It’s been a fantastic few days with British riders and their young horses taking centre stage – 2012 almost can’t come soon enough! Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Fiona Bigwood dominated the top classes at France’s Saumur CDI 3-star on 28 April - 1 May 2011.
Thursday 28 April saw the long-awaited return of Carl Hester’s Uthopia to the competition arena – and he certainly didn’t disappoint! It’s been over a year since the Metall-sired stallion has competed but Carl felt the time off has allowed the nine year old to mature so an international season debut at Saumur wasn’t too big an ask. In the Grand Prix for Special, Carl and Uthopia looked relaxed and at one to score 74.596% - a personal best for Carl. There were a few errors but the pairing remained composed and didn’t let it affect them.
In the continuing saga of master vs. pupil, Charlotte Dujardin had to settle for second with Carl and Roly Luard’s Valegro this time as they scored 73.34%. Charlotte is still a novice at this level but she continues to impress all who watch her in action. But in round two, the Grand Prix Special, Charlotte stole a narrow victory – just 0.08% - so it was one class apiece and honours even.
A very happy Carl said; “It’s been fantastic out here – for young horses to make such an impression is brilliant. I’m quite ecstatic! I managed a personal best and Valegro hasn’t scored less than 73% this season. Being honest, I felt I should have won the Special but as Valegro is mine, I’ll let him have that one.” Carl was also quick to praise his stunning partner, Uthopia. “To blast on to the scene with such a score is pretty special. He’s still so inexperienced but he sends a shiver down my spine – just fantastic.”
Carl also commended his young stable jockey, Charlotte. “She’s coming on leaps and bounds but we’re taking it in steps – one big show at a time. Valegro is an amazing horse but she still has to produce him in the arena to score the marks. She’s shown she can cope and is ready for the next challenge,” said Carl.
That next challenge will be Hagen CDI3* later this week when Charlotte will partner her own horse, Fernandez as part of the five strong British squad.
Amy Stovold and her own Macbrian we also impressive. Scoring 66.106% in the Grand Prix for Special put them in ninth but they pulled a stunner out of the bag in the Special for 68.563% to finish fourth. Henriette Andersen and Louis D’or completed the British quartet and again enjoyed a top eight finish in both sections. 66.957% in the Grand Prix for Special gave them fourth spot and they finshed eighth in the Grand Prix Special with 66.729%.
In the other Grand Prix (for the Freestyle), Fiona Bigwood and her WEG team silver medal winner Wie Atlantico showed the winter hasn’t dulled their competitive spirit to score 69.596% which gave them the runner’s up spot. In the Freestyle, they scored 74.10% to finish second behind the flamboyant Spaniard Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz with Fuego.
Carl Hester also had Tatler out in the Small Tour classes. Although he didn’t win both classes as in Viduban (FRA) in April, his percentages were higher showing that the Ferro gelding is progressing. A 69.737% in the Prix St Georges was good enough for fifth while 70.079% gave them third in the Intermediate I.
A number of younger riders travelled to France and notable performances included Samantha Thurman-Baker and Spring Pascal who finished third in the Juniors Individual Test with 64.474% and Emily Harris with Washington 103, runners up in the Young Riders Team Test on 66.421%.
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDIO Saumur
Working Day at the 2011 CDIO Saumur