5* Nations Cup Call Up for Kiwis

Team NZL: Samantha McIntosh, Daniel Meech, Bruce Goodin, Richard Gardner. Abu Dhabi Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Photo: Libby Law Photography

New Zealand has been invited to the CSI5* Abu Dhabi – Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of United Arab Emirates. It’s the first time the Kiwi showjumpers have had the call-up to the event, which is being held February 14-17, at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

Samantha McIntosh is taking both Check In 2 and Estina, Daniel Meech has both Fine and Sitia-Blue, Richard Gardner is in on Calisto 5 and Bruce Goodin on Backatorps Danny V.

Sixty-five riders from Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Switzerland, Syria, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and hosts United Arab Emirates will compete at the top-flight event.

Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR) is designing the CSIO5* courses.

The CSIO5* action starts on Wednesday (February 14) with a 1.45m speed class and the 1.5m Grand Prix qualifier. All team members automatically qualify for the Grand Prix. Thursday is another 1.45m speed round, and the 1.6m Grand Prix – an FEI World Equestrian Games qualifier – to follow. Friday is a rest day with a 1.5m accumulator and the FEI Nations Cup on Saturday. The prize purse for the Nations Cup is 200,000 Euro with 50,000 Euro to the rider with the best performance in both rounds.

Total prize money for the CSIO5* competitions is 653,200 Euro.

The horse details

By Diana Dobson

Photo by Libby Law ESNZ