Today eleven duos from six countries started in the CDI4* Grand Prix de Dressage in order to qualify for the Grand Prix Special on Saturday (30/05).
Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) and his world champion horse GLOCK's Johnson TN presented themselves in a league of their own. In magnificent style, Hans Peter led the beautiful stallion offspring of Jazz x Flemmingh through the test. All the judges agreed: this was the best performance! The final score was 76.140 %, with the canter movements such as flying changes and extended canter movements especially being given the highest scores.
When asked what the expectations for tomorrow were, the GLOCK rider answered totally relaxed: “With GLOCK's Casper I will be starting with a young horse. It is his first time at a large tournament, so you never know how things will turn out. I’m curious to see whether he will show the same focus as 'Johnny' today.”
Thanks to Lorraine van den Brink and her already 19-year-old Orlandus, the second place also went to The Netherlands. With 68.800 % she had less than half a percent score more than Matthias Kempkes (GER) who came third. He was given 68.400 % for his performance in the saddle of Rivero II, descendant of Riccoletto.
Highest ranking Austrian was Alexandra Slanec from Vienna with her Lord of Dream in eighth place (66.680 %). Nikolaus Erdmann (K) and Lamborghini 79 came tenth with 64.820 % ahead of Martin Hauptmann (St) with Frechdachs H in eleventh place (63.180 %).
ISABELLE STEIDLE (GER) DANCES WITH LONG DRINK TO THE FIRST VICTORY OF THE DAY IN CDI3*
Enjoying beautiful weather and in the wonderful atmosphere of the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER in Treffen, the CDI4* CDI3* CDIU25 Dressage International opened today. Seventeen participating duos went to the start in the CDI3* Grand Prix de Dressage, which served as qualification both for the Grand Prix Special on Friday (29/05) and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday (30/05). The riders from Germany made a particularly strong showing and secured first, second and third places.
Isabelle Steidle (GER), with her 14-year-old Holstein Long Drink, descended from Langenhagen x Concerto II, rode into the competition as last starter and delivered the best performance. Three of the five international judges saw her in first place and the overall score of 70.620 % was a clear indicator of victory. “Winning here on the first appearance is simply great! We feel very welcome here and conditions are ideal.” said the beaming winner Isabelle Steidle.
Her fellow countryman Matthias Bouten (GER), with his twelve-year-old Ehrengold MJ descended from Ehrentusch, having a score of 69.140 %, was therefore narrowly beaten into second place in the CDI3* Grand Prix de Dressage. Third-placed Kathleen Keller (GER) has counted as one of the rising talents in the dressage scene, not least since her victory in the German Dressur Derby (2011). With Daintree, raised in Hanover, she achieved an overall 68.300 % and third place, delivering yet more proof of her talent.
The Austrian participants also put on a good show. Andrea John (T) and her Esperanto 4 took fourth place with 67.840 %, whilst reigning national champion of the small tour Caroline Kottas-Heldenberg (W) and Shylock were seventh with 5.820 %. Jacqueline Toniutti from Styria also delivered a solid performance and, in the saddle of Sandrose, daughter of Diamond, achieved 64.000 % for ninth place.