With packed stands, glorious sunshine, and nine incredible days of competition behind us, it was finally time for one of the highlights of Falsterbo Horse Show: the Longines Falsterbo Grand Prix. 50 international riders took on the Grand Prix course, featuring obstacles towering at 1.60 meters. The competition was decided over two rounds, with 13 pairs advancing to the thrilling “winning round.” The bar was set high, requiring both speed and flawless performance to progress.
After a blazingly fast second round, Swiss rider Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei emerged victorious with a time of 45.70 seconds, nearly two seconds ahead of second-placed Willem Greve from the Netherlands, who, together with Highway M TN, crossed the finish line in 47.95 seconds. Italy’s Emanuele Camilli and Odense Odeveld claimed the third spot with a time of 48.68 seconds.
Martin Fuchs expressed his joy and satisfaction with the day’s outcome. The pair had also competed in the Nations Cup earlier in the week, where Switzerland finished at the top of the podium. Fuchs wanted to assess his horse’s performance in this format, with several major competitions held closely together. The result? Based on feelings and result, he was extremely pleased;
– It was an incredible feeling. I haven’t been here in a while, but I want to come back as soon as I get the chance. It has been a great week, and the jump-off today was exhilarating. My horse jumps phenomenally and is extremely careful.
Swiss Dominance Throughout the Week
In addition to their impressive performances on Sunday, Swiss riders dominated the entire Falsterbo Horse Show this year. The Swiss train of victory kicked off with Martin Fuchs claiming first place in the Stiftelsen Falsterbo Horse Show Prize on Friday, followed by Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs securing first and second place, respectively, in the Agria Trophy. Friday afternoon witnessed the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden, with Switzerland emerging as the victors. Steve Guerdat continued the Swiss success story by winning Saturday’s Falsterbo Derby presented by Agria. As previously mentioned, Martin Fuchs sealed the week’s triumph by winning the shows final competition on Sunday, the Longines Falsterbo Grand Prix.
The article will be updated.
In an impressive display of equestrian skill, Denmark has emerged victorious at the Nations Cup in Falsterbo for the second year in a row. Team Sweden took the second place. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Germany has secured the title of this year’s overall champion in FEI Nations Cup Dressage.Patrik Kittel and his exceptional horse, Touchdown, delivered an extraordinary performance, captivating the audience and clinching victory in the kür.
Text by the FEI.
It was a familiar victory Sunday in Falsterbo (SWE) for Denmark, who brought the 2023 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season to a close with an impressive victory over the home nation.
The victory marked the second straight in Falsterbo for the Danish, who were also Nations Cup victors at CDIO5* Compiègne (FRA) in May and runners-up at CDIO5* Aachen (GER) this season. The four-rider squad of Daniel Bachmann Andersen (Zippo M.I.), Anna Zibrandtsen (Quel Filou), Nadja Aaboe Sloth (Favour Gersdorf) and Anne Marie Hosbond (Scarlett 712) finished the CDIO4* FEI Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle tests on a winning total of 22 points. Sweden finished second with 31 points, followed by the Netherlands (43 points)
Team classification was determined by adding up points for the three best results per team in the Grand Prix and across the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle, with points equating to finish positions in the tests. The winning team recorded the lowest point total.
Both Bachmann Andersen and Sloth were part of last year’s winning team and returned to Falsterbo with the same mounts from that performance. Their experience showed as they delivered under pressure, with Bachmann Andersen performing best for his team in the Grand Prix, finishing third; and Sloth putting forth Denmark’s best result in the Freestyle, checking in fourth.
But it was the Special that proved to be Denmark’s best test, with Zibrandtsen and Bachmann Andersen riding to personal bests aboard Quel Filou (75.787%) and Zippo M.I. (75.128%), respectively, to take the top two placings. Bachmann Andersen had twice the responsibility, also serving as the squad’s chef d’equipe.
–I think we have performed really, really well and also [had] very solid performances in the Grand Prix, where we laid the foundation for this great result. says Daniel Bachmann Andersen (DEN)
After a brief respite from competition to focus on training, 11-year-old Zippo M.I. has come out stronger, finishing on the podium in each of his tests.
– He was doing World Cups and I was thinking, ‘Okay, we’ll give him a little break from the shows to try to make some of the things better and stronger, give him some more self-confidence. And that really worked out,” Bachmann Andersen said.
–He’s been coming out even stronger and even better in his piaffes. That was not his strength. I feel like we are working closer together, and he’s starting to be an established Grand Prix horse at the top level.
Bachmann Andersen and Zibrandtsen were never separated by more than one position on the leaderboard. For Zibrandtsen, her performance was especially meaningful given it was her horse’s Nations Cup debut. The pair debuted internationally just one year ago, at Falsterbo in the CDI3* division.
– When we did the halt [in the Special, Quel Filou] was like, ‘I want to go forward. Why are we standing here?’ He’s just fighting for it and fighting for us…I was just smiling all the way. I was so happy. said Anna Zibrandtsen (DEN)
Sweden certainly made its rally, with Patrik Kittel securing wins in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle. But it was depth that kept Denmark on top.
– The Danish team is strong, not just [with us] here, but also [with] all the other riders competing for the team of Denmark, Bachmann Andersen said.
–In Aachen, we were very strong as well. I think we just have a really, really good foundation of good horses, good training, good riders, good teamwork, and we support each other.
Falsterbo’s top two finishers were among the top three in the final FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ standings for 2023. But it was fourth-place finishers Germany who secured the overall series title, with wins at CDIO3* Wellington (USA), CDIO3* Budapest (HUN) and CDIO5* Aachen (GER).
– Aachen is our second selection [event] for the European Championships, so we had our four top riders on the team, but apart from that, we went with younger riders, said Johnny Hilberath, Germany’s chef d’equipe.
–It started in [Wellington] in early spring and went until here [in Falsterbo]. To win the series, is not bad, I think!
Germany finished the season with 61 points, followed by Sweden (42 points). Denmark finished the season in third with 40 points.
– We take the Nations Cup series very seriously,” Hilberath added.
– It’s an honor to represent our country, so we try to bring to all events a team.
After a thrilling jump-off, it was Steve Guerdat and his exceptional horse Easy Star de Talma, who emerged victorious, claiming the Falsterbo Derby Trophy. This incredible victory secured a historic hat-trick for Steve Guerdat, who has previously won both the Grand Prix and Nations Cup at Falsterbo Horse Show. The resounding success further solidified Guerdat’s standing as one of the world’s foremost equestrian athletes.
-I knew that no matter what it would be a positive experience for the horse, but, I am obviously very happy with the result, Steve Guerdat said at the Falsterbo press conference.
Photo: Erik Raabe för Falsterbo Horse Show
With challenging fences set at an impressive height of 1.50 meters, 19 skilled riders navigated the diverse Derby course, featuring water jumps, gates, walls, and traditional fences. Last year’s winner, Andre Thieme, took to the course as the second rider. Prior to the competition, SVT, the Swedish host broadcaster, had the opportunity to speak with him, and his confidence shone through:
-I would say that we are somewhat of derbyspecialists. We are excited about being back here again, and hopefully everything goes well.
Unfortunately he had a couple of downs in today’s event.
-The horse did a good job, but didn’t feel quite right; he didn’t have enough energy. I can’t be mad but we are a little bit disappointed, he told SVT after the ride.
The competition unfolded with a mix of results, showcasing the difficulty in a derby course.
Belgium’s Abdel Said, riding Arpege Du Ru, delivered the first clear round of the class, a remarkable achievement that remained unmatched throughout the entire competition.
After his exceptional round, Abdel Said expressed his satisfaction in an interview with SVT: “I am very happy with my horse. I can always trust her” .
He continued with explaining that the plan for the day had been to take his horse through the course at a relaxed pace, placing greater trust in his horse while providing additional support where necessary.
Sandra Auffarth, the former cross country world champion from Germany, unfortunately had one knockdown towards the end of her round. However, it proved sufficient to secure her a well-deserved third place alongside her horse, Nupafeed’s La Vista.
-She is an amazing derby horse, she loves the atmosphere here at Falsterbo. We had a small mistake I wish I hadn’t made, she shared with SVT after her ride.
Irish rider Thomas Ryan, accompanied by Jens Fredricson’s former horse Karmel van de Watering, tackled the challenging course, unfortunately incurring two knockdowns and securing a respectable fifth-place finish. Ahead of him in fourth place was Przemyslaw Konopacki with Vasco, who achieved the position due to a faster round.
Steve Guerdat from Switzerland was last to start together with his stallion Easy Star de Talma.
-I really like derbys. It’s a good experience for both the rider as well as the horse and you always learn something new. The horse and rider always leave the course better than before, he told SVT before the class started.
While it was Easy Star de Talma’s derby debut the horse delivered a flawless clear round leading to a thrilling jump-off between Steve Guerdat and Abdel Said to determine who would become the 2023 Derby champion in Falsterbo.
Abdel Said took the lead as the first to go in the jump-off, executing swift turns. However, an unfortunate fault on the final fence cost him the win. As for Steve, a clear round would secure his victory, and not only did he achieve that, but he also recorded the fastest time, sealing his triumph in a remarkable fashion.
-He is a superstar in the horse realm, SVT:s commentator AnnaMaria Fredholm states.
Twelve high-class Holsteiner foals are auctioned on 15 July as part of theFalsterbo Horse Show, the five-star-rated CSI and Nations Cup in Sweden.
Following the auction’s successful debut in 2022, auction manager Felix Flinzer and his team are now happy to stage the second instalment this year. The hand-picked selection – same as the auction itself – is best described as an international joint venture as the foals on offer come from dedicated breeders of the Holsteiner horse from Sweden, Denmark, andGermany.
The foals are by sires like Casall, Big Star, Keaton, or else Quabri de L’Isle, Picobellovan’t Roosakker and Comilfo Plus Z and are publicly presented for the first time in the main arena on Saturday, 15 July 2023 at about 3:00pm – live and via ClipMyHorse.tv. Among them for example lot 3, Captain John by Casall-Quidam de Revel: a colt foal with distinctive markings, his damline has produced among others the licensed 1.60m level stallion Cabachon by Casall (Suus Kuyten/NED). Or lot 5, California Vest by Comilfo Plus Z-Chaman:the second dam to this elegant filly boasting powerful movement has produced numerous elite sport horses, including Laura Klaphake’s 1.60m level jumper, Nifrane de Kreisker byCarnute. Own performance is taken very seriously on the dam’s side of lot 10, Kansas City byKeaton-Del’Arko d’Henvet: this colt foal’s third dam used to be an eventer at 3*-level under the saddle of Inken Gräfin von Platen Hallermund whereas her half-sister collected results in1.60m jumping classes for Japan with Yuko Itakura.
The hybrid auction sale is held following the Falsterbo Derby at about 5.00pm in the main arena and broadcast live via ClipMyHorse.tv. For all foals, extensive information including photos, videos, and relatives’ performance is available for online viewing on www.holsteiner.auction. For any questions on the auction sale and the foals themselves do not hesitate to contact Felix Flinzer (phone +49 162 3493942) anytime.
Photo: Erik Raabe for Falsterbo Horse Show
On Friday the Stiftelsen Falsterbo Horse Show price was settled. 46 competitors came to start whereof 15 of them were clear rounds. Finishing in first place, Martin Fuchs with Zaffiro Blu Di Franciacorta.
Just like yesterday’s qualifiers for this class it was the fastest clear round that applied for the podium. The one who maneuvered the task best was Martin Fuchs, although challenged by many. One of the aspirants for the title was local rider Petronella Andersson with Claptonn Mouche who ended up in fourth place. In second place was Italian Emanuele Gaudiano with Chalou and finishing third was Lars N Pedersen with Boegarden Gladiola from Denmark.
Yesterday’s winner; Alessandra Volpi got one down resulting in a 25th place.
Todays results:
Martin Fuchs, Zaffiro Blu Di Franciacorta (Switzerland)
Team Switzerland took first place in Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ action at Falsterbo on Friday, under the direction of new Chef d’Equipe Daniel Etter.
Ending their campaign in Sweden on just 4 penalty points across two rounds of Jumping, the Swiss team saw double clears from both Steve Guerdat with Dynamix de Belheme and Martin Fuchs aboard Conner Jei. The win puts them top of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ rankings in Europe — with this year’s competition offering a Paris 2024 qualification spot.
Great Britain, led by Di Lampard, took home the silver medal after posting four clears in the second round to finish on 8 points. Also scoring 8 points but slightly slower on the Longines clock with one less clear ride, the United States and Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland rounded out the podium in third place.
It was a gorgeous summer day as fans soaked up the sun in the stands at the Falsterbo Horse Show.The Falsterbo event was Leg 4 of 6 for Europe Division 1, where teams are fighting for tickets to the Nations Cup Finals at Barcelona, to be held at the end of September.
Frank Rothenberger of Germany created the Falsterbo turf course for the eight nations that present at the start. With a discard score available to help teams out, it was essential to avoid eliminations and retirements, lest a country not be able to get rid of a bad ride.
At the end of the first round, it was Switzerland out in front with no penalty points, thanks to clears from Guerdat, Elian Baumann (Little Lumpi E), and Fuchs, and only a 4 from Janika Sprunger (Orelie).
The USA and the Netherlands ended Round 1 on 4 points each, chased by Great Britain and Belgium on 8, France on 10, and Sweden and Italy on 12.
In spite of a few stellar performances, it wasn’t to be for the trailing teams as the afternoon wore on.
Textbook Clears
Italy had three textbook clears in Round 2 from Alberto Zorzi (Highlight W), Emanuele Camilli (Odense Odeveld), and Giampiero Garofalo (Max Van Lentz Schrans), but they couldn’t get past the high penalties from their first round.
Likewise, clears from Wilma Hellstrom (Cici BJN) and former world number 1 Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (Zuccero) couldn’t save Team Sweden, although they did give the home crowd a thrill.
France saw their chances evaporate with an elimination and only one clear from Kevin Staut aboard Dialou Blue PS. Defending champions Team Belgium couldn’t pull ahead either, in spite of penalty-free rides from Abdel Said (Obama Van Ostaayen) and Koen Vereecke (Kasanova de la Pomme).
The Netherlands dropped from medal contention as they picked up multiple penalties, with only Kars Bonhof and Hernandez TN going clear — a nice double for them.
Double clears from American athlete Natalie Dean with Acota M helped her team hover within reach of victory. A clear from anchor duo Karl Cook and Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet buoyed their hopes further.
Not to be outdone, Great Britain put up a perfect second round, with clears from Samuel Hutton (Oak Grove’s Laith), Robert Whitaker (Vermento), and siblings Sienna Charles (Stardust) and Harry Charles (Casquo Blue).
Amazing Job
That put the pressure on Switzerland, who had two 4s and a clear on the board, with only Martin Fuchs left to ride. A clear would send the gold home with the Swiss, but a fence down would mean a jump off with the USA and Great Britain.
Lucky for Switzerland, Fuchs demonstrated his usual exemplary navigation of Conner Jei around the arena to cross the Longines beam with no penalties for the team win.
“It was a real thriller!” said Chef d’Equipe Daniel Etter. “Martin did an amazing job.”
“The whole arena was on fire,” added Etter of the electric atmosphere during the final round.
The new coach of the Swiss team is elated at his athletes’ top finish. Both Fuchs and Guerdat are planning to head to the FEI Jumping European Championship at Milan next month.
And Switzerland lead the division for qualifying points to attend the Nations Cup Finals at Barcelona as well, giving them two potential opportunities to earn a berth to Paris next year, something they’ve yet to accomplish.
At the end of the day at Falsterbo, it was the Netherlands in fourth place, followed by Belgium, Italy, Sweden, and France.
That puts Belgium and the Netherlands both in third place in the overall standings, beneath Switzerland and second-place Germany. Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, and France are following, in that order, with only two legs remaining at Hickstead and Dublin.
Who will make it to Spain when the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ series wraps up in early autumn? Stay tuned to FEI TV to find out!
Photo: Orange Studios for Falsterbo Horse Show
8 teams will be competing in Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden on Friday 14th July at Falsterbo Horse Show.
Round 1 will start at 14.00 CET and Round 2 at 15.45 CET.
We wish all competing teams best of luck in tomorrow’s competition.
Ingvar Fredricson has dedicated his entire life to understanding horses. During Wednesday morning he visited Falsterbo Horse Show together with Kajsa von Geijer and his sons, Jens and Peder Fredricson to talk about the new foundation that has been created in his name in order to pass on his knowledge for horses to future generations.
Photo: Orange Studios for Falsterbo Horse Show
Text by: Ida Lindemann for Falsterbo Horse Show
It’s Kajsa von Geijer och Annika Berridge that is financing the new book and a new edition of the old book by Ingvar Fredricson, called Flyinge, whose revenues also fund the new foundation. The reason is simple – his knowledge has to be preserved.
Ingvar is 86 years old and a lot has changed in Sweden during his time. The knowledge of horse keeping must not get lost and that is why this foundation is needed, says Kajsa von Geijer,
At a press conference at Falsterbo Horse Show Ingvar Fredricson tells us about how he got to know so much about horses. It’s a lot of studying, he says, but ends it with the most important part – the personal interest.
– It’s about time. There are thousands of young people that are fascinated by equestrian sports in general and show jumping in particular. They want to make a career but it requires that you understand the art of horsemanship, get the right education and know a whole lot about the veterinary practice, Ingvar Fredricson states.
His son Peder Fredricson describes that a typical conversation during family dinners evolves 98% around horses.
– I can see that many of the young riders that I compete against today come from rider families, where either the mother or the father has competed. I truly believe that it’s an enormous advantage to take part of that knowledge early on.
Jens Fredricson agrees.
– The riding in our family is important and it’s valued very highly, which I think has created the calm and joy around competing.
Ingvar Fredricson argues that the foundation is important for the young riders and the upcoming generations.
– It’s almost impossible to ride at the highest level and at the same time keep track of the present research. That is what we will be working on in the foundation. To simplify and make it as exciting and as fun as possible so that you will want to learn.
On the board for this new foundation are Ingvar Fredricson, Kajsa von Geijer, Jens Fredricson, Peder Fredricson, Jana Wannius och Annika Berridge.
For the second year in a row, we have the pleasure of welcoming the Holsteiner Verband to Falsterbo Horse Show. 12 top-bred Holsteiner foals will be auctioned off at the international show jumping arena on Saturday, July 15th at 5:00 PM CET, following the Falsterbo Derby. The foals are by stallions such as Casall, Vingino och Big Star såväl som från Keaton, Charaktervoll och Chaccothage Blue.
A presentation of the foals will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in the afternoon at approximately 3 p.m. at the international jumping arena. The hybrid auction will also be hosted at the international jumping arena following the Falsterbo Derby at circa 5:00 PM CET. ClipMyHorse.tv will broadcast this in livestream.
All candidates are to be seen with photos, videos under https://holsteiner.auction/de/auktionen/fohlenauktion-falsterbo-2023
All questions about the auction and of course about the foals themselves will be answered by Felix Flinzer (phone: 0162-3493942) at any time.
