WEG: Ladies First

At the end of a thrilling fourth day, the four riders who will compete for the Individual title of 2006 World Jumping Champion are: Beezie Madden (USA) on Athentic; Jos Lansink (BEL) on Cavalor Cumano; Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) on Shutterly, and Edwina Alexander (AUS) on Isovlas Pialotta. It is the first time in the history of the FEI World Equestrian Games that three of the four riders entering the Final with change of horse are women.

Today’s competition was held over two different rounds: the first one comprising 12 obstacles and 15 jumping efforts and the second one 9 obstacles and 11 jumping efforts. The riders unanimously praised Official Course Designer Frank Rothenberger’s tracks, which were technical yet fair and open leaving the competitors the chance to move up.

Edwina Alexander, one of today’s only two double clears, could not believe her luck. “I’ve already packed my bags and was ready to go. I guess I have to unpack now,” she said. Beezie Madden, who sports a single mistake at the water in today’s first round, remains remarkably focused. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum is convinced Shutterfly is the best horse in the world. The horses of all three are similar so they are confident about tomorrow’s switch of horses. Jos Lansink’s Cumano does not stand out only by his grey colour. He is strong and energetic and, given his playful behaviour during the prizegiving ceremony that followed the competition, may be full of surprises.

In any case, with already an historical result at hand, there is much to look forward to tomorrow. The only thing, in Edwina Alexander’s words, is to stay honest with each other. In the end, it all comes to talent, luck and fair play.