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The Dutch rider Elaine Pen and her mare Vira convinced the judges in today’s dressage test to take the lead in the CCI**** presented by DHL Paket with a score of 43,20. Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo are leading the field with only 28,50 penalties in the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy.
Elaine Pen was ecstatic to learn of her dressage score which made her the overnight leader in the CCI****: “Vira has great potential but tends to be a little edgy at times. I have done a lot of work with her including riding to loud music which paid off today. She was totally at ease in the arena.” Pen, a law student, is looking forward to Saturday but knows the course is tough: “I am a little nervous as this is my first four- star-ride. The course is big and long, but nicely built. The ground is good, I think we should have a good round.” Pen successfully competed in Luhmühlen three years ago at the European Championships where she was best Dutch rider completing 14th. “It is great to work with a horse from the beginning. My mum bought Vira as a foal and we have been a team for 12 years now.” Tim Price and Wesko from New Zealand are currently in second place (43,80) followed by the British rider Willa Newton with Neelix on a score of 48,00. Best German rider is Andreas Ostholt with So is Et (50,50) in fourth place.
Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo in a league of their own
The dressage test of the Australian Andrew Hoy was rewarded by the judges with 71,5%. With just 28.5 points as his final dressage score he is in the perfect position for the cross country phase on Saturday. Hoy commented on his excellent dressage result today: “Cheeky Calimbo made life very easy for me today. He was relaxed and concentrating brilliantly on the job in hand so I could focus on riding him up and forward. Generally he is easy to prepare and today a very gentle warm-up was all he needed to perform at his best in the arena. After five years together, we know each other blind.” Hoy also praised the brilliant attitude and level headedness of his long standing sports partner. After walking the course, Hoy is now looking forward to Saturday: “Up to now I only had the chance to walk the four star course and have only seen parts of the CIC*** course. Both courses look great and the conditions are perfect as usual, we should see plenty of great rounds. I have known Captain Mark Phillips for many years now and I like the way he designs the courses. If you ride in a controlled, rhythmical and balanced manner paired with a forward pace you should come home safely and with a great result.” In the very best mood, the three times winner of Luhmühlen added, that since his first ride in 1982 he has lost a lot of hair but has gained a tremendous amount of confidence. Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS are in second place with a score of 34,20 followed by Peter Thomsen and Unessa with 43,80 in third.
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