One should assume that the World Cup comepetitions are of high importance to equestrian athletes in all disciplines. However, it seems as though many of the world’s best Vaulting athletes do not see the exciting series as a priority.
Therefore, the former World Champion Patric Looser addressed his colleagues in a statement on voltigierservice.de:
„I hope that the Vaulting athletes are going to take the World Cup more seriously in the future and that the legs are visited in a proper manner.” The Swiss-born Vaulter who lives in Cologne was upset by the number of last minute cancellations before the World Cup Vaulting Final in Graz: “The World Cup has to be a priority since we can compete on the highest level amidst other equestrian disciplines and therefore reach a broader audience. That is a great opportunity for our sports and we should take it”, said the 30 year-old.
Looser has been a spokesperson for the Vaulters for years and is therefore in close contace with the FEI: “So far we can still count on the support of the FEI. But if we continue to act this carelessly, the support will probably end at some point.” Looser is not only referring to the final in Graz: “That was just the tip of the iceberg. Things have not been not running smoothly the whole season.There are too many cancellations for the events and the flow of information between athletes and organizers is bad. That makes it more complicated for the organizers.” The often stated reason for cancellation is the preservation of the horse, but Looser thinks that the argument is invalid: “Many Vaulting athletes like Nicolas Andreani organize themselves and start on other horses succesfully. The ability to perform well on different horses is what makes a good Vaulter.”
Looser also spoke kindly about Bettina De Rham, FEI Coordinator for Driving, Western and Vaulting. She was the one who got in touch with the Organizers in Graz after the World Cup Final in Doha was cancelled. After the final in Graz some discussions about the future of the World Cup took place. Athletes, judges and the FEI are aiming to make the World Cup more appealing by adding world-ranking points and the possibility to qualify for Championships directly through the World Cup. The idea was appealing to judges and officials of the FEI. “We are happy that our ideas were discussed”, said Kristina Boe.
Source: voltigierservice.de
