Strong comeback performance from Charlotte Dujardin with Imhotep at Windsor Horse Show today

Strong comeback performance from Charlotte Dujardin with Imhotep

For today´s CDI4* Grand Prix at Windsor Horse Show Charlotte Dujardin was back at international level after giving birth to her daugther Isabella Rose two month ago. Her partner Dean and Isabella was of course also at Windsor cheering on mummy.

H2R comments during their test:

Nice halt, good power diagonal,supple huge crossing half pass right, nice transition and nice balance left, super nice halt good rein back, well balanced diagonal, nice into passage, good passage, easy into piaffe with huge sit, easy transition out, good extended walk, nice active collected walk, nice into passage at M, good passage, small lack of impulsion into piaffe, good piaffe and good transition out, nice into canter, nice big 2 times, uphill power extended canter nice back before change, good zigzag, good 1 times, super sit quality and balance 1st pirouette, (8,2), even better with more control for 2nd pirouette(8,4), good into trot, nice diagonal balanced, good passage, easy in and out of active piaffe, nice final passage, super halt. 77,261%

Clearly stronger and more settled with good frame.

Placed 2nd was 17 year old mare Classic Briolinca with Gareth Hughes with 75,435% - smooth presentation, but you get the impression that for the extensions the test becomes somewhat conservative.

Good halt, well balanced diagonal, nice flow and go for both half passes, bit early good halt with nice rein back, tiny unbalance for diagonal, smooth into passage, super in and out of lovely piaffe at the spot, super passage, extended walk bit short/tense, nice collected walk, good into passage, nice piaffe, good transitions, nice into canter, nice 2 times, good extended canter not high risk, good zigzag, good 1 times lack bit more suppleness, good control and balance for both pirouettes, good into trot, bit limited diagonal tiny bit unbalanced, nice into passage, good final piaffe and easy transitions, bit tense final halt.

Here you find the entire results.

Remarkable Danish big tour and small tour results at internationals in Aalborg 🇩🇰, Redefin 🇩🇪, Exloo 🇱🇺 and Compiegne 🇫🇷

Danish Winner team at CDIO5 Compiegne - Photo PSV/Compiegne

Lot of top sport in Europe last weekend

Due to 5 different events all over Europe last weekend the coverage has been limited to mostly Facebook posts after some of the Danish combinations. Only international event without Danish combinations was at CDI4* in Mannheim.

The Danish dressage successes has been massive this weekend with top icing on the cake with Nations Cup victory in Compiegne.

Below you will find a small overview from each event about Senior and U25 results.

Aalborg with full house for the 🇩🇰Danish combinations

Thursday with CDI3* 🇩🇰 Prix where Andreas Helgstrand was on top with his two young horses followed by Daniel Bachmann Andersen also bringing a young mare for her international debut.

Jovian & Andreas Helgstrand - Strong start, half pass right is for a few steps tiny unbalanced, left uphill extra power balanced, good halt with bit tense rein back, power diagonal, good into passage, still missing more clear soft flow from BIG passage to small piaffe, the piaffe need more balance on the hind quaters, ok walk tour, bit swing 2 times, good extended center, bit unbalanced zigzag, 1 times becomes bit short hind, good pirouettes, strong final. 75,978%

Andreas Helgstrand & Queenparks Wendy - Error free test, good trot tour with nice half passes, super halt but bit short steps for rein back, passage need more forward flow, good piaffe, good walk tour, piaffe nice at the spot 12 steps with good transitions, bit tense into canter, nice 2 times, good extended canter, bit unbalanced zigzag, nice 1 times, both pirouettes good could show more sit, from C 9,0 the 1st. pirouette, final diagonal with lack of balance and small canter in the corner only deducted by two judges. 73,870%

Shirley & Daniel Bachmann Andersen - international debut. Well managed test without any major issues. Nice balance for half passes and extensions, the walk becomes a bit short, easy in and out of piaffe, still missing bit more power for passage but keeping the regularity and balance, series becomes bit short hind and pirouettes need bit more sit. Overall the side picture need a bit more closed frame. 69,326%

CDI3*🇩🇰 Grand Prix Special

Victory for Andreas Helgstrand with Jovian 76,362%.

2nd placed Scarlett and Anne-Marie Hosbond with 69,596% - Much better flow and go for the entire test today, lovely rhytmn for passage tours and good extensions, good walk tour, better piaffe tours with better activity than for the GP, strong center tour only error was change between half passes.

3rd placed Vichy Pax & Joachim Thomsen - Strong start with good flow and go, half pass left lack bit more bend, good in front of the aides for piaffe tours, good passage, small lack of balance, unfortunately misunderstanding for transition from passage to canter and Joachim has to stop and makes the transition at the long side, good canter tour with highlights for pirouettes. 68,042%

International debut combination Stinna Skov Foldberg with Foldbergs T placed 5th with 67,532%

CDI3*🇩🇰Grand Prix kür

Victory for Andreas Helgstrand with Queenparks Wendy 79,090%.

CDI1* 🇩🇰 Prix St. Georg

72,500% victory - Zac Efron MT OLD & Daniel Bachmann Andersen It´s not about the things going on before entering the arena, but today there was just some extra with the way Daniel is handling the clearly big surpriced Zac when they enters the arena (normally the warm up is at the indoor, and then they go out and up into the arena.) And here Zac just says hell this is dangerous, but Daniel manage let him experience the surroundings, where he stops a few times to let him LOOK, and then the start signal was given. They show a controlled, supple and attentive test with just a bit tension for entering halt, bit tension for 1st half pirouette in center, and small tension at the end of the 4 times, rest was very well performed.

Placed 3rd Jane Serup Jensen & Desperada - Lovely lightfooted and easy picture, need a tiny bit more accuracy for halts and voltes, nice flow land go all the way, good walk tour, bit unbalanced into 1st half pirouette in canter, superb timing sit and balance for 2nd pirouette only rewarded with 7,5 x 3! good series could be a bit more uphill.

CDI1*🇩🇰Intermediate I

Desperada and Jane Serup Jensen - Strong performance without any technical issues, highlights for canter pirouettes with sit, balance and super canter quality (was clearly at least 8,0 pirouettes) and very nice series. Winner score 71,588%

The Danish youth riders dominated all the classes except for the ponies where former Danish owned top pony Adriano B and his now German rider Hubertus Stallmeister took all victories.

Redefin

CDI1* 🇩🇰 Prix St. Georg

(70,852% no 3, PB) and Intermediate I (72,451 no 2 PB) for Danish Martin Christensen with 9 yr old Docieria by Danciano / Don Frederico.

Exloo

CDI1* 🇩🇰 Small Tour

Lena Leschly Aamand and Zambonnay with international debut. Prix St. Georg 1st unplaced with 68,235% and Lone Madsen with Heslegårds Ragnhild finishing at 10th with 67,441%.

Inter I results - Zambonnay no 7 with 67,990% and Heslegårds Ragnild no 9 with 67,500%.

CDI3* 🇩🇰 Big Tour

Grand Prix - Karoline Louise Skøt and Midtgaards Zamir no 13 with 68,522% and placed no 3 (first international placement) with 70,820% in Grand Prix freestyle.

CDIU25🇩🇰

Grand Prix 16-25 - Dionisos and Thea Bech placed 2nd with 72,008% and 2nd place in freestyle with 75,883%.

Compiegne

The Danish victory in Compiegne was led by top combination Heiline´s Danciera and Carina Cassøe Krüth winning both CDIO5 Grand Prix and Grand Prix Speciel.

CDIO5 🇩🇰Grand Prix

Heiline´s Danciera 78,674% - Top motivated Danse, full power first diagonal where you get the impression of WOW wait a bit at the end for the half halt. No errors, good piaffe tours, highlights for passage, walk tour, zigzag and series. Very nice pirouettes, super final centerline.

Addict de Massa & Anna Kasprzak - Strong trot tour with super entering halt, supple half passes, good passage, super 1st piaffe at the spot with nice activity and good transitions, small disturb mid of extended walk and need to let more go, small trot step for collected walk, nice 2nd piaffe tour, strong canter tour without any issues. 71,717% placed 10th.

Thranegaardens Rostov & Lone Bang Zindorff - Entering halt bit hind the aides, good diagonal, nice half passes, left with lovely flow and go, good halt bit tense rein back, good diagonal, good into passage some tensions hind for passage also with a few tense piaffe steps, good walk tour, good 2nd piaffe, still bit tensions hind for both piaffe and passage, good canter tour with nice balance and flow, passage at start of centerline well balanced without tensions, final part with bit tension, good piaffe at X. 71,630% placed 11th.

CDIO5 🇩🇰Grand Prix Special

Heiline´s Danicera 76,107% - Strong start with power and balance trending 81% before last extension in the trot tour where Danse loosing the balance, good extended walk, collected walk good at begin but becomes bit slow at the end as Danse does not really respond to the aides into first piaffe which becomes bit late and lack of more energy, lack clear flow into 2nd piaffe, small stop but manage to continue a bit unbalanced, good canter tour unfortunately small error hind for one times at centerline, nice pirouettes, good final.

Addict de Massa & Anna Kasprzak with a super solid performance, good flow all the way, no technical issues, highlights for series and pirouettes - very constant scores around 71.5 % all the way. Final score 71,553%, placed 9th.

CDIO5 🇩🇰Grand Prix freestyle

Thranegaardens Rostov - some tensions and disturbing at the short side by A today, but Lone manage very well to keep going even with some technical issues today. Score 77,390 placed 4th.


Polish Beata Stremler ready for Nürnberger Burg Pokal final with For Magic Equesta FRH

For Magic Equesta FRH & Beata Stremler - private photo.

When dreams come true

38 year old German based Polish international rider Beata Stremler has entered the international scene again in 2023. Recently in Hagen with international Grand Prix debut with 10 year old gelding FairPlay by Feedback / Rubin Royal. A horse Beata has been preparing through the German national winter competitions at Ankumer Dressur Club.

In Hagen it was with a lovely comeback for the international Big Tour scene, as Beata Stremler hasn’t shown internationally since she lost the ride of her former top horse Rubicon Unitechno end of 2016.

Together with FairPlay she was at start in Hagen with 2 x Grand Prix placements, and this weekend again successfully in CDI4* Grand Prix placed as no 4 with 70%.

8 year old For Magic Equesta FRH by For Romance / A Jungle Prince has already been successful together with Beata. Two years ago they won the bronze medal 🥉at World Championships for Young Horses as 6 year old. Yesterday they were runner up in the Nürnberger Burg Pokal qualifier for the final, and therefore also among the 12 best combinations for today’s qualifier for the final. They showed a strong performance with only a small hiccup for the flying change after extended canter with parallel hind legs. For Magic shows three over average basic gaits with lovely power from behind into a soft contact. Score 74,902%

The way towards today’s victory

“My long time supporter and owner Sylwia Ruta told me 4 years ago to go out looking for one more young horse. So off I went and luckily found For Magic directly at the breeder - Mr. Friedhelm Kühnen who already showed him successfully in 4 year old test.

It is such a privilege to have an owner like Sylwia trusting me and just bought him after seeing me trying him on the video 😍. He’s a horse with lots of energy and a great willingness to work, he always wants to give his whole heart ❤️.

I prepared For Magic with no pressure together with my trainer Christian Wendel, just as we are always working on basic and gymnastic, following the classical way which I really love in Christians way of training. The main goal is to keep the horse happy and supple.

I’m so proud of our achievement, it’s been my dream to qualify for the prestigious Nürnberger Burg Pokal final since I started my own horse business, today I succeeded,” tells Beata Stremler.

Kristine Møller-Engel with top results at national event in Saarlouis, Germany

Kristine Møller-Engel and DSP Big Bang by Bon Coeur / Quadroneur, with owner Jens Thorsen - private photo

5 starts - 3 x winner and 2 x 2nd piaced

Luxembourg rider Kristine Møller-Engel, based at Gestüt Pallerhaff in Luxemburg has been very diligent this weekend showing 4 horses at the national event at Saarlouis in Germany.

“It´s always nice to bring out the young ones to test if our training at home has paid off. I was really happy with all 4 horses this weekend,” Kristine told.

Results:

2nd place at L-level with 5 year old gelding Dreamboule by Diamond Hit / Johnson.

Winner at M-level with 6 year old mare Freak me Out by Floriscount / Quaterback.

7 year old gelding DSP Big Bang at S-level with a victory at +70%, and they now obtained the minimum criteria in order to be among the Luxembourg combinations searching for the attractive ticket to the World Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo.

Last but least victory in St. Georg Special and 2nd piace in S** with the 8 year old mare DSP Sonnerie Souvereine by Sezuan / Silvermoon.

A day of victory for Denmark and Great Britain´s Charlotte Fry

The Danish team  winning the FEI Nations Cup in Compiègne 

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

The World Team Champions, Denmark, took the Nations Cup at the Compiègne Internationaux de dressage, at the end of a day that also saw the success in the Freestyle of the individual World Champion and current World number two, Charlotte Fry. 

The large number of spectators who came and filled the stands this Sunday at Compiègne’s Grand Parc equestrian stadium were treated to a great display of top level sport by a line-up that included five of the World's top ten.

Four months before the FEI European Championships in Riesenbeck (Germany, from the 4th to the 10th of September), Compiègne’s 5*CDIO Nations Cup was particularly eagerly awaited. The opportunity for riders not only to convince their selectors, but also to impress the judges.

Denmark, crowned World Champions last summer at home (36 points - the addition of the placings of three team members in each class), held-on perfectly to its overnight lead, triumphing ahead of the Netherlands (41 points) and Germany (45 points). It succeeds Sweden, who were the winners at the last two editions but who only managed 4th this year (50 points). ‘’We came here as part of our preparations for this year's major events, notably the European Championships," commented the Danish chef d’équipe Anne-Mette Binder. ‘’We’d chosen an experienced pair in Carina Cassøe Krüth and Heiline's Danciera, but also two other pairs made up of experienced riders but with horses that are not yet familiar with the top level. Today, despite a few mistakes at the beginning of the test, the riders managed to stay calm and I’m really proud of the team. After coming here two years ago, it was really super to return Compiègne. The stadium is superb and the atmosphere is excellent.’’ 

In the lead from the Grand Prix on Saturday, the Danes consolidated their position this Sunday morning in the Grand Prix Special - the Prix Barriquand. Despite a few mistakes in her test, Carina Cassøe Krüth, who rode her top horse, the mare Heiline’s Danciera, ensured hierarchy was respected. Already victorious on Saturday in the Grand Prix, she once again won over the judges and left the rectangle on a score of 76.107%. The World n°6 finished ahead of the Dutch rider Lynne Maas on Electra (74.596%) and Germany’s Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock on Florine Old (73.234%), both of whom set personnel bests in the Special. ‘’I had a lot better feeling today than yesterday in the Grand Prix," analysed Carina Cassøe Krüth. ‘’Yes, I made two big mistakes which cost points but that's sport. We’ve a really strong team because it's not the same one as at the Worlds and yet despite this, we won. We’ve still got a lot of horse and rider combinations. This shows the strength of dressage in Denmark’’

In the Freestyle Grand Prix - Prix Ville de Compiègne, Lone Bang Zindorff on Thranegaardens Rostov validated Denmark’s success with a 4th place (77.390%). The World number 2 (with Glamourdale, the horse that gave her the World title in 2022), Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry partnering this weekend her 14 year old KWPN stallion Everdale (winner of the Grand Prix at Compiègne in 2021), was victorious in this last class of the competition with a superb test rewarded with the well deserved score of 85.675%! She was accompanied on the podium by Sweden’s Patrick Kittel, one of the most loyal competitors  to this Compiègne event, on Touchdown (82.875%) and the Dutch Thamar Zweistra on Hexagon's Ich Weiss (79.445%). 

The home nation, France, in a particularly tough context, finished in 6th place. Even if the objective was slightly more ambitious, the French clan left Compiègne satisfied for several reasons. ‘’The riders have worked well and they’ve been recompensed for it," commented Jean Morel, national selector. ‘’There’s still a lot of work to be done, both for the horses and the riders, but we’ve a homogeneous team and that pulls everyone upwards, without a ’pack leader' which suits me just fine as it avoids relational problems. The team is in the process of being formed but it will certainly further evolve as other riders are still  coming forwards’’

Monique Marini: « We're very, very happy’’

It was an excellent edition," said Monique Marini, president of the competition. The packed stands on Sunday are a wonderful reward for the work undertaken by the entire organising team and all the people who contribute to the success of this event. A big thank you to all our partners, whether institutional or private. Thank you also to all the volunteers. We created this event to promote dressage. I think we’ve succeeded because today, dressage fills the stands. From a sporting point of view, the line-up this year was exceptional with several riders in the World top 10. Quality but also quantity because it’s rare to have ten teams entered in a 5*CDIO. It’s real recognition. We’re very, very happy. Roll on next year! "

Krüth, Denmark cruise in Compiegne

Team Denmark, winners of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2023 - Compiegne (FRA) (FEI/PSV Photo)

Carina Cassoe Krüth could not be beaten in Compiègne (FRA), leading Denmark to victory in the nation's first outing of the 2023 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season. 

Under the tutelage of Chef d'Equipe Anne-Mette Binder, the three-rider Danish squad of Krüth (Heiline's Danciera), Anna Kasprzak (Addict de Massa) and Lone Bang Zindroff (Thranegaardens Rostov) did not finish outside the top 12 across the CDIO5* Grand Prix, CDIO5* Grand Prix Special and CDIO5* Grand Prix Freestyle tests to record comfortable victory in the second leg of the six-event Nations Cup series. The group finished with just 36 points. 

The Netherlands finished second with 41 points, while Germany—who took an opening leg victory in Wellington (USA) in February—finished third with 45 points. In this Nations Cup format, athletes received points equivalent to their finish position in each test. Those points were totaled for a final team score, with the lowest cumulative score taking top honors. Athletes completed two tests each; all athletes contested the Grand Prix before splitting across the Special and Freestyle.

"Even though there were mistakes, they kept their calm and kept their cool. This is what we tried to achieve with our little team—that it's okay to make mistakes, so that you feel comfortable in trying to find a solution and solve the problems if you're in them."

Anne-Mette Binder (DEN)

Denmark's team was one of balance. A most experienced combination of Krüth and the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, Heiline's Danciera were part of Denmark's gold medal-winning squad at the FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN) in August, while Kasprzak and Zindroff brought forward mounts that were less experienced at the level. 

Krüth and her veteran partner certainly delivered, taking top honors in both the Grand Prix (78.674%) and Grand Prix Special (76.107%), despite some mistakes in the latter test. 

"Yesterday [the Grand Prix] was mistake-free. There was a little bit here and there with details. I can do better, but the feeling was amazing," Krüth detailed. "Today [in the Grand Prix Special], I think the feeling was even better than yesterday, but then I had some very big mistakes...That's how it is with horses. We all make mistakes sometimes, but the feeling was even better today."

Krüth and Heiline's Danciera have been partnered since the mare was just a 4-year-old, and the horse has had no other rider. In addition to their gold medal performance in Herning, they have also represented Denmark in the Tokyo Olympic Games (JPN) and 2022 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final (GER).

"We've been doing Grand Prix since [Heiline's Danciera] was eight. She's 12, and there's still a lot to do. Even though you're 12, you can still improve. That's what's so amazing, and that's why I'm still so much in love with the sport, because you can keep working on little details and major things."

Carina Cassoe Krüth (DEN)

Kasprzak and Addict de Massa were consistent throughout the weekend, finishing 10th in the Grand Prix and ninth in the Special. After finishing 11th in the Grand Prix, Zindroff and Thranegaardens Rostov finished fourth in the Freestyle. Both riders were pleased with the development of their horses.

"I could get used to this! [This team knows] each other very well, so it's been fun," Zindroff said. "I felt a little bit of pressure today, because I was the last rider. But it's great fun that we cheer each other and support each other."

Germany has taken over the series lead with 21 points, ahead of Sweden (16 points) and Denmark (15). The FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ continues at Budapest (HUN), 7-11 June 2023.

The remarkable return of Carina Cassøe Krüth

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

32 riders, 10 teams, the famous CDIO5* of Compiègne and its FEI Nations Cup provided a breathtaking battle today between the World's best. If the predictions were many, it was finally the World n°6, Denmark’s Carina Cassøe Krüth, who, for her return to this imperial city, offered the best performance and has allowed her country to become the overnight leaders. In the CDI3*, Matthias Alexander Rath stood out this morning in the Grand Prix Special while the incredible duo formed by Charlotte Fry and Lars van de Hoenderheide won the Grand Prix Freestyle this evening. As for the home nation riders, another superb performance from Mado Pinto in the young riders!

Following the Eurovia Grand Prix, the first act of the FEI Nations Cup at the CDIO 5* in Compiègne, the Danish team led by Carina Cassøe Krüth have taken pole position with 22 points ahead of the Netherlands and Germany, neck and neck on 29 and 30 points (the results of each rider in the Grand Prix are added together to obtain the total for each team). The World Team Champion, recently victorious in the Herning Grand Prix with a score approaching 80% (79.717%) and the winner of the Grand Prix Special here in 2021, made her comeback riding the brilliant Heiline's Danciera. ‘’I think I rode a great test. I’ve got the impression that she’s really matured, she’s more and more at ease. We’ve been competing in 5*Grand Prix for several years and yet I’ve been feeling a real difference over the last few months. She’s gained in strength and confidence and you can feel it, the judges can see it too, everything is more harmonious and, of course, we know each other by heart!’’, laughed Carina Cassøe Krüth at the end of the prize-giving.  "In a team, with horses, nothing is ever certain, but we have every chance. Anna (Kasprzak - 10th), and Lone (Bang Zindorff - equal 11th) put in solid performances today, slightly below their usual scores, but I’m confident for tomorrow. Lone has a very nice Freestyle and Anna's horse is excellent at piaffe-passage, an advantage in the GPS."

Individually, Charlotte Fry, who was eagerly awaited by the Compiègne public, took second place at the commands of the explosive Everdale. With 77.413%, Great Britain’s top of the bill dressage rider, once again impressed by her control, ability and determination taking her young team into 5th place at this midway stage. Behind them, Matthias Alexander Rath, leader of the German team, was 3rd ahead of one of the big favourites, Sweden’s Patrik Kittel. With Destacado FRH, the German performed a very good test and was rewarded with a score of 74.870%, putting his team into 3rd place this evening.

CDI3* GPS - Matthias Alexander Rath & Thiago GS take the Prix Région Hauts de France.

The German rider is certainly on form, winning the CDI3* Grand Prix Special Région Hauts de France this morning with his son of Totilas, the elegant Thiago GS. After a 3rd place yesterday in the Grand Prix, the pair set their personal best in Compiègne, leaving the arena having achieved 74.936%. A cadenced test, with well-executed passage and piaffe gave him a win against the 14 other competitors who had chosen to contend the GPS. ‘’Thiago keeps improving and he performed even better than yesterday," said the rider with a smile. ‘’The piaffe felt really good and I’ve the impression that all the hard work we’ve done over the last few months is starting to pay. We’ve still many details to work upon but I really believe in him, he has a lot of similarities with his sire. Our next outing will be the 4*CDI in Wiesbaden before the German National Championships’’. Behind him, his compatriot, the three-time European U25 team champion (2017-2018-2019), Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock in 2nd place with Queolito, whom she is starting at international level. A test scored at 71.979%,  promising for the future! Spain’s Claudio Castilla Ruiz was 3rd on Hi Rico Do Sobral (69.574%).

CDI3* GP Freestyle - Charlotte Fry and Lars van de Hoenderheide: Amazing!

For his first international outdoor event, Lars van de Hoenderheide, one of the up-and-coming rides of the amazing British rider, showed that he has his place among the greatest. Already the winners  of the 3*Grand Prix yesterday, the pair reiterated today in the Freestyle on a score of 81.210%, their best score to date. Showing astonishing maturity, the chestnut executed the flying changes with disconcerting ease, and pushed the very experienced Well Done de la Roche CMF and Patrick Kittel into 2nd place (77.150%). "This horse is amazing, truly!’’ confided the rider. ‘’He’s progressing so quickly and surprises me in each new class. I don't know yet what our plans will be for the next few months because I didn't expect such rapid progression, but the most important thing is that he enjoys himself! I hope to be able to ride him for some time yet.’’  Behind them, the Portuguese pair of Maria Caetano with Fenix de Tineo were 3rd, scoring 74.435%, one of their best Freestyle performances since that at Jerez de la Frontera last March (75.050%).

CDI1* - Intermediate - The next generation prepares itself.

Aimed at riders starting  their international careers or more experienced riders wishing to bring on their young horses, the Intermediate of Compiègne’s CDI1*  saw some of the biggest names in the discipline compete this afternoon. Placed first was the 5* rider Anna Kasprzak (DEN) with her 8-year-old gelding Everian L (72.853%), while Charlotte Fry rode Jackson, a 9-year-old, into 3rd place (72.382%). Separating them was Isabel Cool (BEL) and Herr Charmeur Coolhorses (72.676%).

CDIU25 - Daphne van Peperstraten making herself at home in Compiègne

If the top of the class was identical to yesterday in the Under 25s with a 2nd victory for Daphne van Peperstraten, the rest of the podium was somewhat changed much to France’s delight. Very comfortable in the heart of the Grand Parc equestrian stadium, the Dutch rider partnering Greenpoint's Cupido, whom she has been riding since her years in Juniors (2016), performed another extremely good test rewarded with a 74.808%. Following them, Spain’s Adrian Roldan Narvaez on Floyd, 2nd with 73.225% while France’s Alexandre Cheret /Bamona, 4th yesterday, gave a lovely performance, riding into 3rd place on a score of 72.308%.

Charlotte Fry takes the lead

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

A great start for the 12th Internationaux de Dressage of Compiègne. Even though the CDIO5* and it’s FEI Nations Cup only starts tomorrow, Saturday the 6th of May, spectators have already been able to applaud the stars of the discipline with wins by the World n°2 Charlotte Fry in the CDI3* and the CDI 1*, Lilly Marie Collin in the CDI Pony and that of France’s  Mado Pinto in the opening class of the CDIY, a category for under 21s. Yet again, the Grand Parc equestrian stadium is promising a weekend of top level sport and will be brought to close on Sunday afternoon with a show by the great Santi Serra. Admission is free

In particular there were two riders eagerly awaited at this latest edition of the Internationaux de Dressage of Compiègne: Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, the World n°2 (after 4 months at the top from January to May 2023) and the n°7, Sweden’s Patrik Kittel, who lead his team to victory in the Nations cup in 2022. Entered today in the CDI3*, these top of the bill riders delighted the public by taking 1st (75.783%) and 2nd (73.826%) places respectively in the Engie Solutions Grand Prix. Partnering Lars van de Hoenderheide, with whom she recently won the 3* Grand Prix and Freestyle at 's-Hertogenbosch, the new star of the discipline has already made her mark this year at Compiègne: "Lars was fantastic, this is his best performance to date. It’s his first outdoor international and he behaved really well. Even if it's only the 3*, there was already a very good atmosphere, and I think he’ll have felt it. Above all I want him to gain experience and enjoy competing. As for myself I’m also looking forward to the Nations Cup tomorrow. Everdale is in great form and we’ve lined up a team that’s younger but with lots of potential’."

The Grand Prix  also signalled  the return of Well Done de la Roche CMF to Compiègne. Patrik Kittel's favourite partner, with whom he won the 5*CDIO in 2021 as an individual and helped the Swedish team to victory in the Nations Cup here in both 2018 and 2019, was returning to the competition arena following nearly two years off. "I’m so happy to be able to be back with Well Done," said the rider. ‘’His first 5*Grand Prix victory was here at Compiègne in 2019! I love this event, I’ve been coming here for many years now, and it’s always a real pleasure. We’ve seen the site, which is really magnificent, evolve, and the public always turn-up, what more can you ask for?" Behind them, Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath, who has been very successful in recent months, took third with his son of Totilas, the stallion Thiago GS (73.500%)

CDI 1* - Charlotte Fry Again

Not content with having already won the CDI3*, Charlotte Fry showed the extent of her talent by hoisting her young recruit Jackson to the top of the class. A son of her champion Everdale, with whom she will be competing in the 5*CDIO, the 9-year-old KWPN was impressive and exited the arena on 75.529%. ‘’I’m so proud of Jackson!" said the British rider, "This is really his very first outdoor competition, everything is new for him. The weather wasn’t on our side with rain and even a storm, but he was exemplary. I really enjoyed riding him’’.  Switzerland’s Andrina Suter was second with Briatore NRW on 73.971% and Denmark’s Anna Kasprzak on Everian L, third having scored 72.471%.

Lövsta Stuteri secures Top 10 Dressage at Sweden International Horse Show

World number one Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, winners of the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage in Stockholm 2022. Photo: Roland Thunholm

PRESS RELEASE

More exciting showdowns between the world’s best dressage riders are in the pipeline for the crowds in Friends Arena, Stockholm. Lövsta Stuteri prolongs the collaboration with Sweden International Horse Show and thereby secures one of the world’s most prestigious dressage competitions.

Top 10 Dressage is a well-known concept at Friends Arena having featured at Sweden International Horse Show since 2017. The annual event, which last year partnered with Lövsta Stuteri, attracts the very best dressage riders to Stockholm. The partners now prolong the collaboration, bringing the competition into the future.

- It is such a pleasure to bring the fantastic Swedish audience this top competition for another two years! We get to experience the magic of dressage, be inspired by the riders skills and passion and bring home new learnings. We know that the world’s best riders put Top 10 very high, if not the highest, on their wishlist, says Antonia Ax:son Johnson, owner Lövsta Stuteri.

Lövsta Top 10 Dressage yearly welcomes a spectacular starting field. Since the inception the crowds have watched superstars such as Isabell Werth, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl take home the victory in the prestigious final. The riders enjoy the format of the competition and to show their moves for the Swedish audience, which is praised for its knowledge, sportsmanship and enthusiasm.

- I am so happy Lövsta Stuteri makes this fantastic show possible. Last year was a huge success and with Lövsta onboard as partner we can now continue our work with taking dressage and Lövsta Top 10 to new heights. The sky is the limit, you don’t want to miss this! says Patrik Kittel, who is responsible for dressage at SIHS and initiator of Top 10.

As Lövsta Top 10 Dressage now takes the next step, focus is on delivering the audience maximum knowledge and inspiration. Already on Friday morning, spectators can watch the Top 10-stars during their warm-up in the main arena. Patrik Kittel and Top 10 riders will then share their thoughts around the promising young riders and young Grand Prix-horses in Lövsta Future Challenge. The morning show is concluded with a dressage clinic featuring Patrik Kittel, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén as well as horses and riders from Lövsta Stuteri. Saturday and Sunday brings together ten of the world’s very best dressage riders to compete in an opening Grand Prix followed by a Grand Prix Freestyle-final.

- We are proud to bring together our investment in young promising horses and riders in the Lövsta Future Challenge with sports at the very top international level. Through open trainings and clinics we also hope to invite more people to share in and understand the enchanting world of dressage, says Antonia Ax:son Johnson.

- We are of course thrilled to continue this fine collaboration with Lövsta Stuteri and to together develop the Top 10 Dressage. This is a unique competition, which we are very proud to include in our programme. With Lövsta Stuteri we have a strong partner, who shares our ambition and goal to share knowledge and inspiration, says Christin Ericsson, Event Director Sweden International Horse Show.

Lövsta Top 10 Dressage features a Grand Prix-class on Saturday December 2 and a Grand Prix Freestyle-final on Sunday December 3. View the entire programme HERE

FEI World Ranking 1 May

Danish Nanna Merrald for the First time in top of the Danish riders at FEI World Ranking as current no 4.

🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰

6 - Carina Cassøe Krüth

15 - Daniel Bachmann Andersen

17 - Andreas Helgstrand

31 - Anna Kasprzak

32 - Lone Bang Zindorff

High jump RIDERS in April - back in top 50

Sönke Rothenberger 173 ⬆️ 35

Severo Jurado Lopez 166 ⬆️ 46

High jump HORSES at top 50

Blue Hors Zepter 104 ⬆️ 8 🇩🇰

Blue Hors Don Olymbrio 177 ⬆️ 29 🇩🇰

Klar til årets første følauktion?

Tophøjs Florian fra 2022

Dyreste hingsteføl ved Dansk Varmblod Auktion på Blue Hors i 2022 blev Tophøjs Florian e. Floriscount / TailormadeTemptation. Foto: Ridehesten.com/Annette Boe Østergaard

 

DV PRESSEMEDDELELSE

Dansk Varmblod inviterer nu til årets første Dansk Varmblod Auktion i samarbejde med Blue Hors

Dansk Varmblod har afviklet mange, særdeles vellykkede auktioner, og nu har du muligheden for at tilmelde dit dressurbetonede føl til besigtigelse til årets første Dansk Varmblod Auktion. Auktionen afvikles i samarbejde med Blue Hors og i forbindelse med Blue Hors Sommerfestival.

Årets første auktion finder sted lørdag den 24. juni 2023 på Blue Hors i Randbøl. Du kan nu melde dit DV-føl til besigtigelse. Føllet skal være af dressurafstamning, og registreret i DV. Der er ikke noget krav om, at føllet skal være efter Blue Hors-hingste. DV-registrerede føl af alle afstamninger er velkomne på Dansk Varmblod Auktion.

Sidste års følauktion på Blue Hors var en kæmpe succes med flotte priser, og nu er Dansk Varmblods auktionsudvalg klar til at se føl fra årgang 2023. De tilmeldte føl bliver besigtiget og udvalgt på to iagttagelsespladser.

Hvis du vil have chancen for at deltage ved iagttagelsen så send nedenstående info til auktion@varmblod.dk senest den 25. maj.

• Føllets afstamning (skal have 4-leddet afstamning)

• Hoppestammens resultater

• Foto & video af føllet

Ved meget stor interesse forbeholder vi os ret til at udvælge blandt de tilmeldte.

Føl, der har deltaget ved andre auktioner, kan ikke komme i betragtning til iagttagelse. Iagttagelsen kommer til at foregå på Blue Hors mandag den 29. maj samt på Sjælland tirsdag den 30. maj.

Ved spørgsmål er man meget velkommen til at kontakte medlemmer af auktionsudvalget eller Sekretariatet på auktion@varmblod.dk.

VIDEO - Indtryk fra eftermiddagens hingstevisning og 100 års jubilæum på Katrinelund

Selv flagstangen viste tydeligt vejr situationen lørdag eftermiddag på Mors - foto: H2R

100 års jubilæum på Katrinelund

Selvom forårs solen forsøgte at få taget, så var det den frysende kolde vind der fik tilskuerne til at krybe sammen, tæt spækket hele vejen rundt om den store udendørs bane, hvor publikum havde taget plads. Der var rigtig mange der havde valgt at lægge vejen forbi Mors til dagens hingstevisning og 100 års jubilæum.

Ib Kirk blev standsmæssigt kørt ind på banen i en gig med en belgier forspændt, og med ingen ringere end berider Bjarne Mark ved tømmerne. Det var netop med en belgierhingst at det hele startede for 100 år siden hos familien Kirk på Mors, og den lange liste med hingste som har været en del af hingstestationen vidner også om det store engagement og aktivitet som årene der er gået.

Eftermiddagen stod på præsentation af både dressur- og springheste. Naturligvis med hingstene i fokus, men også rideheste afkom og et par nye føl. Under vejs kommenterede Ib Kirk selvfølgelig hestene, hvor han til dagen havde fået Per Skærbæk som medkommentator på dressurhestene og Lars Rasmussen på springhestene.

Det var glædeligt gensyn med guldmedaljehingsten Hesselhøj Donkey Boy som blev vist ved hånd, og her bifaldt Ib Kirk det gode samarbejde omkring hingstene med norske Kristin Andresen, og kunne samtidig fortælle at der lige nu var stor efterspørgsel på sæd fra Donkey Boy fra hele verden.

Den unge fløjhingst og materialprøvevinder, 4-årige Svalegårds Hot Driver e. Hesselhøj Donkey Boy / Blue Hors Hotline, avlet af Carl Chr. Krabbe (avlet på superhoppen Svalegård´s Hottie) blev flot fremvist af Carina Cassøe Krüth som jo skal stå for dem fremtidige uddannelse af hingsten. Hot Driver viste tre smidige gangarter med god power og flot form. Fra medkommentator Per Skærbæk var der også ros for, at man gav den unge hingst de bedste muligheder, under en dansk top rytter som Carina Cassøe Krüth.

Den aldrende herre Bon Bravour e. Painted Black / Chronos som er blevet 17 år er nyankommet for denne sæson til Katrinelund. Hingsten er jo uddannet til Grand Prix under hollandske Anky van Grunsven, og derudover særdeles interessant i forhold til en forædlingsprocent på hele 41%!

I Danmark er der alene registreret 7 afkom fordelt med 5 afkom i 2013 og 2 afkom i 2014, men ud af de få afkom har tre gjort sig ekstra bemærket. Nemlig super hoppen Atterupgaard Delorean med Selina Solberg Vittinghus i sadlen, og Bournonville som nu er solgt til Lövsta Stuteri, men Søgårds Bon Royal i dag er hos britiske Laura Tomlinson. Alle tre heste med ekstra klasse.

Bon Bravour selv brillerer med at være højstillet og ret ædel i kroppen, måske ikke det smukkeste udtryk, men så har han en særlig smidig overlinie, og hvis man stiller skarp på det han kan bag sadlen, så formår han at tippe og sætte sig på en helt særlig måde i pirouettearbejdet. (Desværre er det klip på videoen herunder langt fra så godt som den pirouette som blev vist lidt senere).

En eftermiddag hvor det kolde forårsvejr stod tydeligt i skyggen af rigtige hestefolk, og hvor Katrinelund efterfølgende var vært ved kaffe, småkager, øl, sodavand og grill pølser.

Første internationale Grand Prix sejr til Nadja Aaboe Sloth med Favour Gersdorf i tyske Toisdorf

Nadja og Favour Gersdorf til lørdag aftens præmieoverrrækkelse i Troisdorf - privat foto.

I aftes skete det som alle Grand Prix ryttere drømmer om - den første internationale sejr

Grand Prix klassen i aftes i tyske Troisdorf var med 20 startende ekvipager, hvoraf der var to danske ekvipager Nadja Aabo Sloth med Favour Gersdorf og Kenneth Damgaard med Uno Day Sun.

Nadja Aaboe Sloth med hendes blot 10-årige Favour Gersdorf e. Foundation / Leandro avlet af Inger Marie Andreasen var 4. sidste startende i klassen med starttid kl. 22.34, som også betød at de fik prøvet at ride i ægte floodlight stemning.

Nadja fortæller fra Tyskland at hun havde en rigtig god tur uden store fejl sammen med Favour Gersdorf, og hun var super tilfreds og selvfølgelig også stolt over at kunne vinde klassen, tilmed i deres første tur i floodlight.

Nu gælder det Grand Prix Special i dag hvor ekvipagen har starttid kl. 14.50, mens Kenneth og Uno Day Sun har starttid kl. 12.50.

Kenneth og Uno Day Sun sluttede i Grand Prix´en med 64.50%, og hvor Kenneth fortæller på Instagram, at han var meget tilfreds med turen med en mere afspændt Uno Day Sun, men desværre med nogle dyre fejl under vejs i turen.

Der er desværre ingen livestreaming fra stævnet, men scores kan følges her.

Results from stallion performance test in Münster-Handorf today

3 year old

Excalibur by Escamillo / Don Nobless

Some of judges comments: "Elastic with good swing and balance for turns 8,5 for trot, canter uphill good balance 8,5, for the walk a bit tense first 2-3 steps could show a bit more forward search 8,0, ride ability nice mouth with good balance 8,5, and potential 8,5 = 8,40

V-Power by Viva Gold / Fidertanz

Some of the judges comments: Clear trot with strong hind leg, huge shoulder freedom, but bit swinging forehand 8,2 - clear beat uphill and well balanced canter 8,8. Yesterday the walk was lacking more relaxation, but today nice clear 4-beat lack bit more search of the riders hand 7,5, nice in the contact and well balanced, lacking bit more suppleness in the left side 8,0 for ride ability, willingness to perform 8,4 = 8,14

4 year old

Diamantenglanz by Diamond First / Bon Coeur.

Some of judges comments: Very rideable, nice forhand could show more power from hind, nice swing 8,2, always uphill under the body open frame for the canter 9,3, good walk in clear rhythm could show bit more relaxation for front legs 8,4, ride ability looked a bit tired compared to yesterday but still fully focused and willing 8,6 - over all impression 8,5 = 8,61

Skyline to B by Blue Hors St. Schufro / Ampere.

Some of the judges comments: Powerful energetic trot, nice extensions 8,2 trot, canter was highlight, uphill, nice angle taking weight hind with super extensions and easy coming back 8,8, walk always clear beat with good relaxation 8,2, ride ability very good for all 3 presentations and also positive and concentrated about the test rider 8,8 - over all impression 8,6 = total score 8,54

A meeting of excellence at Compiègne

PRESS RELEASE

With four of the World’s Top 10, including the number 1 and World champion, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, the 12th Internationaux de Dessage of Compiègne (from the 4th to the 7th of May) offers an exceptional line-up. The promise of top level competition and a rendezvous which France is facing with very real ambitions. 

For several years the CDIO5*, Compiègne’s international dressage competition, has become one of favourite events for the World’s best dressage riders. The 2023 edition confirms the attractiveness of this event, playing host to one of the stages of the prestigious FEI Nations Cup circuit. Since the beginning of the year, few competitions in the World can boast such a line-up. At the top of the list is the new queen of the discipline, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, World number 1 and winner of the individual World champion title last summer in Herning (Denmark). The 27 year old rider will be leaving her fabulous Glamourdale at home, but she will be present in Compiègne’s arena with Dark Legend, a 15 year old with whom she participated in a World Cup final last year and who is familiar with this French show-ground taking third place in the 3* Grand Prix both in 2022 and 2021 and winning the Nations Cup in 2019. ‘’It’s a competition that I particularly appreciate, the site is superbly renovated, the arenas are perfect and there’s always a very good atmosphere, recalled the World champion during her last visit. All the riders will tell you the same thing!’’

Charlotte Fry will be leading a British team in which spectators will also be able to discover the young (18 years old) Annabella Pidgley. No stranger to podiums in European junior competitions, Pidgley has been partnering Vamos Amigos since the beginning of the year, this 11-year-old gelding was Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour former ride, and the horse with whom she was awarded the excellent score of 89.411% at the last World Championships (and an individual silver medal behind... Fry).

Denmark, Team World champions, Great Britain, but also Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands to battle in the Nations Cup

Competition will be extremely fierce. Three other riders in the World’s top 10 will be present at the Grand Parc equestrian stadium. Denmark’s Carina Cassøe Krüth,  ranked n° 5, will be competing on her mare Heiline’s Danciera, with who she won two stages of the World Cup during the winter as well as taking team gold at the last World Championships. Among the most loyal riders in the French competition, Patrik Kittel from Sweden, currently ranked n°7 is entering with his top horse Touchdown. Watch out also for the Dutch Dinja van Lierde, n°4 in the rankings (bronze medal at the World Championships with Hermes N.O.P.), who will be bringing her young but already very effective Hartsuiker. Collectively probably a step below, Belgium, third last year here, will be counting on Larissa Paulius, fourth last weekend in Fontainebleau with Flambeau, and Portugal (4th in the 2022 Nations Cup), on Maria Caetano and Hit Plus.

France has no complexes and dreams of a podium

With such a huge amount of competition in the Nations Cup, it is going to be an intense fight to reach the top step of the podium which was occupied by Sweden last year in front of Spain and Belgium. Sixth in 2022, France intends climb a few places and even has the ambition to get close to the podium. ‘’Our riders are working towards it, explains Jean Morel, France’s dressage team selector and chef d’équipe. They’ve been working hard all winter. We’re lucky to have a Nations Cup of this level in France. We’ll be lining-up our best team at Compiègne with horses that are already competitive and which have been showing form over the last few months. All our horses are capable of crossing the symbolic 70% mark, and despite a few details needing improvement, the whole picture is very positive. Taking part is good, but we’d like to climb in the placings and why not even take a place on the podium.’’

Leading the French team will be France’s best performing pair since the beginning of the year, Corentin Pottier and his son of Totilas, Gotilas du Feuillard who were 9th in the World Cup in Basel and 6th in the Grand Prix at the recent CDI 5* in Fontainebleau, achieving  scores over 72% each time in the Grand Prix. Alongside him will be Morgan Barbançon (n° 26 in the World rankings), the best French rider over the last few seasons who will be competing in Compiègne with Bolero, and the rider from the Cadre Noir at Saumur, Pauline Basquin, with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE. Alexandre Ayache, partnering Jolène, will also be present, but as individuals.

With four months to go before the European Championships in Riesenbeck (Germany, from the 4th to the 10th of September), but also just over a year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Internationaux de Compiègne are a precious indicator for all the nations.

Excellent fields in the in both the CDI 3* and youth classes

A considerable number of riders entered in the CDIO5* will also be taking part in the CDI 3*, most of them with up and coming horses that are already performing well. Classes for the youngest riders are also looking exciting with, in particular, in the CDIP (ponies), the presence of Germany’s Lilly Marie Collin and Mia Allegra Lohe, respectively n°2 and n°3 in the World. In the juniors, Belgium is coming forwards as favourites with two riders in the top 20 (Clara Collard and Anna Peeters). In the CDIY (Young Riders), Mado Pinto, the World n°11 with Hot Bit de la Gesse, will certainly be carrying French hopes. Finally, in the CDIU25 (under 25s), the Netherlands will have the advantage with the World n°11, Daphne van Peperstraten.

……..
 
AND TO CONCLUDE, THE GREAT SANTI SERRA

At the end of classes, on Sunday the 7th of May in the afternoon, Santi Serra, the World-renowned equestrian artist will once again amaze spectators. A wonderful finale to three days of great sport. In his show, Santi Serra will be showcasing his love for horses, dogs and birds. As always with the spanish artist, often called the magician, the whisperer, ..., it’s going to be fascinating !

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