One of the favorites at WDM Vidauban is without doubt Swedish top dressage rider Patrik Kittel.
Since the first edition of the World Dressage Masters, Kittel has always been an enthusiastic participant. . And he loves the show in Vidauban: “Thanks to Bernadette Brune and the WDM organisers, the competiton was a great success, with everyone getting into the relaxed French way and enjoying themselves on and off the horses.”
He just arrived home from Doha, Qatar, where he won the Grand Prix Freestyle with Watermill Scandic HBC. And now his mind is set on Vidauban.
Patrik will compete with his 11-year-old SWB mare Deja. “I just want to ride and have a good time. Deja is amazing in training, but in competition you never know how she will perform. She is a great horse and every day I am really happy to ride her.”
His goals for 2015 are to qualify for the Olympics with Sweden and to compete at good shows. “My year started well with my win in Doha, so I’am happy so far.” And Patrik Kittel obviously aims for competing at the WDM 2015 series. “Last season I competed at all four shows, and I’m looking forward to compete in as many WDM shows as possible.”
Kittel is very positive on WDM’s new initiative to support some dressage events in new upcoming countries which will carry the title ‘WDM promotional show’. “I think that is super, our sport can use all the support and promotion it can get.”
Also the younger generation will have more opportunities to gain experience at WDM shows. An extra event was added to the WDM NextGen series: Prangins in Switzerland. Within the WDM sports format junior and young rider classes will be gradually added. We asked Patrik what his advice is for the younger generation. “Stay humble, work hard and take every opportunity you can without taking unnecessary risks and wanting too much. Stay true to yourself and your horses.“