Charlotte Dujardin was in high quality type on the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Competition at Hickstead as she secured a hat trick of wins within the CDI3* courses.
She kicked her streak off by scoring a one-two within the grand prix, along with her Olympic hopeful Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi) first on 80.87% and the swish Alive And Kicking second with 77.37% – a private finest at worldwide degree.
Imhotep was again at his imperious finest, together with his canter pirouettes a spotlight – receiving a ten from the decide at H, Andrew Gardner.
“I had such an excellent experience, it actually felt like probably the greatest grand prix assessments we’ve ever achieved,” Charlotte mentioned. “He has an unimaginable engine and energy and it’s nonetheless about managing all of it.
“My pirouettes, piaffe and zig-zags acquired some actually good marks, however what was so good was that I simply rode the check and it simply felt like all the pieces occurred and was a pleasant check to experience.
“Earlier than it felt fairly troublesome to place all of it collectively however now it feels a lot simpler. He’s a lot extra assured, he’s stronger so it makes it simpler now for me to have the ability to concentrate on the little pinpoint components whereas earlier than I’ve had to assist him a lot by it as a result of he’s had all this energy and never been capable of handle it.”
Charlotte Dujardin: “I felt fairly emotional”
The mix didn’t fairly handle a transparent spherical within the grand prix particular, with a slight blip within the one-time tempi modifications, however however scored 81.36% to win – selecting up much more 10s for the canter pirouettes in addition to the piaffe.
“It was an costly mistake, however other than that I’m so comfortable,” mentioned Charlotte. “He’s an unimaginable horse with a lot coronary heart and all the time needs to please. The exhausting factor is taking the danger and never making a mistake, and that’s what I’m enjoying round with in the intervening time. Hopefully, in the case of the time I would like all of it, I’ll have ironed all of it out.”
Alive And Kicking gained her debut freestyle on 82.35% using to the Frozen music Charlotte used with Mount St John Freestyle.
“I really like that music and thought it could go well with her nicely, however the floorplan is sort of troublesome,” mentioned Charlotte. “I couldn’t have been prouder of her, I felt slightly bit emotional on the finish – the place she is correct now in her coaching she couldn’t have achieved any extra. She tried so exhausting, she answered all of the questions, and gave all the pieces a go.”
It feels unsuitable to maintain describing 10-year-old mare Alive And Kicking as a rising star contemplating the spectacular and mature performances she retains producing, however she continues to be very inexperienced at this degree – which makes her achievements all of the extra outstanding.
“Her piaffe-passage is simply superb, she slips out and in prefer it’s nothing,” added Charlotte. “I feel there’s rather a lot to come back along with her, she’s solely 10, and I’m very, very excited for the longer term.”
Carl Hester: “I’m so grateful to those horses for all that they’ve given me”
Carl Hester was third within the CDI3* grand prix with the European group gold medallist Fame on 76.23% and second within the particular on 78.66% – whereas En Vogue gained the LeMieux Premier League grand prix class on 75.3% and Fiona Bigwood’s spectacular mare Quinn Q gained each the nationwide and worldwide six-year-old courses.
Following the competitors Carl was in a reflective temper, writing: “I feel what the horses jogged my memory of this weekend was simply how particular these moments proceed to be and why so many people are dedicated to this sport with these horses which can be before everything a part of our household.
“After they do check after check and try to make only one small factor higher, giving their finest with the questions we ask of them and forgiving us if we don’t ask it completely on the day; it’s this sense of belief and partnership that makes coaching horses and presenting them in arenas the best privilege.
“There may be a number of dialog happening in our neighborhood in the intervening time and nonetheless a lot to be mentioned for the longer term. This stays essential however no matter occurs within the subsequent few months, I can really say that I’m so grateful to those horses for all that they’ve given me as a rider up to now and the satisfaction they offer me on weekends like these. And that is all that I might ask for.”
Carl instructed H&H he’s as but undecided on whether or not En Vogue or Fame can be his Paris decide if chosen.
“For the time being it’s too early within the season to say; Vogue was very profitable in Tokyo, and has scored as much as 78%. That might be his prime mark within the particular, after which Fame acquired that this weekend and he’s not in full throttle but. They’re each very succesful horses and hopefully considered one of them will get chosen,” he mentioned.
“This present has been an excellent indication to each Charlotte and me that issues are stepping into the proper path, the horses are feeling incredible and I feel we’re beginning to iron out all the small print which can be wanted to get these excessive scores.”
Carl and Charlotte plan to compete subsequent at Wellington Worldwide Competition of Dressage (4–11 June) as they proceed their Olympic preparations.
You might also be excited by…
Credit score: Stefan Lafrentz
Credit score: Benjamin Clark
Credit score: Spidge Occasion Pictures
Credit score: Benjamin Clark
Credit score: Future
Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is filled with all the newest information and experiences, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can get pleasure from the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and experiences in addition to different advantages.
