Well Day One of the Dressage was a special day with some very impressive horses. At the end of the day Carl Hester finished first after half the field has competed scoring 77.720 on Uthopia ahead of fellow Brit, Laura Bechtolsheimer riding Mistral Hojris with Dorothee Schneider and Diva Royale in provisional third with some very big names still to come. Poor Donnperignon made his debut for Denmark at the Olympics with Anna Kasprzak in the most appalling of weather. The horse was bought from Christoph Koschel and performed amazingly under the circumstances. Photographers are not allowed to move, even stand up during tests and we all ended up thoroughly soaked. Two Aussies competed – Lyndal and Kristy Oatley and both performed well to score 69.377 and 68.222.
Here’s Carl and Uthopia:
Kristy Oatley and Clive were first out for the Aussies. He’s a big imposing horse and as fifth out for the day made a good start for the team.
Diva Royal and Dorothy Schneider are new faces on the German team. The impressive Don Frederico daughter, who is only ten looked relaxed but still powerful and correct.
Donnerfee (DeNiro) is always a favourite of mine, she’s pretty, bright and in lovely self-carriage, ears pricked and happy. She competes with Claudia Fassaert for Belgium.
Grandioso PRE gave a great show for the Spanish with Martin Dockx.
All the Spanish supporters…
Salinero halted!! At both the start and finish of the test. In between was some of his good work and some of his tense and irregular work.
Sandro Boy and Lyndal Oatley made their Olympic debut, wet, but after the main downpour.
Looking forward to Day Two!
Words and Pics by Roz Neave for The Horse Magazine
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Why is the Rollkür not being penalized?? That’s what I would like to know ?? Please ???