Isabell Werth to Ride Weihegold at World Cup Final Seeking Historic 4th Straight Victory

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Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD to make last bid for World Cup history at Final next month. File photo. © Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Mar. 14, 2022

Isabell Werth, the most decorated equestrian ever, will ride Weihegold OLD in the World Cup Final in four weeks in a bid for another historic achievement of four straight titles before the 17-year-old mare is retired.

“The plan is to compete in this final with Weihegold and then to say goodbye to her sporting career,” Isabell said Monday after completion of qualifying for the only annual global championship that will be staged in Leipzig, Germany April 6-10.

Isabell rode the Oldenburg mare to the title in Omaha in 2017, Paris in 2018 and Gothenburg in 2019 and on Warum Nicht FRH as champion at Las Vegas in 2007. The coronavirus pandemic caused cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Finals. The three consecutive titles match that of Anky van Grunsven who achieved the result on two different horses, Bonfire 1996-1998 and Salinero 2004-2006.

The 52-year-old Isabell, who has earned 12 Olympic medals–seven gold, five silver for the most of any rider in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing–competed Weihegold at one qualifier and DSP Quantaz at two this 2021-22 season. Only two appearances were required for the titleholder to earn a start in Leipzig.

Isabell and Weihegold will face team mates Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB as well as Cathrine Dufour of Denmark on Bohemian–all three members of the elite “90% Club” for scores at that mark.

Isabell admits Jessica and Dalera, the No. 1 combination in the world after sweeping gold at last year’s Olympics and European Championships and winner of three World Cup qualifiers “will definitely travel to Leipzig as a favorite.”