New Zealand showjumpers are in The Netherlands in their last preparation before the Group G Olympic Qualifier.
Six combinations will this week compete at Summer Festival, The Return of Showjumping at Valkenswaard with the qualifier at the same grounds around 10 days later. Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance jumping manager Oliver Edgecombe says it is a critical time for the discipline and the chance for riders to compete in a show at the same venue of the qualifier is a great opportunity.
Competing in the 2* this week are Annabel Francis with Ivan; Daniel Meech on Donjon D’Asschaut, Ortolaan Van Het Ruytinxbos and Casalligo; Phillip Steiner aboard Cassina Dior; Richard Gardner on Calisto 5 and Ippolito; Tom Tarver and Fiber Fresh Popeye; and Samantha McIntosh with James S and Hagrano PMS. Richard also has a number in the 1* young horse competitions.
While these six are competing in The Netherlands, Bruce Goodin has a team at a big national show in Sweden this weekend followed by Falsterbo the weekend after, with Melody Matheson competing at Ommen in The Netherlands.
“We will certainly be looking to name the best possible combinations we can,” says Oliver. “Our riders at the 2* show will be looking to do well. We are doing this 2* instead of a camp and I think that will really benefit our riders. Next week is the only chance we have to qualify a team for the Paris Olympic Games.”
Peter Schumacher (GER) will be designing the courses over both competitions.
The qualifier will be the equivalent to a 1.60m 5* grand prix, with the arena familiarisation on Tuesday (July 17 NZ time), with the competition starting the day after. There are five nations chasing the two spots – Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan and New Zealand.
The team of five – four combinations plus a reserve – will be named by Wednesday (NZ time).
THE HORSE DETAILS:
Donjon D’Asschaut (by Vigo Cece, out of Inscallah II vt Ascchaut who is by Nonstop) – owned by Darragh McCarthy and Ian O’Grady
Ortolaan Van Het Ruytinxbos (by Nababl de Reve, out of Tresor who is by Acaletto) – owned by Karel Cox
Casalligo (by Casallco, out of Viganzezza who is by Vigo D Arsouilles STX) – owned by Whitney Stinges
Calisto 5 (by Colman, out of Tiffany I who is by Quintero) – owned by Gestüt Jennissen, Gut Nechen Agrar GmbH and Richard Gardner
Ippolito (by I’m Special de Muze, out of Calista AG who is by Contendro I) – owned by Gestüt Jennissen, Gut Nechen Agrar GmbH
Admiral Von Schneider 3 (by Aperol 4, out of Lucy who is by Cheetano) – owned by Gestüt Jennissen, Gut Nechen Agrar GmbH
Come on Eilien (by Cansara, out of Grace Kelly 90 who is by Golden Joy J) – owned by Gestüt Jennissen, Gut Nechen Agrar GmbH
Carl Otto 5 (by Casaltino, out of Gazelle who is by Golden Joy j) – owned by Gestüt Jennissen, Gut Nechen Agrar GmbH
James S (by Verdi TN, out of Fergina S who is by Concorde) – owned by Takapoto Equestrian
Hagrano PMS – owned by Lucia Voss
Ivan (by Namelus R, out of Karla who is by Damiro) – owned by Debbie Francis
Cassina Dior (by Diarado, out of Prinzess VI who is by San Patrignano Cassini) – owned by Phillip and Sally Steiner
Fiber Fresh Popeye (by Cardento 933, out of Cufflink V who is by Lio Caylon) – owned by Tom Tarver and Lucia Voss
By Diana Dobson – ESNZ high performance media liaison