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Federation
Equestre Internationale News
FEI
World Cup Dressage
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Star
riders in Berlin for the first Dressage World Cup of the Western
European League
The Western European League of the FEI Dressage World Cup opens
this weekend in Berlin, Germany . A star-studded cast will grace
the Messegelande for the
qualifying grand prix on Saturday 14th November, followed by the
FEI World Cup Freestyle on Sunday morning.
German riders are out in force, led by European team gold medallist
Heike Kemmer, who has a head start of 20 points gained from her
win at the Central European league show in Zaposvar, Hungary.
She is joined by, among others, former World Cup and Olympic champion
Isabell Werth and Olympian Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff.
British rider Emma Hindle, who led her team to bronze medal at
this summer's European Championships, is starting her first serious
World Cup in Berlin. She has 22 points already from the Central
league, thanks to a second place behind Kemmer in Hungary and
an early season place in Zsiaz, Poland.
Russian rider Elena Sidneva finished the Central European league
at the top of the rankings. She heads to Berlin, but has already
booked her ticket to the final. Former World Cup winner Louise
Nathhorst is travelling from Sweden to take part, and Holland's
Sven Rothenberger, another former World Cup champion, heads a
strong Dutch challenge.
The Western European league season comprises seven qualifying
events. After Berlin, the roadshow moves to Stockholm (SWE 20-30
November), Maastricht (NED11-14 December) and Mechelen (BEL 26-30
December). In the New Year, it is back to Holland for Amsterdam
(29th January - 1st February), followed by
Neumunster (GER 20-22 February) and s-Hertogenbosch (NED 25-28
March).
For the final, we return to Germany. In Dusseldorf (1-4th April)
the top ranked Western league riders will be joined by Central
League winner Elena Sidneva, the two best US riders from their
final in California, the winners of the Canadian qualifier, Belinda
Trussell and Royan, and the winner of the Australian final.
As Ulla Salzgeber lost her automatic right to start along with
the 2003 title as a result of the recent FEI Judicial Committee
ruling, she will have to qualify through the rankings if she wishes
to win a place in Dusseldorf. US rider Debbie MacDonald, who was
second at the last final in Gothenburg, now assumes the title
and the opportunity to defend it in Dusseldorf.
For further information: www.reitturnier-chi-Berlin.de
www.horsesport.org
.
