Jos Lansink Inspire

September 2010
Special Edition
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
TM
Jos Lansink
The reigning champion – Page 18
Inspire
A photographic celebration
of equestrianism – Page 42
alltech fei
world equestrian games
TM
kentucky horse park, lexington, kentucky
september 25th to october 10th, 2010
Lexington, Kentucky. The horse
capital of the world and now the
site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World
Equestrian GamesTM as it leaves Europe for the first
time. With the stage set, some 800 professional riders
will display their prowess and showmanship as eight
disciplines are judged, timed and awarded. A new
venue perhaps, but in the end, the best will stand on
very familiar ground: victory.
rolex. a crown for every achievement.
OYSTER PERPETUAL dATE jUST
in 18 cT whiTE gOLd
Editorial
Then, after the day’s excitement is over, what better way to spend your evenings than at the Alltech
Fortnight Festival? Choose from more than 90 acts
in 60+ different venues, including local bars and restaurants, showcasing Grammy winners and platinum
artists of all genres from around the world. With entertainment from the Beach Boys, Nickelback and
even Puccini’s La Bohème, there is something there
for everyone. More information on:
www.alltechfortnightfestival.com
It is with great pride that Alltech sponsors the 2010
Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM, one of the
largest and most prestigious sporting events in the
world. For 30 years Alltech has been a world leader
in animal nutrition, health and performance, and it
is apt that we should celebrate this commitment by
sponsoring an event that showcases equine athletes
at the peak of their performance. It is a natural progression for us.
Every moment of the 16 days, from 25 September to
10 October, has been orchestrated down to the last
detail to ensure a spectacular, festive event. Whether
you are vying for a medal or rooting from the stands,
whether you spend your days glued to the action in
the arenas or making forays to shop, listen to music,
dance, dine or explore the region, be sure to pack
your party hat.
02
Together with the FEI we are aiming to make this
year’s Games the most incredible yet. This is a significant moment in Alltech’s 30-year history and we
want to ensure that equestrian fans everywhere can
celebrate with us. I can’t begin to tell you how much
my colleagues and I have delighted in sponsoring the
Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM over the past
four years, and now we’re in the final stretch. Soon
equestrianism’s finest will surge into the Kentucky
Bluegrass to take part in the greatest sporting event
of the year. We look forward to seeing you there.
Dr. T.P. Lyons
President of Alltech
Dear FEI FOCUS readers,
Welcome to this special edition of FEI FOCUS,
which is entirely devoted to the Alltech FEI World
Equestrian GamesTM, the biggest event on our
calendar. For sixteen days, the Kentucky Horse Park in
Lexington, Kentucky will stage performances by the
world’s best athletes in the disciplines of Jumping,
Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing,
Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. On the
pages that follow, you will find out about some of the
challenges the Organising Committee has risen to
with professionalism and enthusiasm. You will also
discover the FEI’s contemporary photographic exhibition Inspire, which is open to visitors to the Games
and shows equestrian figures in unexpected and
evocative settings. Many chose to be photographed
with a trainer, a parent or a fellow sportsman – the
all-important figure that inspired them on their
journey into equestrianism.
That journey is rarely easy but its rewards are great.
Spectators at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian
GamesTM will have the pleasure of witnessing
the grace, beauty and precision that result when
horses and riders combine their skills in partnerships nurtured by years of hard work, dedication and
mutual respect. I have no doubt that those athletes,
at the summit of their sport, will encourage others to
pursue the path to equestrian excellence.
HRH Princess Haya
FEI President
At the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, spectators can expect to see the best that equestrian sport
can offer. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since
the award of the bid because of everything that’s been
achieved since then. All the infrastructure has been
delivered on time, the teams are ready and we look
forward to a great competition.
Alex McLin
FEI Secretary General
03
Table of Contents
06 WEG Disciplines
Eight United
24 Young Riders
Focussed Dreams
16 Medal Winners 2006
18 Jumping
Jos Lansink, the reigning champion
30 Organisation
The Strongest Link
36 FEI TV
Broadcasting Schedule
18
04
Impressum - Focus, September 2010
Circulation
3,400
Frequency
Quarterly
Editor in Chief
Marianne Burkhardt
Design / Art
Equestrio SA
Printing
Litoterrazzi - Italy
Cover
iStockphoto®
40 Postcard from
the United States of America
42 Inspire
A photographic celebration
of equestrianism
30
Contact / Advertising
Richard Johnson@fei.org FEI - Fédération Equestre Internationale
Avenue de Rumine 37
CH-1005 Lausanne
T. +41 21 310 47 47
F. +41 21 310 47 60
www.fei.org
52 Alltech Tips
Gearing Up
for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
54 Why the long face?
Tami Hoag
42
05
WEG Disciplines
Eight United
Held every four years, the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
are the ultimate equestrian celebration.
World Championships in all the FEI disciplines are held
side by side under a unified framework that combines
tradition and modernity.
Five editions of the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM have so far taken place. Stockholm
(SWE) hosted the inaugural Games in 1990, followed by The Hague (NED) in 1994,
Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez de la Frontera (ESP) in 2002 and Aachen (GER) in 2006.
Organisational triumphs or failures, unforgettable sporting achievements
and memorable moments of horsemanship are all part of the history of this
major event.
In 2010, tradition becomes innovation as America hosts the first FEI World
Equestrian GamesTM outside Europe. The Kentucky edition will be the first to
integrate Para-Equestrian Dressage events, which take the number of FEI World
Championships at the Games to eight as opposed to just six in 1990. Twenty years
after the inaugural Games, the number of countries participating has increased
from 37 to 58, with approximately three times the number of competitors.
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM will necessitate the biggest
movement of horses of all time, a logistical and organisational feat and another
historic milestone for horsesport.
06
Jumping
is the best known – and probably most readily understood – of the FEI disciplines and is also one of the three Olympic
equestrian sports, along with Dressage and
Eventing. As in all equestrian disciplines, men
and women compete on equal terms in Jumping
in both individual and team events.
Each of the top four ride their own horse and then
switch to ride the other three horses, with the athlete
with the lowest score at the end of the four rounds
being declared the winner.
The horse’s instinctive ability to jump obstacles in the
wild was not harnessed until the 18th century when
the Enclosure Act in England meant that foxhunters
had to tackle fences that had been erected to enclose
properties. In modern Jumping competitions, horse
and rider are required to complete a course of between 10 and 13 knockable fences, including double
and treble combinations. The Jumping courses are
highly technical, requiring boldness, scope, accuracy
and control from both horse and rider.
Jumping is the only equestrian discipline where the
individual finalists at the World Equestrian Games
ride each other’s horses.
08
Jumping has so much to offer its sponsors, its public
and, of course, its athletes. The sport is continually
developing and expanding into new countries. The
FEI is working on restructuring of the World Cup and
Nations Cup series, as well as building up the Nations Cup promotional league. Importation of horses
is also a key issue that is being addressed in South
and Central America and in Central Europe, allowing
these areas to become more involved in the sport.
Dressage
, the highest expression of
horse training, is considered to be the most
artistic of the equestrian sports and is used as
the groundwork for all the other equestrian
disciplines. Its beginnings can be traced as far
back as ancient Greece when the first known
work on horsemanship was written by Xenophon (430-354 BC), considered the founder of
the Dressage discipline.
Dressage provides the foundation for all equestrian
sports. As a method of training the horse it should be
based on lightness, communication and harmony. In
its purest form, Dressage is a training system which
employs progressive methodology that can optimise
the natural athletic ability of the horse.
In all competitions, the horse has to perform at walk,
trot and canter, with smooth transitions within and
between these paces. The higher level tests also include half-pass, pirouette, piaffe, passage and flying
changes. The horse should give the impression of doing the movements of its own accord, with immediate and apparently intuitive responses to the rider’s
commands. All tests are ridden from memory and
follow a prescribed pattern of movements. The only
exception is the Freestyle or Kür, which is specially
choreographed for each horse and is performed
to music. Some of the top riders even have music
composed specifically for their Freestyle, with the
composer reflecting the horse’s paces and personality
in the music
The popularity of Dressage has increased rapidly in
recent years and the sport now regularly attracts
huge crowds, most noticeably at the 2009 FEI
European Championships at Windsor in the UK,
where spectator numbers for the Dressage were, for
the first time ever, substantially higher than for the
Jumping.
Dressage is undoubtedly the most aesthetically
pleasing of the disciplines in the FEI stable and the
pure magic of top-class Freestyle under floodlights,
as sport and art combine, guarantees that the popularity of Dressage will continue to grow.
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Para-Equestrian
Dressage, integrated into the FEI discipline of
Dressage this year, will for the first time see its World
Championships included on the programme of the FEI
World Equestrian GamesTM at the 2010 Alltech-sponsored
edition. Para-Equestrian sport has been a regular fixture
at the Paralympic Games since 1996 and became an FEIregulated discipline in 2006, with international competitions for both Dressage and Driving. The FEI was one
of the first International Federations to govern and
regulate a sport for both able-bodied and disabled
athletes.
The mobility, strength and coordination of
competitors are assessed and athletes with
similar functional ability profiles are grouped
into competition grades that range from
Grade 1a for the most severely impaired to
Grade IV for the least impaired. This means
that the competition within each Grade can
be judged on the skill of the individual competitors on their horses, regardless of their
disabilities. The system also makes it possible
to offer opportunities for disabled athletes to
compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport.
All rules and regulations related to competition venues and testing are governed
by the same principles as other disciplines.
The formula for Para-Equestrian Dressage is
the same as for standard Dressage, with tests
based on a set programme of movements as
well as Freestyle tests.
Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes must use
the appropriate equipment as stipulated in
the FEI classification manual, and are only
permitted the use of special equipment
when this has been formally documented
and approved.
10
Eventing
The Olympic sport of
is the most complete combined competition discipline recognised by the FEI.
Sometimes described as an equestrian
triathlon, Eventing demands considerable
experience in all branches of equitation.
• Dressage, which requires a high level of concentration, as well as total harmony between horse and
rider, to produce a calm and pleasing performance.
• Cross-Country, which calls for stamina, experience
and courage.
• Jumping, where precision, agility and technique are
essential for success.
Eventing constitutes the most complete combined
competition, demanding of the riders considerable
experience in all branches of equitation and a precise
knowledge of their horses’ abilities, and of the horses
a degree of general competence, resulting from intelligent and progressive training.
Eventing originated as a military competition which
tested officers and horses in challenges that could
occur on or off duty. It also provided a basis to compare training standards between the cavalries of different countries. The modern competition comprises
Dressage, Cross-Country and Jumping on consecutive days.
The competitor rides the same horse throughout
the three phases.Before the competition gets underway, all horses are examined by the members of the
Ground Jury, who adjudicate throughout all phases,
and the official Veterinary Delegate, to ensure that
each horse is sound and fit to compete.
The Cross-Country is the highlight of Eventing, both
for the competitors – human and equine – and the
spectators. The Cross-Country tests the speed, stamina and jumping ability of the horse, as well as the
rider’s knowledge of pace and the use of his horse.
The course will have between 30 and 40 specially
constructed jumping efforts over solid obstacles,
such as logs, woodpiles and stone walls, with water
and ditches increasing the technical difficulty.
The sport has a huge following, with crowds of up
to 250,000 recorded at the British spring feature at
Badminton. It is a sport that showcases one of the
toughest and most adrenaline-charged challenges in
the equestrian world.
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Driving
is the oldest of the competitive
equestrian sports. Horses or ponies in harness
have been used as a means of transport for centuries, but the advent of motorised vehicles has
eliminated the need for horses as the primary
form of transportation. As a result, Driving is
now a fast-growing sports discipline which came
under the FEI umbrella in 1970.
Modern competitive Driving is for vehicles drawn by
a single horse or pony, a pair or a team of four, also
known as four-in-hand. The competition consists
of three phases: Dressage, Marathon and Obstacle
Driving, with the final placing being determined by
the sum of the penalties accumulated over the three
phases.
• Dressage involves performing a sequence of compulsory figures within a 100 x 40 metre rectangle.
Movements include speed and gait transitions,
circles of different sizes and halts. As in ridden
Dressage, the movements prescribed in the test
must be executed from memory.
• The Marathon, a spectacular time trial, is run over a
course of a maximum 18 kilometres, which includes
natural hazards such as sharp turns, water and steep
hills, as well as artificial obstacles such as labyrinths.
It is aimed to test the fitness and stamina of the
horses and the judgment of pace and horse control
by the driver.
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• The Obstacle Driving or “Cones”, tests the fitness, obedience and suppleness of the horses after
the Marathon, as well as the skill and competence
of the Drivers.
There are four different FEI Driving World Championships, each of which is held every two years: the
World Singles, the FEI World Pairs, the FEI World
Combined Pony Championships (including singles,
pairs and four-in-hand) and the FEI Four-in-Hand
World Championships. Every second edition of the
FEI Four-in-Hand Championships is staged as part of
the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM.
Competitive Driving is a piece of history brought into
the 21st century. It is a highly skilled discipline, with
the Drivers controlling up to four horses at a time
and, on the Marathon, at full speed. This demands
great trust between the Driver and his team of horses, with the Driver using only the limited means of
communication available between himself and his
horses.
Endurance
is a long-distance competition
against the clock where the speed and endurance
of a horse are put to the test, but where riders are
also challenged with regards to effective use of pace,
thorough knowledge of their horses’ capabilities and
the ability to cross all kinds of terrain. Although the
rides are timed, the emphasis is on finishing in good
condition rather than coming in first.
Endurance started as a sport in the United States,
when the US Cavalry tested its horses on a five-day,
300-mile (483km) ride, with each horse carrying
over 200lbs (91kg). It did not become a competitive
sport until the 1950s, when Wendell Robie traced the
Pony Express route from Nevada to California in less
than 24 hours.
The course is divided into sections called phases.
At the end of each phase, in principle at least every
40km, there is a compulsory halt for veterinary inspection, usually referred to as a vet gate. Each horse
is thoroughly examined before it is allowed to start
the ride and must be presented for inspection within
a set time of reaching each vet gate. The aim of the
check is to determine whether the horse is fit to continue the ride.
Endurance Riding is a sport that tests the competitor’s ability to safely manage the stamina and fitness of the horse. Riders are competing against the
course, the distance, the climate, the terrain and the
clock, as well as the opposition. It is the responsibility of the authorised officials, as well as the vets,
grooms and ultimately the rider to ensure the health
and welfare of the horse.
The premier FEI Endurance rides are the FEI World
Equestrian GamesTM, staged every four years in the
middle of the Olympic cycle, the FEI Endurance
World Championships, which are held every four
years in the same year as the Olympics, and the
biannual European Endurance Championships.
13
Vaulting is a competitive discipline in
which dynamic and static gymnastic elements
are combined and performed on the back of a
cantering horse. It requires outstanding physical
condition from the vaulter and a harmonious
relationship with the horse is imperative if the desired display of strength, coordination, rhythm,
suppleness and balance is to be achieved.
The discipline dates back to the Greek and Roman
empires, when Vaulting was used as a method of
mounting and dismounting a horse before saddles
and stirrups had been invented. Modern vaulting is
now practised by both male and female athletes,
competing together on teams or separately as individuals. In the individual classes, male and female
vaulters are categorised separately, unlike all other
equestrian disciplines, where the two sexes compete
on equal terms. As well as the team and individual
divisions, there are also pairs competitions, or pasde-deux. In a team competition, no more than three
vaulters may be on the horse at any one time.
Vaulting exercises include artistic mounts and dismounts, shoulder stands and handstands on the
horse, carrying or lifting another vaulter, kneeling
and standing exercises. The horse is guided on a
long rein by a lunger standing on the ground who
14
ensures that a steady canter is maintained on a circle
with a minimum diameter of 15 metres. All Vaulting
competitions are held over two rounds composed
of either one or two tests. During Compulsory Tests
vaulters must perform a number of specific exercises. Freestyle tests, performed to music, allow vaulters the artistic freedom of building both dynamic and
static exercises around the Compulsory exercises.
The premier Vaulting competitions are staged at the
FEI World Equestrian GamesTM.
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of body
conditioning, balance, co-ordination and muscle
control, Vaulting also allows for mental and character development. Through a combination of exercise,
education and discipline, Vaulting allows the youth
of today to blossom into the responsible adult of
tomorrow.
Reining is designed to show the athletic
ability of ranch type horses in the confines of a
show arena. Contestants are required to run one
of 10 approved patterns, divided into seven or
eight manoeuvres, including small slow circles,
large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360 degree
spins and what is generally considered to be the
signature move of the reining horse, the sliding
stop.
Reining, which originated from moves a cow horse
makes in performing its duties, was first recognised
as a sport in 1949 by the American Quarter Horse
Association (AQHA). Reining was first included on
the schedule for the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
at the 2002 fixture in Jerez, Spain.
Competitions take place within an arena where
markers are used to enable riders to better follow
pattern proportions. To allow top performance and
ensure the soundness of competing horses, special
footing made of a clay base with a combination of
sand and silt as a loose topping is required and needs
to be meticulously maintained.
Reining is part of a sporting lifestyle that is closely
linked to the spirit of the Wild West and, as such, is
popular with horse lovers and those whose interests
lie more in the spectacle involved. It is an exciting,
high-octane sport and, despite the seemingly relaxed
attitude of both horse and rider and the loose reins
typical of the discipline, Reining demands high levels
of concentration and riding skills.
In many ways, Reining is a close relation to Dressage,
with a high degree of technical skill demanded of the
horse in both disciplines. The Dressage and Reining
horse should be responsive and in tune with its rider,
whose aids should be subtle and discreet.
Reining is growing in popularity around the world and
is one of the world’s fastest growing horse sports. It
has already spread into many parts of Europe and
beyond and its popularity is likely to increase in the
build-up to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian
GamesTM in Kentucky.
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Medal Winners 2006
JUMPING
DRESSAGE
Individual
Individual - GP Kür
1. BEL Jos Lansink
2. USA Beezie Madden
3. GER M. Michaels Beerbaum
Cavalor Cumano
Authentic
Shutterfly
Team
1. NED
2. USA
3. GER
1. NED Anky van Grunsven
2. DEN Andreas Helgstrand
3. GER Isabell Werth
Individual - GP Special
Gerco Schröder
Albert Zoer
Jeroen Dubbeldam
Peit Raymakers
Beezie Madden
McLain Ward
Laura Kraut
Margie Goldstein-Engle
Ludger Beerbaum
Marcus Ehning
M. Michaels Beerbaum
Christian Ahlmann
Eurocommerce
Okidoki
BMC Up and Down
Van Schijndel’s
Authentic
Sapphire
Miss independent
Quervo Gold
L’Espoir
Noltes Kuchengirl
Shutterfly
Cöster
1. GER Isabell Werth
2. NED Anky van Grunsven
3. DEN Andreas Helgstrand
1. GER
2. NED
3. USA
Wansuela Suerte
Bonaparte
Elvis VA
Satchmo
Hexagon’s Ollright
Sunrise
Keltec Salinero
Group 4 Securicor Lingh
Tip Top 962
Aragon
Floriano
Brentina
Individual - WOMEN
Miguel Vila Ubach
Virginie Atger
Elodie Le Labourier
Hungares
Kangoo d’Aurabelle
Sangho’Limousian
Virginie Atger
Philippe Benoit
Pascale Dietsch
Urs Wenger
Anna Lena
Nora Wagner
Joao Raposo
Ana Margarida Costa Ana Barbas
Kangoo d’Aurabelle
Akim de Boulve
Hifrane du Barthas
Zialka
Tessa IV
Temir
Sultao
Gozlane du Somail
Piperino
Team
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Hubertus Schmidt
Heike Kemmer
Nadine Capellmann
Isabell Werth
Laurens van Lieren
Imke Schellekens- Bartels
Anky van Grunsven
Edward Gal
Leslie Morse
Guenter Seidel
Steffen Peters
Debbie McDonald
VAULTING
Individual
1. FRA
2. SUI
3. POR
Satchmo 78
Keltec Salinero
Blue Horse Matine
Team
ENDURANCE
1. ESP
2. FRA
3. FRA
Keltec Salinero
Blue Hors Matine
Satchmo 78
1. USA Megan Benjamin
2. AUT Katharina Faltin
3. GER Nicola Stroeh
Leonardo
Pitucelli
Lanson 16
Individual - MEN
1. GER
2. GER
3. SVK
Kai Vorberg
Gero Meyer
Ladislav Majdlen
Team
1. GER Cepin
2. USA Grand Gaudino
3. AUT Libretto
Picasso 202
Arador 2
Catalin III-73
EVENTING
DRIVING
Individual
Individual
1. GBR Zara Phillips
2. AUS Clayton Fredericks
3. USA Amy Tryon
Toytown
Ben Along Time
Poggio II
Team
1. GER
2. GBR
3. AUS
1. BEL Felix-Marie Brasseur
2. NED Ysbrand Chardon
3. GER Christoph Sandmann
Team
Frank Ostholt
Hinrich Romeike
Bettina Hoy
Ingrid Klimke
Zara Phillips
Daisy Dick
William Fox-Pitt
Mary King
Clayton Fredericks
Megan Jones
Andrew Hoy
Sonja Johnson
Air Jordan 2
Marius
Ringwood
Sleep Late
Toytown
Spring Along
Tamarillo
Call Again Cavalier
Ben Along Time
Kirby Park Irish
Master Monarch
Ringwould Jaguar
1. GER
2. BEL
3. NED
Christoph Sandmann
Michael Freund
Rainer Duen
Felix-Marie Brasseur
Gert Schrijvers
Geert de Brauwer
Ysbrand Chardon
Theo Timmerman
Koos de Ronde
FEI
World Equestrian Games
Aachen 2006
REINING
Individual
1. CAN Duane Latimer
2. USA Tim McQuay
3. USA Aaron Ralston
Hang Ten Surprize
Mister Nicadual
Smart Paul Olena
Team
1. USA
2. CAN
3. ITA Dell Hendricks
Tim McQuay
Matt Mills
Aaron Ralston
Luke Gagnon
François Gautier
Lance Griffin
Duane Latimer
Dario Carmignani
Adriano Meacci
Christian Perez
Marco Ricotta
Starbucks Sidekick
Mister Nicadual
Easy Otie Whiz
Smart Paul Olena
Lil Santana
Snow Gun
Whiz N Tag Chex
Hang Ten Surprise
SkeetDun
Docs Tivio Hancock
Dualin for Me
Pappy Secolo
17
Jumping
Jos Lansink
The reigning champion
It’s been four years since Jos Lansink was crowned
World Individual Jumping Champion, following
a grandiose performance where neither he nor his
grey stallion Cavalor Cumano committed a single
fault throughout the whole competition with
change of horse final
18
Article Caterina Vagnozzi
19
It’s going to be a hard act to follow, as the most
coveted of trophies comes up for grabs again at the
sixth edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games™,
starting 25 September in Kentucky, and Jos Lansink
knows that he, with his mount Valentina, will need to
be picture perfect if he is to have a sporting chance
at defending his title. “Twenty years ago there were
only five or six top riders around. Now you can count
about thirty. A rider’s organisation is crucial, as is
changeover of mounts,” he says.
“It was the greatest
day of my life”
Memories of the last event, at Soers equestrian
stadium, in Aachen, where every one of the 60,000
plus seats was sold out, are firmly imprinted on
the minds of international horse lovers. An absolute record field of 116 riders from 41 nations
participated, and as the field was slowly reduced
to the last four, victory and defeat seemed all the
closer and intertwined, a mere matter of seconds
and minor mistakes to differentiate the one from
the other. “It was the greatest day of my life,” says
the Belgian champion, who had already become
a world leader in Jumping at the age of twentyseven, when he ranked individual seventh at the
Seoul Olympics. The day was all the more remarkable in that it was the first time three women had
made it to the Final. Germany’s Meredith Michaels
Beerbaum (Shutterfly), American Beezie Madden
(Authentic) and Australian Edwina Alexander (Isovlas
Pialotta). “It was a really tough test, although
I did realise that all three of the other horses
I had to ride were well trained,” Lansink says.
“I was most concerned about Shutterfly, who is
a light and very sensitive mount. In the end, I was
lucky and it all went well. Aachen is an outright
temple and any results in that arena have a special value.” 2006 was the fifth attempt by Jos
Lansink at the World title, having competed at
every FEI World Equestrian GamesTM since 1990.
20
21
“Obviously the first time was the most difficult,
also because I was riding Libero, a nine-year-old who
was not at all ready for this sort of commitment,”
Lansink remembers “Things went well in The Hague
and in Rome, but it was in the Jerez de la Frontera
2002 event, riding Caridor, that I began to really
perform, winning a team bronze (two no-penalty
rounds), and sixth individually”.
More about this rider…
Jos Lansink was born in Weerselo (The Netherlands) on 19 March 1961. Aged three, he began
riding ponies and at twelve years old he became
Dutch champion for the first time. At fourteen,
Lansink was taken under the wing of the trainer
Hans Horn and by 1988 was beginning to really
make a name for himself riding Felix, with an
endless run of Grand Prix victories and his first
Olympic participation (Seoul), where he placed
seventh individually.
Jos Lansink has ridden a number of legendary horses,
such as Egano and Libero, and went on to better his
initial Olympic result winning team gold in 1992
at the Barcelona Olympics. In 1996 he moved to
Leon Melchior’s Zanghersheide stables and became
a naturalised Belgian. He took team bronze at the
Jerez de la Frontera FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
in 2002 and, four years later, became individual
World Champion in Aachen. His other credentials
include nine national champion titles (eight for The
Netherlands and one for Belgium) and the 1994 FEI
World Cup title. He now runs his own stables and
tends to around fifty horses.
22
Jumping at the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
The FEI World Jumping Championships were first held in 1953
and have taken place every four years since 1966. Since the inception of the
FEI World Equestrian GamesTM in 1990, all FEI World Jumping Championships have been held as part of the programme.
The format of the FEI World Jumping Championship proved a huge hit when
it was introduced in 1953 and has continued to dazzle and entertain the
spectators, while challenging the world’s best riders. Its appeal comes in
the form of a change of horse final, providing nail-biting entertainment as
the top four riders exchange horses to win the title. To the surprise of many,
in 2006, the 16 rounds of the four riders brought an unprecedented 15 clear
rounds, leading to a regular jump off to crown the Champion.
23
Young Riders
Focussed Dreams
Two ambitious young riders talk to FEI FOCUS reporter
Jane Watkins about their involvement in horse sport and
what the FEI World Equestrian Games represent for
them.
TM
Beth Langley is one of Britain’s most promising
young Endurance riders. In 2009, the 19 year old
won the Dukeries FEI 2* Young Rider event and
finished 13th at the FEI World Young Rider
Endurance Championships – the best ever result
for a British rider at a World Championships.
Her success so far is not surprising, considering Beth
has lived and breathed Endurance since she was
tiny – “I was thrown out of the Pony Club because I
liked the colourful tack and refused to use leather”
– and has high hopes of competing at the FEI World
Equestrian GamesTM in 2014. “I’ve been riding since
I was three – I had a Shetland called Hamish,” says
Beth from Wales.
24
Keeping fit with other sports such as karate and
swimming as well as riding, schoolwork and trying to have a social life, Beth manages to remain
completely focussed on her sport. “I did have
doubts [about competing] during the ‘terrible
teens’ stage,” she admits. “Dad was a doctor so I
was viewed as privileged where I grew up, and my
social life outside Endurance was and is nonexistent, but I had enough to do to keep me busy
and never really wavered.”
Endurance, when she was growing up, was a
family affair; Beth would ride with her father, a
doctor, and her mother, while her brother, William
crewed for the family. “He still crews for me now –
he loves working out the stats and orienteering,”
Beth explains.
But mixing and training with top-level Endurance
riders from a young age has helped to maintain her
fire and ambition. “Top level riders chat to novice
level riders in Endurance – it’s the beauty of our sport
that we have time at our events,” she says. “I talk to
them all about the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM –
my goal is to win gold. All the other disciplines are
there so you’re part of a huge team,” she explains.
“It’s like an Olympic Games for horse sports – and
because Endurance is quite low-key in the media, it
means all the more.”
From riding on regional teams in Wales, Beth joined
the Welsh national team in 2006, after taking over
the ride on her father’s Welsh cob. “Being on the
Welsh team taught me a lot – how to work as part
of a team, to ride with people you might not get
on with, to hold back for someone when they are
struggling,” she says.
Beth says she is drawn to Endurance because of the
special relationship needed with the horse, and the
“game of tactics” needed to plan a successful ride.
“You have to be aware of all the tiny things that
make your horse work – they won’t go for 160km
if they don’t want to go for you,” she explains.
“You have to bring their heart rate down and watch
Beth Langley
Endurance rider
their metabolics and, if you get tired, your horse will
look after you – and if he tires you have to look after
him.” A self confessed “geek”, Beth studies the stats
and form of her fellow competitors before each race.
“I look at whether they do the first loop fast and then
slow down, for example, and then do a ride plan that
will put me in the best statistical position,” she says.
Next year will be a juggle, as the 19 year old heads
to university to study physiotherapy and leaves her
horses behind. But she is fortunate enough to have
parents who can help to exercise them during the
week, and will continue to compete at the weekend
– with the aim of taking “at least one horse” on to
senior level.
Beth realises how fortunate she is to receive such
support. “And I’m lucky that my country is proud
to support young people that represent Wales
and Britain, no matter what sport it is,” she says.
“I just wish I had the chance to share experiences
and ideas with young riders from other disciplines,
to learn about each other’s sports. Surely, as we
are the future, it would also be beneficial for forthcoming FEI World Equestrian GamesTM to know and
support each other and therefore build a better
team.”
In August, Beth and her ride Tissy finished in fourth
place at the FEI European Championships for Juniors
and Young Riders in Kreuth, Germany.
25
Samantha McIntosh
Jumping rider
Jumping rider Samantha McIntosh made history this August by competing in the first Youth
Olympics for her native South Africa. The 17 year
old was placed fourth individually and contributed
to Team Africa’s bronze medal win, experiences
that have renewed her ambition to one day compete at the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM.
Because of movement restrictions placed on horses
due to the prevalence of the fatal African Horse
Sickness in her country, Samantha will never compete her own horses at an international event.
So, like at the Youth Olympics, she will jump a horse
she barely knows if she is selected for a World Games
in the future.
26
“All the top riders here have been so supportive
during my preparation for Singapore, I’ve travelled
around riding all different kinds of horses and getting
all sorts of advice,” says the focussed teenager. “I’ve
learnt a lot and my riding has really improved, too.”
Life for Samantha, like any young rider with a determination to succeed, is extremely busy. Taking her final exams at school this summer, she sat some tests
before leaving for Singapore, and finished them on
her return. She gets up at 5am daily to exercise her
four horses before going to school – and somewhere
manages to fit in swimming, running or cycling
to keep herself fit. “My time is pressured, but I do
manage and my schoolwork and social life haven’t
suffered,” she explains.
“It is difficult to get a balance sometimes when
exams clash with major shows, but I make sure
nothing gets let down. I have a very supportive
family and a great group of non-horsey friends at
school who keep me grounded.”
South Africa’s young riders team at the Tri Nations
Event at Pretoria Show.
An evident talent from a young age, Samantha started to compete in Jumping – the most popular competitive equestrian discipline in South Africa – when
she was 10. “We moved to Pretoria, and I was given
an American Saddlebred by a family friend,” she
explains. “Before that my riding had been limited
to trotting in circles during lessons at weekends.”
But equestrian sports are not widely recognised
in South Africa – something Samantha hopes is
changing as the government recognises the riders’ achievements. “There’s not much government
funding, but we have such a good young rider team
I hope the sport will grow as we move up,” she says.
“I’ve always wanted to go to WEG to be able to
represent South Africa. It’s so special because the
top riders from all over the world are there – and
to compete among them must be such an honour.”
Samantha went on to take two youngsters up
through the grades – winning South Africa’s Showjumping Grand Prix in Durban at Pony Riders,
Children’s and Young Rider levels. As a junior, she
represented her country at the SIEC Nations Cup
in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2008 and last year joined
But, like any wise teenager, Samantha has a contingency plan – in the form of a business degree at
university next year.“I would like to have a career
and continue to ride, I think it’s important to
maintain a balance in life and to have a back-up
plan.”
27
Organisation
The Strongest Link
Jamie Link heads the organising committee of the
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, the biggest
sporting event taking place in America this year,
which is expected to have an economic impact of 167
million dollars on the state of Kentucky.
Jamie Link loves Kentucky. The résumé of the
48-year-old Chief Executive Officer of the World
Games 2010 Foundation, is peppered with the
name of the state he was born and raised in. He
obtained his accounting degree at its university and
has devoted most of his career to its government,
amassing experience in budgeting, human resources,
capital construction and tourism management in the
Department of Parks and the Finance and Administration Cabinet. More recently, he was Deputy
Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
When he took over the position of CEO in January
2009, he was entering familiar territory, having
served as an ex officio member during the months
he spent as Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. The challenge of heading the organising committee of the first FEI World Equestrian
GamesTM to take place in America appealed to Link.
“As a native Kentuckian, I recognised how important
the Games were to Kentucky,” he says, adding: “And
how many opportunities does a person have in his
life to be involved in something so extraordinary?”
28
Link’s predecessor left six months before his arrival,
which meant that a lot of work had been dormant
and needed to be dealt with very rapidly. The CEO’s
first tasks were to put a board-approved budget in
place and make sure his staff had everything they
needed to do their jobs. When he took on the position, there were 22 staff members, but that number
steadily grew to around 45, in addition to contractors with vast experience in specific areas of event
organisation such as public safety, security, food
services, technology, information technology and
logistical operations. In recent months, more than
7,000 volunteers have been recruited and trained to
work during the Games.
“Alltech is a leading company in animal nutrition
and biotechnology – it is a progressive and exciting
company that fits well with the image we want to
project,” he says. After the event, much of the equipment
sponsors have supplied will remain at the Kentucky
Horse Park, leaving a permanent legacy of information
technology and infrastructures. Link believes the
Games will also leave a “soft” legacy. “The profile
of the Kentucky Horse Park has been enhanced and
more events have been booked there because of the
new facilities and the fact that the Alltech FEI World
Equestrian Games™ are taking place there,” he explains. “A legacy like that feeds tourism and economic
development.”
“The talent and passion for the event that I found
here at the foundation and at the Kentucky Horse
Park were a pleasant surprise,” says Link, whose
solid professional background and confidence in his
team have prevented him from losing sleep over the
operational aspects of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. However, the impact of the world
economic crisis was a more disagreeable surprise.
“The economy has been stagnant for the past two
years and that has affected revenue generation, corporate sponsorship and ticket sales,” admits Link.
“I have observed – and other event organisers say the
same – that people are taking longer to make travel
plans and are holding on to money longer, which
makes it difficult to sell an event.”
Local, state and federal authorities have been heavily
involved in the event organisation and Link describes
their contribution as “fantastic”. During the Games,
their involvement will be vital in areas such as traffic
control and the reception of the heads of state and
dignitaries who will be attending. In Kentucky,
awareness of the magnitude of the event is heightening and the buzz that followed the attribution of
the Games back in 2005 has been revived.
Link points out that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which has been the lead item on the news every
night since it happened, has hindered revenue efforts
further. “There is a malaise over what’s going on in
the world – it has made people think,” he says.
Yet as many as 300,000 visitors are expected at
the event and sponsorship contracts have been
secured. Unsurprisingly, Link is delighted that the
title sponsor is based locally, making the Games a
truly Kentucky-hosted event.
The CEO quips that the day after the event ends,
he may sleep late. But his work will not end on 10
October. The organisers must restore the Kentucky
Horse Park to its former state and there will be a lot
of administrative work to do, including liquidating the
Foundation and preparing a final report for the FEI
General Assembly in November. Link’s position has
taught him a great deal about best practices in major
international event organisation. Without hesitation,
he says the most enjoyable aspect of his job has been
the people he has met and been associated with.
“It is a real honour to be part of it all and to work with
the FEI. It is also very gratifying to see that no geopolitical boundaries exist when it comes to horse sport,”
says the Kentuckian. “When the Games are over, I will
be looking back at a job well done and maintaining
friendships that will last for the rest of my life.”
29
The team working at the Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games™
is divided into more than 20
sectors. We found out about the
organisation of press coverage,
accommodation, catering and
stabling.
PRESS
ACCOMMODATION
The World Games 2010 Foundation chose
Shorts Travel Management as its housing
bureau. The company is overseeing all room
reservations for the 300,000 visitors expected at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian
Games™. Grooms and key officials will sleep
at the Kentucky Horse Park in RV housing
(mobile homes) but spectators will not be
allowed to camp there. Most of the other
people attending the event will stay in various types of accommodation in Lexington
and the surrounding region, some less than
five miles from the event site, others within
an hour’s drive.
Visitors who book rooms through the housing bureau can benefit from a paid shuttle
service from around 60 hotels.
Further information is available at
www.alltechfeigames.com/accommodations
30
As head of public relations for the Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games™, Amy Walker
is running a press office that is expecting
some 1,000 journalists and 200 photographers from more than 35 countries. In addition to the regional, national and international media representatives who will be
present, sponsorship activities and special
programmes at the Kentucky Horse Park
have attracted trade and business media. On
average, 300 journalists will be accredited
each day, as well as media seeking to report
on the atmosphere rather than the competitions, who will receive special ground pass
credentials.
The main press centre, located directly opposite the main stadium, holds 232 journalists and 48 photographers. An auxiliary centre at the indoor arena houses 96 journalists
and 24 photographers. Both centres provide
workspace and a full range of professional
services for print reporters, broadcast media
and photographers. Photographers will work
from special photo locations in each venue
and at the obstacles on Cross Country and
Driving courses.
In the USA, television viewers can enjoy six
and a half hours of coverage across three
weekends on NBC, the official national
broadcaster of the Games. Globally, broad
coverage of the event is available online at
www.feitv.org.
STABLING
CATERING
Don Pritchard from Global Food Solutions is
overseeing the very important task of making sure everyone at the Kentucky Horse
Park has enough to eat and drink. Visitors
will be catered for throughout the day, starting with breakfast items such as muffins and
cappuccinos and ending with after dinner
champagne in the Bubble Lounge.
Food options are many and range from hot
dogs, pizzas, sandwiches and salads to full
menus in the dining area. Anyone seeking a
complete Kentucky experience can opt for
Burgoo, fried chicken, hot browns, pasta and
pulled pork. Walnut Grove, the main food
court, is situated near the main stadium.
Kate Jackson is Vice President of Competition at the Games and is in charge of all
aspects of competition, including the management of athlete and equine athlete services. One of her many tasks is to supervise
stabling at the Kentucky Horse Park for the
800 horses competing there. All the horses
will be in stalls, which will be mucked out
by the grooms accompanying them to the
Games. Grazing will not be possible but the
horses can be hand walked on the event site.
The official feed and bedding supplier for
the event, international equine nutrition, research and consultation company Kentucky
Equine Research, will assist teams with their
dietary needs by formulating and preparing
specific rations and helping with the importation of their feeds.
The company will also work with individual
teams to provide hay and other forages.
Jim Beam bourbon bars, Kentucky wine samplings and Alltech’s Kentucky Ale beer will be
available too.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM
organisers are working to use as many
Kentucky grown and produced food products as possible to support its local agricultural industries. Concessions, catering staff
and chefs have been sourced locally.
31
Watch the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ at www.feitv.org
SATURDAY
25 September
SUNDAY
26 September
MONDAY
27 September
TUESDAY
28 September
TIME
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34
Highlights
Day 3
Reining Qualifier
09:30
16:00 14:00
Highlights
Day 2
VOD
Dressage Team
Grand Prix
Part III
09:00
15:30 13:30
Highlights
Day 1
LIVE
Dressage Team
Grand Prix
Part IV
15:00 13:00
Preview
Show
VOD
Endurance
08:30
LIVE
Dressage Team
Grand Prix
Part I
08:00
14:30 12:30
VOD
Dressage Team
Grand Prix
Part II
07:30
14:00 12:00
LIVE
Reining Team
Competition
Part III
07:00
13:30 11:30
VOD
Reining Team
Competition
Part IV
13:00 11:00
LIVE
Reining Team
Competition Part I
Kentucky
Time
Reining Team
Competition Part II
GMT
Opening Ceremony
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
CEST
News
News
News
All territories in which the FEI TV live broadcasts will be available to be confirmed.
Times of availability of video on demand from the Games to be confirmed.
All live broadcasts will be available as video on demand a few hours later.
Please check www.feitv.org for all schedules and programming.
News
FEI TV brings you the most comprehensive coverage to date of any FEI World Equestrian GamesTM.
According to your location, access to coverage may be restricted temporarily.
WEDNESDAY
29 September
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
30 September
01 October
SATURDAY
02 October
TIME
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
CEST
Highlights
Day 7
News
Dressage Grand Prix
Freestyle
Reining Individual Final
Dressage
Grand Prix
Special
Eventing
(Dressage)
Eventing
(Dressage)
Eventing
(Cross Country)
Dressage
Grand Prix
Special
Highlights
Day 6
Eventing
(Dressage)
Highlights
Day 5
Eventing
(Dressage)
Highlights
Day 4
News
Medal Awards Ceremony
News
News
GMT
TIME
Kentucky
Time
CEST
GMT
Kentucky
Time
13:00 11:00
07:00
13:00 11:00
07:00
13:30 11:30
07:30
13:30 11:30
07:30
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15:00
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As a special service for all19:30
users,
17:30
a daily show featuring highlights
20:00 18:00
of competitions at the Alltech
FEI
20:30 18:30
World Equestrian Games™21:00
will19:00
be
available to subscribers as video
on
21:30 19:30
demand.
22:00 20:00
22:30 20:30
16:30
22:30 20:30
16:30
23:00 21:00
17:00
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17:30
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18:00
See broadcast schedule
23:30 21:30
updates at
00:00 22:00
17:00
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00:30 22:30
18:30
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18:30
01:00 23:00
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www.feitv.org
13:30
14:00
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15:00
15:30
16:00
17:30
18:00
Please note: 1.
2.
3.
4.
All terri
Times o
All live
Please c
SUNDAY
03 October
MONDAY
04 October
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
05 October
06 October
THURSDAY
07 October
TIME
13:30
20:00 18:00
14:00
20:30 18:30
14:30
21:00 19:00
15:00
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Please note: 1.
2.
3.
4.
36
Para Indiv.
13:00
19:30 17:30
Para Indiv.
12:30
19:00 17:00
Driving
(Dressage)
12:00
18:30 16:30
Vaulting
Freestyle
Female
11:30
18:00 16:00
Vaulting
Freestyle
Female
11:00
17:30 15:30
Highlights
Day 12
News
News
News
All territories in which the FEI TV live broadcasts will be available to be confirmed.
Times of availability of video on demand from the Games to be confirmed.
All live broadcasts will be available as video on demand a few hours later.
Please check www.feitv.org for all schedules and programming.
Driving
(Dressage)
10:30
17:00 15:00
VOD
Para Indiv.
10:00
16:30 14:30
LIVE
Highlights
Day 11
Para Indiv.
09:30
16:00 14:00
Highlights
Day 10
VOD
Vaulting
Compulsary Team
09:00
15:30 13:30
Highlights
Day 9
LIVE
Vaulting
Compulsary Ind.
Female
15:00 13:00
Highlights
Day 8
VOD
Vaulting
Compulsary Ind.
Female
08:30
LIVE
Jumping Team
08:00
14:30 12:30
VOD
Para Individual Team
07:30
14:00 12:00
LIVE
Para Individual Team
07:00
13:30 11:30
VOD
Jumping
(Team)
13:00 11:00
LIVE
Jumping
(Team)
Kentucky
Time
Jumping
(Speed Class)
GMT
Jumping
(Speed Class)
PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
CEST
Eventing
(Jumping)
y
News
News
FEI TV brings you the most comprehensive coverage to date of any FEI World Equestrian GamesTM.
According to your location, access to coverage may be restricted temporarily.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
08 October
09 October
SUNDAY
MONDAY
10 October
11 October
TIME
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
LIVE
VOD
CEST
Highlights
Day 14
Highlights
Day 15
Highlights
Day 16
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Vaulting
Freestyle Team
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Jumping
(Final 4)
Driving
(Dressage)
News
News
Medal Awards Ceremony
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Driving
(Obstacle-Cones)
Closing
Ceremonies
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Vaulting Freestyle
Female / Male
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Jumping
Individual Top 52
Vaulting
Freestyle Team
Vaulting
Freestyle
Male
Vaulting
Freestyle
Female
Driving
(Marathon)
Para Freestyle Indiv.
Driving
(Dressage)
Highlights
Day 13
News
News
GMT
Kentucky
Time
13:00 11:00
07:00
13:30 11:30
07:30
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08:00
14:30 12:30
08:30
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As a special service for all users,
a daily show featuring highlights
of competitions at the Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games™ will be
available to subscribers as video on
demand.
See broadcast schedule
updates at
www.feitv.org
Postcard from
the United States
of America
United States Equestrian Federation
Facts & Figures
President Mr David J. O’Connor
Secretary General Mr John R. Long
There are 135 permanent members of staff
at the USEF
86,044 affiliated members
82,699 competitors are affiliated
2,480 national events were held in 2009*
126 international events were held in 2009
27 disciplines practised in the USA
There are 11 Recognised Breed Affiliates or
24 Breeds presented by Affiliated Associations
91,521 horses and ponies in the USA
Interview with
David J.O’Connor
38
As the members of the USEF are the lifeblood of
the Federation, what steps do you as an organisation take to maintain their valued support?
You will find in our Mission Statement all the core
functions. Among these, ensuring and promoting the
health and welfare of our horses and riders is crucial,
and we actively pursue this through our regulations
and programmes.
Creating a level playing field and the opportunity
for meaningful competition for riders of all levels is
equally important.
Compared to other sports in the USA, what are
the main obstacles the sport faces in expanding
its audience?
Making our sport available to a larger audience is
one of our obstacles, particularly when it comes to
securing television broadcast time. Shows have
grown to be membership driven, but we need to
cross the line to create more of a mainstream fan
base especially at the highest levels.
Developing a youth base of any sport is vital for
the development of a federation, how important
are youth to the USEF?
The development of our youth is vital for USEF
and for all equestrian sport. Investing in the youth
of today is what provides our sport with a future.
We are very involved in the North American Junior
and Young Rider Championships which, currently include four disciplines, and we are hoping to include
more in the future. USEF’s Youth Council was created to allow for governance by youth representatives from all breeds and disciplines. Their main goal
is to bring forward programmes to the USEF Board of
Directors for future implementation. They have been
very active in revitalising youth and developing rider
programmes and encouraging them to play an active
role in governance in future.
With the equestrian world focusing on Kentucky
over the next few months, what memories do you
hope visitors and audiences around the world will
have of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™?
Visitors from the US and the world around will be
astounded by the Kentucky Horse Park facility and
the surrounding beauty. Kentucky truly is the horse
capital of the world, uniting so many aspects of
horse sport, racing and breeding and I’m sure visitors will be enticed to return to this wonderful area.
Having been a competitor at four of the last FEI
World Equestrian Games™, I can personally guarantee that this is the best venue for an event of this
magnitude.
As one of the USA’s most famous riders what
advice can you give to riders who will be
competing at the Games for the first time?
Enjoy yourself and take in the surroundings. Enjoy
being around the best the sport has to offer. The
Games will be over so quickly and memories are
the most important thing you will take away from
here. Prepare yourself and your horse so that you can
achieve your potential. You may not always win, but
knowing you’ve put it all out on the table is a great
feeling.
The USEF has actively embraced social media
such as Facebook - how important is this in the
Federation’s development?
There is no question that reaching out to anyone
who’s interested in horses through social networking
sites such as our own Club Equestrian, Facebook and
Twitter has been a wonderful asset and a fantastic
way to reach out to youth.
As this is the first time the Games have been held
in the US, what impact do you think they will have
on the local community and the reputation of the
sport in the USA?
The best of the best will head to Kentucky, home of
the horse in the US. It is a perfect fit. To have the
international world involved with our world will
create new fans in Kentucky and in the US.
The Games will undoubtedly inspire many youngsters to want to aim for this level of competition
in the future. Who was your main inspiration and
why?
I was brought up around lots of Olympic riders like
Mike Plumb, Bruce Davidson and Jimmy Wofford.
Jack LeGoff was definitely the most influential
person in my life. He educated me to be the rider
I could be. He believed in education and competitive
excellence. He taught me that horsemanship has to
be first.
39
Portfolio
A photographic celebration of equestrianism
During the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM,
the FEI invites visitors to Inspire, a photographic
exhibition like no other, graciously hosted by
Alltech at its pavilion in the Kentucky Horse Park.
on a double-seater rocking-horse in their stables
near Brussels and the UAE’s young world Endurance
champion Hussain Al Marzooqi discovers space hoppers in the desert near Dubai with his father Ali.
Inspire is the fruit of a year-long project and brings
together 16 images taken in various locations around
the world. Hectic agendas meant that a great deal of
date-juggling was involved but, surprisingly, not one
of the people invited to take part refused.
Some of the riders chose to be photographed with
people outside their family circles who inspired
their journey into equestrianism. This is the case
for Vaulting superstar Kai Vorberg, who stops Cologne’s traffic with a demonstration of his athletic
prowess while his mentor Reinhold Strang looks
on. USA Jumping riders Beezie Madden and Jessica
Springsteen, united by their mutual admiration,
are captured in an upbeat portrayal of female independence.
The images capture inspirational figures from the
sport in surprising but eloquent situations. Some
are legends, others are inspiring emerging talents.
Their origins are diverse and serve as a reminder of
the geographical spread of the 133 National Federations affiliated to the FEI. Together, they represent all
the equestrian disciplines on the programme of the
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.
Photographers Liz Gregg, Kit Houghton and Simon
Charlton placed their subjects in contexts the public is unused to seeing them in, incorporating often
subtle references to their disciplines. Most of the images unite two people in bucolic or urban backdrops
and highlight the bond of admiration and inspiration
between them.
The collections offers rarely seen moments of playful
intimacy between the sitters with family ties: HRH
Princess Royal and Zara Phillips share a joke in the
tackroom of Gatcombe Park after a morning ride;
the elegant Rodrigo and Nelson Pessoa fool around
40
FEI President HRH Princess Haya is shown applauding riders at the July 2010 Aachen CHIO event.
Smiling and at ease, she is in the midst of an enthusiastic crowd, at the heart of horse sport.
Alltech founder and Dr Pearse Lyons and his wife
Deirdre are depicted in the role of the perfect hosts,
inviting viewers to join them as they welcome the
best riders on the planet for a 16-day celebration
of talent and dreams fulfilled.
Provocative, contemporary, striking, the photos
will prompt discussion and interpretation and
leave nobody indifferent. We hope they will stimulate viewers to reflect on and appreciate those
people who have helped to shape and influence
their own lives.
Kai Vorberg & Rienhold Strang (GER)
Dr & Mrs Lyons (USA)
Natalia Berezhnaya (RUS)
Laurentia Tan (SIN)
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER)
Zara Phillips & HRH The Princess Royal (GBR)
Rodrigo & Nelson Pessoa (BRA)
IJsbrand & Bram Chardon (NED)
Jessica Springsteen & Beezie Madden (USA)
Hussain Al Marzooqi & Ali Mohammed Al Marzooqi (UAE)
Alex Hua Tian (CHN) & Mark Todd (NZ)
Andrea Iannetta, Elena Scipioni, Giovanni Masi & Luca Menici (ITA)
Moorlands Totilas (NED)
HRH Princess Haya (JOR)
“Mr Reinhold Strang has always been an important and inspirational figure in my life!
For as long as I can remember he has guided
and supported me, helping me to be the athlete and champion I am today. I am grateful
for all the opportunities he has given me and
for the life he has helped me to create. His
passion to share will always be an inspiration
for me!”
Cologne City Centre, Cologne, Germany
March 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
“Being involved in the Alltech FEI World
Equestrian Games™ has been an inspiring
journey as my husband and I prepare to host
the greatest equestrian show on earth. Celebrating such an array of talent will I hope
also inspire others to embrace the sport and
its values”
Blue Grass Airport, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
June 2010 Photo: Mark Cornelison
“For me, riding a horse gives me the freedom;
the movements and energy that my own
legs cannot do! It has helped my mobility,
my co-ordination and given me confidence
in myself. It has also taught me a lot about
life; about teamwork, partnership, trust, and
also that hard work can be rewarding. Our
greatest glory is not in never failing; but in
rising every time we fall, as Confucius once
said; and behind every success is a team of
many individuals working together. It is not
about the horse or the rider alone, nor is it
just about how the horse and rider perform
together as one, but also the people working
with them and supporting them.”
“I have loved being around horses ever since
I can remember. They are incredible animals,
so beautiful and powerful. Training, competing, living – horses are completely part of
my life and a big inspiration helping me to
achieve so much already.”
Krusterhof Dressurstall, Veorde, Germany
June 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
“I grew up with horses and they have been
a constant in my life. They are such positive
animals and being around them has certainly
helped to shape my outlook on the world.
Working in partnership with an animal is a
privilege and also challenge - one I try to rise
to everyday. With the arrival of my beautiful
daughter Brianne I now have new challenges
but her very presence inspires me, making
me even more determined to succeed both
as an athlete and a mother.”
Thedinghause, Bremen, Germany.
June 2010 Photo: Kit Houghton
“Horses have been an enormous part of my
life from a very young age. I can’t remember
ever not being around them. Inspired by so
many people including my Mother’s success,
I have been fortunate to pursue a sport I enjoy passionately. With the support and guidance of both her and my wider family, I have
achieved a huge amount of things both as a
rider and as an individual.”
Gatcombe Park, Gloucester, United Kingdom
December 2009 Photo: Kit Houghton
Galphay, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
May 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
The FEI extends its sincere gratitude to all those who generously gave their time and energy to pose for the photographs in this very special
photographic exhibition, as well as photographers Liz Gregg, Kit Houghton and Simon Charlton for their enthusiasm, perseverance and creativity,
Designwork, London, for the Inspire logo and Alltech and Mrs Deirdre Lyons for hosting Inspire at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.
Adrian Bell, Bill Johnson, Birga Griese, Carlesberg Brewery, Christina Corway, Christine Vasseur, Cindy Bovay, Danielle Nay, David Holmes,
Dr & Mrs Lyons, Duke & Duchess of Beaufort, Edward Gal, Emma Houghton, Gauteng Horse Society, Hugh Thomas, Jane Priestner , Johann
Hinnemann, Jon Mort, Julian Seaman, Jürgen Rengel Fotos, Kathleen Reed, Katya Shtatnova, Marie-Aurélie Girard, Mary Mac, Metro Imaging,
Michael Stone, Mr & Mrs Masi, Nicky Barr, Nicole de Villiers
, Nicole Werner, Nigel Fraser, One More Tandem, Patti Springsteen, Peter Richmond
& family, Ragtops Motorcars, Renee Conde, Robin Imaging, Romi Tschudi, Soweto Equestrian Foundation, Stevenson Brothers, The Diamond
Centre, Vicki Oulton.
Without the organisational talents of Mungo Denison, project manager of Inspire, the exhibition would still be just an idea. Thank you Mungo.
“My father has been my main source of
inspiration throughout out my life. His
knowledge about horses has been a very
important asset in my career. We have
enjoyed a very close relationship and have
cherished many great successes with many
more still to come.”
Pessoa Stables, Fleurus, Brussels, Belgium
April 2010 Photo: Kit Houghton
“ My father’s enthusiasm for the sport and
his eternal optimism is why he is such a big
inspiration in my life. He has been competing at the very top for more than 25 years. He
made it clear to me from a young age that
I have to give 100% and more to be successful. He has helped me through difficult
situations and instilled in me the values
of patience and perseverance – qualities
you need to be a champion. More than this
though he is a great father who has set me
on wonderful, path into adult life.”
Jetée des Pâquis, Geneva, Switzerland
April 2010 Photo: Kit Houghton
“Beezie has been a huge inspiration not just
to me but for many riders around the world
of all ages. I‘ve been lucky to be able to draw
from her extensive experience. She’s a hero
whose accomplishments you can both aspire
to, and someone who has the generosity and
patience to guide you.”
Wellington, Florida, United States of America
March 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
“Ever since I was a baby I saw that my father
loved horses as much as us. When he said he
would teach me how to fly I didn’t understand at first he meant ride. Ever since I got
my wings he has been my riding inspiration!”
Bab Al Sham, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
April 2010 Photo: Simon Charlton
“I cannot help but be passionate about
Eventing. It is not just a sport but a way of
life. The unique partnership between horse
and rider - decisions made, communicated
and executed within a heartbeat. Trust,
courage and precision - building on our joint
strengths, forgiving and compensating for
each other’s weaknesses. Mark enjoyed his
30th Badminton this year whilst I made my
debut. He is certainly an inspiration to me and
I can only hope that in 30 years time I will be
in the same position as Mark.”
Badminton House, Gloucester, United Kingdom
May 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
“I’ve been involved with horses since I was
very young and started showing and competing when I was only five years old. Being
in the company of horses is both humbling
and exciting but representing my nation in a
team event and winning the gold medal was
something else - a dream come true that
has inspired me to go onto greater things!”
Giovanni Masi
Tenuta della Selva, Siena, Italy
May 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
“I have had the pleasure and privilege of riding Totilas for some time now. He is quite
honestly the most astonishing horse I have
come across - a superstar in every sense.
Everywhere he goes people flock to see
him. He has certainly inspired me as a rider
and brought huge joy and happiness to the
many thousands who watch him compete
around the world.” Edward Gal
Harskamp, Netherlands
March 2010 Photo: Kit Houghton
“Everyday I am inspired by those around me
who share my passion, respect and love for
our great sport. And it is ours to share and
enjoy together, which is why I am committed
to ensuring that the FEI provides an environment in which it can truly flourish.”
Aachen, Germany
July 2010 Photo: Liz Gregg
Alltech Tips
Gearing Up
for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
TM
With the final days ticking away until the first
horse strides through
the in-gate at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, crunch
time is now upon contenders. Preparation
plans are kicking into
high gear for these athletes – both human and equine. For equestrians who
have already qualified to represent their country in
Lexington, Kentucky as well as those who are still
chasing the Selection Trials for a spot on their national team, the goal is to be competition-ready for
September.
That means the human component (most often a
rider, but in some disciplines a vaulter or driver) and
their horse or horses must continue to be systematically conditioned in order to peak physically and
mentally precisely at the time of the competition.
It requires a delicate balance between over-training,
which burns out an athlete’s mind and muscles, and
under-training, which leaves them overwhelmed
when put to the test. Either extreme spells disaster
for an international competitor representing their
country.
Whether one’s goal is a World Championship win
at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ or the
year-end finals of a regional show circuit, the manner in which competitors within the same discipline
gear up during the final stretch is essentially parallel.
It is just a matter of degree: the loftier the goal, the
more intense the gearing-up process. Amateur riders
can learn a lot from the way the pros condition their
52
By Darlene Ricker
Executive editor of Equine International
(alltech.com/equineinternational)
a monthly publication about FEI disciplines and
the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™.
mounts for a major event such as the Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games™, the Olympic Games or
the Pan American Games. Their training programme
begins at least a year out and is gradually tailored as
the horse becomes fitter and the competition day
nears.
Of course, the specific regimen will vary from one
discipline to another. An Endurance horse needs incredible stamina to be competitive (which requires
speed, soundness and top systemic health) over the
100-mile course of rugged outdoor terrain it must
complete in a single day. A Reining horse, which
performs its individual test in an arena in a matter
of minutes, must be capable of sudden bursts of
speed coupled with the ability to “stop on a dime,”
all the while being willingly guided by the rider.
A grand prix Dressage horse needs the highest degree of suppleness and muscular strength to perform
precise movements with the utmost in collection
and extension in its gaits.
Regardless of whether you are gearing up for the
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ or a local
event, some uniform principles apply. First, allow
your horse enough time to reach the fitness level
required for the competition. By employing proper
conditioning methods on a consistent basis, your
horse will start to develop noticeable improvement
in muscular, aerobic and cardiovascular condition in
four weeks.
Interval training – This advanced method is designed to gradually overload the horse’s system so
that it can perform increased work before reaching
the point of fatigue. It involves short, intense work
sessions that raise the horse’s heart rate, such as trotting up a hill or galloping on the flat. These spurts,
which should not exceed two minutes, are followed
by a slow interval, such as a jog, until the heart rate
returns to normal.
Gearing Up for Suppleness.
Suppleness training is particularly important in gearing up a dressage horse, although it benefits any
equine athlete by increasing the range of motion.
Common suppling exercises include bending, lateral
work, upward and downward transitions, “stretchy
circles” and “chewing” the reins out of the hand.
Working uphill, riding through shallow water and
trotting over low jumps at a walk and trot are excellent suppleness exercises for a horse of any discipline.
Gearing Up for Strength.
The repetitive muscle contractions required to properly perform dressage movements also provide excellent strength training. The use of inclines, such as
walking or cantering uphill, can increase strength in a
fairly short period of time.
Gearing Up for Cardiovascular Condition.
Long slow distance – This is the traditional and
proper start for any cardio conditioning programme.
The routine is precisely what it says: The horse covers fairly long distances at slow rates of speed. The
workout increases cardiovascular function while placing limited stress on the horse. The horse is usually
exercised for three consecutive days, given the fourth
day off to rest, and then the sequence is repeated.
Regular days off are as important for the horse as
they are for human athletes, whether the latter are
equestrians or marathon runners. Otherwise fatigue
can set in, which may lead to injuries or attacks on
the immune system. When the horse reaches a sufficient fitness level, the demands on his body are
gradually increased to further build his stamina. One
of three elements is increased at a time (but never
at the same time): the duration, speed or distance of
the workout.
Other cardiovascular workouts – Riding crosscountry and cantering over varying terrain is superb
cardiovascular exercise and gives the horse enjoyment and relaxation. Dividing the programme into
two shorter workouts per day, coupled with transitions among the gaits and frequent changes of direction, further increases the horse’s cardiovascular
reserve.
Gearing up for competition – particularly a major event such as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian
Games™ – pushes the horse’s system to perform at
maximum capacity. In addition to the physical and
emotional stress involved in training, the long-distance travel to qualifying trials and competitions can
also affect an animal’s peak performance capabilities.
Conditions such as gastric ulcers have been seen in
increased numbers of top-level competition horses
due to the stresses involved in long-distance transportation. It’s therefore important to ensure that your
horse receives proper nutrition through superior grain
and supplements, such as products manufactured
by Official Animal Health and Nutrition Partners of
the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Supplementing the diet with Alltech’s Lifeforce™ Formula,
increases the activity of the “good” bacteria, reducing
gut acidity, improving fibre digestibility and meeting
the overall health and wellness needs of the horse
during the process of gearing up.
53
Why the long face?
Tami Hoag
Tami Hoag is a Dressage rider and author.
Her thirteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers
include The Alibi Man, Prior Bad Acts, Dark Horse and
Kill The Messenger. Born in Iowa, raised in Minnesota,
Hoag now divides her time between Los Angeles and
Palm Beach Country, Florida.
54
Why are you a horse-lover?
The soul of the horse is extraordinary. These are beings without hidden agendas, without subterfuge,
always willing to accept you for who you are as long
as you are kind and treat them with respect.
Your first riding experience – was it bliss or terror?
Absolute bliss!! While on a family vacation in the
Rocky Mountains my mother took me to a stable to
ride. I was just five years old. She thought I would
be led around a corral and that would be sufficient
to shut me up about riding. Poor Mother! We were
taken on a trail ride in the mountains. I was at the
front of the line and she - who is terrified of horses
- was at the back. I was so small I couldn’t reach my
hand back to the end of the saddle blanket, let alone
reach my feet to the stirrups. I absolutely loved it.
Do you think anyone can ride?
No. I think anyone can try to ride, but there are people who just don’t have the right vibe to get along
with horses, and horses should not be subjected to
that experience.
Would you encourage young people to get involved in riding both at the amateur and professional level?
Yes. Although their parents might curse me for draining their bank accounts.
How is equestrian sport perceived in the US?
I compete in Dressage, and Dressage is definitely
perceived as an arcane elitist pursuit. I think many
more people would follow horse sport if they were
exposed to it and educated about it. People will tune
in to watch people play cards, for God’s sake. But it’s
difficult to connect to the masses because there are
so many other sports that are televised and easy to
follow. Horse sport just doesn’t get the exposure in
the US.
If horses could talk, what would they be saying?
More carrots, less hard work!
Is there a unique trait you look for in a horse that
you can’t find in people?
Heart. In my experience that’s much more difficult
to find in human beings.
What would you miss most if you could no longer
go riding?
The partnership with the horses. Several years ago I
had a bad accident and broke my back in five places.
As I was recovering, I asked myself that question
because there was a chance I would not be able to
ride again. I love to compete, I love to win, but far
and way the most important thing to me is that
partnership you build with the horse in the day-today work.
What does your usual riding outfit consist of?
Breeches and a polo shirt. And I am a bootaholic.
I love a great-looking boot and have several pairs
in custom colours with exotic leather trim.
Sugar lumps or carrots?
Carrots
What’s your favourite part of a horse?
The face.
Have you ever competed in an equestrian event
(at any level) or thought about how you could
get involved?
I have competed since I was nine years old. I grew
up riding western, then did a little jumping, then
made the move to dressage. I have been a grand
prix rider now for nearly ten years.
Will you be attending the Alltech FEI World
Equestrian Games™?
Yes! I can’t wait!
Do you have a licence to drive a horsebox/lorry?
I’ve been driving a truck and trailer since I was a
teenager.
55
Working with horses will set a person straight pretty
quickly as to the fact that universe does not revolve
around them--it revolves around the horses!
US athletes have been really successful in the last
few years in equestrian sport – do you have any
aspirations for the US teams or individual athletes
at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™?
I certainly will be rooting for them. I think the US
has good medal chances in many of the disciplines.
©PhelpsPhotos.com
Do you think the Alltech FEI World Equestrian
Games™ will change the perception of equestrian
sport in the US?
Only if it receives some proper television and media
coverage.
When did you first develop a bond with horses?
I have always felt connected to horses. Maybe from
a past life, if there is such a thing.
What do you think young people gain from riding?
Confidence, patience, self-discipline, self-esteem,
sportsmanship, a sense of fairness, empathy for another living being.
Do you think that riding can add to the character
and development of a young person?
Absolutely.
Do you think the sport needs to adapt to the young
people today?
No. I think young people need to adapt. A recent
study showed that the generation coming up is the
most narcissistic, self-absorbed generation in history.
56
Where in the world would you most like to ride?
In Italy, preferably with George Clooney.
If you could spend one afternoon riding with a
famous person (past or present) who would it be
and why?
Oh, that’s so difficult!! How does one choose? I’ve
already stated my choice for the present, but for the
past? Xenophon? Alexander the Great? The old Dressage masters? I would have a long list.
Two horses go out for dinner, what kind of restaurant do they choose?
Vegetarian with a big salad bar
Two horses go to a concert, who do they see?
My horses love the guitarist Jesse Cook.
All time favourite horse film?
Seabiscuit
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