Britain’s youth and senior riders made their mark at Compiègne CDI3*, CDIJ, CDIP, CDIY (31 May – 2 Jun 2013).
Carl Hester and Dances with Wolves (pictured), Aram Gregory’s impressive, high-energy son of Donnerschwee, were invincible at big tour. In only the horse’s first season of grand prix, he’s undoubtedly making an impression and developing into an exciting top-flight horse in the hands of his London 2012 team gold-medalist rider.
Carl and ‘Golly’ were unanimous winners of Friday’s grand prix posting 73.53%, ahead of Germany’s Stephan Köberle and Darjeeling 5 in second with 71%. Also strongly placed was GB’s Gareth Hughes riding Jane Brewin’s mare DV Stenkjers Nadonna, breathing down the necks of the leaders in third with 70.59%.
Two days later in Sunday’s grand prix special, Carl and Golly clocked up 75.91% gaining a 6% advantage over second-placed Henri Ruoste (FIN) riding Jojo Z. Nikki Crisp and Pasoa were next best of the Brits in a creditable fifth place with 68.72%.
Unfortunately, Charlotte Dujardin and Uthopia were forced to withdraw from the competition as a result of fly bites on the saddle area of the stallion’s back. “Sadly the vet has advised we do not try and put a saddle on Uti due to enormous fly bites that have become septic - a big disappointment. New plan of action - Uti and Charlotte will go to Rotterdam,” said Carl on his Facebook page.
At small tour, Gareth Hughes and Aramis T were awarded 69.73% to finish third in a closely-fought prix st georges, with Peter Storr and Fabioso fifth on 68.86%.
Once again, the mature performances of our young riders indicated that the future of British dressage is in safe hands. Rising star Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci were outstanding in the pony classes – 76.41% to win the team test, 71.74% for third in the individual and a storming 77.95% victory in the freestyle.
16-year-old Maisie Scruton is also making an impact, in her first year of juniors. She headed the junior team test riding Hot Chocolate 43, her 16-year-old Sandro Hit mare. This new partnership scored 71.62% to take the class ahead of Claire-Louise Averkorn with Condio B, the German combination who took the honours in both the individual and freestyle tests.
Britain’s Chloe Vell and Kaja Di Valentina were on form, rising from eighth in the team and individual tests to fourth in the freestyle, less than two percent behind the winner. Both Maisie and Chloe will be returning to Compiègne in July, as part of the British team for the Junior European Championships.
Pippa Hutton and Duela, Philip Woof’s 11-year-old Dimaggio mare, were placed fourth in the 19-strong line-up for the young rider team test with a solid 68.79%, a position they held in the freestyle with 70.77%. This partnership of two years is showing great promise in young riders, following a successful career in juniors that included an individual final place at the 2011 junior europeans. Pippa and Duela are another combination to be heading back to Compiègne in July following their call up for the Young Rider European Championship team.
World Class Development rider Ryan Todd, 20, rode Julie Todd’s Charlex Eskebjerg, a 12-year-old Danish gelding by Carano to top-ten spots in all three young rider tests.
For full results click here
Photo: Risto Aaltonen
↧
Compiègne CDI3*: Brits bring home the ribbons
↧