FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix 2007

(13 December 2007)

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The FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix 2007

First conceptualized in 1998 to bring the very first top international equestrian event to Asia, the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix made its debut as an annual event in 2003 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The only five-star international show jumping event in the Asia-Pacific region, the KL Grand Prix has carved an important milestone in the history of world equestrian sports. 5 Star is the highest possible rating for an equestrian event.

The KL Grand Prix brings together each year the world's top-ranked riders including Olympic gold medalists, World Cup Champions and World Champions and their prized horses to Kuala Lumpur where they vie for the coveted title and one of the world's richest purses. The 2007 event will see the introduction of the FEI Nations Cup, the world's oldest and most prestigious team event where teams from Asian countries will be fighting tooth and nail for honor for their countries. The Pony Club Mounted Games Challenge is also making its first appearance at the KL Grand Prix. Visitors will enjoy watching the skills, dexterity and bravado of the Pony Clubbers scoring points for their teams.

Spectacular horse acts, riveting performances, Malaysia's top artistes and carnival fun and games are organized each year for visitors to enjoy.

Horse Breeds

There are perhaps as many as 160 breeds and types of horses throughout the world today, each with different abilities, characteristics and temperament. The horses depicted in the three stamps here are Warmbloods, which have gained enormous popularity in the past years as sport horses. More and more of these horses are used in competition especially in Grand Prix and Olympic level competitions. There are several types of Warmbloods and each offer its own bit of edge in competition. Visitors to the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix can expect to see several Warmbloods in thrilling action jumping over obstacles of up to 1.6 meters.

Hanoverian

The Hanoverian is probably the most successful and one of the oldest of the Warmbloods and today it is  one of the most prominent riding horses in the world. It has a worldwide reputation as a show jumper. Many Hanoverians have won gold medals at competitions including the Olympic Games. This breed was founded in 1735 in Celle Stud in Germany by King George II of England who wanted a coach horse that could also be used for agriculture. Through the years with the changes of the function of the Hanoverian, the breed has been further refined with Thoroughbred infusion to make it lighter and more agile. Together with its wonderful temperament and powerful body, the Hanoverian has an added edge in competition.

The Hanoverian's height varies from 15.3 - 17.2 hands (horses are measured in hands which is approximately 4 inches). This breed has no predominant color and solid colors like chestnut, bay, brown, black and grey are common.

Oldenburger

Another breed originating from Germany, the Oldenburg is the heaviest of the German Warmbloods and the most powerfully built of all Warmbloods. Big, powerful and impressive, the Oldenburg is most popular in show jumping and dressage as it is reliable in temperament and has regular paces.

Established in the 1600s initially as a carriage horse, the breed was later developed into an all-purpose riding horse and now it is bred specifically as a sport horse. However this breed still retains its ability as a powerful harness horse. The Oldenburg is known for its athletic ability, calm temperament and strength.

Standing between 16.1 and 17.2 hands in height, the Oldenburg is mostly found in brown, black and bay.

Dutch Warmblood

The Dutch Warmblood is the product of Holland's two indigenous breeds - the Gelderlander and the heavier Groningen. The breed is a proven performer in the show jumping ring and the dressage arena. A notable show jumper is the millionaire horse Milton known for its famous leap in the air that has brought crowds to a standing ovation. Milton and his illustrious partner, British Olympian John Whitaker have shared many victories in international events. John Whitaker is one of the riders competing at the 2007 FEI 5 Star Grand Prix from 23-25 November.

A fairly modern breed, the Dutch Warmblood was developed in the 1960s to combine the best characteristics of both the native breeds and was further refined with the introduction of Thoroughbred blood. This resulted in an athletic horse with much improved scope and stamina. Reliable and intelligent, the Dutch Warmblood makes a good competition horse. As with all Warmbloods, the Dutch Warmblood continues to evolve and the breeding goes through a very strict selection process to ensure good conformation, action and temperament.

Technical Details

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