by Roger Fitzhardinge

 

The second competition on the first day at the Thin Line Dressage With Altitude CDI, the Darlington Stud Prix St George (PSG) was an interesting class. The winning horse was Bluefields Florino ridden by Janina Kletke with 68.3%. A super test but the PSG is renowned for being a test that is difficult to get great marks in and easy to lose. Despite a lot of work being for an eight in the trot, he lacked in the canter pirouettes the compression and balance to make great marks (and both coefficients) but there is no question that this is a horse with potential and is very young in experience at this level.  Janina makes it look easy and that's the name of the game.

 

 

In second place were Susan Elekessy and Don Rubin. This short-coupled black gelding shows a very uphill frame and made no mistakes for a score of 67.5%. Susan rode well but sometimes Susan rides for a lot of fancy footwork and a degree of tension appears and marks fall. Sometimes less is more but today this was the case. It was the most improved combination of the competition and unlucky not to win. In third were Teresa Grills and the Jay Bee Alabaster gelding Ecclesbourne with a 66%. Being first out in the draw was not in her favour and then an error of course did not help at all. This horse has loads of potential and although he isn't seen at the big competitions as much, is certainly one to watch, as he is expressive soft and fluent.

 

A horse that has improved out of sight is Rattle N Hum from Queensland for Kaz Roe. If there is one dedicated, organized and great person it's Kaz. She has worked with great enthusiasm on this Regardez Moi gelding that's out of a Jive Magic mare. This horse has been far from easy and has been spooky and lacking in self-confidence. The training of Kaz and egged on by Tor Van Den Berge has paid great dividends. A few mistakes and a couple of inattentive moments wrecked the chances of a win. What is so nice is that the attitude is “no worries” as this is a work in progress and progress indeed. Watch this one! It's what dressage training is all about!

 

Sheridyn Ashwood and Ferrero Chocolate Box gave a solid performance but a battle to keep him over the hind leg at times let her down in the engaged and collected demand of this test.

 

 

Danielle Shearer and the impressive Black mare by Carbine, Cinderella was again impressive but at this CDI level the lack of consistency and continuity in the collection, straightness and adjustability caused loss of marks and despite some exciting parts it was still a little patchy to win, but needless to say one in the wings!

 

 

It was a great class and again to sit up on the mezzanine floor in comfy chairs and lounges to watch the one arena and not miss a test was easy. The weather was humid and hot but the chat and the ambience amongst everyone was cool and amazing.

 

 

The catering for the welcome BBQ this night was fantastic. The officials, judges and competitors all mingling together and networking was worth being part of!

 

It is a fantastic show. It's boutique. It's modern. It's Aussie. It's fun and above all it brings out the truth of the sport and the camaraderie that is so often lost. Bradgate Park and the hosts John and Bev Healy go way beyond the CDI guidelines to make this show exceptional and one of a kind.

 

 

The judges are always smiling. Happy judges+happy riders = happy marks. May there be more. 

 

Above all, what riders feel at Dressage with Altitude is, that the competitors are so welcomed and the facilities so easy and the surfaces wonderfully maintained. Regular grades and waterings make everyone feel they a in a special place!!!!!!!

 

PS - no storm and no rain as yet

 

PPS  - It's bound to happen … Watch this SPACE

 

Competition continues today, for results click HERE