The Bolesworth International will return in June 2024 as a two-week back-to-back summer festival tour.
Taking place over the 6 – 9 June and the 12 – 16 June 2024, the first weekend of the event will have more of an industry focus, whilst the second will focus on attracting the public with lifestyle and entertainment elements like 2023, as well as an Eventing Grand Prix, Mini Major and Puissance class.
Both weekends will incorporate similar schedules with CSI 3*/CSI 1*/CSI Am/CSI YH (5, 6 & 7yo)/CSICh/CSIP classes, with riders able to take advantage of a total of six Longines Ranking classes over the course of the event, including two 1.55m Grand Prix.
The Bolesworth Elite Auction will take place on Friday 7 June, with applications taken soon for foals due early in 2024, yearlings and exclusive implanted embryos.
The full schedule will be announced in due course.
The new format for the Bolesworth International means that the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, incorporating the FEI World Breeding Championship qualifiers will unfortunately not take place in 2024.
Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Managing Director said: “We’re hugely excited by this new format and our plans for 2024, as our priority at Bolesworth remains developing equestrian events to a world-class standard now and into the future.
“The decision to not move forward with the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships was extremely difficult, and we are hugely grateful for the support we have had from the team at Al Shira’aa and all our other partners to date. All options were investigated to retain the event, but unfortunately, the need to consolidate and use infrastructure for two weeks meant finding a suitable date to run it back-to-back with the International was not possible.
‘We feel strongly that it’s so important for our up-and-coming riders and horses to have opportunities to jump at an international level over more than one week at the same venue; before this, riders have had to travel abroad to find, and look forward to hosting six ranking classes over the 11-day period, including two CSI3* 1.55m Grand Prix’s.”
Iain Graham, CEO of British Showjumping said: “We are very grateful for the backing of Al Shira’aa and the team at Bolesworth in the support and profile they have given to the Young Horse Championships. Next year will see Nina and the team at Bolesworth host two CSI 3* competitions in June, and we as a sport are very fortunate to continue to have the opportunity to compete at this level at this fabulous venue in Cheshire!”
Our advocate Emily King is thrilled to be competing at her first Burghley, although she first came here as a baby of nine months old when her mother Mary King won the event in 1996. Emily tells us how her preparations have gone and her expectations for the weekend ahead at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
“I am so excited to be competing here myself although, I’ve been here many times with Mum so it helps to know how it all works. I’m on a super horse with Valmy Biats and this will be my third year with him, so I am getting to know him really well and really getting him in tune with me. I’ve done a few five stars on him but it is my first Burghley so it would be great complete. I am a very competitive person, so I’d love to give it a really good shot but ultimately, I want him to come home safe and sound and the main aim is just to have a completion. If I can jump clear on the cross country and jump clear on the last day, even better and if I can do all that and be competitive then that’s just a bonus. I want to prioritise just getting through that finish line.
“I have had some good four-star short runs. He went to Badminton in the wet and had a really good spin until I found that he was finding the going just a bit too relentless and he’s such a trying horse I didn’t want to break his spirit or actually break him and cause a problem to happen by being a bit greedy. If he was telling me he was a bit tired I wanted to save him for another day which is what I did. I rerouted to Luhmhulen where we had an annoying glance off cross-country which was his first 20 penalties on the cross-country, in his life so that’s not really him, we just had a bit of a miscommunication. Apart from that he jumped phenomenally, and show jumped super on the last day. Then he was third at Burgham more recently. I am very happy with where he is fitness is at and everything crossed that we can have a good week.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner in Valmy, he’s a super horse and a very good jumper. He’s very brave and bold and I do think a bigger track suits him, but this is quite big! I am interested to see how he copes here on Saturday compared to Badminton. We are on the top of the ground here which will surely help.
“I was pleased with my dressage as have been working to improve his way of going since Luhmuhlen and he’s learnt a huge amount. Parts of his test were the best he’s ever done but we made some little mistakes in our test. When we get everything perfect he’s going to be a proper 20s scoring horse. But it’s all to play for in the cross-country.”
Day one of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Show got off to a great start. Below is a summary of the highlights from the day.
Ashdale Sports Horses 4 Year Old Qualifier
43 of the 77 starters jumped clear in the Ashdale Sports Horses 4-Year-Old Qualifier and therefore have qualified directly for Saturday’s Final and have been placed equal first in this A1 class. The remaining 34 combinations will have to jump clear in tomorrow’s qualifier in order to qualify for the final.
Dallamires Stables 5 Year Old Qualifier
The second class of the day in the International ring was the Dallamires Stables 5-year-old qualifier, where 124 horse and rider combinations were hoping to jump clear and qualify for the Final on Saturday. 52 jumped clear and placed equal first. Unlike in the 4-Year-Old Qualifier, the competitors must jump both qualifiers and are awarded points depending on their finishing positions. Tomorrow’s qualifier will be a two-phase competition where each combination will jump against the clock in the second phase where the top 50 will be decided across both qualifiers and qualify for their final on Saturday.
Windmill Farm Estate 6-Year-Old Qualifier
Over in the castle ring we kicked off with the first of the Windmill Farm Estate 6-year-old qualifiers, where we had 110 starters in the two-phase competition. Benjamin Bick came out on top, riding John Renwick’s, “Michelob” just only 0.11 seconds over Nicole Pavitt in a second. The second qualifier will take place on Friday morning and will be when we find out which combinations qualify for the 6-year-old final on Sunday.
Benjamin Bick with Michelob (GBR
Nicole Pavitt with Cornet of Follyfoot (GBR)
Nicole Lockhead Andeson with Quanthargos PS (GBR)
Photos courtesy of 1st Class Images
Helite UK CSI1* 1.25
The first of our International classes was the Helite UK CSI 1* 1.25 in the Castle Arena. This two-phase was won by the ever consistent, Mark Edwards and Casque d’OR (owned by Amber Bundock) in a time of 21.76, beating Tallulah Mackenzie Smith in second and Lucille Jane Porter in third.
Mark Edwards with Casque d’OR (GBR)
Tallulah Mackenzie Smith with Karaibes (GBR)
Lucille Jane Porter with Lufrieda (GBR)
Al Shira’aa 7 Year Old Qualifier
A dominant performance once again from Ben Bick saw him and Diamonds Diabolo Z take the win in the Al Shira’aa 7-year-old qualifier where he also took third, with John Crippen snatching second. Out of the 79 starters, 23 jumped double clear and 16 combinations in the prize money. The second qualifier on Friday will determine the top 50 that will qualifier for Sunday’s final.
LeMieux CSI2* 1.30
The final class of the day in the Castle ring was the first of the LeMieux 2* classes. Kara Whiteway came out on top of the hotly contested 1.30 class out of 74 combinations, with a time of 21.92 just under a second ahead of Ireland’s Sven Headley and Philip Spivey in third.
An exclusive collection of elite foals and implanted embryos from black-type dams will be auctioned at Bolesworth this Friday 18 August at 8.30pm.
The Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction presented by Gallagher takes place during the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, taking place at the historic Cheshire castle from 16th – 20th August.
The auction will commence with two charity lots offering semen for Ecclestone Z and Chacco Bay, in aid of Nature’s Safe, the charity masterminded by Tullis Matson. These will be followed by two implanted embryos and 22 foals, with the foals available to view online now or in-person at the show from 17th August. An official preview will take place in the Bolesworth International Arena on Thursday evening at approx. 8.30pm, available to watch live on ClipMyHorse.tv.
Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth said: “It’s an absolute privilege for the Bolesworth team and I to be showcasing this exclusive collection of foals and embryos out of black-type dams, destined for the top of equestrian sport”.
“Not only are these foals out of seriously well-related dams, many of whom have competed at the highest level of sport, we have some of the best sires ever represented in this collection”.
“It’s a Bolesworth first to be presenting a direct Heartbreaker foal, together with legends Chacco Blue, Diamant De Semilly, Cornet Obolensky, Aganix De Seigneur, and the late Conthargos represented to name a few”.
The five-day Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International Horse Championship is free* to attend and showcase’s the UK’s rising talent as they compete for their place at the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken, Belgium in September. Top international names such John Whitaker, William & Pippa Funnell, Billy Twomey and others will be competing in international showjumping, with 1.45m Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
There’ll also be equestrian and lifestyle shopping, food, drink, kids activities and a dog zone with have-a-go agility.
*Please note a parking charge applies. Buy online ahead of the event for just £5 plus fees, or £10 on the gate.
The final day at the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show on Sunday delivered plenty of intense action across all classes, from the ultra-competitive big-money Dodson & Horrell CSI3* Grand Prix, to the fun Fancy Dress Mini Major pairs relay.
The climax of the week came when title partner Dodson & Horrell’s 1.50m Grand Prix took to the ring. It was won by Louise Saywell with Kingsborough Kasper, second was Angelie Von Essen on Daniel and third, Robert Murphy on How Easy.
This highly-revered event at Bolesworth has been developed for the best of the best, the one riders aspire to win and is a huge test for both horse and rider. After two rounds of qualification, 50 riders were seeded through to the main event.
The course was designed by world renowned course designer Louis Konickx. Before the start of the class, Louis stated that he was using the event to test a few ideas ahead of designing the course at the World Championships at Herning in Denmark next month. Consequently, the course proved to be challenging, big and technical with a tight time resulting in only three riders going clear in the first round.
The top 25 per cent went through to the second round carrying faults forward from round one. The only three to go clear in round one put in faultless performances to fill the podium, with Louise Saywell leading from the front. She said: “I’m totally ecstatic with Kasper. In his last three or four Grand Prix’s he’s been double clear and in the top five. He won the last one at Keysoe two star, so this was a big one. He hadn’t done a 1.50m, but he’s just got such a lot of talent. We always believed he could do it, however, until they are doing it, you never know.”
-CSI 3* Grand Prix winner Louise Saywell with Kingsborough Kasper Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show 2022
Earlier in the day, Bolesworth’s managing director Nina Barbour donned her riding boots and won the opening class on home turf. She won the Röwer & Rüb Amateur 1.25m Grand Prix on her 12-year-old mare Ardis. Nina said: “I’m delighted with my horse Ardis; she is actually owned by my mum, Diana Barbour. She’s back from injury which has taken a few years but she’s a little star and I’m really happy with her.”
The Le Mieux CSI3* Mini Major class has always been a Bolesworth crowd-pleaser and didn’t disappoint. Professional and pony riders, all kitted out in fancy dress, engaged in a competition to each complete a round in the quickest time, with the fewest faults. The youngsters thrilled the Bolesworth crowd with their skill and determination and Guy Williams with team-mate Alex Leggott won the class in convincing style.
Elsewhere at the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Show, the Ride & Drive relay on Thursday, headed by England football legend Michael Owen and supported by Lexus Chester, kept the crowd on their feet cheering as the riders and drivers charged around the Bolesworth International arena.
The Science Supplements A-List Auction was presented to an enthusiastic audience on Friday evening, attracting intense bidding. Amazing Luck Z, a stunning 5-year-old gelding by Aganix out of the full sister of Cian O’Connor’s top ride Good Luck, topped the Ridden Lot, selling to Ireland for £105,000, while the hammer dropped on the Chacco Blue Yearling Chacornwall JHH Z at £36,000.
It was Ladies Day on Saturday where many hospitality guests took the opportunity to put on their glam rags to win exclusive prizes from the team at Liverpool One. And, throughout the weekend the show took on a family-orientated theme with dog shows, dog agility, pony rides and a Dressage horse simulator among the non-equestrian activities.
The next event at Bolesworth is the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, 10– 14August. This five-day young-horse showcase will feature additional attractions for the whole family and incorporate the World Breeding Jumping Championship Qualifiers for 2022. International Showjumping will run alongside the classes.
For more information on the Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show and Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, visit: www.bolesworthinternational.com
Sunday Day 5 Results Roundup:
Dodson & Horrell CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix
1. GBR Louise Saywell/Kingsborough Kasper, 2. SWE Angelie Von Essen/Daniel, 3. GBR Robert Murphy/How Easy, 4. GBR Adrian Speight/Millfield Balony, 5. GBR Anna Power/McQueen, 6. GBR Yazmin Davis/Zanbowa Z, 7. GBR William Funnell/Equine America Billy Diamo, 8. IRL Anthony Condon/Sfs Vincomte, 9. GBR Annabel Shields/Creevagh Carisma, 10. IRL David Simpson/Medoc de Toxandria.
Röwer & Rüb Amateur 1.25m Grand Prix
1. GBR Nina Barbour/Ardis, 2. GBR Tony Pearson/Berlin, 3. GBR Dafydd Watkin Jones/Quando de L’Ecuyer
Le Mieux CSI3* Mini Major
1. GBR Guy Williams/Alex Leggott, 2. GBR Jay Halim/Summer Weirzbicki, 3. GBR Robert Murphy/Annabel Widdowson.
Cavago CSI3* 1.35m
1. GBR Harry Wainwright/Pinheiro Beech, 2. GBR Louise Saywell/Sharp Image, 3. GBR Mark Edwards/Ede Peasy.
Al Shira’aa CSI-YH 7-year-old Final
1. GBR James Whitaker/Just Call Me Henry, 2. GBR Louise Saywell/King Blue, 3. GBR James Smith/Wicked Vancouver.
Beaverbrooks CSI YH 5-year-old Final
1. GBR Emma Stoker/Comme Ci, Comme Ca, 2. GBR Drew Walton/Solid Gold Hs Z, 3. GBR Carmen Edwards/Escape The Gossip.
The British trio of Oliver Townend, Laura Collett and Tom McEwen rewrote the history books by becoming the first British eventing team to win Olympic gold since 1972. All three riders played their part in taking the title with a comfortable lead, with solid performances in each discipline.
Julia Krajewksi also made history by becoming the first female rider to take the individual Olympic title riding her lovely mare Amande de B’Neville. When the Games last took place in Tokyo back in 1964 the USA’s Lana du Pont was the first woman to compete in the three-day event, so female firsts and the Tokyo Olympics seem to be intertwined.
The 32-year-old German rider has had a really tough year, beginning with the passing of her father and then having to retire her top horse Samurai du Thot after he had his eye removed due to an infection. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games seemed an impossible target after that, but when the young mare she calls Mandy won the CCI4* in Saumur, France and the pair took bronze at the German Championships in the spring, then suddenly the horizon was completely altered. Now, 20 years after winning her first Pony title for the German team, now she is an Olympic gold medallist.
“It’s the stuff that movies are made of, and yes I cried, because I was thinking of my family and my father and basically everyone who has been behind me. This is very much a fairytale finish for me!”, she said.
Julia Krajewksi also made history by becoming the first female rider to take the individual Olympic title.
In the battle for the remaining Individual podium places it was Britain’s Tom McEwen who took the silver while Australia’s Andrew Hoy clinched the bronze. After Oliver and Laura faulted again in the second round to put them out of contention for a medal. Hoy’s result was particularly impressive, because the three-time team gold medallist has now participated at eight Olympic Games dating back to Los Angeles in 1984. He was only 25 years old then, and today at the age of 62 he’s as fearless and competitive as ever.
Tom at 30, is half the age of Andrew and looks set on a long road of future medals, while Andrew was keen to declare that he’s not hanging up his boots anytime soon.
“When I started in the sport I was really proud of being the youngest person in the team and now it’s just an absolute joy that I’m still here and so healthy. When people meet me in the Olympic Village they say, you are an official are you? And they look a bit surprised when I say no, I’m an athlete!”
Tom McEwen, Julia Krajewksi and Andrew Hoy receiving their individual medals.
In the team competition Tom paved the path to the British team victory with a superb round from Toledo de Kerser. A four-fence advantage and more after the previous day’s cross-country test had left the Brits sitting comfortably ahead.
“He was incredible”, he said of the horse, “I just put him on the spot and he was up and away. Everyone that follows Eventing knows he’s a great jumper so it’s just up to me on top”, he added.
Laura had a scary moment when London 52 baulked at the water tray at fence four and scattered poles everywhere but his talented rider gathered both their nerves.
“He started like his normal self but just as I came around the corner the light shone on the water and he suddenly started to draw back and I was quite far off it and he just went up and paddled. I was lucky he’s such a great jumper and it didn’t faze him and he got it back together and finished really nicely. I’m gutted and it’s a shame but I think it could have been a whole lot worse! I just hope I haven’t put too much pressure on Oliver”, she said.
Oliver Townend was heading the Individual rankings going into the closing stages after a sensational run in both Dressage and Cross-Country with Ballaghmor Class. The first element of the double at fence nine, four fences from home, hit the floor but that still left Team GB finishing on a score of 86.30 and under no threat from their closest rivals.
The real fight for medals was between Australia and France, but the Ozzie’s eventually clinched the silver with two clears from Kevin McNab and Andrew Hoy but the two sides were separated by just 1.3 penalties.
Oliver Townend summed up the feeling in the British Camp. “It’s very unreal and hasn’t sunk in yet but at same time we were three riders on exceptional horses and that’s what’s been so special. All three of us have been on horses of a lifetime and we knew that coming here we had a very good chance. Looking back at the whole week I feel relieved and very proud of the whole team, not just the people here, but the whole team at home, people who put in the hard graft every day – they deserve this as well.”
The British eventing team, Olympic Gold medallists, Tom McEwen, Laura Collett and Oliver Townend.
Global Equestrian Group, Waterland Private Equity, and Wellington Equestrian Partners join forces to invest in the Globalization of Equestrian Sport.
Andreas Helgstrand, CEO of Global Equestrian Group (GEG) and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) announced an unprecedented partnership focused on developing international equestrian sport. GEG, will acquire the Wellington, Florida based Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and will invest in WEP equestrian lifestyle initiatives. WEP’s largest partners, Mark Bellissimo, Roger Smith, Lisa Lourie, and Marsha Dammerman as well as Michael Stone will co-invest in GEG. Mark Bellissimo and PBIEC have transformed Wellington into the world’s premiere destination for equestrian enthusiasts, with competitions and events across more than 40 weeks every year. PBIEC is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, spanning 13 weeks and is the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian sports event. 4,000 families, 8,000 horses, and 250,000 spectators from 43 different countries converge on Wellington to compete for over USD 12 million in prize money. A recent independent economic study highlighted the Winter Equestrian Festival’s annual economic impact on Palm Beach County of USD 279 million of total expenditures and 150,000 bed nights. GEG is part of Waterland Private Equity, who manage a global investment portfolio in excess of USD 11 billion.
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) was founded by Mark Bellissimo and Wellington Equestrian Partners in 2006 and has contributed to transforming both equestrian sport and Wellington, Florida’s position as the world’s premiere destination for equestrian enthusiasts. It attracts some of the biggest names in the sport and the team behind it are hugely respected as “game changers” within the industry.
PBIEC operates 16 competition arenas, 2,500 stalls, and provides participants and spectators with a variety of exclusive restaurants, shopping, hospitality areas, and other first-class facilities. PBIEC management will remain intact with Mark Bellissimo continuing as CEO, Michael Stone as President, and David Burton as Chief Operating Officer. The GEG initiative will launch major investments in all areas of the facility ensuring that PBIEC will continue to be the preeminent sport horse venue in the world with increased exposure in Europe, Asia, and South America. The purchase includes an 11-acre expansion of the Showgrounds. To ensure continuity, the WEP partners required a 50-year deed restriction on the venue that guarantees USEF and FEI sanctioned shows on the property. USEF CEO, Bill Moroney, commented, “As always, we are pleased to see a continued investment in US equestrian sport. This significant commitment to world-class facilities, horse and rider welfare, and USEF and FEI competitions further validates the market’s demand, at all levels, for organized sport.” Andreas Helgstrand, co-owner and CEO of GEG added, “The Winter Equestrian Festival and PBIEC are fantastic brands within international equestrian sport. Together, we will strengthen the offering and create a global market leader spreading our passion for equestrian sport and lifestyle to new markets.”
Global Equestrian Group is the world’s leading equestrian sports group based on a partnership between internationally acclaimed Helgstrand and Ludger Beerbaum Stables as well as Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and private equity firm Waterland. The Group has 250 full-time employees. Outside of equestrian events the Group is active in other equestrian investments including Helgstrand Dressage, Ludger Beerbaum Stables, Helgstrand Jewellery, and the equestrian apparel and accessories company Kingsland Equestrian. At present, the total revenue of these combined is USD180 million.
Jessica Springsteen, the daughter of Bruce Springsteen is a regular competitor at PBIEC and will be representing the US at the Tokyo Olympics this year.
GEG will now have event venues in the US, Germany, and Denmark. The partnership will benefit from knowledge sharing and a strengthened positioning of PBIEC within show jumping where Ludger Beerbaum Stables has a unique market position. Furthermore, the partnership enables the Group to leverage PBIEC’s experience and create a European equestrian sports event company. ”Our goal is to enhance equestrian sport by providing superior venues and top sport so riders across the world can live out their passions and dreams. With the acquisition of PBIEC, we now have the perfect setting to do this in the US and with our current expansion of Riesenbeck International in Germany we will have two top professional and attractive showgrounds,” says Ludger Beerbaum, four-time Olympic gold medalist in jumping and co-owner of Global Equestrian Group. Bellissimo added, “We are pleased to be collaborating with both Andreas and Ludger, whose passion and commitment to equestrian sport is extraordinary. Opportunities abound to take the sport to a new level.” GEG and WEP are evaluating further investment opportunities in Wellington including a new state of the art Global Dressage Festival showgrounds.”
The investment behind this comes from Waterland, an independent private equity investment group that supports entrepreneurs in realizing their growth ambitions. With substantial financial resources from the firm’s eighth fund of EUR 2.6 billion and committed industry expertise, Waterland enables its portfolio companies to achieve accelerated growth both organically and through acquisitions. To date, Waterland has made investments in over 700 companies.
Bellissimo will be announcing a comprehensive strategy and a series of investments to elevate Wellington as the World’s premiere equestrian lifestyle destination, thus strengthening its international appeal. “The acquisition of PBIEC establishes Global Equestrian Group as a true global market leader in equestrian sports with a strong financial foundation and exciting growth opportunities,” says Kaspar Kristiansen, Managing Director, Waterland Nordic.
In the final part of this series, we look at team GB’s Jumping squad, to see if they have what it takes to win the gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Jumping Squad
Scott Brash (34) based in Horsham, West Sussex (from Peebles, Peeblesshire) with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s Hello Jefferson (bay, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Cooper van de Heffink x Irco Mena.)
Breeder: Bernard Mols BEL, Groom: David Honnet.
Ben Maher (38) based in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, with Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and his own Explosion W (chestnut, gelding, 16.1hh, 12yrs, Chacco-Blue x Baloubet de Rouet.)
Breeder: W Wijnen NED, Groom: Cormac Kenny.
Holly Smith (30) based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, with Ian Dowie’s Denver (bay, gelding, 17.1hh, 13yrs, Albfueheren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy.)
Breeder: MG and AA Woertman NED, Groom: Kate Dodd.
Travelling reserve
Harry Charles (21) based in Alton, Hampshire, with Ann Thompson and his own Romeo 88 (bay, gelding, 17hh, 12yrs, Contact van de Heffinck x Orlando.)
Team GB Chef de Mission for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mark England, said: “We are delighted to welcome returning Olympic gold medallists Scott and Ben to Team GB for the Tokyo Olympic Games who add an incredible amount of experience to this exciting side. I’d also like to congratulate Holly on her selection; a pivotal moment as she becomes the first female named on the Team GB jumping team in 45 years and we have no doubt that this debut Games will be a very special experience for both her and her teammates.”
Speaking about the selection, British Equestrian Performance Director and Equestrian Team Leader for Tokyo, Richard Waygood, said; “This is an exciting squad with three riders and incredibly talented horses in peak form ahead of the Games despite the challenges of competing with a COVID restricted calendar. There’s a great mix of experience and youth and will be a great sense of camaraderie in the camp as we strive to push for podium performances.”
The Jumping Squad Facts
● Holly Smith is the first woman to make an Olympic Showjumping team since 1976 when Debbie Johnsey just missed out on an individual medal in Montreal.
● Holly runs a hugely successful producing and dealing business with her husband Graham. Horses they have discovered for relatively low prices include Dougie Douglas who gave Holly her first big break; and Quarrycrest Echo who won eventing team gold at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon with Piggy French.
● Holly has juggled professional show jumping and running a successful business with being a mum to Rosie. She also hunts in her spare time. Rosie is also turning out to be a chip off the old block and proving a fearless and talented rider.
● In London 2012 Ben Maher and Scott Brash won Team GB’s first show jumping gold medal for 60 years.
● Reserve rider Harry Charles is the son of Peter Charles who also helped win the team gold in 2012 alongside Scott, Ben and Nick Skelton.
● This will be Hollie and Harry Charles’ first Olympic appearance.
● In 2015, Scott became the first and only rider in history to win the Rolex Grand Slam of show jumping- winning all three of the sport’s most prestigious events in a year.
● Scott retained the title of World No 1 in the Longines FEI world rankings for a whole 12 months- that is quite a feat.
● Scott’s horse philosophy: “I believe you can only achieve exceptional things if you build a partnership with a horse and that takes time and trust” and “Horses as family, always.”
● This will be Ben Maher’s fourth appearance at an Olympic Games. He first represented Britain in Beijing (2008) followed by London (2012) and then Rio (2016).
● Ben thinks his horse Explosion W is the greatest he has ever sat on. At one stage their future together was in jeopardy as the horse was up for sale. Luckily for Ben, he was bought by owners and Ben retained the ride.
● Explosion W was awarded the accolade of leading show jumping horse in the world in 2019. He is by Chacco Blue who has been one of the best represented horses amongst his progeny at most Championships since 2015. The stallion himself topped the prestigious WBFSH show jumping sire rankings for two years in 2018 and 2019.
● Di Lampard is Team GB’s first female chef d’equipe.
With the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, Horse Scout journalist Ellie Kelly takes a look at the recently selected British Dressage team that will be going for gold this summer.
The Team for Tokyo:
Charlotte Dujardin (35) based in Newent, Gloucestershire with Renai Hart, Carl Hester and her own Gio (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, Apache x Tango.)
Breeders: H J de Jong, A Valk NED, Groom: Alan Davies.
Charlotte (Lottie) Fry (25) based in Den Hout, the Netherlands (from Scarborough, North Yorkshire) with Van Olst Horses and her own Everdale (black stallion, 17.2hh, 12yrs, Lord Leatherdale x Negro.)
Breeder: P Kluytmans NED, Groom: Steven Caley.
Carl Hester (53) based in Newent, Gloucestershire (from Sark, The Channel Islands) with Sandra Biddlecombe, Charlotte Dujardin, Lady Anne Evans and his own En Vogue (darkbay, gelding, 12yrs, 17hh, Jazz x Contango.)
Breeder: A Van der Goor NED, Groom: Lucy Scudamore.
Travelling reserve
Gareth Hughes (50) based in Southam, Warwickshire with Judy Firmston-Williams and his own Sintano Van Hof Olympia (bay, gelding, 16.3hh, 11yrs, Sandro Hit x Silvano.)
Breeder: Hof Olympia NED, Groom: Steph Sharples.
Dressage Facts
● Tokyo will be Carl Hester’s sixth Olympics.
● Both Charlotte’s have been trained by Carl. Lottie Fry started training with Carl at the age of 14.
● Carl was born on the tiny Channel island of Sark, where no cars existed at the time. Transport was by horse or donkey. He started his equestrian career by learning to ride on a donkey and then helping with the local horse-drawn taxi business in his childhood.
● Carl’s Tokyo Olympic ride En Vogue is part owned by Charlotte Dujardin and she produced and competed it until 18 months ago.
● En Vogue lives out in the field most of the time which helps his slightly hot temperament.
● Lottie Fry attributes her talent and her inspiration to her mother. She is the daughter of the late Laura Fry who competed on the British Team winning silver at the Europeans Championships and was part of the team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 but sadly passed away in 2012.
● Lottie moved to Holland in 2014 when she was just 16 years old and has been based there ever since. She was introduced to Anne van Olst by Carl and it is with the Van Olst horses that Lottie has had great success. Anne owns her Olympic horse, Everdale and trains the pair most days.
● Lottie who is ranked 35th in the world, made her senior debut for the British team less than two years ago.
● Charlotte Dujardin is the most successful British rider in dressage history. She has won every major title possible including three gold and one silver Olympic medals, as well as two golds won at the World Equestrian Games. She holds all three world records in the sport and is the only rider to date, to hold the complete set of individual titles at the same time.
● If Charlotte won another individual gold at Tokyo, she would be just the second rider ever to win three successive medals. The first was Holland’s Anky van Grunsven.
● Charlotte, Carl and Lottie finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the FEI Dressage World Cup at the London International Horse Show at Olympia in 2019.
● Carl and Charlotte’s horses work in the school just four days a week. They all hack and get turned out in paddocks most days. Carl and Charlotte are great believers that horses should be allowed to be horses and relax so that schooling and competing isn’t considered as stressful and unpleasant.
● Gareth Hughes grew up in Australia where he competed in Showing and Western riding as well as Dressage.
The news of who has made the cut for the three equestrian teams heading to Tokyo Olympics was announced last week, so we thought we would bring you the story behind the story, with some fun facts about those riders selected to compete. First up, we will look at the British eventing team.
The eventing team:
Laura Collett (31) based in Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Karen Bartlett, Keith Scott and her own London 52 (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Landos x Quinar.)
Tom McEwen (30) based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, with Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns and Ali McEwen’s Toledo de Kerser (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge.)
Oliver Townend (38) based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s Ballaghmor Class (grey, gelding, 14yo, 16.2hh, s. Courage II.)
Breeder: Noel Hicky IRL, Groom: Jess McKie
Travelling reserve- Piggy March (40) based in Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Innocent (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Innocent x Kings Servant.
Breeder: John Mulvey IRL, Groom: Amy Phillip
Eventing
● The last time the British eventing team won a Olympic team gold medal was 1972. Richard Meade (father of Olympic longlisted rider Harry Meade) also won individual gold that year.
● Unlike previous Olympics were there were four riders with one drop score, now only three riders will compete and all scores will count. The fourth rider is a travelling reserve. The last time there were only three riders competing at an Olympics was Mexico City 1968, when Team GB also won team gold. Britain won two of their three team gold medals under the three rider format. Perhaps this is a sign for things to come…
● The 49 year Olympic eventing team’s gold medal absence may be surprising given the Brits are reigning world champions, an accolade won in at the World Equestrian Games, Tryon in 2018, where British rider Ros Canter also picked up the individual title.
● None of the three selected riders or reserve for Tokyo 2021, have ever been on an Olympic team before.
● The four selected horses have all finished either first or second in at least one 5*. Three of the four riders have won at least one 5*.
● Two of the four selected horses are Irish bred. Ballaghmor Class is by Courage II, whilst reserve horse Brookfield Inocent is by Inocent out of a mare by Kings Servant.
● Laura Collett suffered a death defying fall in 2013 and was in an induced coma for six days. She was left partially sighted when a fragment of bone got into her bloodstream and damaged the retina. She has learnt to ride with this disability and it is the reason she competes with special glasses.
● Laura started in the world of showing when she won the Supreme Pony title at the Horse of the Year Show. She then made her first British event team at the age of 15 riding a home-produced pony called Noble Springbok with whom she won individual bronze and team gold at the European Championships.
● Laura won nine medals during her youth career, seven of those were gold and since moving into the senior ranks she has been selected for three European Championships as an individual.
● Tom McEwen is based on the Princess Royal’s Gatcombe estate, a stone’s throw from the yard of the Queen’s granddaughter and fellow eventer, Zara Tindall.
● Tom is from a very horsey background- his father Bobby McEwen is a world renowned equine vet who was on the vet team at Badminton horse trials for 30 years; his mother Ali was a showjumper and his sister Ella competed on two British pony teams. His uncle John McEwen was Vice President of the FEI for eight years.
● Oliver Townend has been a world number one rider on numerous occasions. He was the leading rider on British Eventing points in six of the nine years between 2011-2020.
● Oliver has won six times at five-star level, including three back to back victories at the US 5* Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event.
● Oliver is the son of a milkman from Huddersfield. Despite having no financial leg-up bought the impressive eventing set-up Gadlas Farm, at the age of 25 years old from money made by buying and selling horses.
● Reserve rider, Piggy March (nee French) was the last rider to win Badminton which took place in 2019. She finished 2nd to Laura Collett at Pau in 2020 with Brookfield Inocent- the horse’s 5* debut.
● Piggy earned selection for the 2012 Olympic Games but was forced to withdraw fairly late in the day, due to an injury to her horse.
