Winter Equestrian Festival Week 1 Kicks off the Olympic Year – Here’s the Recap

With the 2024 Paris Olympics less than 200 days away, equestrian athletes have much to achieve before stepping at the chief event. Besides the Olympics, one of the most important events the athletes set their sights on is the Winter Equestrian Festival. Known as the longest-running equestrian competition, the Wellington-hosted bonanza is a thing to marvel at, indubitably, owing to it being a talent outhouse and a profusion of stallions battling it out. As 2024 has already kicked off, the 13-week-long festival has also commenced with a bang.

Encompassing 18 competition arenas, the festival is more like a carnival in the truest sense. Horse-themed streets, 400 permanent horse stalls, and an array of elite competitors make the festival more lively than ever. Olympic aspirants, children, amateurs, and people from ages 7 to 70 can have the time of their lives besides winning laurels. This year, Week 1 was already a ‘bang’ for starters.

Equestrian achievements and retirement went hand in hand

The official Instagram handle of Wellington International has posted a video compilation of all the week 1 moments that moved the enthusiasts. The caption reads, WEEK 1 RECAP. From “@benmaherofficial’s SNL triumph to @kevinbabingtonllc’s Mark Q retirement, #WEF2024 has officially begun with a bang.” Ben Maher, the 40-year-old British show jumper, saw the WEF 2023 win slip away because of a shoulder injury. But there was no stopping this time. At the $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* Grand Prix on January 13, Maher galloped to victory with his equine partner Enjeu de Grisien. Fresh off the FEI World Cup Grand Prix victory, Maher’s 36.87s finish made him “very happy”.

On the other hand, Wellington International’s Summer Series’ victor equine Mark Q bid goodbye to his racing career. The owners Kevin Babington and Deirdre Bourns couldn’t think of a better occasion than WEF 2024. In June 2023, at the $10,000 Kingsland Equestrian 1.40m Stake, USA rider Gwyneth Babington steered the equine to a well-deserved blue ribbon win. Even then, the owners had a lot to credit him for.

Mark Q’s commendable win last season

Gwyneth Babington, daughter of Kevin Babington, said, “He really owes us nothing, but he keeps showing up. He’s the best horse I’ve gotten to ride and he’s really my best friend!”. Since “He’s won many classes in this field in particular”, Mark Q has always been consistent in the Wellington Equestrian events.

READ MORE: “True Horseman”: Internet Cheers As Equestrian of the Year John French Shares Hilarious Antics of His Supposed Child

Speaking of the week 1 glories, there was show-jumping icon Jessica Springsteen who also showcased her skills aboard Don Juan. Ahead of the Olympic days, she’s brushing up her skills by taking part in these warm-up competitions. Both Ben Maher and Springsteen are ready to make winning strides again, and the WEF 2024 would also be a show that’ll go down in the annals of history.

Watch this story: After Getting Back on Saddle, Bill Gates’s Equestrian Daughter Jennifer Gates Forced to Say  a Tragic Goodbye