17 young stallions selected day 2. Below you can find H2R highlights of the day ⬇️⬇️⬇️
No 301 - supple mover with nice open frame.
No 336 - easy of the ground, supple, very nice walk
No 300 - supple mover with good freedom, bit long top line but still nice push, good walk
No 330 - supple uphill, well balanced and with good expression.
Germany, USA, Ukraine, Australia and The Netherland were among the buyers.
Here you find the total list of prices.
As usual H2R take a closer look into the stallion selected by Dutch KWPN licensing commission
527 - Born 2018 already taking part in the KWPN stallion competitions.
No 306 - very correct uphill with good movements, short top line.
No 380 - missing bit more stallion expression and canter becomes bit ordinary.
No 495 - beautiful type, uphill movements in good balance with nice freedom.
No 518 - suppleness, uphill, balance and expression - BEST of day 1.
No 517 - Valverde / Olivi - super expressive well moving, top line lack of more natural strength, becomes to high in the front.
No 520 - still very young body wise, but supple mover with good expression. A real Vivaldi boy.
No 523 - Long legged well moving.
No 524 - medium frame, very nice canter, lacking bit more over view.
No 500 - So Perfect / Jazz - modern long legged, missing bit more shoulder freedom.
No 510 - supple uphill mover, nice supple topline.
No 509 - quick of the ground, nice angle from behind, uphill.
No 511 - Total McLaren / Glamourdale - medium size, expressive, uphill with good power and expression.
No 485 - unfortunately no video available from free presentation.
No 494 - unfortunately no video available from free presentation.
No 490 - unfortunately no video available from free presentation.
Randbøl Dressage Academy drives af familien Obel og Dennis Fisker
En snak med Mette Frederiksen fra Randbøl Dressage Academy omkring den første tid, det første stævne, og fællesskabet under samme tag med de synergier det kan give.
Et spændende 2025 venter med nye aktiviteter, hvor DM i dressur i maj uden tvivl bliver et absolut højdepunkt på aktivitetskalenderen.
Kig forbi Randbøl Dressage Academy hjemmesiden for evt. at finde svar på spørgsmål el kontakt Mette direkte.
Maxima Bella & Sandra Sysojeva - Screenshot / Clipmyhorse
What more can you ask for?
Their Olympic freestyle Paris theme not only makes great memories but also has a very special mood, also reflected with 2 x 10 for "music and interpretation of the music" from judges at M, British Peter Storr and at B, Czech Republic Gabriela Valeriánová.
High degree of difficulty combined with top qualities for piaffe and passage tours, rewarded with lots of 9´s and a few 10´s (A question: Is it possible to ask for any better in order to get at 10? "Regularity, taking weight, self-carriage, activity, elasticity of back and steps. Specific number of diagonal steps"), soft contact and top expression. Only tiny technical things were tense entering halt, small error for 1 times at curved line, successfully repeated for the joker line with combo of two times to one times, tensions for collected walk, but clearly more relaxation for the extended walk tour.
They just leave the picture of dressage joy!
2nd placed Kittel and Touchdown only 0,6% ahead of of Bachmann Andersen and Marshall-Bell. Kittel is the master of freestyle and showed a strong performance.
Daniel and Marshall-Bell showed actually their best ever freestyle yesterday, not fully reflected by the scores, but they are also pretty “new” back on the scene together. Strong technical performance without any issues, well balanced hind, nice piaffe tours, good series, good pirouettes, relaxed walk tour, overall nice expression and nice form. Former PB made back in March 2022 with 83,795%.
Link. for full results.
Winner of CDI5 Grand Prix in Salzburg - photo: screenshot/clipmyhorse
Even though their competition record does not show any 5-star starts, it was actually their 2nd CDI5 Grand Prix, as the Olympics of course also is at 5-star level.
Most of the dressage world already knows about this very special 8 yr old mare by Millennium / Christ and her rider Sandra Sysojeva. Today they did not dissapoint. So much power, ease, expression and power in one gorgeous black coat. The judges were not fully in line for the clear victory as the placements was: 2 - 1 - 4 - 1 - 1, and scores from 71,7% from judge at C Thomas Lang til 77,3% from judge at B, Peter Storr. Looking into the detailed scores Peter Storr looked very much on point from H2R point of view. A lot of nines, but also 6,5 for halt with rein back, like also 6,0 and 6,5 for the walk tour and 2 x 5.0 for the two times and extended canter.
Today´s performance was also rewarded with 2 x 10 - the first piaffe and the first part of passage at final centerline.
With today´s Personal Best score of 74,913% there is still room for improvement. The halts were all with a bit of tensions, like the walk tour also need more relaxation, additionally with the two technical issues.
Such a pleasure to watch this combination and follow their already great development.
Sandra told after her test that her normally cool Maxima Bella wanted to look up and was clearly afraid of the people “walking above her head”.
Bit ubalance halt, power expression diagonal, go flow and uphill crossing half passes, not steady halt for rein back, super extension, nice back to big expressive passage, easy into super active of the ground piaffe, easy out, power passage, bit tense walk need more let go, bit unbalanced collected walk, super passage, super piaffe, super smooth transitions, good into canter, small error 2 times, good extended canter, good zigzag, good 1 times, good pirouettes, good into trot, power diagonal, super final centerline WOW! unbalanced halt.
Placed 2nd today the reunited combination Danish Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Marshall-Bell. Last weekend they were entering at Lövsta Top 10, but unfortunately Marshall got the tongue over the bid, and Daniel withdraw from the competition. Today they were back on track with a super solid performance, and where Daniel after his test also was very satisfied, with a small reflection over the zigzag and one times, where he didn´t manage to keep as focused and balanced as the rest of the performance.
Good halt, good balance for diagonal, active half passes missing bit more suppleness right, not square halt but nice rein back, good power diagonal, nice into passage, good passage, nice transitions, active well balanced piaffe at the spot, good passage, nice extended walk with good relaxation, bit tense collected walk, good into passage, nice into and out of 2nd piaffe, tiny bit forward, good angle, good into canter, good big 2 times full diagonal, good extended canter, good change, good zigzag dropping pole slightly, ok 1 times becomes bit short in the neck bit swinging, good balance and quality for both pirouettes, 2nd best, good diagonal, good into passage, nice final piaffe, easy out, good passage, super halt.
Touchdown and Kittel finish as no 3 today.
Bit unsteady halt, good diagonal well balanced, good half passes, unbalanced halt front nice rein back, nice power diagonal, good into passage, small unbalance hind by passage turn, good into nice piaffe, bit big out, nice passage, good extended walk, nice collected walk active balanced, good into passage, nice piaffe at the spot, bit big out, nice into canter, big 2 times, power extended canter, change hind into collection, nice zigzag, good 1 times, good pirouettes, best control 2nd, nice into trot, power diagonal, good final centerline bit big out of piaffe.
Link for full results.
26 dressage horses are in the 2024 collection.
From the video presentation you can always get your first hand impression of the horses, but it is way more interesting to watch them from the live presentation.
H2R picked 3 top prices ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Here you find the entire collection.
Winner Dieudonné & Raphael Netz - Photo: screenshot/clipmyhorse
Today it was only their 2nd international Grand Prix together, as they recently made their debut in Herning DEN with 70,261% placed as no 3.
For the GP performance today Raphael showed the 11 year old Dieudonné with power and expression as we saw them first time in Herning, but this time with more control and relaxation.
Nice halt, super expressive of the ground diagonal, good balance crossing half passes, bit of the contact for halt with rein back, power diagonal, super back to passage at V, big passage, well managed transitions into and out of good piaffe steps, super passage, super begin of extended walk tour last part bit looking tense, good collected walk, good into passage, bit tense high hind 2nd piaffe, becomes hind aides looking, moves backwards, but manage to continue, good passage, good into canter, nice 2 times, good extended canter, bit unbalanced zigzag, ok 1 times swinging, nice quality and balance for both pirouettes, super into trot, balance power diagonal, big passage, good piaffe, nice out, good halt. 71,630%
Definitely a combination to keep an eye on. Young Raphael Netz is showing his horses with super fine aides, good contact and super obedient.
Danish debut
For Danish amateur rider and Olympic reserve Nadja Aaboe Sloth the Salzburg event is for the first time with two “home produced” Grand Prix horses. For the 5-star tour Nadja brings her Olympics reserve horse Favour Gersdorf, and today for the 3-star she brought the 10 yr old mare Miss Holsteins Marikka by Johnson / Florencio, bred by family Holstein. This was her first international big tour, and they did very well. Overall no technical weaknesses and from the “side” it looked more relaxed than Nadja felt, as she told after her test that Marikka actually felt a bit insecure in the arena and she didn´t have the 100% forward search, but overall very happy about their first international together.
Super relaxed in the arena before the signal. Super halt, good power for diagonal could show bit more lengthning of frame, good balance and flow for half passes, good halt with rein back, could show bit more let go for diagonal, good into passage, small stumble in passage before transition to super nice piaffe, well balanced and also successful transitions, relaxed extended walk with good over track, bit hurried collected walk, nice into passage, good passage, tiny tensions hind for piaffe, travelling forward, good passage, nice into canter, super 2 times full diagonal, good extended canter, good zigzag, good 1 times bit swing, good sit pirouettes, lack bit more control, good into trot, need bit more let go for diagonal, very nice final centerline. 67,152%
Here you find the entire results from the CDI3 GP.
The secret has been disclosed: Spain is the official partner country of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2025. Among others, the music star, Alvaro Soler, has confirmed his participation in the Opening Ceremony. The motto is “Hola España”.
When together with the CHIO mascot, Karli, fiery flamenco dancers invite people to sample jamón Ibérico and tapas, the rhythmic clatter of castanets can be heard from afar and the legendary “La Rojigualda” decorates the entrance, lively fiestas, typical Iberian lifestyle and of course plenty of music is not far away: Yes, Spain is the partner country of this year’s CHIO Aachen. Hold on, wasn’t that already the case in the past? That’s right! In the year 2001, a new tradition was founded at the CHIO Aachen. For the first time in the history of the show a partner country was presented for the World Equestrian Festival. And who was it? Exactly! Spain! 24 years later the CHIO Aachen is now looking forward to a revival. “Of course, Spain is a very special partner country for us,” a delighted Birgit Rosenberg, Board Member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, reported during the official announcement on Wednesday afternoon. “The country brings with it everything needed to impress the visitors of the CHIO Aachen 2025: a vibrant culture, captivating music and of course magnificent horses,” stated Rosenberg, who also revealed the motto for the coming partner country: “Hola España.”
Together with this year’s partner country, the organisers are promising a spectacular evening for the top show before the top sport. Because the CHIO Aachen – has long since not only stood for world-class equestrian sport, but also for world-class entertainment. The traditional Opening Ceremony, which thanks to WDR is also being broadcast live on the TV screens from 8.15 p.m. onwards, is staged in the Main Stadium as a perfect, 90-minute long breath-taking, floodlit entertainment show. The theme of which is traditionally closely linked to the partner country. To this end, the kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula offers a huge and manifold spectrum of historical, cultural and modern wealth, which will transform the Main Stadium in Aachen into a huge fiesta on the evening of July 1st. Among others, the German/Spanish music star, Alvaro Soler, will make sure of that. Hardly any other artist is more readily associated with the summer and high spirits than the 33-year-old, who will turn the Main Stadium at the Soers into a true party mile with his world famous hits. A special highlight: As an extra treat for the spectators on-site, Alvaro Soler, who is continually present in the Germany playlists with his Spanish songs, will perform a few encores after the official part is over.
As if that were not enough: At the thought of Spain, Andalusian horses immediately spring to mind. Proud and graceful. The horses of the Kings. Which is why the horses from the “Cordoba Ecuestre” will also form part of the Opening Ceremony and whisk the spectators off into a magical world, which reflects the whole beauty, intelligence and elegant spirit of these horses and the skills of their riders. “For us it is a huge honour to be part of this fantastic event,” the Director of the Royal Riding School in Cordoba, Javier Gómez, said and promised a spectacular programme. However, the performance with traditional horses and plenty of dance and music will be just one of the major highlights on the evening of July 1st. “When I think of Spain, I immediately think of the typical Spanish temperament and the joie de vivre of the people and that is what we intend to portray,” stated Uwe Brandt, who responsible for the choreography, dramaturgy and staging of the show in his capacity as Creative Director, has been supporting the CHIO Aachen team since 2015.
However, Spain will not only decisively shape the Opening Ceremony, it will also be omnipresent throughout the entire duration of the CHIO Aachen. For example, the partner country will also play a major role in the “Horse & Symphony” concert. And we also have good news in this connection too: The traditional interplay between the Aachen Symphony Orchestra and a unique horse show goes down very well with the CHIO Aachen fans, hence there is a high demand for tickets. “To the extent that we are glad to accommodate the wishes of our visitors by offering an additional date for the concert,” Birgit Rosenberg remarked about the breath-taking show that kicks off Germany’s biggest sporting event and which will now be taking place on two evenings instead of just one (June 27th and 28th).
Furthermore, the typical Spanish flair can be experienced over the entire showgrounds – among other things in the form of a colourful sea of flowers that is reminiscent of the famous Patios Cordobeses – as well as in the city centre itself: The traditional reception of the partner country will be held in the market square of Aachen on Monday, June 30th.
Tickets for the Opening Ceremony, the “Horse & Symphony” concerts as well as for all competitions are available from the online ticket shop, from the hotline on +49 (0)241-917-1111 and from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.
‘Hola España’ - The photo shows the participants of the press conference on the occasion of the partner country announcement for the CHIO Aachen 2025, framed by two dancers from the Ferberberg Ballet School. from left: Uwe Brandt, Javier Gómez, translator José Sanchéz from the Aachen Toledo Association and Birgit Rosenberg. In the background two riders from the show team of the opening ceremony with a Pura Raza Española.
For this auction Dynamic Dream and Sir Donnerhall I are the stallions with most sons as they are represented with three young stallions each.
The entire licensing is LIVE at Clipmyhorse.
28 dressage stallions (44 stallions in total) will be at the Online auction starting 8 December with bid up 10 December 19.30. Here you find the entire collection including video of lunging for most of them, which makes a much more clear picture of qualities of the stallions.
H2R favourites for the auction
No 1 - powerful uphill with good balance and supple top line for trot and canter, good walk.
No 7 - good balance, supple from behind in both trot and canter, could carriage bit lighter up in front, super walk.
No 38 - super well balanced with freedom and suppleness in the lunge line.
Stallion collection for licensing ⬇️
FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 5 December 2024
FEI imposes one year suspension on Charlotte Dujardin
The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000, effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.
Dujardin has been provisionally suspended since 23 July 2024 for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.
During her suspension, Dujardin is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation.
British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in Dujardin's ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.
On 22 July 2024, the FEI received a video, submitted by a lawyer representing an undisclosed complainant, that showed Dujardin excessively whipping a horse during a training session at a private stable.
The FEI immediately began an investigation, and contacted both Dujardin and her National Federation.
Dujardin confirmed she was the person in the video on 23 July, and informed the FEI that she would withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also agreed to be provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FEI’s investigation, conducted with Dujardin’s full cooperation, concluded that Dujardin was the only person who had engaged in a rule violation in relation to the video. Additionally, the investigation found that aside from the conduct shown in the video, no other rule violations had occurred during, or in connection with, the training session.
Since the video’s release, the FEI has not received any additional complaints or reports of violations concerning Dujardin’s conduct.
Following the investigation, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings, citing three charges i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
Given the gravity of the offence and the relevant mitigating circumstances, including Dujardin’s prior clean disciplinary record and her voluntary withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FEI proposed a one-year suspension and a CHF 10,000 fine.
In accordance with the provisions of the FEI disciplinary rules, Dujardin admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by the FEI.
Following this, the FEI and Dujardin entered into an ‘Acceptance of Sanctions’ agreement, which was subsequently submitted to the FEI Tribunal, for confirmation in a binding FEI Tribunal decision.
The full decision of the FEI Tribunal, formally confirming the sanctions set out in the agreement is available here.
As noted in the FEI Tribunal’s decision, Dujardin’s acceptance of the proposed sanctions renders this decision final and not subject to appeal.
“It is regrettable that this case has put our sport in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially during a critical time leading up to the Olympic Games,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.
“Yet, despite the challenges, the FEI acted decisively by immediately opening an investigation and imposing a provisional suspension.
“These significant sanctions send a clear message that anyone, regardless of their profile, who engages in conduct that compromises the welfare of the horse will face serious consequences. We believe this outcome reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare and to its role as guardian of our equine partners.”
Hingstekåringsdelen bliver fremover i Arena M
Hingstene til kåring står opstaldet inde i hal C, en af messecenterets store messehaller, og herfra er der direkte adgang til opvarmningen og til KRAFFT Arena. Det er forbundet med en vis risiko, når de unge hingste skal trækkes fra stalden og op i Boxen til bedømmelse, og det har været en af grundende til, at det i 2025 bliver KRAFFT Arena M, som bliver ”kåringsarenaen”.
Det har også været et ønske fra mange avlere, at få hingstekåringen tilbage til de mere intime rammer inde i hal M. For dermed at skabe en god stemning omkring fremstillingen af hingstene, og lave en festlig afslutning på fem dages kåring. (del af nyhed på dvevent.dk)
Læs hele nyheden her.
Impressive auction - super activity and prices for the owners/breeders.
Take a look at the entire list of prices here.
The implementation of the FEI Measuring Device in FEI Events, initially planned for 1 January 2025, has been postponed to 1 May 2025, following approval at the FEI General Assembly in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in November 2024.
The postponement of the implementation was agreed upon to allow additional time to educate the FEI Officials as well as the FEI community, and to account for a slight delay in the delivery of the FEI Measuring Devices.
As soon as the FEI Measuring Device is available for distribution, the FEI will inform the FEI Officials and the wider community accordingly. FEI Stewards will be entitled to one device free of charge.
The FEI Measuring Device, designed by the FEI in collaboration with external experts, is a pass-through tool that is inserted under the noseband, over the nasal bone, and drawn through from top to bottom. The test is quick and straightforward, taking just a matter of seconds to complete.
If the device passes through, the noseband is loose enough. However, if the device cannot pass through easily, the noseband is considered too tight and the consequences outlined in Art. 1044.8 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations will apply.
Danish Warmblood stallion pre-selection takes place 8 December at Riders Cup and 18 December at Vilhelmsborg.
Start list with stallions for 8 December ⬇️
Here you find the link for the entire catalog.
The top three riders of Lövsta Top 10 Dressage in Stockholm 2024. Second placed rider Isabell Werth (GER), first placed rider Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and third placed rider Dinja van Liere (NED). Photo credit: Roland Thunholm/SIHS
Catherine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle showcased their very best in The Lövsta Top 10 Dressage Final in Stockholm, resulting in a place on top of the podium and a personal best for the rider with impressive 90.715 percent.
The reward? More than 71 000 Euro in prize money.
“She allows me to ride super nicely and smoothly, making everything easier,” said Laudrup-Dufour when talking about her lovely mare.
Almost exactly a year after their very first FEI show together, Catherine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle entered the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm with great confidence for the Lövsta Top 10 Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday at Sweden International Horse Show.
The pair had a performance where everything clicked, and the harmony between horse and rider was a joy to watch. The judges rewarded them with high scores, confirming a new personal best for Laudrup-Dufour at 90.715 percent.
"She is just wonderful, and I felt today that she was a tiny bit sharper, in a good way. I really feel I can start dancing to the music with her now. She allows me to ride super nicely and smoothly, making everything easier. The tricky lines were really successful today, and I managed to perform the big, difficult elements very nicely and smoothly," said Laudrup-Dufour after the competition.
The fact that it was a new personal best added an extra touch to the experience.
"It's always a nice feeling to come out of the ring when you've managed to stay with the music and do everything the way you dreamed. But of course, scoring over 90 percent and achieving a personal best made me really, really proud."
The partnership around the now 15-year-old Freestyle has brought Emma Blundell, who bought the mare as a foal and owned her throughout her international career, into Laudrup-Dufour's team.
"When we started talking, we didn't really know if she could return to top-level sport. But from the first rising trot I did on the long side, I felt there was something very unique in this match. So yes, from day one, it's been amazing. Having Emma in the team has been wonderful, and it’s been such a fun journey," said Laudrup-Dufour, who had never before taken over the reins of an older, internationally experienced horse.
Second-placed Isabell Werth (GER) also achieved high scores with her somewhat younger mare, Wendy de Fontaine.
"She was really good today, more focused and much better even though she was already good yesterday. We have to remember she is just 10 years old. It's amazing, and it's a pleasure to ride her," said Isabell Werth.
Third-placed Dinja van Liere (NED) had her hands full with Hermes in the arena but delivered a solid performance that secured her third place on the podium.
"Today he was a little too hot, and we had a couple of hiccups. We need to find the perfect balance. But he's really matured; he’s not spooky anymore around the arena," said Dinja van Liere.
The best home rider was, as in Saturday’s Grand Prix, Patrik Kittel with the mare Forever Young.
"I was very happy. I just wanted to give her a chance here in Stockholm, and the atmosphere is fantastic. The audience is so enthusiastic and was clapping through almost half of my test. Even everyone working behind the scenes—they work so hard and make it possible for all of us to be here and be part of this," said Kittel.
The riders also praised the setup of the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage, where the total prize money for the weekend amounted to over 217 000 Euro.
"It’s been incredible. The whole event has been amazing, not just because of the big prize money but also the engagement of the event team, the audience and their knowledge in the sport. This show has everything. The competition is world-class, and combined with the prize money, it’s unique. It’s so important to have shows like this," said Kittel.
Full results: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1036916
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St John Freestyle nailed the changes and came out on top of the Grand Prix class of the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage. Photo credit: Roland Thunholm/SIHS
PRESS RELEASE - 30 NOVEMBER 2024
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour's triumph in the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage Grand Prix: "Happy to nail it"
It was a strong lineup of riders that entered the arena in the Lövsta Top 10 Dressage Grand Prix on Saturday at the Sweden International Horse Show. Ultimately it was a trio of Olympic combinations that stood on the podium.
Dinja van Liere’s Hermes N.O.P. seemed to thrive in the spectacular arena, taking the lead by three percentage points after their ride with a total result of 76.435. Next up was Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who came to Stockholm with Mount St John Freestyle. The two have been a pair for just over a year, steadily getting to know each other. Inside the arena, they performed a harmonious ride, earning an impressive 81.609 percent.
There was a tense wait for the final rider, Isabell Werth with Wendy de Fontaine, a pair fully capable of performing at the highest level in these events. After a program where many things clicked, but where there was also a couple of mistakes, Werth finished in second place with 79.152, and the victory went to Denmark.
“She felt really, really comfortable today. I’ve had a few competitions where I missed my changes, so I’m mostly happy to have nailed the new key for the changes in today’s ride. I think it was the best canter program I’ve ever done,” Laudrup-Dufour said at the press conference.
Riding into the Strawberry arena in Stockholm is something truly special, she explained.
“This arena is wonderful, and this show, in general, is really something special. It’s great for us to showcase fantastic sport and to push each other to get better. It’s a perfect end to the year for me to be here with Freestyle. I can’t always say I’ve shown her a new arena because she’s been to many places, but it was fun to show her this one for the first time. She was more comfortable than ever when she entered the arena,” said Laudrup-Dufour.
Second-placed Isabell Werth praised her horse, who was a bit too fired up on the day.
“I hadn’t originally planned to go to Stuttgart before this, but I took her there so she would have something more before coming here, and then she was even hotter here,” Werth said with a smile.
“She was really on fire today, so that’s something I need to handle. Of course, I made my mistakes, but there’s no doubt that my horse is amazing. She felt fantastic, and I just need to keep her a bit more relaxed tomorrow.”
Dinja van Liere had the opposite experience, presenting a Hermes who was more relaxed than perhaps ever before. The usually quite hot stallion seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself in the arena.
“I was quite pleased with him. Sometimes he can be a bit hectic, but today he was really relaxed. I always want to give him more relaxation in the arena, and today I managed that,” said Dinja van Liere.
The best home combination was Patrik Kittel and Forever Young, who finished fourth with 73.913 percent.
“I thought she might have a chance to come here and gain some good experience, and I’m so happy with the result. She was good in the contact and very uphill throughout the test, and when the audience starts clapping on the centerline, it’s an amazing feeling to ride here,” he said.
Ahead of tomorrow’s freestyle, Cathrine will use the same program she performed at the Olympics, with a few small changes.
“It’s a freestyle that’s very special to me. I’ve made a few small changes to the choreography and used some of Kyra’s (Kyrklund) crazy lines that she did with one hand. It’s been a challenge, but now I know Freestyle much better, and in Herning, it felt like she really knew the lines,” Laudrup-Dufour said.
Full results: https://online.equipe.com/star...
Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE made a lasting impression in Madrid by claiming their first-ever FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory. Competing in a freestyle field of 10 combinations in front of packed stands, Basquin was the only athlete to break the 80% barrier. Germany’s Carina Scholz with Tarantino and Spain’s home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with Elegance completed the podium, securing second and third place, respectively.
The elegant and light-footed Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (owned by Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation), danced to victory under Basquin’s guidance. While their freestyle score of 80.925% in Madrid was slightly below their personal best from Lyon (FRA) - where the pair placed third just two weeks ago - it was more than enough to secure the win. Basquin also dominated the Grand Prix on Friday, making it a double victory for the French athlete and her talented gelding.
A diverse field entertains Madrid
Though the field in Madrid featured only 10 combinations, the audience enjoyed a vibrant display of a variety of horses, athletes, and music. From powerful Lusitanos to a Jumping-bred horse and refined Dressage ballerinas, the competition offered something for everyone. Musical choices ranged from Spanish castanets and opera, to Lady Gaga, The Beatles, and David Bowie, creating a dynamic atmosphere that thrilled spectators.
Ferrer-Salat sets an early standard
Third to enter the arena, Spain’s experienced Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and her partner Elegance (owned by Deliber S.L.) delivered an impressive performance. After some tension in the Grand Prix, the pair redeemed themselves with a confident freestyle. The powerful Elegance excelled in piaffe and passage, moving elegantly to opera music and finishing with a 360-degree piaffe pirouette. Their score of 77.145% set a high benchmark for the rest of the field.
It took a while for anyone to approach Ferrer-Salat’s score. Austria’s Diana Porsche and her own Douglas followed immediately after. The duo presented a rhythmic freestyle with an uphill frame, but a mistake in the two-tempi changes relegated them to sixth place overall.
Skarsoe and Jiménez Cobo
Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe came close to challenging Ferrer-Salat, riding the striking grey Lusitano stallion Imperador Dos Cedros (owned by Manon Ackermann). Performing to a lively Beatles medley, the stallion impressed with a very solid test and super piaffe and passage. However, their final score of 76.665% fell short of overtaking Ferrer-Salat.
Triple Olympian Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo, one of Spain’s most experienced Dressage athletes, entered the ring as the penultimate competitor. Riding his elegant chestnut Quartar (owned by the athlete and Sylvia Fort Brescia De Mulder), the 65-year-old Spaniard delivered a polished performance. Cobo’s freestyle earned him 77.145%, matching Ferrer-Salat’s score but leaving him just behind due to slightly lower artistic marks.
Scholz claims second
Germany’s Carina Scholz eventually unseated Ferrer-Salat from the top spot with her own 17-year-old Tarantino. Despite his Jumping pedigree, the gelding impressed with outstanding collected work, particularly in piaffe and passage. Scholz, who continues to lead the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings after Madrid, came to the competition with a clear goal: “I wanted to dance in the freestyle, have fun, and enjoy the show!”
Her efforts paid off, as she delivered a seamless performance to secure second place with 79.415%. “We had a very polished freestyle today, and Tarantino was super relaxed in this atmosphere. I absolutely loved it here,” Scholz said after the competition.
Basquin seals the win
As the final athlete to enter the arena, Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE delivered the ultimate performance of the evening. Their harmonious freestyle combined fluidity and elegance, underlining their strong partnership. She describes the gelding as a true warrior. “He is very generous and has a real fighting spirit. He loves to perform and enjoys being in front of the audience,” Basquin said about her 14-year-old partner.
"I think we had a flawless freestyle with no major mistakes. What really pays off is the harmony between us"
Pauline Basquin
(FRA)
This was Basquin’s first time competing in Madrid, though she had previously performed at the Madrid Horse Week as part of the Cadre Noir Gala. She still competes in their iconic uniform. Her ambitions for this season include securing a spot at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and preparing for the 2025 European Championships in Crozet (FRA) next year. “We are working hard to improve, so perhaps one day we can win a medal,” she concluded.
A trio of experienced stars
With Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE, Tarantino, and Elegance aged 14, 17, and 15 respectively, the podium in Madrid featured seasoned horses who are still performing at their peak. Home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat echoed this sentiment: “Elegance still feels young and full of energy. Compared to last year, when we also placed third here in Madrid, he performed much better today.” The five-time Olympian, who earned individual bronze and team silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics, continues to be a cornerstone of Spanish dressage with her performance in Madrid.
The FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League continues in London (GBR) on December 18–19, so, don’t miss a hoofbeat…
Cathrine and Free shines i Stockholm today
Flow, balance, ease, cadence, eleasticity, collection and relaxation - all in one package. At the price giving Cathrine told that she is ready for more for the freestyle Sunday.
Bit unbalanced halt, power balanced diagonal, good half passes, best crossing left, good balance, super halt with nice rein back, bit conservative diagonal nice into passage, good passage, super sit for piaffe, good transitions, good passage, super extended walk relaxed over the back, good collected walk, super into passage at M, springy passage, nice sit for piaffe, good out into passage, nice passage, nice into canter, trend 80%, super 2 times, nice extended canter, good change, good zigzag, good 1 times bit flat, super balance and sit pirouettes, 2nd WOW!, super into trot, power supple diagonal, nice passage, easy into piaffe, good piaffe, good out, super passage, nice halt.
Wendy on fire
Werth is a kind of magician in terms of success in the arena. Today she brought a “über motiviert” Wendy de Fontaine with some smaller technical issues for the canter tour today, and Werth really had her hands ful especially for the canter tour.
Unsteady halt, (6,2), good power diagonal, good flow and go for half passes, bit tense halt with rein back, good diagonal, nice into passage, good passage, easy into piaffe, super balance tiny forward trend, easy out into nice passage, super extended walk active over the back, good collected walk, ready set go at M for passage, nice passage, super into piaffe, super piaffe, nice out, good into canter, last change for 2 times parallel hind, good extended canter, good zigzag, mid 1 times 1 parallel hind, good pirouettes, 2nd best control, good into trot, nice diagonal, nice passage, easy into piaffe, nice piaffe, nice out, open halt.
HANDS FULL today - super motivated Wendy!
Hermes first outing since Olympic Paris
Even though Hermes did not look as sharp as we have seen him before, Dinja manage to produce an error free test with clear highlights of their trademark piaffe and passage.
Good halt, good diagonal, good crossing half passes missing bit carriage, bit open hind halt bit tense rein back, good diagonal, good into passage, good passage, easy into active piaffe, good out, good passage, bit tense hind, relaxed over the back extended walk, super collected walk, could be a bit sharper into passage, good passage, easy into piaffe small tension but at the spot, good out, good passage, good into canter, bit tense but good 2 times, good extended canter, good change, good zigzag, super 1 times, good 1st pirouette, lack more control 2nd, good into trot, good diagonal, nice passage, good piaffe, good passage, good halt.
The unfortunate Danes
First to go today was Daniel Bachmann Andersen with his team World Champion partner Marshall-Bell. Unfortunately when entering the great arena Marshall got the tongue over the bit. Before the start signal you could see that Daniel was aware of the issue, and unfortunately he retired short after the start.
Nanna Merrald and Blue Hors Znickers were ready for their CDI5 debut. And they really stepped into this top level with a strong performance, and not least with improvement.
Bit open halt, expressive supple power diagonal, uphill crossing supple half passes with go and flow, nice halt with rein back, super diagonal, easy back to passage, active of the ground piaffe, put the front legs bit forward but keep the balance, good out big passage, short extended walk but improving, same for collected also improving, super into passage at M, super passage, easy into piaffe bit forward, bit tense, same angle in front as first one, good out, good into canter, super 7 x 2 times and then the last 2!, nice extended canter, nice zigzag, super 1 times uphill sit and jump through the body, sit and balance top for both pirouettes, nice into trot, power balance diagonal, nice passage expressive, active piaffe bit forward, super passage, nice halt.
UNFORTUNATELY ELIMINATED by subsequent bid control due to some kind of red.
Nanna told that she was very happy about her performance, and of course very regrettable about the issue at the subsequent bid control as Znickers felt really super during the entire performance today.
Here you find the entire results.
As this years pre-selection days were not available to follow at Clipmyhorse this collection of stallions takes a bit more to find the top favourites.
From H2R point of view the stallions here below are candidates for the licensing and top prices⬇️⬇️
H2R picked 6 PREMIUM candidates
No 7 - super type, stallion look, supple through the body for all three paces. Premium quality and top price candidate.
No 10 - of the ground power movements. Look a to short and tight in the frame.
No 13 - supple, still very young body wise. Out of same dam line as Danish Warmblood performance test winner Dynamic Dancer.
No 15 - NOT AT THE AUCTION. Expressive well moving stallion look. Premium look.
No 22 - powerful, strong young stallion, with lots of stallion expression. Premium look.
No 28 - NOT AT THE AUCTION - super supple with power and Premium stallion qualities.
No 35 - strongly build stallion with power of the ground movements with interesting twist of jumping genes. Premium candidate.
No 40 - beautiful uphill stallion look, nice push from behind with good shoulder freedom. Premium quality.
No 46 - Supple top line, sharp hind legs for the canter, well balanced not showing himself with speed.
No 47 - NOT AT THE AUCTION - outstanding look and suppleness for both trot and canter, walk becomes bit unbalance. Walk on hard surface bit narrow in front.
Here you find the entire list of stallions.
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