Wellington CDI had all of the makings of a showdown within the British dressage group choice course of, as contenders vied for the ultimate spot on the squad heading to this summer season’s European Dressage Championships.
Though the Olympic dressage group options simply three riders, the European format permits for 4, and it’s broadly anticipated that the bronze-medal-winning trio – Becky Moody (Jagerbomb), Lottie Fry (Glamourdale), and Carl Hester (Fame) – have already got their tickets to Crozet booked. Carl underlined his place with a commanding double win at Wellington.
That leaves one place nonetheless up for grabs. Andrew Gould (Indigro), Laura Tomlinson (Issey), Lewis Robertson-Service (Diego V), and rising star Sadie Smith (Swanmore Dantina) have all posted comparable scores in latest internationals, and Wellington gave selectors a uncommon alternative to evaluate them face to face within the grand prix.
British dressage group choice heats up at Wellington CDI
Andrew entered because the slight entrance runner, having travelled as reserve to the Tokyo Olympics and already established throughout the World Class Programme. He strengthened his case with two runner-up finishes behind Carl Hester, within the grand prix and the particular.
His private better of 72.2% with Indigro within the grand prix got here within the take a look at that may resolve group medals in Crozet, making it probably the most influential rating in selectors’ eyes.
“That fourth spot is open, and I anticipate we’ll be slogging it out over the subsequent three exhibits,” Andrew stated. “Indigro’s scores are bettering, and it seems like issues are falling into place.
“I feel he’s among the finest horses on the circuit at piaffe-passage. However I don’t really feel stress as I’ve by no means been on a group, so I’m nonetheless studying.
“I’ll go to Aachen, which is an unbelievable present. If that’s my championship, it’s not a nasty one, so if I’ve a superb present there and don’t make the group, I can nonetheless be glad. If I do, the journey continues.”
Sadie and the elegant Swanmore Dantina completed third on 71.8% on solely their second worldwide begin, simply forward of Laura Tomlinson and Issey – a brand new trip this season – who scored 70.57%.
“At our final outing at Addington, I rode a bit quick and panicky, however at present I attempted to be extra relaxed,” stated Sadie. “We’re so inexperienced at this degree. Her prolonged stroll and half-passes had been very nice, however my piaffe might be higher, and I had a mistake within the pirouette.
“I’ve been using her since she was three, and he or she’s such a beautiful, glad mare. I’m so happy together with her and I’m making an attempt to get pleasure from it as I’m going alongside.”
Carl Hester added to the rising buzz across the British squad, emphasising their expertise and cohesion heading into the summer season: “It’s probably a really thrilling group. The constant scores that we will usher in are gold-medal stuff,” he stated.
“A number of the main nations are having to start out once more whereas we have now the sting from using collectively in Paris final 12 months and, goodness me, that helps.”
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H&H dressage and sport horse editor
Oscar graduated from York St John College with a grasp’s diploma in Literature in 2021 and joined Horse & Hound in October 2023. Oscar labored for high dressage rider Emile Faurie for 4 years after ending an equine administration course in school. Below Emile’s tutelage, Oscar competed on the 2015 Nationwide Dressage Championships and travelled with Emile’s horses to CDIs at Aachen, Vidauban, Saumur and Achlieiten. Oscar continues to compete in dressage, alongside his day job.
