CAIO Le Pin au Haras: All Horses Passed the Horse Inspection
SportThe international driving event featuring the Nations Cup in Le Pin au Haras, France, officially got underway yesterday with one of the most important phases of the competition: the horse inspection. All horses and ponies were presented before the Ground Jury and every horse was accepted, meaning the competition can officially begin.
Two Dutch Drivers Competing
Dressage begins today at 08:30 with the youth classes. The CAI3 Single Pony* competitors will enter the arena around midday, followed by the CAI3 Horse Pairs* from 15:00 onwards.
As the Dutch National Championships for pony drivers and single and pair horse drivers took place last weekend in Harich-Gaasterland, only a small Dutch delegation has travelled to Le Pin this year. Several German competitors also chose to compete in Harich instead.
Dutch drivers Sam Couwenberg and Leo van der Burgt will nevertheless be aiming for top results in the Horse Pairs class, where they will face strong opposition from France and Belgium, as well as competitors from Spain, Ireland and Great Britain.
World Championship Contenders
Friday, the second day of dressage, will feature the prestigious CAI4 Single Horse* class. Although there are no Dutch entries, the field is exceptionally strong, with leading names including Marie Schiltz, Mario Gandolfo, Stefan Ulrich, Anne Unzeitig, and Marion Vignaud. All of them are considered serious medal contenders for the FEI World Championship for Single Horses, which will take place in Munich this September.
French driver Tony Ecalle will not compete due to health issues. Kelly Bruder was still listed on the entry list only a few days ago with her horse Backtage CQ (’Claus’), but unfortunately had to withdraw because of an acute injury. “He has to take it easy this week, but he should be back in work next week. His prognosis is good, but the timing couldn’t be worse,” Kelly explained.
Click here to view today’s photo gallery
Click here for the dressage starting list
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Photo: Melanie Guillamot
