Marcus Ehning and Gerrit Nieberg were victorious in the showjumping classes on day three of The London International Horse Show (17 December), while Boyd Excell dominated the Driving World Cup.
The feature jumping class of the day, The Longines Christmas Cracker, was won by Gerrit riding Ben – the horse he rode to victory in the coveted Grand Prix of Aachen earlier this year. His father won The London International Horse Show Grand Prix in 2000.
“This is my first time at The London International Horse Show, but I will definitely be coming back – it is an amazing feeling to win here, it’s a great Show,” he said. “My horse was incredible, he is feisty so I have to try and keep him calm, but he always wants to keep the fences up.”
Marcus Ehning and Calanda. Credit: The London International Horse Show
Earlier in the day, The Snowflake Stakes was won by Marcus Ehning and Calanda.
“I was very happy with my round today, all the people cheering me on always gives me huge motivation to push further and get the win,” the former London International Horse Show Grand Prix winner said. “The crowd is amazing, the Show is amazing, they do a great job here and I’m so happy to be here.”
‘I’m so happy!’
The GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini-Major was won by 11-year-old Juliana Nelson from Northern Ireland, riding Cumbak Kid alongside Gier Gulliksen and Equine America Grandino H.
“I’ve been coming here for 33 years and I can finally retire now I have won the Mini-Major, it’s one everyone wants to win!” Gier said. “It’s so great for Juliana, coming all the way from Northern Ireland, she absolutely nailed it as last to go having watched everyone else, it’s fantastic. I was just hoping I wouldn’t let her down by having one down.”
Juliana added: “I got my pony when we were doing the Under 10’s and we used to be quite slow, but we’ve got faster and faster! I’m so happy!”
In the Senior Showing and Dressage Final, Amy Hunter was crowned Supreme Ridden Champion with Pillgrim, and Emma Coates In-Hand Champion with Charlie Brown. The afternoon session also saw John Whitaker awarded the British Equestrian Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The London International Horse Show is always one of my favourites and it’s fantastic to win again” said Boyd after securing the FEI Driving World Cup presented by Martin Collins Enterprises by Eurofip International.
Boyd Exell. Credit: The London International Horse Show
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