Dressage arrived at Windsor once more as riders from all over the world descended on Berkshire for the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show (13 – 15 May 2015). Three dressage classes featured in the equestrian extravaganza – advanced medium freestyle, grand prix and grand prix freestyle – which attracted huge spectator numbers, who watched dressage darling, Carl Hester reign supreme once more.
Riding his own and Jane de la Mare’s 11-year-old Don Ruto-sired gelding, Nip Tuck, Carl and his partner braved the rain to top the tables in the grand prix with a massive 75.38%. Fiona Bigwood and her own ten-year-old Danish mare, Atterupgaards Orthilia – sired by Gribaldi – ensured that it was a British 1-2 as they scored 74.06% to take the reserve spot. Dutch rider, Katja Gevers and Thriller placed third with 71.32%.
Alice Oppenheimer and her mum’s 12-year-old Dimaggio gelding, Headmore Delegate scored 69.86% to claim fourth, whilst Lara Griffith and Dr Bechtolsheimer’s 12-year-old Rubin Royal gelding, Rubin Al Asad followed closely behind in fifth (69.26%).
The atmosphere was electric for Friday’s grand prix freestyle as the international combinations danced into the night, vying for the top spot and €10,450 prize money. However it was Carl and Barney – as Nip Tuck is known by his friends – who were victorious once more as they scored a whopping 79.45%, just shy of their target – the illustrious 80%.
“The rise of Nip Tuck continues!” exclaimed Carl from his Facebook. “He was fantastic under the Windsor lights tonight! We will hit 80% soon! Happy horse, happy rider, happy owner & happy super groom!”
For those who didn’t get chance to make the trip to Windsor, Carl shared his freestyle test via his Facebook page. To watch the master at work, click here.
Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia proved to be the talk of the competition as they showed fantastic promise for the future, claiming second with 76.50%. Hayley Watson-Greaves and her own 11-year-old British-bred gelding, WG Rubins Nite – sired by Rubin Royal – upped their game and claimed fifth with 71.42%
Windsor also played host to an invitational national advanced medium freestyle class on the Wednesday (13 May), which was topped by Alice Oppenheimer and Georgina Pole-Carew’s eight-year-old Sir Donnerhall-sired stallion, Tantoni Sir Soccrates. The pair dominated the class, scoring 76.00% - almost four percent above second placed Lucy Cartwright and Fergana (72.88%). The class also marked Alice and Socs’ final advanced medium, as they focus on their – very promising – small tour career and beyond.
For full results, click here.