Gold for Uruguay and Farewell to Singapore!

Individual Medalists
L-R: Mario Gambao (COL) silver,
Marcelo Chirico (URU) gold and
Dlama Rushdi H Malhas (KSA) bronze

The equestrian competitors from 31 countries
- role models for the next generation of young riders!

The grand finale to the equestrian events - the Individual Jumping Competition final round - has been held and won, in what was yet another day of nail-bitingly entertaining jumping! Spectators simmered in the cauldron-like arena, as they awaited the first rider and the atmosphere only got hotter as the morning progressed - it was a scorching day inside and outside of the stadium!

After many riders came to grief at a tricky liverpool, effective clear rounds were produced today by Matin Fuchs (SUI), Abduladim Mlitan (LBA), Mahomad Alanzarouti (SYR), Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT), Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), as well as Marcelo Chirico (URU) and Mario Gamboa (COL) who had also jumped clear in the first round. This meant it certainly was South America’s day, with two riders jumping off for the gold and silver medals.

Medal favourite, Thomas McDermott (AUS) rode an extremely smooth and balanced round but faulted at the second last fence. Samantha McIntosh (RSA) also produced an excellent round but unfortunately had a rail down at the 10th fence. These two riders were eligible for the jump off for the bronze medal, with the other riders on 4 penalties, who included Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT), Wojciech Dahlke (POL) and Mohamad Alanzarouti (SYR).

Gold Medalist Marcelo Chirico (URU)
triumphant after this clear round

As there were six athletes jumping off for a bronze medal, the excitement was considerable, with riders speeding up and cutting corners in a bid for the fastest time. After the dust settled, it was Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA), riding a tight course for a faultless clear and the fastest time - on Australian Paint horse, Flash Top Hat - who secured the bronze medal.

Marcelo Chirico (URU) was first in to jump off for the gold and silver medals and once again his skilful riding and harmonious partnership with Links Hot Gossip, produced a smooth clear round. Mario Gamboa (COL) and LH Titan were next to jump and faulted at the second fence, which placed them in the silver medal position.

The winners were elated with their success and the great slaps of joy given to their horses and huge grins showed how important it was to them to become Youth Olympic Games medalists. Gold medalist, Marcelo Chirico (URU) commented, "“I was so happy to win today! I never imagined I would be a Youth Olympic Games Champion! Now I am hoping one day I can be an Olympic champion, maybe in London or Rio? My horse jumped very well today. He was careful and wanted to help me. He was excellent! I would really like to say thanks to my family and my coach and everybody who has supported me here at the Youth Olympic Games.”

Bronze Medalist, Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA) and
Australian Paint Horse, Flash Top Hat, showing great style
and looking picture perfect during their clear round

Everyone involved with organising the equestrian events is ecstatic about how the events have progressed over the past week and are thrilled with the bonds that have developed, not just between horse and rider combinations, but also between competitors from all over the world. These positive relationships, forged by Olympic fire, will hopefully go on throughout their lives.

SYOGOC Venue Manager, Jeremy Edwards bonding with
Sultan Al Tooqi (OMA)

Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee representative, Jeremy Edwards, said of the equestrian events, "it was more than I could have expected. The venue was wonderful, the contractors and volunteers had put so much into the event, it all paid off. The whole workforce really felt part of something special, this has undoubtably done wonderful things for the sport. It was amazing to see the focus of the young riders develop. London and Rio watch out!"

Mario Gamboa (COL) and LH Titan proudly enter the arena

to recieve the silver medal

Soon, once the riders have dispersed to their various parts of the world and the horses have moved to their new homes in Singapore, all that will remain of the first ever Youth Olympic Games, will be echoes of the cheering crowds and hoof prints in the sand. However, the horses, now forever famous to the people of their new home, will be a lasting legacy to Singapore and all the riders, not only those who took home an Olympic medal, will be able to look back on this wonderful event with fond memories. The 31 riders who took part in this historic event should be exceptionally proud and are stars in the eyes of the wider FEI family.

Glen Haven Park grooms Jacobine van Gijn (NED),

Nyssa Carter (NZL) and Rachel Berry (AUS), are feeling

very emotional, along with everyone else on the Glen Haven Team,

about parting with the horses they have loved and cared for

over the past year. These horses have been their life

and not seeing them every day will be very difficult
for everyone. "We will miss them so much!"
chorused the girls.

Samantha McIntosh (RSA) still joyous with Little Miss Sunshine's performance, despite just missing out on the bronze medal

The competitors who competed here in Singapore, are now role models for 13 and 14 year old riders across the world, who will be inspired to work on their skills and abilities, in an attempt to represent their country at Nanjing in 2014!

Don't forget the closing deadline for FEI Awards is 30 August, visit the

FEI website to make your nominations!

Carian Scudamore (GBR) and Equestrian Athlete Role Model Lisen Bratt Fredricson (SWE) enjoying
today's jumping. Carian unfortunately missed the individual competition
after her horse was lame on Saturday, however rightly so, following her great rounds
to clinch gold for Team Europe last week, she's still smiling!

Riders, Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA),

discussing the course this morning

Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) a member of the gold medal winning European team, is another rider to watch out for in the future

Thomas McDermott (AUS) and Hugo jumping yet another stylish fence.  This certainly won't be the last we see of Tom!

Marcelo Chirico (URU) and his Chef d'Equipe - thrilled after winning the first ever, Youth Olympic Games Individual Jumping Competition, gold medal. Marcelo now has his sights firmly set on London and Rio.

FEI Director of Corporate Communications, Richard Johnson and FEI YOG Press Rep, Jo Johnson, signing off from Singapore!

Last Day of Training

Marcelo Chirico (URU), on their way to
another beautiful clear yesterday

Tomorrow's Individual Competition Final, is the last day of competition for the equestrian events, so today was the last training session for the riders. It's hard to believe they've only been riding these horses since 14 August. Watching them now it's as though they've been together for much longer. Some combinations have really stood out from the start and others have taken a little longer to get to know each other, but everyone at the equestrian venue have watched with pleasure as they've bonded and improved every day.

Guilherme Foroni (BRA) and his horse, The Hec Man,
 have proved to be a brilliant partnership, with a
glorious clear in round 1 of the Individual Comp

Juan Diego Saenz Morel (GUA) and Little Plains are getting on perfectly, but even great combinations have bad luck and yesterday it was the last fence for this handsome pair

Timur Patarov (KAZ) and Catham Park Rosie are
proving to be a very harmonious team

Gorgeous girls, Samantha McIntosh (RSA) and Little Miss Sunshine, so far have a perfect record here in Singapore

Whatever happens tomorrow, in what promises to be a nail biting finale to the equestrian competitions, we are sure the riders will go home with lasting memories, of meeting a strange horse from down under and sharing an unforgettable 11 days in pursuit of Olympic gold. We hope that regardless of tomorrow's results, all riders will have met some lasting friends (equine and human!), had amazing experiences and learnt new skills during their time here in Singapore, as part of the history making first ever Youth Olympic Games.

Zakaria Hamici (ALG) and APH Mr Sheen are good mates
who are looking forward to their last day together tomorrow

Olympic Fever!!

The ultimate goal - a Youth Olympic medal!

Is this guy strong or this that horse full of hot air? Inflatable horses are placed decoaratively around the Equestrian venue

Olympic fever is alive and well at the Youth Olympic Games here in Singapore! Locals have really got behind the athletes and events and everyone is clutching mascots and enquring which sport you are involved in? The city, village, hotels and venues are alive with people of all races, chattering away excitedly in a hundred different languages. The Youth Olympic Games is a truly international event with countries from every corner of the earth involved.

young visitors spend quality time with mascots, Lyo and Merly

the equestrian events are popular with the press - Jake Lambert (NZL) faces the media after winning silver in the Team Competition

Olympic Teams are constantly waving their flags

Riders autograph a training jump

crowds line up to enter the equestrian venue

Individual Comp Wide Open for Medals

Abduladim Mlitan (LBA) Getting into the 'zone'
before competing

It was another steamy Singapore day for round 1 of the Individual Jumping Competition, which was held this morning, with good performances from the riders and plenty of cheering from the enthusiastic crowd.

There were 9 clear rounds in total, with most being ridden very smoothly and effectively. Competitors who went clear included Marcelo Chirico (URU), Thomas McDermott (AUS), Mohamed Abdalla (EGY), Dominique Shone (CAN), Guilherme Foroni (BRA), Samantha McIntosh (RSA), Wojciech Dahlke (POL), Timur Patarov (KAZ) and Mario Gamboa (COL). Abdurahman Al Marri (QAT),  and Juan Diego Saenz Morel (GUA) also looked like going clear, but were out of luck at the last obstacle and had it down, putting them on 4 penalties each - there were six riders in total with 4 penalties.

Dominique Shone (CAN) and Roxy Girl getting ready
for their round

After today's round, the medal positions are very open going into the highly anticipated final round on Tuesday, which will be the last equestrian competition for the Youth Olympic Games.

South African, Chef d'Equipe, all smiles after
yet another clear for Samantha McIntosh and
Little Miss Sunshine, who have gone clearin every round they've jumped at the Youth Olympics

Paula Hamood, Glen Haven Park Australia, who trained all of the horses competing at the Youth Olympic Games

Mohamed Abdalla (EGY) on Buzzword after
a smoothly ridden clear round

Paula Hamood, Head Trainer from Glen Haven Park Australia - Official YOG Equestrian Trainers, is thrilled to see the horses they've spent the last year training doing so well in Singapore. About today's competition, Paula commented, “I am so proud of the way the horses are going with their riders! I wouldn’t have done anything differently with their training. I feel a great sense of achievement, knowing that the dedication we put into choosing and educating these horses, has enabled young riders from all over the world to follow their Olympic dreams.”

FEI Secretary General, Alex McLin, who was very impressed with the
riders, enjoying the competition

Mario Gamboa (COL) thrilled after a well ridden clear on LH Titan

FEI Director of Coaching, Jacqueline Braissant, bonding with the
Youth Olympic Games mascots, Lyo and Merly

Revving Up for Individual Comp

Happy Birthday Corinne Bracken (GBR)

Yesterday, rider Kelsey Bayley (BAR), celebrated her birthday and Corinne Bracken (GBR), Chef d'Equipe for the victorious European Team, enjoyed her special day today - Happy Birthday Kelsey and Corrine!!

Kelsey, a member of the Central and North America and Caribbean Islands team, is now revving up with all the other riders, for round 1 of the Individual Competition being held tomorrow.  Kelsey's horse during the Youth Olympics is Virtuous Flare (stable name Bella), and she is a sweet horse, however, things got off to a bit of a rough start when at their first meeting, on 13 August, Bella mistook Kelsey's finger for a carrot and had a nibble! Luckily horse and rider relations have since improved.

Another Birthday girl, Kelsey Bayley (BAR) at left, with
Dominique Shone (CAN) and Eirin Bruheim (USA)

Eirin Bruheim (USA) and Dominque Shone (CAN), after working their horses this morning, are looking forward to tomorrow's competition, which is a whole new ball game to the teams event.  Eirin, who is riding Lenny Hays here in Singapore, hails from Houston, Texas and says the weather here is fairly similar to her steamy home town.  To make it to the Youth Olympic Games, Eirin - who at a young age decided her future lay with showjumping instead of the more traditional discipline in Texas, western - was shortlisted with 12 other young riders and was chosen to represent USA after a Young Rider series held across the country.

Eirin Bruheim (USA) trotting up her horse, Lenny Hays,
who will be out 28th in tomorrow's competition

Dominique Shone (CAN) thought it was cool to be chosen as Canada's representative at the Youth Olympic Games and has been having a good show so far with mare, Roxy Girl, with only 4 faults over the 2 rounds of the teams competition.  Dominique says her inspiration in the showjumping world is renowned competitor, Rich Fellers (USA), who is also her coach - she describes training with Rich as an incredible experience.

We are sure these American girls will be keenly watching the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games which are being held on their home continent, at beautiful Lextington, Kentucky USA, in a few weeks time.

The trot up and draw for tomorrow's Individual Competition was conducted today with the riders trotting up their own horses.  Following the draw, the first rider on course will be Alberto Schwalm (CHI) riding Stoneleigh Eddie at 9.30am.  Best of luck to all the riders!

The media were younger than ever at the trot up!

Yara Hanssen (ZIM) and AP Akermanis getting ready to trot up. They will compete in the 15th spot in round 1 of the Individual Competition

Alejandra Ortiz (PAN) and SP Fancy Pants, concentrating
in the walk phase of trot up.  This combination are
competing 9th tomorrow.

Team Europe Clinch Gold

HRH Princess Haya congratulating winners

What a morning!  We are very exhausted from jumping over 40 rounds with the riders, which was definitely edge of seat stuff (can only imagine how tired the horses are, with having us all on their backs!).

After a damp start to the day, skies cleared slightly in time for the start of round 2 of the teams competition.  Three teams on equal scores of 4 penalties meant that we were in for some excitement, but the competition turned out to be even more thrilling than we could have imagined.

Wojciech Dahlke all smiles after his round

As the morning progressed, with marked improvement from Wednesday's competition evident for most riders, the teams were close and if the last rider, Team Europe's Nicola Phillipaerts (BEL), went clear they would clinch the gold.  Nicola cleared jump after jump in what was looking like another wonderful clear for Europe, when his horse Gippsland Girl, brought down a rail at the last fence. The expectant crowd gasped as one entity, as the rail fell .  This meant that three teams finished round 2 with a total of 8 penalties, which in turn required that these teams jump off against the clock over a shortened course, to determine medal placings.

Betty, from the Jamaican Federation, supporting the
Youth Olympic Riders

Both Europe and Australasia scored 4 faults in the completely rivetting jump off, however, Europe’s time was faster overall and they were rewarded with the gold, Australasia got silver and Africa bronze, to the elation of the riders and their supporters.

Throughout the competition there were some lyrical clear rounds, which were a pleasure to watch and had the lively crowd cheering in support of the young riders.  Once again, Caroline Chew (SIN), was loudly applauded and her harmonious clear on Gatineau was greeted with even more ecstatic applause.

Tom McDermott (AUS) playing up to the crowd

Samantha McIntosh (RSA) thrilled with the Team Africa's
Bronze Medal

Elated gold medallists, Team Europe, meet the press

 Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Carian Scudamore (GBR) both went clear to help Europe into the jump off and then Martin jumped a very smooth and tight clear on Midnight Mist for the fastest time in the jump off, with Wojciech Dahlke (POL) also jumping a nicely ridden clear in the jump off.  Other clears were spread throughout the teams and included Guilherme Foroni (BRA), Timur Patarov (KAZ), Jake Lambert (NZL), Mario Gamboa (COL), Dominique Shone (CAN), Sheikh Ali Abdulla M Alqassimi (UAE), Thomas Mc Dermott (AUS) and Samantha McIntosh (RSA).

Team Australasia proved that all team members are important when Jake Lambert (NZL) and Tom McDermott (AUS) both went clear in the two rounds, to ensure Australasia's spot in the jump off and then team members Jasmine Lai (HKG) and Zhengyang Xu (CHN) went clear over the shortened course, with Sultan Al Tooqi having a very consistent 4 faults each round and in the jump off.  All these riders' efforts helped secure the silver medal for Australasia and that's what team work is all about!

A great day's competition and FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, attending the event and medal ceremony, meant there were lots of young riders walking around with huge grins on there faces.  One of the riders was heard to say, "winning an Olympic medal and meeting Princess Haya, all in one day, is a dream come true!"

Congratulations to all the medal winners and competitors on a very entertaining and spectacular event and we are looking forward to round 1 of the Individual event on Sunday 22 August.  You all did the FEI Family and equestrian world proud today!

Lisen Leads Workshop for Next Generation

Lisen Bratt Fredricson (SWE)

As the Athlete Role Model for equestrian, Lisen Bratt Fredricson (SWE), is conducting mentoring sessions with the riders and chef d'equipes, in their continental team groups. These sessions are one aspect of the Culture and Education Programme, being run during the Youth Olympics, which is focusing on five themes: Olympism and Olympic values, skill development, well-being and healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and expression through digital media.

 

Lisen, who was a member of the Swedish showjumping team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, is keen to share her experiences in the sport with the Youth Olympic athletes and said, "with your different backgrounds and experiences, it is very good to be involved in the Youth Olympics and to meet the different athletes involved in the various sports".

On the equestrian front, Lisen advised, "the goals are getting higher and higher and to be successful, you really need to have the right management behind you and the only one who can develop this management is yourself. Being successful is not only about how well you ride but also about managing yourself, your horses and your support team.  The competition itself is only a small part of the 'cake' and you need to develop everything around this.  Raw talent alone is not enough to get to the top, you have to look at the bigger picture".

Lisen then asked the riders what they thought went into the management side of being a successful rider and lively discussion followed.

  

Lisen sharing her knowledge and experience with the young riders

"The best riders in the world have the goal of doing well at shows but also realise the importance of efficient management" Lisen advised.  She also mentioned that "love and passion for horses is very important.  Always respect the horse".

Team South America with Lisen

Lisen suggested to the riders that the reading of riding history books, to help them gain knowledge, may be useful and watching the best riders at show to see if there are aspects of their riding or training that you could maybe use to your advantage.  "Don't be easily satisfied," says Lisen, "always try a little bit more. Create a list of what was good, what was not so good this month and what could be better.  Aim to develop all the time, always trying to get better".

When asked about mental preparation before classes, Lisen spoke of 'going into a bubble' and stated, "mental preparation is different for everyone.  For me, I need to be focuing from first thing in the morning.  I also like to think of the arena I will be competing in and to see myself jumping the fences clear, like a movie (the horse is always jump really big!) it helps to be able to see it in your head before you do it".

  

Lisen finished off the workshop telling the riders that they too, are now role models - they will be an inspiration to those younger than themselves to excel in the sport and maybe represent their country at the next Youth Olympic Games!

  

Darien from YOG Language Services helping with the workshop

Maria Victoria Paz of (ARG) with her Chef d'Equipe