CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN demonstrated the strength of her claim for an Olympic team spot at this observation trial, but the grand prix classes were not without their surprises.
Charlotte’s less experienced ride, the 10-year-old Apache x Tango gelding Gio (Pumpkin) rose to top the leaderboard in the grand prix, sponsored by Horse & Country, scoring 79.13% to relegate his more mature stablemate, Mount St John Freestyle, to second.
Charlotte’s test with the 12-year-old Fidermark daughter Freestyle was marred by an uncharacteristic spook in her second piaffe, which also affected the subsequent transitions and left them on a score of 77.94%.
“The grand prix was a real learning curve for me,” Charlotte said. “Freestyle has been all around the world now and I thought I didn’t need to do an arena walk with her. But as I turned the corner she clocked something and it was just one of those things. Now I will always do an arena walk!”
Carl Hester achieved an international personal best of 77.5% for third with En Vogue, the hot 12-year-old Jazz son owned by Charlotte.
“He had plenty of nines and 10s for his good things and he felt amazing,” said Carl. “We did score a four for a late change after the extended canter, and for only doing 13 one-time changes – I asked for 15 but didn’t get the last two. But his general way of going and his confidence in the piaffe and passage was really good. We are making big strides forward.”
While Charlotte has prioritised Freestyle for grand prix specials so far, here Pumpkin had his chance to shine on his first attempt at the test in competition. While still green in parts, his half-passes, passage and pirouettes raked in big scores, and he banked 81.43%, with every judge bar one exceeding 80%.
Denne historien er fra May 20, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 20, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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
