By Sports Reporter/Doha
He is one of CHI Al Shaqab’s special personalities. Horse “Airbus” is 24 years old while his vaulter Thomas Brusewitz is only 20. “He has more experience than any of us and he gives me security,” says the vaulter who just came second at the World Cup final in Graz,Austria.
The pair—or the trio with lunger Irina Lenkeit—placed third in Doha at CHI 2014. Airbus has competed for Germany at three World Equestrian Games, two world and two European championships. The World Equestrian Games in France in 2014 were meant to be his last championship.
“But Doha is always a nice trip”, said Lenkeit who is also the owner of the 1,82 metres gelding called “Jumbo” at home.
Brüsewitz, the younger of two brothers competing in Doha, tends to show nerves during competition and therefore Airbus is the perfect partner for him.
“During the training Jumbo is sometimes lazy, but at competitions he is totally there. It is always special to compete with him.” After an unplanned take-off during the freestyle last year, he hopes for a better outcome this year. “I want three steady rounds.”
Airbus should help him to achieve that. Following the compulsory on Monday and the Technical Programme yesterday, Brüsewitz plans to show his Freestyle from the World Championship, vaulting to the musical theme of “Dream On”.
Advanced age is no limitation for a vaulting horse.
HW Bentley, going for sisters Joanne and Hannah Eccles, is 21 years old and involved with the sport of vaulting since 16 years. Joanna Eccles from Great Britain is today’s most successful vaulter and “Henry” was her partner for all the titles, World champion, European champion and No 1. in the world ranking list. In Doha for the first time, a win at CHI Al Shaqab 2015 could follow soon.
