The Equestrian Blog

European Eventing Championships

The FEI European Eventing Championships start today at Fontainebleau (FRA) and run until the 27 September. The championships include a full line-up of 18 nations who have nominated riders.

British hopes rest with Oliver Townend, winner of Badminton and Burghley this year, record seven-time European medalist William Fox-Pitt and Tina Cook, who won team and individual bronze at the 2008 Olympics. They are joined by three European newbies Lucy Wiegersma, Nicola Wilson and Piggy French.

France has won team silver 7 times since 1993 and individual gold with local hero Nicholas Touzaint in 2007, they have yet to win team gold.

Germany is seen as the strong favourite but hasn't won team gold for 40 years, a fact they are looking to change.

The European Eventing Championships began in 1953 and the UK can boast 20 team and 17 individual gold medals won by celibrated riders like Lucinda Green, Ian Stark, Pippa Funnell and Zara Phillips. Supreme Rock ridden by Pippa Funnell is the only horse to have won back-to-back titles, in 1999 and 2001. Ginny Elliot (GBR) is the only rider to have won the European title 3 times, which she did it in succession in 1985, 1987 and 1989. Ginny is now the Irish team trainer. William Fox-Pitt has won the most European medals with 5 team golds and 2 individual silvers. This will be his 7th European Eventing Championship.

This years course designer is Pierre Michelet and France has hosted the FEI European Championships twice before, in Haras du Pin (1969) and Pau (2001)

Follow the action and get full details of the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship 2009 at www.fontainebleau2009.com

Gate Theft Kills Horses at Timbertops Equestrian Centre

The callous theft of field gates at Timbertops Equestrian Centre has resulted in four horses being killed on the A1.

The four horses were killed after straying onto the A1 motorway after their field gates were stolen. The horses escaped from the field near Wentbridge, on the border of West and North Yorkshire, after the gates were stolen at the weekend.

Four of the horses were hit by vehicles on the nearby A1. Three died at the scene and a fourth was put to sleep by a local vet.

Anyone with information about the gate theft is urged to contact York CID. The gates were stolen between 3pm on Saturday and 12:15am on Sunday. The field belongs to
the Timbertops Equestrian Centre... full story

Carl Hester Makes It 50 National Titles

Carl Hester has succeeded in winning his 50th National Title.

Winning the grand prix at the national dressage championships on Donald McTaggart's Liebling ll and then the intermediaire I freestyle on Sasha Stewart's breeding stallion Uthopia means Carl has won a title every day since Thursday, starting with the prix st georges, then yesterday's intermediaire I, both on Uthopia.

In the grand prix Liebling ll scored 71.36%, beating last year's National champions Maria Eilberg and Two Sox into second place. Third place went to Steph Croxford and Mr President, who scored 67.40%.

The Equestrian Oscars

FEI - The International Federation of Equestrian Sport has launched The Equestrian Oscars.

The FEI has said the awards will...  "celebrate the equestrian community and pay tribute to heroes in the sport."

FEI President HRH Princess Haya, said:

"These awards will not only recognise the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and tomorrow but they will also bring together all those involved in the sport around the world."

An international judging panel chaired by Princess Haya will select the winners.

The Equestrian Oscars will be presented to the winners at the FEI gala dinner in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 November 2009.

The five categories are:

• Athlete of the Year — to a rider, driver or vaulter who has shown exceptional sportsmanship and prowess
• Rising Star — to a promising rider between the ages of 14-21. Sponsored by HSBC
• Development — for a development project, individual or organisation that has contributed most to the sport. Sponsored by Alltech.
• Against All Odds — to celebrate an outstanding disabled rider of any age
• Groom of the Year — the unsung hero behind the scenes

Enter your nomination at www.feiawards.org. The Deadline for entries is 17th October 2009.

Clearer Doping and Medication rules from the FEI?

The biggest ever shake up of horse sport has been unveiled by the FEI.

An independent review of anti-doping and testing procedures as well as vastly increased stable security at competition venues are key points being looked at in a series of recommendations to combat doping in horse sport.

The recommendations were announced by Lord Stevens, the former chief of the Metropoliton Police, who was appointed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in May to investigate doping practices in equestrian sport.

Lord Steven's appointment followed the six positive dope test at last year's Olympics and the sacking of the entire German equestrian team.

The FEI are hoping the recommendations will stamp out doping and protect riders and their horses.