Olympic Dreams and Banked Qualifications for Top Riders
The Paris Olympics 2024 eventing qualification is drawing international heat in the Netherlands this week as top riders compete for their golden chance. From British riders Tom McEwen and David Doel to New Zealand’s Tim Price, France’s Astier Nicolas, and Australia’s Chris Burton, the quest for qualification has brought together the best in the field.
The Key to Unlocking Paris 2024
In order to be eligible to compete at Paris 2024, equestrian pairs must achieve a qualifying result at either a CCI5* or a CCI4*-L, coupled with a CCI4*-S between 1 January 2023 and 24 June 2024. In addition, riders must also have a qualifying result at any CCI5*, CCI4*-L or CCI4*-S between 1 January 2024 and 24 June 2024.
Horses that have been sidelined due to injury in 2023 will need to bank three four-star qualifying results this spring. One of them is Tim Price’s 2022 Maryland 5 Star winner Coup De Coeur Dudevin, who is looking to start the CCI4*-L this week in Kronenburg.
Big Names, Big Games
Astier Nicolas’s double Blair Castle Horse Trials CCI4*-S winner Babylon De Gamma seeks to compete in the CCI4*-L at Kronenburg after only one international competition last year. Tom McEwen’s JL Dublin and David Doel’s Galileo Nieuwmoed, both with podium finishes at five-star last year, aim to secure their confirmation result in the CCI4*-S at Kronenburg.
New Zealand’s Caroline Powell is also chasing her Paris confirmation result in the CCI4*-S with Greenacres Special Cavalier, who placed sixth at Maryland 5 Star last year.
New Combinations, New Opportunities
New and reunited pairings also aim to qualify over the next few months. Among them is Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa, who is partnered with the former Pippa Funnell ride MGH Grafton Street. Australia’s Bill Levett has already bagged an early Olympic qualification by clinching the CCI4*-L at Montelibretti in Italy on Sligo Candy Cane.
Looking Forward to the Olympics
Although the quest for qualification brings its own thrill, eyes are already looking towards the Paris Olympics. Many are fascinated by the unique cross-country course that will be an essential part of the Games. Riders and their teams are leaving no stone unturned to make sure they are ready for the challenge.
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