Main image: Simone Pearce and Destano, by Anett Somogyvári.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
The dressage at the 2024 Olympics will be set in one of the most historic and wonderful venues in France. Versailles no less. Louis XIII built a simple hunting lodge on the site of the palace in 1623 and with his death came Louis XIV who expanded the lodge into the beginnings of the palace Versailles. The palace continued to expand from 1661 to 1715 and was a favourite residence for the Kings. In 1789 the royal family moved back to Paris and the palace was largely abandoned for the French revolution. Napoleon used part of the palace as his summer residence from 1810 to 1814. In the 1830s the palace had restoration and a museum of French history was installed there. In 1979 the Palace and the park were designated a World Heritage site for its importance as the centre of power, art, and science in France, set up by UNESCO. In modern times people remember Versailles when it returned to the world stage, when, after six months of negotiations, the Treaty Of Versailles signed there formally ending the first world war on the 28th June 1919. Between 1925 and 1928, the American philanthropist, John D Rockefeller, gave the equivalent of thirty million dollars to restore and refurbish it. The grounds and the palace are now owned by the French State.
What an amazing and historic venue to hold the stately sport of dressage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The hallowed grounds add an extra special ambience to the regal sport, and what a backdrop for spectators.
The three grandstands erected on three sides of the arena will hold 16,000 spectators with the open end at A looking towards the Grand Canal and to the Palace, situated less than 20km from Paris. The horses will be stabled in air-conditioned facilities beyond the Grand Canal and away from the traffic. There is plenty of room and quiet surrounding the stables where they can graze and relax. It is quite the ultimate venue.
Dressage – the Grand Prix
There will be sixty horses entered for 30 counties and the first competition will be the Grand Prix test. It is worthwhile reading through the test and especially to take note where the coefficient scores count (the movements where there is a x2). The results are going to be extremely tight and the merest of margins will separate the teams competition and the individual placings. It will be possibly be split by one mark (not %) from one judge.
The first thing in every competitor’s mind will be to try, first and foremost, to make a clean test. That is, no mistakes in any of the said exercises and to make sure there are no losses of balance that may interrupt the regularity in all paces. Then the rider has to decide how much expression to put into the movements for added marks, remembering that a mistake from too much expression will be very costly. There are so many great horses of varying types, shapes and attitudes and as with any subjectively judged sport, what the judges are prioritising in evaluating the marks will be on everyone’s minds, as this will prioritise the way riders ride to gain marks.
It is not easy to be a judge and here there will be seven of them situated around the arena. Each judge gets a separate view of each movement as the angles they view it are different. Each judge simply marks what they see from their position and so a composite picture and mark will be derived between the team of seven. Of course, it is important to realise that the percentages form the different positions should vary accordingly, so there is no expectation that every judge should give the same marks.
Trends change and in judging as well. It is easy to see over the last year that one of the greatest priorities in the overall picture and riding is HARMONY BETWEEN HORSES AND RIDER.
This is number one overall.
To evaluate this, the judges look for tell-tale signs in the horses way of going and signs of tension, i.e. tail swishing, grinding teeth, excessive sweating, kicking out, lack of a generous nature and willingness, nervous or looking worried. Of course, the one that is right up at the front of the list at the moment is any resistance in the contact to the bit: opening mouths, tongue out or seen drawing behind the bit, leaning in the bridle or the opposite and curling away from the contact. So the harmony is of the highest priority. This is where a lot of attention to the overall picture and the mark will be placed.
The first two days of competition Grand Prix will be divided in half with 30 competitors each day. The Grand Prix holds no medals and is simply a qualifying round to get the top ten nations who will ride the Grand Prix Special test to determine the medals for the teams competition. It also finds the top 18 individuals to go on into the Freestyle, that is a stand-alone competition to determine the individual medals (noting that the Grand Prix class is divided into six ‘pools’, with the top two combinations from each pool progressing to the Freestyle and the next six best scores making up the field if 18).
Of course, to single out competitors and think who will win is outrageous as there are so many variables, but from prior competition, experience, and scores, it is possible to get a feeling for the top contenders. Despite medals, every one of the 60 riders have trained and qualified their horse to the highest standard to represent their country and that is a total honour in itself!
The interest is in watching the different ways horses move and the accuracy that the riders perform the test. Every horse is of interest, no matter the scores and to watch is to learn. Of course, our Australian horses will be interesting indeed.
The Aussie team
Jayden Brown and Quincy B
Jayden Brown will be riding ten-year-old Quincy B (WillingaPark is dropped off the name at the Games, as there are no advertising or sponsors allowed at an Olympics). Quincy B has been trained by Jayden from the beginning, apart from a small window when being purchased by Terry Snow of Willinga Park where Brett Parbery took over the reins momentarily. Jayden then continued with Quincy and they had enormous success in young horse classes and at Small Tour constantly gaining over 75%. He hasn’t been at Grand Prix level for that long and is inexperienced in comparison to some.
Terry Snow wanted to see a horse of his make the dressage Olympic team for Australia, and so it has come to fruition. Jayden and Quincy left Willinga Park two years ago to train in Great Britain with Carl Hester. With conscientious and diligence, the improvement has been steady and the scores still on the improve. Hopefully they can get a PB in Paris (their PB to date is 71.652%) and all going well, a score above 70% and up is very achievable, albeit a big ask, and it will be interesting to see him in the atmosphere. He is a beautiful gelding by Quaterback and watch for the biggest marks in the pirouettes… they are amazing. One thing for sure Jayden will not be fazed! One positive is the contact and the self-carriage and harmony between these two; it is outstanding. Jayden did win a special award at CDI Lier in March from the FEI stewards for his outstanding display of fairness and empathy towards the horses during warm-up. He is a beautiful and empathetic rider.
Simone Pearce and Destano
Simone Pearce and Destano have had a lot of international experience. Destano is a 17-year-old stallion by Desparados and has represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. Owned by Gestüt Sprehe, Simone began riding him while working there; the partnership ended early 2022 when Simone moved on to a new stable, however at the end of last year they were happily reunited and have picked up where they left off.
Simone’s experience and savviness in the ring is quite amazing. She is a real talent and well known in European dressage circles. Simone knows Destano well and a score over 70% will be very possible. In fact, their PB in the Grand Prix test is a whopping 76.261%! Destano is a big mover with no glitches in his repertoire and Simone will make the most of every movement. The atmosphere should work in Destano’s favour.
Will Matthew and Mysterious Star. Image by Digishots.
William Matthew and Mysterious Star
Eleven-year-old Mysterious Star and William Matthew will be ones to watch out for, for sure. Will has ridden Mysterious Star, by Metall, for owner Stephanie Göller since the horse was a five-year-old. The horse came to him while working in Austrian for the Hödl Family and has stayed with him since.
Will is originally from Perth and has been in Germany for over a decade, and since 2019 he has ridden a half day for Isabell Werth six days a week! He is a worker and a delightful young gentleman at the mere age of 30! You can read more about Will’s backstory and dressage journey in Europe in the December 2021 issue of Equestrian Life here.
The pair’s PB Grand Prix score is 69.630%, which was actually at their last start – and their next best at 69.434% was achieved the start before that – so they are on an upward trajectory in terms of scores. You can read more about Will where his journey to Paris began in the June 2023 issue of Equestrian Life here.
Top teams
On to the likely horses in the top teams, and you have to look at the German team, the Danish team and the British team – though now with Chalotte Dujardin not competing, it places a little more pressure on Carl Hester, Lottie Fry and Becky Moody, but they are out to prove their strengths. They are all strong competitors and rock solid. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!
It is going to be hard to topple the German team, all the same, as with Isabell Werth, Jessica von Bredow Werndl, and Frederic Wandres, that will be a team as consistent and as strong as they come. Needless to say, the Danes have a great lineup with Daniel Bachmann Andersen, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, and Nanna Skodborg Merrald. This Danish squad could just creep up there. The Swedes can’t be underestimated, although the American team this time is little lacking a strong lead up to the Olympics with a few disappointing performances leading into Paris.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB were the gold medallists in Tokyo. Image by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.
Combinations to watch
It would seem that all eyes will be on Wendy for Isabell Werth, a beautiful black mare that Isabell has not had the ride on for so long. The tests she rode in Aachen were inspiring in many ways and especially the work in the Freestyle. Isabell is a genius and knows what the judges want to see, and she dishes that straight up to them. Harmony and smooth, seamless tests, and such a happy and friendly relationship here with Wendy, who gained several pats of praise during the performances. Each test seemed to build and get better and the self-carriage and effortless ease with which Isabell rode and prepared every movement was incredible. Isabell has set the scene for the Olympics and for sure all eyes will be on this combination. She will ride every step with control and precision.
TSF Dalera BB for Jessica von Bredow Werndl must be an odds-on favorite, being the winner so often with consistently brilliant scores and of course the reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo. Again, harmonious riding and a regal look. A beautiful mare that has swept all before her. The mare has strengths in the piaffe and passage tour, as her tempo and exceptional ease that she makes the transitions in and out will gain her a valuable edge – but she isn’t always perfectly confident in the changes and a mistake here and playing the test a bit safe may leave the door ajar. However, she is very well credentialed, and the judges have a good feel by now for what she scores. It will be interesting to see her at the first halt as there have been several tests where the initial halts were not truly established, and she’s had to claw back marks after starting.
How can you look past Lottie Fry and Glamourdale. This uphill black stallion shows the controlled power expected at the level and ridden by the beautifully positioned and diminutive Lottie. The overall picture is so wonderful and make sure you feast your eyes on the extended canter: it scores often a TEN! The elegance and the purity of the huge strides are exemplary and as no other. When you compare the two differing styles of Dalera and Glamourdale, it’s each to their own. Dalera has more lightness and a looser connection and way of going, but not showing the power that Glamourdale produces. Glamourdale shows a more powerful type of expression and with enormous and expressive changes and extensions (watch the two tempis!).
Partnered with Fame, Carl Hester is of course renowned in the world of dressage and a medallist at several Olympic Games. He will make history no matter the outcome by becoming the second British athlete to compete in seven Olympic Games. With no drop scores for the teams, the pressure is really on for a solid performance and Carl will no doubt be the man with the experience to deliver. Fame has the highest ever score that Carl has received. Fame is Dutch bred, by Bordeaux X Rhodium, and they only had their first outing together in 2023! They are consistent and a score in the high 70% range would be expected. The mental pressure that he must be carrying is enormous, but his compassionate riding and enthusiasm for his sport team and horse will not wane.
Who can’t wait to see Freestyle for Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. What a combination with harmony that oozes. This elegant brown horse has no glitches in what has become a seamless association of ideas and movements. It’s all so easy. It’s all elegant and light-footed and the expression is one of confidence, ease and athleticism. What seems to set them apart from the others is that there are no weak areas; no particularly outstanding move, but everything good. Walk, trot, canter, piaffe, passage and all associated movements could easily all gain 8s and above! Submission, great contact, change of frame, relaxation. Cathrine is a rider that also exudes confidence and humility. This is a red-hot tip, but their lead up was marred by a minor injury so perhaps lacking a little match practice.
Another all-time fabulous horses is Zepter for Nanna Skodborg Merrald, also of Denmark. A rangy big chestnut who is a seriously consistent performer with a wonderful frame and outlook. He is another that has no weak links and no huge highlight, but is super correct and a horse full of power and presence whilst remaining so clear in the contact. Nanna has had a great run with her other horses and at Aachen gained confidence with great scores and positive riding. This pair are ready to rumble. Watch this space!
Bluetooth for Frederic Wandres of Germany is a huge brown horse with plenty of pizazz. He had a good showing at Aachen with good scores, considering there were a few hiccups in the changes. With these glitches gone, which were uncharacteristic, this combination will be pushing through to the top end of the field. Great tempos and elasticity in this horse and a super balanced and feeling rider.
The stallion Indian Rock for Emmelie Scholtens of the Netherlands is one that always impresses. The power and balance and compression this horse can show is extraordinary and what a huge horse he is. He is one that really can sit and take the weight, especially in the piaffe with wonderful freedom of the shoulders from this uphill balance. They are a treat to watch and he’s a stallion with great ability.
When looking at the Dutch there is Hans Peter Minderhoud and Toto Jr. This smaller black stallion is full of bounce and collection. He perhaps lacks the scope of some of the others but for a pocket rocket he is the goods. A little lacking big scores as yet, but no time like an Olympics to bring the best out in Hans Peter!
New Zealand has Melissa Galloway with J’Obei W. They are competing as an individual and will be pushing to get in the top 18 for the Freestyle, but maybe a PB and see how it pans out. A must to watch. This horse Aussies saw at Willinga Park at Dressage By The Sea a few years ago as a young Grand Prix horse, where he won with great scores over 70%. He’s since been back competing on Australian shores with huge success. They have been training with Anne van Olst (who is also training Lottie Fry) in Holland and they are ready to bring out the bigger scores. A good showing at the FEI World Championships in Denmark and in Aachen this year with some impressive work. Harmonious and a delight to watch, they have plenty of experience under their belt and girth.
Patrik Kittel will be one to be taking notice of with the bay gelding Touchdown, a 12-year old Swedish warmblood by Quaterback. This combination are the current holders of the FEI Dressage World Cup Final title that was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The experience here is fantastic and Patrik is such a focused and concentrated rider. His preparations and positioning in all the movements is a lesson in itself. His joy of riding is a highlight, as after giving every ounce of his mind and body to ride the best he can, after the final salute his passion and emotion lets rip. It’s a joy to witness the sincerity of his partnership with Touchdown, and this is a horse that will be right up in the mix. He has a very uphill neck with a good, expressive front, and again a horse that has all the GP movements well consolidated.
Of all the beautiful stallions, don’t miss Dante Weltino for the petite and wonderful Therese Nilshagen of Sweden. If you want 10 then this is another one here for the extended trot. What a beautiful horse and what personality. He is a big character, and he always seems to want to make a movement or two with his own twist on it! He thinks it’s cool, but it’s actually a mistake or two. With a clean test and a piaffe that stays in front of Therese, the marks are definitely there. No matter what, they are truly inspiring and beautiful. You want beautiful, well it’s all there.
Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Vayron of Denmark have nerves of steel and he knows how to work under pressure. He has been on an upward trend with marks and is a very popular rider and character in the sport.
You always need a hometown favorite and that would be Pauline Basquin and Sertorius De Rima Z. At first glance, they don’t blow you away but they show smooth compliancy in all the movements. The harmony mark is high and so is the smoothness of the test, but to be up in the medals it seems that they need to show better energetic collection and more adjustability forwards and back. The judges gave the combination good marks in Aachen and being at Versailles and in front of a patriotic French crowd, they could well get that bigger lift and energy. The judges like her and the way she rides.
Henri Ruoste of Finland is riding the mare Tiffanys Diamond, who is young at the level but has certainly been making headlines. A very interesting ride and Henri a great rider and talent, and a mare that though young and inexperienced, could well rise to the fore.
Julio Mendoza Loor of Ecuador on Jewel’s Goldstrike was a big-time crowd favorite at Aachen, winning the CDI4* Freestyle. This beautifully put together chestnut horse with such a wise and willing face has amazing piaffe and passage, with cute, compact and powerful collection and expression. A real international flavour with Julio being an individual rider from Ecuador. They have scored mid 70% at GP and over 80% in the Freestyle. A great combination of good training and empathetic riding.
With empathy and training as in so many, there is Justina Vanagaite-Samuile and Nabab, an individual combination for Lithuania. A big, big combination that look completely at ease with each other. The work is correct but just lacking that star quality in energy. A complete delight to behold and one that everyone remembers, as the whole attitude is loyal and honest, trusting and authentic. They adore each other and have that real look of understanding and belief. They belong on the international stage!
For the USA, all eyes and hopes will be on Jane with Marcus Orlob. This is a truly beautiful mare: black with white socks and by Desperados x Metall. They had a great show at Aachen to be the best of the Americans, and it will be interesting to see her in Paris. She has great trot work and passage, but the canter still needed to develop a little better sitting and fluency. All the same, a wonderfully balanced test and when you realise Marcus only made his debut on Jane in Wellington in March, 2024! Look for her, and such a pretty-headed mare with loads to like.
We have come to expect big things from fellow US rider Steffen Peters with Suppenkasper. At Aachen they unfortunately appeared quite tense and there were some balance and rhythm mistakes that were costly. Best leave that performance behind and it will be interesting to see them here in Paris/
Don’t miss the action
The list of wonderful riders and horse could include all sixty. It is going to be one hell of a competition and one hell of a viewer’s delight. The best of the best. All shapes and sizes and no doubt so many interesting marks will be handed out, creating interest and discussion. Make sure you 1) learn the test so you can follow, and 2) revise what the marks from 0 to ten mean!
Have a go at marking a test or two and see how you go (hint: start with a mindset of 10 for each movement and then move down, not 0 and up). If you think ‘good’…. write 8. If you think ‘fairly good’, write 7. Be positive and always look at the whole picture, rather than obsessing with one part.
It’s going to be amazing, as every rider shows individual qualities – as will the mounts.
Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel’s Goldstrike. Image by FEI/Shannon Brinkman.
Tune in to watch the Grand Prix action:
Tuesday, 30 July
7:00pm AEST – Dressage Team & Individual Grand Prix Day 1
Wednesday, 31 July
6:00pm AEST – Dressage Team & Individual Grand Prix Day 2
