Press release: Olympian Charlotte Dujardin secures clean sweep of Grand Prix wins at Hickstead

Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin competing at Hickstead (c) Boots and Hooves Photography

12 May 2024

Press release

Charlotte Dujardin completes clean sweep of Grand Prix wins 

Charlotte Dujardin rounded off an excellent week at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead, winning a third Grand Prix title.

The World number five brought her Grand Prix victor Imhotep back for Sunday’s I.C.E Horseboxes CDI3* Grand Prix Special, where she once again topped the leaderboard with 81.362%. Her mentor and team-mate Carl Hester and Fame were second with 78.660%.

“I’ve had a fantastic week with both my horses, finishing off the show with the Special with Imhotep, and I felt like he did one of his best tests that I’ve done,” said Charlotte.

The 11-year-old Imhotep picked up nines and tens for his piaffe and passage work, as well as his pirouettes and final halt. “There was a rider error in the ones [one-time changes] but apart from that I was absolutely thrilled. It’s great preparation to make these mistakes here and hopefully get them all out of the way. Each time you do a test you feel like you’ve learned something. By Paris, hopefully there’ll be no more mistakes.”

At last year’s European Championships, Charlotte and Imhotep were part of the gold medal-winning team as well as picking up two individual bronze medals. Their impressive Hickstead performance this week will have no doubt helped their selection campaign ahead of this summer’s Paris Games, when Charlotte could go ahead of cyclist Dame Laura Kenny as the British female athlete to have won the most Olympic medals.

Imhotep is the more likely contender for the Games, but in her Freestyle winner Alive And Kicking Charlotte has another potential championship horse in the making. “With Paris in mind, it’s something we’re really focusing on, we’re really busy trying to get everything in tip top shape,” she said. “They’re very different horses. Pete is like being on a spring, he’s extremely bouncy and very powerful, and he’s quite big and wide to ride. Whereas Audrey [Alive And Kicking] is smaller, much neater, and a totally different mover to Pete.”

It was Charlotte's first time competing at Hickstead since the birth of her daughter Isabella in 2023. “It has definitely put a perspective on my career. Before having Isabella, this [riding] was my life, and I was so focused on doing this all the time, whereas now being a mum has made me realise what’s important. Being a mum is the best thing in the whole world, she’s my number one priority. Going out there to compete is all about going out there to make her proud, so it’s fantastic that she can come and watch me here and be a part of it.”  

For full results click here. 

PIDGLEY DOES THE DOUBLE ON FINAL DAY

The European Young Rider gold medallist won two classes on the final day of the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival

PRESS RELEASE - HICKSTEAD PRESS OFFICE 12 MAY

Twenty-year-old British rider Annabella Pidgley had a successful end to the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival, with a double of wins on the final day.

The European Young Rider gold medallist headed the I.C.E Horseboxes CDI U25 Grand Prix with the 12-year-old Vamos Amigos on a score of 74.974%, then later added an Intermediate I with Espe, scoring 72.402%. “It’s been a great day – the amazing weather here has topped it off. I’ve done three tests today and it’s been challenging, but to have the results I’ve had today has been incredible,” she said.

Annabella also finished second behind Olympian Laura Tomlinson in the Saracen Horse Feeds Premier League FEI Intermediate I. Riding the nine-year-old stallion Kadans, she scored 73.088% behind Laura and Full Moon II, with 75.441%.

It was a second win in two days for the pair, as Laura and Full Moon II also topped Saturday’s Fairfax Saddles Premier League FEI Prix St Georges.

Tomlinson also took the top spot in the I.C.E Horseboxes Premier League FEI Grand Prix Special with Soegaards Bon Royal, a 10-year-old gelding by Bon Bravour. They were the only pair to break the 70% barrier, scoring 72.532% to go ahead of Andrew Gould and Amicella.  

After his one-two finish in Saturday’s Team test, Myles Graham and Nibeley Union Hit picked up another win in the I.C.E Horseboxes CDI Junior Riders Individual test, ahead of Mette Dahl (Fidelio van het Bloemenhof) in second and Ruby Hughes in third with Brioso.

Laragh Byrne and the eye-catching palomino stallion Steendieks Dali Gold took the CDI Ponies title for Ireland, finishing less than 0.3 percent clear of Britian’s Madi May Haerr and Machno Excalibur.

The finish in the Fairfax Saddles Premier League FEI Prix St Georges was even closer, with Anders Dahl taking the narrowest of victories with Kokkedals Herzog. His score of 68.971 was just enough for the top spot, with yesterday’s winner Lara Butler and Amiek C in second on 68.931%.

Dannie Morgan and the nine-year-old High Hoes Razzle Dazzle took the Bret Wilson Premier League Advanced Medium 98 with a score of 70.351%.

For full results click here. 

Danish bred Maxi Kraft’s Barcelo & Dorothee Schneider winner of preliminary St. Georg Special in Munich today

Barcelo & Dorothee Schneider - photo: screenshot Clipmyhorse

8 yr old Maxi Kraft´s Barcelo OLD by Bon Coeur / Caprimond bred by Stutteri Atterupgaard and ridden by Dorothee Schneider took today´s preliminary St. Georg Special victory with 74,536%, 2,5% ahead of 2nd placed Victoria Nielsen with Prinzessin Paula.

Super well balanced trot tour with lots of suppleness for both half passes and extensions, super into walk at A direct for a big supple extended walk tour only rewarded with a 9 from judge at E German Evi Eisenhardt, while the other 4 judges saw the extension for 8,5 - 7,5 - 8,0 - 7,5. Tiny unbalance for the rhythm at the begin of the collected walk tour. Very good canter tour with 2nd half pirouette as clear highlight, super balance and sit, good series where your not in doubt about the natural go and power but well managed from Dorothee. Nice halt with supple rein back and super extension towards the final halt.

They definitely look like a strong card for the final. The 12 best combinations from today are ready for the qualifier for the final tomorrow where only the winner will qualify and at the end of the 8 qualifiers the 4 combinations with the best scores for the 2nd placements will qualify for the final.

Barcelo is out of one of the most successful dam lines in Denmark

A total of 5 approved stallions comes from this dam line. Barcelo himself is no longer stallion.

Here you find all informations about the dam line.

Most recent is the 4 yr old Danish Warmblood and OLD approved stallion Atterupgaards Bernachi by Bon Courage. Video clip from presentation at Stutteri Atterupgaard.

13.000 euro top price HANN colt by Despacito / Millennium - ended auction 8 May

Here you find the entire list of prices.

ALIVE AND KICKING STEPS UP TO THE MARK IN FREESTYLE DEBUT

Charlotte Dujardin's rising star impressed in today's Horse & Country CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music

PRESS RELEASE - HICKSTEAD PRESS OFFICE 11 MAY

Charlotte Dujardin’s rising star Alive And Kicking was impressive on her Grand Prix Freestyle international debut, scoring 82.350% to take the win in emphatic fashion on the penultimate day of the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival.

The 10-year-old mare had only made two international appearances before this week’s CDI at Hickstead, winning both the Grand Prix and Special in Lier in March and in Hagen in April. After finishing runner-up to Charlotte’s top horse Imhotep in yesterday’s Grand Prix, Alive And Kicking (known as Audrey) returned to her winning ways in the Horse & Country CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music, with a confident routine that belied her relative lack of experience.

“That was the first time I've ever ridden it [the freestyle routine], and I think she's only ever done one other Freestyle, which was at Prix St Georges, so Audrey had a big ask tonight and I feel she did a very good job,” said Charlotte, who rode to a soundtrack based on music from the film Frozen.

In runner-up spot was Singapore's Caroline Chew on Blue Hors Zatchmo (74.940%), with Britain's Andrew Gould in third with Genie. 

Having lost out in Friday’s CDI Grand Prix to his protegee Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester was back on top in the LeMieux Premier League Grand Prix. Riding the 15-year-old En Vogue, Carl scored 75.304% to retain the title they won here 12 months ago.

Asked how En Vogue compares to Carl’s other Grand Prix ride Fame, he said: “They’re actually quite similar personalities and temperament, they are both a little bit quirky and can quickly change from very relaxed to very hot. But they’re beautiful horses to ride, and when they go well I feel like I am probably doing some of the best dressage I’ve ever done, they just suit my personality.”

Carl and Charlotte’s London 2012 Olympic teammate Laura Tomlinson enjoyed her competitive highlight of the year so far, winning the Fairfax Saddles Premier League FEI Prix St Georges with Full Moon II. She also came third with second ride Forest Hill, with Sarah Millis and Le Zorro taking the runner-up spot.

“I was first to go with that horse at 8 o'clock this morning, so it's been a long day waiting to see how the results panned out,” said Laura. “I was really pleased with him, he felt settled in the arena, switched on, and just a lovely ride. I'm in the Intermediate I tomorrow. So hopefully we can carry forwards with a little bit of confidence.”

Laura’s stable jockey Lara Butler was also top of the podium today, with her victory coming in the Saracen Horse Feeds Premier League Intermediate I. Riding the 14-year-old Amiek C, the pair scored 75.343% to finish more than two percent clear of Michael Eilberg and MSJ Encore in second. “The temperature was getting very warm today, but he coped very well with the heat and with the atmosphere,” said Lara of the bay gelding by Ampere.

This morning also saw some young talents in the sport compete in the CDI 1* classes. Myles Graham enjoyed a one-two in the I.C.E Horseboxes CDI Junior Riders Team test, winning with Nibeley Union Hit(72.000%) and finishing second with Nibeley Black Pearl (70.363%). The Young Riders' title went to India Durman-Mills and Escade, with a score of 70.588%, while Sofia Games and Steendieks Cadillac took the CDI Ponies test with 69.857%. In the Children on Horses, Ella-Grace Dovey finished top of the leaderboard with a score of 75.450% on her 11-year-old gelding, Sheepcote Jackson.

Annabella Pidgeley secured her second win of the show, taking top spot in the I.C.E Horseboxes CDI U25 Intermediate II with Vamos Amigos. "He gave me one of the best feelings he has ever given, especially through our piaffe and passage tour," she said. 

For full results click here.

CARL COMES CLOSE TO THE PERFECT SCORE WITH SUPERSTAR QUINN G

Carl Hester dug out his short coat for the first time in years to ride an extraordinary six-year-old  

PRESS RELEASE 11 MAY - HICKSTEAD PRESS OFFICE

Carl Hester has enjoyed an excellent week at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival, picking up a win in the Premier League Grand Prix with En Vogue as well as finishing runner-up in the CDI 3* Grand Prix Special with Fame. Yet it was a stand-out performance in the KBIS British Dressage Young Horse classes that Carl pinpointed as his highlight of the show.

Riding Fiona Bigwood’s mare Quinn G, Carl took the 6yo Commanded Route title with an impressive score of 98.4% - getting perfect 10s from the judges for her walk, canter and general impression.

“I'm just a pilot on a very special horse, she is quite something. I've never had a score of 98.4 in my life,” said the six-time Olympian. “It's the sort of score you can die quite happy after. If I had to retire tomorrow, at least that's on my CV.”

The Danish warmblood Quinn M (Quaterhit x Fassbinder) was sold to Great Britain last year, after picking up the gold medal at the World Championships for Young Horses as a five-year-old. “After the World Championships I think a lot of people knew she was going to be a star, but let's hope she just keeps developing and moves forward really successfully,” Carl added.

Asked what made her special, he said: “She has this amazing walk, trot and canter, she's like a panther, and she's such a clever, intelligent soul. But she takes some riding because she's so big and such a big mover. How blessed to get to ride a horse like that, they don't come along very often. I really feel like she's a creature from heaven.”

Hester rarely competes below Grand Prix level, so he had to dig out his short dressage coat for the first time since his London 2012 ride Uthopia was competing in young horse classes. After their record score in Friday’s competition, Carl had to get to grips with the test for Saturday’s I.C.E. Horseboxes British Dressage International Young Horse class, which they duly won with a score of 97.0. “Fiona told me this morning that she couldn’t read the test to me, that I needed to learn it – and my brain is not as good as it used to be! That’s all I was worrying about as I was riding round, that I wouldn't know where I'm going. I learned it in five minutes. But it's fun to do something different."

While it was Carl’s protégée Charlotte Dujardin who produced a clean sweep in the CDI Grand Prix classes at the show, Carl also produced two superb tests with his European team gold medallist Fame to finish third in the Grand Prix and second in the Grand Prix Special. “We are rivals but I’ll happily accept that she’s better than me!” Carl said. “I love watching her ride and I thought Imhotep did one of the best Grand Prix tests that he’s ever done in terms of relaxation, contact and his frame, he just keeps getting better and better.”

DUJARDIN STEALS THE SHOW IN THE GRAND PRIX

The Olympic, World and European gold medallist proved unbeatable at today's I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival 

PRESS RELEASE 10 MAY - HICKSTEAD PRESS OFFICE

Charlotte Dujardin was on dominant form at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead, with a one-two finish in today’s feature class.

Riding her European Championships partner Imhotep, Charlotte took an impressive early lead in The Swan Inn, Fittleworth CDI3* Grand Prix, with a score of 80.870%. Carl Hester and last year’s Hickstead Grand Prix winner Fame went into second place with 76.239%, until Charlotte and her second ride Alive And Kicking sneaked ahead with 77.370%, relegating Carl to third.  

“I’ve had a great two rides, with Imhotep getting back on track with his 80 [percent] and a clear round,” said Charlotte. “Alive And Kicking has only done four Grands Prix so she’s very inexperienced but I’m really happy.”

Asked how it felt to finish ahead of her friend and mentor, Charlotte commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Carl so it’s great to have him here by my side, but it’s brilliant to beat him on both my horses, I’m not going to lie!”

Carl added: "At this moment we're all desperately trying to do the best we can and get good scores with Paris coming up. It's been a wonderful day - to have weather like this and rides like this, it's what dreams are made of." 

Earlier, Charlotte’s pupil Annabella Pidgley scored a win in the opening international class of the show, the Horse & Country CDI1* Prix St Georges. Riding the 10-year-old mare Espe, Annabella scored 72.706% to take the win. “It’s great to be back at Hickstead, the atmosphere here today in the sunshine is just amazing, and Espe was super and I’m really pleased with her,” said Annabella.

In the Horse & Country CDI Young Riders test, Hermione Tottman topped the leader board with the 16-year-old gelding, Exquisite on a score of 69.941%. “I was really happy with him, he gave me a great feeling in the arena. I want to keep on improving this year, and keep gaining experience,” said Hermione, whose next goal is to break the elusive 70% barrier.

In the Premier League tests, Michael Eilberg had a successful day, winning the Fairfax Saddles FEI Prix St Georges with MSJ Encore, and then having a one-two finish in the Stübben Premier League FEI Intermediate II with Dante VX and Figlio.

Matt Frost was the winner of the Bret Wilson Premier League Advanced Medium test, with the eight-year-old Lemmo. Their score of 72.393% put them nearly two percent clear of the second placed combination, Jezz Palmer and Romanno Weltino.

For full results click here.

FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 - Calendar Update

EI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 08 May 2024

FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 - Calendar Update 

Following the FEI’s previous announcement regarding the withdrawal of Rotterdam (NED) and Falsterbo (SWE) competitions from the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 calendar, the FEI can confirm that both Organising Committees have requested to revert to the original plan of hosting a leg of the series. This decision comes after both Organising Committees have communicated to the FEI their inability to accommodate a regular CDIO scheduling format this year.
 
The FEI has supported this request, facilitating the reinstatement of the CDIO-NC at both venues for 2024. As previously communicated, all stakeholders will meet following the conclusion of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 and review the series for the coming year.
 
After the withdrawal of team Spain, the Organising Committee for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ qualifier in Pilisjászfalu (HUN) has informed the FEI that they will not be hosting the event this weekend - 8 to 12 May 2024 - and will therefore be withdrawing from the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 calendar.  

The dates of the remaining legs of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2024 are:

• Rotterdam (NED) - 20 to 23 June 2024

• Falsterbo (SWE) – 11 to 14 July 2024

Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen were shopping at yesterday´s Aloga Auction

With 2nd highest price among the dressage horses Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen (LDZ Equestrian) secured th very attractive 5 yr old gelding Fuego by Follow Him´s Schönweide X Silbersmied at yesterday´s Aloga Auction for 270.000 euro.

12 selected dressage horses were sold at the auction last night and top price went to 4 yr old stallion by Everdale x Decamerone sold for 300.000 euro.

Back in 2021 the international jumping brothers Bertram and Harry Allen together with Maxi Lill held their first auction, and 2024 was first time with a dressage auction with Sönke Rothenberger and Maurice Tebbel in front. 2024 edition of the jumping sale was with no less than three horses sold for over 1,0 mio euro.

Here you find all prices from the auction.

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HANN foal auction bidup starts tonight at 7.30 pm

15 dressage foals are at the 31st Online HANN auction with 9 colts and 6 fillies.

Current top prices:

From H2R no 32 Eliana by Escanto PS / San Amour shows some really nice qualities for the future. Well balanced uphill not moving on speed with good shoulder freedom for all three paces.

And among the colts no 35 Dark Passon II by Despacito / Millennium is with look and power too.

H2R will also keep an eye on 36 Foundation / Lissaro, 39 Most wanteed Nero von Bellin / Dancier and 44 Sezuan´s Donnerhall / Don Crusador.

Here you find the entire collection.

Victory for Sweden's Patrick Kittel ahead of a French duo

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

Sweden's Patrick Kittel, riding Jovian, won the PKM Logistique Freestyle Grand Prix, the grand finale of Compiègne’s  Internationaux de dressage. Alongside him on the podium, Pauline Basquin (Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE) and Corentin Pottier (Gotilas du Feuillard) who put in a historic performance for France. The packed stands at the Grand Parc equestrian stadium enjoyed the show! 

Patrik Kittel & Jovian, winner of the Grand Prix Freestyle PKM Logistique

A familiar picture. One of Compiègne's most loyal competitors, the Swede Patrick Kittel putting his arms around the neck of his horse at the end of his freestyle programme at Compiègne’s Internationaux de dressage. Already on the top step of the podium in 2021 and winner of the Nations Cup on several occasions with his country, the World n° 6 again dominated on Sunday in the PKM Logistique Freestyle Grand Prix. He succeeded Britain's Charlotte Fry, the reigning World champion, winner here last year with Everdale. The 47-year-old rider, who finished second in the last two editions of the competition (with Touchdown), was the penultimate rider to start with Jovian, his ten-year-old KWPN stallion. He took the lead with a score of 80.690%, thanks in particular to a beautiful extended trot and good final overall scores. "I'm really very, very happy to win again at Compiègne," declared the overjoyed winner of the World Cup final with Touchdown in April. ‘’My horse is really great. I haven't been riding him for long, and this is only our third international event. I'm trying to find the right routine. There are still a few things to work on, but I'm very pleased. I've often come to Compiègne and I've been lucky enough to win a lot of classes with very different horses. It really is my favourite competition and has a very special atmosphere. The big increase of strength in French dressage seems to give this event even more scope and enthusiasm. I'm delighted!"

France, already third in the FEI Nations Cup on Saturday, could indeed rejoice with their weekend. By just four tenths, the Swede was ahead of Pauline Basquin with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, a 14-year-old gelding who has become the pillar of the French team. With a score of 80.290%, the rider from the Cadre Noir de Saumur broke the symbolic 80% barrier for the third time. ‘’I would have signed up for this result straight away, even though I'm not far from victory," confided the rider from Saumur. ‘’I'm delighted with the horse, he's very brave and gave it his all even though he was tired. He was carried by the public. I’m really proud of him. The work on his canter over the winter is starting to pay off. He was more relaxed today. That's a real positive for the future. I'm over the 80 mark again and that's encouraging for the future. It gives you motivation and confidence. It's a lovely reward for everyone, the people who follow me in Saumur, the staff who put their heart and soul into it, and the French team. We'll have a good week's rest before leaving again for Le Mans, which will also be used to prepare for Rotterdam.’’

To have a French rider on the podium of a CDI5* is rare. To have two is exceptional, even historic. Invited at the last-minute following Morgan Barbançon's withdrawal, Corentin Pottier and Gotilas du Feuillard achieved the feat of climbing onto the third step of the podium. ‘’It's crazy," he exclaimed. ‘’I should never have even been here, and the weekend ends with a podium for the team and one for me in the Freestyle. It's completely unexpected. Especially with the field that was here. I'd said to myself that a fifth place would already be very good. It wasn't the easiest test I've ridden. The horse was a bit hot. But we've done so many competitions together now that we've come to understand each other. It was hard for him, but he went for it. I'm really proud of him. The collective result is also wonderful. We all work very hard. It's the result of two or three long years of trying to improve things little by little.’’

With two couples on the podium, France had an excellent competition and above all a very promising one ahead of the Olympics. ‘’Things are progressing well," explained Jean Morel as he watched his two riders complete their laps of honour. ‘’We're obviously pleased. We were hoping for a podium finish this season, we didn't know where we'd get it and we’ve achieved it at Compiègne. Now we've got to go and get some more. We've worked hard and it's paying off. But we mustn't get carried away. It's good, we're climbing slowly and people are talking about us. They all rode well and did what was asked of them. Now we're going to go to Le Mans, we're also bringing out other horses elsewhere. You must analyse the competitions one by one. For the moment, we're not yet in the Games, even though they’re approaching. I'm also pleased to have had the riders for a fortnight. It allows us to live together, the riders and the staff, and that's very important for me. Now we have to stay calm and be ready for the big day, not the day before, nor the day after."
 

CDI 5* Grand Prix Spécial Eurovia - Denmark's Daniel Bachmann Andersen convinces the judges

Winner of the Nations Cup, Denmark also came away with victory in the Eurovia Special Grand Prix. Riding his huge 13-year-old stallion Vayron, Daniel Bachmann Andersen (World n°14) gained the unanimous approval of the judges in the Eurovia Special Grand Prix. With a score of 75.915%, very close to his GPS record (76.149%), the rider put in a superb performance, scoring particularly high points for his extended trot and his passage sequences. At almost 34 years of age, the Dane, already second in Friday's Grand Prix, was obviously delighted with his performance and that of his horse, previously ridden by Germany's Helen Langehanenberg. ‘’He was fantastic," he enthused. ‘’I'm so proud of my horse. He has done two incredible tests. Today, he was a little more distracted and I had to be very careful to make sure he was with me. There are still a few details to sort out but I'm very confident because he's progressing very well. I'm also very happy to have come to Compiègne for the first time. The site is superb, the public numerous and enthusiastic. What's more, the food is good. I really hope to return!’’.  He finished ahead of  Great Britain's Becky Moody on Jagerbomb (74.298%) and Denmark's Carina Cassøe Krüth (World n°12) on Heiline's Danciera (73.745%).

A very positive conclusion

Heading the organisation since its very beginning, Monique Marini, chairwoman of the Compiègne Equestre Association, was very satisfied with how the event went. ‘’I'm delighted with this 2024 edition," she confided. ‘’Once again, the big dressage nations and riders have shown their loyalty to  Compiègne’s  Internationaux de dressage. It's great recognition for the work carried out by our entire team and for everything we've done over the last few years to provide ideal conditions for riders and horses. The French team's third place in the Nations Cup and the presence of two French riders on the podium of the PKM Logistique Grand Prix is also a great sporting achievement. This gives us great hope with just a few weeks to go before the Olympic Games. Finally, the stands were packed once again. We created this competition to make people enjoy dressage. This popular success is proof that we have succeeded in winning the loyalty of spectators and making them appreciate this wonderful sport. For all this, I'd like to thank all those who have made this rendezvous such a success for so many years. The organising team, all the private and institutional partners and all the volunteers. Without them, nothing would be possible.’'

Danish Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Vayron finish a strong weekend at Compiegne with 75,915% victory in Grand Prix Special

Screenshot - Clipmyhorse

Vayron with huge development

H2R caught Daniel on his way home for a sum-up on Compiegne.

When bringing Vayron for competitions no matter where Daniel is always in the drivers seat himself, and Vayron is not travelling in a horsebox, but instead in his own special designed trailer, as he feels much more comfortable due to his size. It also gives an extra dimension of their partnership tells Daniel, as he get the chance to see Vayron in different situations like this time with the sleep over in Aachen both on the way to Compiegne and now home again.

“I felt well prepared for Compiegne and confident about our training and which parts we had to work on since our last outing at home soil in Herning in March.

For the sport part in Compiegne I´m really pleased about our performances, and our work from home has paid off exactly as planned. With me at the sideline for my preparation here in Compiegne were both Nathalie zu-Sayn Wittegenstein and Vivi Vang-Lauridsen, who makes a great team around me. The way I´m now able to ask during the test with easy and effortless respons makes me very happy. The feeling of performing without any technical issues, having Vayron 100% focused with very good scores and still room for improvement gives a special feeling. Exactly this positive feeling I will save in my “mental box” in order to be able to bring it back for our next show. The entire process about the mental part has been a great journey ,and still is, together with my personal mental coach Rasmus Bagger.

As Vayron is a very big boy my main goal has been building up more strength. No matter of the very bad Danish “spring” weather we have been spending a lot of time in the forrest building up his body. This kind of bodybuilding comes much more natural when doing it outside and not at our indoor arena. Of course I have training days at the indoor too, but for that I often focus on the “free” training such as riding the centerline, doing halts, extended walk and collected walk, exercises that pretty much comes for free, but still is a very important part of doing a test.

He is an easy stallion, he eats and sleep well away from home, an is also uncomplicated to handle when bringing him for competitions. When we arrive home tomorrow after another sleep over in Aachen, he will have an easy week with pure forrest hacking and field time.

This is such an incredible journey and I just enjoy every minute,” tells Daniel.

With an individual 2nd place in the Grand Prix and with today´s victory in Grand Prix Special and team victory together with Carina (placed 3rd both Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special) and Nanna (placed 4th in both Grand Prix and Grand Prix freestyle) the Danes has ones again put themselves into the headlines of the dressage sport.

According to the sport plan from Danish national federation last week in Hagen and this week in Compiegne were the first two official observations for selection of combinations for CHIO Aachen and CHIO Rotterdam toward Olympic selection.

Remember you can watch each test from the CDIO5 when clicking at the camera icon 🎥

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Denmark, the reigning World Champions maintain their hold

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

Reigning World team champions and winners of the FEI Nations Cup at the Internationaux de Dressage of Compiègne in 2023, the Danes, started as favourites, holding their own and once again winning the only French leg of the FEI Nations Cup. Accumulating 225.500 points, the strong team made-up of Nanna Skodborg Merrald (World n°4), Carina Cassøe Kruth (n°12) and Daniel Bachmann Andersen (n°14) finished ahead of Sweden (218.239pts) and a superb French team in front of their home crowd (215.261pts). In the individual competition, Germany’s Frederic Wandres (n°7) took the honours in this Grand Prix de la Ville de Compiègne. 

Daniel Bachmann Andersen & Vayron

Predictions were rife: "beatable? unbeatable? With 3 of the World's top 15 riders lining up at the start of the CDIO5* Grand Prix de la Ville de Compiègne, the support for the FEI Nations Cup, Anne-Mette Binder's team looked formidable. The gamble paid off, as Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Vayron came 2nd individually, achieving a personal best with an excellent 76.152%. Carina Cassøe Kruth and Heiline's Danciera, the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special winning pair here in 2023, were today 3rd with 74.913% while Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors St. Schufro finished 4th with 74.435%. "I'm delighted, the contract has been fulfilled," smiled the Danish chef d’equipe. "Before Rotterdam and Aachen, the Compiègne Nations Cup is an important stage in our selection process for Paris. The riders present had expressed the wish to come here and they leave with 3 of the best places, what more could you ask for! Carina and Heiline's have continued to evolve and performed a very interesting test. Vayron, who we wanted to try as he is still 'young' for 5*, impressed us all, while St Schufro and Nanna showed great regularity despite a test in very wet conditions!’’. Following them, the Swedish team led by Patrik Kittel and Jovian (74.283%), Maria Von Essen/Invoice (72.326%) and Juliette Ramel/Buriel K.H. (71.630%) also accumulated very good performances, finishing 5th ,9th and 13th respectively. France has not been on the podium since 2016, the first edition of the Nations' Cup here, and it was a good surprise to see them take third place! Pauline Basquin/Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, Corentin Pottier/Gotilas du Feuillard and Alexandre Ayache/Jolene gave everything right up to the end and finished 3 points behind Sweden and ahead of strong nations such as Germany (212.762pts) and Great Britain (210.826pts). "We're third in a Nations Cup here at home, our riders are being watched more closely.  It's a significant moment, and they've earned it. Although we're still a long way from our objectives, we're making progress and other promising horses are making their way through the ranks" explained the chef d’equipe Jean Morel.

Only Germany's Frederic Wandres, riding the excellent Duke of Britain FRH, managed to overtake the Scandinavian trio, achieving a score of 76.435%. "Once again, I was able to count on Duke," commented the World n° 7. "I really felt he was in top form and he gave 100%. There were no real faults and we gained points in the piaffe, which is his strongest asset, and that's what tipped the balance in our favour today!’"

CDI3* - The Grand Prix Special for Juliette Ramel, the Freestyle for Camille Judet Cheret

As one Scandinavian rider pushed another off the throne, Sweden's Juliette Ramel rode a more regular test than the day before to offer herself victory in the Prix de la Région Hauts de France, partnering Gideon K.H. "I'm very happy with my horse," commented the athlete. "I still have a few faults, but Gideon behaved very well. I had a very good feeling throughout the test. It's extremely positive for the future!’’ . The rider, a loyal competitor at these Internationaux de Dressage, was awarded a score of 69.894%. Once again at the prize-giving ceremony, Nanna Skodborg Merrald was this time 2nd  with the stallion Blue Hors Znickers (68.575%). Portugal's Maria Caetano rode Fenix de Tineo and finished third on 68.532%.

3rd yesterday in the Grand Prix, France’s Camille Judet Cheret offered the best performance this evening in the Grand Prix Freestyle by riding a test to music rewarded with a score of 74.415% with Herelja Higgins. She finished slightly ahead of Frederic Wandres on Joy Game (74.320%) and Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Esperance (74.305%)

CDI1* - The "Kong Christian"  played again within the Grand Parc

Nanna Skodborg Merrald & Blue Hors Monte Carlo

Earlier in the day, Denmark was already in the spotlight thanks to the performance of the World n°4 who took the lead in the Intermediate of the CDI1* with Blue Hors Monte Carlo TC (71.588%). The remarked upon pair overtook Jessica Dunn and Dan It's Carton, already 2nd the previous day (69.441%) for Great Britain, the Dutch pairing of Dinja Van Liere and McLaren (68.029%) followed. 

CDI U25 and CDI Y - Sophia Ludvigsen the Danish hope

Sophia Ludvigsen & Blue Hors Touch of Olympic L

There were few surprises in the young riders, with Sophia Ludvigsen winning both the CDI U25 - Grand Prix Freestyle of the Département de l'Oise and the CDI Y Individual for riders under 21. The World N° 4 in the under-25 age group, riding Blue Hors Quintana and coached by Nanna Skodborg Merrald, won by more than 6 percent (77.475%) over France's Mado Pinto/SIRANO DE LUXE (71.008%). Spain's Carla DE LA FUENTE DE PABLOS and FITO were third (70.833%). Teaming up with Blue Hors Touch of Olympic in the individual event for under-21s, the Dane left the arena with 71.127% putting her ahead of Belgium's Michiel Nevelsteen/Lars Van Het Kristoffelhof (68.529%) and Luxembourg's Maya Link/Zasou (67.647%).

Dressage is difficult to perform as a rider and to judge

With a very nice Grand Prix performance from Werth and Wendy the expectation for the performance in the Grand Prix Special were obviously at same level. The Grand Prix was for sure a clear 77% performance but the Grand Prix Special was another day and another performance and not a 76% performance from H2R point of view.

To substantiate that point of view you can read H2R running comments from each performance here below. Or even better watch the tests at Clipmyhorse archive.

Grand Prix:

Super halt, bit hurried diagonal, nice crossing and flow for both half passes, good halt with rein back, good diagonal, nice into passage, WOW piaffe at the spot balanced, easy transitions, relaxed extended walk, good collected walk, nice into passage, nice passage, 2-3 steps and then balanced is there, easy out, nice passage, nice into canter, looked as if she missed 1st aides for 2 times, nice 2 times, nice extended canter, nice balanced zigzag, nice 1 times good through from hind, good controlled pirouettes, smooth into trot, lack bit more let go diagonal, lovely final centerline.

Grand Prix Special:

Super halt, active diagonal, nice flow and go half pass left uphill, super into passage, good extension nice back to nice passage, nice balance and flow half pass right, passage at C, nice active passage, good extension, nice back, regular passage, relaxed extended walk active, tense collected walk, super piaffe but tense walk steps into, nice out, nice passage, tiny trend forward 2nd piaffe, nice passage, good into canter, well balanced half passes, good 2 times could be bit more forward, error for 1 times, power extended canter, good 1st pirouette, bit big, error 1 times, nice balanced 2nd pirouette, good into trot, good power long side, super final centerline, good halt.

It was two different performances with different qualities and nevertheless nearly same percentage level.

Most of us know the feeling to be prejudiced and of course no one can wipe the board completely clean, but it is important that the athletes and the judges stick to exactly the same regulations and rules.

Exloo Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special

It was also clear when watching the Grand Prix from Exloo that the judges did not agree on what they saw. Like last week in Hagen where also some huge judging disagreements or low scoring came through during the days. It is obvious that everyone has becomes kind of “scared” not to performe correctly.

In the Grand Prix with Edward Gal and Total US scoring from 71,957 to 77,609 and with Hans Peter Minderhoud and Toto Jr. from 67,609 to 76,522%. Today the picture was suddently much more clear as all judges for the two combinations were pretty much in line.

This is not meant as some kind of a “witch hunt” but a call for all parties (riders and judges) to meet and agree to secure fair sport and not least the future of our sport.

When checking out the FEI DRESSAGE JUDGING MANUAL the first item is: OBJECT, GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DRESSAGE:

The object of Dressage is the development of the Horse into a “Happy Athlete” through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the Horse calm, supple, balanced, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the Athlete. These qualities are demonstrated by:

• The freedom and regularity of the paces.

• The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements.

• The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating from a lively impulsion transmitted through a supple back.

• The acceptance of the bit, with submissiveness/throughness (Durchlässigkeit) without any tension or resistance (e.g. open mouth or swishing tail).

The only thing the sport needs is that the judges are judging what they actually see in the test with a sharp eye at the judging manual and not what they saw from yesterday´s test.

VIDEO - Stærke dansker præstationer gav igen i år sejren i Nations Cup i Compiegne

Fra 2024 er Nations Cup serien blevet ændret således at det er førstedagens Grand Prix som tæller som resultatet af teamkonkurrencen. Idag var det kun den stærke tyske ekvipage Frederic Wandres med Duke of Britain som kunne slå danskerne.

De følgende tre placering stod danskerne for med Daniel og Vayron som nr. 2, Carina og Danse som nr. 3 og Nanna og St. Schufro som nr. 4. En magtdemonstration som lige nu er uhyre vigtig, og som er optimal forberedelse frem mod endelig udtagelse af de danske ekvipager til OL.

Det var tydeligt at Daniel og Vayron har styrket deres partnerskab. Daniel kan ride til hele vejen, ingen tekniske fejl, masser udtryk og power. Piaffe balancen er væsentlig forbedret, passagen er blevet mere udtryksfuld og pirouetterne styrket og bedre balanceret.

Carina og Danciera viser en tur med mindre pres end vi tidligere har set dem, og det giver et endnu mere harmonisk og balanceret billedet. Og balancen eller mangel på samme i trav traversade til den ene side har i lang tid været et tilbagevendende problem. Idag viste ekvipagen god balance i begge traversader. Passagen var i dag også i bedre balance kun med et par enkelt ubalancerede trin fortrinsvis på vejen ind i piaffen.

Nanna og St. Schufro kender efterhånden hinanden rigtig godt og selvom det er midt en en travl bedækningssæson for St. Schufro, så vidste Nanna hvor hun havde ham hele vejen, omend det lignede at han blev til hingstet for hjælpen i piaffe turene.

Tre særdeles flotte ture uden tekniske fejl lover bestemt godt for resten af sæsonen.

Imorgen rider Carina og Daniel Grand Prix Special turen hhv. kl. 11.30 og kl. 12.00, mens Nanna rider küren med start tid kl. 15.00.

Lyt til dagens bedste dansker Daniel Bachmann som fortæller om turen i dag, udviklingen og planerne for Vayron. ⬇️

Hvis ikke du fulgte med i dagens Grand Prix klasse så kan du scrolle dig frem i videoen herunder for at nyde de tre danskere.

• Vayron og Daniel - scoll frem til 1.40.40

• Blue Hors St. Schufro og Nanna - scoll frem til 3.20.40

• Heiline´s Danciera og Carina - scroll frem til 5.17.40
  

Hvis du vil læse de løbende kommentarer findes de på næsten alle dagens ekvipager på Horse2rider Facebook.

'Milestone' win for Denmark in FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ of Compiegne

Each year, Danish chef d'equipe Anne-Mette Binder has her high performance riders make a wish list: In which events would you most like to compete? When she weighed the wishes with the results, she came up with her three-rider squad for the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ of Compiegne (FRA).

It proved to be a winning formula.

Denmark captured an impressive win Saturday in the CDIO5* Nations Cup event, a key component in Binder's "milestone plan" ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (FRA). Daniel Bachmann Andersen (Vayron), Nanna Skodborg Merrald (Blue Hors St. Schufro), and Carina Cassoe Krüth (Heiline's Danciera) bested a competitive field of nine teams with a winning point total of 225.500. Sweden finished second (218.239), with the home nation third (215.261).

"It's a very important competition here for us. This is in our 'milestone plan'—so we call it—where we watch the riders, and then from all the events that we have put into our milestone plan...we will select the final [Olympic] team."

Anne-Mette Binder (DEN)

Bachmann Andersen has only been paired with the 13-year-old Westphalian stallion for two years, but they found success almost immediately when stepping into international competition together. Since their championship debut last summer, Bachmann Andersen has focused on fitness and building up his partner's strength, particularly in his extension.

"He came to me when he was 11, and he hadn't done the real Grand Prix yet," Bachmann Andersen said. "I've been working a lot with getting him [stronger] and getting more stable and really being able to lengthen his frame and extension, and all of that succeeded really well [today]. 

"The transition out of the piaffe was better than it's ever been, and I think almost my entire counter-canter was very convincing," he added. "I think he was really with me, and it was really nice."

Krüth and Skodborg Merrald showcased the strengths of long-term partnerships. Their scores nearly mirrored one another, with Krüth earning marks of 74.913% and Skodborg Merrald receiving 74.435%. Krüth was also a part of the squad that won this same competition a year ago.

"I have been riding [Heiline's Danciera] since she was four years old. She actually had her own foal when she was four, so she was a little bit late in her education," Krüth shared. "But she's quite a fast learner, and she's not a big horse, so she's quite easy in her body, and she's always been very practical in her movements...I've been riding her forever. It's like a marriage."

World No. 4 Skodborg Merrald recently finished second in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final with Blue Hors Don Olymbrio. With a strong group in her stable, she brought out Blue Hors St. Schufro for stallion's first international start of 2024. 

"I've been riding him since he was seven," Skodborg Merrald said. "It's quite a longer relationship with him now, and he's just super nice to ride. It's a lot of fun every day with him."

Winning the lone five-star event of the 2024 season, the Danish catapulted themselves up the series leaderboard to sit third after two events on 15 points. Sweden leads the way after finishing third in Wellington (USA) and has 20 points. Wellington's victors, Germany follows closely behind in second with 19 points.

The 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ series concludes in Budapest (HUN), 8-12 May.

Full results

VIDEO - Chateau de Versaille getting ready for Equestrian Olympics

VIDEOS - Watch all tests from Compiegne for free from arena A

Remember you have free access to all performances from ARENA A in Compiegne. After each class all tests from this arena are available. Just click at the camera symbol before the final score 🎥

LINK for results here.

Huge Danish imprint at today´s international scene

Vividus QRE & Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour - photo: screenshot Cliphorse

Laudrup-Dufour also takes the GPS in Aalborg with Vividus QRE and Blue Hors girls in top at Compiégne for CDI1 PSG, CDI3 GP, CDIU25 GP and CDIY team test.

Vividus QRE & Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (GPS Aalborg )

Nice halt, well balanced uphill diagonal, nice crossing balanced uphill half pass left, smooth into passage at C, tiny tensions hind for passage, nice back to passage, nice half pass right, good into passage at C, nice extension, expressive passage at short side, good extended walk with nice relaxation, good collected walk, direct into nice piaffe at the spot and easy out, nice into 2nd piaffe, tiny bit forward with tiny lost of impulsion, nice out, nice into canter, well balanced half passes, nice 2 times, small error for 1 times, bit conservative extended canter, good 1st priouette, good 1 times, nice 2nd priouette, good into trot, nice extension, expressive final centerline, super piaffe, super transitions, good halt. 73,362%

As Cathrine told after her performance today: “He is a pure gentleman in the arena, he just tries his heart out and never asking why. It´s such a gift to be able to built up a partnership with a talented boy like him. Today he actually felt a bit tired, but his positive attitude makes it possible to show an almost error free test only with a small hiccup for the one time tempies at the diagonal, and there´s of course still a lot of things to develop with more strength for the future.”

Cathrine also showed the 10 yr old gelding Jaguar by Johnson for the first time with debut victory in Inter II with 74,561% (Jaguar is owned by a client of Cathrine).

2nd international GP start for Blue Hors Znickers and Nanna Merrald

Nanna and 11 yr old Znickers by Blue Hors Zack / De Niro made their international GP debut in Herning i March with 68%, and today they took their first international victory in the CDI3 GP at Compiegne. A total of 30 combination in the class and finishing in top with 72,587%

Error free and effortless performance. Super entering halt, supple power diagonal, smooth crossing uphill half passes, good halt with rein back, supple diagonal, nice back to good passage, good transitions, piaffe in clear rhythm need more balance on the hindquarters - trending 74,6% - short extended walk need more let go, better collected but still lack of suppleness, scores drops to 71%, super strong canter tour showing nice series and highlights for both well balanced pirouettes with super nice quality, super transition to trot, lovely diagonal, nice final with very nice halt.

International debut placement as no 3 in PSG for 7 yr old KWPN stallion Blue Hors Monte Carlo by Dream Boy / United with 70,677%.

Young Blue Hors rider Sophia Ludvigsen made sure that the Danish national anthem was played twice today for her, as she won both the U25 GP with her long time partner Blue Hors Quintano with 72,410% and at the same time she made her international debut together with 10 yr old gelding Blue Hors Touch of Olympic L by Blue Hors Don Olymbrio / Fidermark and won their Young Rider team test with 70,676%. Back in 2021 Touch and Nanna won silver at World Championships for Young Horses in Verden.

Other Danish combinations at the international scene

Daniel Bachmann Andersen showed the 10 yr old mare Shirley by Sezuan / Solos Carex, bred and owned by Vivi and Christian Vang-Lauridsen. Unfortunately with a costly big mistakes for the 2nd pirouette in the Grand Prix.

Lone Bang Zindorff and Thranegaardens Rostov finished as no 5 in today´s Grand Prix Special in Mannheim with 69,468%.

Nice halt, nice power diagonal, good flow and go half pass left, nice into passage at C, good extension, nice back, good regularity hind for passage, missing bit suppleness right for half pass, good into passage, bit tense hind, nice extension, good back, good passage short side, nice relaxation for extended walk, good collected walk, nice into piaffe, bit on/off hind, good out, bit unbalanced 2nd piaffe bit forward, good passage, bit tense into canter, good half passes, nice flow 2 times, super 1 times, good extended canter, big volte like 1st pirouette, nice 1 times, much better 2nd pirouette, bit tense into trot, good extension, nice final centerline, super halt.

Midtgaards Zamir and Karoline Skøt were at start in CDI3 GP in Exloo and finished with 66%.

Good halt, good diagonal but bit hurried, missing bit more forward flow for half passes, left becomes bit unbalanced, bit open halt bit dragging rein back, good diagonal, nice into passage, good passage, nice into piaffe and nice out again, extended walk need bit more over the back walk, good collected walk, good into passage, nice passage, active nice piaffe and good out into nice passage, good into canter, good 2 times, good extension, missing bit more suppleness to left for zigzag, good 1 times, very nice quality for 1st pirouette bit big, missing bit more control 2nd pirouette, good into trot, bit hurried diagonal, nice final centerline with super halt.

Carina Cassøe Krüth showed the 8 yr old mare Tophøjs Diadora by Donkey Boy / Landtinus, bred by Stutteri Tophøj. They finished with 67,294% in PSG in Compiegne today.

Emilie Nissen and Søgaards Secret by Franziskus / Quaterback finished with 67,412 in the YR team test in Compiegne.

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KLIK PÅ FOTO OG LÆS MERE OM INFRAPOWER

Werth and Wendy look like an Olympic combination

Wendy de Fontaine & Isabell Werth - photo: screenshot Clipmyhorse

Today was just Werth and Wendy´s third international Grand Prix together and finishing with an impressive score of 77% says a lot. From the scores itself it is improvement from first show at Le Mans scoring 74%, next show in Aachen scoring 75% and today´s score of 77%.

Much more important is the way of the improvement over those just three different shows in just three month.

The overall former kind of hectic picture has become much more balanced, eventhough the trot extensions are not a highlight and still shown a bit hectic. Said that the trot half passes are now much more balanced where you get the impression that the tempo now lets Wendy finish each step in her own balance. Piaffe tours has improved significantly, again every step is in balance without asking for a quicker rhythm but it looks as if Werth is asking and waiting Wendy to respond the way she is able to do the job without tensions combined with easy transitions. One time tempies are today shown with quality jump of the ground with much bigger strides from behind. Also the pirouettes has improved with more clear airtime.

All in all today´s performance look like a clear step towards Werth Olympic horse this summer.