Germany’s Simone Blum has made history as the first woman to take the individual jumping title at the FEI World Equestrian Games.
Edge of their seats
In a finale that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Simone produced two fantastic clear rounds with DSP Alice, to win gold. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs claimed silver with Clooney, while his compatriot and close friend Steve Guerdat bagged bronze on Bianca.
Simone is the first woman to take the title at a WEG, which started in 1990. Prior to that, each discipline had its own World Championship, and since the inception in 1953 only Canada’s Gail Greenough has won gold in 1986 – which was the last of the standalone events. This makes Simone the second women in 65 years to become World Champion.
‘Perfect day’
“This was a perfect day,” she said. “Alice jumped great for the whole week, she had no fault in five rounds of competition, she was unbelievable! She’s so careful.
“She has the biggest heart and I think this week she knew that she could win the hearts of all of the sport. She really wanted this win today.”
It has been a great week for the 29-year-old who also won team bronze. What makes her achievements even more incredible is WEG is her first major championship.
Incredible form
Simone was selected for Tryon because she has shown incredible form at top level in recent years, winning the German Ladies title in 2016 and then topping the 2017 German Men’s Championship, which the best German women are also allowed to compete in.
Simone said she owes her success to her fiancee, Hansi Goskowitz, because he found Alice.
“He is the most wonderful man for me in the world and its just because of him I am sitting here!” she said. “I will marry him in the next four weeks – he will become Mr Blum!”
‘Horse of a lifetime’
Amanda Derbyshire was the only Brit to qualify for the individual final with Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Luibanta BH. They came into the final day in 15th position on 9.48 penalties, but had two down towards the end of the course to finish 17th and miss out on the second round.
“The first part of the round was really good and I think she was really unlucky with the first rail that she had,” said Amanda. “I don’t see how we could have done anything different.
“The second rail was my fault and I’ll take that. One less pole would have meant we were in the final 12, but we’ll go away and think about how we can do better next time.
“All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better week – I never expected to reach the final. This horse is a horse of a lifetime and she has tried her best all week.”
Ireland’s Cian O’Connor also failed to made it into the second round as Good Luck had two down, which put them in 13th place.
You can watch all the action from WEG on Horse & Country in our daily review show. We also have coverage of all the Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.
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