The five judges awarded Simone and Will Marq scores of 70.000% (E), 68.943% (H), 70.217% (C), 68.696% (M), and 68.696% (B).
The judging panel featured an experienced international lineup: Sven Günter Rothenberger (NED) at E, Dr. Evi Eisenhardt (GER) at H, Magnus Ringmark (SWE) at C, Monique Peutz-Vegter (NED) at M, and Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN) at B.
Nine-year-old Will Marq (Rio Marq x Lanciano) is owned by Martin Fuchs. He was discovered on a tiny island off the coast of Spain and has consistently impressed Simone with his work ethic and attitude. This is the combination’s third CDI start, and follows on from their third-placed Grand Prix test at Troisdorf in October.
The Stuttgart CDI4* was won by Germany’s Anabel Balkenhol and High Five FRH on a score of 72.391%.
Fresh from the milestone performance, Simone reflected on social media just how meaningful the moment felt for her and her small but dedicated team:
“Eighteen months after starting our own business we have been patiently working away at developing our young horses to be ready again for the big sport, and today riding our nine-year-old boy Will to place in our first “big” show with our little team felt very very special! Of course, there is lots to improve and a long journey ahead of us, but it was a very cool milestone to appreciate along the way. Thank you so much to Martin Fuchs for this opportunity! You’re the best horse owner ever! As always, biggest thank you to my rock Emily Reudavey. A special thanks to Nico Nyssen for all your support. Thank you to Dressage d’Alo for selling us wonderful Will and finally thanks to Will for giving his all and taking on this massive arena like an absolute pro and trusting me like a champ.”
Also contending the CDI4* was Simone’s 2022 World Championship ride Fiderdance. Now ridden by Moritz Treffinger for Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH & Co. KG, the pair finished third with 71.218%.
Moritz is also partnered with Cadeau Noir (also owned by Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH) which Simone had campaigned successfully, and the new combination finished seventh in the CDI-W.
Unfortunately, following the competition Simone had an accident trialling horses, which resulted in her breaking her hand. She is set to have surgery this week, but said via socials the injury is “nothing too serious” and she will “be back riding as soon as possible.” Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Simone!
Full results from the CDI4* Grand Prix at the Stuttgart German Masters can be found here via Equipe.
