Stutteri Erica, et ungt og ambitiøst stutteri
Stutteri Erica til eliteskuet i Rastede - privat foto.
Nyindkøbt hoppe stryger direkte til tops til OLD eliteskuet
2019 blev året hvor Stutteri Erica v/Mia Lykke Ravn og Stefan Lykke Hansen i det sønderjyske satte deres navn på det internationale hoppe landkort, da de med hoppen HP Grace strøg helt til tops ved det prestigefyldte Oldenburger Eliteskue i Rastede. HP Grace e. Grey Flanell / Damon Hill, avlet af HP Horses og ejet af Stutteri Erica sluttede som 2. reserve champion, blandt de 33 hopper som var inviteret til eliteskuet.
H2R har fanget den ene halvdel af Stutteri Erica, Mia Lykke Ravn for at høre lidt om stutteriets historie og planer for fremtiden.
Historien om Stutteri Erica
“I 2015 købte vi et ridecenter i Ansager, hvor vi pt. har plads til 40 heste, og som i dag danner rammen om Stutteri Erica. (Stutteri Erica ApS er stiftet i 2018), hvor jeg er daglige leder, og interessen stammer fra min tid som pony-, junior- og ungrytter.
Vi har altid haft rideheste, og da Alexander vores søn blev født, valgte vi at sætte en af vores rideheste Håbets Romina i fol, da ridningen blev sat lidt på stand by, og det startede for alvor interessen for at avle.
Håbets Romina RDH e. Blue Hors Romanov/May Sherif, avler Karina Jensen. Hun har fået føl efter Blue Hors Zackerey i år og er ifolet med Fürstenball.
Håbets Romina som var vores første hoppe, er stadig en del af hoppebesætningen, og da interessen for at avle var kommet for at blive, købte vi yderligere to avlshopper ud af velkendte og succesfulde DV hoppestammer,” fortæller Mia.
Midt-West Queenie e. Quaterback/Sandro Hit, avler Stutteri Midt-West. Hun har i år fået føl efter Secret og er ifolet med Total Hope OLD.
Grevens Roulette e. Blue Hors Rush Hour/Blue Hors Romancier, avler Stutteri Greven. Hun har i år fået et føl efter Blue Hors Zackerey og er ifolet med Blue Hors St. Schufro.
HP Grace ved eliteskuet i Rastede - privat foto.
Stærke hoppestammer grundlaget for både kvalitetsavl og gode rideheste
“Da hoppestammen har stor betydning for os, og vi samtidig gerne vil have rideheste, valgte vi tilbage i april måned at kontakte Lone Bøegh Henriksen fra HP Horses, da vi synes hendes hoppelinjer er blandt de bedste i verden.
Valget faldt på den 3-årige HP Grace e. Grey Flanell/Damon Hill/Fürst Romancier. HP Grace var så småt ved at blive gjort klar til Oldenburg hoppekåring, som teamet fra HP Horses gjorde flot færdigt, og vi kunne tage hjem fra Oldenburg eliteskuet med en hoppe med aller højeste præmiering. Det var en stor oplevelse og en fantastisk start for vores stutteri, hvor HP Horses var stor hjælp hele vejen igennem. Grace venter føl efter Fürstenball via embryotransfer, da det er påtænkt hun skal have en ridekarriere samtidig med avlen.
Samtidig købte vi også en 2 års hoppe hos HP Horses, HP Tiffany Gold e. Totilas/Fürst Romancier, med den verdenskendte Weihegold OLD som mormor, så hende forventer vi os selvfølgelig også meget af,” fortæller Mia.
Fremtiden
“Vi er ikke erfarne avlere, men har dog erfaret vi skal op i en vis kaliber af heste inden det forhåbentlig kan blive en forretning at avle, derfor har vi investeret i gode hopper fra starten. Da 2019 er vores første følårgang, har vi valgt at beholde dem alle, men på sigt vil vi også sælge føl. Sideløbende med stutteriet driver vi også en salgsstald, hvor vi træner og sælger egne heste, og det vil være helt naturligt at vores egen avl ,også bliver en del af de heste vi træner og sælger i fremtiden.
Avlen er langsigtet, men målet er stabile og gode rideheste i den høje ende af skalaen.”
Den moderne avler er også online
“Valg af hingste til vores hopper er meget individuelt, men vi lægger meget vægt på temperament og ridelighed, og fremadrettet vil det nok blive et mix af yngre og ældre anerkendte hingste. Primært følger vi med alt det vi kan online, vi syntes faktisk det giver en rigtig god oplevelse og kunne se forskellige arrangementer på tv hjemme. De sociale medier og nettet får vi alt det info vi har brug for.
Når vi vælger hingste er det altid ud fra en favoritliste af hingste som vi følger, og efterfølgende udvælger.
For os betyder hoppestamme og præstationer mere end selve hingstevalget, da vores eget overordnet avlsmål er gode hopper i sporten.”
Hingstevalg 2020
Fürstenball (Stempelhingst i verdensklasse) foreløbig planlagt at lave embryo på HP Tiffany Gold.
Total Hope OLD (nært beslægtet med vores 2 hopper Grace & Tiffany Gold, så det blod vil vi gerne tilføre vores andre hopper).
Hesselhøj Donkey Boy (en af Mia's favoritter, påtænker at bruge ham på vores hoppe Grevens Roulette, som blandt andet er søster til Grevens Sa' Va som pt. er redet af Alexander Helgstrand. Derudover har hun et afkom Grevens Everdream som for nyligt vandt Egnethedstesten i region 3. Vi erhvervede Roulette ved Stutteri Greven i foråret 2019 som en del af vores stambesætning).
Fynch Hatton (En af Stefan's favoritter når vi kigger på unghingste, Grace ville være et godt bud og lave et Embryo med ham, Det er ikke helt fastlagt da vi tænker at rådføre os med Lone Bøegh, HP Horses angående valg af hingst til Grace næste år, da hun jo kender stammen bedre end nogen anden).
Hjertet banker også for den spanske PRE
“Jeg har haft en del PRE heste igennem tiden, og har altid været fascineret af racen, med det fantastiske temperament og den store ridelighed.
Mia og Dueño - privat foto
Min kærlighed til PRE hesten startede for ca. 15 år siden, da jeg købte min første PRE hingst (Dueño).
Det var her jeg fandt ud af hvor venlige og menneskelige de er. Når man har PRE heste i stalden, går man aldrig nedtrykt derfra, man glæder sig altid til næste dag. Det er en cirkushest og den har altid ja-hatten på, det er her forskellen er i mit univers. Der er aldrig dårlige dage med en PRE hest.
Som en del af vores avlshopper her på Stutteri Erica vil vi også gerne arbejde os henimod at få et par rigtig gode PRE hopper. De skal ligesom varmblodshestene vise deres værd i sporten, og sideløbende håber vi på at kunne lave embryoføl, men de er svære at finde, så de passer ind i vores smag, men vi forsøger at holde udkig hele tiden. Lige pt. har vi en meget talentfuld hoppe i stalden, som er ved at bliver uddannet til MB niveau, så måske hun får chancen for at blive på stutteriet og fører hendes gode egenskaber videre.
Vi venter et PRE føl i 2020, og har ingen planer om at kombinere PRE med varmblod, da vi synes PRE-hesten skal forblive renracet.
Efter min bedste overbevisning, skulle mange hobbyryttere eje en PRE, Der får de en ven for livet, elegance under ridning, en levende og inspirerende hest + altid gode oplevelser. Jeg har igennem årene haft en del PRE heste, og jeg har faktisk kun gode oplevelse og smil på læben, når jeg tænker tilbage på dem,” slutter Mia.
FEI Dressage World Cup™ WEL 2019/2020: Scholtens and Desperado steal the show at Mechelen
Dutch duo untouchable in both Grand Prix and Freestyle
The Netherlands’ Emmelie Scholtens and Desperado NOP took another step towards stardom with a superb victory in today’s seventh leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League at Mechelen in Belgium, where Portugal’s Maria Caetano (Coroado) finished second ahead of Spain’s Juan Matute Guimon (Quantico) in third.
The Dutch horse-and-rider partnership who competed at this summer’s FEI European Championships in Rotterdam (NED) have been showing rapid progress over the last few months, posting 76.283 for fourth place at round 2 of the 11-leg series in Lyon (FRA) at the beginning of November before rocketing up to 83.045 for sixth place in the Freestyle at the CDI5* in Stockholm (SWE) four weeks ago.
Today however they took it to a whole new level, scoring a personal-best 85.075 to put the result beyond doubt and raising expectations of what might be to come for the talented pair. They also topped yesterday’s Grand Prix, but the 34-year-old Dutch rider felt today’s performance was considerably improved. “Yesterday he was a bit tense in canter but today it was so much better - he was much more confident and relaxed”, Scholtens pointed out.
Spain’s Juan Matute Guimon set the bar high when putting 80.150 on the board just before the halfway break with the 13-year-old gelding Quantico. And the exciting 22-year-old rider was still out in front until Portugal’s Caetano overtook him with a great performance from her 12-year-old Lusitano stallion Coroado who scored 80.940 when fifth-last to go.
But, two horses later, Scholtens and her 11-year-old Dutch stallion threw down a spectacular performance with big marks, including a 10 for extended walk, bringing their tally beyond 85 percent which would be unbeatable on the day.
The power Desperado showed was immense, and Scholtens admitted it can sometimes prove challenging.
"I’m happy he is such a big mover, he’s always been like that and it’s a good thing it hasn’t changed with training, but when you are doing 15 one-tempi changes in a row there’s a lot of horse under you! But he’s the sweetest boy ever - he’s a stallion but he doesn’t know it and he really is the perfect horse, he’s so kind and so workable"
Emmelie Scholtens (NED)
Caetano also achieved a personal-best today and was more than pleased. “I got my previous PB here last year!” she said. And she was very proud of Coroado who flew the flag for his breed with distinction this afternoon. “It is a pleasure to present a horse bred in my country, this is special for me and I am happy to show it to the public. Now we are getting nice results with Lusitanos!” she added.
Today’s result gave third-placed Juan Matute Guimon a real boost. “To get 80 percent at the last show of the year is great! This makes me close to my big dream which is Tokyo!” said the young man who has big Olympic ambitions.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are not far from the minds of any of the riders as 2019 draws to a close.
“I’m still thinking about the best way to go for 2020”, said Scholtens who has the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2020 Final in Las Vegas, USA next April in her sights. “I’d like to go to the Final, but Tokyo is also really important and I have only one Grand Prix horse so I’m not sure it’s possible to do both. However we are in a good rhythm now so we will compete in Amsterdam (NED) and ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) to see if we qualify for Las Vegas, and then we’ll take it from there”, she said.
Scholtens now lies 13th on the Western European League from which the top nine will qualify for the Final. Fourth place with Sir Donnerhall today has moved French rider Morgan Barbancon Mestre into fifth on the leaderboard behind Scholtens’ compatriot Hans Peter Minderhoud in fourth and three Germans - Helen Langehanenberg, Frederic Wandres and Benjamin Werndl - at the head of affairs.
With four legs left to go, the WEL action will resume in Amsterdam (NED) on 25 January.
Result here
WEL Standings here
Watch highlights here
Great final of the year with more personal best at Mechelen World Cup today
Happy winner - Emmelie Scholtens with Desperado N.O.P. - photo #FEI-tv
Good sport and great performances with many Personal Best scores
The last FEI World Cup leg of the year was today at Mechelen, Belgium, and from following yesterday’s Grand Prix the winner looked quite obvious, as Emmelie and Desperado showed very good form and qualities throughout their Grand Prix performance.
H2R highlights:
(1) Desperado N.O.P. NED - strong trot tour with active piaffe tours, Desperado very responsive to Emmelie´s aides, nicely in front of her, super nice relaxed walk tour (2 x10 for extended walk today 💪🏻) high quality pirouettes, good tempi change lines (Emmelie attacks every stride), smooth final, super halt. ANOTHER PERSONAL BEST TODAY WITH 85,075% (+2% since WC Stockholm)
(3) Quantico ESP - nice test well balanced riding all the way, unfortunately the walk tour brings the score a bit down. Big smiling centerline with one times. PERSONAL BEST 80,510%. +3,5% from former best score!
(4) Sir Donnerhall II FRA - great finish of a very successful season, huge improvement for the 2nd half of the year. Yesterday and today with PERSONAL BEST scores. Today 79,780%
(5) Dark Legend GBR - strong performance, with a few smaller issues. 79,075% - personal best.
(6) Equador POR - special detail going from piaffe to trot half pass, strong piaffe tours with fan, canter pirouettes need more steps becomes bit to much turned, one hand one times for joker line, final with piaffe one hand. Clearly lighter contact, more self carriage today than in yesterday's Grand Prix. Their just 2nd GPF with PERSONAL BEST (6% more than London, Olympia)
(7) Actuelle de Massa FRA - so much more to come for the still inexperienced super mare 78,370% - personal best.
VIDEO of the entire World Cup Grand Prix - winner Desperado N.O.P. with Emmelie Scholtens
CDI-W Grand Prix from Mechelen
Emmelie and Desperados showing a strong performance without any technical issues, lots of go and flow, just a small issue for halt with rein back with some resistance, rest of the test where Desperado was motivated and clearly in front of the aides all the way.
To watch the winning performance move the timeline forward to 2.23.30.
Placed 2nd in the World Grand Prix was Lottie Fry with Dark Legend. Lots of power all the way and they just add more valuable points during their test, with a strong quality canter tour. For the even higher marks, it just look like as if Lottie was able to present Dark Legend in a bit more relaxed frame, as the qualities are for sure shown all the way. To watch their test move the timeline to 2.04.00.
Portuguese Maria Caetano with Coroado with 3rd place today, showing an effortless test with nice flow all the way. To watch their test move the timeline to 2.13.00.
Another well deserved personal best for Morgan Barbancon with Sir Donnerhall II with an expressive test. Still need a bit more clear activity for the piaffe tours, and keep the attention for the series to maintain the forward uphill jump.
CDI4 Prix St. Georg victory for Belgium Thibault Vandenberghe with Santiago Song
A very narrow margin for today’s victory at home soil for Thibault Vandenberghe scoring 71,588% while 2nd place went to Charlotte Fry with Graaf Leatherdale T with 71,088%.
No rest for the Christmas for British Charlotte Fry, while she is busy starting both small tour and big tour at Mechelen, and at the same time she was suppose to be at start for the Dutch stallion competition today at Zuidbroek, but the schedule did not really fit as her start time for CDI-W Grand Prix in Mechelen with Dark Legend was at 13.27 and at 13.29 with Jayson at Zuidbroek, and a distance of 288 km between Mechelen and Zuidbroek = not possible. Instead Van Olst Horses rider Manuel Springetti took over the ride of both Kjento and Jayson, and with Kjento he came 2nd.
This morning Fry made her international debut together with the 8 year old gelding Graaf Leatherdale T by Lord Leatherdale / Kennedy. They showed a smooth power trot tour in nice balance, bit tension for the walk tour, and out of the 2nd canter pirouette Graaf lost the canter, but nice quality for the series.
For the very successful and experienced Dutch combination Joyce Heuitink with Gaudi Vita it became a very difficult start as Gaudi spins around towards C and the Joyce chose the wrong route, but from there a very solid test and they finish 4th with 69,882%.
Germany´s Fredric Wandres showed Hot Hit by Hotline / Diamond Hit, super power and balance for the trot tour trending nearly 75%, tensions for the walk tour and an error out of the first canter pirouette and also an error by the 3-times serie brought them to a placement as no 7 with 69,118%
See the full results here.
IDOC General Assembly and Refresher judging seminar during the international event at Frankfurt
IDOC International Dressage Officials Club GA 2020
Refresher seminar, dressage judges, FEI
For the second year in a row, IDOC held its General Assembly in Frankfurt together with a dressage judges refresher seminar. More than 80 participants from more than 25 countries were present. The General Assembly took place at Gestut Schafhof in Kronberg close to Frankfurt hosted by the Family Linsenhoff/Rath. The visit to Gestüt Schafhof included a visit to the stables and possibility to see the famous horse Totilas and ask about the history of these amazing stables and horses. The first part of the meeting included a presentation of the Blackhorse E-scribe system and some of the many possibilities and advantages it offers. Daniel Göhlen, the founder of the system, gave a throughout explanation about the system. The eDressage system is currently running on iPads and looks like scoresheets (meaning no more paper), judges sign each scoresheet and riders and judges receives a copy digitally after the competition. Only one assistant to the judge is needed (no more runners or score checkers). The results are immediate and no more corrections. The scoresheets are easy to overlook and all marks ans remarks come on one sheet. For the judges it offers many opportunities in education including Cource directors, upcoming judges and JSP (JAG). Shadow judging can be done in an much easier way and Cource Directors and JSP understand more mark differences according to given remarks. It can also be a help for announcers/speakers because they can explain incidents and results. It also offers a personal dashboard. In the end the sport with benefit and the sport will be more transparent and accountable. Security is high with less possibilities for manipulation and mistakes. Overall it doesn’t change the sport but improves its presentation.
The second part before the GA meeting was a presentation held by Frank Spadinger (Director of Education, FEI) about the new Complementary Evaluation System, CES. Mr Spadinger explaned the background and aim for the system. The practical approach including all the small practical details was explained to all the officials. The different groups of officials have different access to the system and exams. Many questions and doubts from the members was answered. It was a great opportunity to “talk to the FEI”. It was reassuring to hear that the FEI still supports the existing education system with refresher, exams and in-person meetings.
Ann Kathin Linsenhoff and chairman of IDOC Hans Christian Matthiesen
The actual General Assembly, besides the mandatory points on the agenda, included a financial report (done by Luc Verbocht) and Board members regional reports also a “What to do” session about Rules presented by Elisabeth Williams (board member and FEI Steward Education General). In the evening the Linsenhoff/Rath family hosted a grand dinner at the Schafhof, where Liselott Marie Linsenhoff (daughter of Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff) gave an inspirational speech to the members about the importance of these gatherings of officials, and great oppurtunies to network and learn from each other.
Friday morning, all Saturday and Sunday morning the Frankfurter Festhalle was the center for the FEI/IDOC Judges refresher seminar hosted by IDOC. Course Directors was Katrina Wüst and Hans Chrsitian Matthiesen (both 5* and members of the FEI Education Group). The morning sessions was commenting af the competition classes (GP, GPS, GPF CDI5, Nürberger Burg Pokal and Luisdor Preis Finals). All participants had headsets and the Cource Directors with help from other 5* judges gave comments and explained judging/marks and remarks. It was interesting to see the high quality of horses and the variety and number of competitors. The theory session was Saturday afternoon. The new Code of Points systems was explained by Hans Christian Matthiesen, including the background and definition of Focus points, Firewalls and Deductions for all movements on small tour level. Everything was explained from video examples, going from low marks (0-1) to the highest marks (9-10). Important and very interesting discussions with high participation from the seminar attendants. The last part of the Theory session included an overview introduction to the Children level (CDI Ch) by Katrina Wüst with explanation of the new judging system and a clear and logical definition of the “quality” part including the seat, effectiveness of the aids, position all supported by very educational video examples.
It is the vision of IDOC to continue this format with the annual meeting and include refresher seminars for judges and stewards. The seminars should always be of highest quality and interest for all members. The opportunities in Frankfurt and the amazing support of the Linsenhoff/Rath family made the long journey and valuable time right up to Christmas all worth it.
Photo credit: Terri Miller-Steiner
World Cup Mechelen comes up Saturday and Sunday with full live streaming
When last leg of the year comes up from Mechelen in Belgium, it is with full live streaming. The Grand Prix will be available via Youtube, while the freestyle will be available via FEI-tv.
The Grand Prix is scheduled to Saturday at 11.20 a.m. and the freestyle is Sunday at 12.25 p.m.
The rest of the entire event is available via Clipmyhorse.
Entries for World Cup dressage and small tour
17.000 euro top price at KWPN online auction
Top price for this super nice stallion not selected for 2nd inspection at KWPN licensing. He is out of the same dam line as Helgstrand Dressage stallion Kardieno.(One of H2R favourites from not selected at the KWPN pre-selection).
The full list of prices here.
VIDEO - Danish bred L´Arbuste OLD winner of Louisdor Preis final 2019
Prize giving - photo: Clipmyhorse
From “retired” to victory
2019 winner 9 year old L´Arbuste by Danish Warmblood stallion Skovens Rafael / Zardin Firfod, bred by Morten Plenborg 🇩🇰 and owned by Equeco GmbH.
L´Arbuste OLD was as 7 year old placed as no 6 at the final at WCYH in Ermelo, and since then he has been successful at small tour level, and now they made the big step into the Grand Prix sport together with Senta Kirchhoff.
They won the first qualifier for this Louisdor Preis 2019 final in Hagen back in April.
Today´s victory was far from the direct way, as Senta Kirchhoff Friday for the preliminary test had to retire while L´Arbuste was more than normally impressed by the surroundings, and from H2R point of view it did definitely not look like a possibility to “recover” much for the final. But today L´Arbuste and Senta Kirchhoff made Louisdor Preis history (as far as H2R know) while no-one has ever been able to come from “retired” in the preliminary test, direct to top of the podium for the final. Furthermore Senta told at the subsequent interview that today’s performance was just 50% of their normal standard.
Also the breeder Danish Morten Plenborg was present in Frankfurter Festhalle for the final, and as he told after Friday’s class he was nearly on his way back to Denmark Friday evening, but luckily he stayed and enjoyed L´Arbuste OLD together with Senta Kirchhoff winning the Louisdor Preis final 2019.
Nearly 9 years in Grand Prix sport - Don Johnson FRH double victory at his last show in Frankfurt today
Last ever prize giving for Don Johnson FRH and Isabell Werth - photo: Clipmyhorse
Quotes from Werth by the interviews below
“Of course he will still be ridden, but so far no one else wants to ride him.”
“He has been the biggest challenge for me as a rider to build up physically, with lots of gymnastics and dressage, and it proves that you can make the transformation.”
“He is a character horse, he is a rocker”.
VIDEO - Enjoy Nürnberger Burg-Pokal winner 2019 Total Hope OLD and Isabel Freese
VIDEO - 10 year old Famoso OLD and Benjamin Werndl winner of Grand Prix Special with 76,617%
Talent without weaknesses
The just 10-year old gelding Famoso OLD showed yet another strong performance today at Frankfurt.
The entire picture is easy and light with super nice timing all the way. Enjoy the test here below.
Full results here.
Total Hope OLD and Isabel Freese winner of Nürnberger Burg-Pokal final 2019
The 2019 final became the most exciting final ever
First to go in the final was Lena Waldmann with the stallion Cadeau Noir by Christ / De Niro, and the sire of the very attractive stallion sold at HANN licensing to Gestüt Bonhomme. It was Lena Waldmann´s first appearance at Frankfurt with two stallions for Nûrnberger Burg-Pokal final and one stallion for Louisdor Preis final. All three stallions super prepared for the job and showed very nicely throughout their tests.
Kira Wulferding with Bonita Springs showed a very strong test with a top score of 78,512%, so the victory for Freese and Total Hope OLD was far from walk in the park.
Total Hope OLD - nice halt, super diagonal, swinging crossing half passes, smooth diagonal, superb into walk, 79% trend, nice extended walk, superb collected walk, super sit balance for pirouettes, wow medium canter, supple zigzag, superb 4 times, wauw 3 times, super extended canter, open halt for rein back, super rein back, power towards halt, applauding before halt.
Bonita Springs - nice halt super forward, super expressive diagonal, wow uphill carriage half passes, super diagonal, 80% trend, super extended walk, nice walk pirouettes, wauw super sit control pirouettes, nice zigzag canter, active 4 times, nice 3 times, bit fast extended canter, good halt with rein back, power towards final halt.
Cadeau Noir - good half, nice balanced diagonal, supple half passes with go and flow, super expressive diagonal, 79% trend, good walk tour, super walk pirouettes, wauw 1st pirouette, 2 good, super extension, nice zigzag, nice count error 4 times, nice 3 times, super extended canter, nice halt with rein back, nice extension.
Some of the subsequent comments from Christoph Hess
For the final international jugde Christoph Hess was doing live comments for the audience after each test. As always very informative with good explanation of high lights and weaknesses.
“This was a wauw test, with such a casualness when you knew that 78,512% was the score to beat, there was no room for errors, going in there with such naturalness. Potential for collection pure, this horse Is just 7 year old, with such an aura and expression, a jewel for the riding. With these flying changes and pirouettes from the side picture, higher can a horse not jump, big applause, my tip is placement as no 1,” said Christoph Hess.
At the price giving sabel Freese said: “When I heard the score for Kira Wulferding and Bonita Springs I just said we´re not gonna make it. I’m overwhelmed and mega proud of my horse”.
Totilas and Weihegold OLD, both Olympic champions and World Champions, how does Total Hope´s way look like: “I hope for the top, but difficult to say, he is having a double job as he is also a breeding stallion, but for sure he has the talent and the possibilities,” said Isabel Freese.
See the full results here.
Clip from today and unbelievable with the same score as last time Isabel Freese won the final with Vitalis In 2016 with 79220%! (full video will come tomorrow).
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Ferdinand BB winner of Louisdor Preis "warm-up" today
This years field for the Louisdor Preis final was ready today for the preliminary “warm-up” Intermediaire II class.
As co-commentator at Clipmyhorse was Reitmeister Hubertus Schmidt with a lot of great comments during the class, sharing his experiences and thoughts about each combination.
Hubertus Schmidt was also qualified with the 9-year-old stallion Bonamour by Bonifatius / Rousseau. Bonamour has recently been sold to Helgstrand Dressage, and Andreas is very excited about the young stallion. “It is a complete horse in all ways, three super gaits, great talent, and super work ethic,” tells Andreas Helgstrand. For now the plan is, that Andreas himself will show Bonamour for a big national event in January (Esbjerg) in Denmark, and then there is a mark in the calendar for their international debut together. The Olympic dream is still very much alive.
Ferdinand BB favourite for the 2019 title
This time Jessica von Bredow-Werndl brings the 10-year old gelding Ferdinand BB by Florencio / Lanciano. Already last year Ferdinand was qualified for the final, but at that time Jessica did not want to show him for the final. It is pure nice riding and top timing bring them comfortable in the winner position today and for sure also favourites for Sunday´s final.
Both the ultra modern mare Soiree d´Amour OLD and the stallion Fiderdance showed great tests, but the overall picture does not look as if they can beat Ferdinand BB with Jessica in the final.
Keep an eye on
Aperol by Ampere / Aljano with Emma Kaverva just showing one weakness today - the walk tour. Looked as if he was a bit affected by the impressive arena, but a horse with super expressive, lovely power and balance, and beautiful changes together with high quality pirouettes. Piaffe and passage also with exciting qualities for the future.
Dorothee Schneider brought two Quaterback sons, and especially the Quaterback / Raphael, Mister-C caught H2R attention as he is very spectacular but at the same time he also looks very green. Can’t wait to see this combination in the future.
Unfortunately the Danish bred gelding L´Arbuste OLD by Skovens Rafael / Zardin Firfod, bred by Morten Plenborg and ridden by Senta Kirchhoff had to retire. The huge and impressive arena became kind of overwhelming and he lost the confidence and focus.
Ferdinand BB - nice halt, nice diagonal, nice flow for half passes, active passage, good piaffe, nice transitions, small canter for diagonal, stepping bit on himself hind for 2nd piaffe, nice passage, superb extended walk, good collected walk, super extended canter, nice sit and balance 1st pirouette, bit small 2 times, super control 2nd pirouette, nice 1 times better through from hind, super passage, nice into active piaffe and good out again.
Soiree d´Amour OLD - bit unbalanced diagonal, lovely easy half passes, nice expressive passage, good piaffe, lost bit the passage for the turn, diagonal bit tense, super passage, nice piaffe, good walk tour tiny tensions, nice half pass, lack bit more sit for pirouette, tension hind for 2 times, better balance for 2nd pirouette, nice 1 times better through from hind, bit on / off moments for the final passage tour.
Fiderdance - nice start, good diagonal, smooth half passes uphill, passage need bit more push, nice piaffe steps, need more expression for passage, easy piaffe, good walk tour, nice extended canter, super nice small 1st pirouette, lovely smooth 2 times, nice canter half pass, superb control 2nd pirouette, good 1 times, nice active piaffe at centerline.
VIDEO - Strong “warm-up” performance from Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD
Two 7 year old in top of the class today
Both Isabel Freese and Kira Wulferding are experienced Nürnberger Burg-Pokal riders, and back in 2016 Freese won the final together with Vitalis, while Wulferding still missing the first victory in the final.
2019 World Champion bronze medalist 7 year old Total Hope OLD by Totilas / Weihegold OLD with Isabel Freese in the saddle showed a strong test. They were fully focused with high qualities from first till last exercise in today’s preliminary “warm-up” Prix Sct. Georg Special.
They were sharply challenged for the victory with less than 30 points from Kira Wulferding with Bonita Springs by Boston / Fidertanz.
Lena Waldmann and her two stallions Cadeau Noir and Morricone showed super nice test, well balanced, light contact and obedient all the way.
No doubt Freese and Total Hope must perform their best to secure the victory Saturday, but would be surprised if it´s not gonna happen.
VIDEOS - Danish Warmblood stallion pre-selection with an overall very nice collection
Another great Danish Warmblood stallion pre-selection at Vilhelmsborg today
43 young dressage stallions were ready, and 17 of them got one of the very attractive ticket for the main licensing taking place at the national Danish Warmblood stallion show 4-8 March 2020 in Herning.
The overall impression of the stallions presented for the licensing committee, was a collection of very good qualities, and the committee did a great job for the selection of the stallions today. The absolute top was 3 stallion from H2R point of view (see which stallion further down here).
Just one stallion was missing among the collection (from H2R point of view), the Swedish bred stallion by Morricone / Floricello, which showed himself with very nice qualities especially by the lunging. Judge for yourself.
If you want to watch more videos from the pre-selection you will find them at Horse2rider.com Facebook page.
H2R top stallions were:
Iron by Asgard´s Ibiza / Hohenstein bred by Nedergaard Dressage and owned in partnership between Nedergaard Dressage and Helgstrand Dressage. A beautiful moderne stallion, showing super nice overview and balance for the free presentation and lovely selfcarriage for the lunging today.
Review by Revolution / Fürst Heinrich bred by Dieter Weichert, Germany and owned by Helgstrand Dressage. A stallion with super nice expression, lovely balanced, showing nice overview and super mover in all three gaits.
Vitalis full brother (No name yet) by Vivaldi / D-Day, bred in The Netherlands, owned by Helgstrand Dressage and Søren Grønborg. Modern, uphill supple mover showing super balance.
List of selected stallion:
57 IRON DE433330611917 Født: 09042017. Farve: sort Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 276098106322343. Ejer: Helgstrand Dressage & Nedergaard Dressage, Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov Født hos: Nedergaard Dressage, Krastrup Hovedgård Løgstørvej 131, 9240 Nibe. Forædlingsgrad: 37,5% Indavlsgrad: 0,0 F: ASGARD'S IBIZA 528003201300308 M: HAVANNA DE431316839700 St.Pr.St. MF: HOHENSTEIN E.H. DE309090202991 MM: WELFIN DE331313500892 St.Pr. Hauptst. MMF: WALT DISNEY I DVH 776 MMM: LADINE DE331313500279 St.Pr. Hauptst.
59 STENAGERS BEN HUR DWB 208333DW1700167 Født: 28032017. Farve: lys brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s.hals 208210000415292. Ejer: Stutteri Teglovnen v/ Per Færch Thomsen, Flauenskjoldvej 18, 9352 Dybvad Født hos: Bjarne og May-Britt Christensen, Smørpøtvej 17 Skads, 6705 Esbjerg Ø. Forædlingsgrad: 34% Indavlsgrad: 1,2 F: BORSALINO DE441411348012 M: STENAGERS FABIENNE 208333DW1301392 BRDH MF: FLORENCIANO 528003 04.00722 MM: STENAGERS SANTANA DE433330936101 ERDH MMF: SANDRO HIT DVH 872 MMM: STENAGERS LATOYA GRDH 4225 DH
62 HESSELHØJ DANCING DONKEY 208333DW1702682 Født: 13042017. Farve: mørk brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s.hals 208213990269250. Ejer: Dorthe og Hans Jørgen Hoeck, Assensvej 4, 5580 Nørre Aaby Født hos: Dorthe og Hans Jørgen Hoeck, Assensvej 4, 5580 Nørre Aaby. Forædlingsgrad: 30,2% Indavlsgrad: 0,8 F: HESSELHØJ DONKEY BOY DVH 1199 M: SØBAKKEHUS MIAMI 208333DW1102433 RDH MF: TAILORMADE LANCELOT DVH 975 MM: SØBAKKEHUS MIA-BELLA 208333DW0700204 ESRDH MMF: BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO DVE 690 MMM: LINDELYGAARDS MAI-TAI 0004496 EGRDH
67 FABRICATION 208333DW1701769 Født: 20042017. Farve: mørk brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000598895. Ejer: Else-Marie & Jens Chr. Krabbe, Stutteri Svalegård Snedstedvej 99, 7752 Snedsted Født hos: Kaj Klausen, Kirsten Svendsen, Jens Chr. og Else Marie Krabbe, Tim Kirkevej 25, 6980 Tim. Forædlingsgrad: 32,5% Indavlsgrad: 0,9 F: BLUE HORS FARRELL DVH 1178 M: VESTERVANGS DELICIOUS 208333DW1202008 GRDH MF: TAILORMADE TEMPTATION DVE 967 MM: VESTERVANGS REGINA 208333DW0700260 RDH MMF: DE NOIR DVE 812 MMM: VESTERVANGS CHIRANO 9903079 ERDH
68 HEILINE'S FOR DIAMOND 208333DW1700188 Født: 29032017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000596276. Ejer: Stald Heiline, Kjeldbækvej 22, Ørting, 8300 Odder Født hos: Stald Heiline, Kjeldbækvej 22, Ørting, 8300 Odder. Forædlingsgrad: 25,5% Indavlsgrad: 2,3 F: BLUE HORS FARRELL DVH 1178 M: HEILINE'S OH-ANNA DE433330528504 DH MF: DIAMOND HIT DE333330284497 MM: ORNELLA MUTI DE333330625997 Hauptstutbuch MMF: ARGENTINUS DE331313302680 MMM: OSTIA DE333330753882 Hauptstutbuch
73 EVERGREEN'S FRONTLINE 208333DW1702735 Født: 18062017. Farve: lys brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000599265. Ejer: Linda og Poul Erik Frederiksen, Dystedvej 28, 4684 Holmegaard Født hos: Linda og Poul Erik Frederiksen, Dystedvej 28, 4684 Holmegaard. Forædlingsgrad: 46,1% Indavlsgrad: 0,0 F: FRANKLIN DVH 1147 M: MISS ROMANTIC 208333DW0701094 DH MF: BLUE HORS DON ROMANTIC DVE 801 MM: MISS EVERGREEN XX EDH 5070 KÅRET 8867898 MMF: PRINCE MAB XX (FR) DH 449 MMM: MIAMI QUEEN XX (IRE)
74 SLANGERUPGAARDS FLOTTENHEIMER 208333DW1702219 Født: 24062017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s.hals 208250001031651. Ejer: Slangerupgaard A/S, Ejlstrupvej 140, Slangerup, 4100 Ringsted Født hos: Slangerupgaard A/S, Ejlstrupvej 140, Slangerup, 4100 Ringsted. Forædlingsgrad: 29,9% Indavlsgrad: 0,0 F: FRANKLIN DVH 1147 M: SERAFINA DE431316648908 DH MF: SCOLARI DE431310108504 MM: DIVA DE431315108303 St.Pr. Hauptst. MMF: DON FREDERICO DE331310831497 MMM: WILBOGANA DE331314412098 Hauptstutbuch
76 FUGA DE431310382117 Født: 02062017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: HN brand v. lår 21. Ejer: Blue Hors ApS, Tørskindvej 70, Lihmskov, 7183 Randbøl Født hos: Stefan Gabauer, Maastrichter Straße 46 D-50672 Köln, 6 Tyskland. Forædlingsgrad: 28,3% Indavlsgrad: 2,7 F: FÜRST WILHELM DE433331504706 M: DENVER CITY DE431316963210 Hauptstutbuch MF: DESPERADOS DE431310351301 MM: WORD FASHION DE331318309297 Hauptstutbuch MMF: WELTMEYER DE331314403584 MMM: FLORA DE331316893393 Hauptstutbuch
83 REVIEW DE433330234617 Født: 09042017. Farve: rød (kan blive skimmel) Køn: Hingst Mærkning: OLD brand v. lår 46. Ejer: Helgstrand Dressage, Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov Født hos: Dieter Weichert, Im Wehagen 4 D-49637 Menslage, 6 Tyskland. Forædlingsgrad: 28,9% Indavlsgrad: 0,0 F: REVOLUTION DVH 1234 M: LADY FINE DE433330112802 St.Pr.St. MF: FÜRST HEINRICH DE341411680498 MM: LARETTA DE381815774392 Hauptstutbuch MMF: BORDEAUX II DE381810356588 MMM: LAREINE DE331313305272 St.Pr.St.
85 STRAIGHT HORSE RAMSES 208333DW1702764 Født: 02062017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s.hals 208213990309109. Ejer: Helgstrand Dressage & Straight Horse ApS, Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov Født hos: Straight Horse ApS, Allerødvej 30, 3450 Allerød. Forædlingsgrad: 34,1% Indavlsgrad: 0,1 F: REVOLUTION DVH 1234 M: STRAIGHT HORSE ASCENZIONE 208333DW1303105 SRDH MF: BLUE HORS ZACK DVE 943 MM: BØGEGÅRDENS DON ROMINA 208333200300120 EGRDH MMF: BLUE HORS DON SCHUFRO DVE 690 MMM: BØGEGÅRDENS LAINA BRDH 5206 DH
86 RADIUS (SWB) 752004041701462 Født: 16062017. Farve: sort Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 752015900012144. Ejer: Helgstrand Dressage ApS & Søren Grønborg, Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov Født hos: Lena Nystrøm, Hässleberga Gastgivaregård 651 S-24799 Genarp, 4 Sverige. Forædlingsgrad: 32,4% Indavlsgrad: 0,1 F: REVOLUTION DVH 1234 M: WOMATHIKA M 528003 03.11903 MF: 00 SEVEN 96.09740 MM: ROMATHIKA M 98.00780 MMF: GRIBALDI DE309090701693 MMM: KYMATHIKA M 92.11595 Keur Preferent
87 ROCK A BILLY 208333DW1701464 Født: 24042017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000595331. Ejer: Jane og Erik Bech Jensen, Møllersmindevej 4, Sattrup, 8752 Østbirk Født hos: Jane og Erik Bech Jensen, Møllersmindevej 4, Sattrup, 8752 Østbirk. Forædlingsgrad: 36,2% Indavlsgrad: 0,1 F: REVOLUTION DVH 1234 M: SILKE 208333200303407 RDH MF: BLUE HORS HERTUG DVE 700 MM: IT'S ME EBRDH 4498 EBRDH MMF: LEONARDO II DVE 319 MMM: MADIGAN L EDH 3300 EDH
88 AGEDRUPGAARDS RENIRO DWB 208333DW1700698 Født: 30042017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s.hals 208210000608258. Ejer: Gestüt Pallerhaff v/Jens H. Thorsen, 16, Rue De Reichlange L-8545 Niederpallen, 27 Luxemburg Født hos: Louise Lynge og Simon Lorenzen, Højrimmenvej 32, 9380 Vestbjerg. Forædlingsgrad: 34,7% Indavlsgrad: 0,1 F: REVOLUTION DVH 1234 M: DIOR HØJRIS 208333DW0805642 RDH MF: DE NIRO DE331310590093 MM: ROHTANA HØJRIS 9904245 DH MMF: ROHDIAMANT DVH 628 MMM: KASSIOPEIA HØJRIS SRDH 3480 DH
92 STENAGERS WATSON 208333DW1701940 Født: 30052017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000599622. Ejer: Bjarne og May-Britt Christensen, Smørpøtvej 17, Skads, 6705 Esbjerg Ø Født hos: Bjarne og May-Britt Christensen, Smørpøtvej 17, Skads, 6705 Esbjerg Ø. Forædlingsgrad: 37,1% Indavlsgrad: 0,1 F: WILKENS DVH 942 M: STENAGERS SANTANA DE433330936101 ERDH MF: SANDRO HIT DVH
93 TRIUMPH VILLA 208333DW1703938 Født: 08082017. Farve: rød Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 578094100064427. Ejer: Jonas Elvebakk, Båstadveien 126 1860 Trøgstad, 3 Norge Født hos: Triumph Dressage, Båstadveien 126 1860 Trøgstad, 3 Norge. Forædlingsgrad: 38,1% Indavlsgrad: 1,1 F: VITALIS DVH 1305 M: WRIGLEY'Z 208333DW1003319 SRDH MF: BLUE HORS ZACK DVE 943 MM: WILD ABITA EBRDH 5811 EBRDH MMF: WELT HIT II DE333338316292 MMM: SMEDEGÅRDENS TABITA EDH 4102 EDH
95 ZANDERRY DANHEAT 208333DW1701781 Født: 06062017. Farve: brun Køn: Hingst Mærkning: chip v.s. hals 208210000596709. Ejer: Danheat-Stalden v/Mette Birkholm, Funderholmevej 62, 8600 Silkeborg Født hos: Danheat-Stalden v/Mette Birkholm, Funderholmevej 62, 8600 Silkeborg. Forædlingsgrad: 41,6% Indavlsgrad: 0,0 F: BLUE HORS ZACK DVE 943 M: LAS PALMAS DE431318508004 ERDH MF: LONDONDERRY DE331314405495 MM: WEGA DE331318510197 Hauptstutbuch MMF: WELTMEYER DE331314403584 MMM: BOLEGRA DE331314425587 Hauptstutbuch
98 UN Født: 14022017. Farve: rød Køn: Hingst Ejer: Helgstrand Dressage ApS & Søren Grønborg, Uggerhalnevej 80, 9310 Vodskov. Født hos: Holland. F: VIVALDI M: Tolivia MF: D-DAY MM: Nalivia MMF: Argus
FEI Dressage World Cup™ WEL 2019/2020: Dujardin delights with Freestyle win as British dominate at Olympia
Personal best for second-placed Hester: Rising star Fry takes third
Charlotte Dujardin produced a superb victory with Mount St John Freestyle before an ecstatic home crowd at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2019/2020 Western European League qualifier in the Grand Hall at Olympia, London (GBR) tonight. And to put the icing on the British Christmas cake, her compatriots Carl Hester and Charlotte Fry lined up in second and third.
It was an evening of great theatre, with Dujardin’s charming 10-year-old mare producing a stunning test for a mark of 87.520 to take the lead when fourth-last to go, only for a technical hitch to delay the scores of the three who followed. Still waiting for the final result, the riders were all sent back to the stables while Santa took over the arena for his Christmas Finale. But finally the red carpet was rolled back out again, and it was Dujardin who led the British victory gallop.
She was delighted with the performance of her mare who has clearly matured a great deal since showing her massive potential at last year’s FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA where she claimed two bronze medals. Freestyle’s freshness and freedom of movement, the elegance and height of her passage and the expressiveness of her extended canter were just some of today’s highlights. And the horse really seemed to be enjoying herself tonight, her big ears pricked as she gave her rider her full attention.
"It’s only her third time doing that test, she’s very inexperienced at Freestyle and I’m so pleased with her. The atmosphere was buzzing, it was a full house and I could really feel it when I rode in. But she’s coping better and I couldn’t have asked any more from her!"
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)
said the winning rider who, though still only 34 years old, is a legend of the sport following her world-beating career with the now-retired Valegro.
Her friend and mentor, Hester, followed her into the ring and put a score of 84.470 on the board with a lovely performance with Hawtins Delicato. “A personal best, I can’t believe that at my age!” laughed the 52-year-old who has long been a huge influence in this sport. He was sitting back in the stable area when he learned his result - “one of my girls texted me and said you got an amazing score - it was a bit of a weird way to hear about it!” he added.
Fry was second-last to go, and the 23-year-old, who alongside Dujardin and Hester was a member of the British side that finished fourth at this summer’s FEI European Championships, produced a score of 82.620 with the 10-year-old stallion Everdale. This was good enough to pip the final partnership, and last year’s Olympia winners, Germany’s Frederic Wandres and Duke of Britain who finished a close fourth with 82.550 this time around.
Hester said tonight that although he was happy with the way things turned out today he realises he needs to put more pressure on himself, because he continues to have big ambitions. “It was clear after the Grand Prix test yesterday that this horse needs to get out more. I know I need to get myself committed - this happens before every Olympics!” said the man who has competed at five of them, taking team gold with Uthopia at the London 2012 Games, and team silver with Nip Tuck at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Dujardin confirmed that she has both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2020 in Las Vegas, USA in her sights now. So her plan? “Just to carry on doing what I’m doing and see how we go as we prepare for Tokyo. I’m hoping to get to Vegas in April, so I’ll go to the qualifier in Amsterdam in January and maybe another after that” she explained.
She was twice winner of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ title with Valegro, taking her second title in Las Vegas in 2015. Today’s result sees her move up to eighth on the Western European League table from which the top nine will qualify for the 2020 Final, so she may need another good result to ensure she makes the cut.
There are still five legs of the Western European series left to go, the next taking place at Mechelen, Belgium on 29 December.
Result here
WEL Standings here
Watch highlights here
VIDEO of the entire new short pilot Grand Prix class - Dujardin with strong performance breaking the 80% barrier again
Mount St. John Freestyle and Charlotte Fry - photo credit: Lily Forado
The “new” short Grand Prix is approved
For everyone this was the very first time to test this new short Grand Prix.
When watching the first few riders you just had to adapt to the new lines, but said that the flow and go was really nice, even though the exercises are even more demanding as there is no time to breath, nor for horses and riders or judges.
You get first big change in the rhythm right after the halt with rein back, where you have the transition to passage at H and then going to the centerline for the piaffe. For the short walk sequence with extended walk at short diagonal all judges gets a pretty go view, while the short part of collected walk must be very difficult for all judges to see for more than a few steps. The transition from walk to canter does not really show any specific differences between the riders at this level. From there going direct to the centerline for the zigzag becomes a bit unbalanced for some riders and the two times at the diagonal does not make any hard times, the centerline with the two pirouettes and the eleven one time changes is the absolute most demanding exercise for this short test, like coming from the extended canter at short diagonal with change and then nearly direct into trot at the straight line.
Top 3 - H2R running comments
Mount St. John Freestyle GBR - good halt, power freedom diagonal, smooth supple uphill half passes, superb halt with rein back, super into passage, bit cautious tiny forward trend piaffe, super walk tour, good into canter, well balanced zigzag, nice 2 times, super sit and control both pirouettes, 2nd small unbalance at the end, nice 1 times, super extended canter, change and transition, super nice final - superb halt. 81,553%
Hawtins Delicato GBR - super halt, good diagonal, nice flow half passes, good halt with rein back, good into passage, piaffe lacking bit of energy and transitions could be with more clear flow, superb extended walk, unbalanced collected walk, good zigzag, error 2 times, pirouettes becomes big, good 1 times, good extended canter, change and transition to trot, bit cautious final piaffe, superb halt. 75,790%
Everdale GBR - good halt, expressive diagonal, smooth uphill forward flow half passes, bit tense halt with rein back, good into passage, easy in and out of active piaffe, good extended walk, good collected walk, good transition to canter, active expressive zigzag, good 2 times, nice control both pirouette, 2nd bit hurried, nice 1 times, good extended canter, nice transition to trot, super nice final centerline with smooth transitions and active piaffe. 75,368%
Lottie Fry stood out for the first part of the Grand Prix
First part of the Grand Prix with young British Lottie Fry and the young KWPN approved stallion Everdale as the absolute highlight. Lottie is going into this packed arena look like a very experienced rider, and then with 100% focus all the way together with 10 year old Everdale. Finishing up at the podium together with Dujardin and Hester was a surprise, and just a clear sign of that the British team has a new strong combination, not just in the pipeline but at the podium.
Two Danish combinations were also in the first part. For Danish Ulrik Mølgaard and his long time partner in crime the 18 year young Michellino son Michigan the atmosphere is still a bit too much at Olympia. The overall picture becomes unfortunately a bit to hectic and tense for more moments, but for sure your not in doubt that they were having fun all the way.
The other British based Danish rider Anders Dahl and his young 10 year old Fidelio van het Bloemenhof did a super job, and showed a test without technical issues and good qualities all the way.
PRESS RELEASE - Britain Reigns Supreme on First Night of Olympia, The London International Horse Show
Not only was Charlotte Dujardin back in pole position in the FEI Dressage World CupTM Grand Prix, supported by Horse & Hound, but Britain completely dominated, taking the top four places.
Charlotte was in a league of her own, riding the spectacular 10-year-old Mount St John Freestyle, to win by a margin of more than 5% on 81.55%.
Charlotte said: “This was Freestyle’s second indoor show. Olympia is a really big atmosphere for a young horse that doesn’t have much experience. While I was going around the outside of the arena, I could hear everybody going, ‘Good luck Charlotte’ — that’s how close the audience is. I am so excited about her; each time she performs, she just gets better. I was so pleased with how she dealt with it all.”
Carl Hester, the man dubbed The Master of Dressage, and the 11-year-old British-bred Hawtins Delicato took second place on 75.79%. The combination had just one error in the two-time changes, otherwise producing a fluent, soft test.
“He can do a lot better; he’s the most talented horse I’ve ever had, but it has taken time for him to gain confidence. Considering this was his first test since the Europeans, he’s done great,” said Carl.
Lottie Fry, who is based with the Van Olsts in the Netherlands, took third place with the hugely talented 10-year-old stallion Everdale, her second string. It was the 23-year-old’s second competition in her homeland in five years and only the combination’s fifth grand prix test.
Lottie said: “I am really proud. I cannot quite believe I am sitting next to Carl and Charlotte at this press conference. This is the biggest atmosphere we’ve ever competed in and he’s not used to going abroad. It is our best test and best score yet.”
Fourth place went to the European Championships Team GB second reserves Lara Butler and Rubin Al Asad with 74.05%.
The riders faced the additional challenge of riding the latest shortened grand prix test as part of a pilot project to make dressage user-friendlier. With each test lasting less than five minutes, the movements come up fast, however it was generally well received by the riders, and regarded as a big improvement to last year’s test.
Katrina Wüst, the judge who was instrumental in writing the shortened version, said: “It is easily manageable for good riders; it is a true proof of thoroughness.”
