European Win for Chris Chugg and Vivant

Photograph: Franz Venhaus

Brilliant Australian jumping combination, Chris Chugg and his stallion Vivant, won the ‘Deutsche Kreditbank Championat’ on the weekend, a prestigious European event. Runner-up was Christian Ahlmann riding Sebastian and third place went to DKB-Riders Tour newcomer Sergio Alvarez Moya from Spain, riding Action-Breaker.

It’s been a fantastic year for Chris and Vivant with great performances in Europe and at the World Equestrian Games. Beautiful rounds from the super talented pair at WEG helped the Australian Team to overall 7^th placing out of the 27 nations that competed. This meant that the Australian Team not only made it into the top 10 at the World Championships but they also qualified for the London Olympic Games in 2012. During the final day of the Team Event at WEG, there were only 17 clear rounds from the 119 starters and Chris and Vivant produced one of these rounds.

Chris, his wife Helen and Vivant, had spent the 7 months prior to WEG living on the road, having sold horses and left their business in Australia, to be able to follow the European circuit. They had done 13 shows in total by the time they arrived in Kentucky for WEG. Chris purchased Vivant as a 3 year old, they've been together now for 9 years and the next goal is to make it to London in 2012 together.

Such a major win so soon after WEG is showing that Chris’ faith in Vivant is justified. The pair are going from strength to strength and we’re sure they will continue to do us proud on the international circuit. Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!