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Cian O'Connor has an exciting new horse in Farfelu de Muze. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Farfelu de Muze will in the future be seen under Cian O'Connor. The half brother of Mylord Carthago who is a 7 year old stallion by Quel Hero de Muze x Jalisco B has been ridden by Penelope Leprevost since October, but now he has a new home in Ireland. The horse is a very exciting prospect for Cian.

To WoSJ Cian says: "Farfelu arrived to Karlswood stables outside Dublin this morning. He is a wonderful horse with huge possibilities both as a jumper and a stallion. I'm certainly very excited by him and when I tried him three days ago, I jumped less that 20 jumps as it was obvious to see and feel his quality from the outset."

Related article: Mylord Carthago's half brother to Penelope Leprevost

Titus reunites with Guy. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Team Williams states on Twitter that Titus is reunited with his former rider Guy Williams. In the very end of December the gelding by Lancelot x Rex Magna was sold to Edwina Tops-Alexander after top results with Williams; the two were on the British team at the Europeans in Madrid – as well as recording a win at the GCT five star classes in Valkenswaard in 2011. On Twitter Team Williams (Guy Williams’ official Twitter account) writes: ”Team Williams is pleased to announce that Guy and his former ride Titus have been reunited! Titus and Guy will be jumping in Bourg En Bresse this weekend, we will let you know how the pair get on!” Whether or not this is permanent is not mentioned.

Related article: Titus to Edwina Tops-Alexander

Cadjanine is secured for Gregory Wathelet. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.In January Gregory Wathelet got the ride on Cadjanine Z with the hopes of qualifying for the Olympics. It was the 10 year old mare's then rider Patrick Spits and her co-owner Julien Hens that decided to give Gergory a chance to compete her. Now Cadjanine has been secured for Wathelet; Mr. Van Campenhout has bought the mare for the Belgian rider.

On Gregory's website he states:

"After much thought and serious negotiations, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Van Campenhout has bought the mare Cadjanine, that in the future will be called Citizenguard Cadjanine. Mr. Van Campenhout , who already hired the mare to make it possible for Gregory to qualify for the Olympics, preferred to secure the future of our rider through ownership rather than renting. Therefore nothing will disturb the tremendous increase of prestigious events which are currently opening up to the couple. In addition to strengthen Gregory´s string of horses Mr. Van Campenhout also bought Double Paid, a horse that showed really well in the Championship for seven years old in Lummen and who finished fifth there. We thank him for the confidence in our Belgian number one!"

Spartacus TN with Eric in the saddle. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Spartacus TN (Stakkato x Grannus) will in the future be seen under Marco Kutscher. The nine year old KWPN- stallion has up until now been competed by Eric van der Vleuten. The Dutch rider and the stallion’s owners have however agreed on finding another rider for Spartacus, as Eric thinks the horse is really good – but maybe not his ideal type of horse. To the Dutch website horses.nl Eric says that he has been happy with Spartacus’ results, but that they were too inconsistent and that it seemed like a good idea to let another rider try out the horse. Spartacus’ new home will thus be Stall Beerbaum, where Marco Kutscher will ride him.

Source: horses.nl

Take a look at this cool video from the jump-off of the Grand Prix in Rome last Sunday. It is Ludger Beerbaum with Gotha vs. Christian Ahlmann with Taloubet Z.

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Sad news: Kellemoi de Pepita has passed away. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Michel Robert’s former top ride Kellemoi de Pepita has passed away after a colic attack. The 14 year old mare by Voltaire x Jalme des Mensuls was sold to Qatar last year after a very successful career with Robert; the pair won a silver team medal at the European Championships in Madrid in 2011, and won the Global Champions Tour Final in Doha in 2009, as well as the Top Ten final in Brussels in 2008 to mention some.

Walter 61 has been sold to Venezuela. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Angelica Augustsson’s ride Walter 61 has been sold to South America. The 10 year old Werenfels gelding left Angelica about two weeks ago to travel to his new home in Venezuela. The pair was successful together with several top placings; in 2011 they ended second in the five star Grand Prix in Gothenburg and also won a five star class in Geneva.

When WoSJ talked to Angelica yesterday she said; "It is always sad to sell. I have had Walter since he was seven and he is like a part of our family. But I'm positive he'll be taken good care of by his new owners."

From what it looks like Abdullah Sharbatly will not be able to participate in London due to his suspension. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson. The FEI Tribunal has today issued its decisions in the cases involving the two Saudi Arabian riders Khaled Abdulaziz AL Eid and Abdullah Waleed Sharbatly. Both Al Eid’s horse Vanhoeve and Sharbatly’s horse Lobster 43 tested positive to Non-Steroidal-Inflammatory drugs this winter and the riders voluntarily suspended themselves in late February.

Would you like your products or services to be visible on World of Showjumping? We can offer banner and article advertisement on our increasingly popular website. World of Showjumping was launched in January 2011 and has grown rapidly ever since with readers from all over the world. We are now looking for new partners that would like to advertise with us, and support us in our work to develop the website further.

Don’t miss the chance to be visible on World of Showjumping! Send us an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to know more.

Nangaye de Kergane will in the future be seen under Luciana Diniz. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Edouard de Rothschild has purchased Nangaye de Kergane (Grand Chef Bleus x Type d’Elle) for Luciana Diniz to ride. The mare has been competed by Kevin Staut since September last year, and did her last show with him in La Baule as Staut’s collaboration with Haras de Hus has ended. To studforlife.com Luciana says that she intends to use Nangaye de Kergane as a second horse to support Winningmood and Lennox. Their first big show together will probably be the Global Champions Tour in Cannes.

Source: studforlife.com

Charlotte is newly wed. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Charlotte Lund and Sören von Rönne got married in Germany yesterday after being a couple for several years. The wedding took place at their yard near Hamburg where several of their guests are competing at the Hamburg Dressur und Spring Derby this weekend.

We wish the happy couple all the best!

Courtney 6 - Olivier Guillon's new ride. Photo by HDC.Yet another promising horse has been acquired for Olivier Guillon by Haras des Coudrettes: Courtney 6. The 11 year old gelding has up until now been competed by British rider Robert Bevis, and has several good results at international Grand Prix level. Courtney 6 (Chellano Z x Major de la Cour) will join Olivier Guillon’s stable next week, and will strengthen his string of horses that already consists of top rides such as Lord de Theize and United Love *HDC. Haras des Coudrettes writes that Courtney is a horse with a very good mentality and with the true temperament of jumper.

Source: Haras des Coudrettes

Michel Robert is the new rider for Haras de Hus. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After days of waiting, it’s official: Michel Robert is Haras de Hus’ new rider. As we reported last week, Kevin Staut did his final show for Haras de Hus in La Baule last weekend after five years of collaboration. Michel Robert already got the ride on Zeta de Hus in March, and for the last week speculations about him being the stud’s new rider have been everywhere.

To Grandprix-replay.com Haras de Hus founder Xavier Marie says that he has a special admiration for those riders of more senior generation like Michel – and for example Philippe Le Jeune and others –who have always made their horses themselves. Xavier continues to points out that these riders do a great job with the horses and owners deserve to invest for them. Xavier Marie also says to the French website that Michel Robert for them is an ideal profile, and that his extensive experience allows him to succeed on very different horses.

Peter Charles will be in Rome. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The second leg of the Top League will take place in Rome 24 - 27 of May and Great Britain has announced which riders that will be part of their team.

It is:

Scott Brash with Hello Sanctos, Peter Charles with Murkas Vindicat W, Tina Fletcher with Hello Sailor, William Funnel with Billy Angelo and Guy Williams with Depardieu van´t Kiezelhof.

Source: www.horses.nl

A new tour in the Netherlands is launched. The tour is called Jumping Tour Holland, and will take place from the 4th of June until 12th of July. The last part of the event – from 28th of June-1th of July – will include a two star show and a FEI Rolex ranking class. The organizer offers weatherproof surface in all the arenas, and also a veterinary and farrier clinic on location of this event. The tour takes place in the eastern part of Holland, and during the tour shows such as Outdoor Gelderland, Dutch youngster festival Wierden, Hagen, Rotterdam, Aachen, Geesteren and Zuidwolde are close by.

Franck Schillewaert and Marquis de la Lande in Copenhagen last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Haras des Coudrettes has acquired Marquis de la Lande (Quito de Baussy x Starter). The 12 year old stallion will stay with his rider Franck Schillewaert, with whom he has been very successful. In a statement Haras des Coudrettes writes that Marquis is undoubtedly a horse of a lifetime for Franck, and this is the reason why Haras des Coudrettes is pleased to help him keep the horse and thus reward the work of a lifetime for a man of which they have a lot of admiration.

Denis has two broken ribs after his fall on Saturday. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After a second check with a German doctor yesterday, Denis Lynch was found to be suffering from two broken ribs. After his win in the La Baule Derby on Saturday, Denis Lynch had a bad fall off Night Train during their lap of honor. The first medical examination in France revealed no injuries, and it was thought that bruises and several swellings – as well as some stitches in the arm and the head – were the lucky escape of the fall. Unfortunately for Denis, the second examination proved the situation to be a little worse.

At the moment Denis is in a lot of pain, but the doctors are trying to get the Irish rider fit for Saturday so he at least can jump the third leg of the Global Champions Tour in Hamburg. Denis will definitely not ride the Hamburg Derby. We wish Denis a speedy recovery!

Sapphire and McLain at the WEG in Kentucky. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Yesterday it became official that McLain Ward's fantastic mare Sapphire is being retired. The 17 year old chestnut BWP mare by Darco and McLain have two Olympic team gold medals to look back on and a team silver from the 2006 World Equestrian Games.  The combination also won the famous Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in 2009 as well as having several other great victories together. 

Sapphire was injured right before the Grand Prix in Wellington in March last year as she suffered a strained check ligament in her right front leg.  Only a couple of weeks before, McLain and Sapphire were a part of the American winning team at the Nations Cup in Wellington.

Sterrehof's Valdato has been sold to the US. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Dutch website horses.nl reports that Sterrehof's Valdato has been sold, and that the American showjumper Cara Raether is his new rider. The ten year old lovely grey gelding by Emilion x Caretino has up until now been competed by Austrian rider Julia Kayser, with some great results. In November they were runner-ups in the Championat der Deutschen Kreditbank in Munich, in October they were second in the three star Assen Grand Prix and in July they were second on the two star Grand Prix of Zuidwolde.

Source: horses.nl

Nr. One: Casall La Silla with Rolf-Göran Bengtsson. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Casall La Silla (Caretino x Laval I) continues to top the FEI WBFSH jumping ranking. The 13 year old Holsteiner stallion is followed by Steve Guerdat’s French bred runner-up from the Rolex FEI World Cup Final Nino des Buissonnets (Kannan x Narcos II) – that was tied number seven on last month’s ranking. Richard Spooner’s ride Cristallo (Caretino x Cicero) – a Holsteiner gelding –  has gone from number two to three on the ranking, while Regina Z (Rex Z x Savoy Hanover) – ridden by Harrie Smolders – has gone from tied rank seven to four. Mr. Davier (Quiniou x Le Prince de Thurin) is rank five this month.

Click here for the full ranking.

Would you like your products or services to be visible on World of Showjumping? We can offer banner and article advertisement on our increasingly popular website. World of Showjumping was launched in January 2011 and has grown rapidly ever since with readers from all over the world. We are now looking for new partners that would like to advertise with us, and support us in our work to develop the website further.

Don’t miss the chance to be visible on World of Showjumping! Send us an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to know more.

Five riders will have to go through a doping test after the GCT class in Wiesbaden. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.At the international show in Wiesbaden on the 25th - 28th of May doping tests will be taken of some of the riders as well as  the horses. Five riders participating in the Global Champions Tour class Saturday will have to leave a doping test to the FEI. These riders will be shown into a closed room to leave a urine test while the steward is waiting. It will certainly be no privacy in the process as a big mirror will be there to avoid any cheating. "We'll need to have a lot of drinks at hand. It can take some hours before the rider is in the position to fill up the urine test," says Dr. Hanns-Dietrich Rahn.

Denis was lucky to escape his bad fall without any serious injuries. Here seen in Zürich. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After his win in the La Baule Derby yesterday, Denis Lynch had a dramatic fall off Night Train during their lap of honor. Denis had not fastened his helmet after the prize giving cermony, and as he fell off the helmet went in another direction than Denis causing him to hit the ground without the helmet on his head. The fall was quite bad, and Denis was picked up by an ambulance and taken to the hospital were x-rays were taken. Luckily nothing was broken, and Denis had no serious injuries apart from bruises and several swellings – as well as a scratch on his head. Under the circumstances Denis was lucky, and is doing quite well. We wish Denis a speedy recovery!

It looks like Kevin won't be riding for Haras de Hus in the future. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to studforlife.com Kevin Staut and Haras de Hus have decided to go separate ways after five years of collaboration. The website reports that La Baule is Kevin's last show under the Haras de Hus colors. Some of Kevin’s former rides such as Prestige St. Lois de Hus, Zeta de Hus and Banda de Hus have already been placed with Martin Fuchs (this week), Michel Robert (February) and Gregory Wathelet (March). Studforlife.com reports that Haras de Hus plans to continue to have horses doing top sport, but that they will have to reorganize. The stud recently bought a talented 8 year old Quaresse de Kreisker by Diamant de Semilly, so their commitment to high level sport continues. Studforlife.com also writes that Haras de Hus has plans of supporting one of the other French riders in the future, but the name will not be revealed until next week.

Read the entire story and interview with Xavier Marie on studforlife.com.

Here you can see the jump-off from Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Carusso LS La Silla in Redefin, where they won with almost five seconds. Take an extra look at the turn in to the combination.

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High Yummy with Alexander Zetterman. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to the Swedish website hastmagazinet.se Swedish rider Alexander Zetterman’s ride High Yummy has been sold to Canada. The ten year old gelding by New Balance x Sandro will in the future be seen under Nicole Walker, who is a promising young Canadian rider. High Yummy has enjoyed some good results under Zetterman; in the end of April he was fifth in a Grand Prix at the Magna Racino Spring Tour, and last year he was on the winning Swedish Nations Cup team in Lisbon.

Source: hastmagazinet.se

The Jumping Owners Club (JOC) today announced the launch of its first ever website which has been created to both raise awareness of the Club and its role within equestrian sport, as well as to provide Club members with a single source of news and information. The website address is www.jumpingownersclub.com.

George Whitaker is the Rolex One to Watch for May 2012. Photo by SPORTFOT/Rolex.The Rolex One to Watch for May 2012 is George Whitaker (GBR). Currently based in Huddersfield, Yorkshire in Northern England, the 19-year-old jumped from 354th to 231st during May – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 123 places.

George is from the most successful family in the sport of jumping, and he forms part of the next generation of the Whitaker dynasty, along with his brother William, and cousin Ellen. His uncles, John and Michael, have been the cornerstone of the British jumping team for the last 30 years; they both won team silver at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games as well as numerous European and World Championship medals. George is part of the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport-funded World Class Development Programme, which works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success in dressage, eventing and jumping. He is also currently undergoing an apprenticeship with the intention of gaining skills in horse care and management. 

This weekend some of the world’s best riders will compete at the 2012 Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters. The event takes place at a world renowned sports landmark - China’s National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) - where most of the Beijing Olympics games were held. This event currently represents one of Asia’s top equestrian events, and has been formally incorporated into the official event schedule of the FEI.

Le Prestige St. Lois is for the time being with Martin Fuchs. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The news yesterday of Le Prestige St. Lois leaving Kevin Staut, were only accompanied by the info of the Quidam de Revel-son flying the Swiss colors in the future. Today, the reports are that Le Prestige indeed is in Switzerland – with the young and talented Martin Fuchs, but only for the time being. Le Prestige St. Lois is for sale, and it’s not expected that Fuchs will be his long term rider.

Source: psi-magazin.de

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Kevin did his last show with Le Prestige St Lois de Hus in Valencia. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.On Sunday, Kevin Staut and Le Prestige St Lois de Hus won the last class at the Global Champions Tour in Valencia. This was also the pair's last competition together.

On his website Kevin writes: "Our collaboration concludes in the most beautiful way. Le Prestige also gave me a second place in a class against the clock the day before. I leave Valencia with a little sadness because Le Prestige is a horse that I love a lot. He has an incredible personality that allows him to be so competitive. He is also very attatching. He will now continue his sports career under Swiss colors. A page turns..."

H&M has now started a new series with their riders Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Peder Fredricson. This time is about their best exercises and here is the first part out of nine.

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Jur Vrieling with VDL Bubalu in Oslo last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Dutch Champion - Jur Vrieling - has got a new website and a facebook site. The website is in English and Dutch, and here you can read all about Jur Vrieling and his stable jockey Suzanne Tepper's horses.

It is no doubt that Jur is trying to get on the Olympic team. From the 1 - 9 of August "OS London?" is listed in his calendar.

Click here to see the website.

President of Taylor Harris Insurance Services Michael Taylor. Photo by Kenneth Kraus.Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) today announced the debut of the all-new Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge. This unique challenge offers a spectacular $200,000 top prize for any show jumping rider that can put together back to back to back wins at three of the nation's most prestigious grand prix events.

The three events included in the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge are the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon, the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix & FEI World Cup™ Qualifier at the Hampton Classic and the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix. The $200,000 prize will be awarded to the same horse and rider combination that can win all three of those events in the same show season.

Happy top three in Redefin. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.With the GCT in Valencia going on this weekend Rolf-Göran Bengtsson got the question why he chose to go to Redefin. "I was at the GCT in Doha with Ninja La Silla and unfortunately he got back with fever from the long travel. And it took a bit longer than expected for him to get well again. Casall La Silla did the World Cup final so he is having a smaller break and the next choice would be to ride Carusso LS La Silla in Valencia, but I thought it would be too big and difficult too early for him. And I really like to go to Redefin and today it went really well," Rolf explained.

Thieme of course got a Lübzer beer at the prize giving. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Andre Thieme with the 17 year old Nacorde (Concorde x Renville) won the Championat von Lübzer at the CSI2* show in Redefin. 15 riders went on to the second round and Andre was almost a second ahead of Toni Hassmann with Vinchester PKZ by Ramiro.

Germany dominated the class by taking the first four positions - Heiko Schmidt with Cassiopeia (Cellestial x Godavari xx) ended third and Hilmar Meyer with Animous (Little Rock Gold x Landjunker) fourth.

Sara Eriksson is this wekends guest blogger! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Sara Eriksson, Mario Steven´s groom, is blogging from Mannheim. She is there with the three horses Little Pezi, Quin Air and Que Pasa.

Click here to read the blogg!

Rolf-Göran keeps on to his position on top of the Rolex ranking. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson continued to top the Rolex Ranking – for a fifth month in a row! Ludger Beerbaum is now ranked as number two in the world, and has pushed Eric Lamaze down to rank three. Pius Schwizer has rocketed from rank nine to four, and Marco Kutscher has also lifted himself from seven to five. Edwina Tops-Alexander is another rider that has climbed; she has gone from ten to six on the latest ranking. Kevin Staut is down from rank five to seven, a spot he shares with Nick Skelton. Steve Guerdat has jumped up from rank twenty to rank nine, and is back in the Top Ten this month – while Patrice Delaveau makes an appearance among the Top Ten at rank ten after some fantastic results this season.

Kingsland has signed the Gulliksen family - here represented by Geir. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Kingsland AS, the designer and manufacturer of Kingsland equestrian apparel and horse gear, keeps expanding their team and has signed a sponsor contract with the most dominating family within the Norwegian equestrian sport; Geir, Victoria and Johan S. Gulliksen. Geir Gulliksen is one of the grand old men in Norwegian showjumping, and has dominated result lists both in and out of the country. In 2007 Geir won the Rikstoto Grand Prix during Oslo Horse Show, and in 2008 he qualified for the Olympics with the Norwegian team. He has participated in three World Equestrian Games, once at the Olympic Games, in six European Championships and in three World Cup finals. 

Harrie Smolders with Exquis Walnut de Muze will compete for the Dutch team. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The traditional Nations Cup in Lummen takes place today and a total of 14 team will compete against each other. Several top riders, such as John Whitaker, Harrie Smolders, Dermot Lennon, Lars Nieberg, Ian Miller and Theo Muff are in Belgium to ride for their countries.

The first round will start at two o´clock and you can see the start list here.

Edwina Tops-Alexander is currently the leading female rider in the world. Photo by Hanne Christensen.Edwina Tops-Alexander has been named Equestrian Australia's international athlete of the year. On Equestrian.org.au Equestrian Australia writes: “As the 2011 overall winner of the Global Champions Tour (GCT), the world’s premier Show Jumping circuit, Edwina has proven she is a formidable athlete and one to watch ahead of the London Olympic Games.

Last year she climbed to sixth position on the Rolex FEI world ranking, which is the highest ever achieved by an Australian rider. On her way to winning the multi-million euro Global Champions Tour, Edwina placed first in the Cannes Grand Prix CSI5* and Chantilly Grand Prix CSI5*. She is currently the only female athlete ranked in the world’s top-ten.

Marcus Ehning is one of the riders that will have a busy weekend with two shows. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.There are a lot of shows going on this weekend and some riders will actually be present at several of them.

The Global Champions Tour has its second leg in Valencia,Spain, from Friday - Sunday, with the big GCT class on Saturday afternoon. Then there is the traditional Nations Cup in Lummen, Belgium. The show starts today and goes on until Sunday with the team competition being held tomorrow.

In Mannheim a CSI3* show will take place. The show keeps on until Tuesday when the 1,60 m Grand Prix is being held. Several of the riders that compete at the GCT in Valencia will also compete in Mannheim the last days like Marcus Ehning, Marco Kutscher, Philipp Weishaupt, Christian Ahlmann and Denis Lynch.

Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof´s Opium will go to La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The Dutch Chef dÉquipe, Rob Ehrens, has announced the riders and horses that will represent the Netherlands in the Top League in La Baule and Rome.

Marc Houtzager with Sterrehof´s Opium, Leon Thijssen with Tyson, Albert Voorn with Tobalio, Vincent Voorn with Audi´s Alpapillon-Armanie and Albert Zoer with Sam will all be present and ride for the team in La Baule.

Marc Houtzager is the only rider that will do both of the two first legs of the Top League. To Rome he will bring Sterrehof´s Tamino or Sterrehof´s Voltaire, and will be accompanied by Jeroen Dubbeldam with BMC Utascha SFN, Gerco Schröder with Eurocommerce New Orleans, Jur Vrieling with VDL Bubalu and Harrie Smolders with Regina Z.

The inaugural FEI Sports Forum began on 30 April in Lausanne (SUI). Photo by © Edouard Curchod/FEI.The FEI Sports Forum has been on in Lausanne – and with more than 280 delegates representing 39 National Federations (NFs), Event Organisers, International Riders, Owners and Organisers Clubs, members of the FEI Technical Committees, veterinarians, sponsors, and media present on the 30th of April it was declared a huge success. Topics that have been discussed include the event classification system, the FEI invitation system and wildcards, rankings and series. The latter was maybe the most exciting part of the debate, as it included an in-depth discussion of the FEI Nations Cup and its future.

Click here to read the full report from FEI.

Rich Fellers and Flexible. Photo by Flying Horse Photography. Building off the momentum of a very successful winter show season, HITS is pleased to announce the creation of an all-new high-performance show jumping league comprised of 15 West Coast competitions. The league will include the entire 2013 HITS Desert Circuit and will culminate with a $1 Million Grand Prix. Starting in August, HITS will collaborate with West Coast show organizers Dale Harvey, Larry Langer and Robert Ridland to form the Thermal Million Grand Prix League. This newly formed league will offer an unprecedented opportunity to qualify for the all-new Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix, which will be held the final week of the 2013 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California.

FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, announced today that the Saudi Equestrian Fund will finance the revitalisation of the FEI Nations Cup™ series. Announcing the agreement at the opening of the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne (SUI) today, Princess Haya informed delegates that the Saudi Equestrian Fund will provide full financial support for the 2012 series and has also agreed to a five-year title sponsorship commencing in 2013, once the remodelling process has been finalised.

Penelope Leprevost and Maestro de la Loge. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The twelve year old stallion Maestro de la Loge (Esterel de Bois x Narcos II) that has been with Penelope Leprevost since the beginning of 2011, will in the future be seen under another French rider - Julien Epaillard. Maestro de la Loge will be a good addition to Epaillard's stable as his top horse Mr Davier got injured a few weeks ago when they were about to leave Spain after the Sunshine Tour.

California with Gerco. Photo by Jeny Abrahamsson.Eurocommerce California (Corland x Ramiro) has been sold, and her new rider is Ali bin Khaled Al Thani from Qatar. The 10 year old grey mare has up until now been competed by Gerco Schröder, and with good results; the pair was second in Amsterdam Grand Prix in January and won the Grand Prix in Odense in October – to mention some.  Al Thani became the Rolex One to Watch in April, and was recently number two in the Grand Prix at Indoor Brabant.

Source: horses.nl.

Daniel Deusser leaves Jan Tops to work at Stephex Stables. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It is finally official - Daniel Deusser is leaving Stall Tops to start working with Stephan Conter at Stephex Stables in Belgium. After six years at Top’s place the German rider now moves closer to his Belgian girlfriend and “takes over” at Stephex after Nina Fagerström decided to start up on her own in March.

You can read a full interview with Daniel Deusser on studforlife.com (in French).

Jur and VDL Bubalu - here in Oslo. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend it was time for the Dutch Championship. Jur Vrieling with VDL Bubalu was the only rider that didn´t get any penalties during the show and ended up as the winner ahead of Gert-Jan Bruggink with Primeval Wings and Mathijs van Asten with VDL Groep Credence Z.

"It was a championship that was exciting to the last moment. In the second round some of the favorites fell away, but today Bubalu and I had to do everything right. We have had many hours of training at home over the last period. Chef dÉquipe Rob Ehrens has helped me which has improved Bubalu's canter. London and the Olympics are far away, but this championship is the first step on the road there and I still hope for the Olympics,"said the champion.

Beat Mandli and his Louis IV in the first round at the Magna Racino. © Hervé Bonnaud - www.1clicphoto.com & Tomas Holcbecher.Beat Mändli’s top ride Louis IV has gone through colic surgery, but thankfully the gelding is now on the road to recovery. To reitsportnews.at Beat explains that Louis first showed signs of colic on Sunday, during the Magna Racino Spring Tour where Beat competes. "Thank goodness there is a clinic here at the Equestrian Park Magna Racino and we got professional help from the start. In the end it was decided that a surgery unfortunately was unavoidable. To wait would mean too great a risk, " Beat says on the health of the 12-year-old son of the Lord Z, owned by the Swiss Paul Bücheler.

"We were extremely lucky as no bowel had to be removed, thank God! Now we must wait the usual four to five days after surgery (Sunday night) to see that everything is optimally again," says Beat who has yet to write off the Olympics. "My thanks go to Dr. Hagen Zappe and his team," Beat says.

Text source: Ruth Büchlmann | www.reitsportnews.at

Casall La Silla. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The FEI WBFSH jumping rankings for March have been released, and it’s Casall La Silla (Caretino x Lavall I) that tops the ranking for jumping horses. The rankings include results from 1.10.2011 to 31.3.2012, and with 808 points the 13 year old Holsteiner stallion is number one. Another Caretino-son follows as number two; Richard Spooner’s Holsteiner partner Cristallo – whose dam’s sire is Cicero. The Selle Francais-gelding Mister Davier (Quiniou x Le Prince de Thurin) is number three, while Marcus Ehning’s ride Sabrina (Sandro Boy x Landadel) is number four.

Click here for the full ranking for jumping horses.

Reveur de Hurtebise with Malin in Oslo. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Reveur de Hurtebise *HDC (Kashmir von Schuttershof x Capricieux des Six Censes) has been voted Horse of the Year in the studbook sBs. Reveur is Belgian bred by Severine Siraux, and has had huge success in 2011 under Malin Baryard-Johnsson with a third place in the five star Grand Prix in Gijon and a third place in the World Cup qualifier in Helsinki to mention some of many good results. Reveur was recently sold to Haras des Coudrettes, and will in the future be ridden by Kevin Staut.

Source: sbsnet.be

Ludger Beerbaum. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend Ludger Beerbaum will marry his girlfriend Arundell Davison. The pair has been together for six years, and they have two children together. The wedding will take place in England, close to London. Ludger will thus not take part in the opening leg of the DKB Riders Tour in Hagen – a tour where he is defending title holder as Rider of the Year 2011.

WoSJ wishes the happy couple all the best!

Source: st-georg.de

Simon Delestre will be one of the French riders in La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The first leg of the Top League will be held in La Baule 10 - 13 of May and the best eight teams in the world will be present - Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden.

Henk Nooren, the Chef dÉquipe of France, has now announced the team for the first leg and the team will consist of Roger-Yves Bost, Simon Delestre, Olivier Guillon, Jerome Hurel and Penelope Leprevost.

Source: www.grandprix-replay.com

Chamberlain Z with David McPherson in Kentucky. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Chamberlain Z – David McPherson’s ride at the WEG in Kentucky – has been sold to British showjumper Tim Gredley. Chamberlain Z (Chellano Z x Peter Pan) – now with the prefix UNEX added to his name – has been competed at five star level by McPherson, and last year the 11 year old gelding won two international Grand Prix classes in Spain. Chamberlain Z has also been a part of many Nations Cup teams for Great Britain.

To horseandhound.co.uk Gredley says; “I always really liked him and tried to buy him about three years ago, but couldn’t strike a deal. The plan is to compete him at a few small shows and maybe aim for Windsor [in May].”

Source: horseandhound.co.uk

Jessica Kürten - here on API Largo in Zürich. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ireland’s team for the first leg of the Top League in La Baule has been named. Robert Splaine – Team Ireland Equestrian's Showjumping High Performance Manager – has confirmed that the following riders will be a part of the Irish team: Jessica Kürten, Denis Lynch, Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam and Niall Talbot.

Source: horsesportireland.ie

Rolf and Bo in Den Bosch. Photo by Hanne Christensen.This weekend Rolf-Göran Bengtsson has been guest blogging for WoSJ. Rolf has been taking part in the Rolex FEI World Cup Final in Den Bosch together with Casall La Silla. With him he also had Camilo LS La Silla, who did his first Grand Prix on Saturday.

Rolf’s last blog entry from the weekend is now out, and you can read it here.

Rolf with his new star whip - a small present from WoSJ. Photo by Hanne Christensen.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson is our guest blogger this weekend. Rolf rides the Rolex FEI World Cup final in Den Bosch, and now you can read his third blog entry of the weekend where he sums up yesterday’s class on Casall La Silla.

Click here to read the blog entry.

Marcus Ehning is a new rider on the Kingsland team. Photo by Hanne Christensen.Kingsland AS, the designer and manufacturer of Kingsland equestrian apparel and horse gear, has signed a sponsor contract with one of the equestrian sport super stars, the successful show jumper Marcus Ehning (Germany). Marcus Ehning is three times World Cup winner, has team gold medals from the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and the Europeans,  he won the GCT overall in 2010 and has numerous Grand Prix victories. Together with Marcus Ehning, Kingsland is pleased to announce that also his younger brother Johannes Ehning is joining the Kingsland team.

“Marcus Ehning has a very good reputation amongst riders on all levels. He has been a role model for me and many other riders around the world for many years. To have a Kingsland ambassador and promoter like Marcus in our team is of great value for our brand” says Lin Kingsrød, founder of Kingsland.

Rolf tells about his first round in the World Cup final. Photo by Hanne Christensen.This weekend we have Rolf-Göran Bengtsson guest blogging for WoSJ from Den Bosch. Rolf is competing in the Rolex FEI World Cup final with Casall La Silla, and he also has Camilo LS La Silla with him for the other classes. Rolf’s second blog entry is now out; click here to read it.

Rolf and Casall la Silla are fighting for the World Cup title this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rolf-Göran Bengtsson is our guest blogger this weekend from the Rolex FEI World Cup final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Rolf has brought Casall La Silla, which he will compete in the World Cup and Camillo LS La Silla for the other classes.

Click here to follow Rolf’s blog throughout the weekend.

Rik will be first to go! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Belgium's Rik Hemeryck will be pathfinder as the Rolex FEI World Cup™Jumping Final 2011/2012 gets underway at the Brabanthalle in 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands tomorrow. The draw for the opening Speed class took place this evening, and the order-of-go is as follows:

1, Quarco de Kerambars - Rik Hemeryck BEL; 2, Carisma - Emilie Martinsen DEN; 3, VDL Groep Verdi - Maikel van der Vleuten NED; 4, Hallmark Elite - Dermott Lennon IRL; 5, Uraya - Charlie Jayne USA; 6, Sabrina - Marcus Ehning GER; 7, Regina Z - Harrie Smolders NED; 8, Aslan - Ljubov Kochetova RUS; 9, Souvenir - Philipp Weishaupt GER; 10, Kassini Jac - Ludo Philippaerts BEL; 11, Taunus - Francie Steinwedell-Carvin USA; 12, Cortes C - Beezie Madden USA; 13, Special - Luiz Francisco de Azevedo BRA; 14, Uceko - Kent Farrington USA; 15, Cinnamon - Tilt Kivisild EST; 16, Flexible - Rich Fellars USA; 17, Ulysse - Pius Schwizer SUI; 18, Nino des Buissonnets - Steve Guerdat SUI; 19, Baronez - Kirsten Coe USA; (the list continues...)

Guccio is Vleut's new name. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Edwina Tops-Alexander's ride Vleut has a new name. From now on the Quick Star-stallion will be known as Guccio, a name with a close relation to Edwina's sponsor Gucci as Guccio Gucci who was born in 1881 was the founder of The House of Gucci.

Vleut's name changed on the 16th of April, as did his ownership the 17th of April as the horse is now co-owned by Guccio Gucci S.P.A.

Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.John Whitaker has a new promising ride at his stable – the eleven year old Carnute-son Maximillian. The Danish-bred stallion was previously ridden by Swedish rider Anna Olsson. The new combination has already been elected for the British Nations Cup team in Lummen in May, and as the horse was registered in British ownership in December - John and Maximillian might have a chance to become a part of the Olympic team as well.

Will Khaled be able to ride the Olympics? Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today and tomorrow two riders from Saudi Arabia - Khaled Al Eid and Abdullah Al Sharbatly - have to stand in front of the FEI Tribunal in London due to allegations of prohibited medication. Both riders are provisional unallowed to ride any shows, which is a normal procedure.

Both riders are accused of having used the forbidden substances Phenylbutazon and Oxyphenbutazon (Controlled Medication Substances) - Sharbatly on his horse Lobster at the CSI3* show in Al Ain in beginning of February and Al Eid on his horse Vanhoeve at the CSI3* show in Riad at the end of last year.

Zeta de Hus has had a good start with Michel Robert - here with Kevin in 2011. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Some new combinations have been out and about competing this weekend. At the CSI3* show in Hardelot, France, Michel Robert rode Zeta de Hus (Zandor Z x Atlantus) – Kevin Staut’s former ride – with one time fault in Thursday’s 1.35 class. In Friday’s 1.40 class Michel and Zeta were clear, and they repeated this in Sunday’s 1.45 class were they were placed ninth.

Patrice Delaveau took out his new ride Quenndal de Lojou (Le Tot de Semilly x Galoubet A). On Thursday this new pair was second in the 1.35 class after a double clear round. Patrice was also second with Lacrimoso *HDC (Landjunge x Cascavelle) in Friday’s 1.40 class – a horse previously ridden by Katharina Offel, and purchased by Haras des Coudrettes in late January.

We would definitly visit Nina's hotel if she had gone in that career direction! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Nina Fagerström: “I find it difficult to think of any other career than the one I have chosen – the equestrian sport… But if I have to say something I would probably have a cute little hotel and restaurant somewhere in a peaceful and a beautiful place. People would come there to relax and enjoy the life!”

Beezie Madden: “If I had to choose another career, I don’t know what it would be. That decision actually molded my career. I graduated from a two year college and was accepted to a large university – The University of Virginia in Charlottesville – and I had to choose a major to study. At the same time, I was offered a job with Katie Prudent. Since I could not think of anything else except horses that interested me, I came to the conclusion that I should take the job with Katie and not continue my schooling.”

Cristallo will be one of the first horses to arrive. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The first horses that will compete at the Rolex FEI World Cup Final in ´s-Hertogenbosch will arrive today. A total of five horses from the United States will move in to their temporary home for the next week. The first horses to arrive are Richard Spooner's Cristallo, Billy Bianca and Apache, Kent Farrington's Uceko and Margie Engle-Goldstein's Indigo.

The first Rolex FEI World Cup qualifikation will start on Thursday evening.

George Morris - legendary US Chef d'Equipe. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The USEF reports that their showjumping Chef d'Equipe George Morris will be undergoing treatment for prostate cancer this spring. Morris will nonetheless remain in his position as Chef d'Equipe and will stay closely involved with the selection process for the Olympics, even though he will be unable to travel to the observation events. Morris has asked his successor from 2013 Robert Ridland to attend the observation events and monitor the technical aspects of those competitions and report to Morris.

Morris is expected to be fit and able to return to the horse show circuit by early summer. It is expected that Morris will be able to travel in time to prepare the team in Europe for the Olympic Games and attend that Championship.

WoSJ wishes George Morris a speedy recovery!

Source: Usefnetwork.org

Penelope Leprevost has a new ride. Photo by Hanne Christensen. The Swedish mare Nice Stephanie (Cardento x Ralmé Z) will in the future be seen under Penelope Leprévost. The Megret familiy, that already owns Penelope´s other ride Nayana, have bought the 8 year old mare.

Nice Stephanie earlier belonged to Jos Lansink and Enda Carroll.

Source: Studforlife.com

Ben Maher and Tripple X will ride in La Baule. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Rob Hoekstra, Great Britain's chef dÉquipe, has announced their team for the first leg of the Top League a month in advance. It will be Nick Skelton with Big Star, Ben Maher with Tripple X, Peter Charles with Murka´s Vindicat W, Scott Brash with Intertoy Z and Guy Williams with Depardie Van´t Keizeilhof that will represent Great Britain in La Baule. Four of them will ride on the team and the fifth rider will be present as reserve.

The first leg of the Top League takes place 10 - 13th of May in La Baule, France.

Source: pzi-magazin.de

Malin had planned to ride Reveur de Hurtebise in the final. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Malin Baryard-Johnsson has decided not to go to the Rolex FEI World Cup final next weekend in ´s-Hertogenbosch - as Reveur de Hurtebise is sold to Haras des Coudrettes in France.

Malin´s plan was to ride Reveur de Hurtebise in the final as her other top horse H&M Tornesch already has started the outdoor season in Arezzo.

Steve has a new horse in his stable. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Steve Guerdat has a new ride; the nine year old Chips. The grey Holsteiner gelding is by Come On x Cento. Chips has previously been competed by Swiss rider François Vorpe, and together they took part at the five star show in Geneva in December. The horse has been acquired for Steve by his longtime supporter Yves G. Piaget. On his website Steve reports that he will make his debut on Chips at this week’s three star show in Neuendorf.

Source: steveguerdat.com

Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani. Photo by Sportfot.The Rolex One to Watch for April 2012 is awarded to Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT). Currently based in Qatar, Al Thani trains with Jan Tops during the summer months at the Dutchman’s stable – Stal Tops – in Valkenswaard (NED). The 29-year-old jumped from 348th to 197th during March – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 151 places.

Showcasing the recent rise in quality of The Gulf Cooperation Council region’s Jumping riders, Al Thani has produced numerous outstanding performances on all nine horses that he competes with. Al Thani has taken part in some of the world’s most prestigious Jumping competitions, including the FEI World Cup™ Jumping – Arab League, the Global Champions Tour, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky (USA).

Camilla Enemark and Regino competing in Madrid. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Camilla Enemark has passed away after fighting an aggressive brain tumor since 2006. The 31 year old Danish rider was a part of the Danish team at the Europeans in Madrid last year where she performed very well despite the fact that she was undergoing chemotherapy. Enemark was also selected for the Danish  Team in last year's Super Leagues in Rotterdam, Dublin and Hickstead.

'Räven' will in the future be seen with Kevin Staut. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Reveur de Hurtebise (Kashmir Van't Schuttershof x Capricieux des Six Censes) will in the future be seen under top French rider Kevin Staut. The 11 year old Belgian bred gelding has been competed with great success by Malin Bayard Johnsson; in January the pair was third in the Rolex Grand Prix in Zürich to mention one of many top results. It’s the owners of Kevin’s ride Silvana *HDC – Haras des Coudrettes – who continues to support him with another great horse, just like they have with Patrice Delaveau and Olivier Guillon.

To WoSJ Kevin says; "It's a horse I really like, and Malin has done a super job with Reveur! I'm so happy that the Haras des Coudrettes could buy him. I'll jump him in Antwerpen for our first show together."

Related article: New horse for Olivier Guillon

Source: Haras des Coudrettes

Edwina has a new exciting ride. Photo by Hanne Christensen.Rackham'Jo (Diamant de Sémilly x Alcamera de Moyon) – a seven year old French bred stallion – will in the future be seen under Edwina Tops-Alexander. Rackham'Jo has previously been competed by Mark Dilasser and Gilbert Doerr. With Doerr Rackham’Jo won the French Championship for five year olds.

The website studforlife.com reports that the previous owners at Haras de la Morsanglière states; "This is an extraordinary horse who has already given us great satisfaction! We are sad to see him go, but this decision gives him the chance to continue a very successful career ridden by the best rider in the world.”

Source: studforlife.com

Rodrigo Pessoa is the new G&C rider. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal of Venezuela, owners of G&C Farm, are pleased to announce a new partnership with Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa. G&C Farm has grown to be one of the biggest sponsors of show jumping in North America since their farm opened in Wellington, Florida, in 2009. This support of the sport will continue as the farm's riders compete in the U.S. and abroad.

Olympian Pablo Barrios, who has ridden for G&C Farm for the past three years, is moving on to further his own business and expand his organization.
Gustavo Mirabal stated, “It was a mutual decision between us and Pablo. Our exclusive contract with Pablo had reached its end date, and we are parting on good terms. We know that Pablo will continue to be very successful in his endeavors and we wish him the best of luck.”

The last blog from Terri, Marco Kutscher´s groom is now out. Terri has been blogging from Doha and today you can read all about Cornet Obolensky and his second place in the Global Champions Tour yesterday.

Don´t miss here blog - you can read it here!

Linda Heed and Touch in Stockholm last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Touch – one of Linda Heed's top horses – sadly had to be put down yesterday after an accident. Touch got out of his paddock and twisted a pastern, causing fractures in three places. To the Swedish website tidningenridsport.se Heed said that there was nothing the veterinarians could do for the horse.

Touch and Linda has had great success together, and competed at international Grand Prix level. In 2011 they won a car at Stockholm International Horse Show.

Source: tidningenridsport.se

VDL Stallion show at Saturday 14.00. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Today at two o´clock VDL Stud will present their stallions - both young and old. Riders like Jessica Kürten, Jur Vrieling, Angelique Hoorn and Dennis Tilburg will show Bubalu, Harley, Zavall, Zirocco Blue, Arezzo, Falsterbo, Inshallah de Muze and several other stallions.

Click here to see the stallion show live. Later on it will be possible to see the stallion show here.

Franck Schillewaert gets the ride on Gastronom de Hus. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Gastronom de Hus will join Franck Schillewaert’s string of horses. According to studforlife.com the 13 year old Carthago-stallion will arrive at Schillewaert’s stable today. In November it was known that Gregory Wathelet took over the ride from Kevin Staut, and now Gastronom gets another new rider. The move from Wathelet to Schillewaert will enable the stallion to stand at stud in Normandy and thus be available on fresh semen throughout the season while still being able to compete.

Terri Fitton, Marco Kutscher´s groom, is back as our guestblogger! She is now at the first leg of Global Champions Tour in Doha with Quatell and Cornet Obolensky. Don´t miss out on her fantastic blogg!

Click here to read the blog.

Click here to read our interview with Terri.

Tackeray is sold according to Ben Maher´s social media accounts. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to Ben Maher´s Facebook and Twitter accounts his ride Tackeray (Quick Star x Sandro) has been sold. Ben has been riding the 12 year old since last summer when Ben´s sponsor Quainton Stud bought him for Ben. Earlier on Tackeray was ridden by Billy Twomey and Michael Whitaker.

Wellington turned out to be the last show for Ben and Tackeray and at the moment we don´t know who the new owner is.

Simon Delestre.  Simon Delestre:
“This is a difficult question because it never really happens, so when we have time to something else it a very strange feeling! And we don’t really know what to do with that time! But I think if I had a day off I would sleep all I could to be in good form for the day after.”

Abdel Said:
“If I have a day off – which is nearly never – I really enjoy to  go out with my high school friends! We go for a drink or play some football. That’s about it really!”

Patrice has a new exciting horse. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Patrice Delaveau has a new ride in the eight year old Quenndal de Lojou. The French bred gelding has a super strong pedigree and is by Le Tot de Semilly x Galoubet A. Quenndal has competed with good results at 1.40 and 1.45 level with Christophe Grangier. With the arrival of Quenndal de Lojou Patrice has a very strong string of horses for the 2012 season.

Source: Patrice-delaveau.com

The European Champion will be riding for the World Cup title. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The list of participants for the Rolex FEI World Cup final in showjumping that will take place in ´s-Hertogenbosch at the 19th to 22nd of April is nearly complete.

Several top riders will be at start and eight of the top ten on the Rolex ranking will be present. Only Nick Skelton and McLain Ward are missing out of the ten best riders in the world. Participants from 21 countries will ride for the title and we can look forward to a very exciting World Cup final.

Jos and Anky pulled of a fantastic April fools joke! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Several websites have been writing about a story on Jos Lansink trying to qualify for the Olympics - not just in showjumping but also in dressage. An article with pictures was put out on Anky van Grunsven's website and several people believed the story and in Jos' new plan.

Click here to see Jos Lansink in the dressage saddle!

Ben Maher will receive an honorary doctorate. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The British showjumper Ben Maher will on the 16 of April receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex for his contribution to the equestrian industry.

"As well as his record as an extremely talented horseman, Ben is a very personable and helpful individual who has trained and employed a number of Writtle College equine students over the past few years," said Writtle College's Emily Patel to Horse & Hound.

Source: www.horseandhound.co.uk

Rolf is still number one in the world! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.As the latest Rolex ranking is out, it is clear that Rolf-Göran Bengtsson still is number one in the world with Eric Lamaze in second. Ludger Beerbaum holds on to third which means that top three looks the same as last month. Christian Ahlmann follows in fourth, a jump up from fifth place last month which now belongs to Kevin Staut. The last five among top ten are  Nick Skelton, Marco Kutscher, McLain Ward, Pius Schwizer and Edwina Tops-Alexander.

To view the full list – go here.

Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Beezie Madden secured a place in the World Cup final yesterday after an exciting jump-off against Margie Engle, The riders were present at the CSI2*-W show in Tampa which was their last chance to qualify for the final.

Engle and Madden were the only clears after round one, and when Engle had one fence down in the jump-off all Madden had to do was secure another clear. Aboard her 15-year-old partner Mademoiselle - Madden entered the arena trying to ride a safe round. But as a fence came down in the combination Madden suddenly had to turn up the speed to be able to make it to Den Bosch in two weeks. Madden crossed the finish line at 42.01 - only 0.65 seconds faster than Engle.

Offel is back in the saddle on Vivant. Here at their last show together in Barcelona last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Katharina Offel stopped riding for the Ukrainian millionaire Alexandre Onischenko during last year, but now Offel is back on Onischenko´s horses. Both Vivant and Nobylis will be ridden by Offel in the future. This means that Offel has several great horses to choose from for the upcoming Olympics.

Related article: Offel and Onischenko end their partnership

Source: www.horseweb.de

Tlaloc M is the sire of HH Rebozo. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Last week the 21 year old stallion Tlaloc M (Quidam de Revel x Foudre de Guerre) - also known under the name Dollar de la Pierre - suffered from colic and couldn´t be saved. Tlaloc M was one of the best show jumping horses in France during his career, and was on the winning team at the WEG in Jerez in 2002. In 2003 he got European silver with the French team in Donaueschingen.

Tlaloc M has left several great offspring, such as HH Rebozo that is ridden by Rodrigo Pessoa.

Source: www.st-georg.de

VDL Emmerton has several good offspring, such as Douglas Lindelöw's Niveau. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.At the end of 2011 there was a change  in the ownership of  VDL Emmerton (Emilion x Nimmerdor). VDL Stud used to own the stallion together with Emmerton's breeder, S. van der Meer, who now has sold his part to Villa Guerra from Colombia.

Alberto Ricardo Villa from Colombia is the new rider of VDL Emmerton, and they are currently competing at the 3* show in Arezzo. Yesterday they were placed in the 1,50 class together. Emmerton was earlier ridden by Jur Vrieling from Holland and they achieved several good results in both Grand Prix classes and Nations Cups together. Jur was still competing Emmerton in the beginning of this year, and they did their last international show together in Zürich in January.

Mister Davier is injured. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Julien Epaillard’s top horse Mr. Davier was seriously injured last week when Epaillard’s horses were about to leave the  Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain. Mr Davier got afraid of a plastic bag and took a bad fall that injured his hip.

The  twelve year old chestnut is now at a clinic close to the showground,  and will have stay there for at least two months. At this point it is uncertain whether Mr Davier will be able to make it back to the big sport.

We keep our fingers crossed for Mister Davier´s recovery!

Walking the course in middle of the night is not unusual anymore. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.It is no longer unusual that the last class at the big shows starts after 21.00, and finishes well beyond midnight. However, some classes are much later than others. At the CSI3* show in Munich in November, the 1.45 class on Friday started at 23.15 and finished well after midnight. On Saturday there was also a late class that started at 22.45. The CSI3* show in Bremen in March was another show with a very late competition; on Saturday a 1.40 class started at 23.30. In the schedule approved by the FEI the 1.40 class was set up for 18.50, and the last class was supposed to start at 22.00.

Kevin and Zeta de Hus in Hachenburg last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson. Xavier Marie and Haras de Hus have announced that Michel Robert will take over the ride of Zeta de Hus (Zandor Z x Atlantus Z) from Kevin Staut. Their decision is according to Marie, a decision made to try and secure a stronger French team towards the Olympics. As Kevin Staut already has secured his partnership with Silvana, Marie decided to trust Michel Robert with the mare. This probably makes Robert's chances a lot better to become a part of the French team in London in August as his former top horse Kellemoi de Pepita was sold a few months ago.

Source: grandprixreplay.com