Hugs, Espresso And Emotion: Our Favorite World Cup Memories

When we're on assignment at a big competition for the Chronicle, it's our job to catch the winner at the best moment of action—in a perfect extended trot, or at the apex of a jump. And as much as we get a nice frisson of victory when we do capture those moments, it's frequently the less conventional photos that are our favorites—ones that might not be of the winners or appear in the magazine.

PUBLISHED

April 22, 2014
4:12 pm

WORDS BY

COTH Staff Blog - Molly Sorge

When we’re on assignment at a big competition for the Chronicle, it’s our job to catch the winner at the best moment of action—in a perfect extended trot, or at the apex of a jump. And as much as we get a nice frisson of victory when we do capture those moments, it’s frequently the less conventional photos that are our favorites—ones that might not be of the winners or appear in the magazine.

Kat Netzler and Molly Sorge traveled to the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final and Reem Acra FEI Dressage World Cup Final on April 17-21 in Lyon, France, and came home with these memories…

Sometimes it’s the moments that take place out of the spotlight that really tell the tale. When
Charlotte Dujardin came out of the ring after setting a new Grand Prix record, she shared a huge hug
with longtime groom Alan Davies. Molly Sorge just happened to be by the warm-up with the Chronicle’s
back-up camera in hand and fired off this unexpected, but favorite, shot.
Photo by Molly Sorge


Leslie Howard is always one to congratulate her horse, and she was thrilled with her rounds in the Longines FEI World Cup Final on Tic Tac. Photo by Kat Netzler	Cesar Parra made a point to graciously acknowledge the fans that filled the stands for the Reem Acra FEI Dressage Final. Photo by Kat Netzler

The food in the press room had a decidedly French flair, and
Chronicle reporters Kat Netzler and Molly Sorge survived for days
on croissants, macarons, espresso and hot chocolate!
Photo by Kat Netzler


There wasn’t much time to be tourists, but Kat and Molly found one morning to venture into the heart of Lyon for some sightseeing. Photo by Kat Netzler	The trade fairs at European shows are full of bling and avant garde equestrian style, including gold bridles! Kat and Molly may have made a few purchases, but metallic leatherwork isn’t coming back to the U.S. with them! Photo by Kat Netzler

The opening ceremonies of the World Cup Final were inventive and beautiful, including these unique inflated
and illuminated horse balloons attached to dancers.
Photo by LewisHarding Images

Marcus Ehning’s ride in the Longines FEI World Cup Final, Cornado NRW, charmed the crowds and photographers with his classic good looks and picture-perfect jump.
Photo by Molly Sorge

The beautiful city of Lyon.
Photo by Kat Netzler


This photo isn’t taken at the “ideal” moment for a dressage photo, but the emotion expressed and Valegro’s all-four-feet-off-the-ground exuberance makes this one of Molly Sorge’s favorite shots. Photo by Molly Sorge	Throughout the awards ceremony for the show jumping World Cup, Daniel Deusser looked almost dazed, and certainly in awe of his partner, Cornet d’Amour. Photo by Molly Sorge

Kat Netzler and Molly Sorge had to walk past this lovely photo exhibit mutliple times a day on the way to the press center and back, and it always added a bit of joy to the day.
Photo by Kat Netzler


Focus. Determination. Action. This photo of Kent Farrington on Voyeur has it all. Photo by Kat Netzler	In downtown Lyon, there are quaint cobblestone streets and modern rental bikes. Photo by Kat Netzler