Wellington International Festival of Dressage, Hants
CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN proved her competitive flame burns as fiercely as ever as she continues her comeback after a brief baby break. Her 2022 World Championship ride Imhotep showed he’s still in the ascendancy as he landed both the grand prix and the special with personal bests.
Charlotte and Carl Hester (Fame) battled it out for the top spots in both classes, with Imhotep taking the grand prix on 80.2%, then the special on 80.87%.
“I really wanted an 80%, and I knew he was good enough, but he’s been just a bit behind, on 77 or 78%,” said Charlotte, having scored 77.26% to win at Windsor, her first show since giving birth to Isabella. “I’ve been working hard since Windsor, when I was three weeks back in the saddle and feeling happy with myself, if a bit crazy doing it. I enjoyed it, but I thought, ‘I have all these things I want to work on to get an 80,’ and I’ve finally done it.”
They set themselves up beautifully for a smashing result, scoring a flurry of nines in the early part of the test, and Charlotte mused that maybe the enforced six weeks off had done Imhotep good.
“He was only nine and so inexperienced last year, but it was good to give him a break. He was ticked over and kept fit, but not worked hard. Since I’ve picked him up, he’s been great, but I did ride him throughout my pregnancy. They all need a break and it’s paid off.”
Carl and Fame’s partnership continued to improve at their sixth show together, despite being beaten for the first time, posting 76.76% in the grand prix then 77.6% in the special.
Esta historia es de la edición June 15, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 15, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
