Aussie success at FEI Driving World Championships for Pairs

By Berni Saunders

Australian Driving enthusiasts have much to celebrate with home grown talent raising the profile of carriage driving at local level and putting the world on notice that we have driving combinations knocking on the door to join superstar Boyd Exell on the international podium.

Le Pin au Haras (FRA) played host to the FEI Driving World Championships for Pairs from 27 September 2023 - 1 October 2023 with 92 individuals, representing 17 nations competing. Spectators and competitors alike agreed that the venue offered superb footing and perfect Autumnal weather, confirming why this is “festival time” in France, with visitors flocking to enjoy the magical seasonal colours and plentiful food and wine offerings.

Former Queensland Dressage supremo Tor Van Den Berge and Victorian driver Andrew Damsma did us proud, and Equestrian Australia salutes them for a great showing at this important event on the FEI calendar.

Tor Van Den Berg took three horses (Carbery Estate Chino, Carbery Estate Cato and Burgt Beheer Kerosine) and was delighted with their finish to the Driving season. Team Van Den Berg produced a team-best Marathon result finishing in 5th position, going into the cones sitting in 3rd place on the leaderboard. All competitors found the time allocated for the cones phase difficult to achieve and no double clear rounds were recorded. Tor went for time, but unfortunately this involved risk and he had to settle for 9th place. The silver lining was a World Top 10 finish.

Andrew Damsma posted thanks to his "beautiful, kind and talented horses", saying that "they give their all for him". Andrew was also happy and grateful to be on this journey with his wonderful family and supporters.

The Australian contingent was capably managed by Chef d’Equipe Hugh Scott-Barrett (recently retired, long-time backstepper for the Exell driving team), who lent his vast knowledge and experience to help Tor and Andrew achieve a milestone result for the Australian Equestrian Team. Hugh’s charges acknowledged the finesse and skill of their Chef, and said that he kept them informed and organised throughout the show. The Aussies also thanked Danielle Aamodt and the Boyd Exell Team for their support over the week.

The Aussies did us proud with Tor Van Den Berge finishing in ninth place on a total of 168.66 and Andrew Damsma completing the event on 187.17 in 30th place. This gave Australia 6th place the from the 91 combinations to finish.

Reigning World Champion Martin Hölle (HUN) was convincing in defence of his title and the Hungarian Team left little doubt that they would win a 6th consecutive title and preserve their record of a 10th title, the first of which they won 34 years ago in 1989.

Results can be found at …
https://www.hoefnet.nl/kalender-uitslagen-startlijsten/le-pin-2023-2/

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia