Moody drops the J-bomb

An upcoming grand prix horse boasts much to get excited about, while a familiar face delights

- POLLY BRYAN

NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage CDI3*, Glos

BECKY MOODY and Carl Hester were the leading lights of this year’s Hartpury CDI3*.

Becky and the nine-year-old Jagerbomb stole the show on gala night, blowing away the opposition with their high-energy grand prix freestyle to a Tom Jones medley, which received a 10 for music and interpretation and a lot of love from spectators.

The imposing Dante Weltino gelding is in his first season of grand prix but is a seriously hot prospect. He’d already finished second behind Carl and En Vogue in the straight grand prix, with his highest international grand prix score so far of 73.26%, and upped it to 79.99% in the freestyle.

Becky explained that she has opted to run “Bomber” in freestyles over specials during his first year at the top level.

“We’re not quite special ready yet, purely from a stamina point of view – the special is a long test and he’s big and young. I want him to have more strength before we do that.”

When Bomber does develop full strength, he is certain to be a real force to be reckoned with. He’s still green at this level but appears to have no real weaknesses and is a pleasure to watch, not least for his naturally easy, open frame and willing expression.

“He’s such a dude and he tries his heart out, ” said Becky of the gelding who scored at least a seven for every movement in both tests, and pulled in nines for his pirouettes and changes. “He goes in such an easy frame too, which is so nice from a rider’s point of view.”