|
The French team simply achieved a feat by winning the FEI Eventing Nations Cup of Le Pin (FRA) for the 4th time in a row thanks to the exceptional performance of Thibault Vallette, Thomas Carlile, Christopher Six and Karim Laghouag. France also trusted the first five individual places, a result never seen before at the Grand Complet! After a close duel on the cross country test, Thomas Carlile finally lost to Thibault Vallette who won the individual gold.
The Grand Complet once again offered magnificent moments of sport. After a morning shower, the final test of the first FEI Eventing Nations Cup of the season was held in excellent conditions. The sun even appeared during the morning, as a sign to the French squad. Under the watchful eye of national trainer Thierry Touzaint, the French had the mission of not letting go and adding a fourth trophy to their record. One after the other, Karim Laghouag, Christopher Six, Thibault Vallette and finally Thomas Carlile signed courses without penalty over fences, while their opponents accumulated them. The Netherlands managed to limit the damage, which allowed them to double Britain and take a nice final 2nd place. Individually, the French have made a real hit. See: Thibault Vallette wins, ahead of Thomas Carlile (2nd) and Gwendolen Fer (3rd). The woman based in Toulouse (south-west) was thrilled after her cross-country, and enjoyed the comeback in great shape of her horse Traumprinz. The beautiful bay had not competed since last October, when they finished 2nd in the CCI4*-S of Lignières (FRA). The statement of Lieutenant Colonel Thibault Vallette, double winner of the CCIO4*-S Coupe des Nations FEI of Le Pin "Qing is a horse I know by heart" Thibault Vallette said. "We took part together in many big events. We were hoping to go to Tokyo this year so we were obviously a little disappointed when we learned that there would be no Olympics. This victory is a great compensation. The horse is in good shape, that is what's important. Winning individually is a bit of a icing on the cake. Running for the team is something I really like. This is the first Nations Cup we’ve been riding in a long time. It replaces the championship a little bit, to be able to exchange advices, to go up for each other. When you win as a team, it’s always a great moment to live and share. Le Pin is a competition that I really like and that suits Qing well. A demanding field, hilly, a real cross-country. The ground was perfect, as was the organization. Every means has been put in place to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible, and that is a real success." An overview of the French weekend with Michel Asseray, National Technical Director in charge of the eventing at the French Equestrian Federation "When we coach the French team, we always want to win. With this containment, we had lost a little our objectives without major tests. It was a little unsettling for the riders. This beautiful show is a good deadline that allows us to properly assess where we are. We decided to prepare ourselves well for this competition, which the riders did. Beyond the victory and the podiums, it was the way that was very interesting. The riders mastered their subject. Winning at the Grand Complet is no small feat. It’s a beautiful, hilly terrain. Beyond the technical questions of course designer Pierre Le Goupil who is a gifted. Satisfaction, that’s it: it’s very well built, very well ridden so it’s remotive. We’ve had a boost! Before, we were looking for goals. Now, we are all over motivated. Everyone talks about the upcoming calendar, everyone wants to come back in a month (for the national show, Editor's note). We really needed these victories. There was a real field ot top riders and horses. The foreign riders who were there did not come to visit the stud. They are people with talent, horses, almost No. 1 for everyone, so we savour it.The next deadline is in September right here in Le Pin, then in October with three consecutive weekends in Lignières, Le Lion d'Angers and Pau. France has fought hard to maintain international competitions and we want to help French organizers as well as foreign riders. We’ll try to end the season like this. We are going to cross our fingers so that the Olympic Games can take place because when we see the result today, I am not going to say that we had an Olympic team but it was a nice team and it makes us want to go to Tokyo. And then there is emotion because we think of Thais (who died unexpectedly last year in Le Pin during the national show in September, Editor's note), and this victory is for her."
0 Comments
The FEI Policy for Enhances Competition Safety during the Covid-19 Pandemic has been updated regarding the use of masks. The Policy now "strongly recommends that face masks are worn by all persons on the venue at FEI Events, except:
- When mounted on a horse or driving a carriage; and, - For athletes and Driving Grooms, while training and competing". Please also be aware of the national regulations in the host country which may be even more stringent. Everyone was hoping...and they did it! It is a real plateau of eventing stars who will gallop in the green landscapes of the Haras national du Pin on the occasion of the 24th edition of the Grand Complet. Some names ? Michael Jung (GER), Tim & Jonelle Price (NZL), Chris Burton (AUS), Tim Lips (NED), Tom McEwen (GBR), Zara Tindall (GBR)...and they are "only" the visitors. Because on the French side, there too, Le Grand Complet is filling up! See: Thibault Vallette (and his top performer Qing du Briot*IFCE), Karim Laghouag, Astier Nicolas, Thomas Carlile, Mathieu Lemoine, Nicolas Touzaint, Jean Teulère, Arnaud Boiteau, Christopher Six, Cédric Lyard...the list is long. What to offer the public great and beautiful sport!
The dream team! With the current period, it was difficult to imagine hosting participants of the usual level of the event at the Haras national du Pin, in the heart of Normandy. It is clear that the competitors love Le Grand Complet and come back to it, even when the crisis shakes an entire sector. And this makes the heart of the volunteers feel better, always mobilized to offer a unique competition in Normandy. To get a more precise idea of what awaits spectators from August 13 to 16, here are some figures. Number of entries: more than 180 riders, 355 horses, including more than 100 in the major class, the CCIO4*-S, counting for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup circuit. 18 countries: Australia, Belgium, Republic of China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand. The Grand Complet, scheduled on August 13-16, 2020 at the iconic site of the Haras national du Pin (Orne, Normandy) organizes a sports program identical to previous years. Five international classes will punctuate the four days of competition. The Grand Complet will also serve as a support for the Grand National FFE circuit for French riders. On the organizational side, Ustica, the organising association, has chosen to open access to visitors at a rate of 1000 per day. Finally, SOLIDARITY will be even more at the heart of the event’s concerns with support from the local branch of the French food bank Restos du Cœur.
Great sport ahead! The only international eventing competition in Normandy is to welcome several hundred participants from the five scheduled classes: CCI2*-S, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI3*-L and CCIO4*-S. From short 2-star (2*-S) to short 4-star (4*-S) level, Le Grand Complet presents a wide range of difficulties for riders, amateurs or professionals. The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has also entrusted Ustica for the 4th consecutive time with the organisation of a FEI Nations Cup stage (CCIO4*-S), an event at the end of which two rankings will be established, one individual, the other by teams. France is the title holder (3 wins in a row!). New for 2020: the CCIO4*-S event supports the Grand National FFE circuit. This means that a separate ranking will be established at the end of this class, taking into account exclusively French riders involved on this circuit. The event also goes back to a format Thursday / Sunday (instead of Thursday / Tuesday), more compact and which allows spectators to attend cross-country as well as show jumping events Saturday AND Sunday. As every year, Le Grand Complet will also support the FFE Top 7 circuit reserved for 7-year-old horses and the Eventing Tour, a circuit that brings together the most important French eventing competitions. A solidarity edition and a limited ticket office “Ustica is keen to maintain Le Grand Complet in order to allow professionals in the equine sector to enhance their horses and meet the needs of breeders and owners,” explains Valérie Moulin, president of the association. The Grand Complet will thus welcome up to 1000 people per day maximum (Thursday to Sunday) according to current health standards. These tickets are purchased online and exclusively online ticket booking (LINK: CLICK HERE). No ticket offices will be open on site. Visitors will be required to wear a mask (especially in high-traffic areas such as water complexes during cross-country tests) and respect the protective measures. As such, hydro alcoholic gel will be available at various places on site. The Grand Complet has also decided to strengthen its involvement with charities. “We have been doing this every year since the xcreation of the event,” Valérie Moulin says. “This year, given the unprecedented period we are all going through, we wanted to take a step forward in terms of solidarity.” Thus, Le Grand Complet will support the Norman branch of the French food bank Restos du Coeur, working with the most needy, even during this summer. The single entry fee will be 8 euros on Saturday and Sunday, the two days of cross-country (free admission on Thursday and Friday), out of which 2 euros will be donated to the Restos du Coeur. Ustica will also offer the association the opportunity to raise awareness of its cause. The following is a direct, and open, communication from the FEI:
Dear National Federations, As a follow-up to our last communication 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 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. However, we are aware that this is no simple matter, as clearly no single Organiser can be favoured to the detriment of others, and the FEI does not know how many Events will be impacted nor how long the current situation will last. The FEI has already 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 the FEI is 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. Kind regards, Corporate & Internal Communications Team Communications Department Event Rider Masters has conducted a full risk assessment of the rapidly evolving Coronavirus Covid-19 situation in line with the recommendations of the relevant health authorities in order to evaluate whether the health and safety of all ERM Staff, Contractors, Organisers, Volunteers, Riders and Rider’s Staff can be assured.
The ERM 2020 series is spread over 3 countries, all of whom are currently affected by Covid-19 and involves a production team of 60 people travelling from 6 different countries. The ERM Riders throughout each season represent at least 20 different nations. The logistics of moving the multinational production team from venue to venue is impossible to implement in a manner that has an acceptable risk level. As a result of this assessment, it is clear that there are too many risks associated with conducting the ERM Series this year and regrettably ERM has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Series. Currently all individual host venue events: Burnham Market, Chatsworth, Arville and Jardy are planning on running their own events. The commercial partners and backers of ERM are committed to making the series run in 2021.  The organising committee at Floors Castle are very pleased to welcome the Malcolm Group as their title sponsor in 2020. The Malcolm Group Floors Castle International Horse Trials will take place from 15th-17th May 2020.
The Duchess of Roxburghe, co-organiser of the international event, said: “We are all excited to welcome the Malcolm Group as our title sponsor. The Malcolm family have been fantastic long-term supporters of both Floors Castle Horse Trials, and eventing throughout Scotland. We are grateful to the Malcolm Group and all our existing sponsors for supporting us as a major event in the Scottish equestrian calendar.” Andrew Malcolm, CEO of the Malcolm Group, said: “The Malcolm Group are delighted to be the Title Sponsor for 2020 of Floors Castle International Horse Trials, set at one of the most premier visitor attractions in Scotland. From a personal point of view Fiona and I have been part of the trials for over 20 years. Floors has played such an important and most enjoyable part in our eventing careers. The Malcolm Group are looking forward to being the title sponsor of this fantastic event in 2020.”  NAF has renewed and expanded its sponsorship deal with Hartpury, taking up the title sponsorship role at the International Hartpury Horse Trials (12-16 August), along with Hartpury Festival of Dressage (1-5 July) and Hartpury Showjumping Spectacular (14-16 July).
The supplement company has sponsored the annual International Horse Trials since 2011 but will add the NAF Five Star name to the titles of all three major equestrian events for the first time this summer. The annual horse trials sees Eric Winter return as course designer and the event will build on the success of 2019. It is once again expected to provide an imposing “pre-Burghley” CCI4*-S challenge. Hartpury’s Equine Director Philip Cheetham said “NAF is an important part of the Hartpury family and have played a key role in the growth of our annual horse trials over the past ten years. We are thrilled that they have expanded their support to include all three of our premier equestrian events in what is widely expected to be our busiest summer yet. “NAF is synonymous with equestrianism, sharing our ambition and brand values, as well as reflecting our commitment to Clean Sport. Their product range is truly exceptional and their expertise is invaluable to leisure horse owners and Olympic athletes alike. We couldn’t be prouder to add their name to the titles of our major equestrian competitions this year and the events will provide a great opportunity for spectators and competitors to learn more about NAF products” he added. Eloise Chugg-Martin, Sponsorship and Events Manager for NAF said “In our tenth year supporting the International Hartpury Horse Trials we are delighted to have been invited to provide title sponsorship of all three major events on the Hartpury calendar. Becoming partners with Hartpury Equine allows us to show our support to riders of many levels across the three disciplines. Working with a venue who shares our passion for the sport and commitment to Clean Sport is extremely important to us and we look forward to a very exciting Olympic year.” NAF are also the title sponsors of the British Eventing Junior Programme as well as the European squad, who will this year compete on home soil at Hartpury. From 27 July – 2 August, Hartpury are hosting the FEI Dressage and Eventing Championships for Young Riders and Juniors. Taking place just weeks before the Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games, the Festival of Dressage is likely to be an important fixture for those headed to Japan. The Hartpury Showjumping Spectacular moves to a midweek calendar slot this time, with the 1.50m Area Trial once again expected to draw crowds. NAF’s premium range of Five Star brands includes Superflex, Superflex Senior, PROFEET, Optimum, Magic, Oestress and Respirator Boost with quality at the heart of everything they do. They are a UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme), GMP+ (International Feed Assurance Scheme) and BETA NOPS (Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances) accredited company and this enables them to guarantee full traceability on all the natural ingredients utilised in their formulations. Ingredients are also selected in full compliance with the FEI guidelines for Clean Sport. For further information, visit www.naf-equine.eu/uk/index/jsp. For information about this summer’s events at Hartpury, visit www.hartpuryequineevents.co.uk. We'd like to remind riders to ensure their FEI regulations are up to date prior to entering their first international fixtures of 2020.
The FEI require all horses and riders to have an annual registration before they can compete at any international level. Registrations are valid from January to December and cost £17 per horse and £17 per rider and, once registered, FEI numbers will need to be entered on your entry forms. Horse and Rider application forms can be downloaded here and need to be sent into the BE office on info@britisheventing.com. For FEI renewals please contact 02476 698856. How long do FEI Registrations take? Please note that FEI registrations and renewals can take up to 10 days to process in busy periods, however there is a fast track option available at an extra fee of £20. Do I need an FEI Passport? Your horse will need an FEI passport cover for any FEI competition if you are competing at CCI4*-S or above in the UK or at any competition outside of the UK. Contact the BE Membership Team for more details on 02476 698857. Please note: The earliest a passport can be revalidated is two months before the expiry date on the passport. Download the FEI registration form Please also ensure that you follow the microchip and vaccination rules for FEI competition For more information on FEI registrations please contact the BE Office on 02476 698856 or visit the International page of the website HERE. Please note the following changes, highlighted in bold, to the dressage tests as printed in the 2020 BE Rules and Members' Handbook:
Page 141 - THE FEI CCI2* DRESSAGE TEST B (2020) Movement 6. ISH Working trot H Working canter right lead View FEI CCI2* Dressage Test B |
RSS Feed
JOIN THE EVENTING RIDERS COMMUNITY TODAY: |
SUPPORTING BRANDS:
Images courtesy of Equuis Photography/Jason Bax, Eventing Images/Tim Wilkinson & Tilly Berendt
Website by EquiConsulting
|
