The Other Side of Boyd Exell – Page 28

June 2010 Faces and places June 2010 June 2010 and places Faces

Faces and places

Endurance in Assam An inspirational experience – Page 22

Youth Olympic Games Countdown to Singapore – Page 32 rodrigo pessoa

Three-time FEI World Cup™ Champion. Olympic gold medal winner. Victor of more than 150 Grands Prix. Fate gave him a legendary name. Determination made that legend his own.

OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST IN 18 CT WHITE GOLD

Fei_Focus_SP_0510.inddFei_Focus_SP_0510.indd 1 1 07.05.1007.05.10 08:22 08:22 Editorial Welcome by the FEI Secretary General Note from the FEI President

Since the March edition of FEI FOCUS, the equestrian world has again witnessed a multitude of exciting sporting events. Moorlands Totilas won their fi rst ever FEI World The HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing series began on Cup™ Dressage Final on home ground in March 5 at Tallahassee in Florida (USA), where Mara ‘s-Hertogenbosch. We bring you a round-up of Dean (USA) and her veteran 15-year-old Irish-bred Nicky Henley became the fi rst duo to post a winning score. They all three exciting events, then step into the more were soon joined on the leaderboard by Megan Jones personal world of Boyd Exell in our The Other (AUS) and her Beijing Olympic ride Kirby Park Irish Jester after their victory at Kihikhi (NZL) on April 2. Side of… feature. Martina Hingis is not a name that is usually On March 23, the Netherlands' Edward Gal and his associated with the equestrian world but she stallion Moorlands Totilas claimed the 25th anniversary FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in s'Hertogenbosch, with is no stranger to the saddle. The Slovakian- a performance that matched high expectations fuelled born Swiss tenniswoman, who set a series of by their three record-breaking scores in 2009. “youngest-ever” records in her sport, tells us More than 54,000 spectators headed to Geneva in April about the role horses play in her life. for the Rolex FEI Wwof the Jumping fi nal, while the Australian Boyd Exell won the Driving fi nal for the second The young Japanese rider Tadahiro Hayashi has consecutive year. not yet reached the same level of sporting Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and his 10-year-old excellence as Hingis but is already making a Thoroughbred gelding Cool Mountain seized an early lead Dear FEI FOCUS readers, name for himself in Jumping. In our One day in the HSBC FEI Classics™ after their winning performance at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. The spotlight In March, International Olympic Committee president feature, he shares his hopes and dreams, which, shifted to the Mitsubushi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Jacques Rogge visited the site of the Youth Olympic not surprisingly for the son of an Olympic rider, (GBR) the following weekend when Paul Tapner (AUS) achieved the greatest moment of his Eventing career to Games (YOG) and praised the Singapore Youth are ambitious. Continuing the youth theme, claim the trophy and second place in the series. Olympic Games Organising Committee for its work we look at how courses run by the HSBC Pony and enthusiasm. As excitement mounts in the YOG Club are helping young riders to develop their These outstanding performances are all pointers to the form spectators can expect at the Alltech FEI World host country, our Postcard from series shines a spot- skills in the UK. Equestrian Games™, from September 25 to October 10 in light on the Equestrian Federation of Singapore with Sean Doane is a man who needs no reminding Lexington, Kentucky.

its president Dr Melanie Chew, who explains how that the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM But before riders from eight disciplines convene at the the prestigious event is affecting the small island’s are taking place in Kentucky this October. As ven- Kentucky Horse Park, the world will witness the fruition of IOC president Jacques Rogge’s initiative to stage the dynamic equestrian community. ue manager for the event, he has little time for fi rst ever Youth Olympic Games. The Singapore-hosted Youth Olympic fever is high in Australia too, where anything else, as you will fi nd out in our A Life event will bring together 3,600 athletes aged between 14 and 18 and various communication initiatives will link a devoted team has the important task of schooling in a Day feature. And those of you who youths worldwide with the event. The Jumping event at the horses that will be lent to the young athletes intend to witness the excitement in Kentucky the Youth Olympic Games will be a wonderful opportunity for the young riders to let their talents shine, inspiring and competing in the Jumping event in Singapore. In fi rst-hand will fi nd plenty of useful information motivating children and adolescents around the world. this edition of FEI FOCUS, we meet those Australian in our World Equestrian Games travel guide. trainers and fi nd out what their work involves. We have much to look forward to together and I wish all We hope you will enjoy reading this edition of those who are contributing to the equestrian calendar, Closer to the FEI headquarters, Geneva was the venue FEI FOCUS and look forward to receiving any whether they are doing so as athletes, spectators, for the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping and FEI World feedback you may wish to give. organisers or sponsors, many great moments of outstanding horsemanship. Cup™ Driving fi nals in April, which put Marcus Ehning

(GER) and Boyd Exell (AUS) respectively on the Alex McLin HRH Princess Haya podiums. Two weeks earlier, Edward Gal (NED) and FEI Secretary General FEI President

04 05 Table of Contents Focus June 2010 Print-run 2,500 Contact / Advertising FEI – Fédération Equestre Internationale Frequency Quarterly Richard Johnson Editor in Chief Richard Johnson Avenue de Rumine 37, CH-1005 Lausanne Subeditor Marianne Burkhardt T +41 21 310 47 47, F +41 21 310 47 60 Design / Art Tasmanie.ch www.fei.org Printing SRO Kundig, Geneva Richard [email protected] Cover© Julia Rau

08 Through the Looking Glass 20 HSBC Pony Club 32 Shaping up for Singapore 46 Postcard from Singapore Photos by Julia Rau An eventing and training programme Schooling in Australia Interview with Dr Melanie Chew across Britain 14 One day... 40 FEI World Cup™ Dressage 49 A Life in a Day Portraits of the next generation 22 Assam Endurance 2009/2010 season wrap-up Sean Doane, Venue Manager, Endurance in India 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 16 Honing the skills to inspire 42 FEI World Cup™ Driving A coaching format that travels well 26 The long ride 2009/2010 season wrap-up 50 Alltech Tips From Beijing to London En route to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 18 Why the Long Face ? 44 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Exclusive interview with Martina Hingis 28 The other Side of... Jumping Boyd Exell 2009/2010 season wrap-up 52 The Road to 2010 Your travel guide

26 32 FEI Congress on NSAID use in equestrian competition Lausanne, 16-17 August 2010

Open to National Federations and representatives of all stakeholder groups, including veterinarians, ofﬁ cials, Riders Clubs, Organisers, FEI Laboratories, racing and breeding authorities, sponsors, the IOC, WADA and the media.

Early registration is recommended.

Further information and regular updates at: http://www.fei.org/veterinary/nsaid-congress-2010

06 07 Through the Looking Glass Julia Rau

The work of German photographer Julia Rau is regularly published in equestrian magazines in Europe and America and features in books by the Eventing rider Ingrid Klimke.

Julia took up photography when her ex-husband – a journalist and photographer for a local newspaper – bought her a camera. Soon, she was accompanying him on assignments and providing the photos that accompanied his articles. The diversity of subjects they covered gave her a broad perspective of the profession, but her love of horses naturally steered her towards her specialisation.

As a child, she rode regularly, despite her parents’ disapproval, which increased further when she broke her arm in a fall. Later, while training to be a social worker, she accompanied underprivileged children on riding holidays organised by the Protestant Church.

Julia covers around 30 equestrian competitions each year and travels constantly between April and October. She particularly enjoys the excitement of Eventing. “It’s aesthetic and dynamic,” she enthuses. “There is tension between the riders and their horses but, at the same time, they are in complete harmony.”

When she is on magazine assignments, Julia sees herself as a reporter. “I have to show events to readers who don’t attend,” she explains. “They need to see what the event was really like and I don’t want to force them to see things the way I do.”

This quest for objectivity means she rarely uses a wide-angle lens, which she feels “manipulates the truth”. Modestly, she believes that a good photo is down to luck.”It’s all about light. You never know how it will come out and you can be disappointed by the results,” she says. “But sometimes, everything is just right.”

www.rauphoto.de

08 09 Through the Looking Glass Julia Rau

10 11 Through the Looking Glass Julia Rau

12 13 One Day… Portraits of the next generation

As the FEI continues its “Year of Youth”, Richard Johnson speaks to one of the leading young Jumping riders from Japan,Tadahiro Hayashi.

After winning both the Young Rider Championship and Championship in Japan last, year this 19-year-old, whose father, Tadayoshi Hayashi, competed in the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games, is making headlines.

Complete the sentence ….One day I would like What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? to... realise my dreams I have received lots of good advice, so it is difﬁ cult for me to choose. "Copy the good points of top What is your favorite website? YouTube, Face riders" – that’s the best advice for me... book What advice would you give to someone visiting Japan Who is your role model ? A person who is striving What are your long-term goals as a rider? What is the one thing you would do to improve for the ﬁ rst time? Japan is a very good country. Go for his dream like my father My long term goal is to win a Gold medal at equestrian sport? I'd like to see good results sightseeing in good places (especially Mount Fuji) the Olympics. at all of the big International events and let and don't forget to try Japanese food! When did you start riding and why? My family has everyone feel familiar with equestrian sport been running a horseback riding club since I was How do you like to relax when you are not around the world. a kid. So I've been living with horses all of my life. riding? By shopping and going for lunch with my friends. What sort of music do you download? Hip-hop How do you feel when you ride? The feeling is really profound, so every day I ride it’s great to get this Do you do anything for good luck? Nothing Before you compete, what do you normally eat? feeling. special, but I think that most important thing Same as usual. Rice and miso soup are good is to trust myself and my horse. for me!

14 15 Honing the skills to inspire

A technical coaching session

In five years, the FEI Coaching System, developed from an

Irish method, has enabled coaches from 76 developing The FEI’s fi rst coaching courses took place in 2004, with the aim of helping developing National Federations in the Olympic disciplines National Federations to organise their existing structures. So far, the courses have taken place of Jumping, Eventing and Dressage to improve their in South and Central America, Central Europe, Africa and Asia. Coaches practising locally skills. Liam Moggan, Coach Development Officer at the receive tuition from FEI-appointed tutors at two Irish sports coaching and development body Coaching Ireland talks levels in the three Olympic disciplines. Some become tutors themselves and then contribute about the of a system that is . to extending the system in their own regions. effectiveness travelling well In coaching, two-way communication is necessary, in order to develop the technical, and specifi c skills must be combined with a bond of tactical, mental, physical and personal capacities trust between trainee and coach. “To benefi t of the athletes. Emphasis is also placed on the from good coaching, a rider must become completely importance of adopting a suitable lifestyle. immersed in it,” he adds.

Liam Moggan, Coach Development Ofﬁ cer at Not everyone is a born coach, but Moggan believes Coaching Ireland, is convinced of the that anyone can learn to become one. He is also effectiveness of the system, which was created adamant that tutors, like the coaches, must by the Equestrian Federation of Ireland, then constantly update their skills. adapted by the FEI for its own use. “In the FEI system you have to be a Level 2 coach in “The most effective coaches can transform the order to become a tutor,” he explains. “The FEI person they are training,” he says. “The essence Director of Coaching, Jacqueline Braissant, saw the of the relationship with the participant is key to need for the training of tutors in order to provide success and good personal interaction skills are consistent, quality training and that is one of the at the core of it.” great strengths of the system that is now in place – it’s based on a format that remains exactly the same In addition to developing participants’ technical no matter where it is implemented in the world.” skills, the coach education system aims to improve their powers of observation and Moggan says the coach education system is already analysis, as well as their ability to pay attention making a difference but that the beneﬁ ts of the work to detail and read body language. of all those involved will be seen in 10 or 15 years time. Liam Moggan moderating the first FEI Regional Coaches Workshop in Quito, Equador “It’s often about the riders changing their behavior and responses to situations,” says “There are people within the FEI and the FEI family Moggan. “The coach can help, but, in the end, with the ability, vision, enthusiasm and knowledge the riders must be open to the concept of change to promote and ignite a trusted, effective system and really want to make it.” For him, these subtle and I am very proud to be a part of that,” he says.

16 17 Why the Long Face ?

How would you describe your connection to horses? Do you think there is a lot of pressure on young athletes nowadays I’m very passionate about horses; it gives me a as opposed to when you were growing up? I think it is similar sense of freedom when I am with horses. today, Although, the rules in tennis have changed so that you cannot play as many events at a young age. As a professional sportswoman, did you have any time or even interest in horses when you were growing up? You managed to remain at the top of your game for a long Yes. I started riding when I was 11. At 15, when time. What were the ingredients to your sporting success and I got my ﬁ rst prize money cheque for tennis, longevity? Discipline, focus and concentration. I also Martina Hingis I bought a horse! tried to keep learning.

What do you think young people gain from riding ? Do you think that riding can add to the character and You learn to take care of a horse and you have development of a young person? Yes, you have to learn to learn to deal with the responsibility that responsibility and you have to take ownership of what Martina Hingis turned comes with it. Riding a horse also teaches you you do. I think it can teach you some good lessons. professional at the age of 14 to have good balance. and dominated world tennis in If horses could talk, what would they be saying? I think my the 1990s, ranking #1 in women’s Do you think equestrian sport needs to adapt to young horses would be pretty happy. It is important to singles three times and nearly people today? It’s quite an expensive sport, treat them with respect. I have certain rules to make completing a rare Grand Slam in which means it is not accessible to everyone – sure they a good quality of life. 1997. FEI correspondent Mungo especially when you are young. Denison asks the Slovakian-born Is there a unique trait you look for in a horse that you can’t Swiss sportswoman about the Your fi rst riding experience – was it bliss or terror? fi nd in people? I think I am lucky that I am surrounded role horses play in her life. I was four years old! When they fi rst put me by both people and horses that I trust. I look at it on a horse it was terror, but then when they put like a partnership. me on a pony instead, I smiled. What would you miss most if you could no longer go riding? Do you think anyone can ride? Yes. If you can The beautiful trail rides in the snowy mountains. overcome your fear, then yes, anyone can get on a horse and ride. Where in the world would you most like to ride? I’ve been lucky. The best place I have ever ridden is Sandy Beach Have you ever competed in an equestrian event (at any in Australia. I would love to go back to Ireland and level) or thought about how you could get involved? ride there. Yes, up until 1m 30cm category but my dream is to at least S class. If you could spend one afternoon riding with a famous person (past or present) who would it be and why? I think Do you have a licence to drive a horsebox/lorry? I’ve been really lucky. I have ridden with some of the No, but that is my next driving goal – I recently true greats – Rodrigo Pessoa, Michel Robert and passed my boat driver’s licence! Marcus Ehning. And on Wednesday, I am looking forward to riding with Nelson Pessoa. What’s your favourite part of a horse? The head – especially the eyes. I think you can see a lot What is your all time favourite horse fi lm ? Black Beauty and about a horse's character through its eyes. Secretariat.

How did you react to your success at such a young age? I just grew into it. It isn’t something you can prepare for. When you are successful at a young age, you just learn to deal with it. I didn’t have too much time to react; I just tried to keep in charge of things. © L’Equipe/Lahalle 18 19 HSBC Pony Club Eventing Training Programme HSBC, now a platinum partner of the FEI and global sponsor of eventing through the HSBC FEI Classics™, which unites ﬁ ve of the world’s four-star three-day events, and the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing, holds at the centre of all of its sponsorships a commitment to youth, education and community. This is why, for the second year running, it has teamed up with the Top: Mary King, William Blane and Nick Gauntlett at Stockland Lovell Pony Club to create the HSBC Pony Club Below left: Pony Club Member Eventing Training Programme, which is designed Below right: Pony Club Member enjoying Cross Country tuition at Stockland Lovell to capitalise on the talent and enthusiasm of Bottom right: Pony Club Member taking advantage of the Training day at Guildford Pony Club Members.

“The sport of eventing is one that Britain Jenny Benoy, the area representative for the British excels at and through this sponsorship we Pony Club’s Cheshire and North Wales region, held the hope that riders at the grass roots level of fi rst HSBC Pony Club Eventing and Training Programme the sport can be encouraged and helped to of 2010 on 20 and 21 March. This was two days of develop their skills, therefore widening and instruction for 24 riders. The fi rst day consisted of strengthening the base of riders who may showjumping and dressage tuition, while the second well go on through junior and young rider day concentrated on cross-country technique, course- schemes to represent their country at the walking and putting the technique into practise over a highest level,” said Giles Morgan, Group Head course. “The Pony Club is all about training, so to get of Sponsorship at HSBC. help like this is a huge bonus and parents are extremely grateful. It means we can offer top-class tuition at very This consists of 23 eventing training days in competitive rates,” says Benoy. “As safety in cross 2010, at least one in each of the Pony Club in country is such a signifi cant issue in the sport of Britain’s 19 regions. Each of the training eventing, the better prepared our young riders are, the sessions is conducted by a top coach, such as safer they should be.” Yogi Breisner, British Eventing Team Performance Manager, or one of a number of international HSBC Pony Club Eventing Training days are riders and trainers. These include Eric Smiley, scheduled across Britain – in Northern Ireland, Gill Watson, Caroline Moore, Nigel Taylor and Scotland, Cheshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nick Gauntlett, all of whom have proven Surrey, Somerset, Wales, Buckinghamshire, records as both riders and trainers. Hampshire, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Wiltshire and Cambridgeshire – from March until the beginning of The Pony Club, which celebrated its 80th July. This should enable a wide range of Pony Club anniversary in 2009, is recognised as the largest Members to access the sort of top-class training that association of riders in the world. The vast will make a real difference to their riding and their majority of Britain’s international event riders attitude to competition and preparation for – and many of those from other countries, such competition. Judy Edwards, Chief Executive of The as Australia and New Zealand – owe their Pony Club, says: “With The Pony Club being the youth success to the Pony Club. Every Member of arm of the British Equestrian Federation, providing the Britain’s gold-medal-winning team at the training ground for aspiring equestrian Olympic HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship athletes, it is imperative that we give them the very last year – William Fox-Pitt, Tina Cook, best possible grounding. The HSBC training grant is Oliver Townend and Nicola Wilson – and enabling us to do just that.” individual gold and silver medallists Tina Cook and Piggy French, were Pony Club Members. For further information regarding the HSBC Pony The Pony Club – and the training it provides – Club Training and Grassroots programme please is therefore key to the continued success at contact: Jenny Yates, Eventing and Training Offi cer the highest level of British event riders. +44 (0) 2476 698305, or email [email protected] © Kit Houghton 20 21 Assam Endurance

As part of the independently sponsored FEI Endurance Development Scheme, an Endurance Seminar and Endurance Training clinic recently took place in the lead-up to the ‘Eastern Himalayan Ride 2010’ in Assam, India.

Over twenty riders, trainers and Endu- rance Ofﬁ cials attended the working sessions hosted by the Equestrian Federation of Assam under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India.

22 23 Assam Endurance

A number if International FEI Endurance Offi - Riders from Argentina, Switzerland, the UK For Ian Williams, FEI Director of Non-Olympic The ride’s 55 per cent completion rate was a cials made presentations at the Seminar and and the USA joined some twenty-six national Sports, watching the local riders competing great encouragement to the organisers, both in clinics and offi ciated at the ride itself, work- riders in the competition. The course of some alongside some of the best riders in the world terms of an assessment of the local horses used ing alongside Endurance offi cials from the 60km tracked alongside the Brahmaputra River was unforgettable. "It really was an uplifting ex- and the degree of knowledge learned from the Equestrian Federation of India and Assam. (part of one of Asia’s longest rivers at 2,900 km perience for the FEI to be involved with such an sponsored Seminar and Training Clinic. long), past local villages and through the world worthwhile and inspiring project," he said. The Eastern Himalayan Ride 2010 also saw famous Assam Tea Plantations – all under the In the open competition, Ald Krishan Kumar of the participation of a number of internation- shadow of the mighty Himalaya. "The beauty of this programme is to really out- India riding Chandan took fi rst position, ahead al riders, who were invited by the organisers. reach to the far corners of the earth and bring of Switzerland’s Suse Kathi Muhlethaler rid- people together, share knowledge, expertise ing Monu in second place and Martha Misheff and to fasttrack their knowledge of endurance. (USA) riding Moom Star in third. Ultimately the long-term aim will be that they will be inspired to ride at a higher level.”

24 25 The long Ride Megan Lewis

Where do the horses stay at night? On the first trial stage they were tied up where possible on long teth- ers with access to grazing, but more often than not they were tied up in all sorts of places to all manner of things - girders in a hotel courtyard, trucks, trailers, electricity poles etc! Luckily Chinese horses take this all in their stride! On the second Great Wall stage we had the advantage of the trailer to tie up to, and very occasionally they were loose in a grassy courtyard. What has been the highlight of the trip so far? It is difficult to single out a particular highlight. In general Why on horseback? Apart from the fact that I have it has been the unique opportunity to experience the enjoyed horse riding since I was a child, I feel one ex- real China, being invited into people's homes and see- periences far more of the real flavour of the areas one ing how they live at grassroots level. The friendliness In the October edition of FOCUS, 60-year-old travels through in comparison with travelling by mo- and hospitality of the Chinese people we have encoun- Megan Lewis spoke of her impatience to torised transport. In riding slowly and quietly through tered has been incredible, from the banquets laid on continue her charity ride from Beijing to London, areas away from the main roads, one sees and experi- by the horsey communities in Guyuan, Houhehot and which was interrupted when she was injured in ences things one would otherwise miss, and has the Baotou, to the simple gifts of fruit (and even onions a fall. We catch up with the intrepid horsewoman opportunity to communicate with local people on a in one case!) pressed upon us by locals. One magical in China. more personal level. The advantage over walking is experience was riding across the Huang He floodplain, that the horse does all the hard work, leaving the rider sometimes right beside the swirling waters of the great free to relax and enjoy the scenery! muddy river, followed for miles by little Chinese swal- What distance will you cover on the ride? A very Where do you stay at night? Our support vehicle driver lows which swooped and darted right under the noses difficult question to answer until we have finished! goes ahead every day to find somewhere suitable to stay, Do you intend to ride one horse the whole way? It of the horses. Another unforgettable event was when The distance as the crow flies is over 5000 miles or depending on how far we decide to ride that day. Since would be a real achievement to ride a Chinese horse we turned up at Tumen, an old town on the Great Wall 8000km, but the actual distance we will cover on the receiving official certification, there has been no all the way to London, but realistically it is unlikely to in Gansu province to find that a Daoist temple dedi- ground will be very different due to the meandering of problem staying where we wish, and this has usually be possible due to the difficulties of some of the bor- cated to an ancient 'horse ancestor' was being rebuilt, the route, particularly in rough terrain. One route between been very basic accommodation in farmers’ houses, der crossings. In addition, I am intending to use native having been destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. London and Beijing recently covered by bicycle was esti- small hotels and truck stops. The latter have the advan- breeds of horse suited to local terrain and conditions The auspicious arrival of travellers on horseback cre- mated at around 7500 miles. Given that our route is more tage of large yards that can accommodate the back-up where possible, partly to promote the different native ated vast excitement, and decked out in red silk scarves likely to be off road, one can give an estimate of be- vehicle and horses. We have not camped as yet, although breeds of horse we will encounter along the way. and to the accompaniment of fire crackers, we were pre- tween 8000 – 10000 miles (approx 13,000 –16,000km). I anticipate doing so in the future. More up market hotels vailed upon to lead the horses right inside the temple are out, as apart from the fact that they are beyond What sort of horses are you using? I intend to use local to bring good luck. At the start of the ride it was not How far have you already ridden ? The distance I have our budget, they invariably do not have the space or breeds of horse, and for the China stage we have been possible to follow close to the Great Wall due to the covered on the Great Wall stage is approximately 1800 inclination to accommodate three to four horses! using Chinese Shandan horses, generously provided rugged terrain, so in Gansu it was an absolute thrill to miles. by the Shandan horse stud. This stud was established be able to ride right alongside its crumbling earth re- What do you feed the horses? We buy loose feed in in the 1930s in Gansu province to provide horses for mains for long stretches, often close enough to touch it. How long are you in the saddle every day? We are usually bags from local feed merchants. Feed is mainly in the military use - as packhorses and for patrolling in dif- in the saddle for an average of six to eight hours, form of ground cereals, the staple being ground maize, ficult terrain. This was done by crossing Russian Don How did the Chinese react to you riding through? starting at about 7 or 8am and arriving at our chosen which we mix with oats, ground wheat, and something stallions with smaller local breeds. At one time the They were very surprised and curious to see travellers destination at around 4–5 pm, we have regular rests, which I have been unable to identify yet, but is possibly stud kept thousands of breeding mares but they now on horses, particularly when they realised our group and take an hour or two off at midday for lunch and sorghum. Forage is mainly in the form of hay, or straw only have a few hundred. A robust, tough horse, the included an elderly foreign woman. Oddly, one of the to feed the horses. When the weather is hot, we start and maize stalks when hay is not available. We also stop Shandan horse is generally between 13 and 14hh and questions we were asked on more than one occasion earlier to avoid the midday heat, and have a longer to graze the horses where possible on patches of grass typically a plain bay. was if we were a circus! midday break. or alfalfa on the roadside.

26 27 The other Side of… Boyd Exell, winner of April’s FEI World Cup™ Driving final, left his native Australia in 1993 to hone his riding and carriage driving talents in England. Cindy Timmer asks the professional carriage driving instructor and trainer about horses and more…

My parents taught me... When I was a child, I used to race with motorcross bikes and play rugby. I always used to look over my shoulder at my fellow competitors and team players rather than to look forward. My father used to complain about this a lot and he has taught me to always look forward instead of looking back. My dream come true is... When I left Australia to live in Great Britain, one of my ambitions was to win a World Championship. When I have achieved this, it will be a milestone in my life. I do not have the ambition however to win 15 World Cham- pionships – winning is not everything to me. I need to win once to be able to say that I have done it. I am in fact keener on the way I won it than the winning itself. I don’t go anywhere without... My mobile phone and my VISA card, I always need either one of them!

All photos © Rinaldo de Craen/FEI

28 29 The other Side of… Boyd Exell

After an event, the The quality I first person I send a appreciate most in text message to is... other people is... Normally I always make sure that my older I appreciate people with a genuine character. sister Lisa knows what the results are. She I appreciate it when people remain the same works with computers and usually already under pressure or not under pressure. Some knows the results, but I am always making people behave in one way when everything sure. She is very special to me. goes well and in a different way when it goes bad, I do not like that very much. The person I most admire is... If I were a politician Mark Todd and George Bowman Sr. for their in my country, I natural horsemanship. They have a unique way of creating a relationship with horses and the would try to change... horses will do everything for them. The taxes on diesel! In the UK, diesel is extra- I was in Dubai fi ve years ago when I got to know ordinarily expensive. Other than that, I am The last book I read My earliest horse- Mark Todd personally. He drove my team and whappy with how the world is going. I saw straight away that he has a really good was... related memory is ... feeling and very good control over the horses. I don’t read books because I fall asleep at When I was four years old, I used to go to I admire George Bowman because he goes for Driving has given the tenth page and I have to start all over the fi eld with horses at the end of our street, the maximum potential. He will only be happy again! I do read articles and equestrian sport but as soon as they walked up to me, I jumped if he has won the dressage and put down a me... magazines and of course, the driving rules back out of the fi eld! good performance at the same time. A world wide sport. My hobby became my since they are always being updated! I watch business, it doesn’t feel like work. I do what I a lot of DVDs; watching a fi lm makes me want to do and the driving sport has enabled switch off everything else. For me, the three My most life-changing me to do this. most important experience was... I chose driving reasons for getting up When I broke my leg four years ago, I re-evaluated my focus. Prior to my accident, Young people because... every morning are... I was not hungry for winning. I was unable to wanting to get into I did not choose driving, driving chose me. My children James and Olivia jumping all over compete for 18 months and when I started to As a young boy, all I wanted to do was show me in bed until I get up! Customers waiting for compete again, I was more focussed and driven. this sport should... jump. Since we did not have any horses at me for lessons. My grooms Michelle and Lisa Never hesitate to walk up to top drivers to ask home, my mother arranged for me to help a waiting at the yard for me to arrive. I am not something. They have to show their keenness friend of hers who had carriage horses. I was very good in the mornings anyway, I only know - top horsemen will recognise this and will be devastated when I went for the fi rst time and of one eight o’clock and that is in the evening! happy to help them do this. found out they were carriage horses instead of I take a long time to get going in the morning. show jumping horses. But I loved working with horses, so I went to that yard every day anyway.

30 31 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

Shaping up for Singapore

At the Youth Olympic Games in August, riders in the Jumping event will be paired with horses that a team of dedicated trainers is schooling in Australia. Louise Parkes finds out more about these equine athletes destined for excellence

an operating theatre) and a huge outdoor "I was looking for animals aged between fi ve After being awarded the contract to procure Polytrack training ring designed to drain 150 to and 12 years old - no stallions, just mares and and train the horses by the Singapore Youth 180 cm of water per hour from the surface geldings, and the majority thoroughbred or Olympic Games Organising Committee, Paula if tropical weather conditions get in the way, quality warmbloods and warmblood crosses. Hamood of Glen Haven Park tried over 100 he also had to source suitable equine athletes I wanted horses that would stand up to horses under saddle, with 51 passing the ridden in a relatively short space of time. competition in the tropics and I talked a lot with test but 17 of these failing the Veterinary Exam. Professor Leo Jeffcott about what we should be After following this process, Paula and her "I started off by writing and developing a looking for in that regard. Temperament was team at Glen Haven Park, with a great sense model based on FEI requirements and the also hugely important with a view to selling on. of achievement, decided on 38 impressive legacy programme for Singapore," says the They were initially examined by a local candidates for the Singapore team of horses. 46-year-old, who hails from rural New South veterinary surgeon before a second veterinary Wales. "The long-term intention is that the expert was asked to produce a report on the Jeremy Edwards horses will be sold into the developing Singa- fi ndings of the fi rst vet. We left nothing to pore market after the Games," he explains. chance, we did a wide range of blood tests and It's always a challenge when doing something for He put out a tender for sourcing and pro- 26 digital images per horse," he points out. the fi rst time, but when you combine youth's duction, with very specifi c requirements. A enormous drive and energy with experience, selection of 38 horses, capable of jumping a determination and focus, then even the toughest course of fences up to 1.20 metres in height and targets can be achieved. Add an extra dollop of suitable for re-sale by the end of their training complete commitment to that, and you have the would have to be found, and strict veterinary perfect picture of the team managing the logistics requirements were put in place. of the equestrian event for this summer's inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore.

Jeremy Edwards is the Australian Deputy Head of Venue Operations for the YOG, and Venue Manager for the sole equestrian activity of Jumping. He already has three Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain under his belt and therefore had a fairly good idea of what he was letting himself in for when taking on the roles in December 2008, but there was an extra dimension for him this time around. Part of his brief was to provide horses for Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre the 30 young riders who will descend on the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre in six months time, so apart from ensuring the ideal environment that includes a world-class 50x80 metre covered arena, 40 stables, paddocks, cooling tents, veterinary facilities (including All photos © Mel Cruden

The Glen Haven Park team

32 33 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

The ﬁ rst horses arrived at Paula and David three Australian Olympic show jumping teams Hamood's 1,200-acre farm, Glen Haven Park, and is a prominent ﬁ gure on her national in Queensland, Australia in August and the last circuit. The Hamoods have four children - in December 2009. From the moment the 19-year-old Joshua, 17-year-old Olivia (also an Singapore horses began to arrive at Glen Haven accomplished horsewoman and trainer of the Park, their training and care became the sole Singapore horses), Joseph, who is four, and two- focus for everyone at the farm. year-old Sophia. Paula is a lady with plenty on her plate, but as the old saying goes: "If Originally from Birdwood in South Australia, you want a good job done then ask a busy Paula Hamood is a hugely experienced man" (or woman in this case!). horsewoman who has been short-listed for

Paula Hamood 34 35 Youth Olympic Games in Singaporee

Mother-of-four Paula Hamood with her daughter Olivia: Many of the newly-purchased horses were their every need and four accomplished riders if you want a good job done, ask a busy woman. coming out of the Australian winter so muscle focusing on the training, including Paula, her development, feet, teeth and worming were daughter Olivia, Emma Smith from Sydney early priorities. "The contract is a huge and the multi-talented Tom Sedger, who also responsibility but I know we are doing a doubles-up as the barn farrier. "I'm really very really good job and that the young riders in proud of the whole team, and they are Singapore will have a great time competing certainly looking forward to spending six at the Olympics on these wonderful horses," weeks in Singapore with the horses and being Paula says. The Singapore horses, have their a part of the ﬁ rst ever Youth Olympic Games," own stable block at Glen Haven Park with she adds. ﬁ ve grooms (three of whom have travelled from Netherlands, Wales and New Zealand to be part of this exciting project) attending

36 37 Youth Olympic Games in Singaporee

The horses will undergo the 14-day pre-export It's been a massive undertaking for both quarantine in their own stables at Glen Haven Jeremy, who describes himself as the Park before travelling the two-hour road "conductor of the choir" but who says the journey to Brisbane where they will be experience so far has been "personally very loaded for the eight-hour ﬂ ight to Singapore. rewarding", and for Paula who says she is "It will be hot and humid when they get "loving every minute of it" but who, on the to Singapore, but Australian horses are used other hand, is not really looking forward to to the heat and they will be stabled in it coming to an end. "You become attached an airy barn – very Australian-style – no to the horses so it's difﬁ cult when you have air-conditioning but perfectly comfortable," to let them go but I'm hoping that, after Jeremy explains. A draw will take place to doing a great job for the young riders this decide which horse and rider will be paired summer, their talents and training will be off, and that partnership will remain together well utilised and they will go on to have for the duration of the competition, which successful careers with other riders," she says. begin on the 18 August. Shaping up for Singapore is an adventure for everyone, involved and you can follow the progress of the horses, trainers and grooms by visiting: www.glenhavenparkaust.com.au or check out the Youth Olympic Games at www.singapore2010.sg Dutch groom Jacobine with Northern Prisma Three 38 39 Wrap-up FEI World CupsTM

Celebrating at' s HertogenboschDressage – an overview of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in its 25th season...

th The 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage season was a very special one, as this important series celebrated its 25 Edward Gal riding Moorlands Totilas (NED) anniversary. And what better way to bring it to a close than to see the fi nal return to where it all began – at 's-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands. It was there, 25 years ago, that Anne Grethe Jensen and Marzog took the inaugural title in style, and this was the ninth fi nal to take place at the Indoor Brabant Horse Show. What a fi nal it was, as the "talking horse" of the world of international dressage – the magical Moorlands Totilas ridden by The Netherlands' Edward Gal – won through after a diffi cult start. From the outset, the concept of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage series was warmly embraced by the Dutch. The idea of a competition with a Kür to Music as a highlight was the brain-child of Joep Bartels after he watched the 1984 Olympic champions Dr Reiner Klimke and Ahlerich demonstrate an impressive series of one-tempi changes while precisely keeping time to the Olympic theme tune. After a strong lobby, matched by much enthusiasm from its fi rst sponsor, the Nashua FEI World Cup was born.

Some purists believed that a World Cup with a Kür as a highlight would smother, rather than emphasise, classical riding techniques, but its public popularity was clear from the outset. It appealed to spectators, the media and television alike and became an offi cial part of the new Olympic schedule deciding the individual medals in Atlanta in 1996. Another important change, made after the 2002 fi nal, was to have the Grand Prix as the qualifi er for the Freestyle test, thereby underlining the importance of the World Cup as a Freestyle championship. Not only has the standard of individual winners improved over the years, the overall standard is at a far higher level. Minimal scores below 60% used to be common-place for the second half of the fi eld of competitors, but they belong to the past for the last decade.

Edward Gal's team-mate, nine-time World Cup champion Anky Van Grunsven, set the previous record score of 87.75 % in the series ﬁ nal at Amsterdam in 2006. But for Moorlands Totilas, breaking records is all in a day's work, and, having settled his nerves after an unusually edgy performance in the preliminary Grand Prix at the 2010 ﬁ nal, the black stallion returned to his more familiar and spectacular self to raise the standard yet again when notching up a mark of 89.90% to win the Kur.

A total of 15 riders from 10 nations competed at the 25th fi nal. Germany was represented by Matthias Alexander Rath, Carola Koppelmann and two-time champion Isabell Werth, while Patrick Kittel and Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven fl ew the Swedish fl ag. Denmark's Princess Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein was competing in the very last competition before the birth of her fi rst baby, while Austria's Peter Gmoser got a late call-up, as did Belgium's Jeroen Devroe. The Central European League was represented by Michal Rapcewicz and Katarzyna Milczarek from Poland, while 39-year-old Brett Parbery qualifi ed from the Pacifi c League and Brazil's Luiza Almeida from the South American/Asian region.

The Dutch were in complete control, however, as Adelinde Cornellisen, winner of the Western European qualifying series, slotted into second place ahead of her compatriot Imke Schellekens-Bartels, who was third. Absent from the 2010 ﬁ nal was 2009 title-holder Steffen Peters from the USA. The dressage world awaits the ﬁ rst fascinating clash between the popular American partnership of Peters and his lovely stallion Ravel and Gal with the extraordinary Totilas at the forthcoming World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Photos © Kit Houghton/FEI 40 41 Wrap-up FEI World CupsTM

DrivingExciting Rolex FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Geneva

Australia’s Boyd Exell won the very exciting Final of the FEI World Cup™ Driving season 2009/2010 in Geneva. Having The Winner Boyd Exell (AUS) won three FEI World Cup™ Driving competitions, Exell was the top favourite and even though he felt the pressure on his shoulders, he kept his head clear and stayed ahead of Koos de Ronde and IJsbrand Chardon.

Fantastic atmosphere The Final competition in Geneva was probably one of the most exciting Finals in the nine-year-old history of the FEI World Cup™ Driving. Exell and the Dutch drivers had qualifi ed for the Winning Round, but the time differences in the fi rst round were very close to each other. As the times of the fi rst and the Winning Round are counted together, after the fi rst round the four-in-hand drivers had to give everything to win the title and to thereby make it even more diffi cult for each other! The crowd in Geneva closely followed the performances of the drivers and their enthusiasm, together with the accompanying music, created a fantastic atmosphere in the Palexpo arena.

Double World Cup Champion IJsbrand Chardon drove a clear round in the ﬁ nal round with his new team of Lipizzaner horses, ensuring his third place. Koos de Ronde, who had been second behind Boyd Exell all season, except from the FEI World Cup™ Driving competition in Mechelen, knew where he could win some more time in the course. He drove an impeccable clear and very fast round, putting even more pressure on Exell since the difference was then only less than one second between the two drivers. One ball down by Boyd Exell would have made De Ronde the new FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion, but Exell did what he had to do. The British based Australian driver drove his very experienced team without any hesitation through the course and passed the ﬁ nish line less than three seconds ahead of De Ronde and herewith retained his title.

Fantastic team of horses Exell was extremely happy with his win in Geneva and also praised his horses: “I have never had such a fast team in this setting together. They are a super team of horses and their timing is very good. I have let them down sometimes this season Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) but I am happy that I have not let them down in Geneva. The public was really with me in the Palexpo, as soon as I passed the ﬁ nish line the pressure fell off my shoulders and I also felt the relief of the crowd, a fantastic feeling!”

Best round ever Dutch driver Koos de Ronde achieved his goal in Geneva: “I came second behind Boyd all season and I really wanted to come second or win in Geneva! I am happy that I have been successful, especially because I only ﬁ nished less than three seconds behind Exell in such a long course, it was just amazing.” De Ronde knocked a ball down in the ﬁ rst round and knew he could still save some time in the course by changing small things. “This was one of my best rounds ever and one of the most exciting Finals I have competed in. I came third last year, second this year, so let’s hope I will win next year!”

Unique course International course designer Falk Böhnisch from Germany had designed a fast and technically difﬁ cult course, which was much praised by the six drivers. As the arena in Geneva is one of the largest in Europe, 80 metres long and 60 metres wide, Böhnisch had more space to ‘play’ with the various lines and obstacles. The excellent surface, the hill, the bridge, the use of technically challenging obstacles and the wonderful water splash made it a true unique course in Geneva. Photos © Rinaldo de Craen/FEI de Photos © Rinaldo 42 43 Wrap-up FEI World CupsTM

Jumping2010 Rolex FEI World Cup JumpingTM Final in Geneva

Another riveting Rolex season... The 43 finallists in the World Cup Final with officials Marcus Ehning's victory in the 2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping fi nal in Geneva came at the end of another thrilling season. A total of 814 men and women battled it out in 13 qualifying leagues around the globe, hoping to take their place amongst the stars for the fi nal showdown in the Swiss city that is home to the world's fi nest watchmakers. And for the 2010 champion from Germany it was a rewarding conclusion as he held the trophy aloft for the third time in his illustrious career. The smallest qualifying league in terms of participant numbers was the South East Asian Series, which attracted just seven riders to its four events while, in stark contrast, the North American leagues jointly attracted a massive 184 starters to 28 competitions, and with 12 representatives at the fi nal the Americans were always likely to prove infl uential.

Great Win The Arab League concluded at Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on 23 January with a great win for Abdullah Sharbatly and Goldex from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and there were 11 rounds in the Australian league which ended in Sydney in December 2009 with a runaway victory for three-time Australian champion Chris Chugg, while Kyrgyzstan's Andrey Shalohin headed up the three-leg Central Asian series, which drew to a close at Astana in Kazakhstan last August. There were also only three legs in the Caucasian League in which Rashod Samadov from Azerbaijan reigned supreme, but there were 17 legs for the Central European countries before the fi nal at Tallinn in Estonia. Toshiki Masui came out on top of the eight-round Japanese League series when producing a fi nal-leg victory at Osaka last October, and there were also eight competitions in New Zealand where Katie McVean pipped Anna Trent for the regional title. Over the fi ve legs of the South African series a total of 29 riders lined out, and it was Shaun Neill who headed the leaderboard following the last leg in Cape Town in November, while the seven-round South American series attracted a strong entry of 69 riders. Included amongst the qualifi ers from North America were Irish rookie Darragh Kenny and Russia's Ljubov Kochetova while the 13-leg Western European League produced some spectacular jumping over the winter months at the end of which Ireland's Jessica Kuerten led the leaderboard by a considerable margin. Her late withdrawal following a fall removed one of the favourites from the start-list however and Rich Fellers riding Flexible winner of the first round Marcus Ehning is held aloft by it was US West Coast champion, Rich Fellers, who threw down the gauntlet in the fi rst of the three fi nal competitions at the of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final. Pius Schwizer and Ludger Beerbaum Palexpo Arena with a blistering victory in the Speed leg riding the Irish-bred stallion Flexing.

Under the spotlight Constantly under the spotlight all week, however, was fellow American Mario Deslauriers who, aged 45 and 26 years older than when he fi rst claimed the coveted title in Gothenburg in 1984, showed fantastic form with his nine-year-old Dutch gelding Urico. Lying seventh after the fi rst competition he was runner-up behind Switzerland's Steve Guerdat and Tresor next time out and was the man to beat on the fi nal afternoon. His dream of recording the fi rst US victory in 22 years was shattered over Rolf Ludi's fi nal course of fences however, and he had to settle for sixth place in the fi nal analysis. Consistency is the theme of this entire series, and it was Ehning, on the eve of his 36th birthday, who stood fi rmest to take the title after superb jumping from his two rides, Noltes Kuchengirl and Plot Blue, while team-mate Ludger Beerbaum and the man standing atop of the Rolex World Rankings, Switzerland's Pius Schwizer, fi nished joint-second. separated from the winner by just a single point. Photos © Kit Houghton/FEI 44 45 Postcard from Singapore

Is equestrian sport concentrated in particular areas of The Singapore Riding for the Disabled Association is a member of Singapore? If so, why? Singapore is a tiny island. the Equestrian Federation of Singapore and has enabled thou- It measures only 40 by 20km! And fi ve million sands of children and adults with disabilities to ride. Can you tell people live here. Real estate prices are among us a little more about those activities? Do participants have the the highest in the world. Everything is concen- possibility of continuing to ride in the long term? Our fi rst trated! We have to adapt and be effi cient in our Olympic athlete is a Para-Equestrian. Laurentia Tan won use of land. Not only is land scarce. Singapore two bronze medals at the Beijing Paralympics 2008. Facts&Figures has no agriculture. Everything the horse needs More Para-Equestrians are coming up, and we hope to – food, bedding, even water – is imported. So send a Team to the London Paralympics 2012. We are President: Dr Melanie Chew EFS has to relook the whole system of horse very proud of Singapore’s Riding for the Disabled management, and introduce technology, inno- (RDA). It offers equestrian therapy at no cost, daily. Honorary Secretary: Ms Monique Heah vation, and effi ciency. We have to adapt the The volunteers do a sterling job. I can’t tell you how horse sports – which developed in Europe in the many lives have changed because of RDA’s work. Equestrian There are 2 permanent members of staff 19th century – for a 21st century city in Asia. Hundreds and thousands. Not only the riders, but also at the Equestrian Federation of Singapore the volunteers, horses, parents and families. RDA The fi rst Youth Olympic Games are taking place in makes the world a better place. Federation 5 clubs/riding associations Singapore in August. How is the Equestrian Federation of Singapore preparing for the Jumping event? The YOG What efforts does the Equestrian Federation of Singapore make 200 competitors affi liated to the NF Equestrian Venue is up and running. The Na- to encourage young people to become involved in horse sports? of Singapore tional Equestrian Park is the back-up venue, We do everything and in every way! The horse com- 6 national events held in 2009 with its quarantine centre and training facili- munity is like a pyramid. At the very top, there are the ties. This is being built now. Then come the champions who dream of going to the Olympics. But 2 international events held in 2009 horses, which will be balloted. They are in for every champion at the top, there are a thousand Australia being trained and readied and will youngsters taking their fi rst riding lesson. EFS is con- 4 equestrian disciplines practiced in Singapore: arrive in late July. The jumps, timers, markers, stantly nurturing the pyramid, at every level. Dressage, Jumping, Para-Equestrian, Polo fl ags – all the equipment is on the way. We The new facilities help a lot. We put Pony Clubs in the are training a whole generation of stewards, mainstream academic schools, not just in the riding 1500 racehorses and sporthorses in Singapore offi cials, jump-builders, instructors, horse Clubs. We sponsor Riding Scholarships. A “Pony Road managers, translators, announcers and volun- Show” brings cute and friendly ponies to shopping teers. It has been a lot of hard work, but malls. Children are able to touch and feed a pony. great fun! Perhaps they will take up the sport! Then, everyone must volunteer. This keeps costs down. Interview with Dr Melanie Chew What is the general atmosphere like in Singapore’s Sport needs dreams. If it cannot be an Olympic dream, equestrian world in the run-up to the Games? so be it. Let’s innovate, create, and start another Nervous and excited! It is a big responsibility. dream. Maybe it is the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore became an NF member of the FEI in 1975. Are you infrastructure in place, and the importation of many But it is also a great opportunity. Because of Singapore 2010. See you there! particularly proud of any projects that the Equestrian Federation horses for the YOG, we are able to build Singapore the YOG, Singapore’s equestrian community of Singapore has developed since then? Yes, the EFS has teams for Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Para- had a huge boost. We have two major venues, achieved a lot. There has been a lot of investment in Equestrian. These are long-term projects, but show a and these have brought hundreds of people infrastructure and facilities. The Singapore Turf Club horse sport that is growing and developing.So much is into the equestrian community. We have to just fi nished an international equestrian centre and happening in Singapore! It is very exciting. We are give them the knowledge: how to ride, how to riding school. This will be the venue for the Youth grateful to the FEI for their support over the years, manage the horses, and run a major Games. Olympic Games. Another project is the National and special thanks are due to HRH Princess Haya, who All this in less than a year. It is a great Equestrian Park, with some 300 stables for competi- personally wrote to our nation’s President, SR Nathan, achievement for Singapore. tion and training, arenas, cross country, paddocks, to appeal for the Equestrian Park. In Singapore, land is hospital, quarantine and a swimming pool for scarce. Her letter was strong and heartfelt and made horses, right in the middle of Singapore. With the the difference.

46 47 Sean Doane A Life in a Day

Since Sean Doane was hired last September as Venue Manager for the WATCH LIVE ! 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM, the event has taken over his life. He liaises with nearly 60 companies that are preparing, building and upgrading facilities on the site and ensures everything I generally start my day at runs to schedule and stays on budget. During the event, Sean will WATCH ONLINE ! about 5am and we’ll use a manage a team of 30 staff, who will take care of the smooth-running Monday as an example… of the different venues. I shower and am out the door by 6ish. I get to the offi ce at around 7am, after stopping to get my daily supply of energy drinks. Once I get to the offi ce, I boot up the computer and begin to go through the 50 emails that I didn’t get to the day before. Then I take my fi rst trip to the Kentucky Horse Park to see how the various construction projects that we have now broken ground on are progressing. I stop and chat with my Construction Superintendant and his contractors to see what the day’s plans are and if we are still on track to meet all deadlines.

It’s funny – you sit and plan and have meeting after meeting, thinking it’s not real, it’s not really going to happen. Then, all of a sudden, you are moving 250 tons of dirt just prepping one site for temporary structures. Then it’s real and you’re under the gun.

Bear in mind that I’m doing all of this while my phone is ringing off the hook and the emails are I run Venue Operations at the park, so just piling up. I have toured with rock and roll bands and about every meeting that is held with regard to done some major events before, but never anything “stuff” at the park requires my attendance. as big as this. We have eight venues on 1200 acres and are running out of room for collateral. It sounds So when do I have time to do real work? I work impossible – I scratch my head every time I look every day until about 6 or 7pm in the offi ce, at the CAD [design program used by architects then I pack up the laptop, head home, grab a and engineers] and say: “How can this be?” I don’t bite to eat and fi re it up again until about 10pm. think anyone has ever had to adapt and overcome By the end of my Monday, I have a full schedule the nuances we deal with here in Kentucky – it is for the rest of the week. I have meetings a venue like no other and this is certainly going to with regard to transport, sponsor contracts, www.feitv.org be a world-class event like no one has ever seen structure and power contracts. The Horse Park before. There is simply nothing small about it. wants me for 15 minutes and it just goes on and The offi cial video website of the Fédération Equestre Internationale on. It will only get worse but we just keep on Once I get back to the offi ce – usually at around rolling. 9am, I begin my daily cycle of meetings. I can walk in to my offi ce on Monday with just a staff meeting on my calendar and by the end of the day I will be FEI TV is the FEI’s new offi cial video website and your ticket to the world’s most booked solid until Wednesday or Thursday. There is prestigious competitions. Sign-up to FEI TV (www.feitv.org) and get instant no such thing as an 8-hour day in the event world. access to all the live broadcasts, the extensive video-on-demand library, all the TV highlights, the behind the scenes reports, the interviews and so much more. Be at the heart of horsesport. Join us ! 49 Alltech Tips Keeping horses healthy en route to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in the days following a long journey. Thankfully, it picked up a sample of LIFEFORCE Formula. To our is possible to mitigate some of these effects with surprise, shortly before we fi nished the two-week nutritional supplementation. Yeast, when added packet, it looked like someone had waved a magic to a horse’s diet, can support the normal gut fl ora; wand over our horses! The shine came out in their By Dr. Helen Warren modifying the intestinal environment and improving coats and attitudes.” Technical Co-Ordinator, Solutions Deployment Team, Alltech the horse’s digestion. Tina Tunnell of Hampshire, England found similar Organic probiotics, such as those in LIFEFORCE™ results. The condition of her six-year-old 14.2hh Formula from Alltech (which is competition-legal), TB/Shire x Welsh Cob deteriorated when he was and Darlene Ricker have been shown to reduce gut acidity where stabled or taken to a show. “Keeping top line on him Executive editor of Equine International (alltech. there was an excessive amount of starch in the gut, was almost impossible before, but LIFEFORCE has com/equineinternational), a monthly publication about FEI disciplines and the Alltech FEI World thereby creating a more stable gut environment. worked really well,” said Tunnell. “He now maintains Equestrian GamesTM LIFEFORCE™ stimulates the activity of fi bre- condition even after travelling or competing.” digesting bacteria in the hindgut of the horse in When up to 900 horses are transported across the maintain balance. This is an important consideration both high fi bre and high starch diets, resulting in ocean this September for the Alltech FEI World for horses that are expected to compete on arrival. maximised fi bre digestibility and more effi cient use of Equestrian GamesTM, it will be the largest airlift of nutrients, including energy. This increases the energy horses since D-Day. Everyone involved – competitors, In normal conditions, the gut fl ora “reward” the available to the horse for performance on arrival and coaches, veterinarians and horse owners – shares the horse for their intestinal home by leaving no counteracts digestive upsets associated with travel same goal: getting these prized mounts to Lexington room for “bad” bacteria, such as Salmonellae. This stress, which may lead to ulceration and colic. and back home again in healthy form. prevents them from growing in the gut and helps the gut lining to resist disease. In addition, the Salmonellosis is one of the most common infectious Throughout history, horses have been transported, “good” bacteria help causes of diarrhoea in adult horses. Many cases often by van or boat, for many reasons, including the horse’s digestive develop after the stress of transport. The effects breeding, military endeavours, competitions, system to break down of travel stress on the normal gut fl ora allow an ceremonial proceedings and leisure activities. carbohydrates, as well overgrowth of opportunistic Salmonella spp., which Today, and in particular with regard to the Alltech as producing numerous are present in the intestinal tract of many healthy FEI Games, the transport vehicle of choice is the vitamins, amino acids horses. Affected horses may show little or no signs but airplane, which minimises travel time but is a foreign and fatty acids. may experience severe diarrhoea and even death. environment for horses that provokes different forms of stress. Travel stress can A supplement can be used to bind these bacteria. It is increase the incidence known that a form of sugar (mannan oligosaccharide of gut ulceration, or “MOS”) found in the cell walls of certain yeasts a painful condition that reduces performance can do this. Trials carried out in mares demonstrated and causes colic-like symptoms. Stress can also that feeding a MOS-containing supplement slow the fl ow of digesta and alter the normal gut (LIFEFORCE Formula) can improve immune Manning © Marc fl ora, resulting in digestive upset and possibly life- function and help foals cope with pathogenic So, travel is an extremely stressful physical and threatening diarrhoea or colic. challenges to the digestive system. This benefi t can, mental experience for horses, which can result The effects of travel stress on the gut are almost certainly, be extrapolated to the increased in reduced performance after transport. This can compounded by the typical diet of regular equine Salmonella challenge following transport. be prevented by supplementing the diet with

© Marc Manning © Marc travellers. To maintain athletic ability, high LIFEFORCE, which increases the activity of the performance horses are fed energy-charged diets Field reports support that principle. Peter Fleming of “good” bacteria, reduces gut acidity and improves This stress can have many causes: social isolation containing increased levels of starchy materials, Malibu, California, found his imported warmblood fi bre digestibility. For horse owners, the product from stable mates, aggressive interaction with other such as cereal grains. This type of diet can reduce dressage horses in general poor form this spring provides an effective form of insurance for horses in horses during transportation, insecurity in unfamiliar “good” gut fl ora and promote gut acidity, further when they returned from winter training in Florida. the stable and on the road. environments, altered training regimes and predisposing the horse to gut disturbance and “Our horses got off the trailer looking and feeling interrupted feeding schedules. Constant movement ulceration. Stressed, tired horses are unlikely to fulfi l just awful - dull coats, poor hoof condition, during transportation also requires energy to their potential on arrival and their health may suffer inattentive attitudes. We nearly cried. By chance, we

50 51 The Road to 2010 For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com

Your Travel Guide to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM

7. World-class competition is not the only thing 8. Plan things to do in the city: Aside from the to enjoy: Aside from competition, spectators will be Games, Lexington has much to offer tourists vis- able to enjoy a variety of activities on the Kentucky iting the city. Go to www.visitlex.com for more Horse Park during the Games. There will be equine information. In addition, Spotlight Lexington will demonstrations in the Equine Village, and shopping take place downtown throughout the duration of in the extensive international Trade Show. Learn the Games, providing food, entertainment, awards about the global reach of our title sponsor, ceremonies and more. Alltech in the Alltech Experience Pavillion, or learn Visit www.lexingtonky.gov/spotlightlexington/ for about the Arabian horse in A Gift from the Desert a schedule of activities. at the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. Lastly, experience Kentucky, all without ever leaving the Kentucky Horse Parkat the Kentucky Experience. Visit www.alltech.com and www.kyhorsepark.com for information about our 1. Pick events to see: Over the 16 days of the 2010 4. Plan transportation to the Games: Lexington is key partners and their offerings during the Games. Games, events include an opening ceremony, the in close proximity to three major airports, including world championship of eight FEI disciplines, and a Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. In addition, Lexington closing ceremony. Each equestrian discipline will is within a day’s drive of 2/3 of the US population. have multiple days of competition. Not sure when you want to visit? Sessions for each competition are 5. Find a place to park: A number of pre-paid divided into morning and afternoon to accommodate parking spaces will be availalbe the Kentucky your viewing desires and budget. For the schedule of Horse Park available for purchase. To reserve events visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets. a spot visit the spectator information page on www.alltechfeigames.com and fi nd the Click and 2. Get your tickets: Tickets for the 2010 games are Park reservation system. In addition, many hotels available through Ticketmaster. Tickets will be sold at within our offi cial Housing Bureau will offer a shuttle any Ticketmaster venue, at ticketmaster.com, or by for Games patrons, and satellite parking locations calling the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000. will be available. Ticket prices range from $25 to $150 (U.S.) 6. Figure out what you can and cannot bring to 3. Find a place to stay: Short’s Sports and Events, the Games: Spectators will be required to go through the offi cial housing partner for the 2010 Games, a security check before entering the grounds of the has provided multiple accommodation options for 2010 Games. A list of prohibited items is available the Games including hotels, private home rentals, on the Gamesweb site. Please check frequently before campgrounds and bed and breakfast options. Looking you travel because this list is subject to change. for value? Lexington is centrally located at the inter section of two interstate highways, and affordable accommodations can be found within an hour’s drive in any direction.

52 53 The Road to 2010 For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com

9. Plan things to do in the state: From racetracks to bourbon distil- leries, Kentucky has many tourist hot spots. The Kentucky Experience, an interactive exhibit during the GamesTM, will let visitors experience the state’s beauty, famous products, and entertainment. For more information about the Kentucky Experience, click here. To plan places to see, visit kentuckytourism.com.

10. Follow the road to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM: Have your tickets? Booked your ﬂ ight? Now stay in the know by becoming a fan of our Facebook page, following us on Twitter, or by reading our blog where top equestrian athletes and 2010 Games contenders let us follow them on their journey to Kentucky!

Tour Operators offer travel planning with Ease Looking for a one-stop solution to your Kentucky travel plans? Visit the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM International web site, with visa and immigration information, as well as a link to accommodations and partner tour operators in 11 countries!