A Perfect Day for Horse-riding
WUHAN (CHN) - It was a bright sunny day today, 19 October, on the campus of Wuhan Business University, where at the University’s Equestrian Center, the Equestrian competition of the 7th CISM World Summer Military Games takes place. Hence, the perfect day for horse-riding. As a result, the many spectators were spoiled by breathtaking jumps of rider and horse on the obstacle course.
The German Team consists of three female riders. Loren Haehner is the youngest of the three and also the youngest rider participating in the Equestrian competition of these Wuhan Games. It’s also her first participation at CISM’s major multi-sport event and the 21-year old is very much impressed. The rider is still mesmerized by the fabulous Opening Ceremony she witnessed on 18 October. “That was an amazing show. I never saw such a grand spectacle before.” Furthermore, she likes the venue. “The venue is perfect, and the organization is fantastic,” she tells CISM Media. “Also, the city of Wuhan is impressive. Together with my teammates I’m very proud to be here and represent my nation.”
Due to the concept of ‘borrowed horses’ – the host nation provides the horses with the rider picking a number without knowing which horse he/she will get – the athletes’ riding skills are tested to the maximum. “Yesterday we had a 45 minutes training session for horse and rider to get accustomed. Today, prior to the competition we had 20 minutes for warm-up.” A challenge for each and every rider, competing on borrowed horses. However, Loren is used to it. “In Germany we train with many horses and ride them every day, so we know some tricks,” she smiles. “It’s still a challenge, but I’m coping with it,” she says.
The team from Qatar is participating for the 2nd time in the Equestrian event of the CISM Games, their inaugural participation was at the Military Games in Brazil. “I think it’s been a fine competition so far,” says Wasim Mohammad Asahn, Coach of the Qatari Equestrian Team. “There are 57 competitors present. Moreover, this is an excellent competition venue. Also, the stables and stewards are nice as well. The people and volunteers are really friendly and helpful, from the moment you enter the venue until you leave. It’s a great atmosphere.”
He also confirms the extra challenge for the riders using borrowed horses. “Normally, horse and rider get comfortable with each other after two or three competitions. However, for this competition this is not possible. Our riders got acquainted with their horses only yesterday, it’s a bit tricky for the rider,” Coach Asahn laughs. How does a coach prepare his riders for this challenge? “I tell my riders to stay calm, clear the rounds and be ready for the last day of the competition. Starting too fast might upset the horse. Riding nice clean rounds is important.”
Horse-riding is a sport with a great following in the Arabic world. Coach Asahn confirms. “In Qatar, we have quite some equestrian competitions, national and also international events. We also have a strong military equestrian tradition with our own stables, so we have high hopes for a medal at these Games,” the Qatari Coach ends.
Dutchman Sander Naber was one of the riders who reached the flower ceremony today celebrating the top ten of today’s best riders. With his horse Urinca Z he clocked the second-best time scoring 55 points, only to be preceded by Italian Martini di Cigala Filippo with 57 points. “I’m happy with the outcome here today,” the Dutch rider reacted to CISM Media after the flower ceremony. “At first I had some second thoughts about the horse I got via the draw. It seemed a bit tense. But I was patient. During the training round yesterday, he went smoothly and that feeling continued today. It went really well.” For the rider, the concept of borrowed horses spices the competition even more. “You never know what you get. But it never triggers some extra stress for me. I’m confident around horses. I work a lot with different horses every day, so I know how to handle it,” the satisfied athlete ends.
Major-General Frances J. Allen (CAN) is the Official CISM Representative PCSC for Equestrian and CISM Board of Directors Member. After a first day of competitions she’s satisfied with all activities on the venue. “So far, it’s been an amazing event. Our Chinese hosts have done a great job. They provided some fine horses for the competitors to ride and it results in a spectacular event. I haven’t seen such a happy bunch of athletes for quite some time,” she says.
She also confirms the tricky part of the borrowed horses’ system. “It’s a bit different for the riders to ride borrowed horses, but I think this brings some extra dynamic into the competition. Its’ also an equalizer across the board because everybody is in the same boat here. It’s a challenge indeed for the athlete. Compare it as they have to dance with a new partner, and they don’t get a whole lot of time to practice that dance. However, it puts the riding skills of each athlete to the test with an animal that they don’t have the same bond developed with before. Nevertheless, it’s a great opportunity for the riders and we’ve experienced some nice jumping here today.”
The fans and spectators did indeed. “The obstacle course held a little bit for everybody as well as some challenging jumps,” explains the Major-General. “You could also notice the riders to bring their horses to some of the obstacles to make sure they see them and get familiar with them. Obstacle number two is certain one of the obstacles that have been bothering a lot of the horses, but that also part of this sport.”
The level of riders here present is significantly. “Every delegation brings in their best military riders. It’s a great opportunity for nations to enter their top military athletes and let them challenge themselves. The determination that everybody is showing is actually pretty great, even for some of the tough rounds that we have seen today,” the CISM OCR for Equestrian ends.
A perfect day for horse-riding indeed!
(Source: CISM Media and Communication Department – Journalist: Christian Pierre - Pictures: Christian Pierre & Davis Harrigan)
