Have you ever wondered how mental training can be used in riding? Poppy Blandford knows everything about this and she is going to share her knowledge with you when she is giving two interesting clinics at the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning, August 13 and 14. You can watch both clinics LIVE on Zibrasport Equest!
The Irish Mental Performance Coach works internationally with federations, development squads, teams, coaches and international riders. From her work, she has built a strong reputation for her specialist ability to influence the performance of equestrian athletes both in competition and training. Poppy is known for her in-depth knowledge of the equestrian industry working to help individuals perform consistently, build confidence and thrive under pressure.
As a rider herself, Poppy understands the unique demands of the equestrian sports and works with clients at all levels from pony club right up to Olympic level. She currently tutors for the Young Riders Academy, The Wesko Equestrian Foundation as well as providing workshops for the likes of Horse Sport Ireland, British Showjumping and Estonian Equestrian Federation. Her list of clients includes Olympic and World Equestrian Games athletes, Global Champions Tour Team riders and many of the top stables in Europe and the United States.
Poppy Blandford. Photo: Eva van Den Adel
Why is mental training important?
Poppy Blandford will give you the answer to that question at her first clinic on Saturday August 13 on the Zibrasport Equest stage. Through tips and tricks, Poppy will tell about the importance of mental training within the equestrian sport and how to implement element it in your everyday training and show situations.
Get to know how the best riders use mental training
On Sunday August 14, Poppy is back on the Zibrasport Equest stage when she gives an interesting and exclusive insight into how some of the world’s best riders mentally prepare for big events such as the World Championships as well as the techniques they use on the day of the competition from the course work, to the warm up arena and on to the main arena.
Poppy Blandford. Photo: Fabio Patroni
Watch LIVE on Zibrasport Equest
If you are not in Herning to watch the World Championships, you can stream both Poppy Blandford clinics LIVE at Zibrasport Equest. You can also watch all ‘non-championship’ CSI and CDI classes as well as other exciting side events that are going on during the championships.
You can buy pay per view access for 40€ (August 5 -14, only LIVE) For Premium Members only 20€ (August 5-14, LIVE and Video On Demand)
Next week, years of planning and anticipation culminate when the ECCO FEI World Championships Herning finally opens the arenas. It means 10 days with the world’s best equestrian sports and lots of entertainment. Both for the visitors but also for all of you at home.
We have visited the showground in Herning and in the video below, Casper Cassøe explains, among other things, how big the horses’ boxes are, how many tons of sand are used for the arenas, where you can find the big screens and where you can shop.
Watch Zibrasport Equest If you’re not in Herning, you can watch lots of equestrian sport at Zibrasport Eqeust. We stream all ‘Non championship’ CSI and CDI classes as well as many of the exciting side events and Show Night. We also have lots of special guests in our Riders Corner. (NB! All WC-classes can be seen only on Clip My Horse).
You can buy pay per view access for 40€ (valid from 5-14 August and only LIVE) If you are a Premium Member, you get access to everything for DKK 20€ ( LIVE and video on demand/video archive)
The Organisers behind the ECCO FEI World Championships have entered into an agreement with Mustad Hoofcare Group, with the company now the “Official Farrier Service Partner” during Herning2022.
The horses are well taken care of during the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning – Denmark. And of course, it also includes the important task of making sure the horses get the right and fast treatment if they lose a shoe during training or in competition.
In collaboration with Mustad Hoofcare Group, which works closely with well-trained farriers and other experts in the field, a farrier’s smithy will be set up with an associated workshop, two treatment boxes, and a lounge area called the Mustad Farrier Corner.
Horseshoes can be forged on-site and will be meticulously adapted to the individual horse. The farrier’s smithy and the veterinary clinic will be centrally located, as it will be set up in the first stable building.
A Farrier Service area will be set up at three locations on the venue, at Jyske Bank Boxen, at Boehringer Ingelheim Warm-up, and at BB Horse Arena. The Farrier Service will be staffed by a well-trained farrier during all competitions, and fully equipped with a forge and top products from Mustad’s large product range.
“It is farrier Mark Christiansen affiliated with Højgaard Hestehospital who, together with Mustad, is responsible for managing the farrier’s service during Herning2022,” CEO of Operations Casper Cassøe said.
“Mustad also bring a well-trained farrier, and they are supplemented by the Danish farriers RayPawers by Jack Ray and Jeff Paw Nielsen.”
The Mustad Hoofcare Group is the world’s largest manufacturer and seller of Hoofcare products, serving the needs of farriers, horse owners and veterinarians. The Mustad Group has been active in the Hoofcare market for 190 years, being founded in Gjøvik, a small industrial town in Norway in 1832. Products include nails, horseshoes, horse rasps, farrier tools, vitamin and mineral supplements as well as specialty products for the care of horses’ hooves. Today the seventh generation of Mustads own and run the company.
Mustad has several brands and factories to serve the various needs of all farriers globally.
Aksel Vibe from Mustad explains: “We sponsor all materials used by the farriers during the World Championships, and make one of our skilled farriers available for the duration of the Championships.
“ Usually, Mustad is exclusively involved in supporting events for farriers, but with a World Championship in Denmark, the company has chosen to get involved.
“The reason why it is interesting for us to be part of Herning2022 is that we are all interested in horses, and everyone wants to be part of the World Championships. It will also be fantastic from a personal interest point of view”
“We would very much like to take this opportunity to inform horse owners about the importance of having a well-educated farrier. We want to be spokespersons for the farrier.”
Aksel Vibe gets the opportunity to spread the important message when he goes on the Zibrasport Equest Stage in EquiPark during Herning2022 with a lecture on hoof care. “It is important to know the extent of the farrier’s contribution to the preventive work, but also by entering a collaboration with the veterinarian. In combination with modern diagnostics, special orthopaedic horseshoes can be manufactured that purposefully alleviate problems. Professional hoof care is the key to the horse health, performance, and general well-being.”
The Frenchmen Alizée Froment has been involved in the equestrian world her whole life, as a successful dressage rider competing on international Grand Prix level and as a trainer for the National French pony dressage team.
Since 2009 she has shared her philosophy in shows where she demonstrates that even the most technical dressage exercises can be ridden with only a neck rope.
Friday the 12th of August: A path towards liberty work with Alizée Froment, in this clinic the audience of Herning2022 will get an exclusive inside of the world of liberty work.
You can also experience Alizée in our Show Night presented by Mustang on Saturday the 13th of August.
To see the clinic with Alizée and all the other amazing sideevents you need an Equipark ticket or a Stutteri Ask Studium ticket. For Equipark ticket learn more here.
Watch on Zibrasport Equest
If you are not in Herning you can watch the clinic and Show Night live on Zibrasport Equest. We are streaming all non championship CDI and CSI classes and and exclusive selection of sideevents.
Pay pr view 40€ (August 5 -14, only LIVE) Premium Members 20€ (August 5-14, LIVE and Video On Demand)
The Organisers of the ECCO FEI World Championships have made the most exquisite merchandise for the championships. You can choose from cool gadgets, hoodies, T-shirts, and much, much more. An entire universe of amazing merchandise has been created for fans of all ages and genders to enjoy both during and after the championships! You will find everything at the fanshop at EquiPark during the World Championships.
Photo: Herning2022
Gorgeous clothing from Kingsland
It is Kingsland Equestrian that provides apparel to the numerous volunteers. The beautiful World Championship collection will be for sale in the fanshop, supplemented by several units. Therefore, you will find a larger collection from Kingsland to go hunting for when you enter EquiPark during the World Championships in Herning from 6-14 August. The collection is created from Kingsland’s popular “Earth Collection” – a clothing line in Kingsland’s collection where 100% recycled materials are used and where sustainability and focus on the environment is a high priority without compromising on Kingsland’s known quality.
The beautiful collection comes in the World Championship colours for children, women, and men. And it holds almost 20 different designs ranging from knee socks over various hats and to smart Sweat Jackets, fleece jackets, T-shirts, and tights for women and children. Prices range from DKK 100 (approx. € 14 for the knee socks) to DKK 599.95 (approx. €81) for the beautiful Lady’s Fleece.
Photo: Herning2022
A Box bear for the horse or a sticker for the car
In addition to the beautiful and practical clothing collection, the organisers have made several fun and useful items together with Zo24 such as sunglasses, rain jackets, blankets, pins, and a sticker. In addition, you can see (and hug) the popular Box Bear and its smaller cousin, the cute fabric horse, both a copy of Herning2022’s mascot Henri.
Photo: Herning2022
If you cannot wait to go shopping your merchandise at Herning2022, you can already find your items at Herning2022’s fanshop right here. Otherwise you will find the wide selection of merchandise at the fanshop in EquiPark during the entire championships.
In the last months, the marketing team at Herning2022 has been working on getting an app ready for you, to ensure you have all the information you need at hand when you visit the World Championships.
How do I get to the venue? Where do I find the program and results? What happens in EquiPark today – are just a few of the questions the new Herning2022 app can help you clarify.
Besides showing the program for the World Championship, you will also be able to find the program for the non-championship classes. You can also easily get to the FanShop and already now secure your own Henri Box Bear, check out what happens in EquiPark with exciting talks and entertainment for the entire family and see the 200+ exhibitors who’s ready with exclusive championship offers.
The Herning2022 app is all you need to get around the venue – and get an answer to any questions you might have.
Remember that you can watch all CDI and CSI competitions as well as interesting side events and Riders Corner LIVE at Zibrasport Equest. Find the program here.
Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company and the world’s largest equine medicine company, has joined forces with Herning2022 to promote equine health and veterinary training during the ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning Denmark from 6 to 14 August 2022.
Knowledge sharing and exchange of experience are crucial for an even better understanding of the health and natural needs of sports horses. Good management around the four-legged athletes ensures happy horses – able to perform at the top of their ability in a special partnership with their athlete. If an accident happens, and an injury occurs, the correct diagnosis must be made quickly and competently, and treatment initiated.
About 1,100 horses will be at the venue during the FEI World Championship in Jumping, Dressage, Para-Dressage, and Vaulting in Herning in August. With the many competition horses also comes a large number of veterinarians and other therapists from around the world. International experts will be flown to Denmark to share their knowledge and the latest research results.
Boehringer Ingelheim, the world’s largest equine medicine company, knows that there is great interest in the knowledge and innovation the company offers horse owners, athletes, trainers, and veterinarians. It is a natural fit for the company to be clearly present at the World Championships.
Charlotte Fersløv, Business Manager Equine, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Nordics, says: “For over 100 years, we at Boehringer Ingelheim have had a passion for horses. It is this passion that still drives us to develop new and innovative drugs for the benefit of both horses and veterinarians. We believe that knowledge and knowledge sharing is fundamental to development, and therefore we collaborate with veterinarians and organisations such as the FEI, with the aim of improving the health of horses.”
Togetherness and professional sparring
Boehringer Ingelheim is a sponsor of the Vet Lounge, where veterinarians can exchange knowledge and network with each other. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions and get updated knowledge, for example about what can be done for horses with arthritis, options for minimizing the risk of asthma in horses – and much more. Boehringer Ingelheim Vet Lounge offers a number of presentations and seminars for many professionals.
“It is very motivating for all of us who work on the Equine team to contribute knowledge about what horses need. Together with all the people and professionals around the horse, we can strengthen horse health, giving the horse and owner the most out of the time they have together. We are very much looking forward to working at the World Championship in Herning,” clarifies Charlotte Fersløv.
The Vet Lounge concept has been created in collaboration with Casper Cassøe and Jens Trabjerg, the Organiser of the World Championships in Herning.
“Together with Boehringer Ingelheim, we will offer the veterinarians a ‘Vet Lounge’ in the warm-up area connected to Stutteri Ask Stadium,” explains Casper Cassøe. In practice, the warm-up area for the main stadium will be named: Boehringer Ingelheim Warm Up. The Vet Lounge will give veterinarians an opportunity for professional contact close to the warm-up area, and a place where they can exchange experiences with colleagues from around the world. The Vet Lounge will also be used for professional talks targeted at veterinarians and at high professionals.
“We find it inspiring that Boehringer Ingelheim, a market leader in veterinary medicine for horses, has chosen to use our event for the benefit of veterinarians around the world,” says Casper Cassøe.
Three warm-up areas
The Boehringer Ingelheim Warm-Up is the largest warm-up area at the World Championship, and it is located just behind the Stutteri Ask Stadium. Here, three warm-up areas will be built, all approx. 25 x 75 meters and one of them will be covered. Adjacent to the warm-up tracks and the Vet Lounge, there will also be an equestrian cafe, where athletes and horse owners can follow the activities in the warm-up area and at the same time get refreshments.
About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that improve the lives of humans and animals. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. Around 52,000 employees serve more than 130 markets in the three business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
During the ECCO FEI World Championships Herning 2022, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour enters the arena for the last time with 19-year-old Atterupgaard’s Cassidy. The chestnut gelding kickstarted Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s impressive international career, and now it is the end of an era. Cassidy retires from the sport during a heart-warming show on Monday evening, August 8.
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s parents Mona and Peter Dufour bought the chestnut gelding Atterupgaard’s Cassidy for Cathrine when she was 17 years old. Cassidy was just a 6-year-old gelding and the two of them have been an item on the international Dressage scene ever since. Numerous medals and prestigious victories are the results of their partnership.
During Herning2022, we say goodbye to Atterupgaard’s Cassidy, as he leaves the international Dressage stage as a 19-year-old. Cassidy is still fit and sound, he will love to perform with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour in front of the audience.
“It’s going to be very emotional for me, and I cannot quite understand that it will be my last ride with Cassidy in front of an enthusiastic audience – which he loves. I hope he gets the farewell he very much deserves, ”says Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. Just talking about the retirement ceremony during the FEI World Championships in Herning brings tears to Cathrine’s eyes.
Cassidy is the “horse of the heart”, as she refers to him.
An international sensation
Together with Cassidy, Cathrine won eleven European Championship medals as a junior and young rider before the combination made their international senior debut in the fall of 2015. Cathrine and Cassidy were selected for the Olympics in Rio in 2016, less than a year after their international Grand Prix debut. They finished in 13th place at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The following year, Cathrine and Cassidy became an international sensation as they stood alongside German Isabell Werth and Sönke Rothenberger on the European Championship podium after winning double individual bronze and team silver for Denmark
She and Cassidy were among the favourites for the podium ahead of the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, but were unable to travel when Cassidy was injured in the paddock.
The pair were back on top in 2019 and scored victories at Herning CDI5 * and Aachen CDI4 * before taking individual bronze in the Grand Prix Special at the European Championships in Rotterdam.
Fans all over the world
A unique journey will come to an end for Cassidy and Cathrine at the FEI World Championships in Herning. Together they have experienced many special moments. They have a large and enthusiastic fan base, which extends far beyond the Danish border, due to the lightness, elegance, and harmony the dynamic duo radiates in the dressage arena.
The audience and Herning2022 say goodbye at a time when Cassidy is still in training, fit and happy. He will no longer perform in the spotlight at championships and international competitions. It will be an emotional and tearful goodbye. And it will be a very special experience to see Cathrine and Cassidy in the dressage arena for the last time.
The farewell will take place on Monday 8 August immediately after the medal ceremony of the World Championships in the Grand Prix Special. After this, Cassidy will go home to the equestrian centre in Fredensborg with Cathrine and Rasmine Laudrup-Dufour, to enjoy his retirement in the paddock and in his usual box. Put a napkin in your pocket, wave farewell or wipe a tear from the corner of your eyes, when it is time to say goodbye.
Stutteri Ask Stadium sets the stage for a unique and spectacular show, Show Night presented by Mustang Trailers, on the 13th of August.
The theme is Show Night and with some of the world’s best equestrian performers doing mind-blowing stunts standing on galloping horses, you will be stunned and amazed by the special bond between horses and their human partners.
The show will be full of humour with a touch of comedy and costume jumping where the riders will certainly entertain you.
Performers like Frenchman Lorenzo, who’s pushing boundaries standing on horseback, and French artist Alizee Froment with all her graze will be part of the line-up. Australian Tristan Tucker will for sure give you something to laugh about.
The whole night is one thrilling, fantastic story after another told by horses, riders, and vaulters, bound together by musical artists such as The Tivoli Youth Guard, top professional singers, and with a spectacular finish performed by Copenhagen Drummers.
If you are in Herning, don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular show live at Stutteri Ask Stadium
If you are at home, you can watch the show on Zibrasport Equest. We will livestream all CDI and CSI classes and some sideevent and also SHOW NIGHT presented by Mustang Trailers. Watch our full streaming program by following this link
Para-dressage has become increasingly popular in recent years with new nations competing at the top level. The sport is experiencing an influx of riders at all levels. In addition to being a competition sport part of the program at the World Championships in Herning, riding is used for treatment purposes, such asphysiotherapy and compensatory riding.
Classification
To participate in Para-dressage competitions, the rider’s ability is classified. The competitor’s mobility, strength and coordination are assessed in order to establish their Classification Profile. The classification is performed by a physiotherapist specially trained for the task. To be classified, the rider provides a medical diagnostic form, and the classification itself determines which of the 5 grades I-V the rider competes in, as well as which aids the rider may use.
Grade I is for the most physically challenged and Grade V is for the least physically challenged. The classification takes place in the same way throughout the world, to ensure the fairest possible competition, and to enable international competition. After the classification, the tested rider receives an electronic test card, which must be enclosed when registering for the event.
How the World Championships are conducted
The first competition at the FEI World Championships in Herning is the battle for the individual medals in the mandatory program. This will take place on Wednesday the 10th and Thursday the 11th of August for Grade II, IV, V, and Grade I, III. This competition counts as the first qualification for Sunday’s freestyle.
The team competition takes place on Friday and Saturday, where the riders in Grade II, IV, and V ride on Friday, while the Grade I and III riders perform the programs forthe championship on Saturday.
The participating nations form teams of three or four riders, where at least one rider competes in the Grade I, II, or III. Not more than two riders in the same Grade can be in a team. The top-three results in a team make the overall team result. This competition is the second qualification for the final event which is the freestyle.
The eight best riders in each Grade from both competitions, mandatory and team program, qualify for the freestyle.
Paralympic teams in Paris decided in Herning
The home nation Denmark was on fourth place at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2021, beaten by a small margin. This season, they won the team competition at the international competition in Kronenberg and hence is a good bid for a team medal on home soil. Great Britain took gold in Tokyo ahead of the Netherlands and the USA. All three nations are still in a strong position in Herning. In addition to World Championship medals, the qualification for the Paralympics in Paris is up for grabs. The 6 best nations in Herning will qualify for the Paralympics in Paris 2024. France asthe host nation is already rewarded a spot for their team.
Watch out for these true champs
We will be able to see a very strong field in all Grades in Herning because all medallists except one from Paralympics in Tokyo have been nominated for participation in the World Championships.
In Grade I, it’s worth keeping an eye on America’s Rocanne Trunnell, a double gold medallist in Tokyo. In Grade II, the two experienced and successful riders Lee Pearson (GBR) and Pepo Puch (AUT) are always a pleasure to follow, the two became gold and silver medallists in Tokyo. They are challenged by among others Katrine Kristensen (DEN) who is deemed to be a strong contester with Gørklintgård’s Quaton.
In Grade III, the interest naturally gathers around Tobias Thorning Jørgensen (DEN). On his horse Jolene Hill, they won two gold medals at the Paralympics in Tokyo. Another strong contester for the title is Natasha Baker (GBR). Sanne Voets(NED) is extremely successful in her grade IV and she will meet fierce competition from Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA) and Manon Claeys (BEL).
In Grade V, interest gathers around Sophie Wells (GBR) as she has numerous achievements on her record. In Tokyo, she was beaten by Michéle George (BEL), and she will without a doubt go for gold at the FEI World Championships in Herning.
Remember that you can watch all CSI and CDI classes from Herning 2022 on Zibrasport Equest. Same goes for some sideevents, shownight and interviews. Streaming-program
One of the greatest sporting events ever hosted in Denmark!
The world elite meets in Herning in 2022, to compete for gold with their horses, both individually and as a team.
In order for an event like the World Championships to succeed volunteers are needed! The event depends on equestrian enthusiasts as Henri’s Heroes for carrying out tasks in front of and behind the scenes.
Herning2022 need quite a lot of volunteers, approximately 1200 people!
It will involve tasks like participating in different areas as a helper, cleaning areas at the venue and at the camping spots, service helpers, a social media team, guards by the gates and in the stables, and whatever might be needed to make 1000 horses and 200.000 guests feel at home!
