“IT FELT like one of the best grand prix tests we’ve done,” said Charlotte Dujardin, who stole the show with a hat-trick of wins in the Hickstead CDI3* competition, scoring a superb one-two in the grand prix with her Paris hopeful Imhotep and second-string ride Alive And Kicking.
Charlotte and 11-year-old Imhotep (Pete) produced an 80.87% test, while 10-year-old Alive And Kicking (Audrey) – at only her fourth grand prix – scored a new international personal best of 77.37%.
“Pete was fantastic and he gets stronger all the time. Before it felt quite difficult to put it all together but now it feels so much easier. He was quite fresh and excited at Hagen last month, so it was nice to come and fine-tune those bits and pieces,” said Charlotte, who was equally delighted with Audrey.
“For her to reach 77% is quite amazing. She did a mistake-free test, and although she doesn’t really know what she’s doing yet, she’s very rideable and stays with you in the test, which I love.”
Charlotte said there was a “pat the pony, slap the rider” moment in the special when she and Imhotep had a blip in their one-time tempi changes; nevertheless their performance earned them 81.36%, with Carl Hester and the 14-year-old powerhouse stallion Fame second on 78.66%, having been third in the grand prix.
Denne historien er fra May 16, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 16, 2024-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.
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'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
