Allix JonesGlobetrotting Page 24

The Other Side ofMicheal Jung Page 32

Marwari BreedThe lost horses of Rajputana Page 42

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October 2009

OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST

october 2009 to april 2010all roads lead to geneva

rolex fei world cup jumping

Minutes before the start of each

competition, riders walk the course,

methodically pacing off the exact distance between

one jump and the next. The ritual is something to

behold as precision de nes the Rolex FEI World Cup

Jumping. Season-long trials put riders and horses

through an artful but challenging test. These intense,

indoor events are qualifying rounds that bring the

best of the best to Geneva to compete in the Rolex

FEI World Cup Final. A conclusion that is easier

said than done.

FEIFocus_FEI_09_09.indd 1FEIFocus_FEI_09_09.indd 1 24.09.09 16:2224.09.09 16:22

TV

Dear friends,

I hope you all enjoyed the rst issue of FEIFocus, your letters and emails have been very encouraging and we hope to tailor thismagazine to your needs as we progress from edition to edition.

As you will see, this issue has a distinct youth avour, a tting perspective as we embark on the FEIs rst ever Year of Youth, launched in August of this year and set to run through to next August in the lead up to the rst ever Youth Olympic Games.

It has been a busy summer for both our youth and senior competitors with new records and awe inspiring sporting moments around the globe and in all the FEI disciplines. Alongside these many positive achievements, we have also devoted much of these past few monthsto issues such as Clean Sport.

Our next edition will be prepared imme-diately following the FEI General Assem-bly in Copenhagen and we will report back to you with some of the key decisions andthe road ahead for Clean Sport, one which we are con dent will provide us with the toolsand vision to ensure a prosperous future for equestrian sport and the FEI Family.

Alex McLinFEI Secretary General

Throughout this edition of FEI FOCUS, our attentionis turned resolutely towards Youth by showcasing many of the up and coming faces of horsesport and acknowledging the role they will play in the years to come. They are the next generation of the FEI Family, whether they are the athletes, the fans, the owners, the volunteers, the of -cials or the media. We need to listen to their needs so that we can plan a future that they will be interested in and want to be a part of. This also includes proactively tackling the areas of our infrastructure that relate to fair play. In doing so, we will secure bothfor ourselves, and the generations that will follow us, a clean sport, building on solid foundations and, therefore, a healthy and solid future for our sport.

With such a diversity of discip-lines and so many opportunities,we have something to offereveryone around the globe,and it is my sincere hope thatwe will also deliver this mes-sage of universality over thenext twelve months.

HRH Princess HayaFEI President

Watch FEI TV for extensive and high-quality live and on-demand coverage, highlights programmes and behind the scenes inter-views from major events around the world.

FEI TV will also broadcast the FEI GeneralAssembly LIVE from Copenhagen on 19 November.

Detailed Broadcast schedules available at www.feitv.org

WelcomeEditorial Note from the FEI President

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34 On the Hoof With the future

38 Golden Lady in Red Joanna Eccles

40 The long Adventure From Beijing to London

42 Marwari Breed The lost horses of Rajputana

49 A Life in a Day Lyndsey Jordan

50 Postcard from Uruguay Interview with Jorge Zeballos

52 Alltech Tips The bene ts of antioxidant nutrition

54 The Road to 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

08 Through the Looking Glass Photos by Remco Veurink

14 One Day Portraits of the next generation

18 Why the Long Face? Exclusive interview with Pam Grier

20 Meydan FEI Nations Cup Fantastic French take rst Meydan FEI Nations Cup Title

24 A World of Oppurtunities Allix Jones

28 FEI Awards 2009 Celebrating our Heroes

30 Globetrotter

32 The Other Side of Micheal Jung

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Impressum October 2009Circulation 3000Frequency QuarterlyEditor in Chief Olivia Robinson GordonDesign / Art Tasmanie.chPrinting SRO Kundig, GenevaCover Jol von Allmen, Neuchtel

Contact / Advertising FEI Fdration Equestre Internationale Olivia Robinson Gordon Avenue de Rumine 37, CH-1005 Lausanne T +41 21 310 47 47, F +41 21 310 47 60 www.fei.org olivia.robinson@fei.org

Table of Contents

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As we celebrate Youth inthis edition of FEI FOCUS,we would like to take thisopportunity to showcase the works of a young, up and com-ing equestrian photographer from the Netherlands, Remco

Veurink. At just 24 years of age, Remco is a passionate and professional photographer, with his eye turned resolutely towards horses and horsesport.

He was 12 when his mother gave him an old, dilapidated, manual camera to go out and re- discover the world with, and thats exactlywhat he did. Living near a race track, he im-mediately began to experiment taking photos of racing cars, but it was thanks to a close friend, Pieter Koopmans a young talented show jumper and course designer that tragically died last year in a car accident that his equestrian photographic career began in earnest when he was introduced to Jacob Melissen, who has been his mentor and employer since then. Jacob Melissen is the man behind the comprehensive photographic database JMInt.eu providing photos in real time and available for download from horsesports premier events around the world, including the Meydan FEI Nations Cup series, the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping se-ries, European and World Championships and Olympic Games.

Remcos style testi es of his interest in emotion and detail, always seeking to provide a fresh way of portraying the sport and its athletes both human and equine. While his energetic de-meanour and enthusiasm to provide quality and artistic photos make him a delight to work with.

Remco Veurink

Through the Looking Glass Remco Veurink To see more of his work, check out www.jmint.eu

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Through the Looking Glass Remco Veurink

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Through the Looking Glass Remco Veurink

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Bram Chardon (NED) was practically born on a carriage as son of four times individual four-in-hand World Champion IJsbrand Chardon and grandson of the late four-in-hand driver Bram Chardon. At the age of sixteen, Bram competes at sub-national level with his four-in-handof grey Welsh ponies and is determined to soon follow into the footsteps of his father.

Fifteen year old Pakjira Thongpakdi (THA) is an avid fan of Dressage and has competed in a number of FEI World Dressage Challenges already. She dreams of ONE DAY making a career in horsesport and is constantly recruiting new friends to her number one hobby.

Who is your role model ? My father! I admire him because he has been competing at the top for over twenty years. He won his rst individual goldmedal in 1988 and in 2008, he became World Champion for the fourth time.

In competition, is it all about winning ? When I startedto compete myself, winning was no issue. I was very young, our main goal was to create a good team. But at the moment, yes, I want to win everything!

Who is your biggest fan ? My mother. She comes with me to every competition; she drives the lorryand arranges everything. Before, she also wenton the carriage with me in all phases, but now my eldest sister Jeannette is my groom in themarathon and my other sister Edith rides with me in dressage and cones.

Complete the sentence : One day I would like to Become World Champion with a horse team ! The next few years I will compete with my pony team and I hope to be selected for the 2011 FEI World Combined Pony Driving Championships.

Do you have a good relationship with your crew ? My crew is just super. We are all equal, we eat, drink and celebrate together and we can say anything to each other.

How do you imagine your life will be in the fu-ture ? I am not sure yet if I have enough talent to become a professional coachman like my father. My parents run a riding school and I would like to continue this business, but I am also following an education at an advanced level so that option is always there.

Complete the sentence In the future I would like to sport to be More known and more practised in more countries. Our sport must become more attractive for more people so we can attract more spectators. Therefore, the driving sport must stay clean and we must avoid doping cases and animal cruelty.

Who is your role model ? Anky Van Grunsven and Isabell Werth.

When did you start riding and why ? When I was 7 or 8, my friend persuaded me to try and I just loved it for no reason.

In competition, is it all about winning ? No, I just want to have fun with it and gain more experiences but if I can win it would be great.

Who is your biggest fan ? Err I think I dont have any fans yet.

Complete the sentence : One day I would like to succeed in horse riding and be a good rider and maybe represent Thailand in the Asian Games.

What are your hobbies ? Nowadays my only hobby is HORSE RIDING.

What are your aims in terms of a career ? Umm actually I havent made up my mind about my future yet but something around horse riding would be nice.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would you like to have with you ? What kind of question is this!?! But if I was really stuckon a deserted island I would like to have my mobile phone with me so I can call myparents to pick me up, of course everyone wants to go home right?? She laughs

How do you feel after winning ? Im so delightedand proud of myself.

Do you do something for good luck ? Yes, especially the night before I compete, I usually pray. I also put a pin (given to me by Hans Staub long time ago) on my competing jacket.

Complete the sentence In the future I would like the sport to be better known in my countrybecause horse riding in Thailand is not verypopular and I want everyone to try it, surely they will love it.

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One Day Portraits of the next generation

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Pam Grier talks horses

Always calm and well articulated, with a remarkably positive philosophy on life, Pam Grier shot to fame in the early 70s playing big, bold, assertive roles such as 1974's Foxy Brown, paving the way for a new generation of actresses that could hold their own in any action picture with a fearless manner. She shot back to fame ten years ago, for her role in Quentin Tarantino's lm Jackie Brown and at the moment can be seen in all her glamour and poise in the L-Word.

She discovered a passion for horses at an early age and has never looked back

What is it about the horse that makes you a horse lover ? I enjoy their movement. To watch them cantor is lovely.

Your rst riding experience was it bliss orterror ? Bliss!

Would you encourage young people to getinvolved in riding both at the amateur andprofessional level ? Yes !

If horses could talk, what would they be saying? Do not destroy our shared world !

Is there a unique trait you look for in a horse that you cant nd in people ? Trust.

What would you miss most if you could no longer go riding? The partnership.

Whats your usual riding out t consist of ? Helmet, polo shirt, riding pants, chaps andpaddock boots. Sugar lumps or carrots ? Without a doubt it has to be carrots!

Whats your favourite part of a horse ? I admire their entire anatomy.

Have you ever competed in an equestrian event (at any level) or thought about how you could get involved ? My lm companies do not want me to ride during production. They hold their breath even at lunging.

When did you rst develop a bond with the horse ? When I was 6 years old, my relatives draft horse was mesmerizing.

What do you think young people gain from riding ?It gives them both a con dence and sense of honour.

Do you think that riding can add to the character and development of a young person ? Yes. There is discipline,courage and safety in the interaction with your equine partner.

Where in the world would you most like to ride?Ireland and Austria both wonderful places.

If you could spend one afternoon riding with a famous person (past or present) who would it be and why ? Beezie Madden (American show jumping competitor and olympic champion). Her style is so encouraging.

When did you rst ride a horse ? What are your earliest memories of riding ? At 6 years I was told not to ride the large draft horse. But I did and it was nirvana!

Two horses go out for dinner, what kind of restaurant do they choose ? Wild Oats Caf!

Two horses go to a concert, who do they see ? Equus, the musical !

All time favourite horse lm? Seabiscuit, Hidalgo and Steinbeckss The Red Pony.

At 6 years I was told not to ride the large draft horse,

but I did and it was nirvana!

The L Word

Why the Long Face ?

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A new sponsor lit a new spark in the sport of Nations Cup Jumping this season as Meydan, creators of Dubai's iconic new racecourse and city develop-ment, oversaw a spectacular summer of team com-petition. The 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup series could hardly have been choreographed to greater effect the celebration of 100 years of Nations Cup competition, the uctuating fortunes of many of the world's best sides, and the sensa-tional nale when the already-relegated Italians produced a late burst of brilliance combining to provide edge-of-the-seat excitement to the very end.

It began back in May at La Baule in France with a erce battle for those rst precious points that can make all the difference at the end of the season. This rst of the eight legs of the series came down to a two-way jump-offbetween Switzerland and Sweden. In an un-usual twist, third-round tie-breakers wouldbe common-place all season. Sweden's Svante Johansson was pitted against Swiss veteran Markus Fuchs who led the way in the jump-offwith a great clear from La Toya. So whenJohansson's brilliant little stallion, Saint Amour, made his rst mistakes of the day with two fences down it would be a Swiss victory.

In Rome two weeks later, the French very nearly forced a jump-off with the USA, butRichard Spooner and Cristallo's last-to-goclear clinched it for the Americans. And USsensation, 23 year old rookie Ashlee Bond, recorded her second double-clear performance of the series with Cadett.

When she made it three fault-free performances in a row with another fantastic outing at St Gallen, Switzerland it seemed little short of incredible. Course designer, Rolf Ludi's demanding course produced plenty of drama including a fall and three eliminations, leading the Americans into a two-way jump-off against Germany. George Morris chose Spooner and Cristallo to y the US ag and although they left a fence on the oor it was their fast time that did the trick when Marcus Ehning's attempt at a slow clear with Plot Blue didn't quite come off. Swiss emotions were running high that day as Marcus Fuchs brought his competitive career to a close with a record-breaking 145th nations cup ap-pearance, but, as time would tell, his in uence on the series was not yet complete.

The Americans topped the leaderboard follo-wed closely by Switzerland and Germany as the action moved to Rotterdam in June where the French began to really ex their muscles. Yet again it would take a jump-off to decide the winners and yet again the USA were challeng-ing for the top-spot as McLain Ward led the way against the clock. With the great mare Saphire he set a truly tight target for French-woman Penelope Leprevost but she never inched and raced home quicker with Jubilly d'Ouilly. French Chef d'Equipe, Laurent Elias, said he sent Le-prevost into the decider because "she knows no fear!".

It was France on top again in Aachen in July where their zero score pinned the Dutch and Germans into joint-second place and their powerful team spirit was palpable "it is the most important thing to us" Laurent Elias pointed out.

The Irish scored a surprise win at Falsterbo in Sweden when Darragh Kerins and his 158 cms pocket-rocket Night Train produced one of only two double-clear rounds, and this would save them from what seemed like almost certain relegation.

Fantastic French take first Meydan title

Remco Veurink

Above Ashlee Bond, Laura Kraut and George Morris.Below The French team celebrating their victory.Darragh Kerins (IRL) riding Night Train in Falsterbo.

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Hickstead heroine was Germany's Janne-Frederike Meyer as, once more, the result was decided in a jump-off. She followed Roger-Yves Bost and Ideal de la Loge into the ring on her third and nal trip but the Frenchman had left the door open with one fence down and Meyer returned a cool third clear from her small stallion Cellagon Lambrasco to seal it.

So the French came to Dublin with series victory in their sights and there was deep sympathy for therank outsiders from Italy when they were drawn rst to go. They trailed so far behind the rest they had, long before, accepted their fate as Promotional League contenders in 2010. However with the now-retired Markus Fuchs appointed Italian team coach, they came out like roaring lions determined to go down with dignity. They shared the lead with the USA at the

halfway point but the Americans slipped to leave them clear winners ahead of the joint runners-up from Switzerland and Britain.

France meanwhile claimed the 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup title to mark a de nitivereturn to the top end of the sport after a period of uncomfortable uncertainty. French resolve is now restored and, as Laurent Elias pointed out in his uniquely quiet way, this great victory was possible "because in every competition this season my riders gave me everything they had".

Watch the Meydan FEI Nations Cup on FEI TV

Rebecca Golash (GER) riding Lassen Peak at Hickstead.

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Joel von Allmen

From Australia to Hong Kong to Switzerland to Germany to Austria and on to Hungary for the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders, Allix Jones ...

Shes bright and bubbly and full of excitement Im living the dream! exclaims Allix, and what a dream she is living! Allix is an endurance rider, full of steely grit and determination, a real conquer all attitude, all encompassed in a dynamic and spirited exterior.

I cant believe Im here, I cant believe Ive made it! she grins. Allix has been working towards her dream long and hard. She has been riding all her life and started competing nationally at the tender age of 10. Now at 16, she competes regularly at home on the Aussie International scene and has nally earned her place on the Young Rider Australian Endurance Team forthe 2009 World Endurance Championships.

A World of Opportunities Allix Jones

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This trip means everything to Allix, she hassacri ced a lot in order to reach her dream ofhitting the big time and competing on the World Stage. With the supportive backing of her parents, Wendy and Brad, Allix has put on hold her nal year of education to focus solely on her Championship ambition. I wanted to put everything into the se-lection. Ive worked hard, and now Im going to re-present Australia now how many people can say theyve done that?!

I so want everything to go well during the ride mur-murs Allix. Of course, every endurance rider needs a little luck on the day. 120 km is a long way but with the great training both horse and rider have had, hopes are high. I want to nish well I want to do

everyone proud and do justice to my own ability and that of the horse, and of course the Australian Team!.

So just what lies ahead of Allix on her Cham-pionship dream remains to be seen. Cross your ngers for me folks! she laughs. And crossed they are Allix lets hope the dreams of this Young Rider can be realised and that the combination of Allix and her borrowed horse HS Saboteur, come home safe and sound, the rst rung completed on her long ladder of hopes and aspirations.

A World of Opportunities Allix Jones

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Were pleased to announce that the FEI Awards have been extended to include ve new categories that are voted by the public an opportunity for YOU and the entire equestrian community to come together and pay tribute to the heroes of the sport.

This year FEI Awards in ve categories will be presented: Copenhagen 19 November

The new awards have been created to put the spotlight on all those who have contributed to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport, said HRH Princess Haya, President of the FEI.

These awards will not only recognise the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and tomorrow but they will also bring together all those involved in the sport around the world.

This is the rst time the equestrian community has been consulted for FEI AWARDS, allowing everyone the opportunity to nominate their role models - from the top international ath-letes to the everyday heroes around the world.

The deadline for nominations is 17 October.

The winners will be selected by an international judging panel chaired by the FEI President. The judging panel consists of Eleonora Ottaviani (ITA), Diana Ramos (DOM), Mark Todd (NZL), Kai Vorberg (GER), and representatives from Alltech and HSBC.

The 2009 FEI Awards will be presented to the winning candidates on 19 November at the Gala dinner held on the occasion of the annual FEI General Assembly, taking place this year in the Danish capital Copenhagen. All you need to know and more can be found at www.feiawards.org.

To a rider, driver or vaulter who has shown exceptional sportsmanship and prowess;

To a rider between the ages of 14 and 21 has not only demonstrated signi cant talent but also love of the sport, commitment and practice;

For a development project, individual or organisation that has shown exceptional skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

To celebrate a disabled rider of any age who has demonstrated that disability is no hindrance to sporting pro ciency.

To the often uncelebrated yet important person who works behind the scenes.

Celebrating our heroes

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The Rolex Rankings Measuring Success in a Global Sport

For jumping riders there is only one place to be, and that's at the top end of theprestigious Rolex Rankings list. It is an indication of status on the world stage, and

there has rarely been a more global mix of riders in the top 20 than there are at present.

In September, Germany's Marcus Ehning holds pole position for the third month in succession,but he is now trailed by Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze from Canada who has moved up to second while thesuper-competitive Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum lies third, also for Germany, ahead of Australia's Edwina Alexan-der in fourth place. McLain Ward ies the American ag in fth, and such is the spread of national representationthat riders from 11 different countries are included in the top-20.

For over 50 years Rolex has been partnered with equestrian sport in a variety of ways, and the world-renownedSwiss watch-making company has developed a particularly close relationship with jumping riders through itssponsorship of the world rankings.

Timing, precision, robustness and longevity are all key elements of classic Rolex timepieces qualities also keyto the success of the jumping horses and riders competing in the FEI's most popular discipline.

In the next issue

of FEI FOCUS

When it comes to an event as big as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,it's the little details that count even those as small as a blade of grass.

That's why DLF International Seeds will supply just under 10,000 kilos of grass seed to be laid down over the cross-country course at the Kentucky Horse Park before,during and after the Games. The course will be used for endurance, carriagedriving and the cross-country phase of the Eventing competition. Visitors also will be pleased to know that when they come to the Bluegrass for the Games, they will indeed see bluegrass!

feitv.orgYour video viewing experience on www.feitv.org is now even better with the introduction of ash technology. This exciting improvement allows horsesport fans using Mac software to now get access to all the live broadcasts, the many hours of highlights as well as the extensive video on demand archive from the worlds most prestigious equestrian competitions. It will also signi cantly enhance the video quality for all viewers.

Find out the schedules and broadcast times at www.feitv.org

Watchnow

At just 17 years of age, Melanie Becker (NED) won the FEI World Driving Pony Championships in the singles division a great achieve-ment for a rst experience at a World Championships and when faced with more experienced and mature competitors. When it comes to experience and maturity, Chiles Americo Simonetti, last seen com-peting in the Nations Cup in Ar-gentina last year at the age of 82, is de nitely the one to watch.

Youre never too old or too young

to reach for the stars

How Much Better Can it Get? It's been a record breaking rollercoaster ride these past few months for Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas. Hav-ing already shattered the Freestyle record set by team-mate Van Grunsven in July, the pair went on to achieve the impossible, picking up 29excellent -10 scores to nishwith an all time Freestyle record of 90.70% in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Alltech FEI EuropeanChampionships in Windsor. Can it get any better than that?

Gold for Hungary at the SIEC FEI World Youth Series Regional Final. In its inauguralseason, the SIEC-FEI World Youth Seriessponsored by Vista saw twenty four aspiringyoung riders from six nations attend theregional nal in Turkey. It was a close nishfor Turkey, only just beaten by Hungary in a nail biting thriller, while Romania neatlyslotted into third place.

This is Your Magazine,and we want Your input,so give us a call or email

to be a part of FEI FOCUS.

Exclusive interviews and in depth analysis on Clean Sport and the road ahead.

Stars in their eyes - the winners of the rst ever FEI Awards.

The indoor season at its best highlights from the Rolex FEI World Cup and FEI World Cup quali ers.

Reining in Germany and Vaulting in Malawi and much more

Globetrotter

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The qualities I most admire in other poeple are honesty and light-heartedness jolly people are great!

What makes me laughfunny people and those silly, funny moments.

It saddens methat we can't live together in peace in this world.

When I am on holidayI like tospend lots of time with my friends. I don't havemuch free time so spending time with them is very important to me.

If I could be reborn I would like to beHorst Schlaemmer (German comedian and political satirist).

If I could change one thing in the world it would beto bring peace to it.

Home isin Altheim, Horb-am-Neckar. It is in the Germanstate of Badem-Wurttemberg on the northern perimeter of the Black Forest. It is a very idyllic and quiet place, with a wonderful environment.

When I was a childI dreamed ofnothing else but riding and working with horses.

I'm inspired bynature and horses of course.

Family iseverything to me. All of my family are involved with me in my business we are like a familycompany! They support me in every way possible.

I'm motivated bythe people around me.

When I'm not on a horse I like toswim, surf and go mountain-climbing. It makes a great contrast to what I do every day with thehorses and I have a lot of friends who enjoydoing those things with me.

I like to readequestrian magazines.

My favourite food is I love Italian food and also a really nice steak!

The greatest hope isfor health and happiness, both for myself and all my family.

Michael Jung made a big impact when winning at

Luhmuehlen on his 4-Star debut and then topping the final of the HSBC FEI Eventing World Cup series in Poland this season. The 27 year old German event rider talks with Edith de Reys about the things that are important to him, including friendship and family

Julia Rau

The other Side of

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www.feiyearofyouth.org We have recently launched a brand newwebsite to celebrate the start of the FEI's Year of Youth. The Year of Youth will spotlight all elements of youth equestrianism in the run-up and beyond the rst ever Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

Check out the website for exclusive blogs, photographs and video, and a chance to share stories and be part of the Year of Youth. We're developing a unique eques-trian search engine for all your horse-related queries and the site will constantly be updated with new information and resources for young equestrian athletes and fans.

While the website is there to provide all the latest information, we'd like to encou-rage young people to join in with the conversation online via Facebook, Twitter and many more. We want to hear about your experiences as an equestrian, en-courage you to share advice with other enthusiasts and nd out what you expect from the sport in the future.

Riding boots or ballet shoes Aysha Al Qaoud (KUW), recently made that important decision and has now hung up her dancing shoes to concentrate wholly on her number one sport show jumping.

All star female castJumping podium of the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships: Joelle Froese (bronze), Kaitlyn Campbell (gold) and Lucy Davis (silver).

The skys the limit The Swedish vaulting team on home turf at the FEI European Vaulting Championships.

Alex & JuliaThey may be tough and competitive in the Jumping arena, but catch them out side of it and youll be pleasantly surprised

Of cats, dogs and horses Enjoying the show at the FEI European Jumping Championships for Young Riders in Hoofdorp (NED).

Focused on the futureRussias Nikita Khrenov may only be 15, but hes determined to makea career in horsesport.

On the Hoof With the future

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Stand up and be counted The Dressage winners at the FEI European Pony Championships in Moorsele this summer.

TechnicolourTwo Austrian Vaulters inconspicuously blend in with the background

FEI YEAR OF YOUTH on the web

Follow us on Twitter for instant updates on the Year of Youth website, useful links and updates from events. Be part of our thriving Facebook group to talk and share tips withfellow equestrians around the world. Check out our event photographs and videos onFlickr and YouTube and tag your own with "FEIYOY" so we can feature them.

Go to www.feiyearofyouth.org for more details and to nd links to all our pro les online. Its in the genes Fifteen year old Graham Gillespie is already making his mark on the international scene.

The many faces of horsesport

When the pressures offIf youre young and dedicated to equestrian sport, there are hours and hours of training, sacri ce, early mornings, late nights, and hardships but theres also a lot to be learnt, adventure at every corner, suspense and the sweet sensation of success

Matthew (GBR)

Mohamed (EGY)

Nadia and Regitze (SWE)

Martin (DEN) Samy (FRA)

On the Hoof With the future

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For the Past Five YearsThe trio of vaulter Joanne Eccles, lunger John Eccles and magni cent bay WH Bentley have been synonymous with elegance and grace on the international vaulting scene, but 2009 has been the most sensational of all, with a string of gold medal performances in the lead up to the Europeans in Sweden.

Shine so Bright The arena was at fever pitch, as all Vaulting events, the crowd is omnipresent and can be heard for miles around, boosting the perform-ances of the vaulters, lungers and horses. Enter Joanna Eccles, her impeccably dressed father John, and WH Bentley, like another member of the family hard working and down to earth. Joannes style of vaulting which combines an apparently faultless balance with gymnastic prowess added to her enthralling Lady in Red Freestyle set the house on re, the crowds cheered wildly, and the sport of Vaulting had its rst ever British European title holder.

Its a Family AffairIts just amazing the way my whole family are involved. There arent a lot of groups out there like us. My Dad and my sister and me compete all in competitions. Then my mum comes along to watch and sometimes my brother might drive the lorry to the event.Joanne started vaulting at 8 years of age in a small club in Scotland and became the yer of the Scottish Equestrian Vaulting Team in 1998. The farm we live on is where my Dad grew up, so when he was younger his sisters all had horses and he told himself, Im never having a horse. But then, he came to see me at my rst international vaulting event, and was hooked as well, so we got a horse! It all started from there really, and now we have four horses and run a vaulting club the Wee County Vaulters!To nd out more, check out Joannes blog at www.horsehero.com/biogs

See her winning performance on FEI TV.

There were high expectations for the Lady in Red at the FEI European Vaulting Championships in Bokeborg (SWE) this year For the twenty year old dentistry student from Glasgow University, it was an unforgettable and life de ning moment. Liz Gregg

Golden Lady in Red Joanne Eccles

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Wife and mother, pony producer and former Head of Geography at a London Girls School, Megan Lewis has already packed a lot into her journey through life. But this is not a lady who rests on her laurels or does things on a small

scale. Last October the 60 year old Welsh-based wonderwoman began a charity ride in Beijing that will take her all the way to London just in time for the 2012 Olympic Games

Megan Lewis was straining at the leash. The schedule for The Long Ride had been drama-tically interrupted by a fall three months earlier which had left her with a broken collarbone and ribs as well as a punctured lung. It was now August, so how was she feeling about heading back to China to pick up where she had left off ?"Impatient, very impatient, and ridiculously well"was her reply. Saying goodbye to the green hills of her Welsh farm was not a problem for this woman who has maintained a passionate inter-est in Asia since living there as a child. She isrealising a dream as she combines her senseof adventure with her experience of endu-rance riding and her desire to raise funds forher husband, Iestyn Thomas's, charity "School-children for Children".

Initially she planned to break the journey into "four or five sections" but she quickly ran into problems with access in China. "Logistically andbureaucratically it was difficult, but with the help of the Chinese Equestrian Association we got authorisation early this year" she pointed out.There was a lot to get organised - grazing, camping,a back-up vehicle and of course horses. "I was de-lighted when a sponsor donated Shandan horses. They are tough little fellows developed in the last 100 years for the Chinese Army and will be get-ting the best of care and attention" she said.

Together with her cousin, Rowena Haigh, she set off in October 2008. "We started at the end of the Great Wall Lao Long Tou (Old Dragon's Head) where it meets the sea and rode inland it was a trial section to see how things worked.It took just under three weeks and there were a lot of setbacks, but nothing that couldn't beovercome" Megan explained. They then returnedto Britain to drum up sponsorship for the longerterm and things really began to fall into place when the Chinese Federation agreed a partner-ship arrangement and they were contacted by rider Peng Wenchao.

"He's a former taxi driver from Beijing who rode and drove around China on Mongolian horses" she ex-plained. She would also be joined by Hi Jing, who is Chinese with Russian nationality and another one-off character who rode from Votkinsk in Russia to Beijing but failed to arrive in time for last summer's Olympic Games. "It didn't stop him from getting a lot of public-ity though!" Megan explained. So these two men, both in their late 40s, and the 60 year old Welsh woman would form the core group.

They were only nine days into the second leg of the jour-ney however when Megan took that heavy fall. Un-daunted, by August she was planning to make it to the far end of the Great Wall on the next leg of the expedi-tion. From there she will cross the Northern Silk Route, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, through Russia, The Urkraine and Europe before arriving in London in 2012.

"We intend to cover about 25 miles a day and the British Federation has helped to put us in touch with organisa-tions who will assist us along the way" Megan pointed out. Her first financial target is a modest 5000.

She was thinking about the months ahead "We will literally be starting again from where I fell off and we will be travelling over completely unknown territory because you can't get detailed maps of China. I hope the next section won't take more than four months because I want to be home for Christmas!" she said.

If you log onto http://thelonghorseride.blogspot.com/ you will see great pictures of Megan, Peng and Li with their horses Shandan, Baiju and Zorbee who have beenre-shod with rubber shoes. They are at the moments of writing this article 11111 kilometres from Beijing.

Keep up to date with the big adventure and informa-tion on how to donate on www.thelonghorseride.com

Mighty Megan's long Adventure

4140

Rajasthan in India is home to the Marwari horse and to the family of Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod known to all as Bonnie. Originally a branch of the Jaipur Royal family, Bonnies forebears have lived in the Shekhawati area since it was named for their ancestor Rao Shekha. Their family home is an eighteenth century fort in the village of Dundlod.

Marwari horses, with their distinctive inwardly curved, lyre shaped ears, have always played an important role in Rajathstan culture. In the Hindu religion the horse is divine, and the Marwari breed with its noble imposing nature does little to detract from that possibility. Originally brought to India by Ghengis Khan and his Mongul invaders from the north, the breed takes its name from the Marwar region. Literally meaning the land of death as the land was so harsh, and the people so warlike, the Marwari were originally bred for battle. The horses unique twisting ears warned their warrior riders of impending threats in battle whilst protecting them from the clouds of dust that scour the region. This provenance has resulted in a very hardy and intelligent breed renowned for both their bravery and stamina.

With such an auspicious history it is strange that the Marwari horse is almost never found outside India.It was during the British rule of the sub-continent that the horse lost its position at the top ofthe Indian equine tree. The colonial authorities, realising that the horse was a symbol of royalty and power, convinced the Indian rulers and the Maharajahs that the breed was a bit wild, too temperamental, too energetic and certainly not suitable for ladies. As a result the horse moved out of the palaces and the royal estates and went tothe saises, or grooms, to look after, and the grooms took them home to their farms.

After 1947, in a post-colonial India, the breed fared no better with the new Government also seeing horses as a symbol of former dynastic eras. It was only in the 1980s when the concept of tourism grew in Rajathstan and heritage tourism beganto see historic palaces and forts opening theirdoors to offer a glimpse of former times, that families like Bonnies started to hunt out the remaining Marwari horses and once more start breeding programmes.

Liz Gregg

The Lost Horses of RajputanaMarwari Breed

4342

After so long in the shadows much of the con rmation in the breed had been lost, but in time, with the unstinting support and encouragement of people like Bonnie, the Marwari is back. The Indigenous Horse Society of India (IHSI) was formed in 1999 to protect and upgrade their breeding programme to ensure the Marwari never again disappears from the limelight.

Footage of Marwari Horses available on FEI TV

Secretary General of the Indian Federation Col. Sarpartap Singh.

Today tourism riding is the core activity of the breed. Rajathstans beautiful landscape, partnered with its welcoming culture and heritage, has proved a great magnet for the horseback tourist and the Marwari has certainly played its part.

Marwari Breed

4544

In equestrian sport the breed has always been synonymous with Tentpegging unsurprisingly as it too has a warring heritage and in more recent times has seen success in India in Endurance with its natural stamina and hardiness.

There are issues to exporting the Marwari from India, which must be overcome if the breed is to succeed in equestrian sport worldwide, but Bonnie and his IHSI colleagues are continually working with the Indian Government to overcome them. Their aim is to restore the Marwari to its former glory in a modern equestrian world, and theysee sporting competition as one road to achieving that position and securing the breeds future. If the horses stoic history and reputation in Rajathstan is anything to go by it wouldnt be a surprise to see the Marwari competing internationally some-time in the near future. Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod known to all as Bonnie.

Marwari Breed

4746

You need real stamina and determination to juggle studies and sport, and that's exactly what Lyndsey Jordan, a Kentucky native, does. On a full equestrian scholarship at Auburn University, Lyndsey fell in love with Reining at an early age and has never looked back so when she's not buried in her books, she's a erce and highly acclaimed competitor in the arena. At 21 years of age, she's already a two time USEF Gold Medallist (2005 & 2009), has two National Reining Horse World titles and just recently claimed gold at the 2009 Collegiate Reining Championships after being chosen as one of the top 12 collegiate riders in the country!

During term time, my days are run on a really tight schedule. It all starts at 5 am, I wake up and get ready for training, which consists of aerobic exercise such as running and weights training for 1 hour. It's a real bonus training as a team, because we all motivate each other and stay focused, no matter how early in the day

After training, a quick shower and breakfast onthe run and I'm ready for class which starts at8am. I'm in my nal year of a Communications major, so this year is crucial I'd really love to nd a job in marketing / communications withinthe equestrian sector when I leave next year. Classes go to around 12.30pm and then it'sstraight to practice with the equestrian team.There are around forty of us on the team, divided into the various disciplines, approximately half involved in the traditional Olympic disciplinesand the other half with Western riding such as Reining. We usually train until 3.30pm andthat entails prepping the team horses wehave 50 at the moment riding and then more grooming.

I don't get much time to train with my ownhorses during term time as they are in Texas, agood 14 hours drive away. And it's only whenwe don't have a team competition on the week-end that I'm able to train and even competeindividually with them. I've had a really successful year though with both the team horses and my own I recently won gold at the North American Young Rider Championships in Kentucky, in thenew arenas built for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and that was a great rewardfor all the hard work.

Once training is done around 3:30pm, I'll shower, get changed and then have dinner and study till I literally fall asleep probably around 8 or 9pm ready to do it all over again, because at the end of the day, no matter how exhausted I get I am really fortunate to be doing something I love, and I'm going to work as hard as it takes to keep it up.

W

alte

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A Life in a DayLyndsey Jordan

49

President : Col. Roberto Abella

Secretary General : Jorge Zeballos

URU NF Headquarters staff is made up of 10 people: 4 Executive Board Members, 4 Disciplines Directors and 2 paid members for secretarial and administrative support.

11 Clubs/Riding Associations

630 competitors af liated to the NF in Dressage, Eventing, Endurance & Jumping

51 National Events in 2008 (16 Dressage, 15 Jumping, 12 Endurance and 8 Eventing)

11 International Events in 2008 (6 Endurance, 2 Eventing, 1 FEI World Dressage Challenge, 1 FEI World Jumping Challenge, 1 Jumping Competition for Children)

1506 horses in Uruguay

Facts&FiguresWhats at the top of your wish list for the Uruguay Fed-

eration in 2010 and why? The URU NF has a strong determination to ensure that equestrian sports continue to grow not only in number but also in quality. We aim to have a good performance in our se-lected combinations at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and to put our country in a privileged place worldwide in equestrian sports.We will continue to encourage the strong rela-tionship between the Regional countries, in or-der to strengthen each other and to improve our respective competitive levels through sport-ing exchange.

If you werent working in horsesport, where and what do

you think you would be doing? Our participation in the URU NF does not prevent us from develop-ing other activities, then jointly with our dedica-tion to equestrian sports we work in our compa-nies, our jobs, we participate in social activities, among others. I cannot imagine myself doing something else but contributing to this sport.

In ten years time, where do you see equestrian sport in

Uruguay? I think that if the medium and long term planning and aims are kept we will be able to expand the sport nationally to a very high level, in line with the exceptional potential of our riders and horses. Internationally, I should hope that our Endurance combinations become medal contenders at big international events.

How did you get started in equestrian sport? I started participating in equestrian activities when I was a child as I grew up in a rural zone of our country very in uenced by horse sport in particular with regards to Endurance, which started in our coun-try about 75 years ago.

Equestrian sport has been growing in Uruguay these past

years, what has contributed to this trend and how do you

go about ensuring that it maintains this momentum?

Our country has unbeatable natural environ-ment conditions and a long tradition related to horse activities. Within the past 10 years several different activities related to horses have had a great development in Uruguay. With regard to FEI disciplines there are two outstanding as-pects : one related to the URU NF policies, tend-ing to increase the number of children and young riders, improving and strengthening the training and encouraging them to reach higher level categories. In Endurance, a new sports horse market has been developed and the competi-tions results have contributed to the growth of this discipline. In order to ensure this growth continuity, the URU NF is working towards the professionalization and training of coaches, riders, stewards, judges, vet-erinarians and organisers, thus enabling the disci-plines to improve their competitive levels.

The FEI Year of Youth was launched in August and will run

from August 2009 August 2010 leading up to the rst

Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, does Youth play an

important role at URU NF and what are the key messages

you want to pass on to the future equestrian athletes?

Youth is the main concern of the URU NF, we are deeply aware that they are the future of this sport for our country and we need to ensure its growth and improvement. We must encourage young riders in their spor-tive vocation ; teaching them that a good sportsman / sportswoman must be responsible and respectful, they must get to know that working hard and with dedication they may reach their goals; that the horse is a friend and also an athlete, that they certainly will not reach the aim without it and that its welfare is above all.

Federacin Uruguaya de Deportes Ecuestres

Interview with Jorge Zeballos

Postcard from Uruguay

5150

The Healthy Equine: Reining in the Benefits of Antioxidant Nutrition

In recent times the topic of free radicals and the inf-luence of nutrition on these potentially damaging molecules has received much media attention. How-ever, this topical issue is not just of relevance to humans; our equine companions can also suffer free radical damage, which can be mitigated by a diet rich in antioxidants.

Oxygen is an essential part of mammalian life. Despite this, there are detrimental effects of generating energy from oxygen i.e. the production of free radicals, small but very reactive molecules that cause damage to body tissues. However, the body has developed mechanisms to minimise their effects, including the utilisation of antioxidants. Thus, the overall effect of free radicals depends on the scale of their production coupled with the ef ciency of the animals antioxidant response.

This rst line of defence involves mineral-containing enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glut-athione peroxidise and catalase, to name but a few and minerals, such as zinc, manganese and copper play key roles in this part of the bodys defence. Selenium (Se) is a component of around 25 proteins, including glutathione peroxidise. These selenoproteins have major roles in metabolism and rely on the availability of Se in the body and/or diet. Se also plays a role in the immune system, gene expression, thyroid metabolism and male fertility. Therefore, adequate Se status in the horse is vital for optimum health and performance.

Many areas of Europe have soils that are classed as Se-de cient (esp. Scandinavia) and the Se content of common feedstuffs is around 0.01 0.3mg/kg. Therefore, it is common place to fortify feed with

inorganic Se, usually as sodium selenite (NaSe). A random analysis of 12 horses carried out at theNottingham University School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in the UK revealed that only one of the horses had what would be considered normal (1.67 2.03M) plasma selenium levelsand three horses were considered at risk from muscular dystrophy problems. While this sampleis obviously very small it is believed that these results would be mirrored on a larger scale. In the US, 202 horses were blood sampled for Se status. They found that values ranged from 50 260ng/ml,where normal is considered 130 160ng/ml. So it would seem that all that would be required wouldbe to increase the level of supplementation of NaSe. In reality this is not the case as inorganic Se (aswell as other minerals) is poorly absorbed by the digestive tract and not readily stored in the body, resulting in very low, if any, Se reserves. There is, however, an alternative.

Selenium that is absorbed from organic sources, such as selenium yeast can be incorporated into either selenoenzymes or general proteins in the body as storage for future use. This enables the animal to build Se reserves for times of stress, such as foaling, illness and high intensity exercise. Exercise may be of particular importance with regards to Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying-up, Azoturia). Many studies have shown greater incorporation of Se from an organicsource, e.g. Sel-Plex (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCMI-3060) from Alltech, into body tissues compared with NaSe. This is because organic Seis the form that the mammalian body has evolved to use. The body recogises this form and it is absorbed and incorporated into the body muchmore effectively.

By Dr. Helen WarrenTechnical Co-Ordinator, Solutions Deployment Team, Alltech

Aside from the physiological bene ts of organic compared with inorganic Se sources, there is also the issue of toxicity. Sodium selenite is toxic to mammals over certain levels and, as such Feed Additive Directive 70/524/EC states maximum supplementation should be 0.5mg/kg in complete feeds with current dietary recommendations at 0.1mg/kg of the ration. The toxicity of NaSe is in contrast to organic selenium as selenium yeast,for example no toxic level has been found forSel-Plex. Horses are very sensitive to Se levelsand develop signs of toxicity more quickly thanother animals, such as cows, for example, therefore, the potential for organic selenium is vast.

Zinc, copper and manganese are also minerals of importance when it comes to antioxidant status. All act as co-factors (helpers) of antioxidant enzymes, thus availability of these minerals in the diet has an impact on the overall antioxidant status of the horse. As with Se, the body requires adequate levels that can be called upon when required.As discussed previously, the form in which the mineral is supplied in the diet is important and should mirror the form that animals have evolved to utilise. It is generally accepted that dietary components that are attached to organic molecules are more bioavailable compared with thoseattached to inorganic molecules.

Certain minerals, including zinc, copper and manganese can be attached to amino acidsresulting in a stable, water-soluble complex (some of these complexes may also be termed 'chelates') that is readily absorbed from the intestine. Inorganic mineral complexes are subject to interaction with other compounds that may reduce the bio-availability of the mineral to the animal. Chelated minerals, such as those found in Alltechs Bioplex range have shown considerable improvements in the amount of mineral retained by the horse.

Antioxidants are key to minimising the continual threat of damage by free radicals. This is especially important for equine, as well as human, athletes. Many minerals are involved in the antioxidation process and an optimal supply is crucial tomaintain optimal health and performance.Supplying these minerals as nature intendedis the most effective way to ensure the anti-oxidant status of the horse.

THE NATURAL SELENIUM CYCLE

FEEDING INORGANIC SELENIUM BREAKS THE NATURAL CYCLE

Se reserves foaling, lactation, disease challenges

NOT stored in body tissues

No reserves for times of metabolic stress

Converted to organic selenium

by plant

Stored in body tissues

Inorganic Se

Organic SeSe

Converted to organic selenium

by plant Inorganic

Se

Inorganic Se

Organic Se

Alltech Tips

5352

The worlds most prestigious equestrian competition is coming to the horse capital of the world, and yourchance to join the celebration is drawing near.

In 2010, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be held outside of Europe for the rst time in history at the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The 16 days of international compe-tition will be held September 25 through October 10, 2010. Eight world-championships willbe contested in one location, another rst in Games history, at the 1200 acre Kentucky Horse Park a premier world-class equestrian facility ideal for hosting this unpre-cedented event.

The 2010 Games will be the most prestigious equestrian event to ever be held in the United States, and the second largest sporting event held in North America in 2010, second to the Vancouver Olympics.

Tickets went on sale September 25, 2009, exactly one year before the Games arrive in Kentucky. Approxi-mately 600000 tickets will be available with prices starting as low as $25. All ticket sales will be faci-litated through Ticketmaster, the Of cial Ticketing Provider of the 2010 Games.

Ticket holders to the 2010 Games will also be able toenjoy a host of world-class activities and exhibitionsduring their visit, including an extensive international trade show, the Kentucky Experience, complete with bourbon tasting, an Equine Village complete with de-monstrations from different breed and discipline orga-nisations, and Alltechs International Pavilion with daily displays and entertainment.

Dont miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime oppor-tunity to attend the worlds most prestigious equestrian competition in the horse capital of the world. Spon-sorship, tradeshow and hospitality packages are still available.

Ready to Host the World in 2010

For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com

The Road to 2010

54

OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST

october 2009 to april 2010all roads lead to geneva

rolex fei world cup jumping

Minutes before the start of each

competition, riders walk the course,

methodically pacing off the exact distance between

one jump and the next. The ritual is something to

behold as precision de nes the Rolex FEI World Cup

Jumping. Season-long trials put riders and horses

through an artful but challenging test. These intense,

indoor events are qualifying rounds that bring the

best of the best to Geneva to compete in the Rolex

FEI World Cup Final. A conclusion that is easier

said than done.

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Allix JonesGlobetrotting Page 24

The Other Side ofMicheal Jung Page 32

Marwari BreedThe lost horses of Rajputana Page 42

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