With 15 horses in the London International Horse Show Grand Prix Freestyle to Music Test, which concludes the fifth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup, it was clear that those with a relaxed disposition would fare well – the arena at Olympia is very small, with barely enough room for a horse to walk past the judges' tables at B and E either side of the arena without swishing the judges in the eye with a tail. As Charlotte Dujardin from Britain remarked, you can hear the audience breathing in this arena!
The results
Let’s cut to the chase however, and firstly talk about the results – Charlotte was predictably victorious riding Valegro, scoring a masterful 87.975. She had been suffering with bronchitis and was the worse for wear on the Monday, (although managed to create a new record that day in the Grand Prix Test with 84.447%.)
Above - Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are victorious. Credit: Kit Houghton/FEI.
Germany’s Isabell Werth was second in the freestyle riding Don Johnson FRH to score 80.075, while Brit Carl Hester, with his final ride on Uthopia who is being sold “in the new year” according to Carl, was third with 79.9.
Unsettled
Many of the horses seemed unsettled by the fizzing atmosphere, bright TV lights and close-proximity crowd, who to give them their due didn’t breathe a word until each horse’s test was complete.
Dutch rider Edward Gal’s hotly anticipated test showed expressive trots and amazing extensions, but was marred by Undercover’s seeming anxiety, leading to a slightly uneven performance that placed him eighth of 15 in the final to an orchestral score.
Charlotte’s Valegro wasn’t even himself, appearing tense on occasion and spooking at precisely the moment he entered the arena; Charlotte also gave a less polished performance to her Land of Hope and Glory score than at her Olympic performance. However she hinted that the much-hyped sale of the horse was uncertain, saying she’d love to “keep the ride” on Valegro, a once-in-a-lifetime horse that she has an obvious bond with.
However Hester’s Uthopia was on top form in the freestyle, giving Carl a “stress free and enjoyable ride” with no obvious tension and a pleasing, accurate test.
Below: Carl Hester rode a relaxed test with Uthopia to finish third. Credit: Kit Houghton/FEI.
Stand out performances
Stand-out performances came from Swede Minna Telde riding the one-eyed Santana to a Queen medley that was the only rock score in the final, amongst a sea of sometimes-grating choral wailing and operatic themes. The leggy Santana was flamboyant and had massive elevation in the trots, showing a cool demeanour and almost unrivalled passage. The pair finished fourth.
Brit Michael Eilberg riding Half Moon Delphi also impressed, with his Spanish world-music score and a brave final move down the centre line riding one-handed into his final halt. However Delphi did become hot and a little unsettled towards the end of the test, which was a shame – they placed fifth however, in their first World Cup.
Below: a pensive-looking Lyndal Oatley riding Sandro Boy prepares in the collecting ring, ahead of her test.
Australia’s Lyndal Oatley riding Sandro Boy, who looked fit and well and in impeccable condition, finished on a credible 69.9 with a smooth and relaxed test to a jazzy score; but it wasn’t enough to lift the pair past fourteenth place in a field of strong contenders. However the popular rider, who was suffering, like many competitors, with a cold, said she was pleased with her horse. “It was his first time in that environment and we had great fun – he’s a super talented horse and I was pleased with him. It was great to be at Olympia and it lived up to expectations. This has been a great year for me.”
Below: Despite being poorly, Lyndal says she had great fun.
A special mention must go to Isabell Werth whose correct and symmetrical, neat test to an orchestral score lagged Charlotte’s by an astounding seven marks. One can only assume Charlotte’s more rousing score and flamboyant routine helped boost the artistic marks in her favour - as well of course as her impeccable transitions and extensions. “My horse has improved a lot over the last six months and I hope it will go on like this,” Isabell said afterwards.
On trend
Particular mention must go to a new trend at Grand Prix level, perhaps instigated by Charlotte Dujardin – the wearing of crash hats. Isabell Werth, Michael Eilberg, Dujardin and Minna Telde – a quarter of the field – all wore them. This is surely a great step forward in terms of advocating rider safety.
Fashion-wise, most riders played it safe in black or navy tails, although Portugal’s Luis Principle’s grey tailcoat with a cream collar was very dashing. Blingy browbands were de riguour of course, as were sparkly buttons and the odd patent boot.
A memorable evening
Olympia has done much to help raise the profile of dressage to the masses, who flock to the London event annually for their Xmas trade-stand shopping – just a few years ago, dressage was ‘the quiet day’ at the event, with empty seats and a lacklustre atmosphere. Now, it is a highlight of the dressage calendar in Europe. Its friendly atmosphere and cheerful Christmassy commentary help put a festive spin on the last dressage World Cup of the year; many thanks to the riders for giving the audience such a memorable evening.
