|
 |
|
Spain's Beatriz Ferrer-Salat & Beauvalais at the Olympia Horse Show | Olympic bronze medallists Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauvalais won the first dressage World Cup qualifier to be held at Olympia, The London International Horse Show supported by The Berkeley Group and Horse & Hound. Seven thousand spectators enjoyed a thrilling, freestyle competition, with the top British combination of Carl Hester and Escapado, gaining a personal best to be second and the German pair of Ann-Katrin Lisenhoff and Wahajama Unicef third.
Carl and a super relaxed Escapado produced a test of high standard from the moment they entered the arena gaining the high score of 77.15 from the five judges. Beatriz, and Beauvalais, the final combination, rose to the challenge making the most of the 17 year old Beauvalais’s strong piaffe/passage tour to gain a score just short of 80%.
“There were no mistakes – I was very happy,” said Beatriz. “It is not an easy arena as there is a lot of atmosphere. Beauvalais is super fit and after the World Cup finals we will aim for the European Championships.”
Carl Hester proclaimed his ride on Escapado the best ever. “I don’t think I could get any more marks. He was so relaxed and has matured so much since the Olympics.”
Ann Katrin who came into the competition at the top of the western league remains well ahead after adding more points for third place and will donate her prize money to the Unicef charity.
International judge Stephen Clarke, President of the ground jury, complimented Olympia for it’s organisation of the show.
“This is great for England. The audience appreciated the high standard and exciting competition and it was a most fabulous class to judge.
Judge Mariette Withages gave the show “10 for the audience, 10 for the surface and 10 for the organisation.
|
