AS the Christmas season looms ever closer, there is no doubt, that giving someone this year’s edition of L’Année Hippique will save hours of shopping as this top-class international equestrian yearbook is the perfect present for any equine enthusiast, young and old alike.
The hardback book itself is beautifully presented and expertly produced with an intensely colourful, dramatic and alluring photo gallery featured throughout the 280-plus pages.
Readers are enticed into the text by an excellent forward written by FEI President Ingmar de Vos who takes the opportunity to congratulate and extend his thanks to the many contributors of the equestrian world. He also highlights the importance for the FEI and its disciplines to continue to evolve within the modern sporting environment and expresses his excitement for the season to come.
In what has been a landmark year for both senior and junior Irish show jumping, the FEI European Championships takes centre stage and is superbly recoreded in this volume.
The exploits of Ireland’s gold medal-winning team of Cian O’Connor, who also took individual bronze, with team mates Denis Lynch, Bertram Allen and Shane Sweetnam, under the guidance of chef d’equipe Rodrigo Pessoa, are expertly captured by photographer Dirk Caremans and provide superb illustration.
This publication also offers a grippingly exciting and highly illustrious blow by blow account of the 108th FEI Nations Cup held across 19 different countries, of which The Netherlands emerged victorious.
DISCIPLINES
Coverage of the Eventing, Dressage and Driving European Championships are also documented extensively and after every report, features on the medallists and tributes to their respective mounts are combined in the narrative which gives a bird’s eye account into the lives of some of the world’s most decorated sportsmen and women. There is a full round up of all of the international four-star events on the eventing circuit from Kentucky to Pau and everything in between.
Similarly, all of the major dressage events receive a lengthy and detailed commentary, again all of which is punctuated with an exhibition of stunning photography.
Among the many additional features encompassed in the book, a must read is an interview with successful horse trader, trainer and breeder Tal Milstein, a truly inspirational man which is ultimately reflected in his words. Another interesting feature is an in-depth analysis of the Adelaide International Horse Trials (the only CCI4* in the Southern Hemisphere).
Written by Amanda Renouard, it informs the reader on everything from the history and heritage to the vibrant city and its architecture surrounding the unique event. Archived photos show a fond remembrance for times long gone. A personal favourite is another interview, this time with the much coveted equestrian artist James Dornan Webb who specialises in creating amazing sculptures of horses and sometimes other animals from drift wood.
This highly creative person generously shares with the reader his personal ideas and an account of his daily life.
Overall, L’Année Hippique 2017 is an absolutely brilliant book, featuring a timeless collection of photos, results that aid in providing an insight into the progression of equestrian sport worldwide.
Get yours now
Copies of L’Année Hippique is only available from Dermot Forde, Kilmore, Virginia, Co Cavan, priced €50 or stg £45 (including P&P within Ireland).
Telephone: 087-234 4212 or 049-8546360. Email: deroforde@gmail.com