Main image: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, image by FEI/Benjamin Clark.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
Follow Roger Fitzhardinge’s insights for the Grand Prix Freestyle in Versailles
I can honestly say as a coach, rider and ex-judge, I have never seen so much talent that oozed quality in my life. The ability of these riders to enhance their horses’ performances, and their empathy and unerstanding has been exceptional. How amazing was Isabell Werth, who in a short period of time has partnered with Wendy to produce a silver-medal winning test that nearly beat a lay down misère winner. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera were exceptional, with amazing music, of course in keeping with the crowd in Paris. A well deserved back-to-back individual gold medal. Glamourdale and Lottie Fry produced an excellent test for bronze.
As an overall opinion of the competition, and it’s only my opinion, I did feel the quality of expression and interpretation of the music was lacking almost most of the riders. It’s a Freestyle: it’s expression, and it’s producing a dance routine that the public, no matter their equestrian education, can enjoy. For me, I felt the lack of interpretation of music was the only little glitch today.
However, anybody who wants to think negatively about the sport of dressage, go have a look at these top 18 riders from the Paris Olympics: for the most educated dressage judge, to the average person, it was easy to realise the harmony and understanding between horse and human. An exceptional competition!
18. 13:20 CEST / 21:20 AEST: Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) – Freestyle
(Dark Bay/2009/Mare/HANN/FIDERMARK)
Grand Prix: 80.792%
Grand Prix Special: 81.216%
An amazing and elastic horse, with some very complicated movements in this test. Just lacking a little experience and confidence at this extreme level. The degree of difficulty of changes of flexion and direction was exceptional. Unfortunately, a few minor glitches in regularity and balance, but what a horse and what an amazing combination. Score: 88.093% (5)
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle. Image by Benjamin Clark/FEI.
17. 13:10 CEST / 21:10 AEST: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) – TSF Dalera BB
(Dark Bay/2007/Mare/TRAK/Easy Game x Dark Magic, by Handryk)
Grand Prix: 82.065%
Grand Prix Special: 79.954%
There is no word other than exceptional, in every way. The technical marks were seriously strong. The interpretation of the music was amazingly strong. To see Jessica at the end of the test with a tear in her eye, simply reflects the beauty and harmony seen in this sport between horse and rider. Words fail me. The score was absolutely so well deserved. Score: 90.093% (1)
16. 13:00 CEST / 21:00 AEST: Dinja van Liere (NED) – Hermes
(Bay/2012/Stallion/KWPN/Easy Game x Bukkie, by Flemmingh)
Grand Prix: 77.764%
Grand Prix Special: 77.720%
Again, a horse and rider combination that shows total understanding and enjoyment in performing. A beautifully relaxed horse without tension. Exceptional piaffe and passage in tempo and rhythm. It’s up to individuals to decide which horse they enjoy the most. The quality and the riding, the harmony and understanding, and the understanding of the aids, is exceptional in this competition; I feel that never have we seen quality as this, at this level. A beautiful test for Dinja and Hermes, and perhaps they could have even received more marks. Score: 88.432% (4)
15. 12:50 CEST / 20:50 AEST: Charlotte Fry (GBR) – Glamourdale
(Black/2011/Stallion/KWPN/Lord Leatherdale x Thuja, by Negro)
Grand Prix: 78.913%
Grand Prix Special: 79.483%
Seriously, how good does dressage get! Lottie saving the very best to last with this horse. Supreme control. Supreme relaxation and confidence. Rhythm, expression, but above all, the most fabulous interpretation of music that suited this horse. When you see a horse and rider walk out of an Olympic venue with 15,000 spectators cheering and screaming, and the horse walks out on a long rein, that must tell you how much confidence there is between him and the rider. Truly, this sport has risen to a height never before seen. For all those people that think that this sport is produced through force, you are very incorrect; the harmony, tact, understanding and empathy between horse and rider, and vice versa, is exceptional. Never has an Olympics seen such quality. Score: 88.971% (3)
Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale were fourth in the Grand Prix Special. Image by Benjamin Clark/FEI.
14. 12:40 CEST / 20:40 AEST: Isabell Werth (GER) – Wendy
(Black/2014/Mare/DWB/Sezuan 2 x Skovens Vanilla, by Blue Hors Soprano)
Grand Prix: 79.363%
Grand Prix Special: 79.894%
What can you say, but one of the most beautiful performances you will ever see in the history of dressage. Complete control, and complete harmony and understanding between horse an rider… despite only a short association. This mare improves at every outing. What can you say. What can you say. The music was exceptional; it told a story, it involved the public, and it created harmony and a story between horse and rider. For me, the most amazing thing was that when the enormous crowd started chanting, Wendy never changed her attitude not her concentration to Isabell. The control between Isabell’s seat, leg and hand, and the mare’s concentration, the regularity, rhythm and tempo were faultless. A totally exceptional performance and an experience to behold forever. Score: 89.614% (2)
Isabell Werth and Wendy were third in the Grand Prix Special. Image by FEI/Benjamin Clark.
13. 12:30 CEST / 20:30 AEST: Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) – Zepter
(Chestnut/2008/Gelding/OLDBG/Blue Hors Zack x Who’s Sunlight, by Wolkentanz II)
Grand Prix: 78.028%
Grand Prix Special: 78.480%
Nanna and Zepter were not quite where we expected them to be. A few mistakes in the technical, and the judges were not loving the artistic aspect as much compared to some previous combinations. Zepter, the all-round genuine and generous horse. A truly beautiful combination, just not quite on song tonight. Sometimes, having a less seasoned horse, where they really rely on the rider, can be better here. An exceptional horse and rider combination nevertheless. Score: 83.293% (9)
Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zepter were fifth in the Grand Prix Special. Image by Benjamin Clark/FEI.
12. 12:05 CEST / 20:05 AEST: Daniel Bachmann Andersen (DEN) – Vayron
(Bay/2011/Stallion/WESTF/Vitalis x Gloria, by Gloster)
Grand Prix: 76.910%
Grand Prix Special: 75.973%
You hear words like expression, engagement, uphill, confidence, balance, and above all empathy and harmony, and horse and rider understanding each other. A truly wonderful performance from Daniel and Vayron. Score: 84.850% (7)
I have to say that across the performances thus far, for me, I’m a little amazed that the music and interpretation of the music has been somewhat lacking. When you look back at some of the famous Freestyles, it’s about creating a performance that the crowd can be part of, as they can relate to the music, the balance, the choreography and the tempos of the horse. For me, there has been nothing yet that has really mirrored a ballet performance; horse, rider and music. The riding, the technical elements and the harmony have been amazing, but with these riders having such ability to control their horses in such great rhythm and tempo, it’s a little disappointing they haven’t focused as much on the interpretation of the music and dance aspect. Don’t get me wrong, I believe the performances so far have still been exceptional. Let’s see what the final six combinations bring.
11. 11:55 CEST / 19:55 AEST: Becky Moody (GBR) – Jagerbomb
(Bay/2014/Gelding/KWPN/Dante Weltino OLD x Udysee, by Jazz)
Grand Prix: 74.938%
Grand Prix Special: 76.489%
Bloody amazing. A truly international and consistent performance, in balance and with quality through all movements and paces. For a horse that perhaps doesn’t have genetically exceptional ability, Becky has made him into a truly athletic equine partner. I think the performance was exceptional and gives hope to every dressage rider in the world, that with honest training, empathy and hard work, an Olympic position is possible. For me an inspirational Freestyle, but every test she has ridden has been of the same quality and honesty. Score: 84.357% (8)
10. 11:45 CEST / 19:45 AEST: Emmelie Scholtens (NED) – Indian Rock
(Dark Bay/2013/Stallion/KWPN/Apache x Crisjena, by Vivaldi)
Grand Prix: 74.581%
Grand Prix Special: 70.684%
Again, on a personal level, one of my favourite horses. Indian Rock shows so much engagement, sitting and elevation. A truly inspiration test from a big, powerful stallion. Perhaps in comparison to some, a little earth-bound at times in the canter work, but the piaffe, passage and canter pirouettes showed absolute sitting, collection and engagement. A truly wonderful horse and wonderful performance. I feel the overall quality and standard of the riding at these Olympics surpasses any other. Score: 81.750% (11)
9. 11:35 CEST / 19:35 AEST: Carl Hester (GBR) – Fame
(Bay/2010/Stallion/KWPN/Bordeaux 28 x Bonaventura, by Rhodium)
Grand Prix: 77.345%
Grand Prix Special: 76.520%
Masterfully ridden and a beautiful last piece of music to piaffe and passage leaving a very nice taste in your mouth for the overall artistic impression. However, again, one would have to say as an overall impression that this horse shows a tight neck, which corresponds to a lack of engagement behind. Still, there is absolute harmony between this horse and rider, showing great understanding between each other. A great score. Score: 85.161% (6)
8. 11:25 CEST / 19:25 AEST: Isabel Freese (NOR) – Total Hope OLD
(Black/2012/Stallion/OLDBG/Totilas x Weihegold OLD, by Blue Hors Don Schufro)
Grand Prix: 76.397%
Grand Prix Special: DNQ
It’s amazing that time will fulfil promise. Total Hope has always been an inspirational horse full of promise, but not living up to his potential. Isabel has stuck through thick and thin with this stallion and is now reaping the benefits of solid, consistent work. A beautiful performance. You might think that he may have became a little tight towards the end, but with a stand full of spectators clapping, who wouldn’t get excited! Into the lead and the percentages are totally representative of the performances today. Score: 83.050% (10)
7. 11:15 CEST / 19:15 AEST: Frederic Wandres (GER) – Bluetooth OLD
(Dark Bay/2010/Gelding/OLDBG/Bordeaux 28 x Lorena, by GB Riccione)
Grand Prix: 76.118%
Grand Prix Special: 75.942%
Coming in just behind Emma and Greek Air, a great score. For these big horses in what have been hot conditions, to preserve their energy when they are so experienced at their job, towards their third test here, is a feat in itself. Frederic certainly did a super job, but Bluetooth looked to be a little lacking in energy today. A very correct and beautifully ridden horse without doubt, but in comparison to the top horses, by nature he is a little more earth-bound. A great Freestyle, what can you say. Score: 81.350% (13)
6. 10:50 CEST / 18:50 AEST: Therese Nilshagen (SWE) – Dante Weltino OLD
(Black/2007/Stallion/OLDBG/Danone 4 x Rihanna, by Welt Hit II)
Grand Prix: 73.991%
Grand Prix Special: 69.650%
I think Dante Weltino has his bags packed… he is over Paris and wants to go home! Theresa was willing him to put his best foot forward and very tactfully ridden, but Dante Weltino wasn’t helping her out today. What a beautiful stallion, beautifully trained, and so lovely in the bridle, but when you get back to the very shortened steps, he gets behind the leg and quirky in the contact. This beautiful stallion has been to every Championship for Sweden since 2017, incredible. Score: 74.714% (18)
5. 10:40 CEST / 18:40 AEST: Victoria Max-Theurer (AUT) – Abegglen FH NRW
(Dark Bay/2010/Gelding/WESTF/Ampere x Curley Sue, by Helenenhof’s Carabas)
Grand Prix: 74.301%
Grand Prix Special: 73.754%
At times coming a little short in the neck. A few mistakes in the technical didn’t help her plight. Beautiful music in keeping with a classic Austrian theme, but I’m sure Victoria would be a little disappointed with the fluency of this test. One of the biggest aspects of riding a successful Freestyle at the Olympics is having your horse peak for this third test; not the first or second. I think this horse gave his best yesterday in the Special, for the team medal decider. Score: 75.375% (17)
4. 10:30 CEST / 18:30 AEST: Emma Kanerva (FIN) – Greek Air
(Chestnut/2011/Stallion/ZFDP/I.P.S. Gribaldi x Flybaboo Air, by Florestan I)
Grand Prix: 73.680%
Grand Prix Special: 74.301%
Emma rode a spectacular test. Again, the wow factor, the harmony, and the fabulous contact were exceptional. Never have we seen such beautiful dressage, ever. Like we said in the Grand Prix, a beautifully balanced horse and rider, and well deserved to go into the lead at this stage. Score: 81.607% (12)
3. 10:20 CEST / 18:20 AEST: Pauline Basquin (FRA) – Sertorius de Rima Z
(Dark Bay/2010/Gelding/ZANG/Sandro Hit x Siolita, by Voltaire Pref)
Grand Prix: 73.711%
Grand Prix Special: 72.720%
Perhaps looking a little tired tonight, and a lot of pressure performing in front of a home crowd. Some unfortunate choreography mistakes were costly. All the same, the judges loved the performance, and had them very closely placed to the previous two. For me, it lacked a little throughness and collection, and required a little bit more forward-thinking riding to the bridle to create the bounce and flare required at this level of Grand Prix. Score: 79.118% (16)
2. 10:10 CEST / 18:10 AEST: Sandra Sysojeva (POL) – Maxima Bella
(Black/2016/Mare/OLDBG/Millennium x Ciao Bella HRH, by Christ 3)
Grand Prix: 73.416%
Grand Prix Special: DNQ
Wow, wow, wow! A plethora of beautiful dressage movements. Some beautiful, active music; I was blown away with the beautiful contact and submission of this horse and rider. Every person that’s ridden a dressage test in their life would have to dream about owning and having a horse of this ilk. From my heart, I felt this was beautiful dressage and a beautiful Freestyle. I could have seen more marks, easily. Considering we’re at the ‘tail end’, the quality has been exceptional already. Score: 80.075% (15)
1. 10:00 CEST / 18:00 AEST: Patrik Kittel (SWE) – Touchdown
(Bay/2012/Gelding/SWB/Quaterback x La Mour, by Sack)
Grand Prix: 74.317%
Grand Prix Special: 74.331%
What a huge score to start with when you consider there are 17 more to go. A score of 86.600% for the artistic was an extremely high mark. A Freestyle I haven’t seen before, but deep and meaningful music. Technically right up to the mark that you would expect for the Grand Prix test (75.107%). Remembering they are the current World Cup Cup champion, this combination may take a bit of beating! Score: 80.854% (14)
Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider
Well here we are, the Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider. After Saturday’s Grand Prix Special, it’s clear tonight will be a thrilling finale where the medals really could go to several different horses.
Yesterday’s top scorers, Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle are no doubt in with a chance; it’s sure to be a beautiful test. Fellow Danes Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zepter, fifth yesterday, are also likely to produce a solid test. Third yesterday, Isabell Werth and Wendy of Germany produced a terrific Freestyle at CHIO Aachen that had everybody talking, while Great Britain’s Lottie Fry and Glamourdale – fourth yesterday – will no doubt demand attention. Their only drawback is the piaffe/passage tour and walk can be a little weak. Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera, second yesterday, are always hard to top in the Freestyle; the reigning Olympic champions, they will take some beating.
Whoever does a mistake-free test with a feeling of harmony and joy will claim the gold here. It’s arguably the hardest-ever Olympic Freestyle field to pick, and it’s going to be thrilling viewing.
