Welcome to Equiworld News #000379, your weekly digest of the equestrian world from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland.
This week:
- A Showjumper's Tale: The Rise and Rise of Eric Lamaze
- International Dressage News: Europeans Dominate at the Florida Dressage Festival
- Polo Action: Argentina Reign Supreme in the World Cup Final
- The British Showjumping Scene: Spotlight on the Scottish Horse Trials
- From Our Archives: The legend of the "Flying Dutchman"
A Showjumper's Tale: The Rise and Rise of Eric Lamaze
Canadian showjumper Eric Lamaze, already a formidable force in the international showjumping arena, has cemented his place amongst the elite with his latest triumph: victory in the prestigious Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows "Masters" Tournament in Calgary, Canada. Lamaze, partnered with the formidable chestnut gelding "Hickstead," produced a breathtaking round to edge out his closest rival, the American rider Leslie Howard. This victory was a particularly sweet one for Lamaze, as it came on the eve of the Canadian Equestrian Team's announcement for the 1994 World Equestrian Games.
"It's truly an honour to win here in Spruce Meadows," said a beaming Lamaze after the prize-giving. "This victory is a great confidence booster as we head towards the World Equestrian Games in The Hague later this year."
Lamaze, renowned for his meticulous training methods and his ability to bring out the best in his horses, has his sights firmly set on the world championship.
International Dressage News: Europeans Dominate at the Florida Dressage Festival
The Florida Dressage Festival, an annual fixture on the equestrian calendar, drew some of the world's top dressage riders to Wellington, Florida, last weekend. As expected, it was the European contingent who dominated the proceedings. The German rider, Isabell Werth, proved once again to be a force to be reckoned with, securing a commanding victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle with her stunning black gelding "Gigolo." Werth, already a multiple Olympic and world champion, looks set to maintain her dominance on the international circuit.
Other notable European performers included the Dutch rider, Anky van Grunsven, who finished second in the Grand Prix Freestyle with the handsome chestnut mare "Bonfire."
Polo Action: Argentina Reign Supreme in the World Cup Final
The thrilling final of the Argentine Polo Open, the most prestigious polo tournament in the world, was held in Buenos Aires last week. The home team, led by the legendary Adolfo Cambiaso, faced off against Brazil in a match that went right down to the wire. In the end, the Argentinians emerged victorious, their team’s intricate teamwork and strategic play proving too much for their opponents.
The Argentinian team has now won a record 13 consecutive World Cup titles.
The British Showjumping Scene: Spotlight on the Scottish Horse Trials
This weekend, the picturesque grounds of Kinross House in Perthshire play host to the Scottish Horse Trials, one of the highlights of the British equestrian calendar.
This three-day event features competitions across all three disciplines – dressage, show jumping, and cross-country – with riders from all over the UK and further afield eager to demonstrate their skills and claim victory.
From Our Archives: The Legend of the "Flying Dutchman"
For this week’s look back into the annals of equestrian history, we revisit the tale of Hans "Hansi" Braun, better known as the "Flying Dutchman" of showjumping. Born in the Netherlands in 1911, Braun dominated the show jumping world in the years following World War II, developing a reputation for audacious, seemingly reckless riding that captivated audiences around the globe.
His signature move was the “flying change” where he would deliberately throw his horse off stride, then swiftly correct it, often producing a seemingly miraculous landing over obstacles. His daring, though technically unorthodox style, transformed him into a legend of the sport.
It’s said that even when faced with impossible obstacles, he was able to command his horses to execute his demanding riding, pushing them to the limits of their ability. The Flying Dutchman became a true embodiment of skill, athleticism, and the human-equine bond.
Equiworld News – Your Window to the World of Equestrian Sport
That concludes Equiworld News #000379. Don’t forget to check back in with us next week for another exciting edition. For more updates, you can visit us online at www.equiworld.org.
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Until next week, happy riding!
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