KING EDWARD added yet another jewel to his gleaming crown by successfully defending his FEI World Cup Final title with Henrik von Eckermann. At the end of three days’ jumping in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, King Edward was the only horse to go through the three classes without lowering a single pole. He won the speed class, he won the jump-off class and on the final night, he won the two-round decider.
As the only pair to complete the five rounds on a clean sheet, this valiant chestnut was spared a jump-off as the outright winner of the finale.
He is the first horse to win back-to-back World Cups since Shutterfly did so in 1998/1999, joining an illustrious list that also includes Milton and ET.
But it was not totally plain sailing, as the Swede fell off in the warm-up.
“I’ve been second a few times lately, so yesterday in the jump-off I did not want to be second again; maybe I exaggerated that and paid the price today because it was not as smooth,” said the world number one. “It was a long week. I feel empty now, like someone has pulled the plug out! It is pressure but I like being in pole position so I can focus on myself, and not hope the others have faults.”
Henrik’s jump-off round on day two was astonishing. Landing deep at the second last he “had to go for it to the last and got a bit of a flyer”, to beat compatriot Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S by more than two seconds. Peder in turn was nearly three seconds ahead of eye-catchers Jill Humphrey and Chromatic BF. It was an extraordinary rout of a stellar field.
Denne historien er fra April 25, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 25, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New technology aims to reduce equine inbreeding
The idea is to give owners of mares and stallions more information when choosing possible pairings
Half of owners cannot identify equine lameness
A study found many owners cannot tell when a horse is lame or sound
Calls for dental checks to be in routine sale vettings
Only a basic mouth check is currently part of the standard pre-purchase examination.
Ensuring everyone feels valued in the horse world
A new action plan and education collaboration are aimed at making the equestrian sector more inclusive
New frangible fence makes its British eventing debut
The trakehner, which is designed to collapse forwards and down under impact, will be in use at Osberton this week
Vet corporatisation: how it has changed the horse world
Vets from both types of practices discussed whether or not they and the industry have benefited
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
