A sold-out Aachen crowd roared Germany’s Alice Layher, France’s Quentin Jabet and the German Squad to FEI World Championships glory as the first vaulting medals of the week were decided on Saturday.
It was a memorable day of firsts, with 2023 Junior World champion Alice Layher claiming her first senior Individual Female world title and Quentin Jabet finally taking Individual Male gold after consecutive World Championship silver medals. Germany capped the day by securing a 15th World Squad title.
Australian vaulters in action
Australia’s Individual Female and Squad competitors were in action on Saturday for their final performances.
Bronagh Miskelly and nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Dinoso P (Danone 4 x Benvenuto) produced an excellent mark of 7.783 in the Individual Female Free Test, and when combined with her Round 1 score of 6.759 she received a total of 7.270 for 26th place overall.
Ginger Kennett, paired with 17-year-old German-bred gelding Corazon Gran (Corlensky G x Akteur), scored a solid 6.892 for her Free Test. Combined with a Round 1 mark of 6.641, Ginger finished in 33rd place on a total of 6.766.
Among a field of nearly 50 of the word’s best, it was a strong effort by both Australians.
In the Squad competition, Australia scored 7.242 for their Free Test. Combined with their Round 1 mark of 5.751, the Squad placed 13th on a total of 6.646.
Australia’s Squad included Eliza Wark-Chapman, Ivy Sykes, Nicki Coleman, Erin Ryan, Bronagh Miskelly and Tegan Davis, with 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding Fuerstenstaedter (Fuerst Nymphenburg x Weltmeyer) lunged by owned Susanne Kayser.
“We’re just so proud of each other,” said the Australian Squad following their Free Test. “Our three-and-a-half years of training has paid off; three-and-a-half years for three and half minutes!”
The squad was thrilled with Fuerstenstaedter. “He’s so trustworthy, we love him so much. We’d definitely love to take him home to Australia, but I don’t think we’re allowed!” they laughed.
Pas de Deux and Team competitions wrap up the vaulting on Sunday
It was an historic win in the Pas de Deux competition for French debutants Noely Thibaudat and Theo Gardies. Their quality was unmatched as they danced their way to gold with Sir Sensation and Sirine Abousaid. A first for France.
An unmatched effort from Germany kept the final gold medal at home. Alice Layher, Kathrin Meyer and the German squad took home the official Team title.
Watch the action from the FEI World Championships here via ClipMyHorse.TV.
For a full list of results, click here.
Source: FEI press releases by Joanne Littlejohn, edited by Equestrian Life
