World Cup Show Jumping qualifying continues this weekend in Helsinki

Just a few days after the series opener in Norway, won by Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Cornet, 50 riders and 125 horses from 18 nations are set to compete in the 1.60m World Cup Jumping competition in Helsinki. Deusser and his mount are back alongside several of his compatriots, including Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. For Great Britain, Michael and Robert Whitaker are on the entries list, with Calisto Blue, Con Man JX, and Gentlemen v. Veldhof, and Cash Sent, Catwalk IV, and Noble Warrior respectively.

Ireland — which captured a Show Jumping Team gold medal at the 2017 European Championships in neighbouring Sweden in August — will have four riders in Helsinki: Bertram Allen (Dino W, It’s Me, Izzy By Picobello); Shane Breen (Csf Vendi Cruz, Ispwich van de Wolfsakker, Laith); Richard Howley (Billy Lemon, Chinook, Dolores), and Mark McAuley (Jasco v. Bisschop, Miebello). And speaking of European Champions, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson is signed up for the Helsinki show, with his horses H&M Carat Desire, H&M Christian K, and H&M Sibon. In addition, six riders from the home nation will take part. The full list of riders, including France’s World No.3 Kevin Staut (For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC, Vendome d’Anchat HDC) is here.

For equestrian enthusiasts visiting Helsinki, which dates back to 1550 and sits on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by hundreds of small islands, there are also numerous sites to visit and activities to enjoy, ranging from the city’s sauna culture to its renowned architecture and Design District.  

After Helsinki, the Western European qualifying circuit will shift to Verona, Italy, from October 26-29 for the third of 13 qualifiers on the circuit, with the best seven results counting for the Individual standings.