http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/rss.php The latest information all all Team GBR activities - British Equestrian Federation en-gb Copyright: (C) British Equestrian Federation 24th July Welcome to the first instalment of my daily diary which I hope that you will find an informative but also light hearted look at the journey of all our equestrian teams through the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I landed safely in Hong Kong yesterday together with my assistant Sophie George. We are the first of the Team GB Equestrian support team to arrive and our task over the next week is to make sure everything is 100% prepared when everyone else gets here. We were met at the airport by the very helpful National Olympic Committee assistants – these are people allocated to each country to assist in a number of ways. This might be getting us from the airport to our hotels, providing local advice or assisting with translation, which I am sure will come in particularly useful! Last night we met up with Martin Atock from Peden’s who are in charge of organising the horse transport, not just for Britain but for all nations. We had some final details to agree on the flights for our horses but I’m now satisfied that everything is in place ready for when the dressage and eventers are the first to fly on the 30th July, from Stansted. Today we made our first trip to the Olympic Village where we were the first people to arrive and were made to feel very welcome. We were allocated our rooms in the Village – some riders and staff will be staying in the village and others in hotels, depending on what is most suitable to their requirements. We also have an office in the Village that will double as a physio room due to space restrictions! We have been allocated 2 vehicles and there was certainly plenty of information on hand which Sophie and I will now need to digest. We have been joined by Sarah Johns from the British Olympic Association (BOA) who has come over to Hong Kong to help us get set up and organised, I was grateful for this when the three pallets of kit arrived from Bandamp;Q to dress the athletes rooms both in the Village and in the hotel. We set to work unpacking this kit which includes pillow cases, throws (which look like blankets to me….), ironing boards, irons and much more, there are even pictures and flags to decorate the rooms and help them get into the patriotic feel – all with the Team GBR logo. The Olympic village, has been converted from a hotel and there are rooms for a wide range of activities from meditation to video games (it looked a long way removed from space invaders to me though?!) At the moment there are still a lot of security about doing all their final checks so moving through the hotel can be quite time consuming as you get stopped and searched a lot – perhaps I just look particularly suspicious? Back at home the Dressage and Eventing horses have made it into Pre-Export Quarantine without a problem and are undergoing their final fine-tuning before they fly out here next week when we will be ready to receive them. The next job is to set up the stables and unpack all the kit that has arrived there so the horses can feel as welcome as the riders. We await the arrival of Brendan Murray one of our team farriers in the next couple of days to help with that. With 2 weeks to go until the opening ceremony we are right on track! Will Connell General http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=109 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?109 Britain's Accenture Junior team took the Gold medal yesterday at the 2008 FEI European Show Jumping Championship for Juniors in Prague. From a starting field of eighteen nations, Chef d'Equipe Mike Florence led the British contingent to a convincing victory over Denmark who took the Silver medal and Germany who took Bronze after a jump off with Switzerland. Seventeen year-old Matthew Sampson who is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex riding Duncan Inglis' ten year-old bay mare Indy 28 proved a worthy pathfinder, jumping clear in both rounds. Eighteen year-old Louise Saywell from Retford, Nottinghamshire riding Andrew Saywell's eight year-old grey gelding Cyprianus Z produced a fantastic clear in the first round and was unlucky to finish with just four penalties in the second. A reversal of fortunes for eighteen year-old Daniel Neilson, based in Brentwood, Essex and Christian Saunders' eleven year-old grey mare High Tone Z saw them finish the first round with four penalties and then jumped a superb clear round in the second. Fifteen year-old Marla Lovett from Henfield in West Sussex riding Sharon Lovett's nine-year old dark bay mare Emily 46 had twenty one penalties in the first round and twelve in the second. 2008 FEI European Show Jumping Championship for Juniors Team Final Gold Great Britain Matthew Sampson Indy 28 0/0 Louise Saywell Cyprianus Z 0/4 Marla Lovett Emily 46 21/12 Daniel Neilson High Tone Z 4/0 Silver Denmark Bronze Germany Full results can be downloaded from www.eurohorse-promotion.cz Accenture are delighted to continue their eight year successful sponsorship of BSJA Young Riders as part of their overall sponsorship of youth in British Sports. The results - including a Gold Medal for 5 of the 8 years - support our overall goal of "winners working with winners". Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture works with its clients to help become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global recourses and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilise the right people, skills and technology to help clients improve their performance. In the UK alone the company generated net revenues of 1.5 billion for the fiscal year end August 31st 2005 and has a staff of 12,000. Globally Accenture has more than 120,000 staff out of 56 countries. For more information on Accenture please see :- www.accenture.com The Junior and Young Rider Teams are also supported by the World Class Development Programme which is lottery funded through UK Sport, along with NEXT Plc and Toggi who kindly provide the team clothing. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=107 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?107 Britain's Young Rider and Junior Dressage teams made a vast improvement this year with the juniors finishing fifth, only a little more than three points away from a bronze medal, at the 2008 European Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships in Azeitao, Portugal, 16-20 July. Junior chef d'equipe Islay Auty said: "We were fifth by the skin of our teeth. We had several horses who suffered from the four-day journey here in the intense heat and needed careful veterinary treatment, including fluids. It was nearly 40�C at the end of the team competition day and Don Perry was certainly still suffering the after-effects of the journey and ran out of steam towards the end of the test." Despite these difficulties, the junior team of Rebecca Drane and Half Moon Bardolino (18th), Keri Bates and Donna Parina (22nd) Melissa Bates and Celestial King (23rd) and Alexandria Barr and Don Perry (34th) finished a creditable fifth out of 11 teams. This was Rebecca's first time on a British team and it is her last as a junior. "She was magnificent, particularly as she is so inexperienced," said Islay of Rebecca, who has regular help from Judy Harvey. The young riders finished sixth with Charlie Hutton and Abira in 17th, Lara Griffith and Warlock 18th, Amber de Savary and Diamond Fritz 29th and Zoe Sleigh and Orvieto 34th. "The young riders have made a vast improvement on last year. Charlie was on the junior team then and he has moved up to this level fabulously. Charlie, Lara and junior rider Keri are all on the World Class Development Programme and credit must be given to that programme for advancing these riders who gave the overall strength to the teams," said Islay, who praised the excellent team spirit in the British camp. Islay also gave credit to team vet Andre Buthe: "He has been phenomenal. We wouldn't be where we are without him." Keri Bates and Donna Parrina moved up to 11th place in the junior individual test and went on to take ninth in the freestyle with an impressive 69.2%. Keri, who is 17, has competed the 11-year-old 16.1hh bay mare by Donnerhall since 2006 and was also on the junior team last year. In the young rider section, Lara Griffith and Warlock were the best Brits, finishing 15th in the individual test and 12th in the freestyle. Lara, 19, was a member of the junior team in 2006 with the now 16-year-old 16.2hh chesnut gelding by Werther and this year their wins include the Intermediaire II Freestyle Winter Championships. For the full results go to www.conventosaodomingos.com/classificacoes.html. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=108 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?108 Visit the brand new FEI Olympic website www.fei.org/olympics Do you want to know all the latest news about the forthcoming equestrian Olympic Games in Hong Kong, or to look back at previous editions and recall some of the greatest moments? Do you want to check out the list of competitors and the timetable of events, or to browse through the historical records which include chapters on every Olympic fixture since Stockholm in 1912 with a look back to the Ancient Olympic Games and the four editions of the Modern Olympics from which horsesport as we know it was missing? An extraordinary collection of photographs, features on a wide variety of relevant topics, details of rules, regulations and much, much more are all available on the FEI's fantastic new website www.fei.org/olympics which is online now and the place to be as the spectacular sporting occasion draws ever closer. And when the Games begin there will be LIVE online results for every competitor to keep you absolutely up-to-date and right on the edge of your seat all the way. Let's take a quick canter around the site to give you a taste of what is already available and what is yet to come .... HOME The HOME page includes a list of the qualified National Federations and there is a drop-down menu of qualified competitors in each discipline. To print this you simply click on the pdf inside each discipline and voilà! - there is the long-list of riders with full details of all their horses. Also included on this page is a range of Olympic-related news stories and if you go "Through the Looking Glass" you will enter into a whole new universe of photographs including some from the official handover by the IOC to the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the 2007 Test Event in Hong Kong. As the Games begin, new photo galleries containing atmosphere pictures and views behind the scenes will be added daily. This brings you to the photo pages and it is the historical pictures, dating all the way back to Stockholm in 1912 that are the real show-stealers. You could spend hours browsing through the spectacular collection that brings the whole Olympic story to life in a very real way. The posters for each Games are, in themselves, collectors items - full of colour and drama and quite unique. THE OLYMPIC ALBUM How about those lean, fit-looking horses on the gold medal winning Swedish Jumping and Eventing teams in 1912 when the host country also took individual gold in Dressage? And the wonderful window on the dress-style of the 1920's in the Antwerp collection which also includes the dashing Belgian boys who scooped the gold in Vaulting? You feel as if you are looking down on the scene as the horses are unloaded from a ship at the Los Angeles Docks in 1932 - the year when Japanese baron Takeichi Nishi took individual gold in Jumpng - and there is a surreal quality about the picture of Harry D. Chambelain and Pleasant Smiles on their way to securing Eventing team gold for the host country, while the elegant step of Xavier F Lesagne's Tains, winner of individual Dressage gold for France, is matched by the rider's seat.... Look at those enormous jodhpurs worn by Lis Hartle from Denmark as she took her silver medal in dressage in Helsinki in 1952! and the wonderful walk of André Jousseame's Harpagon who claimed individual dressage bronze for France that year. Prince Philip is pictured handing the Jumping gold medal to America's Bill Steinkraus in Mexico City in the 1968 collection which also includes a very youthful portrait of German dressage legend Reiner Klimke while by 1976 the big screen has become a reality - look at the number of spectators in that Montreal arena! New Zealand's Eventing genius Mark Todd took his first Olympic gold with Charisma in 1984 and the picture of the tall Kiwi during the prize-giving ceremony has become something of a classic - isn't it amazing that this man, crowned the greatest rider of the 20th century by the FEI, has qualified for Hong Kong 24 years after this photo was taken? There is also a spectacular picture of Eventing bronze medallist Ginny Holgate (now Elliott) and the great Priceless who took bronze. Ginny will also be in Hong Kong 24 years later - but this time as team manager of the Irish Eventing squad. Super-stars are the order of the day in the Seoul 1988 grouping which includes the jumping partnerships of Pierre Durand and Jappeloup from France and America's Greg Best with the extraordinary Gem Twist, a first glimpse of Germany's Ludger Beerbaum, another Eventing gold medal for Todd and Charisma and Germany's Monica Theoredscu and Ganimedes en route to Dressage team gold. The Barcelona 1992 pages are adorned with a beaming Ludger taking his first individual gold, the happy Dutch Jumping team claiming their first, and only, gold and a sensational shot of dressage gold medallist Nicole Uphoff and Rembrandt who pipped The Netherlands' Anky Van Grunsven and Bonfire, although Anky is on top next time around in Sydney where David O'Connor, now USEF President, claims Eventing gold. And then it’s on to Athens with Anky still on a roll, great shots of reigning jumping champion Rodrigo Pessoa from Brazil with Baloubet du Rouet and team gold and individual silver medallist Chris Kappler and Royal Kalber for the USA. This is a treasure trove of great memories, and you should relish every minute of it.... NEWS The news page already contains a number of articles already published and there will be plenty more added over the next few weeks. DID YOU KNOW SECTION DID YOU KNOW that the first woman to win an Olympic medal dates back to the ancient Olympic Games when in 396 B.C. and again in 392 B.C, the Spartan princess Cynisca, sister of Spartan king Agesilaus II, won the four-horse chariot race. And while it does, on one level, defy all the odds as women were not even allowed to compete in the Olympic events, it can be explained by the fact that it was the owners of the horses proclaimed winners of the event, and thus a female owner meant a female winner. When you consider that chariot racing was one of the most exciting and potentially fatal of events – and in particular for the winners the greatest honour – there must have been quite a stir when the loophole revealed a female winner… DID YOU KNOW that a horse-walker was installed onto the ship that transported the US equine athletes to the Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928? We might think we know all there is to know about fitness training these days, but such was the concern that the horses would arrive well-muscled and ready for action that the walker was used throughout the voyage and it worked a treat. AND, for even better measure, it was commandeered from the set of the 1925 silent blockbuster BEN HUR! DID YOU KNOW that Great Britain's Marion Coakes was the first-ever woman to win an Olympic show jumping medal when taking individual silver in Mexico City in 1968? HISTORY AND RESULTS Still under construction, the historical records are almost completed and will be available within the next few days but already you can wander back through the Ancient Games and on through the period dating from 1896 to 1936. Each Games since 1912 will be described in its own individual story and full results are available under the RESULTS heading which is accompanied by some useful statistics, facts and figures including the fact that dressage rider Reiner Klimke holds the record for winning most medals in the history of the Olympic Games with an amazing total of eight. He obviously also heads up the Dressage medal rankings while America's Mike Plumb holds the record for most Eventing medals with six and Germany's Hans Gunther Winkler has the record in Jumping with a total of seven. REFERENCES Under this heading you can explore the equestrian venues through maps, check out the information supplied to National Federations, read about the provisions for horse health and browse through the papers discussed at the Heat and Humidity Conference in Lausanne earlier this year. The qualification formula and the rules for the competitions are all here too and, to complete your extraordinarily extensive knowledge, you cannot be without the TIMETABLE of events, also available on the HOMEPAGE - an absolute MUST for everyone following these Games. OFFICIALS AND ANTI-DOPING On top of all the above there is a full list of officials with accompanying biographies - this page is worth perusing if only for the picture included. Is that REALLY dressage judges marking their sheets in those horse-carts? Is this a world away from the way we do things today? Well some judges of course might say "not at all"... but those were very definitely different times. Can you picture Mariette Withages and friends sitting up in one of these? The important subject of anti-doping is explained in detail. There will be more tests and a tougher testing regime for all Olympic athletes while the horses will be screened as never before. The presence of one of the world's top equine laboratories on site will ensure that results can be achieved quickly and efficiently. AND MORE This is just a taste of what is in store on the website which, during the Games, will provide daily competition reports, pictures and news items along with the medal count and live feed of results. The site is designed to provide you with all you need to know about the Olympic Games past and present and to maximise your enjoyment and engagement with the 2008 edition in Hong Kong which will get underway in 21 days' time. Join us for the countdown in the lead-up period, and for all of the action during the event itself, at www.fei.org/olympics - we think you will enjoy the ride! By Louise Parkes, FEI Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=105 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?105 Britain's Accenture Young Rider team have taken the Bronze medal this afternoon at the 2008 FEI European Championship for Young Riders in Prague, after a jump off with France. Fifteen teams took part in today's competition, and after a nail biting two rounds, Great Britain were holding equal third place with France, meaning a jump off would be required to decide the final medal position. The British contingent held their nerve and produced three faultless rounds in the jump off to secure the Bronze medal. Having won Team Gold and Individual Bronze Medals in 2004 and 2007 and Team Silver in 2003, Gemma Plumley from Chepstow, Gwent and Johnsey Estate's Lutine du Charmois, demonstrated their depth of experience having just a singe fence down in the second round and jumping clear in the first round and the jump off. Ryan Prater riding Whisker, a nine-year old bay stallion co-owned by Ryan and Suzanne Heath lowered just one fence to finish the first round on four penalties, twelve penalties in the second and jumped a clear in the jump off. Hannah Paul riding Simon Paul's Sirius III lowered a pole in the first round and then went on to jump clear in both the second round and the jump off. William Whitaker riding Ian Whitaker's Sarlino had four penalties in both the first and second rounds and as the three clears from his fellow Team mates had already secured the Bronze medal for Great Britain, William was not required to take part in the jump off. Switzerland took the Gold medal with The Netherlands in silver medal position. 2008 FEI European Show Jumping Championship for Young Riders Team Final Gold Switzerland Silver The Netherlands Bronze Great Britain Ryan Prater Whisker 4/12/0 Gemma Plumley Lutine du Charmois 0/4/0 Hannah Paul Sirius III 4/0/0 William Whitaker Sarlino 4/4/ns Full results can be downloaded from www.eurohorse-promotion.cz Accenture are delighted to continue their eight year successful sponsorship of BSJA Young Riders as part of their overall sponsorship of youth in British Sports. The results - including a Gold Medal for 5 of the 8 years - support our overall goal of "winners working with winners". Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture works with its clients to help become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global recourses and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilise the right people, skills and technology to help clients improve their performance. In the UK alone the company generated net revenues of 1.5 billion for the fiscal year end August 31st 2005 and has a staff of 12,000. Globally Accenture has more than 120,000 staff out of 56 countries. For more information on Accenture please see :- www.accenture.com The Junior and Young Rider Teams are also supported by the World Class Development Programme which is lottery funded through UK Sport, along with NEXT Plc and Toggi who kindly provide the team clothing. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=106 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?106 BBC One's longitudinal documentary series Olympic Dreams will once again feature Para-Equestrian Dressage rider Lee Pearson. His episode will be screened on 22nd July 2008 at 10.35pm on BBC1. With the 2012 London Olympic Games drawing ever closer, many British athletes have embarked on the long journey towards fulfilling their ultimate goal of securing a place on Team GB and winning gold in front of a home crowd. Revealing just what it takes for these Olympic hopefuls to make the grade, the four-part documentary series, Olympic Dreams, co-produced with The Open University, begins on 15th July 2008 at 10.35pm on BBC 1. Building on the success of the first series aired in December 2007, Olympic Dreams offers an insight into the world of elite sport and intimate access to British athletes' lives - their gruelling training schedules, daily sacrifices, highs of victory, lows of defeat andamp; injury, and the pressure of coping under the weight of growing expectation. The athletes featuring in the series include diver Tom Daley; BMX world champion Shanaze Reade; Team GB Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby team; heptathlete Jessica Ennis; table tennis players Paul Drinkhall and Darius Knight; young Welsh Gymnast Venus Romaeo; GB Junior Judo hope Ashley McKenzie; Paralympic dressage champion Lee Pearson; Team GB Women’s Rowing team and the elite Team GB men’s rowing Coxless Four. In this Olympic year, some of the British hopefuls are also hoping to qualify and make an impact at the Beijing Games. During the series the unique relationship between coach and athlete is explored, as well as the role family and friends play in supporting the athletes through their preparation and training. It also offers insight into the nerve-wracking rounds of selection and competition and the sacrifices and opportunities the athletes experience in order to earn their place on the British Olympic Team. Senior Lecturer in Sports Studies at The Open University, Ben Oakley, is the academic consultant to the programme, and said: "It takes about 10 years for an Olympic champion to develop – someone who is just the best in their field on the planet. They are very special people. Someone who is going to win gold in 2012 will probably be going to Beijing in 2008, or at least knocking on the door. Olympic Dreams shows how the athletes, and the people around them, sacrifice themselves for this unique opportunity." You can follow the journey of many of these athletes on the build up to Beijing and throughout the games via BBC Sport's Olympics website - bbc.co.uk/olympicdreams through a combination of news, reports, video clips and regular diary entries. The associated Open University website at open2.net provides further video diaries from the competitors, extracts from The Open University's sports courses and articles from those in the field. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=104 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?104 Thirteen year-old Graham Gillespie from Dunbartonshire, Scotland has won the Individual Silver Medal at the 2008 FEI European Show Jumping Championship for Children in Athens. Graham riding Beth Gillespie's Ara lowered just a single pole throughout the whole three days of competition meaning he had to jump off with Belgium's Vicky van de Poel and his fellow British Team mate Thirteen year-old Lauren Edwards from Stockport in Cheshire with Peter Lamb's Mr Bon Ami, who also finished with just four penalties, to decide the Silver and Bronze medals. Graham produced the fastest clear beating his Belgian competitor by almost a second to take the Silver medal with Lauren and Mr Bon Ami clocking up eight penalties to take fourth place. The Gold Medal went to Italy's Francesca Arioldi. Thirteen year-old Chloe Aston from Tring in Hertfordshire aboard CC Equine International's Cathleen 16 finished in equal fifth place. Full results can be downloaded at www.equestrian.org.gr Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=103 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?103 The British Childrens Team competing at the FEI European Show Jumping Championship for Children in Athens, Greece have successfully defended their title, winning the Team Gold Medal at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre this afternoon. The quartet took victory from a field of nine teams, finishing on a total score of just four penalties. Thirteen year-old Chloe Aston from Tring in Hertfordshire jumped two faultless rounds aboard CC Equine International's Cathleen 16 and this was emulated by thirteen year-old Graham Gillespie from Dunbartonshire, Scotland riding Beth Gillespie's Ara who also produced two foot perfect rounds. Thirteen year-old Lauren Edwards from Stockport in Cheshire with Peter Lamb's Mr Bon Ami finished with just four faults in the first round and jumped a clear in the second. Thirteen year-old Olivia Dales from Brough, Hull riding Russ Underwood's Arabella IV finished the first round with thirteen penalties and the second with twenty four. The Italian Team took the silver medal and Turkey the Bronze. Chef d'Equipe Mike Florence, speaking from Athens said:"This is a fantastic result from such a young Team and it's a great feeling to come into the Markopoulo Olympic Stadium here in Athens and take home the Gold Medal for the second year running." The Individual medals will be decided on Sunday afternoon and the news and results from the Championships can be followed at www.equestrian.org.gr. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=102 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?102 Following Barbury Castle Horse Trials the Senior Eventing Selection Committee has named the horses that William Fox-Pitt and Mary King will ride in Hong Kong. William will ride Mr Philip Adkins' Parkmore Ed and Mary will ride Edwin andamp; Sue Davies and Janette Chinn's Call Again Cavalier. The Olympic horses will have one final outing at Aston Le Walls on 18th and 19th July, however some horses may not run Cross Country. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=101 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?101 The John Whitaker International Pony Team who will represent Great Britain at the 2008 Pony European Championships to be held in Avenches, France from 22 - 27 July has been announced; Fourteen year-old Pippa Allen from Thornaby, Cleveland will make her second Team appearance with Peter Allen's seventeen year-old appaloosa mare Spot the Lady, having been a member of last years British gold medal winning Team in Freudenberg. Sixteen year-old James Smith from Kirkcudbright, Kirkcudbrightshire with Leona Smith-s twelve year-old black gelding Mr Nice Guy is also familiar with medal success, having been a member of last year’s British gold medal winning team and also the individual Bronze medal. Sixteen year-old Jessie Drea from Horsham, West Sussex will ride Lynne Humphries' nine year-old bay gelding Quantum Light. Sixteen year-old George Whitaker from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire with Christopher McSharry's ten year-old coloured gelding The Colour of Money. Fifteen year-old Emma Stoker from Goole, North Humberside riding Sarah Stoker's eleven year-old bay gelding Peron III. Great Britain's pony riders have an outstanding medal tally at the Pony European Championships having won ten Team Gold Medals and one Team Silver Medal in the last eleven years. Accompanying the squad to the European Championships will be Pony Chairman, Clare Whitaker from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire; Chef d'Equipe Katrina Moore from Brentwood, Essex; Team Trainer Alan Fazakerley from Manchester and Team Vet Mark Sinnott from South Hanningfield, Essex. The Pony Team is sponsored by John Whitaker International who have sponsored the squad since 2004. The Whitaker family firmly believe in the training and producing of riders that will become future champions for Great Britain. The John Whitaker International Signature range of equestrian products have been developed and worn by riding professionals. With national pride, John Whitaker International is proud to sponsor the Pony squad and wishes the team facing the challenges of the European Champions every success. The Pony Team is kindly supported by the World Class Development Programme who are Lottery funded through UK Sport and further supported by NEXT Plc and Toggi who supply the team clothing. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=100 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?100 Today the British Olympic Association (BOA) announced the athletes and coaches invited to take part in "Britain's Olympic Ambition 2012"programme. The programme, designed to enhance athlete medal success at the London 2012 Olympic Games by providing talented potential team members with an opportunity to experience the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, will see athletes from 33 disciplines spend seven days in Macau and Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. Whilst there, athletes will visit the Team GB preparation camp in Macau, the Olympic Village and the Athletes' Lodge. They will also have a press conference fronted by their mentors, Olympians like Denise Lewis, Ed Coode and Alison Mowbray. In addition participants will be given the opportunity to watch two competition sessions for their specific discipline. This programme's focus is based around providing sports specific event exposure and to replicate, as closely as possible, an athlete’s overall Olympic experience. Commenting on their involvement: Said Simon Clegg, Team GB Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games:"This programme is unique worldwide and is expected to provide a real competitive edge to the participants. With the BOA's aspirational target to finish fourth in the overall medal table in 2012, and research showing that a significantly high percentage of medallists at any Olympic Games have attended previous Olympic Games, this experience can form a vital part of the athletes preparation for Olympic success." Ed Coode, Britain's Olympic Ambition 2012 Mentor, said:"As a rower I found the first Olympics that I went to in Sydney 2000 to be totally different to anything I had experienced before as a sportsman - even though I had raced at three world Championships prior to this. Although the race and competition are essentially the same, the time spent building up to and at the Olympics is unlike anything an athlete would have experienced before. At the same time the scale of the hype and the press interest only fuels the novice competitor's fears that he or she has to do something different at the Olympics. I think this certainly contributed to me underperforming in the Coxless Pairs event in Sydney 2000. What I hope to achieve through the Britain's Olympic Ambition 2012 programme is that the young, novice, athletes of 2012 actually achieve 100% of what they are capable of at the London 2012 Olympic Games and their performances do not suffer simply because it is their first games. The only way of helping them prepare for the Games is to let them experience it first hand." Gabriella Whelan (Football) said:"I was made up when I heard! I’m just really excited to go out there and get a feel for it all. London 2012 is a big target of mine and I hope that it will make me work even harder towards my goal." Brian Eastick (Football Coach) said:"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for us to see the standard of all of the other teams. It's not often you get a chance to experience the Olympics and I'm delighted that some of our athletes will be able to do so prior to 2012." Frances Peters (Sailing)"When I found out I'd been selected to take part I was really shocked. I just thought 'wow', and what an amazing experience it would be. How many people get the opportunity to have such an insight into the Olympic Games?"I've really no idea what to expect from being in China, but I'm sure I will learn so much from it and that the experience will be really inspirational." Dave Evans (Sailing)"It’s pretty exciting - I've been out to China before with the Optimist squad when I was a junior, but everyone’s said it's so different out there now. "I'm sailing with (double Olympic medallist) Simon Hiscocks at the moment and he's taught me that the single most important thing in an Olympic campaign is experience. If you can't be there competing then the next best thing is to be able to observe, so I hope that the experience of being out there with the team will help me take that extra step forward and be ready for 2012." Steve Lovegrove (Sailing Coach) "We know that athletes are far more likely to succeed at an Olympic Games if they've experienced one previously, so this is a unique opportunity for the sailors and myself to get the inside track and find out how the team focuses on maximising its winning chances at the world’s biggest sporting event." Kirsty McWilliam (Triathlon) said:"I am extremely excited to be part of this programme. To be able to experience the Olympics first hand is something that not many people get to do and I feel very lucky to have been selected to go. Obviously in 2012 I hope to be competing and not just watching! I think it will be a great opportunity to see what happens at the Olympics and will hopefully prepare me better for when I may be going to the London 2012 Olympics myself. I also think going to Beijing will motivate me even more to reach the London 2012 Olympics because I'm sure it will be a great experience and I hate just watching and not competing in races." Mhairi Spence (Modern Pentathlon) said:"It's a very exciting opportunity to be a part of the Britain's Olympic Ambition programme. It's a really good idea to give future athletes the chance to go into an Olympic environment and see for themselves how things work. It will also be a valuable opportunity to meet and mix with athletes from a wide range of different sports, and to make some new friends." Sally Conway (Judo) said:"It will be a fantastic experience to be in Beijing and to be around Olympic athletes. The programme will give us all such an amazing insight and help us to understand what the Olympics are all about, which will me prepare for 2012. It will be a hard four years leading up to London but years I am looking forward to it." The following athletes and coaches will represent equestrian: Dressage Jane Bartle-Wilson (Coach) Charlotte Dujardin (Athlete) Daryl Thickett (Athlete) Sarah Millis (Athlete) Eventing Peter Murphy (Coach) Christopher King (Athlete) Laura Collett (Athlete) Francis Whittington (Athlete) Show Jumping Tina Goosen (Coach) William Whitaker (Athlete) Daniel Neilson (Athlete) Charlotte Platt (Athlete) For a full list of athletes and coaches attending from other sports see the BOA website Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=96 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?96 Sir Paul McCartney has recently launched a 2 million fundraising campaign for ParalympicsGB to support athletes heading to the Beijing Games, as well as to invest in the future of disability sport in the UK both in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. BT - as a partner of ParalympicsGB - has helped them to create and run the campaign, which was launched during Location Location Location at 8.50pm on 2nd July on Channel 4. Following this the ad can be viewed at www.bt.com/paralympicsGB. Donations can be made online, by calling 0800 1114321 or texting SUPPORT to 82010. The first, a brand ad for ParalympicsGB, created by Team Saatchi and directed by Luke Scott, Ridley Scott's son, has Sir Paul's iconic Live and Let Die as the soundtrack. Featuring a number of established and emerging athletes with a disability, the film is a moving and inspiring piece that not only shows the skill and ability of the athletes but also the excitement of competing. The second ad, a charity appeal featuring Sir Paul himself asking the British public to make a donation to ParalympicsGB, will be screened from 7th July. Sir Paul commented on the films "I met leading Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen and was completely blown away by her skill, dedication and the fact that she had won a gold medal for Britain, so I felt I had to do something. My suggestion was simple why not create an ad that would highlight the work of ParalympicsGB and call on the British Public to donate much needed money. It was the start of a truly amazing effort from all those involved most of whom gave their time for free." Phil Lane, CEO of ParalympicsGB comments: "We are delighted that Sir Paul McCartney has been involved with this initiative. His commitment has been incredible and this fundraising campaign would not have happened without him. We also extend our thanks to our partner BT who made the ad possible and donated the first ad space. Our athletes are amazing people but the team needs a lot of financial support in order to compete." Suzi Williams, Group Marketing andamp; Brand Director at BT says: "BT has a long history with the Paralympic movement, and is a proud partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. This ParalympicsGB campaign is a fantastic next step in our relationship .It expresses the uniquely powerful contribution of Paralympians to Britain's sporting legacy. In many cases, they are some of our best hopes for gold medals, and BT is proud to be helping them be the best they can be. " ParalympicsGB provides crucial and fundamental support to all competing Paralympic athletes. From nurturing talent, supporting coaches, providing medical and sport science support, acclimatisation and training facilities, to financing travel to competition, ParalympicsGB needs money to make sure this inspirational team of athletes is able to train and compete at the highest level. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=98 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?98 The British quartet finished in equal third place in the fifth round of the 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series in Aachen last night. The competition held under floodlights saw a popular home team win with The Netherlands taking second and Great Britain sharing third spot with the United States of America. Nick Skelton with The Hales Family's Arko III finished the first round with nine penalties and then went on to jump clear in the second. Peter Charles riding Olga White, Mikail Muratov and Team Murka's, Murka's Rubert R had thirteen penalties in the first round and six in the second. Tim Stockdale riding John Bosher's Fresh Direct Corlato left all of the fences standing but clocked up just a single time penalty in each round and John Whitaker with Rebecca Stones' Peppermill finished both rounds on five penalties.2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series Round 5 – Aachen 1st Germany - 16 penalties 2nd The Netherlands - 20 penalties =3rd Great Britain - 21 penalties Nick Skelton - Arko III - 9/0 Peter Charle - Murkas Rubert R - (13)/(6) Tim Stockdale - Fresh Direct Corlato - 1/1 John Whitaker - Peppermill - 5/5 =3rd United States of America - 21 penalties 5th Sweden - 27 penalties 6th Ireland - 29 penalties 7th Switzerland - 49 penalties 8th Belgium - Retired Great Britain now holds third place on the Samsung Super League Leaderboard behind Germany and The Netherlands. The next round of the 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series takes place on Friday 25th July 2008 at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead. For more information please visit http://www.hickstead.co.uk/. 2008 Samsung Super League Leaderboard Standings after Round 5 1 GER 32, 2 NED 30.5, 3 GBR 23.50, 4 USA 21.33, 5 BEL 19.50, 6 SUI16.08, 7 IRL 13.83, 8 SWE 5.75 SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE WITH FEI – 2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Round 1 – La Baule FRA 5 – 11 May, Round 2 – Rome ITA 22 – 25 May, Round 3 – St Gallen SUI 29 May – 1 June, Round 4 – Rotterdam NED 18 – 22 June, Round 5 - Aachen GER 1 – 6 July, Round 6 – Hickstead GBR 24 – 27 July, Round 7 – Dublin IRL 8 – 10 August, Round 8 and Final – Barcelona ESP 18 – 21 September Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=99 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?99 The Accenture Juniors and Young Riders who will represent Great Britain at the 2008 European Show Jumping Championships to be held in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic from the 16th - 20th July 2008 have been selected.JUNIORS Seventeen year-old Jason Smith from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire will partner Anne Smith's eleven year-old bay gelding Rival 14. Jason and Rival 14 were members of the British Junior Nations Cup Team in Wierden earlier this year. Fifteen year-old Marla Lovett from Henfield in West Sussex will ride Sharon Lovett's nine-year old dark bay mare Emily 46. Marla and Emily 46 represented their country on the British Junior Nations Cup Team in Reims last month. Eighteen year-old Louise Saywell from Retford, Nottinghamshire will ride Andrew Saywell's eight year-old grey gelding Cyprianus Z. Louise has won Pony European Team Gold and Silver Medals as well as Individual Gold and Bronze Medals in 2005 and 2006. This will be Louise and Cyprianus Z's second successive appearance at the Junior European Championships following their selection for the 2007 Junior European Championships held in Auvers, France. Louise is a member of the World Class Development Squad which is lottery funded through UK Sport and provides support across a wide range of support services as well as direct funding support. Seventeen year-old Matthew Sampson who is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex with Duncan Inglis' ten year-old bay mare Indy 28. Matthew who is now based with Duncan Inglis had a very successful pony career which included a Pony European Team Gold Medal in 2006. Matthew was a member of the British Bronze medal winning Junior Team at the 2007 Junior European Championships and is also a member of the World Class Development Squad which is lottery funded through UK Sport and provides support across a wide range of support services as well as direct funding support. Eighteen year-old Daniel Neilson, based in Brentwood, Essex will ride Christian Saunders' eleven year-old grey mare High Tone Z. Daniel only started competing on horses in 2007 following a tremendous end to his pony career in 2006 winning both Team and Individual Pony European Gold Medals. Daniel and High Tone Z then went onto win Team Bronze and Individual Silver at the 2007 Junior European Championships. Daniel who is also a member of the World Class Development Squad which is lottery funded through UK Sport and provides support across a wide range of support services as well as direct funding support. Non travelling reserve will be seventeen year-old Danielle Farnsworth from Kinoulton, Nottingham with Mr andamp; Mrs Bryce's ten year-old chestnut gelding Orlof Wisbecq. Danielle and Orlof Wisbecq finished in third place in the Wierden Junior Grand Prix at the beginning of June.YOUNG RIDERS Twenty-one year old Gemma Plumley from Chepstow, Gwent will ride Johnsey Estates' nine year-old bay mare Lutine du Charmois. Gemma won both Team Gold and Individual Bronze medals at the 2007 Young Rider European Championships held in Auvers, France. Twenty year-old Ryan Prater from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire will partner Whisker, a nine-year old bay stallion co-owned by Ryan and Suzanne Heath. Ryan and Whisker took seventh place in the Young Rider Grand Prix in Reims last month. Nineteen year-old Hannah Paul from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire will ride Simon Paul's nine year old black gelding Sirius III. Hannah is a member of the World Class Development Squad which is lottery funded through UK Sport and provides support across a wide range of support services as well as direct funding support. Nineteen year-old Tim Page from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk will ride Trevor Sturman's ten year-old chestnut gelding Quentin Tarantino. Tim and Quentin Tarrantino represented Great Britain on the Young Rider Nations Cup Team in Reims earlier this year. Eighteen year-old William Whitaker based with his uncle Michael in Whatton, Nottinghamshire will partner Ian Whitaker's nine year-old bay gelding Sarlino. William and Sarlino finished in runner up spot in the Grand Prix at CSI4* Antwerp back in May. William who is also a member of the World Class Development Squad which is lottery funded through UK Sport and provides support across a wide range of support services as well as direct funding support. Non travelling reserve will be nineteen year-old Louis Godber from Ripley in Derbyshire with Rowena Gredley's thirteen year-old chestnut gelding Niko IV. Louis and Niko IV were victorious in the Wierden Young Rider Grand Prix earlier this year. Accenture are delighted to continue their 7 year successful sponsorship of BSJA Young Riders as part of their overall sponsorship of youth in British Sports. The results - including a Gold Medal for 5 of the 6 years - support our overall goal of "winners working with winners". Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture works with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilise the right people, skills and technology to help clients improve their performance. In the UK alone the company generated net revenues of 1.5billion for the fiscal year end August 31st 2005 and has a staff of 12,000. Globally Accenture has more than 120,000 staff out of 56 countries. For more information on Accenture please see :- www.accenture.com. The Junior and Young Rider Teams are also supported by the World Class Development programme which is Lottery funded through UK Sport. The Junior and Young Rider Teams are generously supported by Next Plc and Toggi who have very kindly supplied the team clothing. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=97 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?97 Lucy Wiegersma withdrawn from Olympic Eventing Team and Replacements named Shaabrak ridden by Lucy Wiegersma has incurred a minor setback during training which has prevented him from following the ideal programme for the preparation for the Olympic Games. It has therefore been decided to withdraw his participation. As a result there are two vacancies within the Eventing Team (to replace Lucy Wiegersma and Zara Phillips); the BOA have today approved the selection of the following new riders: The two new team members will be:Tina Cook riding Mr andamp; Mrs Nicolas andamp; Valda Embiricos andamp; Mrs Sarah Pelham’s Miners Frolic Daisy Dick riding her own and Mrs Caroline Dick's Spring Along Commenting on their selection the athletes said: Tina Cook“I am elated to be chosen, but someone’s happiness is another’s sadness, I have been in that position before and was convinced after Atlanta and Sydney that I wouldn’t get another chance. I am thrilled for Henry (Miners Frolic) we’ve been on a fantastic journey since doing our first 3 star event at Bramham in 2007.” Daisy Dick“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics. Now I have been given the chance, I want to give it everything we have. Pod (Spring Along) is an amazing campaigner; its his 4th championship in a row. As a sportswoman it has always been my dream and will be amazing to represent my country on Pod.” Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission, said:“Whilst we are naturally disappointed for Zara and Lucy we are fortunate enough to have incredibly talented and experienced riders to step in to the fold and I welcome Tina and Daisy in to Team GB and wish them well in their final preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games.” Will Connell, British Equestrian Team Leader:"I am of course extremely disappointed for Lucy, who has worked so hard over many years to win her place in the Team; however, in Tina and Daisy we have two experienced campaigners who both have horses that should be able to turn in some excellent performances at the Games. The Team remains strong, capable and focused on winning medals in Hong Kong." Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=94 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?94 The British Equestrian Federation have today confirmed that the travelling reserve for the Dressage Team for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be Maria Eilberg riding Ferdi Eilberg’s Two Sox. Worcestershire based Maria will travel to Hong Kong with the Team as a reserve rider and horse combination. She will also be there to offer support and assistance to the Team. The Dressage Team consists of Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emma Hindle and Jane Gregory. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=93 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?93 As the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games draw ever-closer, it is time to take a look at the excellent venues and facilities provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) which will ensure that the Jumping, Dressage and Eventing horses and riders compete in optimal conditions. Significant construction work, a world-class laboratory, 5-star stabling, a first-class veterinary clinic, mobile horse-cooling units and green waste management are just some of the principle features. These Games are breaking new ground in terms of attention to detail at every level. Innovative and well-established ideas are combining to create a safe, clean and functional sporting environment in which those coveted Olympic medals can become the entire focus. The HKJC has invested over HK$1.2 billion in creating venues and facilities for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events. Construction work has included the modification of the Hong Kong Sports Institute which is located next to HKJC headquarters at Sha Tin Racecourse on the outskirts of the city, while at Penfold Park, which lies at the very centre of Sha-Tin race-track, a training and competition area has been developed. The Club has also provided facilities at the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Beas River Country Club for the cross-country phase of the Eventing discipline. The venue was handed over by the HKJC to the organisers of the Olympic Equestrian Events - Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited (the Equestrian Company) for a final dress-up on 26 May. SHA TIN... The main competition arena is located at Sha Tin and has a seating capacity of about 18,000 with a supporting warm-up arena. A total of 13 ancillary training rings include two for general use, five for Dressage, four for both Dressage and Jumping, one specifically for Jumping only and an indoor air-conditioned ring. Penfold Park also embraces an 800m cross-country training track and schooling area along with a 1,200m all-weather bridle path and a turf gallop. Office and hospitality areas are available at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, but one of the most talked-about developments has been at the Olympic stable complex. STABLING.... Construction started here in July 2006 and by May 2007 four blocks of air-conditioned stables, totalling 225 stalls, were completed and ready to accommodate 200 horses while another 25 have been set aside for reserves. Each stall measures 3.6 x 3.6 meters, which is bigger than normal Olympic standard, and each unit measures 6.4 meters at its highest point. The barns are designed to maximise the benefits of the 24-hour air-conditioning system which will have a set temperature of 23 degrees Centigrade. Cool and hot air will be prevented from exiting or entering the stable blocks by the provision of an air curtain, while additional circulation will be provided by ceiling fans and the louvred ceiling windows and stall-windows can be opened in case of air-conditioning breakdown. Each stable will have an automatic drinker and a revolving feed bowl and each block will have ice-making machines producing 250 lbs of ice per day - an important ingredient in the cooling of horses after exercise. For the first time ever at an Olympic venue a rolling box, measuring 20.5 square meters, will be provided to allow horses the opportunity to relax, stretch and play. Security measures include 24-hour CCTV covering all areas and security sensors at entry to each stable which will trigger an alarm in the event of an after-hours break-in. STAYING GREEN .... Wide walkways will be an important component of the stable blocks and, in keeping with the "Green" initiative of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, these will be made from recycled tyres as will the stable floors. Wood engineered from sustainable bamboo has been used in the construction of the stable blocks and all organic stable wastes including manure, food waste and bedding - straw, wood shavings and newspaper - will be collected and recycled using a vermicomposting process to produce organic fertilizer. This process was first put into action during the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup Eventing competition last August which served as a Test Event. Each day, 10 tons of waste from the Olympic stables went to the recycling plant where it was fed to earthworms. This August 100% of stable wastes from the Sha Tin Olympic venue will go through similar treatments and it is anticipated that more than 30 tons will be processed each day. During site construction some 90% of trees at the Hong Kong Sports Institute were retained in their original positions while others were transplanted. At both the cross-country and core venues, 500 new trees and some 17,000 new shrubs were planted while fewer than 50 trees were felled, mostly because they were diseased or dying. Building work inside Penfold Park was sequenced to minimise the impact on the habitat of its resident bird population of egrets during their breeding season, and energy-saving lighting systems will be in operation in both the stabling arena and in the main and training arenas. VETERINARY SERVICES .... The HKJC will make its Equine Hospital facilities and services available for emergency operations during the Olympic and Paralympic periods. Its operating theatre, anaesthetic and recovery rooms and clinical laboratory will be on call along with the 44-strong team that includes veterinarians, nurses, laboratory technicians, administrative staff and farriers. A separate Equine Clinic for diagnosis and treatment during the quarantine and Games period has also been built at the Olympic venue. Adjacent to the main stabling compound, it has two examination rooms, a dedicated pharmacy and 10 observation stables. A forge and shoeing bays are situated beside the veterinary facility. LABORATORY..... Another "first" for the 2008 equestrian Olympic Games in Hong Kong is the provision of a world-class on-site laboratory. The internationally acclaimed Racing Laboratory at the Hong Kong Jockey Club will test equine samples for the presence of prohibited substances and will offer elective testing to teams so that samples can be assessed for the presence of medication, such as that used for travel sickness. With a staff of 43 and equipment worth in the region of US$8 million, the laboratory conducts tests on over 18,000 equine samples a year and is the FEI's sole Reference Laboratory in Asia. MOBILE COOLING UNITS.... The welfare of the horse is, as always, paramount and state-of-the-art mobile cooling units are expected to play an important role in assisting the equine athletes throughout the Games. Manned by veterinary staff, they can be quickly put into operation and will be placed at strategic locations around the Eventing cross-country course at Beas River Country Club and the adjacent golf course in Sheung Shui. THE LEGACY.... After the 2008 Olympics, facilities at the Hong Kong Sports Institute will be refurbished and upgraded to provide a much-improved training environment for Hong Kong's athletes. Sand footings from the equestrian arenas will be re-used to upgrade local riding school facilities and Penfold Park will be retained for public as an interactive equine park. The HKJC is planning to build a Museum there to promote Olympism and to commemorate Hong Kong's historic hosting of the 2008 Olympic equestrian events. By Louise Parkes Thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for supplying the information. Text supplied by the Federation Equestre Internationale Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=92 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?92 The British Olympic Association (BOA) today selected the Dressage and Jumping riders to be part of Team GB for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. This completes the Equestrian team for the Games. Dressage Team:Laura Bechtolsheimer riding her own and Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer’s Mistral Hojris, Jane Gregory (nee Bredin) riding Greenlands Farm Ltd’s Lucky StarEmma Hindle riding her own Lancet Jumping Team:Ben Maher riding Mr Daniel Paul’s RoletteTim Stockdale riding Mr John Bosher’s Fresh Direct CorlatoMichael Whitaker riding Gillespie Equestrian’s Suncal Portofino 63John Whitaker riding Miss Rebecca Stones’ Peppermill Commenting on their selection the athletes said:Laura Bechtolsheimer:“It’s very exciting, our whole season has been focused on selection but to have it confirmed still feels surreal, it hasn’t sunk in. Mistral Hojris is very special and I feel privileged to have a horse like him to take to my first Olympics. We have come a long way together and I feel confident that he will give it everything.”Jane Gregory:“I am in a state of shock! My goal this year has been to improve my riding and my training; we’ve been enjoying our international success so much and never dared to hope we would be in contention for an Olympic team position. I have ridden Lucky Star since he was 4 years old, he is an extraordinary horse and we are both preparing to give this all we’ve got.”Emma Hindle:“I am thrilled to be selected again to represent Great Britain. I have a great horse in Lancet and I am confident that we should be able to perform well in Hong Kong.”Ben Maher:“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I can’t quite believe that I’m going! Ten months ago my horse Rolette was jumping 1.40m National classes and I was having the worst year ever, however when she won the Maastricht and Mechelen Grand Prix’s at the end of last year I knew I had a good horse. She’s going from strength to strength and I believe her best is yet to come. To ride at the Olympic Games is everyone’s dream – I feel incredibly lucky.”Tim Stockdale:“I am over the moon! My mare Corlato has gone fantastically well and she deserves the opportunity to jump at the Olympic Games. It is great for everyone concerned; my Team at home, my owners and sponsors, who have all had belief in me. The Olympic Games is everything I have worked for and a huge honour. I am a very lucky man to have such a fantastic horse to ride”.Michael Whitaker:“It is a great honour to be selected for my fifth Olympic Games. We have a great Team and I am very lucky to be riding such a great horse as Portofino 63.”John Whitaker:“I am very pleased to be selected, Beijing will be the sixth Olympics I have been to. I think we have a good Team with a good chance of success and I have a good horse in Peppermill.”Simon Clegg, 2008 Team GB Chef de Mission said:“I am very pleased to welcome the remaining equestrian members of Team GB on board. The mix of new and more established names makes this an exciting team to look out for in Hong Kong. All of the riders have done well to qualify and I wish them all the best in their final preparations before the Olympic Games.”Will Connell, British Equestrian Team Leader comments:“The Jumping Team is truly a team of youth and experience. John and Michael bring to the Team stability based on their many years at the top of the sport; Tim, who has achieved so much, deserves his first shot at an Olympics and Ben has landed some excellent results over the last few months to demonstrate he is ready for his first Senior Championship Team appearance. For the Dressage riders the road to selection has seen some challenges for all the athletes but Laura, Emma and Jane rightly deserve their shot at the Olympics. All have represented Great Britain before but this will be Laura's first Olympics. They know what they need to do to bring home a medal and I know they are focused, determined and ready for the challenge ahead. Nick Skelton, as travelling reserve, will bring with him a huge amount of knowledge to the Jumping Team and will be instrumental in helping them perform to their optimum. I wish them all the best of luck in Hong Kong, as ever we are grateful to the Owners, without whom there would be no Team.” The selectors also named a travelling reserve for the Jumping Team, this will be Nick Skelton and Lisa Hales’ Russel. A Travelling reserve for the Dressage Team will be announced in due course. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=91 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?91 The riders who will represent Great Britain at this year's Childrens European Show Jumping Championships have been selected.Thirteen year-old Chloe Aston from Tring in Hertfordshire will ride Cathleen 16, an eleven year-old grey mare owned by CC Equine International.Abigail Newbery from Southampton in Hampshire, also thirteen years of age with partner Universe Special, a seven year-old bay gelding jointly owned by Tony Newbery and Fiona Dunning.Reigning Childrens European Individual Gold Medallist, thirteen year-old Graham Gillespie from Dunbartonshire in Scotland will defend his title aboard Beth Gillespie's eleven year-old bay mare, Ara.Thirteen year-old Lauren Edwards from Stockport in Cheshire will ride Peter Lamb's eleven year-old chestnut gelding Mr Bon Ami.Thirteen year-old Olivia Dales from Brough in Hull will ride Russ Underwood's seven year-old grey mare Arabella IV.Two non-travelling reserves have also been announced; thirteen year-old Nikki Freeman with It'll Be Me, a nine year-old chestnut mare owned by Emma Shaw and twelve year-old Ella Curley from Hartfield, East Sussex with Deborah Curley's ten year-old bay mare Latifah.The 2008 Childrens European Championships will take place at the Marcopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre in Athens, Greece from the 10th - 13th July 2008 and Great Britain will be looking to emulate their performance at last year's Championships when they not only took the Team Gold Medal, but also the Individual Gold and Silver medals.The Squad will be accompanied on their trip to Greece by Chef d'Equipe Mike Florence, Team Trainer Corinne Bracken and Team Vet John Killingbeck.Further details regarding the Championships can be viewed at www.equestrian.org.grThe Childrens Team are generously supported by Next Plc and Toggi who have very kindly supplied the team clothing. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=90 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?90 The British Equestrian Federation today nominated the seven Para-Equestrian Dressage riders for the ParalympicsGB team for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. They are: Grade Ia:Sophie Christiansen riding the Para Dressage Training Trust's Lambrusco IIIAnne Dunham riding Sally Ann Brown's Teddy Grade IbRicky Balshaw riding his own and Mrs Julia Lazzari's Deacon's Giorgi Lee Pearson riding his own, Mr andamp; Mrs David Pearson and Gillian Chinn's Gentleman Grade IIFelicity Coulthard riding her own Roffelaar Grade IIIDeborah Criddle riding her own and Bruce Criddle's Pavaroti Simon Laurens riding John Gamlin's Ocean Diamond The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with Lee Pearson set to make his third ParalympicsGB team appearance and Anne Dunham her fourth. Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Lee has never been beaten at a Paralympic Games and Anne Dunham, at 59, is likely to be one of Britain’s oldest athletes for Beijing. For Deborah Criddle it would also be her third Games and she will be hoping to build on her triple Gold at Athens in 2004. 20-year-old 2004 Paralympic Games bronze medallist Sophie Christiansen is nominated to return to the ParalympicsGB team for her second Games along with, 21-year-old Ricky Balshaw, 40-year-old Simon Laurens and 24-year-old Felicity Coulthard who are all making their Games debuts this summer. Newcomer Simon Laurens comments, "I'm absolutely ecstatic and can’t quite believe it! Since my first Prelim competition two years ago to the World Championships last summer it’s been an absolute whirlwind but this is the ultimate. I always hoped that Ocean Diamond would be destined for Hong Kong, he’s such a great little horse and really deserves to go." Experienced Paralympian Lee Pearson comments, "You can never take selection as a given and I am stunned and delighted to be nominated to go to my 3rd Paralympics. I’m really looking forward to it - Gentleman is a young horse but he has been brilliant over the selection trials. The hard work really starts now though and I want to wrap him up in cotton wool." ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane, said: “I am delighted to receive these seven nominations for the ParalympicsGB team for the Beijing Paralympics. “Britain’s Para-Equestrian Dressage riders have consistently performed well at Paralympic level, topping the medal table in Athens in 2004 and in Sydney in 2000 and I look forward to seeing this team attempt to repeat these past successes in Hong Kong this summer.” Para-Equestrian Dressage team manager David Hunter says, “It’s been an extremely competitive period, all the selectors have been surprised and impressed by the standard - it certainly hasn’t been an easy job. I am confident we have a strong team with an excellent support crew behind them that will be as well prepared as possible in 3 months time. We are all very grateful for the continuing support of UK Sport Lottery Funding for providing such important resources to the team. Good luck to all and commiserations to those riders who haven’t been nominated.” British Equestrian Federation World Class Performance Director Will Connell comments, "Whilst there have been a number of athletes and horses in contention for nomination to the Para-Equestrian Dressage team, the seven riders and horses that the selectors have nominated represent a mix of experience and youth. The Team includes athletes who have medalled at Paralympic, World and European level, so this is an exciting proposition for the Games. I hope the Team will be well positioned to deliver medals in Hong Kong, where the Equestrian events take place.” The British Equestrian Federation has also named three reserve rider/horse combinations and two reserve horses. These are, in no particular order: Reserves (rider/horse)Joanne Pitt riding Mr andamp; Mrs Robert Pitt's Estralita Nicola Tustain riding the Berkeley Group's RivaldoSophie Wells riding Nicola Wells' Touchdown II Reserve HorsesThe Para Dressage Training Trust's Nairobi John Gamlin's Ocean Don Jon The Selectors may nominate other reserve horses or horse/rider combinations in time. The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games opens on September 6 and closes on September 17. The equestrian events at the Games take place in Hong Kong at the Sha Tin Racecourse and will run from September 7 to 11. At the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games Britain finished second in the medal table with a total of 35 golds, 30 silver and 29 bronze medals. With competitive standards continually rising and the dominant Chinese team taking the home advantage ParalympicsGB recognises that the 2008 Paralympics will be one of its biggest challenges yet. More information on all horses and riders available here. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=88 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?88 The team members for the Junior andamp; Young Rider European Dressage Championships to be held in Azeitao, Portugal from 14-20 July 2008, are as follows: Juniors: Alexandria Barr and Don Perry Keri Bates and Donna Parrina Melissa Beer and Celestial King Rebecca Drane and Half Moon Bardolino Non-travelling reserve: Samantha Harrison and Broomford Locarno Young riders: Amber de Savary and Diamond Fritz Lara Griffith and Warlock Charlie Hutton and Abira Zoe Sleigh and Orvieto Non travelling reserves: Natalie Allen and Duke 77 Emily Cousins and Solo Bachelorette Three of the riders selected to compete on these teams, are part of the World Class Development Dressage programme. Keri Bates, riding Donna Parrina is among the four riders on the Junior team, with Lara Griffith riding Warlock IV and Charlie Hutton riding Abira on the four strong Young Rider team. Vikki Underwood, World Class Development Programme Manager says, "Congratulations to Keri, Charlie and Lara on being selected to represent GB at these Championships, which hopefully will provide a foundation to their dressage careers and one that will see them develop and progress onto the Performance Programme in the future". The World Class Development Programme, is Lottery funded through UK Sport and is designed to assist in the development of talented riders, with the best opportunities to maximise their competitive potential through an established training pathway that will see them progress onto the Olympic Performance Programme for 2012 and beyond. Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=87 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?87 Following an injury sustained during training, Toytown ridden by Zara Phillips has been withdrawn from Team GB for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. A reserve rider and horse combination will now be selected by the British Olympic Association, after nomination from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), to replace Zara Phillips and will be announced as soon as possible. Zara Phillips commented:“I am very disappointed not to have the opportunity to ride at the Olympic Games and feel that Toytown deserved his chance to go. However, with horses these things happen and we still have a very strong team, I wish them every success.” Simon Clegg, Team GB 2008 Chef de Mission said: “This must be a huge disappointment to Zara particularly following the pair’s success over the last few years. Naturally we now need to focus our full support on the rest of the team including Zara’s replacement and give them every opportunity of competing to their full in Hong Kong.” Will Connell, Team Leader for the Equestrian Team commented:“The British team are saddened by the news, especially for Zara and her team. We have a strong team of reserves and the team are now focused on trying to win medals.” Toytown is owned by BGC Partners andamp; Associated Companies including Cantor Index, Mr James Blackshaw and Zara Phillips. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=86 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?86 A number of World Class Development riders will be competing at the Bramham International Horse Trials this coming weekend, which boasts a number of Olympic contenders from home and abroad. In the senior CCI*** competition, Ruth Edge is triple-handed with Fast Track, Mr. Dumbledore and Mayhem III. Piggy French rides What A Performance, while Olympic squad member, Lucy Wiegersma is riding Beckli, therefore it will not be a surprise if, come Sunday afternoon, one of these three talented riders wins this renowned competition, and in the Event's 35th anniversary. Meanwhile in the Bishop Burton College Under 25's CCI*** competition, three Development riders are amongst thirty-three young riders battling it out for the prestigious U25 title. Reigning Junior European Champion, Laura Collett rides Rayef, this combination who won both Individual and Team Gold medals at the Junior Europeans last year in Avenches, Switzerland, will be making their CCI*** debut and will be amongst the favourites to lift this title. However, with the in form partnership of Gemma Tattersall and Nyali Beach, who won a CIC** in Barocca, Portugal early this year, they too must have a very good chance. Izzy Taylor rides Briarlands Blackberry, a relatively new ride for her, but with the horse experienced at this level, and after encouraging runs at both Brigstock International and Chatsworth International events, this pairing could spring a surprise. Vikki Underwood, World Class Development Programme Manager says, "The very best of luck to all the Development riders at Bramham International Horse Trials, and with the consistent results that these young riders are achieving on the International stage, they should all have a very good chance". The World Class Development Programme, is Lottery funded through UK Sport and is designed to assist in the development of talented riders, with the best opportunities to maximise their competitive potential through an established training pathway that will see them progress onto the Olympic Performance Programme for 2012 and beyond. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=85 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?85 Read all about the Performance Manager to the Show Jumping squad, Derek Ricketts continuing our Spotlight On series. Derek Ricketts In an era of flares and platforms, Derek Ricketts was sticking to his breeches and boots making a name for himself as a highly successful international show jumper. Today, he's still heavily involved with the sport -although out of the saddle - as Performance Manager for the British Show Jumping team.Background Derek was born into a keen equestrian family and began honing his riding skills at an early age. His flair for show jumping soon became apparent, when he won the Foxhunter Final at the Horse of the Year Show in 1967 at just 18. This was the beginning of Derek's very successful jumping career, which included winning European team gold and silver medals in 1977 and 1979 and holding an FEI gold badge for nation's cup performances. He was also a member of the last British team to win the World Championships, at Aachen in 1978, on his best known horse, Hydrophane Coldstream. Derek retired from international competition about 15 years ago, but still regularly rides and hunts, as well as breeding competition horses. The role A member of the British Show Jumping Association's executive board since 1996, Derek was appointed Performance Manager to the British Show Jumping team in 2002. Through his role, he's responsible for planning the season and managing the team, assisting with the young riders on the potential squads, as well as managing the performance and evolution squads. To help him with the increasing amounts of admin work, Derek has a part time assistant, funded by UK Sport. Unlike Performance Managers of the other equestrian disciplines, Derek is also a selector - the sole selector for the British Show Jumping team. This is, without doubt, a huge responsibility but one which he's accepted graciously and has since proven his worth.'The riders chose me to be their selector, which is a real honour and indicates that they value my judgement. It's not an easy part of my job and is often a bone of contention with the riders - which is understandable and unfortunately unavoidable - but it works well for the team and has got the results.' At the last Olympics, although the British Show Jumping team failed to qualify, individually the riders all performed well and ultimately proved that selection had been right. Countdown to the Olympics Without specific training days allocated to the squad pre team selection, Derek keeps a close eye on Olympic prospects by attending a number of the key events throughout the year, including eight Super League competitions and ten Nations' Cups. 'The riders are still competing and will do so right up until they leave for the Games,' said Derek. 'The prize money in Show Jumping is too valuable to miss out on, both for the riders, but also for the horse’s owners. Obviously, the team won't take any unnecessary risks, but there's a fine line between keeping the horses sound for the Olympics and maintaining competition fitness.' Amidst this key competition period falls Olympic pre-export quarantine (PEQ), which could be described as a necessary evil, as selected combinations will miss out on competing at the British leg of the Super League series, while the selected horses enter a week of controlled isolation. However, those riders fortunate enough to have additional top horses are free to come and go from the quarantine site and compete on their other horses. During the PEQ week the horses will be put through their paces - with jumping and flatwork sessions under constant supervision from the team vet to ensure optimim health. The riders too will have their own fitness work to do, including acclimatisation preparation in heat chambers. Sha Tin Derek visited the Olympic equestrian venue Sha Tin, with BEF Performance Director, Will Connell earlier this year. He was impressed by the facilities as he said, 'the venue is great, compact but still workable and the arena size and surface looks good, which is crucial. In terms of the climate, it's not something we as a team are over-concerned about - many of the horses and riders have competed under similar conditions. Plus show jumping is about short bursts - three minutes or so - of power, rather than endurance, so they should cope ok.' With the anticipation of the Games rising in the Show Jumping squad, Derek is looking forward to the event. 'Thanks to UK Sport, the team has had the best preparation possible. They are more than capable of winning a medal, and have a stronger chance than at previous Games, plus they're hungry for it and determined to succeed.' Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=82 Wed, 28 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?82 Continuing our Spotlight On series, we meet David Hunter, Performance Manager to the Para-Equestrian Dressage Team. David Hunter You wouldn't imagine that managing a national hunt racecourse and the British Para-Equestrian Dressage team would necessarily go hand in hand, but David Hunter shows that's not the case. As an experienced horseman, David successfully juggles running Fakenham Racecourse with his role as Performance Manager for the British Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, using his exemplary managerial skills to help achieve amazing results, which include nine medals from the last Paralympics and 13 from last year's World Championships. Background David spent ten years serving in the British Army as a Commissioned Officer, holding various positions including Troop Leader and Instructor at The Royal Military Academy (RMA) Sandhurst. During this time David learnt a range of practical skills, which he uses today in his role as Performance Manager. His time in the army also introduced him to dressage. Already an accomplished horse rider and keen eventer, David's eyes were first opened to 'real dressage' while he was based at the Cours de Perfectionnement Equestre, at the Ecole National d'Equitation (ENE) in Saumur, France. It was during his 11 month stay here that David had to perform a Prix St George dressage test, which opened his eyes to the discipline. After leaving the army David joined the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) as the Director of Equine Rehabilitation and Welfare, where he had responsibility for running the 300-acre farm, 120 horses and managing 12 full-time staff. The role In 2002, David responded to a job advert in Horse andamp; Hound for Performance Manager to the British Para-Equestrian Dressage Team and was quickly snapped up. As the first person to be employed in the position, David's initial responsibilities were to define the team's roles and to develop a programme they could work to. Today, his job involves coordinating all the training, coaching and logistics required to get the Para-Equestrian Dressage riders, horses and support staff to national and international competitions. He works alongside the team's professional support staff (farriers, doctors, trainers etc), together with the associated organisation bodies - the British Paralympic Association and British Dressage - to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, helping to give the team the edge. As a 'team leader', David's role also has a huge emphasis on people skills; motivating and managing the riders to ensure they work together, as he said: 'I'm a firm believer that team success builds individual success and not vice versa. We need to have a happy team and that's one in which everyone pulls their weight. I pride myself on my ability to manage the members to make sure they pull together.'The team Over the years David has got to know the riders on the squad pretty well, especially as six out of the eight riders he originally inherited are still on the Performance squad. And despite having no experience of working with people with disabilities, David has found it easy to adapt and work with the team, as he said: 'I treat the riders the same as I would an able bodied athlete. At the end of the day, they are top class sports men and women and have responsibilities whether they have disabilities or not. 'The only difference is that I understand and appreciate their requirements, so I am able to make the necessary adaptations if needed. For example, I may need to plan in more time for travel, extra space at a venue or check out accessibility.' Sha Tin Along with the other performance managers, David made the trip out to the Good Luck Beijing 10th Anniversary Cup CCI2* (the 'Test Event') in Hong Kong last year to trial the Olympic facilities and see what could be learnt ahead of this year's Games. This experience reassured David about the facilities which he describes as 'first class', especially given the extra space the Para riders will have, due to the lower number of riders competing in the Paralympics compared to the Olympics.'Despite the testing conditions - very high temperatures and humidity - we felt the riders and horses coped fairly well,' said David. 'Obviously for some of our riders, particularly those in wheelchairs or with special casing or clamps, the conditions will be a particular challenge. We learnt that we need to allow extra 'rest and relaxation' time, both for the riders and their carers, to ensure everyone can perform at their best.' Countdown to the Olympics With the Games just a couple of months away, preparation is well under way for the Paralympic hopefuls. The team of selectors will announce the team on 16 June, but until then there's still everything to play for. A squad of 17 qualified riders are on the long list and will be vying for a place on the team, competing at various domestic competitions to prove they should be one of the seven heading out to Beijing. The team of selectors, who have been keeping a close watch on the riders, will continue to monitor their progress, paying particular attention on how they cope under pressure. 'It's a particularly stressful time, especially for those riders who have new horses, so they are busy getting used to them, forming successful partnerships,' commented David. Rider fitness is also a key part of preparation; all of the riders have their own fitness programmes and will be assessed by doctors in June to ensure they make the grade to go to the Games. Fitness of the support and care staff is also not overlooked and they too have their own fitness plans to ensure they can cope with the challenges out in Beijing. Quarantine for the Para riders is slightly different to the other equestrian disciplines, as the riders stay with their horses on site for the duration. This provides the riders and support staff with the perfect opportunity to hone their team skills, as David points out. 'These ten days will be really useful to the team before we head out to Sha Tin. We've planned in a range of activities - including a trip to a local Comedy Club - to run alongside the training to ensure that everyones' spirits are kept up and they're really motivated.' During this period riders will make use of heat chambers to help with acclimatisation and horses will be carefully monitored to ensure optimum health and fitness. Reserve rider /horse combinations will also go through quarantine, but will not travel out to Beijing. Travelling out to the Games itself will have its own demands, with a long flight for the riders. Fortunately, the team get to travel business class so have plenty of leg room, plus they have two days when they get there to adjust and relax before the competitions begin. 'We're entering the Games with high aspirations and are obviously keen to maintain our team Paralympic gold, as well as bringing back individual medals across the grades. Because the team has been so successful in the past, it's an added pressure, but I know they'll give it their best shot and produce a medal tally that we're proud of.' Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=83 Wed, 28 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?83 Read all about the huge logistical task of transporting more than 300 horses to compete in Hong Kong this year. In August more than 300 horses, from around the world will make the journey to Hong Kong, including those representing Team GBR, travelling some 6000 miles across land and sea with the intention of not only competing at this year's Games but also of adding to our nation's Olympic medal tally. The task of transporting this size of squad and the necessary back up support is potentially a logistical nightmare - one, under the stewardship of the BEF's World Class Perfomance Manager, Will Connell, that requires military-style precision and planning. Enlisted to ensure that this operation runs smoothely are the world experts in horse travel; Peden Bloodstock from Hampshire. At the request of the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee they will undertake the task of transporting some 305 horses, made up of 75 Eventers, 58 Dressage, 95 Show Jumpers and 77 Para dressage horses from around the globe via five 'hub' airports in London, New York, Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Sydney to Sha Tin, the venue for the equestrian events in Hong Kong this summer. Each horse will also travel with around 400kg of hay, feed, grooming equipment and tack; while a list of support staff including vets, phisiotherapists, grooms and a full management team will also join them in Sha Tin for this far eastern Olympic adventure.Pre-Export Quarantine This transport operation has taken four years to plan, starting before the Athens' Games in 2004. This year the qualified horses are under such scrutiny that for 67 days prior to travel they must remain in 'scheduled countries', the EU, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and the USA for example. This allows Pedens and the Official vet to complete a thorough paper trail for each horse and ensure their safety and well being before departure. In addition, for the last seven days prior to departure the Team GBR horses; comprised of five Eventers, five Show Jumpers, four Dressage and seven Para-Equestrian Dressage horses will all enter Pre-Export Quarantine (PEQ). At dedicated facilities the horses will spend a week, 10 days in the case of the Para-Equestrian Dressage horses, in total isolation from any other non-competing animals. During this time, the horses will be constantly monitored under the strict supervison of the PEQ vet. They are tested constantly and not allowed within 100 metres of another, non-quarantined horse for fear of infection. Horse travel - business class On 30 July the Team GBR Eventing and Dressage horses will leave the UK on a Dutch registered 'Martin Air' 747 Cargo plane bound for Hong Kong. The Show Jumpers follow on 4 August. The 13 hour flight will include a brief stop in Dubai for refuelling. Following the trip from their PEQ venue aboard disinfected lorries, the horses arrive at their designated airport around three and a half hours before departure. They are all individualy weighed, to configure the weight and balance of the aircraft then transferred to the plane in Jetstalls via dollies and lifted on to the maindeck of the aircraft on a scissor lift. Once boarded, a total of 26 horses representing various countries will travel 'business class' on this flight. This means two horses per jet stall; a self contained stable measuring 2.3m high, 2.3m wide and 1.8m in length from the back wall to the breast bar. For those wishing to upgrade, there are private 'first class' stalls for individual horses available, while there is also an 'economy class' of jet stall for three horses. In reality though this is anything but a low budget flight and every detail of the horse's welfare is painstakingly planned for and monitored in flight. Each horse has enough hay and feed for the journey while the Team vet, who always travels in situ is on hand to provide treatment in the event of dehydration, horse colic or any other medical complication. Meanwhile, selected grooms accompany their horses and Pedens even provide professional flying grooms - equestrian air hosts and hostesses - who are in constant communication with the horses, their grooms and the in flight crew ensuring the flight for these prize equine athletes is always a smooth one. The horses travel wearing leg protection, a guard on their tails and usually a light sheet or rug. Each aircraft is air conditioned meaning that the climactic conditions are constantly managed at around 17 degrees. Says Henry Bullen, a director from Pedens, 'Once they are in the air, as long as there is little turbulence, the horses are fine. We don’t have to drug or sedate them for travel purposes. Compared with a road journey by lorry there is no stopping, starting and constant turning, so it's actually a lot smoother. Plus most of the horses going to Hong Kong are experienced flyers.' Even on arrival the horses are afforded first class priority treatment. The plane will dock at the Cargo terminal meaning the human passengers have to be bused through to human arrivals terminal. This priority status, enables Pedens to unload and transport the horses to their base in Sha Tin in just 90 minutes. Says Henry; 'Through our contunued experience, we are very aware of what the British Equestrian Federation require and have been working very closely with Will Connell throughout this process. 'We are also in contact with the world's airlines and the various government departments to ensure we understand the process and protocols for each country.'Everything has been planned for, we want no last minunte panics; if the people involved are stressed or nervous this can be passed on to the horses - so at all times we are calm, timely, but calm.' Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=84 Wed, 28 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?84 Hong Kong's first-ever Olympic venue, the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin), was handed over by The Hong Kong Jockey Club to the organisers of the Olympic Equestrian Events - Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited (the Equestrian Company) - in a historic handover ceremony held on 26th May. The handover ceremony was witnessed by HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration, Henry Tang; President of the Sports Federation andamp; Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF andamp; OC), Timothy Fok; Chairman of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, Jenny Fung; the Club's Deputy Chairman T Brian Stevenson; the Club's Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; the Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company, Lam Woon-kwong; and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Company and Venue Manager, Miranda Chiu. "The Hong Kong Jockey Club made the decision to build the best venues for the Olympic horses and riders to support Beijing's vision of staging the best Olympics and, even though we had less than two years to achieve it, we believe that we've more than lived up to the task", Mr Stevenson commented in his welcome address."The Club has invested more than HK$1.2 billion in the Olympic equestrian venues, but we feel it is money well spent because it has been invested in Hong Kong's Olympic history, a history of which the Club is very proud to be part. This is a day for all of Hong Kong to celebrate. A day when the Club hands over the Olympic equestrian venue, ready for the final dress-up to welcome the world's best horses and riders, including our own Hong Kong and Chinese equestrian teams." HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration, Henry Tang, spoke at the ceremony as one of the officiating guests. "The venue has been specially designed so that it's very 'horse-friendly'. There are a number of world firsts: everything from the stables environment, training facilities, horse transport, equine sample testing, waste recycling as well as measures to combat the bad weather." SF andamp; OC President Timothy Fok also congratulated the Club on its work in producing the core Olympic equestrian venue at Sha Tin in less than two years. "Not only was the venue completed within such a short time, but it is also the best equestrian venue ever built", he said. "It has received praise from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). At a recent meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Beijing, IOC President Jacques Rogge jokingly said that he wouldn't need a room when he comes to Hong Kong for the Games, "a stable will do". This was not only praise for the venues, it also demonstrated his confidence in the capability of Hong Kong people to organize the Games." The Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) is where most of the Olympic equestrian competitions will be staged between 9 and 21 August. The all-weather surface main arena, which has hi-tech floodlighting appropriate for High Definition TV broadcasting, has grandstand seating for around 18,000 spectators, as well as the Olympic Family, athletes, media and broadcasters. The venue also includes six-star air-conditioned accommodation for the horses, a dedicated Equine Clinic and Farriery, 13 training arenas – including the first Olympic air-conditioned indoor training arena – a cross-country training track and a gallop track, as well as a bridle path for relaxation in the tranquil surrounds of Penfold Park, the in-field of Sha Tin Racecourse. Four equine cooling stations, including misting tents and plentiful supplies of chilled water, are located around the venue to cool the Olympic horses after training or competition. Mobile cooling units, another unique feature, will also be in use throughout the Olympics and Paralympics. The Club's Equine Hospital will also be on-call for treatment of the Olympic horses throughout the Games period, while the Club's Racing Laboratory, the only on-site equine testing facility in Olympic history, will test samples from the Olympic horses, with fastest ever turn-round promised. Major construction work on the Sha Tin venue is now completed. The Equestrian Company will oversee the final phase, including Olympic image and look dress-up of the venue. The Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Beas River), where the cross-country section of the Eventing competition will be held on 11 August, will be handed over to the Equestrian Company next month. General http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=81 Sun, 25 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?81 Great Britain has won the second leg of the 2008 Samsung Super League FEI Series in Rome. Emulating last year's result, a fantastic performance from Derek Rickett's squad gave Great Britain victory at the Piazza di Siena and a vital ten Super League points. After the first round, four faults from Michael Whitaker and Gillespie Equestrian's Suncal Portofino 63 and clears from both Tim Stockdale riding John Bosher's Fresh Direct Corlato and John Whitaker with Rebecca Stone's Peppermill left them in equal first place with The United States of America and Ireland. The second round saw a repeat of the first round fortunes for the Brits, however as Ireland fell by the wayside it was down to a jump off between the Brits and the United States to decide the winner. John Whitaker was the Team Manager's choice to jump off against America's William Simpson, however a mistake in the double from the American left the pathway open for John and Peppermill, who pulled everything out of the bag to jump yet another foot perfect round to take the victory for Great Britain. Speaking after the competition, British Team Manager Derek Ricketts said:"This is a fantastic result, all of the horses have jumped very well. John's dependable performance in the jump off was superb and clinched us the victory here in Rome today. It's a great feeling to come back and repeat last year's win!" Speaking from Rome Will Connell, World Class Performance Director for the British Equestrian Federation commented:"There were some very good Teams here in Rome this afternoon, and it was great to see Great Britain pull off a memorable win in what was a very close competition". 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series Round 2 - Rome, Italy 1st Great Britain 8 Michael Whitaker/Suncal Portofino 4/4 Tim Stockdale/Fresh Direct Corlato 0/0 Robert Smith/Ronaldo VI (12)/(8) John Whitaker/Peppermill 0/0/0 – 44.52 secs 2nd United States of America 8 penalties (Jump Off: 4 - 34.75 secs) 3rd Germany 16 penalties =4th Ireland 20 penalties =4th The Netherlands 20 penalties 6th Italy 21 penalties 7th Belgium 24 penalties =8th Sweden 32 penalties =8th Switzerland 32 penalties Full results can be downloaded at www.piazzadisiena.com. Todays victory means Great Britain have now won the Nations Cup in Rome a total of nine times in the seventy six year history of the show (1963, 1970, 1973, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2005, 2007 and 2008). 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series Standings after Round 2 1 USA - 12.33, =2 GBR - 12 andamp; BEL - 12, 4 IRL- 8.83, 5 NED - 6.5, 6 GER - 6, 7 SUI - 5.83, 8 SWE - 1.5 SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE WITH FEI - 2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Round 1 - La Baule FRA 5 - 11 May, Round 2 - Rome ITA 22 - 25 May, Round 3 - St Gallen SUI 29 May - 1 June, Round 4 - Rotterdam NED 18 - 22 June, Round 5- Aachen GER 1 - 6 July, Round 6 - Hickstead GBR 24 - 27 July, Round 7 - Dublin IRL 8 - 10 August, Round 8 and Final - Barcelona ESP 18 - 21 September Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=80 Thu, 22 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?80 The British Equestrian Federation has produced a handy guide to the Equestrian events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The guide includes everything you need to know about Equestrian sport at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It explains the format of the competitions, the number of competitors, the venues, the support team that will travel with the riders (the athletes) and horses and outlines some of the logistical challenges ahead. It also includes equestrian sport’s medal history and all the key contacts within the sport. Perhaps most importantly, it contains a calendar detailing all the dates from selection through to the end of competition and notice of any press events that will be happening. Download your copy here. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=76 Wed, 21 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?76 Continuing our 'Spotlight On' series, we interview Team Leader for the Equestrian Teams at 2008 Bejing Olympic and Paralympic Games, Will Connell.Will Connell The Performance Director for the British Equestrian Federation's (BEF) World Class Programme, nice title, but what does it mean? In a nutshell it means; talent identification, maximising potential and delivering success. It's a full time job, which carries an enormous amount of responsibility, and demands an in depth knowledge of all things equestrian, as well as honed people, organisational, communication and management skills.The World Class Programme Will Connell was appointed to the position of Performance Director for the BEF in October 2003 and has the responsibility for the co-ordination and delivery of the UK Sport funded (Lottery andamp; Exchequer) Equestrian World Class Programme. The programme, launched prior to the Sydney Olympics in 2000, covers the 3 Olympic disciplines: Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping and the Paralympic discipline of Para-Equestrian Dressage and has the stated objective of winning more medals for Great Britain on the international stage. The programme is focused on identifying the most talented athletes, both human and equine, in the UK. Finding, nurturing, training and keeping two world class athletes 'sound' is of course a massive challenge and Will and his team have to ensure that the Programme plan develops to meet these needs. However, UK Sport funding does not extend to cover costs for purchasing and producing horses and without the generosity of owners; Team GBR simply could not exist. To ensure success and a tailored approach, Will, primarily through the Performance Managers works hand in hand with three of the BEF's member bodies British Eventing, British Dressage (including Para-Equestrian Dressage) and the British Show Jumping Association – ensuring that the training and competition programmes of these disciplines are coordinated with that of the World Class Programme. Will's background Will is no stranger to the equestrian circuit having been involved with the sport (mainly Eventing) all his life. He spent 17 years serving with the Royal Artillery and was Commanding Officer of The King's Troop RHA – providing him with valuable organisational and management experience. In 1997 he became chef d'equipe of the British Young Rider Eventing team working in this capacity until 2001. As Performance Director for the BEF Will was Team Leader for the Athens Olympics and he is currently overseeing the final preparations for the 2008 Games in Hong Kong. As part of these preparations he attended the Good Luck Beijing 10th Anniversary Cup CIC2* (the 'Test Event') in Hong Kong – to trial the Olympic facilities, gain an insight into the conditions and learn valuable lessons for the 'real' event in 2008. He returned to the UK reassured about both the quality of the facilities for the horses (there is very limited space for the humans) in Hong Kong and about the Team GBR preparations at home.Looking forward Will and his performance assistant, Sophie George, head out to Sha Tin, Hong Kong towards the end of July to ensure everything is in place for when the team arrive. By then all of the preparation and planning will have been put in place, so the final week before the games start allows Will, Sophie and the Programme's Project Manager, Sarah Armstrong, to make any necessary final adjustments. For the duration of the Games (Olympics and Paralympics), Will remains in Hong Kong overseeing all of the Team GBR competitors, helping to support the different disciplines as required. Having come home from Athens with an impressive medal tally (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze from the Olympics and 5 gold, 2 bronze from the Paralympics) Will hopes that Hong Kong also proves as fruitful for Team GBR and remains hopeful about our medal chances. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=77 Wed, 21 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?77 Next in our series, the Spotlight falls on Richard Davison, Team Captain for the British Dressage team. Richard Davison It's clear to understand, given his impressive CV, why Richard Davison was picked at the start of this year to be Team Captain for the British Dressage team at this year's Olympics. An accomplished horseman and highly successful International dressage rider, with a host of impressive awards and honours, together with a natural flair for communication – he's an obvious choice for the job. Background Richard grew up with horses in his blood, and quickly took to riding and competing in various disciplines. He was a keen member of his local Pony Club, who he is quick to thank for his grounding in terms of essential horse management. But Richard's career path wasn't carved out for horses from an early age. Instead at 18 he joined his father's marketing business. Despite learning a great deal, Richard's heart wasn't in the job but rather with the horses, so he made the decision to take up riding professionally. 'I don’t regret the time I spent working for my father, as I learnt so much that has helped me out later in life. I'm now in the business of horses and the time spent with my father's company has helped me enormously in terms of handling sponsorship, cost management, overheads and marketing.' Richard left his father's company to take up equestrianism professionally and it quickly became apparent he had a special talent for dressage. 'People would ask me to ride their horses and would comment on how well they would go for me. I was lulled into thinking that I had mastered the art of dressage almost as soon as I had begun – I was getting a bit of a reputation for my dressage skills, and so I decided to pursue them further.' Richard did this by attending a dressage course at Stoneleigh, run by Barbara Slane-Fleming, which as he describes was a real crossroads. 'This course was a real shock to me I realised very quickly that far from being any good, I hadn't even mastered the basics. There was so much to take in, all this new terminology and complicated exercises. I was a complete novice and had a mountain to climb.' Despite his inauspicious start, Barbara took Richard under her wing, helping to train him, before he went on to spend some ten years visiting the Spanish Riding School, in Vienna. Following his extended schooling, back in the UK Richard began his competitive career winning two European medals, representing Great Britain at three Olympics and two World Championships, as well as being the British Number 1 International Dressage Rider for six years. And his competitive career isn’t over, Richard regularly competes up to Grand Prix level and has a horse aimed for the 2012 Olympics. Team Captain Although Richard's relatively new to the role of Team Captain, he's quickly settled into the position, helped of course by his past Olympic experience and knowledge of the World Class Performance Programme and his affinity with many of the current riders (whom he has competed with). He also took advice from Yogi Breisner, British Eventing Team Leader, whose support Richard is quick to acknowledge. His first task involved looking at each of the individual Team member's roles (from the riders to the farrier), clarifying who was responsible for what and then making sure everyone had clearly defined responsibilities. 'We have a really enthusiastic and skilful team of riders and support staff. The challenge has been defining this team's structure and outlining individual responsibilities. For dressage riders this is especially hard as they train and compete on their own – they have their own meticulously managed units, so learning to work and take instruction from anyone outside of that is not as comfortable for them.'As a fellow rider I understand that, but as Team Captain I need to demonstrate that the riders and their core team can be successful working in harmony with the British Dressage Team, so long as we work together. I’ve likened it to Formula One racing and the pit stop – we all need to know exactly who is responsible for what to ensure an efficient and effective performance - nothing can be left to chance and we have to practice working together efficiently.' Sha Tin Richard travelled out to the Good Luck Beijing 10th Anniversary Cup CCI2* (the 'Test Event') in Hong Kong last year to trial the Olympic facilities and gain learnings for the 'real' event in 2008. This trip reassured him about the facilities which he describes as 'outstanding' commenting that the Olympic horse parks seem to get better and better. 'We need to respect the climate, obviously we have to work with it and make sure that we are fully prepared for it and for the worst it can throw at us. Fitness, for the horses and the riders, is also as key for dressage as it is for say eventing. Therefore, we will be leaving no stone unturned to ensure all of our athletes (equine and human) perform to their optimum.' As part of this preparation, all the riders are working with a personal fitness trainer and will use heat chambers to help with acclimatisation. The horses' fitness preparation also includes adapting to a shorter warm up preparation (warming up the horse sufficiently, but still leaving enough fuel in the tank), together with riding in similar venue conditions, for example late at night, and under floodlights etc. Countdown to the Games With the Olympics just a few months away and selection just a matter of weeks away, it's a critical time for horse and rider combinations. Over the last 12 months, riders and horses scoring above 70% at Grand Prix will have been 'ear marked' by Richard who will put forward some five or so combinations to the group of selectors. It's their difficult job to then decide which four (including a reserve) will go to Hong Kong. Then with the team chosen, it's a case of keeping riders and horses sound through the run up and into quarantine, having a safe trip out to Hong Kong, settling into the Olympic venue, Sha Tin, and competing to their best – all under the careful guidance of Richard. Richard though remains confident and says, 'If everything goes our way we have an outside chance of the bronze medal and that's what we are aiming for. It's achievable, it's exciting –but it's going to be one hell of a challenge. But then that's the magic of the Olympics.' Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=78 Wed, 21 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?78 Following a very competitive Charles Owen British Pony Championships in its new location at Chepstow in Monmouthshire last weekend, the Pony Selectors are delighted to announce the Derby House Pony Squad of five for this year's European Championships at Avenches, Switzerland July 24 - 27 2008. Newly crowned British Champions Gina Ruck and Ice Cool Bailey head the list. The combination had a good start to the season, only being out of the top three on one occasion. Lying second after the dressage at Chepstow, they put in a superb double clear, inside the time, to lift the title and secure a place on the squad. Gina and Bailey were members of the team that took Gold in Freudenberg in 2007. The remaining four places are occupied by squad debutantes. Chepstow runners-up, Althea Bleekman and Nightgirl 002 capitalised on their Necarne win last year and fill one of the slots. Ella McEwen, sister of last year's Gold medal winner Tom, takes the third spot with her own Catherston Nutsafe. The squad is completed by the 2007 reserve combination Helen Dunning riding Glenayre Bay Surf and Eliza Stoddart riding Killacorran Blue. Riding as reserve will be Lottie Kennedy with Darraks Tonto, the individual combination from the 2007 Championships.Squad Details Althea Bleekman (16) and Nightgirl 002 Helen Dunning (15) and Bay Surf Ella McEwen (14) and Catherston Nutsafe Gina Ruck (15) and Ice Cool Bailey Eliza Stoddart (15) and Killacorran Blue Reserve Rider Lottie Kennedy (15) and Darraks Tonto Youth Teams http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=79 Wed, 21 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?79 Welcome to the first in our series of 'Spotlight on’'news items where we introduce you to different members of the Team GBR staff. Over the coming months you can find out more about the Team behind Team GBR from Team managers, to medical staff, to vets, to farriers and many more. Yogi Breisner Yogi Breisner - World Class Performance Manager and chef d'equipe to the senior British eventing team – is undoubtedly the right man for the job. One of the country's most successful and respected trainers of both horses and riders, Yogi was appointed British Eventing Team Leader in December 1999 and British Eventing's national coach in 2000. Since then, under his guidance, Britain's Eventing team have won a staggering eight gold, six silver and three bronze medals. So you could say the results speak for themselves.Background Yogi grew up around horses, competing successfully in dressage, show jumping, horse trials and point-to-points in Sweden, Ireland and the UK. He went on to train under Lars Sederholm and was a member of the Swedish Eventing team, winning European team gold in 1983. He was ranked in the top ten of the world three-day event riders for four years, notching up four placings at Badminton Horse Trials. Today, he splits his time between his role with British Eventing and National Hunt racing – where he helps train both jockeys and horses.His Role The role of World Class Performance manager and chef d'equipe to the senior British Eventing team essentiallly means Yogi is responsible for managing the senior team programme and logistics, acting as the team manager and captain. He also helps co-ordinate the four eventing teams from Pony to Senior, providing him with a great insight into up and coming talent. Managing people is a crucial part of his job, as he explains, 'what's really essential is that you can get the best out of people. I need to nurture confidence in each of the individuals and encourage them to work together, so that the team gels and performs to its best. It’s a bit like being a cox in a boat.' Yogi has an excellent rapport with the World Class squad, many of whom he has worked with since he started the role eight years ago. 'Unlike some other sports, eventing athletes careers are often a lot longer - which is demonstrated in our team for this year's Olympics with an age range that spans some 20 years - so I have the opportunity to watch the riders develop over time.' He describes his job as 'the best in world, I'm so priviledged to work with a range of professionals – riders, grooms, vets and other support staff who are outstanding in what they do.'Sha Tin Yogi made the trip out to Hong Kong and to the Olympic venue Sha Tin as part of the Good Luck Beijing 10th Anniversary Cup CCI2* (the 'Test Event'). He took on board a number of small findings from the event, but most importantly was assured that all the necessary preparation had been put in place. 'The venue is great and is very workable, but we need to remember that the Olympics are always a challenge and the hot and humid climate and travelling will add to the pressure. We need to be prepared to adjust in case of any unforseen circumstances – horses are highly unpredictable. 'But this shouldn't affect us feeling confident that we are as fully prepared as we can be, it will also be great to have Mary and William on the team who are previous Olympians and have competed in similar conditions.' Preparation Despite the fact the team was only selected this month, Yogi explains that preparation started a lot earlier – in fact as far back at the last Olympics. 'We have been focusing on this Olympics since Athens and I believe we are more prepared than ever.' The riders have their own individual fitness programmes and will make the use of heat chambers as part of their acclimatisiation. Horses have been closely monitored and with selection now complete, will be analysed regularly to ensure optimum health and fitness.' The team of five horses and riders will go into quarantine in July, together with three or four reserve combinations who undergo the same training and procedures, so they are fully prepared to take up a place if needs be. Medal aspirations Having helped produce such succesful teams in the past has certainly added to the pressure Yogi faces in the run up to this year's Games. However, he remains calm and quietly confident about their performance. 'We know our preparation is as good as it could be, better than ever before, and we're out to win Gold. We know the margins are razor thin and that one little mistake could cost us the competition, but we're not thinking about our competitors. We're remaining focused on our performance and on trying to ensure that we bring home medals - again.' Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=75 Mon, 19 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?75 Team GBR Launch New "Gloss-e-zine" Equestrian Team GBR are proud to announce the launch a new glossy online magazine, ‘IMPULSION’. The first of its kind to hit the market, ‘Impulsion’ is a totally interactive upmarket lifestyle magazine, covering all aspects of equestrianism. With expert writers from every discipline and evocative photography, Impulsion is an eclectic and powerful publication. Free to subscribe, a fabulous competition in every issue, the latest flash page turning technology, and 80 pages of inspiring journalism, Impulsion, like Team GBR, is a pursuit of excellence. This first issue includes ‘Memories of Badminton’, a special feature revisiting the evolution of this the most famous and glamorous horse trial; the launch of Toggi’s new Team GBR supporters clothing range; a competition to win an Albion saddle; an article about Bentley’s flashy new Zagato model, and much more... Marketing Director, Clive Hetherington said: “Impulsion is designed for anyone and everyone who has a love of sport, fashion, food and of course horses. Allowing you to interact with the content in a dynamic and totally different way, Impulsion is a potent and persuasive creation that is set to be top of its class.” View the magazine here. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=74 Sun, 18 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news.php?74 You can now find more information about all the horses that have been selected for the Eventing Team for the 2008 Olympic Games, where the equestrian events will take place in Hong Kong. See the Eventing Team page for more details. Many thanks to the British Eventing Database and Warmblood Fact Files for supplying this information. Olympic Disciplines http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=73 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:00:00 +0000