Swiss Grand Prix rider Silvia Iklé has planned on making her show come back on her long-time number one Salieri CH. The 18-year old Swiss warmblood gelding Salieri (by Sinclair) is entered to compete in the big tour at the 2012 CDI Fritzens this weekend.
The 63-year old Iklé stopped showing Salieri almost three years ago in 2009. An injury kept Salieri out of the running since then and has been slowly nurtured back to health.
The combination made their national show come back last Friday 1 June 2012 at the CDN Deitingen, where they finished second with 68.58%.
The injury-prone Salieri has been one of the world's best Grand Prix horses in the recent past. However, time and time again the dark bay gelding withdrawn from competiting at the major international championships due to injury or for safekeeping the horse from strain. Ikle announced her withdrawal from such championships as the 2005 World Cup Finals, 2008 Olympic Games, 2009 European Championships, 2009 World Cup Finals, and 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Some of the combination's career highlights include competing at the 2004 Olympic Games, winning the 2005 Swiss Dressage Championships, an 8th place at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, a fourth place at the 2007 European Championships, and a third place finish at the 2008 CDIO Aachen.
Photo © Barbara Schnell
Related Links
Salieri CH and Regent Withdrawn from 2010 WEG Contention
Silvia Ikle Not to Compete at the 2008 Olympic Games
Open Letter from Former Olympic Riders on the Swiss Olympic Upheaval
Salieri Not to Compete at 2009 European Dressage Championships
Silvia Iklé Not Competing at 2005 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas