47 SUMMER 2015

THE LEADING EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

JEROENJEROEN DUBBELDAMDUBBELDAM DOUBLEDOUBLE VICTORYVICTORY FORFOR ONEONE CHAMPIONCHAMPION

Profiles Events Polo Dressage Training Tips Art Legal Tips

VIEW POINT FROMFROM THETHE CHAIRMANCHAIRMAN

George Morris, briefs HT about the Alexis Gruss and his circus horses. analytical structure of showjumping and his colossal contribution to horse sport. Time for polo! Within the heart of Moving on to Leopoldo Palacios and his England, at world-famous Cowdray passion, expertise, and achievements Park where the Jaeger-LeCoultre in course designing that put his name Polo Gold Cup final took place: Dear Readers, on the wall of fame. Followed by the top the venue, impressions, horses, 30 riders of the world with the Global riders and attendees all come Following on the success of our Champions Tour - London where Rolf- alive. And finally, meet some of Normandy World Equestrian Games Goran Bengtsson came closer to Egypt’s own polo players playing in photo book published this spring, we are the unmatched talent of Scot Brash. international tournaments abroad. pleased to present the Summer Issue of Horse Times, full of news, views, On to Sameh El Dahan winning the Heartiest congratulations to the Egyptian insights and interviews continuing our amazing Dublin puissance proving that Showjumping team: Sameh el Dahan, quest to inform, interest, entertain, talent, hard work, and heart pay all the Mohamed Talaat, Karim El Zoghby and connect with our HT followers way. In this issue we also celebrate three and Abdel Said. And congratulations top equestriennes Meredith Michaels- and the equestrian world at large. for the Furusiyya Nations Cup™ just Beerbaum, Zara Phillips, and Isabell concluded in Spain. This team worked This issue highlights the European Werth out of the saddle, but still in the Championship in Aachen where Jeroen stable, dressed to impress as icons in together and achieved fifth place Dubbeldam, featured on our cover, took the equestrian world. Another lady, Ilka proving that they are just as competitive us all the way proving his extraordinary Gansera-Leveque, a vet, jockey, and race and capable as all the big names riding ability and mental strength. horse trainer and yard owner follows her in the sport – we are proud of you! dreams and proves that no horse is a lost We interviewed Dubbeldam to cause. Cara Grimshaw, an equestrian Read on and enjoy. get a glimpse of how he feels photographer who turned her love and about his winnings and his career. passion for horses into a thriving career. Sincerely, Next we find man and horse performing In an HT Exclusive the legendary, together in another type of riding ring, Khaled Assem

Chairman: Art Director: Distribution Officers: Khaled Assem Salonaz Sakr Ahmed Hifni [email protected] [email protected] Hassan Mishabit Hossam Rabie Assistant Managing Editor: Graphic Designer: Mahmoud Faheem Aya Amr Radwa Saeed [email protected] Publisher: Photography: Permanent Press Ltd. Senior Editor: Jacques Toffi Nicosia, Cyprus Bridget McArdle McKinney Hippo Foto [email protected] Dirk Caremans Prepress & Printing: Pascal Duran Headline Printing & Design Copy Editor: Daniel Kaiser Rob Mckinney Engy Adham On the cover: [email protected] Vanessa Taylor Brenda Mueller Jeroen Dubbledum Kenneth Kraus By Jacques Toffi Writers & Contributors: Stefano Grasso Aya Amr Michael R Smithson Head Office: Bridget McArdle McKinney Karim El-Dib EQUICARE 2, Bahgat Ali Street, Cara Grimshaw Cara Grimshaw Zamalek, Cairo – Egypt Emmadeldin Zaghloul Europian equiane laywers Tel : +2-02-27356939 Khaled Assem Fax: +2-02-27354348 Laurence Boccard Financial Consultants: Debbie Nicholls Ismail El Sily Enquiries: Farida El-Sherbiny Mahmoud Hussin [email protected] Engy Adham Mohamed Mostafa www.horsetimesegypt.com

HORSE TIMES is a quarterly magazine founded in 1997 by Khaled Assem. HORSE TIMES is a pioneer in its field; it is issued for riders, breeders and horse lovers, nationally and internationally. The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily those of the editors. Issues are complimentary and not for sale by any means. Please notify us if change of address occurs. All rights reserved to HORSE TIMES: reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the Chairman Khaled Assem CONTENTS

JEROEN DUBBELDUM 60 SECONDS WITH

DOUBLE VICTORY FOR SAMEH EL-DAHAN 44 ONE CHAMPION 6

THE EUROPEAN TRAINING TIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS – AACHEN 2015 WALKING THE COURSE 46 AACHEN, GERMANY 8 6 ILKAGANSERA-LEVEQUE

ON THE POLO A WOMAN WITH A RACING FIELDS OF COWDRAY PASSION 48 JAEGER-LECOULTRE GOLD CUP FOR THE BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP EGYPTIAN POLO PLAYERS IN THE NEWS 2015 16 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EGYPTIAN POLO SCENE 52 HT EXCLUSIVE WITH THE LEGENDARY

GEORGE MORRIS 26 MEETING ALEXIS GRUSS 8 MASTER-RIDER 54 ROLEX EQUESTRIAN TESTIMONEES THE ART OF CLASSICAL THE FINEST DRESSAGE RIDING HORSEWOMEN OF THEIR GENERATION 32 SUPLENESS 56

COURSE DESIGNING PLUS EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER 16 WITH LEOPOLDO PALACIOS 34 CARA GRIMSHAW 58

LONGINES GLOBAL BUYING YOUR HORSE CHAMPIONS TOUR ABROAD LONDON LEG 38 SOME LEGAL TIPS 62 54 Laughter and at the same time in 24 years. with Patrice, but I must say in that JJeroeneroen DDubbeldamubbeldam round, with my horse in it, I was “It is daunting walking into such an cheers echoed in really happy he did a clear round, Jacques Toffi Jacques impressive arena! In the morning, the sky of Aachen because this horse brought me when you go in to have a look so much this week and he really the moment Jeroen with it empty, the whole place is Double Victory deserved to finish this tournament Dubbeldam cleared empty and you can really see it with a clear round. I am very for what it is. Every time you hear the fences winning happy that his last round in this of a championship you know they stadium was clear, I am very the European are going to be big and every time for One Champion proud of him,” Dubbeldam said. individual and team you hear of Aachen, you know it is going to be big, so when you Although a cheering crowd could By Engy Adham gold at the FEI European Jumping put the both of them together you encourage the rider to do a better have really got a big course and a jump, the horse might require a Championships 2015. big challenge,” Dubbeldam added. different atmosphere to perform at its best. “I had to ask the crowd to “The FEI Awards are incredibly “I simply cannot believe it – after be a bit quiet, but this is nothing I important to equestrian sport, and winning double gold at the World like to do because I love this. But there is a category dedicated to Championships last year and now sometimes we have this problem every member of our community double European Championships so we try to find a balance between that makes this sport a reality,” gold. It is too good to be true. enthusiasm and horsemanship, “We are all I am simply overjoyed,” said Dubbeldam said. but I think in the end everything dependent on each other to get to Dubbeldam. “If you come here went well,” Dubbeldam adds. to Aachen, one of the most the next level in equestrian sport - it difficult places you can have for a is truly a team effort,” he continued. Dubbeldam grew up with a rooted championship, but also one of the passion to this sport coming Course designer Frederic Cottier nicest, then you know it is going from a horse-loving family. Today, also complimented Dubbeldam to be a tough battle,” he added. Dubbeldam lives in Weerselo with for the skill he showed in his wife Monique and his two sons Since 1994, Dubbeldam has the FEI European Jumping Rick and Chris and his daughter taken the lead in building up a Championships. “I wanted this Nina. His wife and family have significant record of achievements championship to be different always been a great support. His starting with winning a European from the last two at Aachen and love for this sport is crowned by Individual Gold and a Team Kentucky where it came down to a sharing a business with his wife; Bronze. The year 2000 marks jump-off, ” he said. “ I wanted the together, they run their stable his international breakthrough competition to be more complex. that is named after Dubbeldam’s winning the Olympic Gold medal I did not want a jump-off and I legendary gray gelding: The with De Sjiem in Sydney, Australia. succeeded in that. The fact that Sjiem. He dedicates the stables all four horses jumped so well and to the training and education Last year, Dubbeldam won the that even the oldest one, who is of young horses. Among all the individual and team gold medal 15, was still in great shape today is horses Dubbeldam has ridden, at the World Championships. proof of the success of the courses his favourite horses are De Sjiem, The individual European title has during the week. And special Simon, Nassau and Up and Down. not been won by the Netherlands congratulations to Jeroen, who ‘Be a horseman’ - a philosophy since John Heins won it in was under such pressure today, he really is a tremendous champion!” that travels with Dubbeldam from 1977 in Vienna. Not only has the first fence until the podium; Dubbeldam achieved regional The FEI European Championships from the training rings to the most victories, but also he won the left the riders and the crowd in prestigious championships. Despite individual gold medal for the suspense ‘till the last gasp of the the significant achievements World Equestrian Games 2014 in competition. “Yes, I must say the Dubbeldam has accomplished, he Normandy. Moreover, no athlete pressure was pretty high! My own still dreams of winning team gold worldwide has ever achieved two horse put me under this pressure medal at the 2016 Olympic Games titles: regional and international, because he jumped a clear round in Rio de Janeiro.

Jeroen Dubbeldam at the WEG2014

6 7 THETHE EUROPEANEUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPSCHAMPIONSHIPS AACHENAACHEN 20152015

By Aya Amr

AACHEN, GERMANY: Aachen is famous for its rich history and its cultural, archaeological and architectural heritage. The city has a flair and atmosphere of its own; the attractive layout of the old city centre, the important historic monuments, the wells and baths over the hottest natural springs in Europe, the bustling activity in the streets and squares, the cultural diversity and quality and the many recreational and leisure activities make Aachen an exciting and pleasing whole.

Kaiser Karls Gymnasium

8 9 Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto

Germany’s Kristina Böring-Sprehe and Desperados FRH France’s Kevin Staut Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto

France’s Simon Delestre Team Netherlands, Jur Vrieling, Gerco Schroder, Maikel Van der Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro Team Holland, Diederik Van SIlfhout, Patrick Van der Meer, Vleuten, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Rob Ehrens. Edward Gal, hans Peter Minderhoud, Wim Ernes, chef d’equipe

Besides the presentation of the International Netherlands clinched team jumping gold. And pace when the leading world champion, Jeroen result decided by a terrific performance from Edward Charlemagne Prize, the major annual events it was the host nation who slotted into silver Dubbeldam, rode the brilliant SFN Zenith to victory Gal and Glock’s Undercover NOP. However Great include the CHIO World Equestrian Festival. medal spot ahead of the surprising Swiss in the individual final. Silver went to Belgium’s Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro produced the The CHIO in Bad Aachen is the annual meeting who moved up four places to take the bronze. Gregory Wathelet with Conrad de Hus while biggest score of the day, posting 83.229 to finish more of world-class competitors in equestrian sports France’s Simon Delestre and Ryan des Hayettes than half a percentage point ahead of the Dutchman. and each year the ultimate event. It is well- The black wavy planks at fence four was one of claimed the bronze in a two-round competition known for perfect organisation and tradition. the bogeys of the track, and the massive triple that kept spectators on the edges of their seats. Dutch Chef d’Equipe Wim Ernes said that he combination that followed was also hugely influential, expected his side to take team bronze at these This event was first held in 1924 and since then they with the opening triple bar enticing horses down to “You can only dream that it comes true, when championships, so when asked about what have been refining the mixture between the ultimate a tall vertical and often leaving them very deep at you come here to Aachen, one of the most he thought of that after their win, he replied performance of horse and rider, and equestrian the final oxer. The difficult four or five-stride distance difficult places for a championship and one of “That was a few weeks ago, since then we just noblesse. There, sportsmanship is just as much a between the big 1.80m-wide oxer at fence eight and the nicest, you know it’s going to be a top battle. practiced and got better, and so today we won!” priority as the sophisticated presentation of a world- the following planks claimed a large number of victims. Everything has to be good, you have to be fit, class festival of equestrian sport and this year’s your horse has to be fit, and then you can focus Grand Prix Special: FEI European Championships was no exception. Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, was asked on the course. I had the luck on my side, and if he has a magic formula for success. “There is today it is a dream come true,” said Dubbeldam. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and her SHOW JUMPING: no magic formula, in our small country we just superstar gelding Valegro, clinched Grand Prix work really well together and it only takes half DRESSAGE: Special gold. There was plenty for the host nation It was a breath-taking experience from start to a minute to call riders and get them in position to celebrate too when Kristina Bröring-Sprehe finish; the course designer Frank Rothenberger for championships. It’s a great honour for me to Team: recovered from a much less impressive test in presented an immense course that produced work with four of those amazing riders, with their remarkable jumping and the best of great sport. amazing horses. I’m a happy coach!” he said. For the third time, the Netherlands claimed Dressage the team competition and claimed silver with team gold and left Great Britain in silver and Germany Desperados FRH. The Netherlands’ Hans Peter The leading world champions from The Dutch dominance in jumping continued at a persistent in bronze. It was an intense competition, with the Minderhoud and Glock’s Johnson TN took bronze.

10 11 FreeStyle: Lindner and Wacha completed on a final score Viktor Brusewitz, whose score wound up 8.157. they secured Germany’s European team silver. of 8.853 for gold while Pia Engelberty and It was double-gold for Charlotte Dujardin and Torben Jacobs (GER) rounded their score up to German coach Ulla Ramge, when asked about “I am simply thrilled,” said Italian team coach, Filippo Valegro when they added the Freestyle title to 8.725 for silver and Evelyn Freund and Stefanie having three German vaulters on the podium: Masi De Vargas. “This squad is made up of young riders, the future of our discipline, and they were their Grand Prix Special win. But this medal was Millinger (AUT) took the bronze with 8.557. “I hoped for it! It was always possible because just great, very professional and full of enthusiasm.” particularly hard-won, with Germany’s Kristina these guys showed that they could win. They Bröring-Sprehe only 0.25 percent off Dujardin’s Squad: all competed in four rounds of competition here Giovanni Masi de Vargas did it again in the winning score when taking silver with Desperados and they needed to keep their concentration individual competition and took gold, while the It was even more tense in the squad competition, with FRH, and Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat produced another over the four rounds, but they produced the right Germans took silver and bronze medals with nerves and pressure affecting some of the strongest Grischa Ludwig and his teammate Elias Ernst. sensation when claiming the bronze with Delgado. sides, while others really rose to the challenge. performances at the right time so it happened!” “Earning two gold medals here is unbelievable and Talking afterwards, the record-breaking rider said, “It The leading world champions from Germany, Team Female Final: so emotional, I cannot thank my team enough, our was only the ones (one-tempi changes) that let the RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen, ran into trouble with coach and the president of the Italian Equestrian performance down. I think he’s got a thing with them two dismount falls and another in a triple movement. Switzerland’s Simone Jäiser held on to the lead she Sports Federation (FISE), Cav. Vittorio Orlandi, for now, he’s done it all week. Yesterday in the last one However, such was the complexity of their programme, established in the technical test to scoop gold at the being here to cheer for us,” said Masi de Vargas. he made a mistake, outside he’s been really good with that high horse scores and artistic marks earned 8.863 Vaulting female final. The 28-year-old showed great DRIVING: them. It’s only one movement at the end of the day and and brought their final score line to 8.597. Switzerland’s body control and strength in the Final freestyle, and it has cost me, but I was really happy with the rest of it.” Team Lütisburg final overall score of 8.104 left them couldn’t be overtaken despite a brilliant performance Michael Brauchle (GER) is the new individual European over 4.5 points behind the German champions, but from Germany’s Corinna Knauf who had to settle VAULTING: Driving Champion after putting everything on the line only 0.42 ahead of the bronze medalists from France. for silver, while Austria’s Lisa Wild took the bronze. in the final phase of the European Championships to win the marathon and overtake IJsbrand Chardon The atmosphere in Aachen’s Deutsche Bank Arena Male Individual: REINING: (NED) in the individual standings. The bronze was at an all-time high, with Vaulting fans getting individual medal went to Koos de Ronde (NED). together on Facebook prior to the event to coordinate There was real electricity in the air as Jannis Drewell their colours. Spectators in the north stand wore black, Italy claimed Reining team gold ahead of “I was able to use my best wheeler horse again, which and his grey horse, Diabolus, began the final test Germany in silver and The Netherlands in bronze. while those in the east wore red and in the west stand of the competition. In his costume, representing a I had to miss in the previous two competitions,” they wore yellow to represent the host nation flag. Brauchle said. “I started very fast and the horses monk in orange robes and with his musical score In a field of 40 competitors, and with 8 horse-rider got better and better after each obstacle. I drove from Kung Fu Panda, he showed extraordinary Pas De Deux: combinations to go, the podium was determined at full risk, and I was at my best performance!” suspension and amazing speed, even managing to by the performance of Italy’s Giovanni Masi De The leading world and defending European include some kick-boxing as he racked up big scores. The team standings mirrored the 2013 results. The Dutch Vargas aboard the 7-year-old Quarter Horse successfully defended their team title, while the German champions Austria’s Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Combined with his results from the Compulsory mare by Smart Spook and out of Sailors Dance, hosts fought hard and took home the silver medal again, Wacha were always favourites to take the title. Once and Technical tests along with his first Freestyle, the young Italian rider posted a 221.5. Equalling while the Hungarians slotted into third for the bronze. again they combined power, balance and seamless he was left with the winning total of 8.369, the top score of the day was Germany’s Grisha transitions throughout their two-minute programme. ahead of Thomas Brusewitz with 8.343 and Ludwig and Shine My Gun thrilled the crowd and Source of information: FEI Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool Pic Disclaimer FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst/Pool im|press|ions – Pascal Duran/Daniel Kaiser Duran/Daniel im|press|ions – Pascal

Hungary’s Jozsef Dobrovitz Germany’s Michael Brauchle Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans Hippo Foto

Team Netherlands, Theo Timmerman, Koos De Ronde, IJsbrand Germany’s Corinna Knauf Italy’s Francesco Martinotti and Rambo Bo Sun IndividualIndividual medals:medals: MichaelMichael Brauchle,Brauchle, IJsbrandIJsbrand Chardon,Chardon, KoosKoos DeDe Ronde Chardon, Harrie De Ruyter

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OOnn thethe PPoloolo FFieldsields ofof CCowdrayowdray JJaegeraeger-L-LeeCCoultreoultre GGoldold CCupup forfor thethe BBritishritish OOpenpen CChampionshiphampionship 20152015

By Bridget McArdle McKinney Rob McKinney

“As they passed through Easebourne they saw Cowdray – the beautiful palace ahead, glinting golden in the sunlight, its myriad windows twinkling like diamonds, and they heard gay music wafting from the meadow by the Rother, coloured pavilions, swarming with gaily dressed folk in crimson, green and crocus yellow.”

16 17 While our approach to the Cowdray Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup estate in the heart of England’s Action South Downs to attend the Jaeger- LeCoultre Gold Cup Final was not Debrett’s describes the Gold

quite as that described above in Cup Final as “one of the most Taylor Vanessa Anya Seton’s best-selling historical glamorous and chic country events romance Green Darkness, still in the sporting calendar, with world while on the grounds – and in class players in action, celebrities fact, in anticipation of arrival – we in abundance and a stunning could not help but feel the weight location.” This match ranks with and authority of this ancient and the Argentine Open and U.S. venerable venue, heralded in Open at the very top of the World British history and romanticized Polo Tour ranking, as a Grand in fiction with its many layers Slam event. Banner sponsors of events, romance, dramas, Jaeger-LeCoultre, the luxury watch tragedy, and passion of historic brand, came on board last fall to proportions. That ‘beautiful support this event, enriching an on- palace’ is now an imposing ruin, going relationship it has had with but, yes, there were ‘coloured Cowdray as its Official Timekeeper. pavilions, swarming with gaily The Gold Cup Final caps the dressed folk in crimson, green and run for the British Open Polo crocus yellow” among other colours Championship, the premier ready to enjoy a day of outstanding English 22-goal handicap polo at the Gold Cup Final. tournament. This event attracts all of the top high-goal polo The Beauty of Cowdray Park players from around the world Here to report on this year’s Gold competing for the Cup through Cup Final we were fascinated to 40+ qualifying and final rounds. see the extent and reach of the As the pack of 14 teams played Cowdray aura throughout the area through grueling qualifier rounds from its diverse ancient properties distilling their reduced number (identified by yellow-paintedinto the quarter finals, one picture window frames), its farm products, was becoming increasingly clear – and its unique and ubiquitous Dubai cannot be beat, you might demi-gryphon crest, as well as the as well hang up your mallets and Cowdray Park Polo Club members’ go home, with one esteemed obvious pride in hosting this event. polo expert stating playfully to The Telegraph that at this rate, Cowdray Ruins, the ‘beautiful “we might as well give them the palace’, first built as a fortified Gold Cup already.” They were manor on the River Rother in the amazing, having landed 46 goals late 13th century and later in the in their first three matches. With 16th century re-built by Sir David a powerful and strategic team Owen, Henry VII’s uncle, as a including Josh Cork, Martin Valent, palace in the Tudor style, is today Diego Cavanagh and polo’s a magnificent restored ruin. Its World No. 1 Adolfo Cambiaso, past is replete with mysteries, returning to defend its 2014 historic intrigues and battles, Santi Stirling rides off Facundo Pieres Gold Cup with a near decade of Santi Stirling rides off Facundo Pieres nefarious employees (including one dominance in international high- Guy Fawkes) and even a curse! goal polo, who could doubt that? penny-farthing polo and otherwise Now owned by the 4th Viscount But they were not invincible opened the door for convincing Pieres) against Zacara 15 - 9. paying attention that day stopped kept the spectators informed Cowdray, this beautiful 16,500 as Zacara (Juan Martin Nero, semi-final wins for UAE Polo The moment of truth had arrived. the rain which had been falling Team (Jose Araya, Jr., playing and amused with their excellent acre estate is the site of Cowdray Lyndon Lea, Rodrigo Andrade On Gold Cup Final day, the off and on for several days at for patron Sheikha Maitha bint commentary throughout the more Park Polo Club, which has been and Jack Hyde) halted Dubai’s atmosphere was cheery, fun, and the perfect moment for the fields Mohammed bin Rashid Al serious match that followed. called the “Home of British Polo” near-unstoppable momentum Maktoum, Lucas Monteverde, familiar with families, picnic parties to dry and the sky to open up in having hosted polo matches on hard in its tracks to the shock of Pablo MacDonough and Santiago (both elaborate and basic), tents, sunshine, cerulean skies and Before the match, while the grooms the grounds for over 100 years many, including - no doubt - the Stirling) against Apes Hill 14 - tailgates, dogs, and laughter, more billowing white cumulus clouds. appeared relaxed and full of play, and is now the venue for some of team itself and its patron Rashid 8 and King Power Foxes (Top congenial than fancy, more country The commentators John Kent the atmosphere at the team tents England’s most prestigious polo Albwardy. The defeat must Srivaddhanaprabha, Hugo Lewis, than high street. And Zeus or and Felix Wheeler warmed up the seemed a combination of nervous events, including the Gold Cup. have been devastating. But it Gonzalo Pieres and Facundo whichever gods of weather were crowds with a rousing match of energy and quiet resolution – the

18 19 players and coaches knew that out next up with a spectacular end- of the dozens of chukkas it took to to-ender, followed by a tap-in goal arrive here, everything now rides set up for him by Facundo Pieres. on the next few chukkas. UAE This will be a day Mr. Lewis will had a perfect team set-up – a good never forget; he will probably Taylor Vanessa balance of teamwork, experience, ensure that his children and grand- age and daring. But they were children never forget it either. At up against a team with an extra the end, it was a happy day for advantage: two players who King Power Foxes with a final have played together from early score of 14 – 8, concluding this age, who have the ability to work year’s English high-goal season. together with a simpatico forged Horse Power in family, who perhaps share polo ‘ESP’ on movement and strategy, But the game is nothing without the Pieres brothers Facundo, the the horses and their contribution world’s No. 2 player and Gonzalito. to the thrill, excitement and King Power Foxes also had the beauty of this sport. Before advantage of the sheer drive the match, I spoke briefly with of an up-and-coming team with one of the commentators and a reputation to prove and the when I asked him which team he momentum of The Queen’s Cup thought would win, he discreetly win a month before behind them. refrained from providing a direct Ending in a 2 - 2 tie, the first answer, suggesting instead that chukka set the stage for a nice, this match would be likely won tight match the fans adore, but by the team with the best horse that was not the match this was flesh. He said, “Watch Galactica destined to be. The Pieres boys in the third chukka and Cube in took over the second and third the fifth,” both favourites of King chukkas, showing their tremendous Power Foxes Facundo Pieres. technical skill, impressive strength In polo, you cannot win without a and speed with Gonzalito powering winning polo pony, whose traits the ball from throw-in to goal in the according to Hurlingham Polo third bringing King Power Foxes to Magazine’s Victoria Elsbury- a dominant 7 – 4 lead at half time. Legg must include “great Following a goal trade, the quiet acceleration, very handy, she fourth chukka was upset by a stands her ground against being hard meeting with the turf for bumped and has a good heart”, King Power Foxes patron Top all qualities she attributed to Srivaddhanaprabha who was “Twisted Automotives Best replaced by 17-year old Kian Hall. Playing Pony” of the match - Pablo The fifth chukka belonged to the MacDonough’s Dolfina Divina. 10-goalers Facundo Pieres and his Behind the Scenes cousin Pablo MacDonough who Gonzalito Pieres chased by Santi Stirling fought like a champion to improve UAE’s position scoring three goals As the sun began to set and the including a successful 150-yard crowds began to disperse, we charge down the field, leaving reflected on the day and all of UAE in a better position at 10 - 8 the effort which must have been with only one chukka left to go. exerted to make this happen. For Liz Higgins, who has handled PR, The young men took over the Communications and sponsorship final chukka, opening with UAE’s for Cowdray Park Polo Club since 16-year old Jose Araya, Jr. taking 2002 and was closely involved in hold and speeding the ball down the management of all Cowdray’s the field in a dramatic dash and polo events including the Gold landing the ball just wide. A Cup, the four week period of the collective gasp and cry from UAE Gold Cup is obviously a very supporters – oh, the heartbreak! busy time for her and her staff. Following a masterful stick-and- ball goal by Facundo Pieres, 20 Liz explained: “The atmosphere year-old Englishman Hugo Lewis changes dramatically from the from the King Power Foxes was opening day of the tournament

20 21 Vanessa Taylor Vanessa

Lord Cowdray with Daniel Riedo, CEO Jaeger-LeCoultre

with the influx of the Gold Cup “We welcomed around 14,000 patrons and the high goal players, people to this year’s Final”, she their families and supporters. Our enthused, “and the sun shone, members love to follow a team people picnicked all around the through the tournament and grounds, the retail village was a many of them watch every single haven for all kinds of fabulous match. As the excitement builds fashion and country goodies, through the tournament, so does and to top it all we saw a great match! Once the presentations the number of spectators so that were over, I finally enjoyed a by Quarter Finals weekend we glass of delicious Louis Roederer have several thousand people champagne and reflected on attending. Semi Finals day is huge what a great job I have!” We’ll in terms of corporate entertaining add our salute to the end of and one of the best days for polo this year’s Gold Cup and the in Europe as the four highest British high-goal season and ranked teams of the contest battle look forward to a return to the it out for a place in the Final.” fields of Cowdray next year. king power winners

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HTHT EExclusivexclusive withwith thethe LLegendaryegendary Brenda Mueller GGeorgeeorge MMorrisorris

By Engy Adham

George Morris – for some his name conjures the image of the perfectionist coach issuing strict instructions, while others envision the horseman in smartly polished boots waiting his turn to jump in the big international leagues. Others might call to mind a black-and-white photograph of a 14-year-old athlete winning the ASPCA Maclay and the AHSA medal finals at Madison Square Garden. At the end, they all agree that George Morris is a true living legend in the world of equestrian sports as an inspiring sportsman, Olympian, trainer, coach and innovator.

A person could spend hours Among all the horses Morris has Morris: “I was 50 and it was one purusing Morris’ long list of trained, Calypso is one of Morris’ of the biggest thrills of my life.” accomplishments, starting from his most favourite horse. “Calypso was early childhood when he conquered a Dutch horse by Lucky boy. He Maybe because of his many early his fear of horses to become an looked like a pony but he was a lot accomplishments, George Morris did Olympic team silvermedalist and like his father; he did not have the not feel constrained by the classical the world’s most accomplished best front end and it was not until equestrian training he received. hunter and jumper trainer. we got to the Florida circuit that I He created his own independent realized he was a great horse. He identity in the equestrian world. The 1960’s saw Morris’ was very intelligent and agile. He Morris left his mark by developing highest and best-remembered had a lot of stride. He is a horse techniques inspired by the classics achievements when he won that has taught himself in the of equestrian instructions. He the Olympic team silver medal ring, and all great horses learn at redefined equestrian training in Rome and the Grand Prix of the show ring. You never had to to not only be concerned with Aachen on Night Owl - “He was sharpen him or do any particular sets of tasks or techniques to be a great horse. He had great heart gymnastic. Calypso was wonderful followed or gobbets of information; and so much scope; not the and probably would be worth he was interested in sharing his most careful horse in the world, 10 million Euros now,” Morris says. philosophy and the art of riding. over the massive solid fences at Aachen he was a real Aachen His famous comeback in the George Morris introduced his horse. In those days, Aachen 1980’s and, in particular, winning training philosophy using a was a puissance-type class the $500,000 Du Maurier Class at unique riding style, which is a with successive jump-offs – not Spruce Meadows in 1988 mark a combination of the forward seat against the clock,” Morris recalls. personal favourite achievement for and the classical deep seat. He

26 27 acknowledges the complexity of to have complete freedom over three or four days. In my opinion, the horse and the rider to have a developed the canter exercise horseman needs that. The Argentines, it, yet praises its benefits for better the fence. Using the forward horses should not jump more than short stirrup and to sit somewhat for forward flow: “This is a great Australians and Chileans rely on the jumping. “To put those two seats seat ensures he is unhindered three days a week maximum.” forward so that the horse gallops first or warm-up exercise to get ‘thoroughbred’ horses but Europeans together for jumpers is quite a as he arrives at the point faster and easier,” Morris replies. the horse flowing and to work on rely on the warmbloods. Now the tricky task: you cannot just rely of takeoff and over the fence.” While people have always been the canter – I use it a lot. It builds Europeans took the ‘thoroughbred’ on the deep seat because that able to identify an American rider Morris thinks that a lot of people confidence because the rider so the European horse now has is too rigid and you cannot just Morris has been aware that there from the rest of the European in this sport have developed a has to trust the horse to avoid become closer to the Arab horse.” rely on the forward seat because is no such thing as the ultimate riders, does Morris think that this feeling for his teachings. “What I checking him. Trotting fences conventional formula; a human that is too passive. You have to still applies today or have riders was taught is that all the different is very good for horse and rider Although the world recognizes understanding needs more than a put the two together – that is my particularly at the more advanced parts of the rider’s body have to but is just preparatory. The reality the Americans as the people set of tasks to memorize, so he put philosophy of training: to produce levels adopted more of the forward be in tune with the movement of is canter work; you jump a course who established the structure his philosophy into practice. “My a very well-schooled horse, so seat and use it more than before? the horse. Dressage and jumping in canter and gallop, so that is of organized show jumping, the you are in the position to do system is built on exercises, right are two different games; we use what has to be ridden.” Not only American market with its diversity what Caprilli first taught us. up to Olympic level: exercises for Morris told HT that there is not a dressage to better school the did not invest in breeding lines the rider’s position, exercises for is canter exercise beneficial for the That is, to use a very forward clear-cut answer to this question. In horse to respond during jumping.” like the Europeans have done. the use of aids, exercises on the an age where everything horses, but for the riders as well; it seat and let the horse do the Although he acknowledges Morris replies, “It has never been flat and exercises over jumps. I is universal starting from universal can help develop a rider’s eye for jumping,” Morris explained. the adaptations to the forward our history to breed jumping use jumping exercises, three teachings to international riding a stride. The beauty of both these seat principle invented by the horses, we breed racing horses. He continues, “It is paradoxical, days a week is the maximum styles, tradition and heritage exercises is that they include single Italians, Caprilli and Sanatini, he Up until the 70s, we used but I like a very well-schooled with the very rare exception of a of horseback riding matters fences and related fences as well. added his own character to it. He thoroughbred racing lines in horse under total control but at competition. For eventers, if they and it contributes in building “It is the kiss of death today for understood that a good rider is show jumping. So, we will never the same time I like him to be work on their cross-country one the culture of the horse riding the rider when you just practice not only about mastering riding catch up with them because it is under such control that I can day a week, they can work on their sports. “I think that top athletes related fences. Single fences – as techniques, but about training the European’s tradition to breed teach him to help me jump the show jumping two days, or vice realize the real speed you have found out hunting – are very good the horse as well. Not only did all kinds of horses. Tradition fences. To expand on that: to jump versa. They will work on fitness to go today to break a record.” for the rider’s eye. People don’t this technique introduce a new gives the Europeans an edge well, the horse must be allowed or on their dressage for the other He continues, “It is easier for do enough of that today in my riding style to riders but it also because it is part of their history.” opinion,” he explained, adding required them to school their horses in this technique as well. Morris is a human databank of “You have to perfect the ability horse and rider training wisdom to let the horse go forward. That “Many eventers find the show developed over six decades of is, to follow the horse to the jumping phase difficult. There personal high-level hands-on fences then place him either are a number of reasons for experience and years of practice in to a rather deep distance so this. Firstly, today the dressage the field, creating an ever-growing you get the right bascule, or to is very exaggerated for eventing – cadre of his students who have a balanced distance. It must it is almost Grand Prix dressage, learned from the source through never be a long, flat distance.” which requires a very different his clinics and workshops, position to that for show jumping Morris developed the “Y-Shape published books and videos. Out and is very contrary to the forward gymnastic for improving the of all the different students George seat. Secondly, when they go canter work” which is a gymnastic Morris have encountered along his cross country, most of them go exercise that introduces path, Conrad Honfeld is a rider who over every fence in the safety seat, coursework and keeps the has personified Morris’ vision in sitting back on the horse’s back horse rideable at the canter. show jumping. “Well, I would have and often leaning on his mouth to say that Conrad Honfeld was – this hinders him. This is very “This part of the exercise is the a very hard working student and often against the movement and, most difficult – the horse has really intelligent.” He gives all consequently, the horse gets to listen, especially to the half- newcomers the same grounding defensive by the third day. He is halt, and that is where the canter advice: “Become a very rounded not confident that the rider won’t work comes in. He has to stay in horse person and listen to sit back on his back and overuse the corners – not cut them, he what skilled horsemen have their legs and perhaps even hit has to steer at the gallop, and to say. Get a very good basis his mouth. So he goes to the third he has to listen to the outside in horse management, a very day defensive, which gets a hollow leg. This makes the horse more good basis in flatwork and a very jumper, it gets a quick jumper, responsive to the aids and good basis in jumping work.” and it gets a stiff jumper. Those develops the rider’s ability to jumpers hit fences. Eventing really keep their focus through quite a George Morris is the ultimate asks the horses and riders to do few jumping efforts and turns.” example of living history in the three very different things today, equestrian world. Not only was where years ago they were very While training and riding philosophies he able to learn, create his own similar things. That is the difficulty.” shape the riding styles of horsemen/ independent identity and establish Kenneth Kraus Kenneth women, HT asked George a school of thought of his own, Not only do Morris’ contributions Morris whether the breeding of the sport but he was able to build a living raise the bar of equestrian training horse today has affected riding styles . legacy in the world of equestrian higher than standard, but more “Yes, definitely,” Morris confirms, “for training which will continue to importantly, they establish a new example, the Arabian horses are influence jumpers and eventers for school of thought. George Morris known for their intelligence and every generations to come.

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Smythe travelled the world for 16 represented Germany four times top riders. It’s incredible to think ROLEX EQUESTRIAN TESTIMONEES years between 1947 and 1963, at the Olympics, and collected that she was the first Rolex her elegant riding style led her to individual and team gold at the Testimonee all those years ago. huge success that made her the 2014 World Equestrian Games. THE FINEST HORSEWOMEN sport’s firstinternational superstar. “I keep eight eventing horses at Had she been alive today, there’s Equestrianism is one of the few my stables in England, and riders no doubt she too would have sports where men and women need great sponsors and support OF THEIR GENERATION been competing in the sport’s compete on an equal level – a to follow their career in equestrian ultimate challenge, the Rolex fact Werth says does not impact sport. Pat Smythe really did prove Grand Slam of Show Jumping. her competitive ethic. “It is a that equestrian sport had the sport which depends on accuracy global popularity to be massively She was the greatest female and precision, and where the successful, and was the starting show jumper of her era relationship between a rider point for Rolex’s long-term and her achievements in a and the horse is more important relationship with the sport.” once male-dominated sport than pure strength. Women helped pave the way for the are also possibly more open to Renowned show jumping analyst current generation of female emotions and find it easier to Stephen Hadley knew Smythe champions – among whom are bond with a horse – which is and remembers her extraordinary current Rolex Testimonees: especially important in dressage.” talent. “Pat did a lot for show Zara Phillips, who competes jumping in an era when the sport in eventing; Isabell Werth, in Like thousands of youngsters, was very different to today. Her dressage; and Meredith Michaels- Werth started riding when she personality shone through and Beerbaum, in show jumping. was young but made quick because of that she was invited progress, even before she went to events all over the world.” Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum to university and qualified as was the first woman to be a lawyer. “Becoming a lawyer “Even compared to modern riders, ranked World No. 1 in show meant I didn’t have to depend Pat was a talented lady. I watched jumping and is a three-time entirely on riding, plus it has her compete many times in the winner of the Rolex World Cup extended my professional skills!” arena. Her style was very efficient Final. She said: “Women riders and suited the horses she rode. from that era paved the way for Werth says her first great There’s no doubt she helped competitors like me. They often achievement was on her horse take show jumping forward for had to concentrate solely on Gigolo, winning individual and a new generation of rider.” riding then and didn’t even get an team gold at the 1991 European Smythe, who was also a jury opportunity to go to a university Championships. “You don’t member for the Rolex Awards for – something I feel was very forget those moments, even Enterprise back in 1984, marked important to me in my own life. I after all these years. There were the beginning of Rolex’s long was able to expand my horizons sad times too. Like the death association with equestrian sport by studying, even though of my horse Nobilis Amaretto that continues to this day. The it was challenging to juggle in 1999, two years after I won current Rolex female equestrian lessons with school and riding.” my first Rolex watch with him at the World Cup in Geneva.” Testimonees have all enjoyed Women may not be as physically success at the highest levels of strong as men but I feel they British eventer and Rolex the sport, and they each continue have a social relationship with Testimonee Zara Phillips was a the legacy forged by Smythe in their horses, perhaps a greater team silver medal winner at the equestrianism across the globe. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum Zara Phillips Isabell Werth empathy for the animal. Although London 2012 Olympic Games Rolex is proud to support its there are greater demands on and the individual champion at the women Testimonees, who competitors today, it is also easier World Equestrian Games in 2006. have all reached the very to travel now and the world is a She also helped Great Britain Rolex has a long association with great women competitors but pinnacle of equestrian sport. smaller place. It is remarkable how secure a silver medal at the World Michaels-Beerbaum, Werth the luxury watchmaker’s original grand dame of equestrianism Pat achieved so much without Equestrian Games last year. and Phillips successfully the Internet and technology that was a British show jumper called Pat Smythe. Smythe was Rolex’s “I can remember reading about balance their outstanding we take simply take for granted. first equestrian TestimonEE, signing a ground- breaking alliance Pat Smythe when I was a child.” riding careers with education, with the company in 1957. Since that day, Rolex’s involvement in Isabell Werth is a world record She was highly regarded in motherhood and other aspects holder for the most titles won in Britain and the inspiration for a lot of their lives and are worthy equestrianism has gone from strength to strength. her discipline – dressage. She has of girls who went on to become ambassadors of the brand.

32 33 Afterwards, I stopped riding and bit too far. This development is not the courses are very short. Course Designing Plus focused on course designing; good for the horses because of the even my mentors thought I was a increasing use of laboratories. I do Does the footing and the size of better course designer than rider! not understand this – workshops? the arena affect your design of the specialized technical training? At course? I started off as an amateur, but then the end of the day, our sport is a withwith LeopoldoLeopoldo PalaciosPalacios travelling around the world and sport with animals that need to be Yes, as I said earlier, the size of the being taught by the best mentors near nature, not in small closed arena affects the quality of the sport; took my course designing skills to rings that are being developed bigger arena, better sport. It is more By Farida El Sherbiny a professional level. My first mentor in the laboratory. I think the sport difficult, but it is better. However, was Pamela Carruthers, and then I needs more variety. We need to the one important issue is galloping worked with Arno Gego who is like come back to the roots and nature long distances in a good rhythm. A legend in course a father to me. I also worked a bit of the sport because we have designing who not with Bert De Nemethy who taught gone very far away from its nature. Another interesting element is fence me a lot. Afterwards, I started doing design. Being an authority on course only focuses on a lot more and traveled with Arno If there is such thing as a finger print designing, how do the shapes such creating the most Gego around the world. In the 1983 or identifying mark in your designs, as the dragon fence in Beijing and Pan American Games in Venezuela, what would it be? Is it courses which colours of the fences affect the innovative courses, Arno Gego was the course designer are technical in terms of size, turns, horse? Which brings about another but dedicates and I was his main assistant at that distances and combinations? In question, do horses see colours? show. In the process of working other words, what are the elements And why do horses find white fences his techniques there for four years, we became like that you use in your own unique way more difficult? to creating an family; he gave me a lot of support. when designing a course? And then I started designing I think the variety of the shapes enjoyable and in the United States, Canada, Designing a course is like making is the most important aspect of fair game for all Europe and all over the world. soup: wine, water, and meat in fence design. In Beijing, I tried Later, I retired from construction balanced quantities. I try to have a to incorporate a lot of different competitors. and became a professional full- balance between different elements. shapes and put a lot of different time course designer for nearly I know what is hard and what is elements in the middle of the 18 years now. Before that, I easy. It is not that I believe, I know. fences. Unfortunately, today we do How did you come across horses had been a part- time course I need to make a balance between not see much variety in the design and showjumping? designer, only 25 weeks a year in short distances, long distances, of fences. I believe horses are very course designing and 25 weeks in technical elements, spooky fences, aware of the contrast and brightness I come from a Venezuelan family construction. Now, I spend around non- spooky fences, careful fences, of colours, which have an effect on that loves horses. My brother, who 40 weeks a year course designing. heavy fences, etc. It is not fair to them. Sometimes it influences them is 7 years older than me, was a excessively use one element in to jump better, and sometimes it fantastic rider. In the 1960’s, he Over the past 40 years, trends in a course as you would be giving can make it more difficult for them. won in many places including the course designing have changed, riders who are good at that specific I find that when you use a lot of US. My father also had horses as well as horses developing from element a greater chance of doing solid colours, which are not very for cattle on our farms. So, I have being bigger and more robust to well. At the end, we are all humans bright, it is more difficult to jump been around horses ever since my being smaller and more agile. and we are all different. Each one than fences with stripes. However, earliest memories could take me. How do you see course designing of us is good at some things and different types of stripes also affect changing in the future as a result has problems at other things. That the horse differently. When you see How did your passion for course of changes in the breeding of show is why we need a bit of everything. a short person wearing vertical lines designing start? jumpers? Or do you think we have in their clothes, it makes them seem tried it all? This variety makes the courses bigger and taller while horizontal Before I became a course designer more exciting for the crowd, too, lines make them seem smaller. I was a rider. I sometimes rode To me, course designing is changing and I think we need more exciting So, vertical stripes give horses the for the Venezuelan team and was a lot; like everything in life. There is competitions. When the ring is illusion that the fence is higher. If named Venezuela’s Rider of the development, but I am not really too big, the challenge for the rider the lines are horizontal, they seem Year 1970. I had stopped riding for a sure that course designing is and the horse is not exclusive to to be more difficult to define the certain period of time, but returned changing in a good way. At the jumping the fences, but also to height for the rider and the horse. back shortly after. Then, I began beginning, we used heavier, less galloping and concentrating from course designing for it has always careful fences and speed. Today, I one fence to another. They have Are there any other elements that interested me. I started course think that courses are over-careful to notice the change of character affect your design of the course? designing while I was working in a and we are jumping smaller fences, between fences. Every sport has construction company in Venezuela. which are extremely technical. to test the endurance of the horse When designing a course, there Doing both of them in parallel The fences today also are not very and the rider. Small rings, which are a lot of elements you can use helped me a lot in course designing original; they are all the same: are being used more nowadays, and take into consideration such as I was already familiar with poles, gates and planks - that is it. do not test the endurance of the as the outside and surroundings spaces and developed construction. I believe that today we are going a horse and the rider because of the ring, the corners, the

34 35 contrast of the fence, etc. In this case, you know all of the top great-grandchild, so they can say riders. If you are a course designer, my great-grandfather did this. Imagine the following: you are you need to know all the riders. in a stadium full of people where Having enough experience would Tell us a bit about yourself, simply as everyone is moving and everything help you while designing a course a human being. Are you married, do comes to life. This environment because you know the general you have kids, what are your likes? can affect the horses as they are level. If I go to a normal show in influenced by light and shadow. In Venezuela, I need to evaluate I have been divorced twice. I will tell shade, for example, horses do not different factors. I cannot take a you the truth; our family life is very see a place with a limit; if you are course I did for top riders and assign complicated. I have two children and going straight the horses prefer to it to beginners; it must be simpler. a grandchild. I love my daughter and stay away from that place. There my grandchild; I love seeing them So in your years of course are a lot of other factors, such as and being with my family, but I never designing, which show or event have the slope of the ring and the size get time to spend with them. This is you felt most proud of? And what of the horse’s stride. The way the why I find it very difficult to construct is your biggest accomplishment in horse jumps changes depending a family. I think this applies to all the on whether the ring is sloping general? people that are really professional, uphill or downhill, so you need to like actors or professional athletes; take care of the slopes. To me, This is a very difficult question to it is just difficult. I really admire my designing a course and sending it answer. I am happy at shows for using the internet is very difficult. both beginners and big horses. The friends who have a stable family You need to be there; the course truth is, I like every show. The reality and do what I do. I do not know how designer needs to know the ring is that I love course designing and they do it; I want to be like them. perfectly. When you are designing I have been to a lot of big shows a fence, you need to see it being in my life. I have been building for It is very difficult when you have built. For example, if you decided Spruce Meadows for 22 years. I passion like I do; the input course to put three poles and a gate, how also built in two Olympic games, designing has on my life is huge. high/low do you put the gate? How Pan American Games, World Cup I always think and dream about far apart do you place the poles? finals and in many different shows. it. This is not exclusive to course These are all optical problems designing, but the whole sport; which can make it easier or more I love all the places I worked in, yet I love this sport. I live with a difficult. That is why you have to my input in every place is different. tangled passion that affects my see the fence being built to see I contributed a lot to the Olympic family life. Even though I like to what happens with your own eyes. Games; I was part of designing the be with my family, my passion fences among many other things. I is stronger. This is the big So when you are invited to design a have also been contributing a lot in sacrifice I make for my passion. course in a foreign country, how do Calgary for the past 22 years. The you integrate the level of riders and problem with course designing and I love art and I try to incorporate it horses into the level of technicality designing fences is that the end into show jumping. For example, of your course? result only lasts for one day or just the dragon sculpture of Beijing was an hour. And then, it is all destroyed my trial to incorporate art into my I just start with an easy course on and all that is left is pictures and design. Then, I try to commercialize the first day. It is very important for people’s memories; this is why I like it as a piece of art. The artistic a course designer to see the class to have an input in the venue too. character I add to my courses and get to know the riders. When I is very rewarding. When I am go to a country where I do not know I am currently working for the World older, I cannot just sit in my house anybody, I evaluate the situation Equestrian Games 2018. I am and look at courses I designed. in my mind. On the first day, I do a part of the organizing committee I need to see that art behind it. normal and easy course. And then of the game. It is nice because I would have the list of riders, so when I arrive at the venue, my I want to do this till I die; this is I evaluate them and I see which work would be there and it will another truth. People keep asking riders I am after. I normally know stay forever as I am designing the me when I am going to retire. When people everywhere I go to, I have concepts of the construction. I love this time comes, I might not do so been working in this field for many it when people copy a fence of my much course designing because years. I know a lot of trainers, their qualities and how they train. You design in different shows, just like I will be very old. I will be involved need to be aware of these factors the Dragon of Beijing. I love that trying to do something for the sport, and you need to start to evaluate people copy my fences because it could even be a contribution on the different factors and make the my design ends up in many places. the organizational level. It could courses progressively more difficult. Eventually, this is what humans be anything, but never nothing. like; we pass on designs and we To me, retiring does not exist. I It is different when you go to the want to have something that will just do not see my life sitting in top of the sport like the Olympics. be left for my grandchild and my a chair and looking at the TV.

36 LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR LLondonondon LLegeg By Aya Amr

As a novice in the showjumping field, it has always been a dream of mine to watch live ‎a Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) event. With a passion for horseback riding, I always keep a close eye on LGCT news. I mark seeing their astonishingly designed technical fences where incredible top riders and horses compete.

Qatar Faleh Suwead Al Ajami’s “Come Soon” during the vet inspection

38 39 Together with my Mum, we planned how looked incredibly competitive with I will get to the park after arriving his stallion, Argento who fired to London. The exhaustion of up responding to the crowd who the fraught journey failed to discourage were in full support of one of their me or affect my enthusiasm. star riders. At first, he looked almost Unfortunately, I was only able to cover the identical on time; however fell just Grand Prix Day, but it was nevertheless eight hundredths of a second short my lucky day. The moment I walked into to finish in second place and left the breath-taking Syon Park, I was France’s Simon Delestre with his star-struck. I saw showjumping icon beautiful black stallion Qlassic Bois Beezie Madden, whom we had worked Margot in third. with before, walking towards me. Then, I saw the stellar Luciana Diniz and The final rider, Britain’s Scott Brash was Patrice Delaceux who is on the cover within the time and the crowd held their of our HT’s most recent book about the breath as he took a very short turn with World Equestrian Games in Normandy ‎. his incredible gelding Hello Sanctos. I saw the famous course However, he had the final fence designer, Uliano Vezzani; his down finishing in sixth place. Despite first round of the Grand Prix was his obvious disappointment, he gained tough and challenging even for 31 valuable points in the championship the world’s top combinations with race, pushing him ahead of former fences set at the brink at 1.60m. leader Luciana Diniz (POR) by 28 points. ‎The course was challenging enough for the riders yet seemed Jan Tops - President and Founder of somewhat more comfortable for the Longines Global Champions Tour. the horses jumping it – a “This is always an exciting leg; you course designer’s ultimate goal! could see with 16 in the jump-off, Fourty-five of the best riders in the it was very fast and difficult to win. world went through. It was designed Rolf is in incredible form today, at to test the very best horse and the moment he is in 4th place. I rider combinations in the world that think he could be a challenge to day as they rode for their share of Luciana and Scott, he is coming the 400,000 Euro prize. The steep from behind. I also want to thank Greenwich fence, which was set our partners Longines and Qatar for as the first part of a double, caused making this great event possible. many of the issues followed by quite We are very happy with the first a technically difficult line causing time here at Syon Park. For the many riders to come out with faults. horses and the riders the location is very good logistics wise - they Eighteen riders went through to have a lot of space, great footing, round two; the second round caused good stables and a lot of space.” Britain’s Scott Brash on Hello Sanctos relatively fewer problems, with sixteen Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson on Casall ASK out of the eighteen going clear, Scott Brash - Longines Global as riders jumped the nice flowing Champions Tour ranking leader: “It course and the time was not a factor. is good; I am pleased to be at the On a normal day in Leeds, UK where I whom we work closely with to get The Ranking Results after Vienna: was visiting my Mum, my dream came our media accreditation, which came top in this stage. I will do all the other true. I was preparing our regular through with the usual efficiency and The jump-off had some of the fences venues apart from Rome so I have Rider Points feature ‘HT Headlines’ in which we put helpfulness of the LGCT organizers. go up to a testing 1.65m, which got a couple of extra chances. We Rank news on the LGCT events. Then all meant the race to the finish line have got to keep going, Rolf is going 1 Scott Brash 279.00 of a sudden, it hit me: “I could cover I started reading about the had to be more carefully calculated really well so we will keep trying.” and ridden. Including tricky lines the LGCT first-hand right here in venue, Syon Park, the spectacular 2 Luciana Diniz 277.00 London.” I was overcome with London home of the Duke of and angles throughout, those Rolf-Göran Bengtsson: “My horse excitement so I called my boss, Northumberland. The house was who had the pace also needed has proved that he is in good form. 3 Rolf-Göran Bengtsson 269.00 Khaled Assem, and told him that built in the sixteenth century on the the scope and agility to tackle the He jumped six times this season Simon Delestre 255.00 I wanted to cover the LGCT. Of site of the Medieval Syon Abbey and twisting challenges of the course. and every time he was in the second 4 course, he encouraged me and we came to the family of the present round, so I cannot be more than very This was Rolf-Göran’s first win 5 Christian Ahlmann 234.00 started preparing for Horse Times owners in 1594. Syon has many happy with him. It’s a pleasure for me of the season with the ever- to attend and formally cover the layers of history and has seen to win here in London, I will try my Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani 195.00 consistent Casall Ask, racing against 6 LGCT. After booking my journey some profound changes over the best for the rest of the championship the clock. The calibre of riders was from Leeds to London, I gathered centuries. It is known world- wide but as Jan said, I have still one more 7 John Whitaker 180.00 so high and the final round so intense. up borrowed kit, including my as one of Robert Adam’s best score to count. Scott is far away 8 Penelope Leprevost 169.00 Mum’s video camera and together examples of neo-classical residential First to ride triple clear with 3 wins this season so far, so with Khaled, I prepared interview splendor houses , displaying an was Rolf-Göran Bengtsson who it’s going to be hard to beat him.” 9 Pius Schwizer 162.00 questions; and then we were left with array of art and antiques collected set the time to beat at the final step: contacting the LGCT over centuries by the Percy family. 34.91seconds. Britain’s John Whitaker All photos by Stefano Grasso/LGCT 10 Lauren Hough 149.00

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60 SECONDS WITH Sameh El-Dahan Jacques Toffi Jacques

By Engy Adham

COUNTRY: Egypt

DATE OF BIRTH: 28/01/1985

STAR SIGN: Aquarius

PROFESSION: International show jumper

Sameh El-Dahan seems to belong to that bygone generation of horsemen who sincerely valued duty, commitment, hard work, morality and a code of ethics. He comes from a deeply-rooted Egyptian family and these roots show in his commitment towards his sport and his country. His perfectionism stems from his education as a doctor and his cool, focused and deliberate performance reflects his inner peace and strength. Yet above all, it is his smile which shines through with simple and genuine good will and warm wishes. Egypt’s Sameh El-Dahan and Sumas zorro at the WEG2014

Describe your typical practice? lorry was leaving to a big show with and be around my show. personal favorites. Then comes a very strong personality whom I What is your favourite gadget and in Italy where I ended up having Basically, you walk the course representing Egypt, individually learn a lot from. From an equestrian are you obsessed with it? Mostly fitness and suppleness to ride with a cast on my arm. like you are going to ride it, and and with teams, and being a reason point of view, I am privileged to training; we start by walking the then you walk it more than once. the Egyptian flag was raised in so have great sponsors such as the My phone and no, I am not obsessed track to loosen and warm up Tell us one or two things about many countries all over the world. whole Sloan family, WKD, Blue Chip with it. the horses’ backs, and then we your training that contributed to What advice would you give to Finally, jumping a puissance wall Feeds and Samshield helmets. bring them into the sand arena your success. young athletes? of 2.20 m also has to be high What is your favourite book for some concentrated extension What are your greatest up on my list of achievements. and who is your favourite and shortening over ground poles. Perseverance and paying attention Follow your dreams and never motivations? author? to details; there are so many give up. It is amazing how sport What are the goals that you Where is your favourite place for perfectionists in this sport and brings people together and how Striving for success; to be more aspire to achieve? The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins practice? to be able to compete with them important it is to our country. specific, I want to win an equestrian at that level requires focus and Representing Egypt in the Olympic Olympic medal for Egypt. The yard’s gallop; it is a long It is crucial for athletes to have dedication. I leave a lot of the Games, being fair to my team and What is your favourite food? sand pathway around the top details to Joanne as she is very strong presence on different media horses, giving credit where it is due, Riding talented horses is a great fields surrounded by natural focused, driven and she helps me outlets. This will help them promote reaching the highest level of the motivation for me in that it pushes Joanne’s rice. hedges. It is very peaceful and a lot so I can focus on the riding. the sport and our country world- sport and climbing up the leading me to get the best out of them. quiet. The horses really enjoy it. I have also been very fortunate wide which I think is really essential riders’ rankings as high as I can. Who is your sporting hero (any What is the most memorable to receive training from the great in the current situation especially Describe some of the funny sport)? place you ever visited? John Ledingham who has helped now that Egypt is on the rise. Who has been your greatest experiences you have had me develop and fine tune my style. support? practicing? What is your best achievement? Michael Phelps, the swimmer. Spruce Meadows. It is Disney World for horses. Everything is perfect and What was the best advice you I am a very lucky person in that I I flew out of the saddle once One of my best achievements What is your second favourite well thought out from stabling to were given? was supported and guided by many after an explosive jump from a is being able to build a team people throughout my career. I am sport? the footing of the grass fields. The youngster we have. It was the end together with Joanne Sloan Allen organizing committee is second to Always check your girth! very lucky to have my whole family, Football of the session whilst I decided and Sycamore Stables horse the Egyptian equestrian community none. It is a horse show with a lot of background and history. This is what to give her one more jump and, Over the years, I have been farm. Also, being successfully and my adopted Irish community. What is your favourite genre God, was I wrong as I ended up given so many great pieces at the top of the sport with home- a rider would feel every time he/she Currently, the most supportive is of movies? on the ground and broke my wrist. of advice from real horsemen bred and home-produced horses my business partner Joanne Sloan passes under the clock tower and This happened just before the whom I was lucky enough to train is definitely on the list of my Allen. She is a fantastic person with Action Comedy the gates close behind him/her. 44 45 Jacques Toffi Jacques

France’s Patrice Delaveau and Orient express at the WEG2014

speed and impulsion) to reach rider to realize all the distances About the author: TRAININGTRAINING TIPSTIPS the correct take off point (that that he will face and experience. Eng. Khaled Assem is a certified manifests timing) and jump Level 2 FEI trainer. He has safely and effectively across. been training for over 15 years, Source of this article: FEI level 2 competing internationally for 10 WWalkingalking thethe CCourseourse The following table will allow the coaching book years and locally for 25 years.

Compiled by Khaled Assem

TRAINING COMPETITION Number Trot to cross pole Trot to cross pole Canter pole Canter pole Fence to Fence to Successful showjumping requires basic fundamentals of strides to a distance to a distance to a distance to a distance fence distance fence distance (straight) (bending) (straight) (bending) (straight) (bending) to achieve harmony, some of which are direction, speed, meters meters meters meters meters meters implusion, balance and timing. The rider regulates and 1 5.5-6.16 M 5.5-6.16 M 6.66 M 5.66-6.66 M 7.30 M 6.30-7.30 M synchronizes those concepts during jumping a course, yet 2 9.82 M 8.82 M 10.32 M 9.32 M 10.98 M 9.98 M still he has to have a plan. 3 13.48 M 12.48 M 13.98 M 12.98 M 14.64 M 13.64 M 4 17.14 M 16.14 M 17.64 M 16.64 M 18.30 M 17.30 M 5 20.80 M 19.8 M 21.30 M 20.30 M 21.96 M 20.96 M In a competition, fences are stride, this applies for national speed and measures distances 6 24.46 M 23.46 M 24.96 M 23.96 M 25.62 M 24.62 M arranged in various ways: a and international competitions. in between fences whether in double with one or two strides, straight lines or in curves to find 7 28.12 M 27.12 M 28.62 M 27.62 M 29.28 M 28.28 M a triple combination with an When walking the course out the number of strides and 8 31.78 M 30.78 M 32.28 M 31.28 M 32.94 M 31.94 M additional fence and a related The rider walks the course to accordingly access whether the distance between two fences access direction approaching distance is short or long so he 9 35.44 M 34.44 M 35.94 M 34.94 M 36.60 M 35.60 M counting three up to 11 strides. fences in straight lines or out of would encourage his horse to 10 39.10 M 38.10 M 39.6 M 38.6 M 40.26 M 39.26 M Generally, all the distances angles or corners which might shorten or lengthen his stride, (a are based on a 3.7 m horse affect impulsion. He regulates his transition that involves balance, 11 42.76 M 41.76 M 43.26 M 42.26 M 43.92 M 42.92 M

46 47 ILKA GANSERA-LEVEQUE On one scratch with just two horses Always ready to network, Ilka is a in her care in Newmarket. member of Women in Racing, keen unforgettable to invite others to her yard and day at Newmarket A beautifully bred bay filly Tosca lunch at the town’s world-famous A WOMAN WITH A RACING PASSION races an unfancied bought by Ilka as a yearling Tattersalls bloodstock sales. traveled to Germany as her first chestnut horse “I travelled to Abu Dhabi with a By Debbie Nicholls runner and dead-heated in a galloped his valuable race on her two-year- group from Women in Racing heart out for his old debut. Four days later her and met the owner of a promising Arabian racehorse just at the young trainer, and first UK runner, Tiger Cub, also Michael R Smithson won on her debut. It was a 100% time that Stephane was setting helped define Ilka record and a dream come true! up as an Arabian trainer.” Gansera-Leveque’s Three years on she has purchased Enter Storm Troupour, a stunning career. her own yard, named St. racing stallion newly arrived Wendred’s after a heathen saint from the States and aimed at locally associated with the healing a valuable series of turf races of horses. One particular well was having an all-turf pedigree. Her horse, Joe Sugden, rejected by an ancient water source which two trainers for his fragility, repaid A new Ladies-only syndicate also later became Christianised into St. every ounce of her faith to beat provided some fun moments, Wendred’s Well, widely renowned the biggest yards in the country and a rare chance to get some for the restorative power of the on his racecourse debut in 2013 parade ring finery on for a at a wide outsider’s price of 80-1. water used for treating horses. It’s professional photo-call at her barn! a fitting link with Ilka’s veterinary His win against the odds was a skills and natural horsemanship. highlight of the remarkable journey But amidst her busy life, it remains Joe Sugden, a horse that has taken the daughter of a “I hope it’s a good omen, whose stout frame led doubters German fighter pilot to owning and I count myself very lucky to even question his breeding, one of the most attractive yards to be where I am,” says ilka. in Newmarket’s global flat racing who still encapsulates her headquarters – all within three years “I had an Air Force upbringing greatest triumph and her greatest of taking out her trainer’s licence. and my family were not involved disappointment. A portrait of ‘Joe Joe’ hangs in her office, reminding Far from her homeland, she lives in racing. But ever since I was her of the horse she took on and works in the birthplace of a child I wanted to be a jockey. British flat racing, with a 32-box I left school at 15 and was as an unraced four-year-old. yard and access to the training apprenticed to German trainer “He came to us with a lot of splendour that is Newmarket with Bruno Schütz and was only problems but we got him right its two world-class racecourses Bruno’s second girl apprentice.” and recognised he was something and more than 50 miles of special,” said Ilka. “It was a great grass and all-weather gallops. Her year with Monty Roberts day when he won. Very sadly he altered her whole approach to died after just three starts with a Along the way she has ridden horses. Every newcomer to post-operative complication.” as an apprentice jockey, worked the yard has a join-up session as an assistant trainer, and “We lost him right before spent a year with legendary and she concentrates on getting their mind-set positive. Christmas and my birthday, horse whisperer Monty Roberts. so it couldn’t have been at a worse time. Things had been “I make sure that every horse in my As a mature student she so good, we had a good year qualified as a vet, giving her a care gets personal treatment and and there was so much to be rare mix of talents needed to is trained as an individual. I have thankful for, and then that had to juggle the demands of running had a lot of project horses who happen. That’s racing; the highs a yard, expanding the business have lost their way. It takes time to are high and the lows are low.” and caring for her five-year-old daughter with husband and fellow restore their health and confidence Undaunted, she is fiercely trainer, French-born Stephane. but it’s very rewarding.” ambitious, and wants to see every one of St. Wendred’s 32 boxes And that includes a 4.30 am start on “I have always followed my heart filled with quality horses. “It’s summer mornings, appropriately and worked hard. I am very onwards and upwards for us and the title of her blog, fourthirty-am! competitive but you need the anyone who wants to join us on our journey.” horses to make your name. People German-born Ilka had a stellar start to her career. In don’t know how good you are For more information: Mrs. Ilka with her Husband ‘Stéphane Lévêque’ and daughter ‘Elea’ August 2012 she started from without the horse to advertise it!” www.gansera-leveque.com

48 49

EEgyptiangyptian PPoloolo PPlayerslayers inin thethe NNewsews Peter T. Michaelis T. Peter HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTS OFOF THETHE EGYPTIANEGYPTIAN POLOPOLO SCENESCENE

By Bridget McArdle McKinney

Despite the fact that the past four years have been difficult for the country, the Egyptian Polo Federation and the Egyptian players have redoubled their efforts to increase the awareness of the game both locally and internationally. The number of young players has increased, the number of the trained polo horses has doubled and the Federation has encouraged the players to participate in international tournaments to gain experience in competitive polo. Here are a few highlights of this off-season’s international play.

18th Annual Mashomack International Moore Invitational, the USPA Tracey a welcoming crowd of enthusiasts. weather exercise track, large sand Sturdza Investment Funds playing luck. It was a wise decision to play Polo Challenge, Pine Plains, New York Mactaggart Challenge Cup, the USPA schooling arena, well maintained in the 20th Hublot Polo Gold Cup in a penalty shootout as the ground Governors Cup, the USPA Officer’s Burningfold 6-Goal Cup, Surrey, and irrigated stick and ball, practice Gstaad, where, after winning last has already suffered from the rain.” First up, in June the respected Cup and the USPA Constitution Cup. England and match grounds, available year’s Gold Cup, they exceptionally In the final, however, the crowds were and long-serving president of the for our regular instructional co-won the tournament with Team not left unsatisfied, the announcement Egyptian Polo Federation, Federation Next up is Egyptian player groups, chukkas and matches. SIR this year due to the weather. was made the final would be replaced of International Polo delegate The 2015 Mashomack International Mohamed Hamada who took part Polo Challenge was played on by a 4-chukka exhibition match. and unflagging advocate of the in the much-anticipated Burningfold Following much deliberation Saturday June 27. Three local teams A regular player at Kings Polo Club The four team-patrons and the four sport, Farouk Younes accepted the 6-Goal Cup, in which nine teams from the tournament officials the best players of the tournament th – Estancia Villa Maria, Beretta and in Alexandria this was Hamada’s first invitation to take part in the 18 competed from 16 – 26 July. His team international polo tournament and decision was made to change the were split into two teams to play Quest – competed for the trophy included himself, Boyd Allen from Annual Mashomack International he was thrilled to reach the finals format of the final of the Hublot in a non-competitive manner. Polo Challenge in Pine Plains, New against the visiting Egypt Team. In UK, Guy Fox-Andrews alternating competing against established UK Polo Gold Cup Gstaad. Taking into York just 90 minutes from New the preliminary matches, Estancia with Harry Revell from UK, and teams. There were three groups and consideration the safety of the The teams remained head-to-head York City. Playing for Team Egypt Villa Maria (Craig Callen, Guy Brad Mallet from South Africa. Hamada’s team came in first in their players and ponies, the waterlogged throughout each chukka until the final was Farouk Younes (Captain), Merison, Don Langlois, and Agucho group after defeating Highden 7 - 6 in pitch was deemed too dangerous whistle blew with a finishing score Hisham Al Gharby, Omar Younes, Zavaletta) defeated Beretta (John Burningfold is a country estate rain and then two days later defeating to play a competitive match. of 7 - 7. The best play of the match Aly El Kashef and Mostafa Idris. on the Surrey - Sussex border Seabreeze 7 – 5. They then met Klopp, Oak Thorne, Nick Beanstock was undoubtedly the impressive Unfortunately, injuries side-lined offering equestrian facilities, holiday Team Maize Dulce in the semifinals, This unusual decision followed a and Julio Ezcurra) 3 - 2. Team teamwork between Hublot Polo Gold Al Gharby and Farouk Younes and accommodation and venue hire where they took the loss, playing for Egypt defeated Quest (Bruce Colley, drenched semi-final which in the Cup favourite, Eduardo Menendez the final team line-up was Omar for special events. The 300 acre third against Dubliner Irish Whiskey Joe Meyer, Davis Colley, and Henry end had to be determined by pen- (ARG) - who is competing in the Younes, Aly El Kashef, Mostafa private estate was once the hunting team and finishing a very tough match Zavaletta) 2 - 1. In a cliff-hanging, alty shots. About the semi, Team tournament for the 16th time - and Idris and Davis (Daoud) Colley. grounds for Henry VIII. 500 hundred 4 - 4, where their opponent laid hands crowd-pleasing, well-played final E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds home favourite Michael Brüggler years later Burningfold still retains on the match on penalties 3 - 2. Located on a 1,900-acre preserve, match Estancia Villa Maria just captain, Egypt’s own Mohammed El (SUI); an aerial shot from Menendez the Mashomack Polo Club is a full tweaked Egypt 2 - 1, thanks to a its equestrian links with over 100 20th Hublot Polo Gold Cup, Gstaad, Sewedy said, “It is great to win but opened up the field for Brüggler service club for polo players of all goal by Craig Callen with only 35 stables and extensive paddocks. Switzerland of course we are a bit disappoint- to accelerate down the pitch, and levels. Mashomack Polo offers seconds left on the clock. Win or Established in 2007 Burningfold ed that we could not have played a strike a powerful shot cleanly through league polo from 4 goal to 12 goal, lose, this annual friendly match is Polo Club is fully affiliated to the The next Egyptian polo player on regular match for the semi-final. The the posts. Gasps echoed among and various tournaments such as a chance once again to proudly Hurlingham Polo Association. the roster abroad is Mohammed El other team was also strong and in the crowds at the unbelievable the prestigious USPA Eduardo display our local talent and flag in Facilities include a 500 metre all Sewedy, captain of the Team E.I. the end it all comes down to a bit of display of talent from both players.

52 53 Aged 27, he became the director The Scythians were nomads in Nature,” there lies the Art! of a circus. In 1974, he created and warriors, and according the Old Fashion Circus (cirque to Herodotus, they owned and “Ask often, obtain a little and praise à l’ancienne, in French) together raised the best horses of their era. much:” Alexis Gruss has made this Meeting Alexis Gruss: with the French comedian Sylvia maxim of Mr Baucher his own, Montfort in order to celebrate the “The meeting of these two breeds in the three different disciplines bicentenary of the introduction of founded our current society. The practiced by his family: the Haute

Karim el Dib the circus ring in France, by Philip horse powered all the different Ecole, the Equestrian Acrobatics Astley. The latter lived at the rue civilisations (the Arabian horse and the free-horses displays. des Tuileries, in the Marais area of took a crucial part indeed in the This is a quest for a permanent Paris, within the walls of the indoor epic Moorish wars of the 7th and balance, like that of the tightrope Master-Rider th school of the Duke of Razade. 8 centuries!!) and is at the origin walker, where the stallions rise of many innovations such as the with pride in front of their Master. By Laurence Boccard In 1981, the Alexis Gruss Circus wheel, the carriage, and of many received the high distinction of constructions, ”stresses the Master. The Master teaches and passes on National Circus. An equestrian his knowledge and his technique acrobat, a master-rider and a The circus ring is one of these with respect, patience and love. ringmaster, Alexis Gruss is also “constructions”. During the 18th and The circle comes back around, and a multi-talented artist: he is an 19th centuries, the horse and these the inter-generation loop is set. excellent musician and had already constructions were closely linked. mastered many of the circus arts In London in 1768, Philip Astley, Three generations of the Gruss from the age of eight. A passionate a former military rider, created an family meet up on stage: they man, he also enjoys the art of arena specifically designed for the canter, they vault, they help each photography and some fishing time. public displays of his equestrian other and they laugh in the face of exercises: the ring. This was so unsteadiness, repeating the same As a master-rider, Alexis Gruss successful that he christened gestures, the same movements has been granted many honours: the Astley Amphitheater in 1782 over and over again. At that he was made a Knight of Arts and dedicated to the equestrian arts, very moment, there are a spark Letters, a Knight of the Legion of with a stage placed next to the and a twinkle in the eye of Alexis Honour and Knight of the Order ring. In the same year, the word Gruss! Family: there may lie the of Agricultural Merit. He also “circus” was used for the first time. secret of this undying will to push received the National Circus the limits to improve oneself. Grand Prize, The Oscar Carré Philip Asltey was a guest of Prize of the Circus of Amsterdam, the French Royal Court, and Some say that, in knowledge, the Golden Epona Prize and the often presented his shows in there is first a happening that Golden Clown of the International Paris. In 1783, he opened up implies certain togetherness Circus Festival of Monaco. an Equestrian Theater on the “the great encounters come Faubourg du Temple, together with from a happening, a birth, in Alexis Gruss and the Arabian horse his son John. While the father was essence.” This idea describes - a life-changing encounter. Two celebrated in England for his many precisely the magical link between grey Arabian horses with Russian equestrian essays and memoirs, horse and man, between the bloodlines once took the stage, Paris celebrated his son’s skills. Master Rider and his steeds. under the Big Top, for a free display. The first one is no longer with us. “The circus is first a location. Yves Saint Laurent used to say “If However, the second one, the This 13 meter wide ring, in order there is no elegance of the heart, 11-year-old Itrann, still captivates to match the length of a lunging there is no elegance at all.” There the public’s attention. The lively whip, was created for the horse,” is no doubt that these words take stallion bounces through the ring says Alexis. “It is perfect to their full meaning in this family’s with his elastic trot, approaches his condition the horse’s body and to repertoire and know-how. The master and rears up in front of him. instill a sense of showmanship in family’s Pegase & Icare show will take place in Paris, France from Alexis and his Arabian Stallion Itrann at the Pegasus & Icarus show the animal. In this place, thoughts For Alexis, if the Arabian horse, meet intelligence. Its ground is the 17th of October 2015 to the 6th like the Barb horse, is indeed made of topsoil and saw dust, of March 2016. Then, the show instrumental in the improvement of thus it is a fertile living space in will tour the following towns (at the many breeds, it is highly possible perpetual motion. The ring is like Zénith Exhibition Centers): Saint that the Akhal Tekké horse is infinity, where nothing ever ends.” Etienne, Limoges, Nantes, Lille, actually the founder of all breeds. Rouen, Caen, Orleans, Nancy, There are some encounters that can become inspirational, both The first records about taller About the horses’ training Alexis Dijon, and Montpellier. about horses and about life itself. This is one of them. Alexis horses (about 1.50 meters to the Gruss reveals, “As all that is Gruss! The world famous Master-Rider. His very name evokes the withers, approximately 14.5 hands) natural is instinctive, education date from the 5th century B.C. and is unnatural, in my opinion. For more information, go to sound of hoof beats and the tinkling of the bridle’s bits. locate these in Central Asia. Bones Therefore, I believe in educating www.alexis-gruss.com, that belonged to horses similar horses with love and trust, and not to break him in, with submission. to the current Akhal Tekké have or by phone: +33(0)1 45 01 71 26. been found in Scythian tombs. To transcend what is natural

54 55 So far we have only talked about the horse’s back and hind legs. There is a tendency in modern classical dressage circles to ignore the relevance of the head and neck placement as well as the rein aids, just as there is an equally pronounced tendency among the “sports riders” to focus their attention exclusively on the head and neck position and the rein aids, while ignoring the horse’s back and hindquarters and the rider’s seat and leg aids. Neither camp will be able to truly train a horse. It may come as a surprise to many neo-classical dressage riders Jacques Toffi Jacques that the Old Masters often remarked that the rider cannot very well gymnasticise the hindquarters until he has given the head and neck a certain posture that allows the energy of the hind legs to travel through the spine all the way into the bit, and that enables the rein aids to travel into each front leg and each hind leg.

“Motion is the element of the horse and unmounted at the halt, or in motion rein, and you will see that gradually all motion starts in the hindquarters. under saddle. a larger portion of the neck begins to If therefore the flexibility of the participate in the bend. The bend at the hindquarters must be the ultimate “While working the poll on a straight very top of the neck is often the most purpose of all dressage training, this in line, but even more during flexions, difficult one. Some horses will brace no way means that lateral bending of the greatest enemy we encounter is against the request. This resistance poll neck, and spine are unnecessary. the saliva gland. As long as we have can sometimes be eliminated by giving Rather, the flexibility of these parts not obtained the immediate contact more with the outside rein until the top must first be obtained so that it can between the jowls and neck muscles, half of the neck is included in the bend. then be used as a means for the as long as the saliva gland does not Then, you slowly shorten the outside main purpose, namely to work the yield to the pressure of the jowl, so rein to reduce the bend again from the hindquarters.” that the jowl presses against the bottom towards the top. Sometimes saliva gland from below, the horse will you have to wait a few seconds until In order to be able to use the resist in increased collection. He will the horse yields and chews. When horse’s neck effectively as a tool try to fend off the effect of the bit by you continue with riding forward for gymnasticising the back and bracing, resisting with the lower jaw, or afterwards, the poll is suppler and as a haunches, all the resistances that are an unsteady head position; or he coils result the permeability has increased. situated in the neck and poll have to be up behind the reins, flexes the joints of removed. You can observe that many the hind legs, but remains stiff in the Sometimes subtle - or not so horses’ necks are most flexible at their poll. A poorly positioned saliva gland subtle - resistances can creep in, base and stiffest at the poll. In order to on only one side causes the horse to especially on the outside during make them into good riding horses, we resist in narrower turns in this direction; corners and turns. Resistances are have to stabilize the neck at its base and on a straight line it is often the more difficult to feel on the outside and supple its top, so that the flexibility reason why he short-strides with one than on the inside. That’s why it is of the neck increases from the base leg as if he were lame. Sometimes a good idea to test the horse from towards the poll. The greatest source it is the front leg of the stiff side, or time to time by feeling with the rein, of resistances can usually be found in the diagonal hind leg, depending positioning the horse carefully to the the conformation of the poll, jaw, and on what is more comfortable for the outside after a corner. If the horse throat latch. In fact, horses whose poll horse. (Horses who are high in the does not yield immediately to the rein region is very resistant to flexion and croup transmit this behaviour more pressure, the rider can stop the horse bend and who seem to be difficult to the hind leg). The horse does not and flex the neck and poll towards the to ride on the bit are almost always dare to reach forward on the stiff side, outside until the blockage disappears. horses whose lower jaw begins to because he feels pain in his poll when Then, he resumes the previous gait. touch the neck while the nose is still a he approaches the bit boldly. As soon In the middle of a turn, or in lateral good deal in front of the vertical. When as the constriction is eradicated by movements, the rider can try to bend the rider attempts to increase the appropriate flexions, the lameness is and position the horse more towards longitudinal flexion, the saliva glands gone. The lameness was not caused the inside. If the horse braces against consequently tend to get caught by the uneven movement of the leg the rein pressure, the rider stops and between the jaw and the neck, which muscles, but by the constriction of the flexes to the inside. is painful and can lead to all kinds of poll; this is supported by the fact that negative reactions from head tossing a regular movement is shown when It is of the utmost importance that the to spinning around and even rearing. these horses are ridden on a loose rider’s legs keep the horse thinking The horse’s gymnastic training has to rein.” forward. The calf brings the horse to THETHE ARTART OFOF CLASSICALCLASSICAL DRESSAGEDRESSAGE RIDINGRIDING change the musculature of his neck the rein, so to speak. The seat and and stretch the tissue surrounding In bending exercises, you can isolate legs also keep the hips and shoulders the saliva glands so that the glands the exact spot where the horse is aligned properly, so that the horse can move just enough to the outside blocked. If the horse is supple, you can cannot become crooked. This way, of the jaw in order not to get pinched secure the base of the neck with one the horse is still going forward, even SUPPLENESS any more. This reshaping of the neck rein, while the other rein asks the horse during flexions at the halt. musculature is done in part by flexions to bend, first just at the top, so that the Compiled by Emmad Eldin Zaghloul (bending the entire neck) and (bending rim of the jowl touches the neck and Sources of the article: just the poll/throat latch area). These pushes the saliva gland out. Then Dressage Classic Training Switzerland’s Melanie Hofmann and GB Cazzago-ch at the WEG2014 flexions can be done mounted or you can give a little with the outside Euro dressage 56 57 the same time as the cross country; chaos of the emotions and lose focus Her next big goal is to attend Rio as a EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER I think I may have begged my boss on the framing, timing and lighting.” photographer, a huge challenge but to let me go,” Grimshaw said. “I one she isn’t taking on lightly. “I feel had my little Nikon D300 with no Open for business. Early 2015 ready”, Grimshaw said. “It’s tough expectations and intending only Grimshaw officially set up a financially, it’s an expensive trip and have fun taking pictures of my business and quit her office job. persuading clients and sponsors favourite riders. I had such fun! I do of the value of good photography CARA GRIMSHAW not know why I had not connected seems to be a constant challenge.” my love of photography and horses “If it was not for my understanding sooner, I was kicking myself.” and supportive bosses, mentors, friends and loved ones, I would not The recent Aachen European By Cara Grimshaw have had the chance to make the leap Championships were a stepping An office administrator of 10 years into entrepreneurship.” Grimshaw stone to bigger things for Grimshaw, for a government corporation in states. “Getting to this point, there creatively and business wise. Vancouver, it was to provide her were endless hurdles to overcome. Grimshaw, specializing in the Most equestrian photographers start out financial stability for the next 3 Health issues from stress, financial behind-the-scenes imagery, was with a passion for horses or photography. years as she worked towards limitations, work schedules but I delighted to shoot at the prestigious doing photography full time. always seemed to land on my feet.” CHIO Aachen venue for the first time. Cara Grimshaw took 30 years to connect the “I had freedom to shoot anything I Cara Grimshaw wanted, spending hours sitting in the two. Grimshaw was signed up with the It was a big step for the 33-year- agency, Corbis Images, in 2014 which warm up ring and getting to know old. Despite the new freedom of the riders’ ins and outs, horses’ enabled her to have access to the being her own boss, Grimshaw high level events she needed to gain characters and the amazingly hard When the horse loving British she discovered photography. In 2008 Her favourite rider growing up knew just taking photographs is experience. The World Equestrian working grooms’ relationships with expat and Vancouver-based ,Grimshaw was encouraged to attend was Great Britain’s Dressage star not enough to be successful – after Games in 2014 saw Grimshaw the horses. Catching those details aspiring photographer attended the renowned Langara College Carl Hester. Never having seen all, many photographers fail within finally able to photograph and meet that often go unseen,” Grimshaw the London 2012 Summer Photography Certificate program by him ride in person and posters of the first year of going it alone. So, her hero Carl Hester. “I could not explains. “My photography style Olympics as an editorial technician, her boyfriend, also a photographer him covered her walls. She never she educated herself, along with get myself over him being an actual really came through over the two her career path became clear. after she purchased her first DSLR. dreamed that one day she would her college instruction, in business human and standing there right in weeks, I am thrilled with my images be photographing Hester ride. marketing, social media and and I’m excited to work with my front of me!” Grimshaw recalls her branding. “I wanted be sure I was “It was an amazing eye opening “I had the creative eye but lacked new clients I met at Aachen!” star-struck moment. “I had told him ready for the high seas known as the experience,” said Grimshaw, who at the technical knowledge of how to In 2012, she was given the about once having posters of him on photography industry, I didn’t want 33 has already racked up a number use a camera properly,” Grimshaw opportunity of a lifetime to attend the my wall and now I was the one taking to drown from not having basic life Be sure to follow Cara Grimshaw’s of large international events including said. “It took a few amazing London Olympics to assist her college the pictures! He looked me in the saving skills,” Grimshaw explained. photography adventures online as the World Equestrian Games, instructors and mentors continually instructor who was photographing eye and told me not to give up the “I always had an interest in business she continues to travel the globe. Cara Showjumping and Dressage World pushing me to realize that I could the games. “I learnt a lot first hand determination as it is amazing how communications and marketing is available for dedicated rider and Cup and most recently the 2015 indeed take this further than just about how the real photography hard work pays off, isn’t it?!.” Since so it was an easy learn for me.” team coverage and portrait sittings. European championships in Aachen. a hobby, it scared me a little.” world operates, outside of the then Grimshaw has photographed classroom, the highest levels and Hester a dozen times, finally getting it thrilled me. The adrenaline never It has been a busy five months All photos by Cara Grimshaw Grimshaw spent most of her life She experimented with all types of over the star-struck excitement, which since going full time as a working on or around horses growing up photography the years attending stopped even after 18hrs on my feet allows Grimshaw to get unique shots and 2 hours sleep,” Grimshaw recalls. photographer. Grimshaw has covered Web www.caragrimshaw.com in England, moving to Canada in college but it was action and that go beyond the usual ringside events in Europe and Canada, built Instagram @kiwinky 2015 leaving it all behind. To fill the photojournalism photography that images. “Being overwhelmed limits a solid client base and is already Twitter @kiwinky emptiness that horses once filled, she naturally gravitated towards. “It was luck that I had a quiet day my creativity, I get caught up in the making plans for the next few years. Facebook @photocara

A practice session at the FEI European Britain’s Carl Hester and Nip Tuck Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valgero Championships, Aachen 2015 58 59 HORSESHORSES && ARTSARTS SIHAMSIHAM MOHARRAMMOHARRAM

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60 its own feet, has a troublesome back the buyer is not very well versed in -When problems do occur, the BUYINGBUYING YOURYOUR HORSEHORSE ABROADABROAD and has skipped strides in both trot owning, caring for and riding horses. professional seller would do well to and canter. The buyer suspects the The first question is what the buyer invest time and effort into aiding the horse has been through a trauma in may expect from a horse with a price buyer. Make the journey to the buyer the past, but there is no proof of this. of 4000. Whatever the veterinary and judge the situation with the horse In short, the horse does not function condition of such an animal may be, for yourself, in order to determine SOME LEGAL TIPS properly according to the buyer. this kind of sum will not buy a highly whether the cause was pre-existing or trained top sport horse. Horses sold whether it was the new rider himself who In addition, it is later learned that the for such sums often have limitations caused the communication problems HT is pleased to present the first in a series of articles on legal horse also suffers from mud fever, either veterinary or in their natural with the horse by his own ignorance. topics related to horses and horse ownership. In this article the firm which the seller has failed to mention. abilities to perform as riding horses. of European Equine Lawyers sheds light on the crucial rights and After contact about this matter, the CONCLUSION seller states the horse has suffered -Pre-purchase exams are not responsibilities in the sale of horses. from mud fever before in the past. guarantees. The fact stands out that It could be expected that cases such Again, this does not please the buyer! a considerable sum is invested in a as this one only occur in the sales The above is reason enough for the pre-purchase examination, only to of horses in the lower price ranges. buyer to want to return the horse. The accept the risks of a veterinary remark The opposite is often true, however. seller is sorry there was no connection on one of the x-rays anyway. Should Especially in the higher price ranges between the horse and the buyer, the buyer want to explore the question (upwards of 200,000), talented and but will not take the horse back. The whether the riding problems are the often very experienced dressage and buyer would like to know this rights consequence of this veterinary remark, show jumping horses are sold abroad. and course of action at this point. he may be advised in this matter by an When the sale is not conducted by a

European Equine Lawyers array of ‘experts’ who would be most professional or a very experienced ANSWER - EUROPEAN EQUINE willing to invest the necessary time amateur, mismatches seem to occur LAWYERS and effort in this matter, but will also very quickly. When the new rider present their opinions. Pre-purchase is not quickly able to continue the In the legal sense, I understand from examination is very important, but is horse’s training at the same level as the facts presented here that the buyer no guarantee the horse will continue to the selling rider rode at, the new rider is of the opinion the horse does not do well with the buyer after purchase. will encounter all kinds of problems. live up to his expectations based on Only very rarely does the new rider the sales agreement posed by him. A -Buyer’s unrealistic expectations. wonder if he may be the cause and number of facts caught my attention Bills for veterinary examinations can not the selling party. The horse in and raised not only questions, but quickly amount to sums far exceeding question gets no fair chance at all, and also professional astonishment. the purchase price of the horse. The becomes no more than the subject This astonishment is not limited to presentation of the problem regarding of a legal dispute without receiving my vision as an experienced equine the mud fever also shows the buyer in any further training. The health of the lawyer, but also as an avid enthusiast question has little knowledge of what horse will tumble into a downward of horses and equestrian sport. he is doing. Some horses may indeed spiral. This lack of self-reflection on be more susceptible to the condition the part of the new rider will then lead What is the case? An eight-year-old than others, but mud fever is often to an even bigger disappointment gelding is purchased for a sum of a reaction to inadequate care, dirty when the selling party in equestrian €5000, and the horse is subjected to stables, unclean and muddy footing in, countries such as The Netherlands, clinical and radiological examinations for instance, horse walkers or the like. Germany or Belgium is awarded its at the costs of approximately rights by the courts of those countries. €700. The results of the clinical -The veterinarian charged with the examination are fine, but in one pre-purchase examination evidently While professional sellers may x-ray an abnormality is found. The did not diagnose any mud fever in purposefully decide in favour of selling horse changes ownership after the his clinical examination. In other to a less experienced rider, and such price has been reduced by 1000 to words, I would advise the buyer to ask rider can also purposefully decide to a sum of 4000 in light of this finding. himself what it is he expects from a buy a horse, the horse is often the horse, and whether he fully realizes victim in such cases. Professional After about four weeks, the horse such an animal is not a machine, but sellers would do well in my opinion to would be unable to be ridden normally. requires care and attention, and also realize that they are not only selling an According to the buyer, the horse has the right to appropriate training animal, but also the idea in the buyer’s apparently has a difficult back and and schooling so that the gelding in mind that they will meet certain goals misses strides even in trot! The horse question is not hindered by his rider. with this animal. The horse itself is only would also suffer from mud fever, Perhaps it is time to include clauses in part of the total package, which should which had failed to be mentioned. the regulations which allow the animal also include guidance and training itself to claim a fitting rider, a rider The European Equine Lawyers team: Ms. Britt Loeffen, Mr. Piotr with regard to the horse. Professional It is not stated whether the buyer ever which can offer the horse everything sellers incorporating this guidance Wawrzyniak, Mr. Luc Schelstraete, Mr. Vincent Zitman and Ms. Nikki Hamers that may be expected of them! tried the gelding before the purchase. into their sale will have more chance This appears not to be the case. After of building lasting and fruitful business In our legal practice, which is focused ,the result can often go against them. spite of this remark, but the sales price all, if the horse had been tried by the -In difficulties there are often opportunities. Personally, I see relationships. solely on equine law, we are routinely is brought down by 1000. The total sum aspiring buyer before the purchase, huge opportunities for professional CASE STUDY offered cases involving the disputed for the gelding then stands at 4000. Just the buyer would have been able to form sellers in transactions with consumer equine-law related questions or purchase or sale of a horse or pony. In a few weeks later, the buyer finds that some kind of judgment regarding the buyers and amateurs with little this type of dispute, often it turns out that A gentleman bought an 8-year- the horse cannot be ridden normally. way the horse was ridden and how it felt. experience abroad. In the sale of a matters. consumer buyers are not aware of what old gelding. The horse is examined This concludes a resume’ of the facts. horse, the veterinary pre-purchase they are getting into and lack insight both clinically and radio logically The seller visits and explains the horse examination is only a snapshot, but Please contact us by in the adequate care and training of a pre-purchase. The clinical examination should be ridden in the way it was OUR VISION in case of a positive result, the seller e-mail via horse. They also lack understanding is clear, but on one single x-ray the accustomed and if it is ridden in this should give specific advice as to info@ europeanequinelawyers.com or of their own obligations towards the examining veterinarian finds an way things will be fine. The buyer feels You get what you pay for. From the the that particular horse’s training telephone on +31-(0)135114420. purchased horse and, in a legal case abnormality. The horse is purchased in that the horse cannot freely move on way this case presents itself, it is clear level, needs, and special quirks. 62 63