Germany bidding for 15th Olympic Dressage team title

Olympic Dressage has long been dominated by Germany. Because since the first edition of the team event in Amsterdam in 1928 only four countries - France, Sweden, what was then the Soviet Union and Great Britain - have ever succeeded in doing so. And with a phenomenal 14 team golds from 21 team contests they arrive at the Paris 2024 Games with a pep in their step once again.

That extra energy is due in no small part to the emergence of a really exciting new partnership between the most decorated athlete in the history of equestrian sport and an exciting new horse. 

At CDIO Aachen 5* a few short weeks ago Werth created a sensation with her performances from the 10-year-old mare Wendy which she only started riding six months ago, posting a hat-trick of victories in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. Scoring 89.95 in the latter she threw down a marker clearly indicating her intentions, and the pair’s selection has given the German team a whole new dimension.

If Wendy takes to the stadium in Versailles with the same level of confidence as she did in Aachen then it’s definitely a game-changer, because when you add that talent to the most consistently successful partnership of recent times in Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera and further solid back-up from Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD then the defending champions looks truly formidable.

Reigning

The British of course have the reigning individual World Champions in their toolkit.

Charlotte Fry, popularly called Lottie, and her black stallion Glamourdale who clinched world championship double-gold in 2022 before going on to take team gold and Freestyle silver at last year’s Europeans were noticeably absent from the competition arena for much of this year. However they did come out to produce a double of wins at the CDI 3* at Aachen, Germany in May and then another two top spots at the 4* at the same venue two weeks ago which suggests they remain a fiercely competitive force to be reckoned with. 

Becky Moody and her 10-year-old home-bred gelding Jagerbomb were British reserves at the 2023 European Championship, and the pair’s third-place finishes in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the World Cup leg in London (GBR) last December placed them even further under the spotlight. Runner-up spot in the Grand Prix Special at CDIO5*-NC Compiègne (FRA) in May and third place in the Grand Prix Special at CDIO5*-NC Rotterdam (NED) in June confirmed the form of the big horse and his popular and talented rider who is also a successful coach and horse-producer working from her base in the Yorkshire countryside in England.

Moody regularly travels more than four hours to train with her team-mate Carl Hester whose presence in these Games is enormous. Not only because he, like the inimitable Werth, is something of an institution in the sport but also because of his massive influence as the trainer of so many other successful athletes and their horses. He has always been a great team player, helping his country to that historic first-ever Olympic team gold on home soil in London in 2012 and to silver at the Rio 2016 Games and then bronze in Tokyo three years ago. 

Together these three Britons are sure to make waves when the Paris action gets underway.  

Veteran

It was Team USA that slotted into silver medal position in Tokyo and two members of that side are lining out once again in Paris. 

Steffen Peters is a veteran of five Olympic Games beginning with Atlanta in 1996 where the US team took bronze and he brings his Tokyo ride, the 16-year-old Suppenkasper who finished fifth in the Grand Prix and fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle at last year’s FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Omaha (USA). Just a few short weeks ago they finished third in the CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle in Aachen (GER) to cement their selection.

Adrienne Lyle, competing at her third Games, brings the 12-year-old gelding Helix who scored numerous victories in Florida (USA) this year before coming to Europe and posting two fifth-placings at Hagen (GER) CDI3* and two runner-up placings CDI4* Kronberg (GER) in June.

Completing the American team is Marcus Orlob who only took over the reins on the 10-year-old mare Jane earlier this year. The pair competed in their first international competition together in March and it’s been a meteoric rise to a place in the US side backed up by good results in Europe too, also at Hagen and Kronberg. 

The reigning world champions and European bronze medallists from Denmark are amongst the 15 countries vying for a place on that Olympic team podium, while in the battle for the individual title the reigning gold and silver medallists are back for more.

And they are both Germans

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is determined to make it happen when she comes out to defend her individual title with Dalera but Werth, who had to settle for silver in Tokyo, has something of a secret weapon in her new ride Wendy. And there are plenty of others whose stars are just waiting to shine. 

What is Dressage?

Germany bidding for 15th Olympic Dressage team title is about training the horse to a high level, highlighting its athleticism and the beauty of its movement and the harmony between horse and rider.
 
How it will play out…..

The FEI Grand Prix test, in which all athletes must participate, will take place on 30 and 31 July and is a qualifier for both the team (Grand Prix Special) and individual competition (Grand Prix Freestyle). The qualification ranking for the team competition will be decided by the combined results of all three team members in the Grand Prix.

Athletes compete in six groups, with three groups competing on each day. The composition of the groups is based on the FEI World Ranking list position of the horse on the date of definite entries.
The top 10 teams in the Grand Prix (including any team tied for 10th place) will qualify for the FEI Grand Prix Special on 3 August which is the team medal-decider.

The FEI Grand Prix test is also the individual qualifier from which the top 18 will go through to the Grand Prix Freestyle Individual Final on Sunday 4 August.  

The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle test is the Individual Final Competition open to 18 combinations qualified from the FEI Grand Prix. The qualified athletes will be the top two combinations from each of the six groups and the combinations with the six next highest scores.

The Dressage Tests are the FEI Grand Prix, the FEI Grand Prix Special and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.
 
Some Facts & Figures

30 countries.

15 teams.

15 countries represented by individual competitors.

60 horse/athlete combinations.

Youngest athlete - 24-year-old Canadian team member Camille Carier Bergeron riding Finnlanderin
Oldest athlete - 65-year-old Juan Antonio Jiminez Cobo from Spain riding Euclides Mor.

Of the 60 athletes competing in Dressage in Paris, 35 (56.65%) are female and  25 (43.35%) are male.

Both British team member Carl Hester, and German team star Isabell Werth will be competing at their seventh Olympic Games.

Both became first-time Olympians in Barcelona in 1992. 

Germany are defending team champions and are chasing down their 15th team title.

In the history of Olympic Dressage, Germany has long been the dominant force taking 14 team and 8 individual titles.

Defending individual champion is Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl riding TSF Dalera BB. Von Bredow-Werndl set a new Olympic record with a score of 84.666 in the Grand Prix Special at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The most medalled athlete in the history of equestrian sport, 55-year-old Isabell Werth from Germany has 12 Olympic medals in her trophy cabinet including six team gold, one individual gold and five individual silver. She claimed her first team gold and individual silver in Barcelona in 1992 and the last at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
 
The Officials

Ground Jury President: Raphaël Saleh (FRA)

Ground Jury Members:

  • Henning Lehrmann (GER)

  • Isobel Wessels (GBR)

  • Mariette Sanders (NED)

  • Magnus Ringmark (SWE)

  • Michael Osinski (USA)

  • Susanne Baarup (DEN)

Judges Supervisory Panel Members: 

  • Andrew Gardner (GBR)

  • Mary Seefried (AUS)

  • Henk van Bergen (NED)

Countries fielding Teams: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and USA. 

Countries fielding Individuals: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, India, Ireland, Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland and Venezuela.

Full List of Nations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, USA and Venezuela.

Timetable here 

PODCAST - Besøg hos Daniel Bachmann Andersen inden afrejse til OL

Et besøg hos Daniel inden afrejsen mod OL til en snak om det at skulle afsted som hold igen sammen med Nanna og Cathrine, og med Nadja som ny på teamet. Drømmene om OL, det vigtige samarbejde med hesteejerne, fysisk og mental forberedelse med fuld fokus op opgaven og meget andet. LYT MED 🎧⬇️

FEI announces provisional suspension of Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)

FEI announces provisional suspension of Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)

The FEI has officially announced the provisional suspension of British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin (FEI ID: 10028440) effective immediately from the date of notification, 23 July 2024.

This decision renders her ineligible to participate in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games or any other events under the jurisdiction of the FEI.

During this period of suspension, she is prohibited from participating in any activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a National Federation (NF). This also includes any FEI or NF-related activities. In addition, the British Equestrian Federation has mirrored this provisional suspension, which also makes Ms. Dujardin ineligible to compete in any national events during this period.

On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video depicting Ms. Dujardin engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. This video was submitted to the FEI by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant. According to the information received, the footage was allegedly taken several years ago during a training session conducted by Ms. Dujardin at a private stable.

Upon receiving the video, the FEI promptly initiated an investigation. As part of this investigation, Ms. Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage were informed of the allegations. Ms Dujardin was given a deadline of 17:00 Swiss time on 23 July to respond to the allegations. Subsequently, Ms. Dujardin confirmed that she is the individual depicted in the video and acknowledged that her conduct was inappropriate.

On 23 July 2024, Charlotte Dujardin requested to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigations and voluntarily withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and also confirmed that she will not participate in any competitions pending the outcome of the FEI’s investigation. 

The FEI condemns any conduct contrary to the welfare of horses and has robust rules in place to address such behaviour. Our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare and sportsmanship remains unwavering.

The FEI acknowledges the cooperation of Charlotte Dujardin, British Equestrian, and British Dressage with the ongoing investigation and intends to proceed as swiftly as possible.

“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”

To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the FEI will refrain from making further comments on this matter until the process is concluded.

Final selection days for Danish Warmblood young horses towards World Championships in Ermelo

Today and tomorrow with final selection days for Danish Warmblood young horses for World Championships in Ermelo. Today they had to show the preliminary test and tomorrow with final test.

From today´s and also first selection trail which took place at Vallensbæk end of May, H2R will make the teams for Ermelo today, even though the selectors have one more day.

5 year old

Due to a hoof abcess Straight Horse Sun King was not presented today, but as we´ve seen him and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen for the first trail and they will be at the list for tomorrow, they are on H2R list for Ermelo.

Not presented this time (as Frederikke just came back from successful EC for YR) but shown at first trail was Valiant with Frederikke Gram Jacobsen. A really appealing combination with super movements which will be a great representative for Danish Warmblood.

The best of the 5 yr old horses today was Quater Son with Jan Møller Christensen. Three good paces, and for the subsequent repetition of a few exercises for the judges they showed even more let go and postive power.

Lygum´s Zelina and Victoria Vallentin, show a spectacular trot tour, clear walk and good canter. Light an easy movements.

6 year old

New this time live was Grevens Sirius with Eric Guardia Martinez. Well presented in all three gaits and with well established flying changes makes it into the team.

Today´s best combination was Silje Bakken with Lille Kærgårds Sisco, well presented in a good form (at first trail somewhat short neck), well on the aides for the flying changes and good balance through out the entire test. Super relaxation for the walk.

Valerie B with Anne Mette Strandby Hansen had some serious problems at the first trail for the flying changes, and also show a bit of tensions today, but still a lot to like and a very interesting combination for Ermelo.

Danish Warmblood selectors made following announcement after today: “Special situation: Due to the new situation with Charlotte Dujardin, Quinn G rider changes to Fiona Bigwood. Fiona rides the selection on Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning on video (before the 6 year old class and the final selection) and will therefore be considered on an equal terms with the other combinations.”

7 year old

Today´s absolute strongest performances were from Lyngbjergs St. Paris with Victoria Vallentin and Blue Hors Santiano with Nanna Merrald (full videos below). Both with top presentations.

For both Franklin daughters Faretti with Anne Mette Strandby Hansen and Francisca-D some tensions creeping in during their performances.

128 young horses are ready for Pavo Cup semi finals 25 July

25 July with semi finals and 27 July with the Pavo Cup finals

The start lists are online now for the semi finals of 2024 Pavo Cup which also includes more approved top stallions. Link here.

The 20 best horses in 4 yr old and 5 yr old are selected for the final and 12 best 6 yr old horses from the semi finals will be qualified for the finals.

The best 3 horses from each age category will be qualified for the test rider which this year will be Swedish Jessica Lynn Thomas.

The entire event is available to follow at Clipmyhorse.

Be a Guardian: A fundamental reframing of equestrian care

FEI Press Release

With just days remaining until the start of the equestrian competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the FEI has introduced the Be a Guardianinitiative, which calls upon members of the community to fully commit to their duties as ‘guardians’ of FEI horses.

Be a Guardian is the central message that unites the community around the FEI Action Plan that was developed from the recommendations outlined in the final report of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.

Watch! Horse welfare is paramount – Be a Guardian!

Set up in June 2022 in response to growing public concern over animal welfare, the Commission was tasked with addressing societal concerns about the use of horses in sport and creating a blueprint to future-proof equestrian sports. The Commission also provided advice and recommendations to the FEI to ensure equine welfare is safeguarded through ethical, evidence-based policy and practices.

The term 'guardian' marks an evolution in the FEI's narrative of the horse-human partnership, chosen to better represent the human role in caring for horses and to underscore each individual's responsibility for ensuring horse welfare.

“This shift in terminology is not merely symbolic; it signifies a fundamental change in our approach to equine welfare,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained.

“Guardianship precedes partnership, and meeting the horse's natural needs — such as sufficient eating time, social interaction, and exercise — cultivates trust, enabling a thriving relationship between horse and human. A partnership emerges when this trust and mutual understanding pave the way for sporting excellence.

“Through the concept of guardianship, our focus shifts to what is best for the horses, recognising them as unique and valuable beings deserving of human protection, trust, and respect. This evolution redefines the human role as that of a 'caretaker,' with a responsibility to ensure a good life for horses.

“How we frame the issue, shapes how we solve it. By embracing the role of ‘guardians’ for horses, we commit to acknowledging their needs, treating them with respect, compassion, and care, reinforcing our duty to these magnificent animals we live, work, and compete with.”

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 represent a significant opportunity for the equestrian community to further develop a culture of enhanced respect and ethical treatment within the sport.

With a comprehensive approach to equine welfare, which includes aspects like transport, accommodation, veterinary care, and post-event support, Paris 2024 is clear about what is required to put horse welfare at the core of the sport.

For the first time at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a position of Equine Welfare Coordinator has been established, with Dr Richard Corde, President of the French League for the Protection of the Horse, appointed to this critical position. He will offer advisory oversight on animal welfare throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ensuring all stakeholders adhere strictly to FEI regulations. This new appointment marks a significant advancement in centralising oversight that was previously distributed among stewards, veterinarians, and Ground Jury members.

The FEI, Paris 2024 Organising Committee, and GL Equestrian have worked together to prepare the venue with well-equipped air-conditioned stables, ample outdoor areas, and high-quality footing in the main competition arena, the cross country and all the training arenas, ensuring the comfort and safety of the horses.

Special attention has been given to the seamless and comfortable transportation of horses to and from Versailles. Environmental conditions such as weather, heat, humidity, and air quality are carefully monitored to minimise stress and maximise the horses' well-being.

Stringent health monitoring protocols will be enforced before, during, and after competitions to assess the horses' fitness and maintain their physical and mental health throughout the Olympic Games. A dedicated team of qualified veterinarians and support staff will conduct regular health assessments, promptly addressing any issues that may arise with immediate veterinary care.

Following competitions, meticulous post-event care protocols, including adequate rest periods, will be strictly observed to aid horses in their recovery.

"We cannot prevent every issue, but if we follow these rules and encourage everyone to take responsibility based on our shared values, we can work hard to further improve excellent standards of horse welfare," stated FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

"As we prepare for the Olympic Games, we are eager to display our sport's beauty and our dedication to caring for horses responsibly. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every horse at Paris 2024 receives the care and respect they deserve."

Start lists ready for final Danish selection for WCYH in Ermelo taking place 23 & 24 July

Final Danish selection takes place Tuesday and Wednesday next week 23 & 24 July at Vilhelmsborg. Both days the combinations has to show the final test.

Note from the selection committee:

Due to special circumstances, the following teams are still relevant for the final selection:

Lone Bang Zindorf with Valegro Majlund and Vivianni (6 years). Does not participate in the 2nd selection due to her daughter participating at the EC for ponies. Has ridden 2nd selection for the selection committee.

Frederikke Gram Jacobsen with Valiant (5 years) and Franko Unik (6 years). Does not participate in the 2nd selection due to own participation at the EC for YR. Has ridden 2nd selection for the selection committee at Hovgaard during the Nordic Championship.

Charlotte Dujardin with Quinn G (6 years). Not participating due to departure for the Olympics. Has ridden selection in England.

Nanna Merrald with Blue Hors Santiano (7 years). Participating only on day 1 due to departure for the Olympics.

Common for all above mentioned combinations video has been captured of the rides, so that they can be watched together with the other combinations during the final selection.

Start lists:

5 year old

6 year old

7 year old

PODCAST - Nadja Aaboe Sloth fortæller om rejsen sammen med Favour Gersdorf fra købet som 2 års og nu reserve til OL

Nadja er klar til at debutere sammen med det danske landshold til OL i Paris, hvor hun er reserve sammen med sin 11-årige DV vallak Favour Gersdorf e. Foundation / Leandro, avlet af Inger Marie Andreasen.

H2R besøgte Nadja og Favour igår til en snak om det kommende OL, det at kunne kombinere et civilt job med en international ride karriere, skift af træner fra i mange år at have haft berider Leif Sørensen på sidelinien, til nu at have Rune Willum og meget mere. LYT MED 🎧⬇️

33.500 top price colt by Blue Hors Bondo / Depeche Mode at Westphalian Online Foal Auction

H2R top prices were the 5 above mentioned foals without the auction top price by Blue Hors Bondo.

The top price foal by Blue Hors Bondo, Premium stallion at HANN licensing. Bondo unfortunately never did his performance test he does not fullfil the registration requirements for HB I. The foal therefore receives an animal breeding certificate II.

Here you find the entire list of auction prices.

5 top foals for NRW Online Foal auction with bid up tonight at 7.30 pm

38 dressage foals are at the 83th Westphalian Online Foal auction.

H2R picked 5 top stars for the top prices by For Romance, Bon Courage, Escaneno, V-Power and Escamillo.

Just one month old and look like she will conquer the world - super light footed and supple.

Expressive power girl super feminine.

This combination of dressage and jumping gives the perfect match and from H2R eyes a strong top lines combined with expressive front and strong hind legs.

Again a good combination of suppleness from Escamillo and Zack shortness from Zoom. Here with a very femine filly uphill with super expression.

Suppleness pure with power and format, out of same dam line as this weekends successful Grand Prix horse Facilone with Helen Langehanenberg.

Here you find the entire collection.

Germany makes winning twice as nice at Falsterbo

It was a narrow race for the 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ title heading into the final leg at Falsterbo (SWE), with Germany and Denmark separated by just two points. 

But when it came time for the CDIO4* FEI Grand Prix test at the Falsterbo Horse Show, Germany didn't let the Danish get within 10 points of them. It was a convincing victory for the Germans on the day, which secured them a second consecutive series title.

Led by Chef d'Equpe Jonny Hilberath, the trio of Evelyn Eger (Tabledance 3), Helen Langehanenberg (Facilone Frh), and Carina Scholz (Tarantino 5) finished on a total score of 215.261. Denmark finished with a total score of 204.174, followed by The Netherlands (202.478).

"The result is very impressive. As a trainer and team captain, I'm very happy with the performance of my riders and of the horses, and for sure the results," Hilberath said.

"Everybody was riding in top form and with a lot of quality."

-Jonny Hilberath (GER)

Germany was the only team to have all three of its riders score above 70%, and in fact only one rider outside of Germany reached that threshold in the home nation's Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), whose 70.000% was not quite enough to push Sweden up the leaderboard from fifth. 

"It wasn't that easy [to select this team], because we had last week at Aachen (GER), and we are in preparation also for [the Olympic Games in] Paris," Hilberath shared. "Carina has been here already, last year with the team, and I was trying to collect riders which I could feature more with younger or newer horses. For example, Helen is riding a new horse, and I thought it was a very good show for her to perform internationally."

Langehanenberg and Facilone Frh finished the class on top with their 73.674%—a personal best for the combination. The 12-year-old was making just his second start at the FEI Grand Prix level.

"I was super happy. I've only been riding him since the beginning of this year, and we have not so many competitions together," Langehanenberg shared."I think the horse has a lot of potential for the future. There's maybe no weak side, but we have to improve and grow together.

"The test today felt like a big step forward. I was super happy, even without seeing the results. It felt great and maybe the beginning of some nice shows together."

-Helen Langehanenberg (GER)

The youngest rider on the team, Eger also brought forward the youngest horse in 11-year-old Tabledance 3. The pair also recorded a personal best score in the Grand Prix with their 70.413%. Scholz, meanwhile performed as strongly as ever with her 17-year-old partner Tarantino 5, who has successfully returned to top-level sport after sitting out nearly two years from international competition between July 2022 and April 2024.

"Carina had a very good ride. The horse is not a spring chicken anymore, and he's very sensitive. He's rather sharp, and she managed so well," Hilberath said. "The horse was doing wonderful, and he had a break. It's so nice to see the horse coming back better into the sport, and [Carina] is such a hard-working rider."

The weather wasn't ideal, either, with significant rainfall impacting the event. The event schedule was moved forward as a result, but competition forged forward in inclement weather.

"We are very grateful that we had such good conditions for the weather. I think the performances of the riders and the horses has been very good today because of [the efforts of the staff at the show] and of the good footing," Hilberath said.

Germany ultimately finished the Nations Cup series how they started it, having also won the opening leg at Wellington (USA) in February, with three different riders. The nation's final point tally from the four events is 42. Denmark and Sweden also replicated their finishes from last season, finishing second (38 points) and third (33), respectively.

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