Main image: William Matthew and Mysterious Star. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
Australian Dressage team qualifies for Paris medal decider
The Australian Dressage team has tonight secured qualification for the Grand Prix Special medal decider at the Paris Olympics.
Riding in the second group tonight, Will Matthew and Mysterious Star produced a PB test of 69.953%, while Simone Pearce was in the last group with Destano and scored 70.171%.
Combined with Jayden Brown and Quincy B’s score from day one of 68.991%, the Australian team finished on a total of 209.115 to place tenth overall. With the top ten teams going into the Special, we will see these three fabulous riders again on Saturday.
Germany finished at the top of the tally on 237.546, followed by Denmark on 235.730, and Great Britain on 231.196. These look to be the three teams that will be battling it out for the medals. Next was the Netherlands on 224.923, Sweden on 219.861, Belgium on 217.686, France on 214.673, Austria on 213.493, and Finland just ahead of Australia by the narrowest of margins on 209.938.
What a fantastic effort from the Australian combinations, who will all no doubt grow from the experience of this Grand Prix. We have every chance of moving up that ranking in the Grand Prix Special, which is a clean slate competition. Saturday is a competition not to be missed!
Roger Fitzhardinge’s insights from day two of the Grand Prix in Versailles:
Group G
60. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl & TSF Dalera BB (Germany) – 03:20 PM CEST / 11:20 PM AEST
Words cannot really describe the beauty and elegance of Jessica’s riding and this mare’s willingness to try her heart out. There was no stone left unturned in a faultless test. A better degree of power in the connection, and the transitions from piaffe to passage were quite amazing to always remain on the hind leg and keeping the shoulder and forearm free. Seamless would be the word to describe this test. A solid 1% lead was not unexpected after seeing this test. It’s amazing to see the improvement despite this being a confirmed combination. To see better sitting and a more powerful feeling, within an elastic connection in every movement, was a sheer delight. Score: 82.065% (1 – automatic qualification for the Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider.)

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
59. Pauline Basquin & Sertorius de Rima Z (France) – 03:11 PM CEST / 11:11 PM AEST
When you’re hot, you’re hot. And for sure Pauline Basquin has put herself in great favour in this sport over the previous 12 months. I felt they were generous marks for a horse that showed some tension and anxiety, and lacked a degree of connection and collection in comparison to some. A beautifully position rider, with good empathy and feel, but just lacking a real throughness and collection. Active hind legs for sure, but in piaffe and passage the horse was not truly sitting and taking the weight, but rather bouncing a little off the hind leg. Certainly harmonious and still a good performance in front of the home crowd, what could be better! Score: 73.711% (2 – automatic qualification for the Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider.)

Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
58. Steffen Peters & Suppenkasper (United States of America) – 03:01 PM CEST / 11:01 PM AEST
For a horse of such experience and who has done as many international competitions, it was very surprising to see him with such a degree of tension. The rein back was certainly not great, and the walk had huge tension and little relaxation. It was unfortunately not harmonious, and the tension built as the test went on, almost to boiling point on the centreline to finish, where Suppenkasper became difficult to keep straight on the centreline. It was an unusually tense test from an experienced and talented combination; it hasn’t been America’s year. Score: 66.491% (9)
57. Melissa Galloway & Windermere J’Obei W (New Zealand) – 02:52 PM CEST / 10:52 PM AEST
J’Obei, being the only NZ horse in the competition, showed great balance and power. Very confident and mistake free. It’s a little hard to explain why the marks were not higher. Over the years of international competition, this horse’s improvement has been obvious, in balance and expression, but for whatever reason the marks weren’t indicative of that improvement. The obvious commitment, concentration and willingness could have gained this combination many more marks. For the judges, judging 60 horses isn’t easy. This test was easy to watch, filling the viewer’s eye with solid movements; a great test. Score: 68.913% (7)
56. Simone Pearce & Destano (Australia) – 02:42 PM CEST / 10:42 PM AEST
Simone using all her ringcraft to produce a great test with her Tokyo Olympic partner Destano. A stallion that can be a little lazy certainly showed a good forward desire here today, even with the heat. Simone did not push for a highly collected horse, but opted for a slightly more forward and open frame, which gained good marks in most movements, except the passage at times lacked that degree of collection to produce cadence. The passage was modest, but by the same token very regular and Simone made the most of the horse she had under her. A cleverly ridden and produced test. Starting with a score on the low side never makes it easy to claw your way back up, but with an experienced and cool head Simone turned it around. A really super ride and great Australian team anchor to secure a place in the top ten for the Grand Prix Special team medal decider! Score: 70.171% (6)

Simone Pearce and Destano. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
55. Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger & Quater Back Junior FRH (Luxembourg) – 02:33 PM CEST / 10:33 PM AEST
A very interesting framed horse; as much as it appeared light, in self-carriage, and in the contact, it tended to at times be a little over the shoulders. A very elegant and athletic combination, just lacking at times a continuity of the forwardness into the contact in an uphill way. Score: 71.988% (4)
54. Borja Carrascosa & Frizzantino FRH (Spain) – 02:23 PM CEST / 10:23 PM AEST
A truly beautiful, athletic horse, and just nine years of age at Olympic level. Showing all the ability in all the movements; a really great horse for the future. You could only say Frizzantino is a little green and lacks a small degree of relaxation and confidence in himself to gain the bigger marks. But what a fabulous horse and rider showing lots of athleticism. Score: 70.823% (5)
53. Camille Carier Bergeron & Finnlanderin (Canada) – 02:14 PM CEST / 10:14 PM AEST
This 14-year-old mare is by Fidertanz, like so many at these Olympic Games, and is out of a Donnerhall mare. A very elegant combination, just simply lacking a degree of collection, and a few minor mistakes were enough to cruel their scores. Canada is a nation that has lacked having riders at the absolute top level of late. Still, a solid test and a final score for the Canadian team. Score: 68.338% (8)
52. Aleksandra Szulc & Breakdance (Poland) – 02:04 PM CEST / 10:04 PM AEST
A very athletic horse with great potential, but green at this level and lacking attention to detail. At these Olympics, just lacking a little experience and competence, but a very good horse for the future. Score: 60.078% (10)
51. Hans Peter Minderhoud & Toto JR. (Netherlands) – 01:55 PM CEST / 09:55 PM AEST
Toto Jr, a Totilas son, shows expression and activity. The feeling of better marks were evident. Perhaps the trot work was a little hectic and lacking cadence and lift. The canter work was collected and active, with good changes showing uphill tendency and plenty of expression. Perhaps a few more marks could have been appreciated, but this talented and athletic horse needs to just learn to wait and show more cadence in the paces. A really positive test with no mistakes. Score: 72.578% (3)
Group F
50. Emmelie Scholtens & Indian Rock (Netherlands) – 01:25 PM CEST / 09:25 PM AEST
When you look at the impulsion, the uphill and freedom of forehand, and the sitting and engagement of this horse, as compared to Wendy, I have to be honest and say I don’t understand a 6% decrease in marks for this horse. For a large horse, his ability to carry the weight behind and show a freedom of the shoulders with an elevated through-looking neck amazes me. The sitting and the freedom of the forehand and the shoulder off the ground is exceptional. I know you should just mark the marks as they come along, but I’m sure you need to also compare one horse’s self-carriage, freedom and elasticity to another. A big over-track in extended trot, and an uphill, expressive free and elastic forehand, combined with a delightful contact that appeared light and easy, could gain very good marks when looking at the FEI directives. Score: 74.581%
49. Therese Nilshagen & Dante Weltino OLD (Sweden) – 01:16 PM CEST / 09:16 PM AEST
I think sometimes the judges put a horse in a box with a certain percentage; with this horse, every test can be a little different. When you look at self-carriage, balance, expression and harmony, for me this horse has it all. I believe the marks were a little modest, and a little tough for the minor glitches. To think that this quality, expression and self-carriage only scores 73% blows me away a little. Always a sucker for a pretty face! But for me, Dante Weltino demands attention. A fabulous test, with all the ingredients for top marks. Score: 73.991%
48. Sandra Sysojeva & Maxima Bella (Poland) – 01:06 PM CEST / 09:06 PM AEST
If you want to see controlled expression and power, through to a beautiful contact, feast your eyes on this horse of Sandra’s. For me, it was exciting, exuberant, and confident, and the horse tried its heart out. There was not a movement that wasn’t full of expression and pizzazz, and all the time it was beautiful in the contact. Athletic and expressive. For me, no where near enough marks. When you want the judges to see lightness, harmony, expression and exuberance, this shows it all. I do wonder why not more marks? Score: 73.416%
47. Alexandre Ayache & Jolene (France) – 12:57 PM CEST / 08:57 PM AEST
A test over 70% for any Grand Prix rider is a bonus. A hometown contender showing a really lovely test, but occasionally a little close behind in the canter and showed a degree of lack of throughness. Again, any rider who achieves an Olympic position deserves positive feedback and recognition. A great test in front of a home crowd for this rider. It is interesting to note that judges’ opinions tend to vary when comparing one horse to another, rather than one mark to another mark. Score: 70.279%
46. Julio Mendoza Loor & Jewel’s Goldstrike (Ecuador) – 12:47 PM CEST / 08:47 PM AEST
Harmony, expression, impulsion, elevation, adjustability. An amazing test and a beautifully athletic horse who gave his all. I felt the marks were a little conservative. Amazing piaffe and passage, and a horse that will seriously be considered in the future. For me, an outstanding performance and one that could have gained more positive marks. Score: 70.839%
45. Rita Ralao Duarte & Irao (Portugal) – 12:38 PM CEST / 08:38 PM AEST
There is no question that the experience of coach Kyra Kyrklund is brought to the fore in this rider. Rita shows great preparation, making the most of every movement to the best of the ability of this horse. She is in a beautiful position, showing poise combined with effectiveness. Not every rider can have a Ferrari; it’s about how you drive the vehicle through the corners and turns, the acceleration and deceleration, to produce the best you can out of your vehicle. There is no question that this rider produces the best possible outcome. A beautiful rider with sympathy and care towards all movements. When you look at the basic principles of straightness and throughness, Rita shows all of those attributes. For me, the marks were a little restrained. Score: 68.261%
44. Yvonne Losos de Muniz & Aquamarijn (Dominican Republic) – 12:28 PM CEST / 08:28 PM AEST
Every person that qualified to compete at Olympics deserves gratification. To qualify and compete at an Olympic Games is not only a dream but also a reality. Every horse and rider combination has a genetic ability to gain a particular score. Some are better than others in natural ability. This horse and rider combination an affiliation and an innate ability to produce their best on their day. What else can you say than what a great job they did. Being put in an environment that is exciting, challenging always carries unexpected problems, but very well dealt with. It’s so good to see such a variety of techniques and attitudes within the sport. Score: 61.211%
43. William Matthew & Mysterious Star (Australia) – 12:19 PM CEST / 08:19 PM AEST
A Grand Prix PB for Will Matthew and Mysterious Star, you cannot ask for more than that! A quality and accurate test, focused and on the job. The impression was perhaps it needed a little more cadence off the ground in the basic paces, but by the same token for a rider who’s come all the way from Perth in WA to live and work in Europe, and train this horse from five years of age to an Olympics, what an awesome job. Will’s attitude and empathy came to the fore in this test. A feeling of trust between a horse that was a little concerned about his environment, and Will’s positivity was extremely evident. A totally endearing performance, and a rider that shows all the goods for the future. Making the most of the horse you have under you. Very proud to be Australian! Score: 69.953%

Will Matthew and Mysterious Star. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
42. Joanna Robinson & Glamouraline (Finland) – 12:09 PM CEST / 08:09 PM AEST
One of the most important things in dressage is straightness: always trying to have the ability to keep the horse on the hindleg and then the shoulders in front of the quarters, keeping control of the activity and the cadence. There’s no question that this was a well controlled test and some good moments in passage, but the feeling of adjustability is a little lacking. I don’t think the score represents a true feeling of the connection between this horse and rider. This score may also open the door for Australia in the top ten. Score: 65.637%
41. Victoria Max-Theurer & Abegglan FH NRW (Austria) – 12:00 PM CEST / 08:00 PM AEST
Yet another super test, with a rider who shows expression and enjoyment of her horse. Victoria has had many outstanding horses, proving her ability to produce top level horses. Perhaps for higher marks it could be a little more over the back, with more engagement and sitting. All the same, a very fluent and appealing test. Score: 74.301%
Group E
40. Isabell Werth & Wendy (Germany) – 11:25 AM CEST / 07:25 PM AEST
Isabell is a rider of extreme talent, but for me this particular test with Wendy lacked a little suppleness. In passage, when a horse sits on the hind leg and raises the forehand, the forearm should become parallel to the ground, and the cannon bone is at right angles to the ground with the hoof thinking forwards and the bottom of the hoof at right angles to the ground. At no stage in this test was the cannon bone at right angles to the ground and the hoof parallel to the ground for this mare. As a photographer and physiotherapist that loves movement, balance and ease and self-carriage, I find this attitude in the forehand can be an indication of leaning in the bridle and not really sitting and taking the weight on the hindlegs. In the FEI definition of extended trot, the horse must show a good degree over-track; if a horse is a little strong in the bridle, it does not leave a freedom of the forehand to allow the hind leg to come forward and show an over-track. I totally admire and respect the ability of Isabell Werth in every way, but I feel this test was not up to the lightness of her Freestyle performance last start at CHIO Aachen just prior to the Games. Do not underestimate the ability Isabell to realise this, and as the mare becomes more familiar with her surroundings and a little more relaxed, so will the degree of self-carriage and suppleness come to the fore. Watch this space in the Special and Freestyle! Isabell is a master of showing the judges what they want to see and rest assured she will do this. For me, the marks were very positive and it is clear that a test with no obvious glitches and mistakes is important here. Score: 79.363% (2 – automatic qualification for the Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider.)
39. Isabel Freese & Total Hope OLD (Norway) – 11:16 AM CEST / 07:16 PM AEST
Total Hope (Totilas x Weihegold), a truly beautiful horse and very closely related to Total Recall (Totilas x Weihevoll, Weihegold’s dam), owned by Jemma Heran of Australia. Total Hope has always been a real favourite, but unfortunately has an exuberant streak and has often shown some resistant movements during a test. A beautiful horse, unfortunately a little glitch in the collected walk didn’t help the marks. This horse is at last coming into his own. Expressive and submissive. A great score. Score: 76.397% (4)
38. Henri Ruoste & Tiffanys Diamond (Finland) – 11:06 AM CEST / 07:06 PM AEST
What a simply stunning combination. A little disappointing in the overall percentage. A horse with exceptional expression and beauty, but in this test the canter became a little tight and short in comparison to the elastic trot. What a great rider, and a horse for the future that will get very big scores once the canter develops a looser and more positive feel. Score: 70.621% (7)
37. Domien Michiels & Intermezzo VH Meerdaalhof (Belgium) – 10:57 AM CEST / 06:57 PM AEST
The Belgian team is certainly pushing towards the top end of the field. This black horse lacked a little in being over the back and showing better collection, but a very fluent and free-slowing test. Again, marks being gained for harmony and a frame, and a horse that isn’t put into great collection. Score: 72.531% (5)
36. Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo & Euclides Mor (Spain) – 10:47 AM CEST / 06:47 PM AEST
For anybody to follow Cathrine Dufour is not an easy task. Unfortunately today, the lack of piaffe and some resistance and lack of lightness was extremely evident due to the comparison of the test before. After seeing a test of willingness and beauty, Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo had a hard job to follow. The overall impression was this horse lacked a feeling of freedom and self-carriage. Score: 60.031% (10)
35. Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour & Freestyle (Denmark) – 10:38 AM CEST / 06:38 PM AEST
There may be some criticism from some people in regards to the contact; I felt there was no real resistance to the contact, it was a soft jaw and mouth, chatting to the rider’s hands and vice versa. As a consequence of a light noseband, the judges realise a mouth that is active and non-resistant is totally acceptable. It wasn’t about an open mouth or pushing at the contact and changing the balance. The fluency and connection between every movement was exceptional for this pair, with the most beautiful transitions in and out of passage that appeared seamless. A test that showed total adjustability, control, and suppleness from the beginning to the end. For me what was so amazing was the ability, due to the throughness, of the horse to draw the rider into the saddle and take her in total comfort throughout every movement. What can you say, but amazing and harmonious; this test exemplifies exactly what dressage is about. INSPIRING! Score: 80.792% (1 – automatic qualification for the Grand Prix Freestyle individual medal decider.)

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
34. Anush Agarwalla & Sir Caramello OLD (India) – 10:28 AM CEST / 06:28 PM AEST
Here we go again, with a country that is not known for its dressage prowess. What a simply beautiful combination! A truly beautiful horse, and a truly empathetic rider, making the most of what he was sitting on. No doubt under the instruction of of Hubertus Schmidt, I see a great improvement in confidence since the FEI World Championships in 2022. Smiles all round and deservedly so; a wonderful test and a great rider. I think the marks could have been a little more, but for the horse tending to want to push down in his mouth and become open and a little groping in the bridle. Score: 66.444% (9)
33. Yessin Rahmouni & All At Once (Morocco) – 10:19 AM CEST / 06:19 PM AEST
So fabulous to have a Moroccan, beautifully attired in forest green and red! A rider who has overcome a recent serious injury, riding a super test. At times a little tight in the neck and strong in the bridle, not allowing a fluency from behind and a suppleness over the back. All the same, a creditable performance and an obvious, wonderful connection beteem Yessin and his beautiful horse. So fabulous to see so many countries proving that with attention and training, you can compete with the best in the world. This combination competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and they have improved on that score here! Score: 68.696% (8)
32. Florian Bacher & Fidertraum OLD (Austria) – 10:09 AM CEST / 06:09 PM AEST
We are really looking at Olympic dressage here! The quality of the riding, the harmony, and the amazing training between horse and rider is exemplified in this test. An absolute delight to watch in every way, but unfortunately from a judges’ perspective, just coming behind the vertical at times, especially in the changes. A beautiful rider, showing an absolute honesty and consideration between rider and horse, and horse and rider. Score: 71.009% (6)
31. Charlotte Fry & Glamourdale (Great Britain) – 10:00 AM CEST / 06:00 PM AEST
Charlotte and her trainer have obviously paid attention to what judges are looking for and are slightly more open, relaxed, and fluent in this test. Perhaps because of this slightly more relaxed attitude, a tiny mistake in the canter pirouette has cost her achieving 80%. The rein back was marred by some tension, with Glamourdale looking inattentively to the crowd; it was also not straight, despite a perfect halt, and this also cruelled her marks. As we have said so often, it takes the slightest inaccuracy in one movement to mean the difference between gold and silver. It was totally harmonious and a beautiful example of dressage. Following the feeling of the judges, a little less expression and a little more open-framed fluency was beautifully shown by Lottie. Also, this stallion has a Grand Prix Special (team medal decider) and the Freestyle (individual medal decider) to come… that’s a lot of tests and a lot of energetic work for a Grand Prix horse, and I’m sure Lottie has her eye on the prize and is saving the best until last. Simply outstanding. I would love the judges to have another look at the zig-zag, as it was absolutely amazing! Score: 78.913% (3)
Grand Prix – Day Two predictions
The Grand Prix is the qualifier for the team medal decider (Grand Prix Special, top ten teams) and the individual medal decider (Freestyle, top two combinations from each Group plus the next six best scores for a field of 18).
Tonight, we see the next 30 horses in action across three Groups. Two Australians are in action: Will Matthew and Mysterious Star in Group F, and Simone Pearce with Destano in Group G.
Who do we think will gain direct qualifications to the Freestyle by placing in the top two in their Group, and what scores might we see?
Group E
Lottie Fry & Galmourdale – 80.6%
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour & Freestyle – 80.3%
Group F
Therese Nilshagen & Dante Weltino – 77.0%
Emmelie Scholtens & Indian Rock – 77.3%
Group G
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl & TSF Dalera BB – 79.9%
Pauline Basquin & Sertorius de Rima Z – 75.7%
(We’re wondering what happened to Group D as well, maybe an Olympic draw typo!)
Ground Jury
C: Susanne Baarup (Denmark)
K: Mariette Sanders (Netherlands)
E: Raphael Saleh (France)
H: Michael Osinski (United States of America)
M: Magnus Ringmark (Sweden)
B: Henning Lehrmann (Germany)
F: Isobel Wessels (Great Britain)
Full results from the Grand Prix qualifier can be found here.