Steffen Peters & Suppenkasper Display Back on Form Performance to Win Del Mar CDI4* Grand Prix
1 year ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Steffen Peters & Suppenkasper Display Back on Form Performance to Win Del Mar CDI4* Grand Prix
DEL MAR, California, April 13, 2024–Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper displayed a back on form performance to win the CDI4* Grand Prix Saturday on a score that likely will put him back atop the U.S. Olympic “short” list.
Steffen and “Mopsie,” his Tokyo Olympics and 2018 World Equestrian Games silver medal mount, scored 72.391% for the win in the competition with the only other rider Anna Buffini on Fiontini who scored 69.152%. Great Britain’s Isobell Wessels, president of the ground jury, awarded the duo 74.130%, the highest mark of the five judges.
“Back to normal,” was the Steffen described the ride that came after an uncharacteristic low score at this same show grounds four weeks ago.
“Mopsie started the one-tempis on his own,” he said, “I went with it but I felt the tension in the first two changes..
“I’m happy with his energy and willingness to try so hard after seven years at this level (including development to Big Tour by Helen Langehanenberg of Germany).
“This was a wonderful confidence builder for the remaining European shows.”
Steffen of San Diego has already fulfilled qualifying requirements to earn a berth in a squad of up to eight combinations that will go to Europe for selection to be one of three riders at the Paris Games where dressage starts at the end of July.
Steffen and Suppenkasper, 16-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Akiko Yamazaki, have been partnered for six years. and in addition to their medal performances at the top level of the sport also competed on the 2022 World Champonship team that earned a start for the U.S. at these Olympics.
Anna, also of San Diego, and the Danish Warmblood mare, received two marks of 68-plus, two at 69-plus and 70.978% from a Danish judge.
The Grand Prix Special that is also key in qualifying is scheduled for Sunday.
Results:
| Rank | Competitor | Score | E | H | C | M | B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Steffen Peters (USA) Suppenkasper | 72.391% | 73.587 | 71.739 | 74.130 | 71.196 | 71.304 |
| 2. | Anna Buffini (USA) Fiontini | 69.152% | 69.239 | 68.043 | 68.587 | 70.978 | 68.913 |
 Find details on Equestrian Hub |
