For 12-year old German team first-timer Lucie-Anouk Baumgürtel the 2016 European Pony Championships will be memorable for life. On her German team debut, Baumgurtel won team and individual test gold, and today she topped it with her another gold for her kur to music performance at the Vilhelmsborg national equestrian centre in Denmark on Sunday 21 August 2016. The silver went to German Tabea Schroer, while Denmark's Louise Christensen got bronze.
The smallest and youngest rider at the 2016 European Pony Championships proved to be the biggest power in the field. Baumgurtel and her 11-year old buckskin Massimiliano (by Monsun N x Cep Cennedy N), who was previously competed internationally by Hannah Cichos and Marie Linsenhoff, found their groove and were unbeatable in Denmark.
The kur to Music finals were judged by Ulrike Nivelle (GER), Bo Jena (SWE), Leif Tornblad (DEN), Sharon Rhode (RSA) and Sandy Phillips (GBR) and they placed Baumgurtel first unanimously with 81.125% for gold. Her scores ranged from 77.625% to 86.37% (!!) which once again proves that the freestyle judging format leaves too much leeway for inconsistencies and personal interpretation.
"All judges put her first and she even got a 10 for harmony between rider and pony," said Germany's team trainer Cornelie Endres at the end of the day.
The silver went to German Tabea Schroer, who had already bagged team gold, but could not claim a spot on the podium in the individual test. Today, she was able to get silver for a 77.450% earning ride with scores going from 73.000% to 82.750% (!!).
"That was also a very good performance, especially the canter tour. She rode the voltes and simple changes with one hand, which was difficult and everything worked," Endres commented.
Denmark's Louise Christensen and the 13-year old Welsh pony Vegelin's Goya (by Verono's Bo Gi x Leuns Veld's Darling Boy) proved their ability for consistent performances. On home turf she grabbed team silver, individual test bronze and today was again good enough for bronze after putting 76.175% on the score board. Her marks were slightly more consistent with 73.875% as low score and 78.625% as high score.
"Pinch my arm," said Danish team captain Rigmor Kristensen. "High praise for our riders who have performed fantastically. There are still more points to pick up, but the future looks bright as we can take the three of as they have a year left in ponies before they reach the age limit."
Again just missing out on a podium place was Danish Sara Aagaard Hyrm on the 14-year old Der Harlekin B (by Golden Dancer x Dornik B). After landing fourth place in the individual test, they now got fourth again with 75.950%. Her scores went from 72.625% to 77.750%. Team mate Kristian Wurtz Green and the 9-year old Lilo L (by Notre Bach x Manitu N) climbed a few positions and completed the kur top five with 74.400%.
The Kur to Music finals were certainly not without a bit of drama. German team mate Inga Katharina Schuster and the 10-year old Cyrill (by Champion de Luxe x Power Man) were good for team gold after a test in which the pony refused to go forward after the halt at entry, but then recovered in style. Their individual test went more smoothly and they got the silver. In the Kur to Music, however, Cyrill was not up for it and totally distracted and Schuster had to retire. Also French rider Charlotte Palas, who was her team's best scoring rider of the weekend, had to retire her 8-year old Under Cover Fast (by Latimer x Cansas) in the freestyle.
by Astrid Appels - Photos © Digishots
Related Links
Scores - 2016 European Pony Championships
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2016 European Pony Championships