FEI recommends cancellation of FEI Events due to Coronavirus

Following last week’s communiqué to National Federations on the recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding Mass Gatherings and the necessity of Event Organisers to conduct a full risk assessment together with local authorities, the FEI has issued a further message to the equestrian community:

“The spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19 has taken a rapid turn for the worse and sport worldwide is affected. We as a community have to make our contribution to limit the spread of this virus, as the sooner it can be contained the sooner we will be able to get back to normal life and normal sport. And this is something that every other sport is doing.

“The FEI appreciates the amount of work and incredible investment every Organiser puts into their Event. While the FEI does not itself organise any FEI Events, in light of the escalating numbers of persons affected by the virus and the restrictions imposed by national governments, the

FEI strongly recommends that Organisers should cancel all events for the next four weeks until a reassessment of the situation can be made. 

“The FEI and Board will work together with the International Equestrian Organisers Alliance to evaluate what can be done to try and accommodate dates for Events that have been impacted during this period. 

“We are aware that this is no simple matter, as clearly no single Organiser can be favoured to the detriment of others, and we do not know how many Events will be impacted nor how long the current situation will last.

“We have decided that Calendar fees for events that have had to be cancelled because of Covid-19 will be waived. We are also assessing the impact of cancellations of Events on other areas such as ranking points and on athletes and horses seeking MERs for the Olympic or Paralympic Games and qualifications for FEI Championships.”

“We can guarantee you that we are monitoring the situation hour-by-hour and that we are constantly looking at what specific situations need to be addressed. Our thoughts are with all of you and we strongly believe that our community will do the right thing and work to support each other through this crisis.”

FEI World Cup™ Finals 2020 in Las Vegas cancelled due to Coronavirus

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), United States Equestrian (USEF) and Las Vegas Events have announced the force majeure cancellation of the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2020 in Las Vegas. The annual equestrian competition, featuring the Olympic disciplines of Jumping and Dressage, was scheduled for 15-19 April at the Thomas & Mack Center. 

“It is very regrettable that next month’s FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas have had to be cancelled, but the decision was out of our hands”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“Since the FEI World Cup series began in 1978 for Jumping and in 1985 for Dressage, the Finals have never had to be cancelled before, but the global concerns about the spread of the virus and the travel restrictions imposed by the US Government have meant that the Finals are one of many major sporting events impacted by this outbreak. 

“Like everyone in our community, we are disappointed, not only for the athletes who have qualified for the Finals, but also for Las Vegas Events and US Equestrian, and of course our top partner Longines, but the health, well-being and safety of our athletes, officials and our fans has to be our top priority. We hope we can alleviate that disappointment by returning to Las Vegas for a wonderful FEI World Cup Finals in the future.”

All ticket buyers and exhibitors will be issued full refunds. The Las Vegas Events ticket office will contact all ticket holders on the process starting the week of 16 March. 

Further information on the FEI World Cup™ Finals 2020 in Las Vegas can be found at www.WorldCupLasVegas.com.

About the FEI World Cup™ Finals

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, the world’s premiere individual Jumping series, and the breeding ground of equestrian legends, is now in its 41st season, with the first Final dating back to 1979. The very best human and equine athletes from 15 leagues in 43 countries around the world battled it out to qualify for this year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas (USA), hoping to claim a share in the jackpot of more than €1.3 million. 

Las Vegas was due to host the Final for the sixth time, having previously welcomed the crème de la crème of the Jumping world in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. Other Finals held in the USA were at Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992) and Omaha (2017).

The reigning Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ champion is Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat with his horse Alamo, who took the 2019 title at the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg (SWE) for his third victory in the history of the series.

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ series, now in its 34th season, is the most prestigious individual competition in the discipline, combining precision, athleticism and the ultimate partnership between horse and human. Dressage athletes worldwide compete across four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia), with just 18 earning their ticket to the Final.

Las Vegas has played host to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final four times, in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final also visited the USA in 1995 (Los Angeles) and 2017 (Omaha).

The reigning FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion is Germany’s Isabell Werth, who rode the mare Weihegold OLD to success in Gothenburg (SWE) to claim the fifth title of her extraordinary career.

About Las Vegas Events 

Founded in 1983, Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization funded by hotel room tax. Through its Signature Event initiative, LVE has created a model to integrate all elements of special events and formally improve communication between event producers and Las Vegas’ hotel properties and sponsors. Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 750 events.

www.lasvegasevents.com

 About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.

About US Equestrian

The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is the national governing body for equestrian sport and its mission is to provide access to, and participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Since its inception in 1917, US Equestrian has been bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. US Equestrian trains, selects, and funds the United States Equestrian Team, which consistently wins medals at the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games.

3 års, 4 års og ældre hingste - karakterer og beskrivelser

3 års

4 års og ældre

VIDEO - Danish Warmblood gala show with 2008 Beijing bronze team (English subtitles)

2008 Beijing Hong Kong bronze medal team - Anne van Olst, Nathalie zu-Sayn Wittgenstein and Andreas Helgstrand interviewed by Danish Warmblood director Casper Cassøe Krüth.

VIDEO - presentation of 3 year old stallions for 10 days observation test

H2R top favourites are:

• Dynamic Dream by Dream Boy / Sir Donnerhall

• Iron by Ibiza / Hohenstein

• Blue Hors Fortron by For Romance II / Desperados

Here below with clip of some of the stallions for 10-days observation test.

VIDEOS - Top scores at 2 days sport test in Verden for Fusionist by Franklin and Escamillo by Escolar

A total of 21 approved young dressage stallions in Danish Warmblood

Danish Breed premium stallion: 25 - Stenagers Ben Hur DWB by Borsalino/Florenciano, breeder Bjarne og May-Britt Christensen, Esbjerg Ø, owner Stutteri Teglovnen - Photo: Ridehesten.com

Danish Warmblood press release

In Denmark, we are favoured by having many knowledgeable, financially strong and foresighted stallion owners who bring the best bloodlines and stallions to Denmark. That is why the Danish Warmblood stallion licensing in Herning has developed into a European final for the best young stallions from the foreign studbooks in combination with the Danish-bred young stallions. And it provides the Danish breeders a unique opportunity to improve and develop their breeding, said breeding consultant Karina Christiansen. in her presentation of the young stallions.
Young DWB stallions Zonik, Sezuan and Hesselhøj Donkey Boy had altogether sired five of the nine medallists at world young horse championships in Ermelo last year, and they seem to act as a sign of the times: The growing influence of Danish Warmblood. At the licensing in Herning a son of Sezuan, So Perfect was approved for testing. 
The World Champion Revolution presented his first crop for selection. From a total of 7 preselected stallions, a total of five sons were approved for testing. A total of 21 3-year old stallions were approved for testing and 7 of them were celebrated as premium stallions. 

The Danish Breed elite stallion Sezuan by Blue Hors Zack breeder Linette Jæger, was honoured with the title: Stallion of the Year.

Approved for testing: 
Premium stallions
25 Stenagers Ben Hur DWB by Borsalino/Florenciano, breeder Bjarne og May-Britt Christensen, Esbjerg Ø
26 Dynamic Dream by Dream Boy/Sir Donnerhall I, breeder C. van der Laan World Horses B.V., Nederland
36 Blue Hors Fortron by For Romance II/Desperados, breeder Jens Damm, Germany
52 Rockabye S by Revolution/Belstaff, breeder Sally-Ann Hjorth Schultz, Bolderslev
54 So Perfect by Sezuan/Sir Donnerhall I, breeder Frank Nordhausen, Germany
58 My Vitality by Vivaldi/D-Day, breeder Stal 104 BV, Nederland
65 Blue Hors Monte Carlo by Dream Boy/United, breeder Nederland

27 Dreamian e. Danciano/Sandro Hit, breeder Alfons Kramer, Germany
28 Blue Hors Dalian by Dancier/Sir Donnerhall I, breeder Martin Honigfort, Germany
35 Floss Dance by For Dance/Quaterback, breeder Volker Steenken, Tyskland
39 Slangerupgaards Flottenheimer by Franklin/Scolari, breeder Slangerupgaard A/S, Ringsted
41 Freetown by Fürst Wilhelm, Sir Donnerhall I, breeder Thorsten Hogrefe, Germany
43 Iron by Asgard’s Ibiza/Hohenstein E.H., breeder Nedergaard Dressage, Nibe
46 Gørklintgårds Royal by Revolution/Sunny-Boy, breeder Jørgen Ravn, Holsted
48 Straight Horse Ramses by Revolution/Blue Hors Zack, breeder Straight Horse ApS, Allerød
49 Radius (SWB) by Revolution/00 Seven, breeder Lena Nystrøm, Sweden
50 Hesselhoej Rock A Billy by Revolution/Blue Hors Hertug, breeder Jane og Erik Bech Jensen, Østbirk
57 HP Valentino by Vitalis/Apache, breeder HP Horses ApS, Hillerød
62 My Toto VDT by Glock’s Toto Jr./Ferro, breeder A. van de Tillaart, Nederland
63 Majestic Taonga by Glock’s Toto Jr./Jazz, breeder Stal 104 BV, Nederland
64 Total McLaren by Totilas/De Niro, breeder R. Knauf, Germany

20 older dressage stallions licensed in Danish Warmblood

Total Hope OLD

Atterupgaards Barcelo

Photo credit: Ridehesten.com

Part of Danish Warmblood press release

Danish Warmblood's breeding goals are: A refined, tall and supple riding horse with good rideability and health. It has the performance ability in either jumping or dressage and can perform internationally.
In recent years, stallions that may not quite meet the studbook's breeding goal in terms of refinement have been approved for breeding. However, a large part of the Danish Warmblood mares meet the requirements of refinement and expression entirely. Therefore, it makes sense to broaden the supply of stallions by including stallions possessing a high degree of functionality and a strong performance-pedigree, even though they do not fully meet the standards to type. This is precisely what is often made very clear at the licensing of the older stallions.

In 1987, the Danish Warmblood's first Breeding Plan came in a series of five preliminary plans that have since been used as work and management tools for the breeding committee and a guide for breeders. These plans have set the direction for horse breeding in Denmark, and now, a new Breeding Plan that extends until 2030 has just been launched.
The breeding plan is one of the studbook’s most important tools in the competition with the other studbooks. Every studbook is working to improve their product, and Danish Warmblood does not aim to just keep up with the standard, but preferably go above. The Breeding Plan should be considered as a template for which breeding measures are to focus on in the coming years. It is neither set in stone nor inflexible but can be adapted to changes. Being adaptable for change is a key competitive parameter.
Spokesperson Claus Hansen says: – The breeding is constantly evolving, and even though our studbook has a breeding goal, this needs to be adjusted continuously because new breeding knowledge and breeding tools, such as linear scoring and genomic selection, can optimize the breeding. In addition, new reproduction methods become available such as embryo transfer, ICSI, etc., which will place greater demands on the management of inbreeding.
– As a studbook, one must also consider that the sport is changing, and the horses we breed today are the horses that should reach the top level in 10 years. Thus, the breeding plan is the best bet for the necessary initiatives at this time, but a ten-year period is a long time, also in the horse breeding, where new initiatives can come and others go, he continues.
The overall breeding goal is still horses that can perform at international level, but the breeding goal can be adjusted, and the breeding committee is working towards a differentiated weighting of which features are most important. – When judging the walk of a horse we assess rhythm, ground-cover, suppleness and energy. Obviously, we would like to have all the qualities, but we attach more importance to rhythm and energy than ground-cover, because the horse can cover so much ground that the execution becomes slow and the walk loses its rhythm which is inappropriate if the goal is transition to piaffe and passage, says breeding adviser Karina Christiansen, and she continues:
– We want to avoid extreme breeding, and we will be at the forefront of our breeding work. We are beginning to see a tendency for horses that are very long-legged which can have a negative influence on their balance and the durability/longevity of the horse. Neither dressage nor jumping horses should be too raised in the neck and too short in the back, which can make them inflexible in the top line. We also appreciate horses with a small, noble and expressive head, but on the other hand the mouth should not become so small that there is no room for the double bridle.
Danish Warmblood is known for making an efficient selection, for being open to the supply of new blood and for being quick to readjust as well as provide knowledge and information to the breeders so that the greatest possible breeding progress is achieved.

Dressage stallions:
4-year old:
115 Atterupgaards Barcelo by Bon Coeur/Caprimond E.H., udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Atterupgaard, Vodskov, opdr.: Kristine Munch Nielsen, Jystrup Midtsj. – fully licensed (bay at the top photo)
116 Danciero by Dancier/Floriscount, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Paul Schockemöhle, Vodskov, opdr.: Z G Broers + Weber H. Broers og Joh. Weber, Tyskland – fully licensed
117 Duke by Dimaggio/Sir Donnerhall I, udstiller: Kristin Andresen og Equi Stallion, Boeslunde, opdr.: Dieter Hilz, Tyskland – fully licensed
118 Hesselhøj Downtown by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Blue Hors Zack, udstiller og opdr.: Dorthe og Hans Jørgen Hoeck, Nørre Aaby – fully licensed
119 Ambjergs Delgadino by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy/Blue Hors Don Romantic, udstiller: Ahlberg-Ringkær og Lynge Lorenzen, Vestbjerg, opdr.: Malene Clausen, Hadsund – fully licensed
120 Tophøjs Falchetto by Floriscount/Solos Landtinus, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage og Stutteri Tophøj, Vodskov, opdr.: Anette Nilausen og Niels-Jørgen Johansen, Hobro – fully licensed
121 Fynch Hatton by Formel Eins/Sir Donnerhall I, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS, Vodskov, opdr.: Bernd og Ursula Ilting-Reuke, Tyskland – fully licensed
122 Fürst Highlight by Fürstenball/His Highness, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Søren Grønborg, Vodskov, opdr.: Thorsten Lang, Tyskland – fully licensed
123 Global Player by Grand Galaxy Win/Blue Hors Don Schufro, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS, HH Horses og Paul Schockemöhle, Vodskov, opdr.: HH Horses v/Henrik Hansen, Solrød Strand – fully licensed
124 Giovanni – Bell by Grand Galaxy Win/Blue Hors Don Romantic, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Sølyst Heste, Vodskov, opdr.: Tina og Nicolai Jepsen, Regstrup – fully licensed
125 Lord Europe by Lord Leatherdale/Boston, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS, Joop van Uytert og Paul Schockemöhle, Vodskov, opdr.: ZG Pleines Werner og Heike Pleines, Tyskland – fully licensed
126 Monterey by Morricone/Sir Donnerhall I, udstiller: HP Horses ApS og Paul Schockemöhle, Hillerød, opdr.: Gestüet Lewitz, Tyskland – fully licensed
127 Bøgegårdens Santiago Bernabéu by Bøgegårdens Santiago/Bøgegårdens Laurino, udstiller og opdr.: Stina og Jørgen Schmidt, Bolderslev – fully licensed
128 Vendóme by Veneno/Fidertanz, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Stutteri EVO, Vodskov, opdr.: Paul Paessens, Tyskland – fully licensed
129 Vivino by Vivaldi/Dancier, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS og Paul Schockemöhle, Vodskov, opdr.: Ulrike Buurman, Tyskland – fully licensed
130 Blue Hors Zackorado by Blue Hors Zack/Florencion I, udstiller: Blue Hors Aps, Randbøl, opdr.: Paul Rode, Tyskland – approved for testing and one year breeding approval
 
5-year and older
150 Knock-Out by Expression/Ferro, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS, Vodskov, opdr.: SMC Bloem, Holland – fully licensed
152 Total Hope by Totilas/Blue Hors Don Schufro, udstiller: HP Horses og Paul Schockemöhle, Hillerød, opdr.: Christine Arns-Krogmann, Tyskland – fully licensed (black horse at top photo)
153 Vivaldi by Krack C/Jazz, udstiller: Blue Hors Aps, Randbøl, opdr.: A. Versantvoort, Holland – fully licensed
68 Special Blend by Sezuan/Blue Hors Hotline, udstiller: Helgstrand Dressage ApS, Vodskov, opdr.: Hannelore Weber – approved for testing

The Danish Warmblood Stallion Show on 5 - 8 March 2020 in MCH Messecenter Herning 

• Behind the DWB 5-star Dressage is a group of eight sponsors who, together with the Danish Warmblood Stallion Show, have made a supreme effort to get 5-star dressage in Herning.

• The eight sponsors are: Blue Hors, ECCO, Helgstrand Dressage, Nathalie Horse Care, Stutteri EVO, Trolle, Vodskov Bolighus og Zibrasport Equest.

• Visually, as well as in other aspects, the organisers of DWB 5-star Dressage will go the extra mile for the audience to experience that an exceptional frame is created around the world-class dressage.

• 5-star dressage is the highest level in international dressage sport. It is equal to the level that is ridden at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, European Championships and World Cup qualifications. This means that riders can earn valuable points for the world rankings – ranking points – which are crucial for a good seeding at the Summer Olympics.

• DWB 5-star Dressage consists of three tests: Friday there is the Grand Prix with 20 riders participating, after which the riders are divided into two groups of 10 riders who ride either the Grand Prix Special on Saturday or the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday.

• CDI3 * – Danish Warmblood is focused on supporting talent development, and therefore there will also be dressage classes at a lower level, the 3-star where the young stars can show their talents in either small tour (Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I) or in big tour (Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle).

• Behind the great event in Herning is the studbook Danish Warmblood (DWB) which for the 41st time is hosting their stallion show and much more in MCH Messecenter Herning. Arround 900 horses are arrived at the event, riders from more than 20 nations, more than 300 exhibitors at the fair, which is the most visited fair at MCH Messecenter Herning, and more than 350 volunteers in action during the event.

VIDEOS top 3 - CDI5 Grand Prix Freestyle with Danish ladies in top

Marianne Helgstrand and Lone Bang Larsen - private photo.

Super proud Danish ladies with strong and Personal Best performances

Even though the field for Sunday afternoons CDI5 Grand Prix freestyle was reduced to just 6 combinations it became an exciting and sharp competition, with Danish ladies in top followed by the charming Frisian stallion Elias with his Belgium rider Marc-Peter Spahn.

The huge environment can be kind of a challenge with the often a bit hot Danish Warmblood gelding Bakkely´s Onandt and Lone Bang Larsen when watching the training Wednesday evening, but Lone knows how to try to handle Onandt, and he settled very well during the days, still without loosing fuel for the final day with a winning personal best score of 78,405% (former PB 76,655% Randbøl 11/2019).

For Danish Marianne Helgstrand is was a huge improvement from her former personal best with her 16 year old Lollipop scoring 77,085% (former PB 71,650% Aarhus 06/2019).

“It was a great feeling today together with Lollipop in the arena, like in the Grand Prix Friday, as I now have the feeling that we are on the right track. After our performances in Norway I felt I could do it better. The last couple of months Andreas has been helping me and being the eyes on the ground for us. Entering the centerline Lollipop is of course the most experienced by the two of us, so I have to be really sharp from first step. I felt that everything we have been working on to improve succeded today. Both Lone and I felt like we won the Olympics,” told a big smiling 😅😉Marianne Helgstrand after the Grand Prix freestyle.

Marc-Peter Spahn and his Frisian stallion were for the first time in Herning, and he was very pleased about the entire event, and would love to be back next year.

Results of the entire class here.

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VIDEOS top 5 - CDI5 Grand Prix Special Herning with Danish top performances

Carina Cassøe Krüth, Cathrine Dufour and Daniel Bachmann Andersen - photo credit: H2R

“Let the Games begin” - outstanding Danish combinations showed both individual and team strength

The CDI5 tour became a demonstration of power and strength from the Danes, as all combinations showed the entire dressage world, that they are able to be part of the absolute top of the international dressage.

Well deserved kiss for Helline´s Danciera aka Danse - photo credit: H2R

Unbelieveable high quality

Cathrine Dufour has with her young Bohemian are very serious contenders for the Olympics, and the CDI5 debutant 9 year old Danish Warmblood mare Heiline´s Danciera with Carina Cassøe Krüth delivered an outstanding Grand Prix Special for their third time ever, and at the same time breaking the 80% barrier is kind of unbelievable, while Daniel Bachmann Andersen and his Blue Hors Zepter went into 3rd position with a score of 78,745% just tells everything about the Danish level.

Spains Severo Jurado Lopez and Fiontini also showed great form and top qualities, and a very sharp card for the Spanish Olympic team.

5th was another Danish combination Anders Dahl with Fidelio van het Bloemenhof, going in there doing a top test with Personal Best score of 75,532%.

FEI judges Isobel Wessels and Susanne Baarup were impressed about the Danish qualities - WATCH a small interview here.

The Olympic theme for the entire stallion show suddenly felt very much like, bring it on “Let the Games begin”.

Here you find the full results.

(VIDEO top 3) 83,043% CDI5 Grand Prix new Personal Best for Cathrine Dufour with Bohemian

CDi5 podium Cathrine Dufour, Carina Cassøe Krüth and Severo Jurado Lopez - photo credit: Mia Bach/Helgstrand Dressage.

Incredible high level for today’s international Grand Prix at Herning

The Danish combinations showed that they are getting ready for the attractive spots for the Olympics.

Personal best scores for top 4 today, and with CDI5 debut for 2nd and 3rd placed.

Dufour and Bohemian showed an outstanding test, only single issue was an error at the beginning of the two times, rest was as close to spot on as possible. (Former PB was 83,022% 2019/10 Herning)

Placed second was 9 year young Danish Warmblood mare Heiline´s Danciera with Carina Cassøe Krüth. Another WAUW performance from this very elegant and powerful combination without any technical issues and at the same time no exercise weaknesses. They were really showing how to be part of the top combinations for the upcoming Olympics.

Third today was triple Young Horse World Champion Fiontini with Severo Jurado Lopez. Super timing and qualities through out the test. Severo and Fiontini getting ready for their Tokyo goal.

Other Danish combinations

Just outside the podium spots today were Anders Dahl and Daniel Bachmann Andersen. New PB for Fidelio van het Bloemenhof showing an errorfree test with just a bit unbalanced 2nd pirouette, while Daniel was a bit too conservative today himself, he told after the test, as he was clearly a bit rusty in the arena together with Zepter today as there unfortunately crept errors in for both series and lost of balance for 2nd pirouette.

Lone Bang Larsen was very satisfied with Onandt today, as they were able to show a clear test with just some minor tensions for the canter tour.

Marianne Helgstrand was also satisfied with her test, as there was just a single minor issue when Lollipop just kicked out for the first flying change for the one times.

Helene Melsen and Aston Martin showed an overall solid test without any technical issues.

Very satisfied team coach

“I’m very pleased with the Danish performances today, and they all performed good tests. This first observation day was for sure a really really good start of our important spring season”, said Danish national coach Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.

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First part of Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship starts today at 17.00

45 combinations are ready for the first part of the YH Championship today

There will be three combinations together in the arena at a time, riding lines/exercises instructed by the two judges, and where the walk, trot and canter will be judged.

2nd part will take place Thursday at 3 pm where there will be two combinations in the arena, judged by three judges, again judging the paces and then also rideability and potential.

The 24 best after 2nd part will be ready for test rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen, Saturday and Sunday morning.

The remaining part of combinations will be qualified for the B-final, where they will have to show like the 2nd part Thursday, for two judges. The B-final takes place Friday at 8 pm at Arena E.

See the start list for today here.

ONLINE GUIDE - Where and when for Danish Warmblood stallion show, CDI, stallion presentations, gala and much more

Today horses are moving in, riders and grooms are settling in, and everyone getting ready for 5 days of international top sport, licensing of stallions, gala and much more for Danish Warmblood stallion show 2020.

Tomorrow Wednesday is the first day starting with Blue Hors Young Horse Championship late afternoon, and then Thursday continues with CDI3 small tour and CDI3 big tour, as well as 2nd part of the Young Hors Championship.

If you haven’t booked your ticket for Denmark this weekend you will still be able to follow the entire event via live stream at Clipmyhorse, and remember when Danish international top rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen will do the testing of the 24 best 5 year old Danish Warmblood horses qualified for the final Saturday and Sunday morning, there will be live English speak via Clipmyhorse. And if your present at the event you can just log in at your Clipmyhorse to follow the speak.

Impressive lists for both stallion licensing and CDI

For sure Europe´s best young stallions will be in Herning, and at same time the best Danish combinations are ready for the first observation event prior to the Olympic team selection. Further more the field of young horses for the championship are with best breeding combinations.

Below you find the direct links for the event:

Informations

Start and results

Schedule

Clipmyhorse

Blue Hors secured another one of the best young KWPN stallions to Denmark

Blue Hors Monte Carlo TC during KWPN licensing - photo credit: Timo Martis

Right before next weeks Danish Warmblood stallion licensing, stud Blue Hors made an announcement today, that they have purchased half of a very attractive stallion, now named Blue Hors Monte Carlo TC.

One of H2R top favourites before and during the KWPN stallion licensing was this expressive super supple and well balanced Glock´s Dream Boy / United / Jazz son.

Danish stud Blue Hors has now secured themselves as co-owners together with the present owners, Tim Coomans, Joop van Uytert and Nico Witte.

As a foal Monte Carlo was sold at Excellent Dressage Sale for 19.000 euro.

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Super Nova II and Spencer Wilton back in business after 1,5 year break

The CDI4 Grand Prix class in Lier with huge British imprint

Tonights winner 17 year old Super Nova II by De Niro ridden by Spencer Wilton showed a strong over all test.

Last time this combination showed was September 2018 at WEG in Tryon where they were placed as individual 15 in the Grand Prix, and secured the British team their bronze medal, including Olympic Tokyo team qualification. Unfortunately Super Nova got very excited by the price giving ceremony, and for the subsequent training the day after he didn’t felt ok, and Spencer had to withdraw from further competition. Spencer Wilton has been suffering from back problems, and during 2019 he has undergone a back surgery himself.

Today they were strongly back at the international scene. Before the start signal Super Nova looked quite tense, but Spencer really managed to keep him focused all the way, and the entire test was with clearly statement of their long time partnership. No technical errors, just a few minor issues mainly from tensions, but they managed to keep their high standard all the way.

After the test Spencer told that they were both really nervous, “I was hoping at 17 years old he would plod round, but no such luck 😊”, Spencer said.

Team competition between Britain and The Netherlands

Today’s “team competition” went to Britain, as also Sonnar Murray with Erlentanz and Gareth Hughes with KK Woodstock were showing strong tests, where only Adelinde Cornelissen with Aqiedo was able to challenge the Brits placed as no 3 today.

Stalion sport test comes up live from Verden 7 & 8 March (Clipmyhorse)

4 year old

5 year old

Entries CDI5 and CDI3 Herning DEN 5 - 8 March

First important observation event for the Danish combinations towards the Olympic

When Herning comes up it will of course be with very sharp eyes for the Danish combinations from the national coach Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, as she stated earlier this year.

National coach Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein states: - It has been a great wish to have a 5-star competition for Denmark. And it is amazing that the Danish Warmblood has fulfilled that wish. It shows that we are a very strong nation, that we can do something together. DWB 5-star Dressage will be an important part of the riders' preparation for the Olympics, and all riders at the Danish A-team will be at start either in the 5-star or the 3-star competition. - the competitions in Herning will be observers prior to the selection of the team for the Olympics. We get to see the potential Olympic candidates together and that will make the competitions very interesting, continues the national coach, who complements: - We have to select in the A-squad after DWB 5-star Dressage, which is why the competitions in Herning become extremely important.

CDI5 entries:

CDI3 entries:

Træning af Ungheste - Eksperter med stor erfaring og masser engagement

Christian Springborg, Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen og Mette Sejbjerg Jensen - photo: Helgstrand Dressage

Spændende søndag formiddag fra unghestearrangement hos Helgstrand Dressage

Selvom man ikke havde tilmeldt sig arrangementet, havde man alligevel mulighed for at følge med fra tæt hold, da Helgstrand Dressage havde valgt at livestreame fra søndagens ungheste arrangement.

En interessant og lærerig formiddag i selskab med de tre unge eksperter, Christian Springborg som er Avlsmanager og ansvarlig for Ny Ravnstrup (ungheste og tilridning), Christian er uddannet agronom, samt de to uddannede beridere Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen og Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.

Streamingen startede med en båndet udsendelse fra Ny Ravnstrup, hvor Christian Springborg viste rundt, alt imens han fortalte om faciliteterne og de unge heste, som talte årets indkøbte føl, plage og nytilredne unge heste.

Derfra gik turen til Helgstrand Dressage hvor deltagerne fik en grundig teoretisk gennemgang af hvordan teamet starter de unge heste op, helt fra første håndtering, over første longering, til den unge hest er klar til at gå med rytter, og sidst men ikke mindst sikkerheden som naturligvis altid er i højsædet.

Efterfølgende var der praktisk gennemgang med tre unge heste som blev vist under rytter, og her var de alle tre i aktion, hvor tilskuerne kunne følge med i hvilke ting der blev fokuseret på, når rytteren var i sadlen.

Det var tydeligt et super engageret team, som var klar til at dele deres erfaringer og viden med publikum.

Et spændende arrangement med livestreaming, som bestemt også fangede ude i stuerne.

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VIDEO - Daniel Bachmann Andersen is excited about his job as test rider of the young Danish Warmblood horses in Herning

Daniel Bachmann Andersen - photo credit: H2R

Test rider of the best 5 year old Danish Warmblood horses qualified for the Young Horse Championship 2020 is 29 year old Blue Hors rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen.

Daniel Bachmann Andersen is educated in Germany, and part of the team at stud Blue Hors. We all know Daniel from his international successes with among other the Blue Hors stallions, Blue Hors Zack, Blue Hors Don Olymbrio and Blue Hors Veneziano.

During the year Daniel is also doing clinics and some teaching, both in Denmark and abroad, and he is really looking forward to his new challenge as test rider of the 24 best young horses in Herning.

The test riding takes place in Boxen arena, Saturday morning from 9.00 am - 12.00 am and again Sunday morning from 8.30 am to 10.00 am.

REMEMBER - Daniel will speak Danish during the testing, but for the foreign spectators there will be English speak live at Clipmyhorse, whether your sitting in the arena or at home (just log into your Clipmyhorse account - Premium membership required).

Remember to choose subtitles when watching the video here below (for English)

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FEI Dressage World Cup™ WEL 2019/2020: Dazzling Dufour and Cassidy triumph again in Gothenburg

Fierce battle continues for German places at series Final in Las Vegas  

Not for the first time, Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour and her mighty little chestnut gelding Atterupgaards Cassidy stole Swedish hearts when winning tonight’s tenth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League at the Scandinavium Arena in Gothenburg (SWE).  

The Danish pair have a particular affinity with this city, taking bronze here in both the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle at the FEI European Championships staged in 2017 and then returning to win the FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in 2018.  And today they were unbeatable once more, despite a shaky start in yesterday’s Grand Prix in which they had to settle for third place after a nasty stumble in their first extended trot and an error of course at the end of their test. 

"I’ve had him 10 years now and he’s really special for me and my family. I think I owe this horse everything - he kind of created my career and I am really truly enjoying every time I ride down the centreline because he’s 17 years old and you never know what happens. He feels great and is super-sound, but you just have remember to enjoy every single ride!” 

Cathrine Dufour (DEN)

Dufour said tonight after pinning Germany’s Benjamin Werndl and Frederic Wandres into third.

Sweden’s Paulinda Friberg and Di Lapponia T kicked off the action after the half-time break with a new leading mark of 74.145, but Wandres soared out in front when posting 81.465 with Duke of Britain for a test that oozed power and pzazz. Their coordination with their musical score was superb. 

“We used this music for the first time at London Olympia at Christmas and it was good, today is only the second time we do it and when the crowd started clapping on the last line I knew it was not too bad again!” said the rider who finished his performance with extravagant one-handed passage to the delight of the spectators.

Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Dark Legend, who posted a personal-best yesterday when claiming runner-up spot in the Grand Prix, also produced some fabulous passage on their way to a mark of 81.030, but then Dufour blew the whole competition wide open. Cassidy sparkled as they collected 9s for extended trot and 10s for canter pirouette, and when 87.860 went up on the board that was always going to be tough to beat.

The penultimate partnership of Sandra Dahlin and Ichi have been making the headlines all week because this is a horse that comes with a fascinating story. The Dahlin family won Ichi’s mother in a raffle at Gothenburg Horse Show 17 years ago, and the 14-year-old mare has done them proud. As Show Director, Tomas Torgersen, said this evening some new riders who have been given an opportunity to compete at Gothenburg Horse Show this year and they have blossomed. Dahlin is one of those, showing tremendous talent when steering her mare into fifth place both yesterday and again today in only the fourth international outing of their career together. 

Last man in was yesterday’s winner Benjamin Werndl, and the crowd watched intently as he consistently racked up strong scores with Daily Mirror, but when 86.170 went up on the board he had to settle for second place behind Dufour. He was far from disappointed however, in fact he said he was “super happy” because this week he has made a breakthrough in piaffe which has sometimes been problematic with this horse. “I’m looking forward to the next competitions now. I always said he’s the best horse I ever sat on, the only thing was the piaffe could be better, but if he does it like he did today then who knows what can happen!”
 
With just one more Western European League qualifier left to run, in ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) in three weeks’ time, many of the riders are thinking ahead to the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas (USA) in April. Dufour explained that she won’t compete there as she is aiming both Cassidy and her younger horse Bohemian, who topped the opening leg of the WEL series on home ground in Herning (DEN) last October, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

But both runner-up Werndl and third-placed Wandres have it clearly in their sights - if they get the opportunity. “I’d like to go to both Vegas and Tokyo! I have two horses so I will have to discuss with our national trainers. If I go to Vegas I will go with Famoso” Werndl said.

But as Wandres explained it’s not just as easy as that. As it stands tonight, German riders hold the top four places on the WEL leaderboard of which just two will be permitted to join their compatriot and defending champion, Isabell Werth, in the battle for the 2020 title. Top of the table ahead of the 11th and last leg is Jessica von Bredow Werndl, followed by her brother Benjamin Werndl, then Wandres and in fourth is Helen Langehanenberg.

"I’m proud to be German but sometimes it’s not so easy in the dressage ring to be a German rider because there’s always a big fight for the three spots for the World Cup Final. And there’s one more show in March so everything is still open and we have to fight until the end. But if I have a chance to go for sure I will take it because it’s a dream for me, especially with this horse. We came into the Grand Prix sport together and this would be something special!"

Frederic Wandres (GER)

Result here 

WEL Standings here