The FEI Reem Acra World Cup qualifier in London, held shortly before Christmas, saw yet again just what Hiscox Artemis can really deliver. The 12 year old Westpahalian gelding came out with all guns blazing and delivered a personal grand prix best in excess of 72.5%.
Under the experienced hands of triple Olympian Richard Davison it would appear that 2012 could be their year for shining. Lying consistently behind the three British ‘big guns’ of Bechtolsheimer, Hester and Dujardin, have Davison and Hiscox Artemis proved they have the necessary qualifications to serve as rear-gunner to this elite group ?
In London, Olympic judge Jean Michel Roudier made his views clear and awarded the pair more than 73% for the technical test, while fellow Olympic official Wim Ernes who was there leading an official FEI judges course, singled out the combination and praised them for their harmonious and correct partnership.
Davison, who has ridden the gelding for the Countess of Derby and John Dodd for the last three years, has never doubted the horse’s ability “last year he hit 71% in grand prix and now he has stepped up to more than 72.5% so I’m very excited to see how high he could achieve.” With an obvious improved cadence and self-carriage the combination are a joy to watch and has resulted in his trot half passes hitting the 8.5 mark to join his talent for piaffe, passage and pirouettes.
This week the combination head off to Amsterdam for the next Reem Acra qualifier where they are aiming for another strong grand prix score.
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI-W London
Davison and Hiscox Artemis Take Their First Five-Star Trophy at 2011 CDI Munich