New Zealand has qualified a team spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after placing sixth at the 2026 FEI World Eventing Championships in Aachen, Germany, this afternoon (Sunday). Tim Price aboard Falco and Jonelle Price with Senor Crocodillo were both clear and inside time in the jumping today, shooting them up both up the leaderboard and setting the stage for Monica Spencer and Artist.
The Frank Rothenberger (GER) designed course certainly proved a challenge for many and it wasn’t until Jonelle went at 16 that the crowd were treated to the first clear round, inside time.
ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget said the team had come to the championships chasing medals, and while all were disappointed not to achieve that, to have the Olympic qualification in the bag was still an important box to tick. “We had a nightmare start to cross country day when we lost our first horse so were on the back foot after that and we just had to adjust,” said Jock. “It was clear medals were off the table and we had to shift to prioritise the Olympic qualification.” He was very proud of the team and how they had “stayed in the fight even though the fight had changed”. “That’s elite sport and we have to take the lessons. It’s a wonderful team to be part of and gave it our best shot.”
Tim Price (NZL) and Falco. FEI Eventing World Championship – Jumping Team & Individual | DHL-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Sunday 16 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Tim Price and Falco were all clear today to finish the best of the Kiwis in 21st place on 42.1 penalty points. “He is a great jumper but it doesn’t mean there is a guarantee of a clear round so you get the usual nerves and have to have a really good game plan,” said Tim. “He is such a cracking wee horse and to come out on day three jumping like that just shows how much he enjoys his job and how well he is.” The Champs had been a bit of a disappointment for the team. “Fractions here and there, little sliding doors moments tips the balance in two very different directions. We can put it down to experience. It has been a great time and great fun,” said Tim.
Jonelle Price (NZL) and Senor Crocodillo. FEI Eventing World Championship – Jumping Team & Individual | DHL-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Sunday 16 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Senior Crocodillo has not had a single rail down in the past four years and Jonelle wasn’t about to change that today. The combination finished on 57.6 penalty points. “He is a really good jumper and his record speaks for itself,” she said. “He technically is just so correct and so measured and he really is a pleasure to ride. Overall, the horse has been phenomenal – he did a PB on the flat by several marks, which is not easy to do at the World Championships, and up to the hold he was phenomenal on the cross country, and he has come out today and jumped the first clear after 15 other horses have already jumped.” The cross country hold was both frustrating and disappointing for the World No.6 ranked Olympian as the horse failed to get back into the rhythm he had before it. “It effectively cost New Zealand a medal but I can’t be too disappointed with the horse. I really just have to bide my time and I know this horse has some really big performances to come.”
Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. FEI Eventing World Championship – Jumping Team & Individual | DHL-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Sunday 16 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Monica Spencer was rapt to help New Zealand qualify a team for the LA Olympic Games. “It is just a pleasure to ride him and I feel lucky to have been a part of this team and to have him to take me on these cool adventures,” she said. “I think the team had what it took to win a medal but things didn’t quite go our way . . . that is sport and we are all happy to have healthy horses.”
Individual rider Samantha Lissington was thrilled with Lucas Stone’s efforts. They had a single rail and time penalties in the final jumping test to finish on 60.1 penalty points. “I really do feel he is quality and in two years’ time we will have a weapon. He is young and he showed everyone what he has for the future.”
Samantha Lissington (NZL) and Lucas Stone. FEI Eventing World Championship – Jumping Team & Individual | DHL-Prize. Aachen, Germany. Sunday 16 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Michael Jung (GER) and fischerChipmunk rode off with the individual crown, closely followed by Ros Canter (GBR) aboard Lordships Graffalo who was just .4 of a point behind, with Laura Collet (GBR) and London 52 taking the bronze. Great Britain won the team gold ahead of Germany and the United States.
🥇 Michael Jung (GER) fischerChipmunk 23 penalty points
🥈 Ros Canter (GBR) Lordships Graffalo 23.4 penalty points
🥉 Laura Collett (GBR) London 52 28 penalty points
21st Tim Price (team) Falco 42.1 penalty points
26th Monica Spencer (team) Artist 45.7 penalty points
39th Jonelle Price (team) Senor Crocodillo 57.6 penalty points
40th Samantha Lissington (individual) Lucas Stone 60.1 penalty points
El Clarke Johnstone (team) Rocket Man
🥇 Great Britain 84 penalty points
🥈 Germany 95.6 penalty points
🥉 United States of America 113.5 penalty points
6th New Zealand 145.4 penalty points
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESN