Dressage-News

A quick update on the mornings proceedings are is well overdue! In brief, Kristina Sprehe and Desperados of Germany have a convincing lead with 78.814%, Fabienne Lutkemeier and D’Agostino also of Germany are in 2nd place with 73.586. The combination that replaced Totilas and Mathias Rath, set the tone, being the first rider of the day, holding the lead until her team-mate finished her ride. Diederik van Silfhout and Arlando NH of the Netherlands are in 3rd with 73.414.

Other notable rides were Maree Tomkinson of Australia who had some issues getting her mare Diamantina through the tunnel into the stadium, as time was ticking away she had to take extreme measures and jumped off the mare and ran on foot with her into the arena. She leapt back on and had to enter, without time to go around the arena. She kept her cool and posted a strong score for Australia, 69.3%

Tina Konyot had a solid start for team USA with 69.643, Mikala Gunderson and My Lady, riding for Denmark but based in Wellington, Fl scored 70.271 to be staying well placed as the days rides continue

The rain has continued to fall steadily all day but after lunch has truly set in and there are significant puddles forming in the arena. Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Johnson make an impressive entrance as they splash down the centreline, and there is no doubt the stallion has charisma. At this stage, there is a large puddle where the first passage starts and the stallion definitely has a little look at the water. In the first 2 passages the hind legs really take different steps, although the final centreline is very steady. He sits well in the piaffe and stays quite in place. A mistake in the 2 tempis and generally conservative canter work, although the one’s are lovely, uphill and utilise the entire diagonal. 74.371 and 2nd place leaves Hans Peter all smiles.

Updates to follow….I am off to buy wellington (gum) boots and an umbrella!!