They have come to Oliva Nova (Spain) from 22 different countries to extend the outdoor season of international equestrian sport – show jumpers taking part in the Autumn MET, the tournament series of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour, from 20th October to 8th November on the Mediterranean coast. Nations boasting particularly high numbers of competitors are Great Britain, Switzerland, Ireland and France.
There are especially high participation levels amongst British show jumpers: 53 riders from GB are at the Autumn MET, including sporting giants such as David McPherson and James and Richard Davenport. Amongst the 11 riders from Ireland are Nations Cup riders Cameron Hanley and Trevor Breen, as well as young Michael Duffy, who triumphed in style in the qualifiers of the 2014 Hamburg Derby.
France’s “Mediterranean delegation” – all 25 of them – are headed up by Michel Hecart. The 61-year-old show jumper from La Roque-Baignard competed in the European Championships and won a medal in 2003 with the French team. Hecart is a professional trainer of horses with his own company: “I don’t compete in many tournaments any more as we have so much to do at home. Sometimes I miss it, but I’m happy if I have the chance to present one or two good horses at tournaments – that’s enough for me.” In Spain, the boss will be climbing into the saddle himself.
Each week until 8th November, the Autumn MET will be offering international tours for very young show-jumping horses, aged between five and seven years, as well as tours for experienced horses, including Longines ranking show-jumping. Sundays will revolve around Grand Prix contests, each endowed with over 24,000 euros prize money and the chance to earn valuable world ranking points.
The MET can be found online at www.mediterranean-equestrian-tour.net and is organised and marketed by German agency Herbert Ulonska – Equestrian Sport Events. Five modern sand arenas, a fantastic grass arena, 300 permanent stables, a veterinarian complex, warm-up areas and the nearby beach offer the very best conditions and space for concentrated outdoor training and relaxation opportunities for both horse and rider. Oliva Nova’s Equestrian
Source: press release
