The standard is incredibly high, and the world class performances have been a thrill to watch. A total of 92 horse and rider combinations from 31 nations are competing in the para dressage at Aachen this year, with now only three riders from Australia competing.
Australian results:
Grade IV – Dianne Barnes & Tjibbe B on 69.444%
Grade V – Lisa Martin & Vilaggio on 71.436%
Grade V – Mietta Innes-Irons & Sir Helmut on 68.974%
The overall results from day one of competition are as follows:
Grade I Grand Prix A Test:
Gold – Marie Vonderheyden & Fan Tastico H on 76.709% for USA
Silver – Mari Durward-Akhurst & Athene Lindebjerg on 74.542% for GBR
Bronze – Sara Morganti & Bond Girl 18 on 74.459%
Grade II Para Grand Prix A Test:
Gold – Heidimarie Dresing & Poesie 143 on 75.483% for Germany
Silver – Katrine Kristensen & Goerklintgaards Quater on 75.310% for Denmark
Bronze – Jemima Green & Fantabulous on 75.241% for Great Britain
Grade III Grand Prix A Test:
Gold – Rixt van der Horst & Eisma’s Royal Fonq on 77.534% for the Netherlands
Silver – Tobias Thorning Joergensen & Blue Horse Zackorado on 75.100% for Denmark
Bronze – Francesca Salvade & Escari on 74.767% for Italy
Grade IV Grand Prix A Test:
Gold – Kate Shoemaker & Vianne on 78.889% for USA
Silver – Anna-Lena Niehues & Vive l’Amour on 74.639% for Germany
Bronze – Nicola Naylor & Humberto L on 73.861% for Great Britain
Grade V Grand Prix A Test:
Gold – Sophie Wells & MSJ Gold Standard on 74.949% for Great Britain
Silver – Britney de Jong & Caramba N.O.P on 73.154% for the Netherlands
Bronze – Regine Mispelkamp & Highlander Delight’s on 72.974% for Germany
Aussie para dressage riders show us how it’s done!
A statement was released by Equestrian Australia on Tuesday this week, just days prior to competition, that Grade II rider Bridget Murphy would be withdrawing from the World Championships due to health issues. Bridget is currently in ICU in Germany and although we were extremely saddened not to get to watch this combination compete, she is in our thoughts, and we wish her the speediest of recoveries. Bridget is absolutely heartbroken but was only wishing her fellow Aussie riders all the best as they took to the world stage. A true professional, Australia is so proud of you Bridget!
Dianne Barnes and Tjibbe B
Our first Australian representative to compete was Dianne Barnes riding Jennifer Rapson’s 12-year-old stallion Tjibbe B in the Grade IV. I’ll start by saying this test was extremely easy to watch. It was fluent, harmonious, and accurate. Dianne produced a score of 69.444% to finish in 9th position out of a total of 20 riders. What an incredible effort given the short amount of time these two have been together, only forming a partnership at the beginning of the year. To qualify for the Australian team is no easy feat, and to finish in the top 10 is a huge credit to Dianne and her team, as well as to this lovely horse.
The test was smooth but somewhat safe initially, and slightly on the conservative side in the trot work at the beginning. However, they soon got into a rhythm and the test continued to improve throughout. The canter was a highlight showing good rhythm and balance, whilst demonstrating very relaxed work. Dianne really showed her talents as a horsewoman with her world class riding; she was incredibly accurate and tactical. She should be incredibly proud of herself for producing such an outstanding performance on day one.
Di has her husband and daughter with her in Aachen, and I know she is truly grateful for all of their support. As humble as they come, Di will often account her successes to those around her. She is so grateful to have the ride on Tjibbe, and the rest of us watching from home are so glad too.
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio were the second of the Aussie riders to enter the arena at Aachen, competing in the Grade V. What a wonderful performance! Villi is such a stunning horse with so much power and presence, while remaining simultaneously elegant. To me, he always looks like he’s enjoying his job. He works very hard to please and the overall picture these two produce is simply beautiful.
Lisa rode a wonderful test to produce a great score of 71.436% and claim 6th place out of a field of 21 competitors. Lisa did a super job keeping Villi with her and on her aids throughout the entire ride. There were some moments in the beginning in the trot work where he was slightly disconnected and losing the smallest amount of rhythm at times, but Lisa showed her amazing test riding ability to ride every stride and make sure he focused on the job. She really brought the best out of him in the canter work: the medium canter was simply AMAZING to watch, covering so much ground with huge lift through the shoulder. The pair scored multiple 8s in the simple changes and medium canter movements; Lisa wasn’t giving any marks away. The free walk was a highlight for me, with a huge over-track, lovely stretch, and extreme relaxation through the body. It was a pleasure to watch, and I can’t wait to see what the pair produce in the coming days.
Mietta Innes-Irons riding Sir Helmut
The third and final competitor from Australia was Mietta Innes-Irons riding Sir Helmut in the Grade V. The pair finished in 13th place out of 21 competitors on a score of 68.974%, with two of the judges awarding her scores over 70%.
Mietta’s test was wonderful to watch and given it was her international debut, she should be thrilled with her result. They really shone in the canter work, demonstrating a lovely clear rhythm. They unfortunately would have lost some marks in the walk pirouettes, lacking consistent rhythm and slightly breaking between, and also losing some marching steps in the hind end. Helmut also needed to remain higher in the poll in the rein back, which has always been one of their weaker movements.
The pair really demonstrated some wonderful work, with a particularly lovely medium trot. Mietta rode accurate lines and really kept Helmut super engaged. Together they showed harmony, precision, and joy throughout. I have a feeling they will only improve on their score in the coming days.
Rixt van der Horst and Fonq catch the eye
I think my favourite test from all five grades from the first two days of competition was Rixt van der Horst (the Netherlands) and Fonq in the Grade III. This combination is the epitome of what para dressage should be. This horse is incredibly powerful and Rixt does an absolutely amazing job as his pilot. She keeps him engaged and connects him so well, but in a way that the power never becomes tense. His work is so effortless, and the combination have continued to improve since their silver medal winning performance in Paris. Their performance in the Grand Prix A test was enough for the pair to score a PB and also secure a gold medal. They were so close to getting that gold in Paris, so to see them achieve gold in Aachen incredibly pleasing. I cannot comment enough as to how much I love this combination! It was an absolute joy to watch.
Kate Shoemaker rode a lovely test in the Grade IV to produce the highest score of the competition so far. With her 10-year-old mare, Vianne, Kate gained a huge score of 78.889% (a world record for the Grade IV Grand Prix A test), a reflection of the seamless work demonstrated by the pair on the world stage. There was so much fluid activity and relaxation, it was a hard test not to enjoy watching.
Vianne also has an Australian link, as she was originally produced and competed for several years by Australian Hope Beerling.
The team competition will commence Friday, with all athletes riding the Grand Prix B test. Jemima Green of Great Britain will be the first to ride down the centre line, with the Grade II class starting at 9.00am local time. The Grade III and I Grand Prix B tests will also take place Friday, while the Grade IV and V are on Saturday.
Australian start times
Saturday, 22 August:
Grade V (Grand Prix B)
Lisa Martin and Vilaggio: 5.12pm AEST (9.12am local time)
Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut 6.03pm AEST (10.03am local time)
Grade IV (Grand Prix B)
Dianne Barnes and Tjibbe B: 8.36pm AEST (12.36pm local time)
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