Beezie Madden And Simon Win FEI World Cup Finals

Beezie Madden & Simon Make The FEI World Cup Finals Speed Class Look Easy

It was a glorious day for Beezie Madden and her mount, Simon, as they took first place honors in the Speed Class of the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals. Horses and riders representing 17 international countries came together on the evening of April 25th to partake in the first of three jumping rounds, but only Beezie would claim victory. As the 17th combination to go, from a line-up composed of 39 riders, Beezie Madden effortlessly piloted the 14 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Abigail Wexner, around the course clear of jumping faults and with a spectacular time of 62.28 seconds that moved the US duo into first place where they remained throughout the entire competition.

Held in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the Scandinavium Arena, the 39 qualified entries were put to the test over a course of 17 individual jumps, designed by Uliano Vezzani. Riders were presented with 3 short inside turn options, but only the bravest took a shot at them and a couple encountered issues in doing so. Shane Sweetnam of Ireland had a close call aboard the 13 year old stallion, Amaretto d’Arco, at the FEI fence following the oxer of the first double combination. Miscommunication between horse and rider caused the pair to nearly run into the fence, but lucky they came to a sudden halt, collected themselves and proceeded to the finish with a time of 74.02 seconds, resulting in 28th place.

Representing the US, Rich Feller and the Irish Sport Horse stallion, Flexible, also encountered difficulty around the course as they galloped towards the final combination perhaps a bit too fast. Flexible was seemingly caught off guard, hesitant of the take off distance, and crashed down on the vertical tossing Fellers slightly in front of the saddle before coming to a halt at the combination’s oxer. Neither was hurt, but the slip caused a hold up and put a damper on their time that moved them into the 34th spot.

Second to last rider to go and representing Switzerland, Pius Schwizer gave Beezie Madden a run for the winning title as he piloted the 11 year old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Verdi III, at blazing speed. A solid and clear round of 62.79 seconds wasn’t quite fast enough to move into first, but it sure did excite the crowd and secured the pair a well deserved 2nd place finish.

The FEI World Cup Finals will continue throughout the next few days showcasing the best of the best in dressage and show jumping. Make sure to tune in and watch the second leg of jumping at 11:55am LIVE on FEI TV, Friday April 26th.