HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship: Final

Photo caption: Team Great Britain, 2009 European Eventing Champions. From left to right: Oliver Townend, Nicola Wilson, individual gold medallist Kristina Cook, and William Fox-Pitt. (c) Kit Houghton

KRISTINA COOK LEADS BRITAIN TO DOUBLE EUROPEAN GOLD

Fontainebleau (FRA), 23 – 27 September 2009 – Kristina Cook (GBR), long renowned as one of the world’s best horsewomen, at last won the major international title that has eluded her thus far in her illustrious career when she headed an all-conquering British team at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship in Fontainebleau (FRA).

She has also set a new record, as the first mother to win an individual gold medal, and she now has the full set of individual European medals, having won silver in 1993 and bronze in 1997.

Britain easily won their 8th successive European team gold – their 21st since the European Championships started in 1953 – a task eased by the demise across country of the German team and also that of the French, whose silver medal evaporated when their cross-country hero Jean Teulère had to withdraw Espoir de la Mare before the final horse inspection. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8297

Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, Eventing, FEI, HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship

HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship: Dressage Day 1

Photo caption: Frank Ostholt (GER) aboard Air Jordan 2 © Kit Houghton.

GERMANY TAKE EARLY LEAD AT THE HSBC FEI EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP

Fontainebleau (FRA), 24 September 2009 – The German squad has begun the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships at Fontainebleau (FRA) as they mean to go on, with 3 riders in the top 4 and a healthy 14-point lead over defending champions Great Britain at this very early stage of proceedings after the first day of Dressage.

France is in bronze position, thanks to an excellent performance from their second team rider, Eric Vigeanel on the 19-year-old Coronado Prior, who is lying individually 6th. “My horse is like a good wine – he improves with age,” joked Vigeanel.

And Belgium is lying 4th, with the promise of a good test to come tomorrow from anchorwoman Karin Donckers (BEL) on the graceful Gazelle de la Brasserie. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8250

Tags: dressage, equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, Eventing, FEI, HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship

HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship Preview

All roads lead to Fontainebleau!

Fontainebleau (FRA), 22 September 2009 – Excitement is mounting for the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship at Fontainebleau (FRA) on 23-27 September with a thrilling line-up of 18 nations who have nominated riders, of which 11 could form teams.

France is renowned for its stylish international events, but this is the first time the internationally popular venue of Fontainebleau, with its splendid, historic chateau, has held a Senior Eventing Championship since the “alternative Olympics” in 1980.

The European Championship, held biennially, began in 1953, and since its inception, Great Britain has been the most successful nation, winning 20 team golds – including the last seven – and 17 individual golds. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8213

Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, FEI, HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship, Three Day Eventing