British impress at Drachten CDI

Three British riders made a solid start to 2015 after travelling across to the Netherlands for the first European CDI of the year, Drachten CDI3* (9 – 11 January 2015).

After a successful junior career, 18-year-old Charlotte Fry made her debut as a young rider at the Dutch venue over the weekend. Equipped with Rosemary Shewen’s 11-year-old Flemmingh gelding, Z Flemmenco (pictured), Charlotte showed great potential at the higher level, scoring 66.97% in the young rider team test to place eighth. Although there were a few mistakes in their individual test, which saw them score 62.28% for 13^th place, the quality of the rest of their work bodes well for the future. Definitely one to keep your eye on!

Speaking from her Facebook page, Charlotte exclaimed her delight: “Had a great time at Drachten CDI, in the team test [Z Flemmenco] was really good with just a few mistakes in the changes, we finished 8th on 66.97% and then in the individual it was the first time we'd both done the test so had quite a few mistakes which left us out of the placings. So pleased with him, and there's plenty to improve on for next time!”

Putting their tough start in the pony team test behind them, 14-year-old pony rider, Lara Kuropatwa and Samantha Brown’s eight year old British-bred stallion, Le Chiffre impressed judges and spectators alike in the individual test, scoring 68.41% for seventh place.

Representing Great Britain at big tour was senior rider, Nikki Crisp and her long-term partner, 18-year-old KWPN mare, Pasoa. The pair was awarded seventh place with a mark of 68.80% in the grand prix and 66.00% in the grand prix special to place seventh once more.

For full results, click here.

Young rider team test

8^th– Charlotte Fry with Z Flemmenco (GBR), 66.97%

Grand prix

7^th– Nikki Crisp with Pasoa (GBR), 68.80%

Pony individual test

7^th– Lara Kuropatwa with Le Chiffre (GBR), 68.41%

Young rider individual test

13^th– Charlotte Fry with Z Flemmenco (GBR), 62.28%

Grand prix special

7^th– Nikki Crisp with Pasoa (GBR), 66.00%

Pony freestyle test

10^th– Lara Kuropatwa with Le Chiffre, 58.00%