Dianne Barnes and Cil Dara Cosmic.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Roger Fitzhardinge reports from the Grade IV Individual Test in Herning

By Roger Fitzhardinge

The Individual Test for the Grade IV at the FEI World Championships in Herning saw Di Barnes for Australia dig deep Friday and better her standing. Cil Dara Cosmic has fantastic rhythm and swing, and the trot today was more forward and uphill.

It is sometimes difficult to see what more you have to do to get marks over 7. It looked to those watching that the marks were harsh indeed, for some truly amazing rides of which there were many. Of course ,a para horse has to have a very special character indeed but to be a medal contender here, not only a good character but also a lot of athletic ability and a good soft back and an easy contact that is responsive and respectful. When you watch these tests, they’re very meaningful and often the general public would think that these riders could and should not be in a para class, but when you see them dismount and get around it is then easy to see the problems they have. It is not about the look of the rider, but the harmony and training between the rider and the horse. The judging is no different than able bodied dressage and the scoring system and what you look for is the same.

Dianne Barnes and Cil Dara Cosmic.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

This Grade IV Individual Test is a very interesting and flowing test that really has a bias towards suppleness and balance. The trot has flowing 5-metre loops followed by a half 10-metre circle to medium trot. It’s fluent, telling and nice to ride. There is also shoulder in, extended walk and collected walk and a pirouette each way. A rein back, and the canter has simple changes on the diagonal through trot and counter canter loops, as well as medium canter and transitions in and out. A canter centreline, trot and then halt. Simplistic patterns that are wonderful to judge and watch, as it is all about suppleness, balance and continuous tempo.

There are some super horses that are so well ridden. It a very competitive grade, and for sure Di Barnes looked very at home – in fact really demanded attention – in this test, and the work showed all that was wanted. The changes of bend and flexion and the way she rode the test with positivity and feel was good. The walk perhaps was lacking a big over track in the lengthened stride, but that’s how it is, and she wasn’t going to make any mistakes in the walk pirouettes today, which were both active throughout and only 6.7 for the better one. It makes you wonder what on earth makes 7, 8 and 9 and if ever a 10.

Dianne Barnes with daughter Jodie and Cil Dara Cosmic.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

All that aside, it was a good test and it just shows that you need to be in Europe in front of the judges, so you get known. Being the new kid on the block takes a while for the real level to rise as the judges gain confidence in each other’s take.

It was a first place to Sanne Voets and Demantur of the Netherlands with a 78.415%, a horse that has great rhythm and slow tempo in the paces. There is little cadence in the canter, but the judges seem to like this flatter way of going here.

Second went to Demi Haerkens and EHL Daula, again for the Netherlands, and they are so strong here and a score to match with 76.024%.
 
Third today was Quiana and Kate Shoemaker for the USA with a 75.415%, with Rodolpho Riskalla riding the fabulous chestnut Don Henrico on 75.195% in fourth. So close, it was amazing.

Sanne Voets and Demantur won the class.

© Roger Fitzhardinge

Unfortunately for Dianne Barnes, the score they received put them in 10th place and they only take the top eight forward to the Freestyle, which is on Sunday. When you look at the scores, 68.439%, 68.756% and 69.292%, for 10th, 9th and 8th placings respectively. It was only 0.853% from 10th to 8th, and that is the difference to stop Di getting in the Freestyle or not! Dianne’s marks were 68.902%, 68.415%, 68.293%, 69.268% and a 67.317%! It was a shame about the lower score from the judge at B, but it’s all above board and that is why there are five judges. The bottom line is that riders simply have to take the comments on hand and keep at the ever-difficult job to just make every ride count towards better training, riding and scores.

A great class, with great combinations in the placings. Ride for every 10th of a percent in accuracy and fluency, and never let a silly mistake in a line or corner happen. It is the difference between a medal or no medal!

Full results here.

The Individual Test is actually counting for the Team Championships in Herning, so Dianne’s score gives Australia a fantastic start, with Emma Booth and Lisa Martin still to come Saturday.

Emma Booth and Furst Deluxe ride at 8.03pm AEST
Lisa Martin and Juicy Wiggle ride at 12.19am AEST

 

Read more about the Aussie para dressage team in the August issue of Equestrian Life here.

You can watch all the action from the FEI World Championships in Herning via Clip My Horse TV.

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