have imagined the day without him. Mum and “Trooper” delivered me to the aisle which overlooked the beautiful Lake Karapiro, here in the Waikato (North Island) in New Zealand. Something I will never forget.”
Kelly Altschwager
The story: “My husband and I decided on a non-traditional wedding that would be special to us. We rode our horses up to a pre-set camp in the Comanche Peak Wilderness right around 10,600 ft in elevation. We then hiked up to 12,308 ft to the top of the mountain to do our vows. Pictured is of one of our geldings the morning after our wedding as we prepared to pack out of camp.”
Bethan and Alex Warren
The story: “Here pictured getting married last July with Bethan’s two-star eventer, Nora.”
Vanessa Baxter
The story: “I had my horse, Rio, at my wedding on 2 August 2014 at Hillbark Hotel in Wirral. He was too muddy to get on on the day, so the photographer offered to do a photoshoot after our honeymoon on the beach where I could gallop through the water in my wedding dress. They were the two most amazing days.”
Leia and Robbie Wash
The story: This is my pony Meg who attended my wedding at Chigwell Convent, Essex on 23 August 2013. I got a lot of Facebook stick and people making fun of me for having my best friend (my pony) at my wedding. Meg was part of my family and I had owned her for 16 years, so her not being at the wedding was not a option. I sadly lost my beautiful pony (who was in foal) in January this year to colic, so I’m pleased I have these happy memories of her.”
Shelley Knottenbelt
The story: “My husband and I got married on 6 June 2015 this year and I rode my showjumper, VIP IV to the church three miles away. On arrival to the church everyone bar the groom was outside the church waiting for me to arrive which wasn’t in the plan but there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It has always been my dream to do that and I did it.”
Kate Neill
The story: “My boy Wills attended my wedding day! This fabulous horse gave me all my confidence back following a fall which left me with two fractured vertebrae. He is a real gem and this photo shows his cheeky character coming through!”
Kerrie Bridger
The story: “There were two main things I wanted from my wedding day, one was to have the wedding in the village church and the other was to have my thoroughbred mare there, Breeze. She was plated with flowers in her mane and tail with a white bridle on which had diamantés in the browband. I have owned Breeze since she was four-years-old and she is now 17! My husband and I have been together 13 years so it just seemed right to have her at he wedding as she has always been a big part of our lives. Lots of people from the village turned up to see me get on my horse in my wedding dress which had to fit with being able to ride in it and luckily this one did perfectly. I originally wanted a slim line dress but having breeze there a part of our big day was much more important than the dress!”
Danielle Needham
The story: “My now 15-year-old mustang/standardbred mare, Star attended my wedding on Hutchinson Island, Florida in 2013. I have owned Star since she was born (pictured) and I always wanted to include horses in my wedding so naturally riding in on the horse I raised was a given. She was perfect! A dream come true for me.”
Lucy Read
The story: “My horse, Smudge attended my wedding at Whitworth Hall Hotel, near Spennymoor, County Durham on 27 June 2015. I have owned Smudge, who is also 29-years-old for 14 years. We competed in showjumping before she retired. She is my best friend and we have been through so much together, she’s been a mane to cry on, taught me everything I know, and she bred a beautiful foal for me. There was never any question that Smudge would be at my wedding. She was so excited the day before the wedding getting pampered and plaited; I’m sure she was more excited than me!”
Kimberley Marshall
The story: “I got married on 5 July 2013 at Buxted Park in East Sussex, accompanied by my horse, Zambia. The venue organisers were so amazing and they said we could have full use of the grounds with Zambia, no problem. My husband was more than happy to have her there as she was such a beautiful horse. She kept all the guests entertained and the staff all loved her!”
Stephanie Shaw
The story: “To help celebrate my wedding I had some photos taken with my best friend, Bonnie. My wedding day was also Bonnie’s 18th birthday and the anniversary of owning her for 12 years, so it was a very special day all round.”
Bernie Sandell
The story: “I wanted to share my picture of me and boy at my wedding this year on 20 June. He’s my world and he was a big part of our day.”
Naomi Taylor
The story: “My pony, whom I have owned now for nearly 20 years, was not only at my wedding but part of my proposal too. My non-horsey husband had planned the whole proposal without me knowing (unbelievable!). He had ordered a fleece rug with “will you marry me” embroidered on it and secretly put it on her while I was still asleep, so that when I went out to feed her there it was! So then she had to be part of my wedding day (along with my other pony). Lady is now 27-years-old so I was so proud she was able to be there on our special day.”
Sarah and Nick Sherwin
The story: “My husband Nick and I had these photos taken the day after our wedding on 14 June 2014. We had so much fun doing these with my boy, Thomas who I’ve owned since he was three-years-old (now 12) and I really think they show his personality as well as ours!”
Phillipa Johnson
The story: “I rode my horse, Daisy to our drinks reception an arrival, planned without my guests knowing. We sent the wedding car up to the marquee without us which had everyone wondering! I then appeared on Daisy, who was an absolute star. I planned the wedding around riding her, as it was always my dream. I kindly roped in two helpers to help on the morning to get her ready for her big performance! I chose a dress that would fit over her and even got wedding wellies for me to ride in!”
Emma and Neil Squires
The story: “We got married on Saturday 1 August this year in glorious sunshine in Scopwick, Lincolnshire. I rode my horse Shannondale Beatrix to church, to marry my long term partner, Neil Squires, of 19 years. We are both keen hunters with the Blankney, and Neil is there amatuer whip and will be doing a few days field mastering this season. When I turned the corner on Bea to see half the village had turned out to watch us ride to church, I was very emotional. It was amazing and I’m so proud of her. We both rode away from church, Neil riding a friend’s horse called Danny, who loved every minute as much as Bea.”
Lady Charlie Haines-Vickery
The story: “Here are some photos of my wedding on 20 June. As I met my husband on the hunting field it was must for our hunt, The Highmoor Bloodhounds, and our horses to attend. Our bridesmaids even wore the colour burgundy to match our huntsman Nigel Church.”
NB: Horse & Hound recommends wearing a riding hat to a suitable safety standard while on a horse
As the daughter of rock royalty, Jessica Springsteen is used to the spotlight. However, in equestrian circles she’s known as much for her showjumping skills as for her famous father, Bruce.
So how much do you know about the 23-year-old rider? H&H brings you the low down on this rising star.
Jessica got her first pony when she was six years old.
“Every little girl loves ponies. I was obsessed with mine,” she says. However, he wasn’t the easiest. “He would throw me off every chance he got. I could not ride him at all,” she adds.
She can’t imagine her life without horses.
“What I really love about it is for that one-two minutes that you’re in the ring, you’re just completely focused on that one thing,” she says. “There’s nothing else going on around you and to have that connection with a horse, that bond, I think it’s really special and it really is unlike any other sport out there.”
Jessica recently moved to Holland, where she is based with Global Champions Tour (GCT) supremo Jan Tops and his wife, Australian rider Edwina Tops-Alexander
The international showjumper left the US yard of Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton in May. She had been training with Laura for five years, but is now settled in The Netherlands, where she is guided by Edwina and former Olympic rider Jan.
Until recently she combined showjumping with her studies, but has now graduated from Duke University.
Her famous parents are very supportive, and are often seen at shows.
“They have gotten so involved in the sport and I’m really lucky to have parents who support me,” says Jessica. “To have someone really pushing you when it gets tough. It can be really hard, so I’ve been lucky to have a family that supports me and helps me follow my passion.”
Jessica is best-known for her partnership with Vindicat W, Olympic gold medal-winning ride of Team GBR’s Peter Charles, who she bought shortly after London 2012.
She most recently won a five-star class at the Chantilly GCT with one of her top horses Davendy S, and has been a frequent competitor on the circuit this season with him and Lisona.
She says: “I’m really happy. I’m jumping a lot of clear rounds in the grands prix which is exciting for me. When I first came here, you’re jumping right in with the best in the world so it’s kind of a shock to the system but it really makes you take your riding to the next level and every time you go out there. To really concentrate and do your best and I’ve just learned so much over the past years.”
She wants to promote horse sport to a wider audience.
“I feel like over the past couple of years, it’s definitely been getting more attention in the US and being viewed more as a sport,” she says. “I know a lot of people don’t really realise how much work and athleticism goes into it. The Longines FEI World Cup jumping North America League is just starting this year and I think it’s going to be really exciting.”
In the latest of our buyers' guides, we look at what's on offer on the fetlock and tendon boot market today
Amigo Tendon and Fetlock Boots
The Amigo tendon and fetlock boots offer leg protection where it counts. The boots are designed to protect your horse’s leg, without compromising their comfort. They feature a tough PVC outer shell that gives optimal tendon protection, while the soft neoprene lining ensures comfort against the legs. The anatomical cut away shape is specially designed to prevent pressure points and the double Velcro closures give a secure fit. The fetlock boots feature a single Velcro closure. Sold as a set of four, available in sleek black or charcoal for a polished show look. RRP: £50 Visit: www.horseware.com
Back on Track Tendon Boots
The Back on Track Tendon Boots effectively absorb impact and distribute pressure for optimum protection. The boots are lined with special Welltex fabric, which incorporates infra-red technology to help promote circulation; this helps to relieve joint tension, avoid injury and maximise performance. RRP: £75.50 Visit: www.backontrack.com
Premier Equine Kevlar Airtechnology Fetlock Boots
These Kevlar Airtechnology Fetlock Boots are made to the highest standard, using innovative technology and materials. A double density shell provides outer protection, while layers of Kevlar and shockproof materials work together underneath to minimise the effects of knocks and strikes. Air-Teque ventilated neoprene is used on the inside of the boot to help prevent heat build-up in the leg. This is combined with vents on the exterior of the boot to offer maximum breathability. The boots also feature a comfort dry liner to ensure that they are comfortable, practical and strong. Available in black, white or brown, in sizes small to large. RRP: £39.99 Visit: www.premierequine.co.uk or call 01469 532279
Veredus X Pro boots
The X Pro line has extended to include Pro Jump and Young Jump boot models, giving greater protection to your horse’s fetlocks and pasterns. X Pro is particularly suitable for horses that tend to strike the pastern bone area of the opposite leg with a shoe. Each of the X Pro boots offers increased defence against bruising and brushing injuries, thanks to the extended shape, which is made of a special antiwear film material and reinforced with polyester. Available in medium to large, in black or brown. RRP: £96 Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350
Equilibrium Tri-Zone Tendon and Fetlock Boots
The Tri-Zone boot is a super lightweight and protective boot which complies with the standards set by the FEI and British Showjumping for use in young horse classes and other restrictive classes. The boots are flexible and non restrictive and feature a smooth cushioned inner lining for maximum comfort. Available in black or white. RRP: £54.95 (Tendon boots), £49.95 (Fetlock boots) Visit: www.equilibriumproducts.com
Next week: don’t miss our pick of the best fly sprays
Would you like to be considered for this series in future? If so, please email H&H’s products editor alice.collins@timeinc.com
While most of the FEI European Championships take place in Aachen this year, the eventers will be enjoying the picturesque views at Blair Castle in Scotland. As host nation, Britain has a squad of 12 riders, four team members and a further eight individuals, while other countries can bring only six riders. As we countdown to the event, this page will be kept up to date with team news as and when it becomes available.
Eventing teams for European eventing championships at Blair
Chairman of the Racesafe British junior selectors Darrell Scaife said the riders “fought from start to finish” to ensure they went home with a team medal.
The British team was made up of Alex Kennedy on Chocolate Domino, Charlotte Bacon on Sannanvalley Justice, Charlotte East on Clear Dawn and Sam Ecroyd on Opera House.
Going into the final phase the Brits held a narrow lead of less than two penalties over France.
However, a fall by Sam and Opera House at fence 10 on the cross-country meant the pressure was on as all three remaining scores would count.
But an influential showjumping track saw France overtake Great Britain, who finished just under 10 penalties behind the French on a score of 176.
Individual gold was taken by Germany’s Johanna Zantop on FBW Santana’s Boy, who finished on a score of 37.9 penalties.
Alexander Tordoff, 18, and his own Emill (pictured, below) — competing as individuals — were the highest-placed British combination, finishing in fifth place on a score of 45.4 penalties.
Alex and Chocolate Domino were the top-placed British team combination, finishing seventh on 46.6 penalties.
The pair jumped double clear and added just 0.8 cross-country time penalties to their dressage score of 45.8.
“I am genuinely delighted to come home with a team bronze,” said Darrell following yesterday’s showjumping phase (Sunday 16 August).
“Today was a challenging and technical test of skill. All our riders tried incredibly hard and rode well.”
He added that Alex Tordoff rode a “very stylish round” and Alex Kennedy was “outstanding in every phase”.
“There have been many highs and also some lows this week, but they all were all fantastic to work with and very supportive of one another,” he said.
“Sam, despite his disappointment, was wonderfully encouraging to everyone on the squad, rallying them along all day until the last round was jumped.
“Our riders fought from start to finish to ensure that Britain went home with a team medal this week.
“I am hugely proud for them all that their determination was rewarded.”
Sam and the eight-year-old gelding were unharmed in the fall.
Gizmo won both his youngstock RSPCA class and the championship on Saturday (15 August) at Equifest.
“We still can’t quite believe it’s happened. He was so good,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.
“We didn’t even think he would win his class, let alone win the championship — all the horses were so beautiful.
“It was so emotional — we’re all on a high.”
Gizmo had a huge fan base at the show and enjoyed lots of fuss from his supporters.
“The moment he got there he was loving it,” said Carolyn.
“We thought that it was probably just our little bubble, but when we walked him out on the first morning there were so many people coming over to see him.”
Carolyn said that the judges were touched by Gizmo’s story.
“It was really funny — they didn’t spend any time on him in the first class, but they were taking to Louise Miller [who was handling him] in the evening and the judge explained she was so emotional she was afraid she would cry if she spoke about Gizmo,” she added.
Germany rolled just two poles to win European junior gold and Ireland secured silver on a score of 12 penalties.
The British bronze medal-winning junior team was made up of Harry Charles on Vivaldi Du Dom, Millie Allen on Balou Star, Faye Adams on Zozo CL and Robert Murphy on Del Fuego.
Yesterday (Sunday 16 August), British team members Harry and Millie also took individual silver and bronze respectively.
France’s Camille Conde Ferreira on Pirole De La Chatre won gold.
Harry (pictured, top), son of London 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Peter Charles, was in seventh position following the first round of the individual competition.
But the 16-year-old put in strong performances in the remaining rounds – rolling just one pole – to move up to silver.
Peter said he was “extremely proud” of his son.
“He really has done his family, team and country proud,” he added.
“A big thank you to all our sponsors and support team behind the scenes we really couldn’t do it without them.”
Millie’s individual bronze was the 10th medal she has won for Great Britain at a youth championships.
Millie and Harry’s individual medals took Team GBR’s total tally to four from the championships.
Meanwhile, the British young rider team narrowly missed out on a podium place.
The Brits finished fourth out of 14 nations on a score of eight penalties and less than three seconds behind bronze medallists Ireland.
Belgium won gold on a clean sheet and Germany took silver with eight penalties.
The young rider team was made up of Chloe Winchester on Avoca Valkyrie, Chloe Aston on Merqusio, Jake Saywell on Grand Cru Van Paemel and Emma O’Dwyer on HHS Figaro.
Chloe and Avoca Valkyrie were also the highest-placed British combination in the individual competition – finishing fourth.
Britain narrowly missed out on a podium spot at the FEI European Reining Championships in Aachen on Friday (14 August).
Italy reversed the places from the 2013 Championships, by claiming team gold ahead of Germany in silver. The Netherlands secured bronze, with the British reiners just behind in fourth.
Italian team coach, Filippo Masi De Vargas said he was “simply thrilled”.
“This squad is made up of young riders, the future of our discipline, and they were just great, very professional and full of enthusiasm,” he added.
Douglas Allen
British rider Francesca Sternberg and Ten Reasons finished joint eighth in the team competition with a score of 215.5 — enough to advance automatically to the individual competition on Sunday (16 August).
“Ten Reasons just gave me another reason why my husband Doug chose him,” she said.
Francesca finished best of the Brits in ninth individually, while Doug finished 15th.
Anky had previously competed in the reining competition at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, but this was her first medal in the discipline at an FEI event.
“It’s amazing, so much fun and I’m so excited about it,” said Anky.
Anky van Grunsven
“I know I can do dressage but to be on a bronze medal-winning reining team that’s something else. Earning a medal at the FEI European Championships is so good for this sport and the reason that I enjoy this discipline is firstly because I’m not good at it and I like the challenge, and secondly, I love the atmosphere both in and outside the arena.”
Italy’s Giovanni Masi De Vargas and Dance Little Spook won individual gold, while Germany’s Grisha Ludwig and Shine My Gun took silver. Fellow German Elias Ernst and Uss N Dun It claimed bronze.
“I started competing in 2009 in junior competition and this is my ninth FEI medal,” said Giovanni. “This is the first time I’ve competed in a senior championship and it’s been an amazing experience.”
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Alex and Chocolate Domino were the top-placed British team combination, finishing seventh on 46.6 penalties.
