Experienced horses from three different countries head the rankings in phase one, but rising British equine and human stars are close behind
FOUR pairs of seasoned professionals led after dressage. As expected, the 2015 winners Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW dominated the first day. Although they scored some nines, their mark of 38.9 reflected the fact they fluffed their final flying change for a five and two fours. The German pair had left the door open for an overtake.
“I could have had him more in front of my leg in canter,” said Michael, smiling anyway. “Because of the pressure from the spectators, I tried to have him really relaxed. When I went in, there was less pressure than I expected and he was too relaxed.”
The judges were not in agreement on their eventual leader — Germany’s president Martin Plewa gave the honour to Kiwi Mark Todd (Leonidas II), while Poland’s Katarzyna Konarksa awarded Mark the same score as US rider Lauren Kieffer (Veronica II), and Britain’s Harry Payne favoured Lauren. But the marks were close, without big discrepancies. Andrew Nicholson praised the judges for remaining consistent through the two days.
In the final analysis, Mark Todd had the edge on 36.7, 0.3 of a penalty ahead of Lauren. Leonidas’ test was a joy to watch. He sprang off the ground in a gloriously consistent frame, with Toddy quietly lifting his heels to find the horse’s sides and give the aids with his long legs. He collected three nines for his riding.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
