Boyd Exell Wins Scorching Hot CAI Saumur
SportThis year’s edition of the international driving competition in Saumur was held under extremely hot conditions. Organisers, volunteers, and the driving teams did everything possible to make sure both horses and people coped safely with the intense summer temperatures.
The classes attracted strong entries, particularly from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The 3* single horse class and the 3* four-in-hand horses stood out with especially large fields, mainly because the World Championships for four-in-hand horses (Aachen, August) and single horses (Munich, September) are both on this year’s calendar. French and Belgian youth drivers were also strongly represented as part of their preparations for the European Youth Driving Championship in Osorhei, Romania.
Strong Dressage Scores Despite the Heat
The standard in the dressage phase on Thursday and Friday was exceptionally high. Many combinations have made significant progress in recent years, and scores between 40 and 50 penalties are no longer unusual at international level.
Boyd Exell produced the best score of the competition with 35.32 penalties. In both the single horse class and pairs (horses), several drivers also managed to score below 40 penalties.
There was an unfortunate moment for Sam Couwenberg, who is currently gaining experience in pairs (horses) after previously competing with ponies. She received ten penalty points because one of her horses was still wearing brushing boots during the dressage test — likely a mistake she will not make again anytime soon.
Tension Builds During Marathon Day
Saturday’s marathon proved demanding. Cones were knocked down in nearly every obstacle, and two drivers were unable to keep their carriages upright. Despite the difficult conditions, there were relatively few eliminations.
Once again, Boyd Exell demonstrated why he remains the man to beat. He recorded the fastest times in four of the seven obstacles and comfortably won the marathon phase as well.
Belgian driver Sander Moens was even more dominant in the pairs (horses) class, setting the fastest times in no fewer than five obstacles.
The FEI World Championship Single Horses in September promises to be incredibly competitive, as the leading drivers are proving to be very evenly matched in the marathon phase.
The tension on Saturday was not only visible in the sport itself, but also in the sky above Saumur. Shortly after the marathon finished, a violent thunderstorm suddenly erupted. Tent covers were blown through the air and large white hailstones came crashing down.
Challenging Cones Course
The cones course on Sunday thoroughly tested the drivers’ skill, experience, and ability to handle pressure. Many combinations collected substantial penalties, although the top drivers once again managed to rise to the occasion.
Very few competitors managed the ideal “double clear” — faultless and within the time allowed. Demi van Bree, competing in the 3* single pony class and already winner of the marathon, was one of the few to achieve it.
The best performance in the single horse class came from French driver Claire Lefort, who competed with two horses and finished with only a minimal time penalty. Her compatriot Anthony Horde achieved the same in the four-in-hand horses class.
Source: Hoefnet, reproduction without permission via info@hoefnet.nl is not permitted
Photo: Melanie Guillamot
