Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE made a lasting impression in Madrid by claiming their first-ever FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory. Competing in a freestyle field of 10 combinations in front of packed stands, Basquin was the only athlete to break the 80% barrier. Germany’s Carina Scholz with Tarantino and Spain’s home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with Elegance completed the podium, securing second and third place, respectively.
The elegant and light-footed Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation), danced to victory under Basquin’s guidance. While their freestyle score of 80.925% in Madrid was slightly below their personal best from Lyon (FRA) - where the pair placed third just two weeks ago - it was more than enough to secure the win. Basquin also dominated the Grand Prix on Friday, making it a double victory for the French athlete and her talented gelding.
A diverse field entertains Madrid
Though the field in Madrid featured only 10 combinations, the audience enjoyed a vibrant display of a variety of horses, athletes, and music. From powerful Lusitanos to a Jumping-bred horse and refined Dressage ballerinas, the competition offered something for everyone. Musical choices ranged from Spanish castanets and opera, to Lady Gaga, The Beatles, and David Bowie, creating a dynamic atmosphere that thrilled spectators.
Ferrer-Salat sets an early standard
Third to enter the arena, Spain’s experienced Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and her partner Elegance (owned by Deliber S.L.) delivered an impressive performance. After some tension in the Grand Prix, the pair redeemed themselves with a confident freestyle. The powerful Elegance excelled in piaffe and passage, moving elegantly to opera music and finishing with a 360-degree piaffe pirouette. Their score of 77.145% set a high benchmark for the rest of the field.
It took a while for anyone to approach Ferrer-Salat’s score. Austria’s Diana Porsche and her own Douglas followed immediately after. The duo presented a rhythmic freestyle with an uphill frame, but a mistake in the two-tempi changes relegated them to sixth place overall.
Skarsoe and Jiménez Cobo
Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe came close to challenging Ferrer-Salat, riding the striking grey Lusitano stallion Imperador Dos Cedros (owned by Manon Ackermann). Performing to a lively Beatles medley, the stallion impressed with a very solid test and super piaffe and passage. However, their final score of 76.665% fell short of overtaking Ferrer-Salat.
Triple Olympian Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo, one of Spain’s most experienced Dressage athletes, entered the ring as the penultimate competitor. Riding his elegant chestnut Quartar (owned by the athlete and Sylvia Fort Brescia De Mulder), the 65-year-old Spaniard delivered a polished performance. Cobo’s freestyle earned him 77.145%, matching Ferrer-Salat’s score but leaving him just behind due to slightly lower artistic marks.
Scholz claims second
Germany’s Carina Scholz eventually unseated Ferrer-Salat from the top spot with her own 17-year-old Tarantino. Despite his Jumping pedigree, the gelding impressed with outstanding collected work, particularly in piaffe and passage. Scholz, who continues to lead the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings after Madrid, came to the competition with a clear goal: “I wanted to dance in the freestyle, have fun, and enjoy the show!”
Her efforts paid off, as she delivered a seamless performance to secure second place with 79.415%. “We had a very polished freestyle today, and Tarantino was super relaxed in this atmosphere. I absolutely loved it here,” Scholz said after the competition.
Basquin seals the win
As the final athlete to enter the arena, Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE delivered the ultimate performance of the evening. Their harmonious freestyle combined fluidity and elegance, underlining their strong partnership. She describes the gelding as a true warrior. “He is very generous and has a real fighting spirit. He loves to perform and enjoys being in front of the audience,” Basquin said about her 14-year-old partner.
"I think we had a flawless freestyle with no major mistakes. What really pays off is the harmony between us"
Pauline Basquin
(FRA)
This was Basquin’s first time competing in Madrid, though she had previously performed at the Madrid Horse Week as part of the Cadre Noir Gala. She still competes in their iconic uniform. Her ambitions for this season include securing a spot at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and preparing for the 2025 European Championships in Crozet (FRA) next year. “We are working hard to improve, so perhaps one day we can win a medal,” she concluded.
A trio of experienced stars
With Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, Tarantino, and Elegance aged 14, 17, and 15 respectively, the podium in Madrid featured seasoned horses who are still performing at their peak. Home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat echoed this sentiment: “Elegance still feels young and full of energy. Compared to last year, when we also placed third here in Madrid, he performed much better today.” The five-time Olympian, who earned individual bronze and team silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics, continues to be a cornerstone of Spanish dressage with her performance in Madrid.
The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League continues in London (GBR) on December 18–19, so, don’t miss a hoofbeat…