Britain’s trio of riders finished just outside the individual medals in the Special at the FEI European Dressage Championships today (29 August).
Becky Moody, who is gearing up to make her Your Horse Live masterclass debut in November, pulled off the best result for fifth aboard Jagerbomb, while Carl Hester piloted Fame into sixth and Lottie Fry scored ninth place with Glamourdale.
Belgium’s Justin Verboomen made history when steering Zonik Plus to individual gold.
This was the first medal of any colour that this nation has ever won at a major dressage competition, either in a team or individual competition.
Yesterday Belgium finished fourth in the team competition, behind Germany, Great Britain and Denmark.
“I still cannot believe what just happened,” said the 38-year-old Belgian rider who has owned this nine-year-old black stallion since he was two and has produced him himself.
“I felt so much pressure yesterday and today, also pressure that I put on myself. That was hard to handle.
“Zonik is still so young and I feel like we have so much to learn together. I am speechless.”
‘I’m super proud’
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour pulled off the best team test of the competition aboard Mount St John Freestyle in the Grand Prix to top that leaderboard and she surpassed that score — (80.823%) — by 0.864% in the Special.
Their test today was a joy, but a big mistake in the one-tempi changes, which saw the marks drop to as low as 3.7, proved costly, yet still good enough for silver.
“She felt absolutely wonderful. She was so soft, I really could present her in the most supple way,” said Cathrine of the 16-year-old bay mare.
“Aiming for gold is hard with such an amazing group of riders. I’m super proud of Freestyle.
“The scores of the other combinations motivate me to get better. On Sunday we will give it everything.”
Germans impress
Germany’s Isabell Werth added individual bronze to yesterday’s team gold, her test aboard Wendy De Fontaine just missing the 80% barrier by 0.973%.
The most decorated equestrian athlete in history rode for gold, but mistakes crept into the one-tempi changes in the canter tour.
“We started this season quite late and I can feel we are not yet at peak form,” said Isabell.
“It was a challenge to reach the podium, but there were many things that pleased me today.
“In the Freestyle I want to take more risk — I will go for it!”
Her teammate, Katharina Hemmer, piloted Denoix PCH into fourth.
The chestnut gelding showed relaxation, uphill movement and a harmonious, classical picture and there was not a single mistake to earn 78.678%, which kept them at the top of the leaderboard for a long time.
“I am so amazed,” said Katharina. “It doesn’t often happen that you can truly enjoy your test while riding it, but today was one of those days.
“Denoix wanted to do everything right, he really gave it all.”
A point to prove
After a disappointing ride in the Grand Prix, Lottie had been determined to fight back and took risks in the trot tour.
The result was a test with energy, power and courage, and the highlights were the extensions, one-tempi changes and lateral work.
However, some of the transitions weren’t quite up to their usual standard and a less consistent piaffe held the score to 75.289%. This was enough for an early lead, but it was only temporary.
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, who is owned by the rider and Jo Cooper, were also looking to make amends after mistakes in the Grand Prix and they pulled off a textbook test for 77.796%.
Carl once again gave a masterclass in classical riding with Fame, who is owned by himself, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, but some tension in the walk left him just short of teammate Becky’s score.
View the final standings in full
Ahead to the Freestyle
Tomorrow is a rest day and no competition will take place.
The top 18 from today’s Special have qualified for the Freestyle on Sunday (31 August), when the final set of individual medals will be decided.
Images © FEI/Leanjo de Koster
