Federation Equestre Internationale

FEI Press News - February 12, 1999

- FEI/BCM World Jumping Riders Rankings: Ludger Beerbaum again Number One
- South American Series for Eventing
- In Memoriam

FEI/BCM World Jumping Riders Rankings;
Luger Beerbaum #1 Again
Hugo Simon's Number One glory did not last long. His Number One position, gained a month ago, mostly thanks to new criteria established for the Computer List, evaporated in February. Ludger Beerbaum, second in the World Cup competition in Bordeaux, and Willi Melliger, fifth and sixth in Bordeaux and Bologna respectively, overtook the Austrian, and are now the number one and two. For Beerbaum it is the seventh time since 1991 that he is the Number One - his longest tenures were September 95 - October 96 (= 14 months) and March 98 - December 98 (= 10 months).

Lesley McNaught remains the top lady rider. Thanks to her victory in the World Cup competition in Bologna she moved from 15th to 12th. The top North American riders are Margie Goldstein (24), Alison Firestone (25) and Nona Garson (27).

- Jump of the Month: Maria Gretzer (SWE)
- Rookie of the Month: Dominique Richter (USA)
- Rookie of the Year: Dominique Richter (USA)

South American Series For Eventing
For the first time, an eventing circuit will be organized in South America. The Series will include events of three levels (one, two and three stars). The first event, a CCI***/CCI** will be organized in Brazil at the end of March. The second will be held in Uruguay at the end of May and the final one in Argentina in November. The first two events will be qualifiers for the Pan American Games. In addition, Jennifer Millar, Eventing Development officer, and Capt. José Ortelli, Member of the Eventing Committee will direct courses for Course Designers and Technical Delegates in conjunction with this series.

In Memorium
Wolf Kröber, the founder of the Equitana in Essen, died on 28 February 1999. He was 55 years old. Wolf Kröber had sold the Equitana rights in 1992.

Ronnie Mutch, a respected horseman, died unexpectedly end of February 1999, aged 63. In 1953 he was a member of the USET Nations Cup team at the 3 Fall Circuit Shows Harrisburg, New York and Toronto. Ronnie Mutch's son, Hugh, is a successful Grand Prix rider.

Junia Rabello, who had been very active in promoting Eventing in South America, died 26 February 1999 in a helicopter accident.

HorsesDaily Related Links
BCM: Complete FEI/BCM World Riders Rankings.
FEI The international governing body of horse sports.
Try the HorsesDaily search for riders Beerbaum, Firestone, and Goldstein Engle.