Charlotte Dujardin was in superb kind on the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Competition at Hickstead as she secured a hat trick of wins within the CDI3* lessons.
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 sleek Alive And Kicking second with 77.37% – a private finest at worldwide degree.
Imhotep was again at his imperious finest, along with his canter pirouettes a spotlight – receiving a ten from the decide at H, Andrew Gardner.
“I had such a great experience, it actually felt like the most effective grand prix checks we’ve ever completed,” Charlotte mentioned. “He has an unbelievable engine and energy and it’s nonetheless about managing all of it.
“My pirouettes, piaffe and zig-zags obtained some actually good marks, however what was so good was that I simply rode the take a look at and it simply felt like every part occurred and was a pleasant take a look at to experience.
“Earlier than it felt fairly tough 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 mixture didn’t fairly handle a transparent spherical within the grand prix particular, with a slight blip within the one-time tempi modifications, however nonetheless scored 81.36% to win – choosing 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 unbelievable horse with a lot coronary heart and all the time desires to please. The arduous factor is taking the danger and never making a mistake, and that’s what I’m taking part in round with in the intervening time. Hopefully, with regards to the time I want all of it, I’ll have ironed all of it out.”
Alive And Kicking received her debut freestyle on 82.35% using to the Frozen music Charlotte used with Mount St John Freestyle.
“I like that music and thought it could swimsuit her effectively, however the floorplan is kind of tough,” mentioned Charlotte. “I couldn’t have been prouder of her, I felt just a little bit emotional on the finish – the place she is true now in her coaching she couldn’t have completed any extra. She tried so arduous, she answered all of the questions, and gave every part a go.”
It feels mistaken 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 believe there’s quite a bit 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 received the LeMieux Premier League grand prix class on 75.3% and Fiona Bigwood’s spectacular mare Quinn Q received each the nationwide and worldwide six-year-old lessons.
Following the competitors Carl was in a reflective temper, writing: “I believe 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 might be initially a part of our household.
“Once they do take a look at after take a look at and attempt 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’s plenty of dialog happening in our group in the intervening time and nonetheless a lot to be mentioned for the longer term. This stays necessary however no matter occurs within the subsequent few months, I can actually say that I’m so grateful to those horses for all that they’ve given me as a rider up to now and the pleasure 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 choose if chosen.
“In the intervening time it’s too early within the season to say; Vogue was very profitable in Tokyo, and has scored as much as 78%. That may be his prime mark within the particular, after which Fame obtained 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 a great indication to each Charlotte and me that issues are stepping into the proper route, the horses are feeling incredible and I believe we’re beginning to iron out all the small print which might 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.
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