Rio Focus: Show Jumping

Ones to watch:

Netherlands:

Rob Ehrens, the Dutch chef d’equipe, recently stated that he could field two teams for Rio – such is the strength in depth of the team, which won team and individual titles at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and last year’s European Championships.

Germany:

Germany has traditionally been one of the strongest nations in show jumping, and having the support and backing of the government has meant the sport has flourished over the last few decades.

Leading the team for Rio is the former Olympic and European champion Ludger Beerbaum. Arguably one of the finest riders and horsemen all of time, Ludger has consistently struck gold at numerous championships over the years. He will ride the 13-year-old Casello and the pair won at the Hamburg Global Champions Tour (GCT) in May.

USA:

The American team won back-to-back team medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics but surprisingly failed to make an impact at London when finishing outside the medals. However it would not be a surprise to see a particularly powerful team finish on the podium with the likes of Beezie Madden and McLain Ward involved.

France:

French show jumping has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, with a run of individual and team medals at European and World Championships. They surprisingly did not qualify for the second round at the London Olympics and are hoping to better their team silver from two years ago at Normandy.

Great Britain:

British hopes of defending their team gold medal from London were dashed following news that Scott Brash would not be available for selection with either Hello Sanctos or Hello M’Lady. Despite the loss of Scott, the British team will certainly not lack in experience with Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Michael and John Whitaker involved.   

The triumphant return of Nick Skelton and the hugely talented Big Star to lead the British team is a reason for British fans to celebrate. The partnership’s impeccable record, which includes jumping clear in all of the team rounds at London 2012, will put them among the favourites for the individual title. After spending two years on the sidelines due to injury, Nick reportedly said that the 13-year-old stallion felt like the “old” Big Star.

Ben Maher, who was crucial in helping Britain win Olympic qualification at the Aachen Europeans last year, will ride the 13-year-old Tic Tac. Despite having only ridden the stallion since January, they have performed well in several Nations Cups. Ben, who was a team member at the Beijing and London Olympics, is renowned for his coolness under pressure and his team record is second to none.

The “dark horses?”

Qatar:

The tiny Gulf nation has been making its presence felt on the international jumping circuit – having held the finale of the Global Champions Tour in Doha for the last three years.

The Qatari team, trained by Jan Tops, won team gold at the Asian Games and have continued to be competitive at the top level against the more established nations. Sheikh Ali Al Thani and Bassem Mohammed are the more experienced riders within the team and have seven horses qualified between them for these Games

Canada:

Despite the loss of the ten-time Olympian Ian Miller, the Canadian team will be boosted with the likes of former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze leading the charge.  Eric, who took a break from the sport following the tragic loss of his wonderful partner Hickstead in 2011, has returned to the top level with vengeance and will be heading for his third Olympics with Fine Lady 5.

The former Ben Maher ride Tripple X, who was part of the gold medal-winning team in London, has struck up a solid partnership with Tiffany Foster – a former pupil of Lamaze.

Sweden:

Swedish show jumping has long been represented by the likes of Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, who won silver at the 2008 Beijjing Olympics and the 2011 European title in Madrid on the now retired Ninja La Silla.

Rolf, arguably one of the finest riders to grace the show jumping arena with his quiet hands and coolness under pressure, will ride the 12-year-old mare Unita ASK who has been placed in several Grand Prix this season including the Global Champions Tour leg in Madrid.

Joining the former European champion will be the experienced trio of Malin Baryard-Johnsson with Cue Channa 42, London 2012 team member Henrik von Eckermann riding Yjamila and Peder Fredericson and All In.

The home team:

Brazilian show jumping has enjoyed tremendous publicity and success thanks to the likes of Nelson and Rodrigo Pessoa in recent times.  The team, on home soil, can certainly rise to the occasion and have a selection of top class riders and horses to choose from, including Rodrigo.

Predictions:

Team Medals:

·      Gold – Germany

·      Silver – Netherlands

·      Bronze – France

Individual Medals:

·      Gold – Jeroen Dubbeldam and Zenith (NED)

·      Silver – Nick Skelton and Big Star (GBR)

·      Bronze – Ludger Beerbaum and Chiara (GER)

Timetable:

–       12 August – horse inspection

–       13 August – training session

–       14 August – first individual qualifier

–       16 August – team first round

–       17 August – team second round and presentation of team medals

–       18 August – second horse inspection

–       19 August – individual competition and presentation of individual medals