Riders representing 17 nations have arrived in the magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Great Britain, for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship, which start tomorrow (Thursday, September 18).
As they gathered for a moving opening ceremony in the main arena, Blenheim’s host, the Duke of Marlborough, said: “The Palace itself owes much of its existence to civilisation’s historic reliance on the strength and dependability of the horse.
“It is therefore a great privilege to gather here today, on the 35th anniversary of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, within our rolling parkland — the vision and creation of Capability Brown, the renowned 18th-century landscape architect — which provides the perfect setting for this prestigious event.
“This year, we are especially delighted to host the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship. The last time these Championships were held here was 20 years ago, however today we welcome riders and their horses from across Europe, each bringing with them passion, skill, and dedication to this world-class competition.”
All 55 horses passed the first horse inspection and Swiss team pathfinder Nadja Minder riding Toblerone will be first into the dressage arena tomorrow at 10.30am in front of judges Sandy Phillips (ground jury president, GB), Katrin Eichinger-Kniely from Austria and Valerie Pride from the USA.
Nine nations will field teams. Great Britain, the defending champions, have been drawn seventh in the order of countries, with reigning world eventing champion Yasmin Ingham, riding Rehy DJ, as team pathfinder. She will be followed by Piggy March with the stallion Halo and Olympic team gold medallists Tom McEwen (JL Dublin) and Laura Collett (London 52) will perform their dressage tests on Friday.
Germany’s Michael Jung, the only former individual European champion in the field, will be his team’s anchor, riding his Olympic gold medallist FischerChipmunk FRH, competing toward the end of Friday afternoon.
The drawn order of nations is: Norway*, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Turkey*, Belgium, Great Britain, Netherlands*, Hungary*, Lithuania*, Sweden, Finland*, Germany, France, Ireland, Czech Republic*, Luxembourg* (* denotes individuals only). Kumru Say makes history for Turkey, as the first representative of her country to compete in an eventing championship.
Also starting tomorrow is the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old CCI4*-S, which has attracted a field of nearly 100. First into the dressage arena at 10am is Gemma Stevens riding Chilli’s Jester.
THE SPEEDI-BEET TROT UP
At the first Speedi-Beet trot up of the event, the Best Dressed, with thanks to HiHo Silver, went to Pietro Majolino (ITA) and Lea Siegl (AUT – above).
The Best Turned Out, with thanks to British Horse Feeds, went to Sarah Ennis’ Dourough Ferro Class Act, groomed by Emily Singleton (IRL).
Jess Blackford, Area Sales Manager for British Horse Feeds, who sponsor the Speedi-Beet Trot-up commented, “It is such a privilege to see so many well-presented horses in superb condition at the Trot-up here at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace. British Horse Feeds, home of Speedi-Beet stands for feeding fibre first as the starting point for a natural and healthy diet. It provides the basis for all equine diets which suits all types of horses in all levels of work. Combining Speedi-Beet with the additional concentrates required for event horses at the top of their game enables the horses to maintain a healthy working digestive system whilst providing the necessary slow and fast release energy for performance. We wish all of the competitors the best for the exciting competition ahead.”
IMAGES © PETER NIXON
