Day Two- 2013 ThinLine Dressage with Altitude CDI 3*

by Roger Fitzhardinge for Equestrian Life

Day two of four at Bradgate Park and yet another beautiful day out here over the Blue Mountains at Orange for the ThinLine CDI ***.

The morning kicked off with the Orange Vet Hospitals Intermediate I and it was a strong class with the winner to DP Weltmeiser and Brett Parbery on 69.57%. The combination won the class with a confident test and the judges were unanimous here, all of them having him in the number one position. Again, it was first and foremost a clean test that was necessary and in second place today was Heath and Johnny Depp. JD again looked a little worried about the arena but no mistakes and a neck that was very up indeed meant he finished the day with 66.60%. Amanda Shoobridge looked like the lollies she lost yesterday were returned today and her stallion Ferrero Rocher redeemed himself despite some differences in the marks and placings. The trot tour was a little tenuous at times, but the in the canter, whilst at times the jump was lost, there were no mistakes. Their scores were from second (67%) to sixth (63%) and they finished with an overall score of 65.86%. Fourth was Tor Van Den Berge and Donna Bonita and a score of 64.6%

DP Weltmeiser ©Equestrian Life

It was a great class to watch, again the Swedish Judge’s marks were in the lower end of the field, but a little more generous than yesterday. It was interesting to see plenty of rider and owner discussion with judges yesterday after the class, and indeed today those who did have the chat yesterday, today found better marks, so it looks like it does pay off. Today in some cases there was a difference in scores which included second to a tenth and in a field of only 13 horses that's a big difference. But it happens and again there are 5 judges that work as a team and come to a mark that is justifiable indeed at the end of the day.  

In the Sportscamera CDN Grand Prix it was an excellent class indeed and some very promising new horses in to the ranks. Heath Ryan and Utopian Cardinal had a great win, performing a great test with no mistakes. The piaffe and passage were especially good and he finished with a percentage of 64.085 (which would have put him in to fifth place in the CDI class). In second place it was Alexis Hellyer and Waca W on 63.04% this test was a little erratic at times, the piaffe and passage tour is weak still but by the same token getting better and more confident at every start. Gina Montgomery with Rodrigo III handed in a good test, with Gina riding tactfully. A “moment” in the half pass left spoilt a mark and a halt at x in the piaffe also did not help, but this partnership is showing promise and the work looks easy. A final score of 62.43% was well deserved and many more marks are there waiting to be reaped in the future. Robyne Smith and KS Beauchamp did a better job today to be fourth and a promising horse all along the right way, they are getting better at each start, finishing on 59.38%.

©Roger Fitzhardinge

In the CDI-Y it was the wonderful Luxor 118 and Katharine Farrell who won with a 64.8%. this combination look as if they love every moment together and it's a good look indeed. Today the marks fell away a lot as he was a little rolled over, especially in the trot work and this was easy to see from the slightly lower scores from the two side judges. Second went to Victoria Stuckey on the ten year old Mayfield Miracle. This horse is looking really good also and a consistent ride saw Victoria a tiny bit away with a 63.86%. The combination are now looking at home in the dressage arena and Victoria is just back in the saddle after a broken neck that saw her in a neck brace for six weeks. Well done here and another up and coming rider.

Katharine and Luxor 118 ©Roger Fitzhardinge

In the ThinLine CDI Grand Prix it was the back in-form Heath Ryan who rode a super test and deserved to win indeed actually gaining a 71.481% from the C Judge swede Gustavo Svalling. Regardez Moi ended up on a 68.85% with not a mistake to be seen. It was one of the most fluent tests I have seen Heath ride on this black stallion and really deserved every mark. There was no Bullwinkle, OO Seven nor Fisherman’s Friend but I think they would have had their work cut out beating Heath anyway. It was so great to see Heath with all his positivity coming back again and he is a grinner no matter what! His attitude towards getting out there and doing his very best is totally admirable. He is an absolute gentleman behind the scenes and modest of his own achievements, always encouraging of all riders no matter what level and he is no chest beater or Facebook promotor!

Second was Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestige VDL with a score of 66.17%. Sheridyn made a few mistakes along the way which was a shame but needless to say, this is a great horse and loads of petrol in the tank here. There was a piaffe at D that was simply sensational and moments of greatness but some minor lapses in concentration and balance were enough to lose a few marks at vital points of the test. Some contact issues also did not help the general impression but what a horse.

Third to Caroline Wagner and Tango V on 65.5% and then hot on their heals was Mayfield Pzazz and Kerry Mack who would be kicking herself for an error of course. This stallion continues to get better and better but still a few moments of lack of balance spoil some important marks. Nadia Coghlan and Carlyle are another combination to keep an eye on and are certainly on the improve, with some wonderful moments and some amazing off the ground changes.

Nadia Coghlan and Carlyle ©Roger Fitzhardinge

So what a day and some really good watching in the comfort of the mezzanine floor sitting back sipping a latte. It is a great show and looking forward to the freestyles tomorrow afternoon and evening.

It's now time for happy hour with some great food and wine and good company and then off into Orange for a sumptuous meal!

Cheers

Roger.