The competition was as hot as the weather at the Premier League CDN at Somerford Park Farm in Congleton, Great Britain, on 25 - 27 May 2012. Professionally hosted by Julian Sebiren this national competition attracted many big names and plenty of spectators to the Cheshire venue for three days of dressage in beautiful sunshine. Carl Hester brought three horses up to Somerford and had a worthwhile journey with three wins and a second place.
The 10-year-old Dances with Wolves took one of the Prix St George classes as well as one of the Inter I classes with scores of over 76% in both.
The two wins for Dances With Wolves were particularly poignant given that the horse had won at Somerford in the past with previous rider, the late Jane Gregory. The Donnerschwee gelding gave Carl two great rides to continue their run of success from their first show together earlier this year in Vidauban. Carl told BD ‘It was an emotional and exciting win, our highest score ever. This horse has a great personality and is so talented. He has huge potential for the future.’
Carl's other win came in the Grand Prix on Saturday where Wie Atlantico just edged into first place on 70.62% ahead of Carl’s other ride in the class Merlins Nemorensis on 70.45%. It was a perfect ending to Carl’s interim ride on Wie Atlantico, as the horse has returned to owner Fiona Bigwood today (Monday 28 May). Michael Eilberg took third place with Half Moon Delphi (69.96%), only just ousting Charlotte Dujardin into fourth place with the Ferro gelding Tatler (69.53%).
Isobel Wessels who trains with Carl, also had great success at Somerford with her Contendro gelding and National Champion, Chagall. The striking 17.1hh gelding continued his inspiring run as he won the remaining two Prix St George classes (73.29% on Friday and 71.93% on Sunday) and also the other Inter I class with 73.55%.
Judy Harvey and Fitzcerraldo were Sunday’s Grand Prix Special winners with 68.98%. The test for the class was the same as will be used in the Olympics, and Olympic President of the Dressage Ground Jury, Stephen Clarke was the judge at B.
Young rider Emma Corbett also had a good show with the 9-year-old chestnut gelding Furst Diamantino. They won the Young Riders Team class (70.46%) and the Young Riders Individual class with 69.01%. Junior riders Erin Williams and Abigail Slater took home the trophy and pony riders Phoebe Peters and Bethany Rose Horobin bested their field on Saturday and Sunday.
For full results, please click here.
Text courtesy British Dressage, edited by Eurodressage
Photos © Risto Aaltonen
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