FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships: A Global Showcase of Young Dressage Talents
The Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in the equestrian calendar. Scheduled from September 4 to 8, 2024, in Ermelo, Netherlands, this prestigious competition spotlights the world's finest five-, six-, and seven-year-old dressage horses. It offers a unique platform to evaluate their development and future potential in the sport.
Historical Significance and Evolution
Since its inception in 1997 as a pilot project in Verden, Germany, the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses has grown in prominence. The event officially started in Arnheim, Netherlands, in 1999, and moved to Ermelo in 2016. Initially, only five- and six-year-old horses were included, but since 2016, the competition has expanded to feature seven-year-old horses as well. This evolution reflects the growing importance of evaluating young horse talent across different age categories.
Competition Overview
The 2024 championships promise a rigorous selection process, under the aegis of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). Horses from various studbooks and national federations will vie for top honors. With their overall impression as dressage horses as the benchmark, experienced judges will evaluate each age group's competitors. It's an event that combines elegance, precision, and the thrill of competition.
Selection and Participation
The selection process is, to put it mildly, meticulous. Athletes and horse owners need to submit applications of intent, often including multiple horses, adhering strictly to the deadlines and guidelines set by FEI and WBFSH. For instance, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) mandates applications be submitted by specific dates, with varying fees based on the submission timeline. Missing a deadline? That's a no-go.
Key Dates and Events
- September 4, 2024: The first qualification rounds for the five-year-old horses.
- September 7 and 8, 2024: The LONGINES finals for different age brackets.
- CDI3* Grand Prix Events: Additional competitions will run concurrently, featuring top riders and horses.
International Participation and British Contingent
The championships are a magnet for competitors from around the world, making it a truly global event. This year's British contingent includes notable riders such as Fiona Bigwood with Newton Sylvanite, Dannie Morgan with Fever Tree, and Jody Haswell with Valentinio. Other significant entries include Bigwood's Quinn G, Joseph Hunt's Druida de Centurion, and Charlotte Fry's Everest and Nalegro. Fry will also be competing in the CDI3* with Especial. This diverse lineup underscores the international flavor and high competitive standards of the event.
Live Coverage and Support
Can’t make it to Ermelo? No worries! Enthusiasts can follow the live action on platforms like ClipMyHorse.TV. It’s like having front-row seats without leaving your couch. The event is also backed by several sponsors and partners, including UK Sport, Sport England, and LeMieux, underscoring the collaborative efforts that make such events possible.
Impact and Significance
The FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships serve a critical purpose: they act as a stepping stone for young dressage horses. This event doesn’t just showcase their current abilities but provides a glimpse into their future potential. It celebrates the skill, dedication, and hard work of breeders, riders, and their teams. For breeders and studbooks, it’s an exceptional opportunity to present their horses to an international audience. According to statistics, events like these significantly contribute to the development and improvement of top horses for the global stage.
In conclusion, the 2024 Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships in Ermelo, Netherlands, promise to be exciting and pivotal for all fans of dressage. By bringing together the best young dressage horses from around the globe, the event emphasizes the importance of breeding programs, training methodologies, and collaborative efforts that push the sport forward. Mark your calendars—this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Source credits: British Dressage