Emanuel Andrade, 17, posted a clear round riding Hardrock Z in his world championship debut for Venezuela at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Photo by Noelle Floyd
Venezuela’s Angel Karolyi riding Amigo made his world championship debut at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Photo by Noelle Floyd

September 2, 2014 – Caen, France – Emanuel Andrade and Angel Karolyi made their World Championship debut on September 2. Riding as members of the Venezuelan Show Jumping Team, Andrade and Karolyi competed in the opening speed round of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen, France.

A total of 154 horse-rider combinations representing 54 countries competed in the opening phase of show jumping competition, which counted for both individual and team standings.

Only 17 years of age, Andrade impressed with a clear round in a time of 89.85 seconds riding Hardrock Z, an 11-year-old bay Zangersheide stallion (Heartbreaker x Carthago Z). Having begun their partnership during the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, where Andrade was named the leading jumper rider for the second year in a row, Andrade and Hardrock Z are already solidifying a strong bond in the competition arena.

“He’s the best,” said Andrade in praise of his mount. “He’s so good. He tries to help me always, and he takes care of me. That is important, because I am young and these fences are very big!”

At the end of a long day of world championship competition, Andrade and Hardrock Z are currently ranked 74th in the individual standings.

Of making his world championship debut at such a young age, Andrade admitted that it was a bit intimidating, saying, “It feels scary, but in the same way, amazing! You are here with the best riders, competing in the best ring. I am very happy.”

As for his personal goal at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Andrade’s objective reflected that of his approach to the sport overall.

“To enjoy!” he exclaimed. “Enjoy everything. Enjoy every moment. I think that’s the point of the sport.”

Karolyi was not far behind in the standings, and currently sits in 89th position with Amigo, a 10-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Coriano Z x Silvester) owned by Hollow Creek Farm. While the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games marked his world championship debut, Karolyi, 27, has previously represented Venezuela at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, and was a member of the gold medal team at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Teammates Andres Rodriguez riding Caballito and Olympian Pablo Barrios riding Antares are currently ranked 58th and 83rd respectively. Barrios and Rodriguez both competed at the last world championships, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

Venezuela is currently ranked 21st in the team standings among the 33 countries that completed the opening round. Competition continues on Wednesday, September 3, with the second phase of team and individual competition, while team medals will be decided on Thursday, September 4. Individual medals will be determined following ‘The Final Four’ on Sunday, September 7. In a true test of horsemanship, ‘The Final Four’ sees each of the top four riders jump the course on each of their competitors’ horses to determine the 2014 World Champion.

Held every four years, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games act as the world championships for equestrian sport. For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.normandy2014.com.

For more information on Emanuel Andrade and Angel Karolyi, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.