The Full Course Showjumping Podcast

This week we are delighted to be collaborating with Rolex ahead of next week's Spruce Meadows Masters and welcome Linda Southern-Heathcott, President and CEO from Spruce Meadows, Canada.

Spruce Meadows is wholly owned and operated by the Southern Family. Founded by Linda's father Ron Southern with the dream of creating a unique environment of "good friendship, good commerce, and good sport". This concept and remarkable venue has been accomplished by a committed group of corporations, volunteers, media, athletes, staff, fans, and officials. 

Spruce Meadows is committed to being the leading venue in the world for international horse sports with a focus on the organisation and hosting of show jumping events of unmatched quality for junior, amateur, and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes.

We discuss the values of Spruce Meadows and the longevity of their valued sponsors, the input and support from Rolex and the what their Grand Slam brings to Spruce Meadows. 

Linda reflects on many memorable moments including Scott Brash becoming the first and still the only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam in September 2015 on board the iconic Hello Sanctos, to claim the €1,000,000 bonus.

Scott started his Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping campaign by winning the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva in December 2014, the following May he went onto claim Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen,  with the third and final instalment winning the CP International presented by Rolex at the Spruce Meadows Masters.

Sadly spectators are not permitted at this year's event but you can catch all of the action via their livestream, to watch click https://iframe.dacast.com/playlist/2c3ae134f33af73ec3ef1b46f415c022/a5f8cceb-0f7f-20ed-d242-f4dbfe2c55ac

Sweden claimed Jumping Team gold  at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Baji Koen Equestrian Park where, in a thrilling jump-off against the clock, Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward), Malin Baryard-Johnsson (Indiana) and Peder Fredricson (All In) reigned supreme. But Team USA chased them all the way to the line, with tremendous performances from Laura Kraut (Baloutine), Jessica Springsteen (Don Juan van de Donkhoeve) and McLain Ward (Contagious).

This was Sweden’s fourth victory in the history of Jumping at the Olympic Games, but this latest win has been a long time coming. They took the team title three times in a row when Jumping was first introduced to the Games, on home ground in Stockholm in 1912, again in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920 and in Paris, France in 1924. But gold has eluded them ever since.

They were in exceptional form all week in Tokyo, and coming into tonight’s Final not one of their horses had lowered a fence. But with single errors from Baryard-Johnsson and Fredricson this evening they found themselves tied on a score of eight faults with the Americans after the first round and it came down to the final riders to clinch it.

America’s Ward piled on the pressure but Fredricson, who took Individual silver on Wednesday night, produced an heroic round with the great All In to clinch it.

Belgium’s Pieter Devos (Claire Z), Jerome Guery (Quel Homme de Hus) and Gregory Wathelet (Nevados S) were already confirmed for bronze before the jump-off began, having completed the first round on a total of 12 faults.

Team GB made the sensible decision to withdraw Ben Maher and Explosion after Great Britain collected 24 penalties leaving them in 9th position following Holly Smith and Harry Charles's rounds.

Ben Maher

"We started well enough yesterday" said Ben "it's a new format and it was bout getting here today. The guys did a good job yesterday, they gave me a margin that meant I didn't have to put Explosion under too much pressure - I could afford to have a mistake and got in comfortably."

"But it was always going to be a different day and we knew it was going to be tough, it's a big course and a lot of combinations are making mistakes. Holly and Harry are young riders, they've ridden incredibly tonight but unfortunately it hasn't gone our was as a team"

Harry Charles

"He's a great horse, a proper fighter, but has just got a bit out of puff. I think if it was day two or three, we would have been clear - he couldn't have done much more for me today and I'm delighted with how he did." said Harry.

Holly Smith

"He got quite strong, that's normal for him, but with the technicality of the course it made it harder - we're at the  Olympic Games. It's either five or six coming to the last double - I wen five, which was always the plan - whether that was right or now we'll never know," said Holly.

And that's a wrap on Tokyo 2020!

Super Swedes come out on top in Jumping Team Qualifier

Team GB made the cut today at the Tokyo Jumping Team Qualifier finishing in 7th place and leaving it all to play for in tomorrow's final.

Sadly it was disappointment for Team Ireland with elimination for Shane Sweetnam after his horse lost a shoe and struggled with the rest of its round. The course asked a big question of many of today's combinations and begs the question whether the change to team formate from 4 down to 3 horse rider combiantions has been the right decision and whether it raises issues with animal welfare?

However on a brighter note - the Swedish team are proving to be all powerful across all days of competition out in Tokyo!

With three fabulous clear rounds the Swedish team of Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward), Malin Baryard-Johnsson (Indiana) and Peder Fredricson (All In) finished with the only zero score in the Jumping Team qualifier at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Baji Koen tonight.

In a competition filled with drama, Israel, Ireland and the host team from Japan were all eliminated while Mexico, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Morocco, China and Egypt also missed the cut.

Only the top-10 teams could qualify for tomorrow evening’s Team Final and with just four faults apiece, Belgium and Germany enjoyed an easy passage through.

They will be joined by Switzerland, USA, the defending champions from France, Great Britain, Brazil, The Netherlands and Argentina when the action resumes tomorrow when all teams once again start on a zero score.

What the rider's had to say;

Holly Smith "The last line was always going to be difficult and to be honest, my mistake before that line maybe helped us a little bit because it gave us a way up call"

Harry Charles "It wasn't easy, but we just had to get on with it - there was no way, I couldn't  not jump, so I'm happy that it went as well as it could have done. He ended very good, very confident and his jump is super so harm done today?

Ben Maher "I had a talk with Scott Brash just before I went in and he said we had a good margin to make the team final tomorrow, so I could take it a little easier."

A huge thank you to Andrew Baldock for providing with the days sporting round up.

Our Tokyo 2020 Podcast Round Ups are supported by Zebra Products, Tucci Boots and Veredus Horse Ware. Do pop onto our Instagram account @full_course_sj_podcast to enter our latest giveaway and be in with a chance of winning a pair of fabulous Veredus Olympus tendon boots.

Thank you to Pro-RiderAcademy.com for all the behind the scenes work and making this podcast possible!

Ben Maher and Explosion retained Olympic Individual Showjumping Gold Medal for Great Britain today at the Tokyo Olympics.

He was always well-fancied to take the title and tonight Great Britain’s Ben Maher more than lived up to expectations when taking Individual Jumping gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Baji Koen Equestrian Park.

Just six of the 30 starters in today’s thrilling medal-decider jumped clear to qualify for the second-round jump-off against the clock and, third to go, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson set a serious target when clear again with All In in 38.02 seconds.

But Maher followed with a sensational run from the aptly-named Explosion W to break the beam in 37.85 seconds and that couldn’t be bettered. Fredricson and his brilliant 16-year-old gelding took their second Olympic silver medal in the row and bronze went to the last man into the ring, The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z.

Enjoy today's round up of the Individual final with the Press Association's Andrew Baldock.

Ben Maher 

"There' been a lot of pressure the last few weeks."

"Peter Charles and Scott Brash were watching for me and they said 'you've just got go - do what you've done on him in the past'. As I was going through the gate, I knew I didn't want to be the person who came fourth. I wasn't going to leave anything on the table"

The Full Course Showjumping Podcast is thrilled to bring you daily round ups throughout the week of showjumping at Tokyo, each of the podcast's is supported by Zebra Products, Tucci Boots and Veredus Horse Wear.

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Welcome to the Full Course Showjumping Podcast, we are excited to welcome Press Association journalist Andrew Baldock who brings us his Tokyo round up on Day 1 of showjumping from Tokyo 2020. 

We kick start day one of showjumping with the individual qualifier out in Tokyo and delighted that all British and Irish show jumpers are through to the individual final. Andrew provides us with an fascinating insight to the day's competition as well as looking at the success stories he also analyses some of the key combinations who haven't made the cut. 

Harry Charles "I couldn't ask for a better start - to get into the final in my first Olympics is more than I could have hoped for. That was the goal coming here, and hopefully that's the goal achieved now."

Ben Maher "As a team, we jumped three clear rounds today - we have team tactics in place this week but, setting out on day one, we're very strong. We're here to try to get a result."

Scott Brash "I think we've got a great team here, we've got a chance at a medal - but with three riders, anything can happen. If a rein snaps, we're eliminated - it's as easy as that. But I think we're all in great shape, we'll need a bit of luck, but we've got a great chance."

Our Tokyo Olympic round ups are brought to you in association with Zebra Products, Tucci Boots and Veredus Horse Wear. Visit our Instagram account @full_course_sj_podcast to enter our exciting giveaway competitions - GOOD LUCK. 

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Andrew Baldock brings us a brief preview ahead of Showjumping competition taking centre stage at Tokyo from tomorrow - Tuesday 3rd August.

We are thrilled to bring you full round ups throughout the week in association with Zebra Products and we have two exciting product giveaways on our Instagram account @full_course_sj_podcast the first one is already running so do hop on and get your entry in to win a fabulous Tucci Boot Bag.

Keep your eyes peeled for our second giveaway - a pair of Veredus horse boots! GOOD LUCK

We were fortunate to welcome reigning Olympic Showjumping Gold Medalist NICK SKELTON as a guest to our podcast on Friday, if you haven't had a chance to listen yet then do catch up and have a listen! Nick provided us with a fascinating insight into his preparation to both London 2012 and Rio 2016 with his phenomenal equine partner BIG STAR.

Good luck to all showjumping Olympians.

This week are excited to be joined by double Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Skelton. Nick was literally flying out to Tokyo that evening so we are extremely grateful to Nick for taking the time to talk to us!

Nick kick starts our coverage of next week's showjumping round ups direct from Tokyo, and shares his experience of preparing his inspirational and exceptional partner Big Star.

Nick also gives us an insight into the highs and lows that made up the combinations journey to Team Gold Medal at London 2012 and Individual Gold Medal at Rio 2016.

I'm sure you will all agree this is just the tip of the iceberg and we very much hope that Nick will join us again at a later date!

Also on the podcast - Will's European Championship round up - reflecting on the Children on Horses, Junior and Young Rider championships from Villamoura and Team GB's tally of medals.

Make sure you also keep an eye out for our two incredible giveaways to celebrate showjumping week at Tokyo, brought to you in association with Zebra Products, Tucci Boots and Veredus Horse Boots.

This week Will welcomes British Showjumper Alexandra Thornton who as I'm sure you will have all spotted that she was on the Tokyo long list followed up with Irish journalist Louise Parkes.

Louise as always gives us a fascinating insight into the world of Irish showjumping.

Huge thanks to both of our guests and hope you enjoy!

This week we welcome to guests to The Full Course Showjumping Podcast.

Starting with British Showjumping's Jodie Hall McAteer who is on flying, recently winning her first 5* Grand Prix and is competing in GCT Paris this weekend. Jodie shares her experience of stepping up to next level, being part of the Rolex Young Rider Academy and how exciting it is to be competing against riders that she has admired since her formative year's.

"It felt amazing to have my first 5* win it's been a massive step up for me and has given me a lot confidence and motivation and looking to the rest of the year to put in some good results" said Jodie.

Welcome also Sen Tower Park's Laurens Meynaerts who explains the concept behind this exceptional European showjumping centre of excellence and how it has evolved, as well as introducing us to the centres visionary new series for 2022;  8 weeks of 3&4* competitions, €1.6 million in prize money and no vip!

This totally new series will focus on those riders placed 200-1000 on the Longines Ranking list wishing to improve their position. 28 ranking classes provide each rider the opportunity to ride up the list without having to travel across Europe to different locations every week.

Thanks for listening and remember to tell your friends all about us!

Geoff Billington joins Will Fletcher on this week's podcast, however to kick start the episode Will presents his regular sports round up and talks us through this week's international showjumping news, starting with the sad news of the loss of Steve Guerdats mare Alfbuhren's Bianca this talented mares illustrious career was cut short when diagnose with a brain tumour, our sympathy goes out to Steve and all of the connections.

 We welcome Geoff Billington to this week's podcast. This larger than life personality of British Showjumping talks to Will about the horses that have defined his career along with some humorous recollections of years gone by.

Geoff is currently hosting a number of clinics around the country for all levels of riders and competitors, if you are interested in signing up for one of his clinics or interested in organising a clinic with Geoff then please contact him via his website geoffbillington.com

Remember to mention The Full Course Showjumping Podcast to all of your friends and help to increase our listening audience!

What topics or riders would you like us to feature?

This week Will Fletcher talks to Britain's leading lady showjumper and potential Tokyo contender, Holly Smith.

Holly reflects on the horses that have helped her establish her career; Dougie Douglas, Hearts Destiny and Denver, where they came from how their career paths progressed and their personalities. As well as introducing the next rising stars in her stables.

Will takes the opportunity ask Holly about her views on International shows, taking  2* into consideration, should they offer two ranking classes and whether they are value for money and reflecting on the contrast between 5* and what we often perceive as the "elite" 5*  shows.

We also have a round up of this week's showjumping news; Scott and Ben on top form last weekend,  21 year old Olympic contenders Harry Charles and Romeo produce a superb first round (just 1 time fault) in Harry's first 5* Nations Cup at St Gallen. While Ireland continue to show tremendous form and dominate at Peelbergen.

Will Fletcher is joined by US based, Irish International showjumper Shane Sweetnam as they talk through his career to date and prospects ahead of this summer's Tokyo Olympics. 

To kick start this week's podcast Will presents a brief round up of the latest showjumping news beginning with last weekend's Rome International at the Piazza Di Siena and rounds off this episode with our new Q&A. If you would like to ask a question then head to our Instagram account @full_course_sj_po 

We are joined this week by Jack Whitaker following his first CSI5* win at the Dutch Masters on his sensational 11 year old mare Scenletha, clinching the 1.55m Audi Prize on the second day of the the indoor event. 

Plus Will Fletcher describes this week's global showjumping action in his new weekly round up.

A frank and open conversation with Irish journalist Louise Parkes and Press Association journalist Andrew Baldock share their opinion about the strength in depth of showjumping teams ahead of this year's Olympic Games and European Championships.

Harriet Nuttall joins us this week, she spoke to us about what it's like to ride around the Hickstead Derby as well as the key to success in the speed derby. Hosts Sam Gerrard-May and Will Fletcher have a chat about the new championship format. 

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James Wilson joins us this week to discuss his breakthrough year in 2019, Olympic dreams for 2021 and some funny stories about his hidden talents, plus much more! Hosts Sam Gerrard-May and Will Fletcher discuss their favorite moments from the sport.

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