Mark Todd lauches autobiography
New Zealand eventing rider Mark Todd has launched his brand new autobiography, called 'Second Chance'. In his book, published just in time for the eventing season and the Olympic Games, Todd tells about his life as a farmer and the journey to winning Badminton no less then four times. After the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the double Olympic gold medalist ‘retired’, to return to New Zealand as a breeder and trainer. It did not last long, as Todd made his comeback and competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Last year, he managed to win the prestigious 4* event in Badminton again at the age of 55, riding NZB Land Vision; 31 years after his first Badminton victory.
Battle in La Baule
The opening leg of the 2012 FEI Nations Cup™ took place in La Baule, France. It was a battle right down to the last jump-off, with the Belgian team eventually coming out victorious over their neighbors the Netherlands. After three rounds, Gregory Wathelet finally secured the win, riding his new mount, the 10-year-old Euphony Cadjanine Z. The Swedish ‘family’ of brothers Jens and Peder Fredricson and Peder’s wife Lisen Fredricson slotted into third. The famous La Baule Derby was won by Ireland’s Denis Lynch aboard Night Train (by Calvaro Z), who managed 4 penalties. Leon Thijssen for the Netherlands, riding Dahlia Z (by Dutch Capitol); and America’s Richard Spooner riding Apache (by Mescalara), both accumulated eight penalties.
GABA and Hydroxy-GABA banned substances
The FEI List Group has advised National Federations to be careful in the use of Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and Hydroxy-gamma butyric acid (Hydroxy-GABA), outside the List Group’s usual annual review process. An email alert signed by FEI Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke was send through the FEI’s NF Liaison Office to the National Federations with the notice that as of 27 April 2012, any request to an FEI Official/ Veterinary Delegate to administer a substance containing GABA or Hydroxy-GABA at an FEI Event will not be permitted. GABA and Hydroxy-GABA will subsequently be added to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List as a Banned Substance. It will therefore also be subject to sanctions following a 90-day implementation period according to the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication (EADCMR) rules. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and has been known for adverse reactions in horses. GABA and Hydroxy-GABA are ingredients in a commercial product under the name ‘Carolina Gold’.
New Zangersheide auction
After the success of the Zangersheide Quality Auction for foals, the Belgian studbook has decided to organize an auction for three-year-olds for the first time. A specific championship has been instated for the 3-year-old Zangersheide horses, comparable to the foal championships during the Z-festival. The horses will be selected by a professional jury, and introduced during the Z-festival on 20 July. The auction will be 21 July.
Poll
The new FEI rules for the use of helmet camera’s seem to have sparked some debate among Eventing riders. They are too complex and do not benefit the sport. How do you feel about this?
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