Alex Hardwick and Donauwein enjoyed a rewarding trip last week to the Deauville CDI3*/CDIU25 in north-western France, 23-26 July 2015.
Alex and Donauwein (pictured at Hickstead Premier League), her mother Sally’s 13-year-old son of Don Vino, contested the Under 25s division, which comprised the intermediate II test and the ultimate level of competitive dressage - the grand prix. The pair achieved third place in the inter II with 66.92% before producing an international personal best of 68.65% for second in the grand prix. Both classes were won by Laurence Roos and Fil Rouge for Belgium.
Royal Chester, Alex’s small tour partner, was a little overwhelmed by the experience but gained in confidence each time he stepped into the arena. The ten-year-old gelding by Royal Highness, who is also owned by Sally, scored an uncharacteristic 61.55% in the prix st georges as his performance was marred by several mistakes. The pair moved up the rankings to 18th in the inter I with 65.68% on their way to regaining their mojo for the inter I kür. Back to form, the pair was awarded 68.67% in the pouring rain, for a pleasing seventh place.
“What started off to be a lovely sunny week has turned out with us all being completely soaked!” said Alex on her Facebook page. “’Chez’ got quite nervous on the first day with loud speakers and lots of atmosphere so made quite a few mistakes and carried it through to the second day. Today he was so much better in the freestyle as we swam our way across the arena and into seventh place in such a strong class.”
“Dudy was such a star coming third in the inter II yesterday and second in the under 25 grand prix today with our highest score yet internationally. Both horses were so close to the 70% mark and I know they have so much more to give. I’m completely loving being on this journey with my ponies. As always, a massive thanks goes to my amazing home team, sponsors and supporters.”
Two British riders represented Great Britain at big tour: Kay Maxted and Privaldi, her evergreen 18-year-old Gribaldi son, and Steph Croxford with Mr Hyde, her 10-year-old British-bred gelding who very much bears a resemblance to her now retired crowd-pleaser, Mr President.
Kay and Privaldi achieved 64.10% in the grand prix for 18th, and 65.12% for ninth in the kür; Steph and Mr Hyde scored 62.40% for 21st in the grand prix and, opting for the grand prix special, scored 64.43% for ninth.
Results of the British riders
Prix St Georges
24th Natalie Allen and Churchill Casual, 63.52%
28th Alex Hardwick and Royal Chester, 61.55%
Intermediate I
18th Alex Hardwick and Royal Chester, 65.68%
25th Natalie Allen and Churchill Casual, 61.76%
Grand Prix
18th Kay Maxted and Privaldi, 64.10%
21st Steph Croxford and Mr Hyde, 62.40%
Grand Prix Special
9th Steph Croxford and Mr Hyde, 64.43%
Grand Prix Kür
9th Kay Maxted and Privaldi, 65.12%
Under-25s Intermediate II
3rd Alex Hardwick and Donauwein, 66.92%
Under-25s Grand Prix
2nd Alex Hardwick and Donauwein, 68.65%
For full results visit the show website