21 Teams in Jumping Championships

Thirty five nations have entered for the Jumping World Championships to be held at the World Equestrian Games. Twenty one countries will contest the 2002 Teams World Championship. One hundred and seven riders in total will jump in the Table C, the first round of the Teams and Individual Championship.

Germany is the defending champion winning the Teams championship in 1994 and 1998. Team members Otto Becker riding DOBEL’S CENTO, Lars Nieberg riding ADLANTUS AS FRH, Ludger Beerbaum riding GLADDYS S and Marcus Ehning riding FOR PLEASURE are the same who won the 2000 Olympic Team Gold.

Italy is in great form. The team won the 2002 Samsung Nations Cup Team series end of August. Team riders Massimo Grossato, Jerry Smit, Vincenzo Chimirri and Gianni GOVONI will be looking for their first World Championship medal.

The French, Dutch, USA, Swiss and Swedish all have very strong teams and will be out to finish in a medal position.

Competition begins in the Chapin stadium at 16.00. In the Table C competition the riders will jump one round over a course set between 1.50 m and 1.60 m against the clock. The rider with the least number of faults in the fastest time will be the leader.

The Course Designer
Avelino Rodriguez Miravalles is the Course Designer for Show Jumping in the World Equestrian Games at Jerez 2002. Thirty years ago he began working in this field in Spain. Since 1986 he is working internationally and has build courses in the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal as well in the USA (Tampa and Palm Beach/Florida). In 1999 he became an Official Course Designer International.

When he is not building courses he is out judging, also up to international level. Furthermore he has been a Technical Delegate for FEI at four European Championships.

Rodriguez Miravalles is based in Gijon (Austurias) where he is the Director of Sport. Born in Havanna/ Cuba in 1949, he is married and the father of two sons.

The Fences
The Chapin Stadium of Jerez will have a decidedly Spanish Look when the Show Jumpers are riding for their World Championship title. All fences reflect themes of Spanish history, culture and geography. Course Designer Avelino Rodriguez Miravalles will mix the elements according to the type of competition and will tell “The Story of Spain” with the obstacles.

These are the fences and a brief description of their symbols:

“Abanico/ the fan” is a popular accessory for Spanish ladies. They have developed a complete sign language with it that is used at ferias and corridas.

“Guitarras & Castanuelas/ Guitars and Castagnettes” are the musical instruments that are characteristic for the Flamenco.

“Pueble Blanco/ the white village” is characteristic for Andalusian building style.

“Bodega Osborne” represents an important part of socialising in Spain: wine and Sherry.

“Vendimia/ Picking of Grapes” describes the harvest of the wine.

“Naranjos/ the orange trees” are a sight to see in Andalusia, especially in spring.

“Arte Arabe/Arabian art” reflects the Moorish elements of Andalusia’s history.

“Toreo/ the Bullring” is an important element of Spanish lifestyle.

“Meninas/ Paintings” reminds of the Spanish style of painting, namely by Velasquez.

“Marina/ The Harbour” features a lighthouse and symbolizes the importance of the sea for Spain.