World Class Showjumping Statement: Big Star to Skip 2013 European Championships

Following discussions between owners Gary and Beverley Widdowson and rider Nick Skelton, a decision was taken not to enter Big Star for the 2013 European Championships in Herning, Denmark. All parties stressed that Rio 2016 remained the primary target for the Skelton and Big Star partnership, and that they were committed to helping Great Britain stay in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Division 1 and secure qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The decision was made with the full involvement and support of Rob Hoekstra, World Class Showjumping Performance Manager, and Will Connell, Equestrian Performance Director.

Protecting a Key Partnership for Rio

Big Star was regarded as one of the most talented horses in the world at the time, and recent wins in the Aachen and Rome Grands Prix, together with a second place in the London leg of the Global Champions Tour, underlined how central the combination was to British prospects for Rio. The plan was for Skelton and Big Star to compete in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Division 1 at the Dublin CSIO, and in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final if required. They were also set to target the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, the first opportunity to qualify a team for the Rio Olympics.

Reaction From the Programme and the Owners

Will Connell said the move reflected the kind of open, long-term planning the World Class Programme had been seeking to develop across all disciplines. “I completely support this decision which has been the outcome of open and detailed discussions between the owners, the rider and the World Class Programme,” he stated. “Nick, Gary and Beverley are 100% supportive of, and loyal to, the aim of winning medals in Rio. We must not ask too much of either Big Star or Nick if we want them on top form in Normandy and then Rio.”

Rob Hoekstra added: “We have to look after Nick and Big Star as they have a big part to play for the team to first qualify for Rio and then to defend the Olympic title in 2016. This decision has followed a great deal of discussion and I fully support the thought process behind it.”

Gary and Beverley Widdowson explained that the choice had not been easy. “It is with much regret that we have taken the decision to not go to the European Championships, as we felt that Nick and Big Star would have had a great chance of winning,” they commented. “But after discussions with Nick we felt that jumping six rounds in seven days was not in Big Star’s best interest. We wish all the riders who are selected every success and hope they can bring home the gold. Our long-term goal remains Rio 2016.”

Skelton confirmed that the welfare of the horse had been the deciding factor. “After much consideration and discussion with Gary, Beverley and Rob Hoekstra, I feel that it is in the best interest for Big Star to give him a year off from a Championship,” he said. “It is our goal to try and reach Rio 2016 and conservative management will only help this cause.”