Isabell Werth’s ride Weihegold might have been making her World Cup debut, but that didn’t stop her from impressing the judges to win the Reem Acra Freestyle in Amsterdam.
Debut
It was the 11-year-old mare’s first ever international Freestyle test, and she duly wowed the judges with her performance to score 83.450%. The piaffe, extended trot, passage and canterwork were particular highlights, while an artistic score of 90% from two of the judges secured them top spot.
The mare be a relative newcomer to this level of competition, but she was in the very experienced hands with Isabell, whose record includes six Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles, finished on a score to take the title. They’d had to settle for sixth place in the qualifying Grand Prix, so their Freestyle win did cause a bit of a shake up.
“It was a surprise because the Freestyle is really difficult here in this atmosphere in Amsterdam, and there was an outstanding field of competitors,” said Isabell afterwards.
Strong field
It certainly was a close battle between many of dressage’s current greats, with just 1.3% separating the top six.
Runner-up was Isabell’s compatriot Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on Unee BB were close behind with 83.350%.
In third was The Netherlands‘ Diederik van Silfhout and Arlando, while Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin came fourth with Uthopia.
New ride
Weihegold has been ridden for most of her career by Isabell’s assistant trainer, Beatrice Buchwald. It was always the plan for Werth to take over the ride when the horse had enough experience.
“She is a clear option for the German team and the Olympics now. I ride her to give her my experience, but Bea will continue to ride her as well and we will try all options to find the strongest combination for Rio. I’m really happy to have such a strong team of horses,” Isabell said.
“My goal with Weihegold is to improve more and more. She is only 11 years old, she is very elegant and she has lots of room for improvement – she is a very exciting horse.”
Results
1, Weihegold Old (Isabell Werth) GER 83.450; 2, Unee BB (Jessica von Bredow-Werndl) GER 83.350; 3, Arlando NOP (Diederik van Silfhout (NED) 82.750; 4, Uthopia (Charlotte Dujardin) GBR 82.375; 5, Glock’s Flirt (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 82.250; 6, Glock’s Voice (Edward Gal) NED 82.100; 7, Watermill Scandic (Patrik Kittel) SWE 79.950; 8, Annarico (Fanny Verliefden) BEL 78.975; 9, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 78.175; 10, Apache (Emmelie Scholtens) NED 75.450; 11, Rubicon D (Beata Stremier) POL 75.125; 12, Tiamo (Jorinde Verwimp) BEL 74.625; 13, Eres Dl (Jeroen Devroe) BEL 74.350; 14, Jojo Az (Agnete Kirk Thinggaard) DEN 73.900; 15, Rainbow Dancer (Anne Lene Holmen) NOR 71.200.