The British contingent enjoyed success at Waregem CDI in Belgium last week (14 – 17 September 2017).
Rebecca Bell did herself proud winning both the Junior Team test with 72.568% and the Junior Freestyle test with 75.875% aboard her mum Caroline’s Nibeley Union Hit (pictured), a ten-year-old daughter of Nibeley Union Jack. The pair’s emotive Freestyle was executed with precision and style for a super international personal best of 75.876%.
Eighteen-year-old Rebecca, who was a member of the gold medal-winning British Pony team of 2015 where she also achieved Freestyle eighth, was thrilled with ‘Una’ on the mare’s first overseas CDI.
“On the way back from Dressuur Waregem after an amazing week,” said Rebecca on Facebook. “The showground was great with good surfaces and facilities and the organising committee was so lovely and always wanting to help - thank you for making us so welcome! Una was such a pro on her first trip abroad, taking everything in in her lovely considered way, and our results were above and beyond my expectations- 3 +70 scores culminating in 75.875% to win the Kür today! Hearing the national anthem played for this mare after all we've worked through to get here did bring on the emotions - but I promise I didn't cry!”
World Class Podium Potential rider Sarah Millis was happy with the performances of her two rides – the huge 11-year-old gelding Behroez (United x Gribaldi) and Hofjuwel, Katja Kuistila’s Hofrat-sired 12-year-old. Behroez, who’s affectionately known as ‘Boss’ was fourth in the PSG and second in the Inter I both with plus-71% scores, whilst Hofjuwel aka Hoff was sixth in the Grand Prix and third in the Special.
“I’m delighted with Boss,” smiled Sarah. “After a good result at Hickstead CDI I’m thrilled with his consistency and positive attitude at Waregem. He's growing in confidence each time and we’re very excited about the future. His pirouettes were high quality and for a big horse this is impressive. I’m now able to harness the power more efficiently and put it to good use.
“Hoff was very good In the Grand Prix but too many small errors were costly. The Grand Prix Special was a test of two parts, the trot work was very good but the canter programme was not so strong which was partly my fault. There’s some things to work on but overall I was very happy with him. When it all comes together it'll be great.”
Big Tour
Grand Prix
1st Stephanie de Frel with Beach Boy, 69.100% (NED)
6th Sarah Millis with Hofjuwel, 66.480% (GBR)
9th Anna Ross with Wydny, 65.600% (GBR)
Grand Prix Special
1st Stephanie de Frel with Beach Boy, 69.196% (NED)
3rd Sarah Millis with Hofjuwel, 65.529% (GBR)
Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Tosca Visser with Asther de Jeu, 73.865% (NED)
5th Anna Ross with Wydny, 68.720% (GBR)
Small Tour
Prix St Georges
1st Lynne Maas with Electra, 73.789% (NED)
4th Sarah Millis with Behroez, 71.605% (GBR)
11th Ellen McCarthy with Donna Summer, 67.316% (GBR)
15th Stephanie Eardley with Pina Colada, 65.711% (GBR)
16th Sally Bell with State Secret, 64.105% (GBR)
Intermediate I
1st Lynne Maas with Electra, 73.711% (NED)
2nd Sarah Millis with Behroez, 71.684% (GBR)
11th Ellen McCarthy with Donna Summer, 67.579% (GBR)
17th Sally Bell with State Secret, 62.605% (GBR)
Intermediate I Freestyle
1st Lynne Maas with Electra, 77.100% (NED)
11th Ellen McCarthy with Donna Summer, 69.330% (GBR)
14th Sally Bell with State Secret, 64.720% (GBR)
CDIY - Young Riders
Young Rider Team Test
1st Febe van Zwambagt with FS Las Vegas, 69.737% (NED)
9th Anna Jesty with Aquiro, 64.781% (GBR)
Young Rider Individual Test
1st Febe van Zwambagt with FS Las Vegas, 74.474% (NED)
3rd Anna Jesty with Aquiro, 68.816% (GBR)
Young Rider Freestyle
1st Febe van Zwambagt with FS Las Vegas, 77.642% (NED)
6th Anna Jesty with Aquiro, 69.667% (GBR)
CDIJ – Juniors
Junior Team Test
1st Rebecca Bell with Nibeley Union Hit, 72.568% (GBR)
Junior Individual Test
1st Milou Dees with Francesco, 71.447% (NED
2nd Rebecca Bell with Nibeley Union Hit, 71.184% (GBR)
Junior Freestyle
1st Rebecca Bell with Nibeley Union Hit, 75.875% (GBR)
For full results click here.
Photo courtesy of Chris Coessens Photography.