French Grand Prix rider Constance Menard called us a while ago. She's doing much better and has been released from the hospital. Menard virtually broke her entire upper body when a 300 Kg bale of hay fell on top of her. She was transported to the hospital where she stayed for two weeks. Then she went to a coast-side rehabilitation centre near the French Atlantic, where she had a view to die for and handsome doctors helping her to get better. Two weeks ago, she was released from the rehabilitation center and she is back home now in Saumur, taking it one step at the time, as her bones will take another couple of months to fully heal. Menard told us that she received tons of letters and support cards from friends and strangers who read about her accident on Eurodressage. "It was unbelievable. I got a letter from this French paralympic rider who told me to hang in there and be strong. I got so much support from this letter," Constance said.
The sale of Feiner Stern to Edgar and Susan Schutte, which was publicly announced last month, never took place. Feiner Stern will stay in California at GW Ranch.
Carl Hester's young star Negretto has passed away recently. The 5-year old KWPN bred stallion (by Negro) broke his leg and had to be put down. Negretto was a licensed breeding stallion for the British Sport Horse Breeding Studbook and won several FEI 5-year old young horse classes in Britain this year.
The FEI President HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón announced theappointment of Jean-Claude Falciola (SUI) as FEI Secretary General on 14 September 2005. A Swiss national from Geneva, Jean-Claude Falciola studied Engineering at the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich and completed his formal education with an MBA at Stanford University (USA). After many candidates from the horse and business worlds were assessed, Jean-Claude Falciola was appointed thanks to of his rounded and extensive experience in many types of businesses. An established team builder and manager, Jean-Claude Falciola (62) met all the relevant criteria. A recreational rider, Jean-Claude Falciola has been involved in skiing for most of his life and has developed a keen interest in sport and the business surrounding it. Jean-Claude Falciola’s primary task will be to manage the FEI head office in Lausanne in the context of structural changes.
Ulla Salzgeber's website has a new design and her list of horses has been updated. Newcomers to her collection are Herzruf's Erbe (Herzruf x Caletto I), Picasso (Pirano x Westminster), a D'Artagnon x Welt Hit II foal and Weltwolke L (Wolkentanz x Wanderbusch II). For the latter two horses they are looking for a show name and you can send them your suggestions. More Info Here
According to the Dutch Paardenkrant, the Dutch dressage rider Laurine Brucher got injured falling off a horse. Brucher lost consciousness for a while and was transported to the hospital by helicopter. At the hospital, her injuries were less grave than expected. She "only" sustained a severe concussion.
The CDI-W Dusseldorf 2006, which was supposed to take place in the Philipshalle in Dusseldorf on February 9-12, 2006 has been cancelled. Because of financial reasons, this World Cup Qualifier will not take place. Another international dressage show won't take place: the CDI Lier 2005 , the first international dressage competition in Belgium since many years has been cancelled as well. The CDI Lier was supposed to happen October 21-23, 2005.
Mr Xavier Marie, the notorious French auction horse buyer who recently purchased Poetin and Florentina, is trying to build up one of Europe's most prestigious breeding barns. His stables "Haras de Hus" are located near Nantes, France, where he is building a nursery barn. Famous broodmares at his yard are at the moment Poetin, and several full sisters to international Grand Prix horses, such as full sisters of Florencio, Salinero, Don Schufro and jumper Balou de Rouet. Mr Marie is a business men who has over 100 stores in France called "Maison du Monde". His wife does not ride, only his son rides occasionally.
Oh, by the way, today (September 23, 2005) it's court day in Hamburg, Germany. A final decision will be made on the lawsuit between Sjef Janssen and St Georg magazine, following the publication of the article Dressur Pervers. We'll keep you posted on the verdict.