THURSDAY SESSION 5:
Jessie Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent go as individuals for Canada. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and JL Dublin came out meaning business in this session and totally threw down the gauntlet, taking over the gold medal position with a score of 26.6.
2️⃣ 🇳🇿 Slipping into silver is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo on a score of 27.2.
3️⃣ 🇫🇷 Rounding out the rolling podium, currently in bronze medal position is Alexis Goury and Je’vall on a score of 28.5.
🇺🇲 Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 14th and 15th respectively on 32.3 and 32.6.
THE TEAMS:
We’ve had two team rider rotations and although it’s early days and there’s a drop score to be considered, at this point in proceedings the team standings look like this:
🥇 Incredibly, on exactly the same score, are Great Britain and New Zealand, who share the top spot after the first day with the combined score for both riders to have gone today totaling 55.9.
🥉 That means Germany is currently in bronze with a score of 59.9.
🇺🇲 The US are currently in 6th place on a score of 64.9.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and JL Dublin*
This accomplished pairing trends in the mid-20s at the beginning of their test. Dubs looks fit and well and is so confident. Tom’s able to push for the big marks with this gelding, he’s so willing, and it’s paying off. Tom rides so accurately and everything is spot on. Mid-way through the test it’s looking like they may go into the lead. The quality and accuracy continue. The change on the center line is a bit adrift. Where will they land? In the lead. British flags are waving in the crowd. Tom looks super pleased and Dubs is just a total pro. Well-deserved, great score for both of them.
26.6
🇮🇹 Paolo Torlonia and Zinny*
Paolo’s the last of the team riders for today. Zinny’s just a 10-year-old and she shows that sometimes, in the reinback for example which is particularly tricky. She’s trying hard for Paolo but the occasion is huge for a young horse. She performs all the movements but is a little fussy and Paolo rides very sympathetically. The first flying change is expensive, but she does the third nicely. She really got tense during the canter work but Paolo looks pleased with the mare. Lots of neck rubs and a happy horse walking out on a loose rein. Lots of experience gained and lots to come in the future.
40.8
🇪🇸 Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1
We’ll finish up today’s dressage with individual competitors. This mare comes in totally focused and ears pricked. She looks to be a real trier. She’s not got the biggest movement for the big marks, but she’s performed and looks rideable and willing. Overall, this was a consistent test with a nice partnership between horse and rider on show. The final center line was super straight. What a sweet mare this is, standing still as you like at the end and soaking it all in. Very nice.
33.3
🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent
“Lacey” is such a distinctive mare and she looks really well in the Aachen sunshine, putting her best hoof forward. Both horse and rider look very relaxed in the atmosphere and the score trends around the 30-mark through the trot work. Lacey gets a bit strong in the extended and we get a glimpse of what Jessie will have to contend with out on cross country. And the excitement continues with the changes proving to be expensive. The Maple Leaf’s flying in the kiss and cry at the end and Jessie waves to the crowd. Lacey looks pleased with herself.
35.1
🇫🇮 Axel Lindberg and Quelle Bonne
This mare seemed tense as she made her way round waiting for the bell but looks to settle once she’s in the ring. She’s an elegant horse who moves nice and rhythmically. She’s a little behind the vertical at times, shortening her neck, showing a bit of tension creeping in, and Axel encourages her with soft reins. A couple of mistakes creep in, the first change in particular is very expensive as it doesn’t really happen. The changes prove to be very difficult overall. A mixed bag overall. A shrug and a rueful look of disappointment from Axel, but a pat for the horse and wave to the crowd nonetheless. The mare walks out nice and relaxed and gets a big fuss from the team.
38.6
🇮🇳 Ashish Limaye and D’avril du Pinier
This is a tall horse, really striking and powerful. The halt was very impressive and established and Ashish held it to really show it off. There’s an unfortunate miscommunication in the trot afterwards though, but Ashish gets things together quickly enough. The walk’s purposeful but the flying changes are tricky and there are some further bobbles in the canter work. A tricky end to the test and Ashish does a good job trying to keep a lid on things. Big pats nevertheless and some moments of really nice work.
44
🇦🇺 Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku
Ooo, this horse has four lovely long white socks. The trot is very bouncy and light, very nicely rhythmical and you can really see the crossing of the legs in the half pass thanks to those socks. This pair really do make a nice picture together. There’s some jiggy jog in the walk though and very tactful riding from Olivia. The canter is expressive like the trot, lots of knee action and feathery footwork. It’ll be cool to see this horse using that out on cross country. Solid stuff and a really exciting combination. Huge cheers for an enjoyable test to watch. Aussie flags are out in force.
30.6
🇳🇿 Samantha Lissington and Lucas Stone
The talent of this young horse is clear from the start. There’s moments of unbalance but such quality on show. The trot is impressive and powerful, a lot to contain for Sam. They trend sub-30 in the early stages of the test. You can see the gelding wants to have a look around during the walk but he’s trying so hard to listen to Sam. The extended gives us a taste of the kind of gallop this horse will have on Saturday, lots to look forward to, for sure. The changes are nicely established, despite some excitement brewing. An exciting prospect this one.
29.7
🇭🇺 Noémi Viola Doerfer and Piltown Harry
We finish up the day with a striking chestnut, another one to take up the Aachen sunshine and gleam it back at us. He’s a bit looky at the start of the test and there’s a spook in the corner. Noémi does a good job at trying to keep things under wraps. The halt is difficult, that ghostie’s back in the corner up at that end of the ring. But once he’s had a look, he’s back on track. It’s impressive that the walk stays walk, given how tense this horse has been. Another little spook at the flowers but it doesn’t disrupt things too much. He’s trying hard but it’s all a lot. Big smiles at the end though and pats for the horse. Lots of education under that horse’s cinch after that.
41.9
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
🧦 The socks award goes to Olivia Barton’s APH Sodoku who has four long white legs which really showed off his expressive footwork.
💃 Let’s hear it for the ladies – we’ve seen A LOT of mares today, which is great for the sport.
🎉 And the overall prize for the most enjoyed celebration for sure goes to Spain’s individual rider Esteban Benitez Valle who was clearly thrilled to be at the World Championships with his sweet mare and Utrera AA 35 1, as were his supporters. The Spanish flags in the crowd were at the ready from the start and the test was followed by numerous fist pumps and punches of the air. Esteban enjoyed every second of his time in the ring and totally made the most of the moment afterwards with joyful celebration.
THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:
Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards moving and shaking like they’re country girls at a Luke Bryan concert. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:
Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent cut a striking figure on the cross country and they’re pretty smart on the stats too. They’ve been clear cross country jumping since 2023, bar a single frangible device penalty. The fancy mare showed she can be strong in the ring today. They scored 35.1.
Horses who turn their hoof to dressage like pros and are also good for quick clears on cross country are a valuable prospect and Great Britain’s Tom McEwen’s got just that in JL Dublin. They’re here off the back of two wins at 4*-S and are a safe bet for a strong showing in all three phases, which they proved when they stormed into the lead with a 26.6 and every chance they’ll stay on, or very close, to that on Saturday.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and two more combinations cracked that barrier at in this session, making seven in total on the first day of dressage.
Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.
Go eventing!
A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.
FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
THURSDAY SESSION 4:
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlito’s Quidditch K are the second rider out for the home team. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Holding the lead in the clubhouse, in gold medal spot, is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo on a score of 27.2.
2️⃣ 🇫🇷 Going into silver as things stand during this session is Alexis Goury and Je’vall on a score of 28.5.
3️⃣ 🇩🇪 Rounding out the rolling podium, going in bronze medal position for the home team, is Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K on a score of 28.6.
🇺🇲 Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 11th and 12th respectively on 32.3 and 32.6.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇧🇷 Raphael Mamprin Losano and Withington*
Brazil are fielding a team of three, so all three scores will count, and Raphael’s the first of them. They get off to a nice enough start with a straight center line. There’s a bit of tension going on though and a spook comes in the corner but Raphael knows this guy well and gets him straight back. It looks sunny and hot in the ring this afternoon and the sun’s gleaming off this striking gelding. Overall an accurate clear round in dressage terms, but a little tentative. The horse looks happy walking out though. There are fans in the crowd, in both senses of the word – cheers and fanning happening out there.
34.4
🇮🇪 Aoife Clark and Full Monty de Lacense*
This is a sensitive horse but he looks to be coping well with the big atmosphere at the beginning of his test. Aoife rides tactfully and accurately and the gelding’s responding. Scores trend in the low 30s for the trot work and hold consistent through the walk. He shows off his stride in the extended, that’ll feel good out on cross country on Saturday, he’s a powerful looking guy. Aoife looks delighted at the end and the horse is very relaxed as he walks out. A total clear round in the dressage for them and a solid start to their competition.
31.5
🇫🇷 Alexis Goury and Je’vall*
This pair start off superbly, trending in the low 20s at the start of their test. The horse looks rideable and willing and very rhythmical and consistent in his movements. Everything’s very flowy and smooth and the walk is a particular feature, really over tracking and stepping through, lovely. Sadly, there’s a misunderstanding in the canter transition but once they get there, the quality’s clear in this pace too. Another sub-30 score headed onto the board. The crowd show their appreciation and Je’vall decides to trot off. He’s pleased with himself and so he should be. Into 2nd place for this great showing and an exciting score on the board for team France. Hugs galore going on.
28.5
🇨🇭 Mélody Johner and Erin*
This mare really does look totally ready for these Championships, strong and confident and well up for it. Mélody rides for every mark, really accurately and getting the best out of what she’s sat on. The horse is soft and consistent and rhythmical, albeit not the biggest mover of the bunch for the top marks. Overall though, very harmonious work and Mélody is thrilled at the end, huge grins and a big punch of the air. Super showing from them and a competitive score put down given that this is a great cross country horse.
31.5
🇩🇪 Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K*
Malin asks the home crowd to curb their enthusiasm as she comes into the ring and they manage, at first. But they can’t contain it and there’s a cheer which does get to Carlitos Quidditch K a bit. Malin takes her time to settle the horse before responding to the bell and entering the ring. All’s well once they’re in there and they trend in the low-20s in the early stages of the test. This horse is so supple and expressive, really athletic and impressive. It’s a day for the grays, for sure. The top 4 are all gray, will this guy head into the mix too? It’s looking good… until there’s a bobble into the canter transition. She was trending in the lead but that mistake was expensive. Malin regroups. The changes are a real highlight. But there’s another bobble in the corner onto the center line. The flags are going in the crowd but Malin looks a little disappointed. Small mistakes that cost a lot, probably the lead. It’s good enough for 3rd though.
28.6
🇸🇪 Amanda Staam and Corpoubet AT*
The sun shining off this chestnut’s rump is stunning, really striking. He looks like he’s doing his best for Amanda and is listening and delivering everything asked of him. He’s not a huge mover but he’s for sure a trier. Everything looks confident and solid and the horse seems very happy in his work. He walks out looking like he’s out for a nice hack. Good to see the horses enjoying their time in the Aachen ring.
34.9
🇳🇱 Sterre van Houte and Crossborder Radar Love*
This combination deliver a sweet test, working nicely together to perform each movement. Everything’s clean and clear and as it should be. The changes are particularly solid. This is a young rider and she’s done a really impressive job on the world stage. The horse looked very rideable and confident too. A very nice start to the competition for them.
32.9
🇧🇪 Wouter de Cleene and Ragdoll de Tamise*
This is a young horse at just 9 years old and it shows a little when she spooks at the flowers by the judge’s box. Things are a little tense at the start of the test but the mare is trying to focus, it’s just a big deal out there in the World Championships atmosphere. She does a nice job in the walk though and all the potential’s there for the world to see. Wouter gives her a peach of a ride, really understanding and sympathetic. A very nice showing from this pair overall and an exciting prospect for the future, for sure.
37.6
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
🤫 Aoife Clarke asks the crowd to hold off the cheers as she comes into the arena with her sensitive horse, Full Monty de Lacense, as does Malin Malin Hansen-Hotopp for Carlitos Quidditch K. The audience manage for Aoife but the home crowd don’t contain their enthusiasm for Malin so well. We love the support but it can make things tricky too.
👣 Alexis Goury’s Je’vall’s sure got the walk, a real highlight – in fact, the horse is strong in all three paces and confidently put in a sub-30 round.
💪 Mélody Johner punched the air in delight at the end of her test with Erin, thrilled with her horse’s efforts out there.
🏆 Sterre van Houte’s Crossborder Radar Love is a true Championships horse, having been to the Junior, Young Rider and Senior Championships.
THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:
Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with the maracas coming out and overnight leaderboards being shaken up and then some. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:
Switzerland’s Mélody Johner and Erin stand out from the crowd in terms of cross country jumping according to the stats, with just one mishap on their record from 27 FEI competitions. They’ve put themselves into a great position with their efforts in the dressage ring, scoring 31.5 and sitting in the top 10 as things stand.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and two combinations cracked that barrier in this session. That makes five in total now.
Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.
Go eventing!
A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.
FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
THURSDAY SESSION 3:
Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed get Japan’s campaign underway. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Taking over the lead from her teammate, Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo* are the new leaders in the clubhouse right now, in gold medal spot on a score of 27.2.
2️⃣ 🇳🇿 Dropping into silver as things stand is Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man on a score of 28.7.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, currently in bronze medal position, is Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley on a score of 29.3.
🇺🇲 Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 7th and 8th respectively on 32.3 and 32.6.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
INDIVIDUALS:
🇨🇭 Angelika Dubak and Felin de Chignan
This horse and rider pair seem like a nice partnership. He was a little fancy in the walk, a smidge of tension creeping in and Angelika had to be cautious in the extended canter, she knows just how much horse she’s sat on. Overall, a proficient test and well-deserving of the punch of the air at the at. Solid work and a happy looking team.
35.1
🇸🇪 Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo TSF
This 18-year-old horse has a lovely big blaze, very striking. He’s a bit of a show off in the trot, really flicking out his toes and dancing across the grass. Very athletic and expressive. He puts in a stunning square halt, very solid. The walk is a little tentative although the scores trend consistently around the 32 mark, dropping slightly through the canter work. There’s a bit of a fumble in a flying change which sees the marks go up again but overall, what a happy horse. His bottom lip’s flapping as he walks out of the ring looking round at the crowd. A very pleasing test from this cute horse who looks like a fun ride.
32.6
🇧🇪 Maarten Boon and Gravin van Cantos
Maarten looks super happy to be here and the mare looks to be enjoying herself just as much. She’s very expressive and supple and seems to be enjoying her work. She’s a pretty cool horse, having been to Junior Championships with Maarten’s son as well as making her second appearance at the Senior World Championships, a versatile lady, for sure. She’s just as happy in the canter work as the rest of the paces and really is a picture of a horse who loves her job. Maarten’s smiling as he comes up the center line to finish. Nicole Brown in the commentary box says this has been “joyful”.
31.4
🇦🇹 Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet*
Harald brings us into the second team rotation. All’s very accurate from this experienced pair, clean and tidy but not necessarily the most expressive for the big marks. Everything’s very consistent and clean although the changes bring the score up slightly, but they happen. Big pats from Harald and cheers from the Austrian supporters in the crowd. Thumbs up from Harald to the camera. Right back at ya.
35.1
🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo*
This horse really has a lovely trot, very rhythmical and athletic. They’re trending in the mid-20s at the early part of their test, a great start for them. He’s really listens to Jonelle through the walk, clearly trying his best for her. She’s super brave in the extended canter, pushing for big marks. The changes are great. Could they be heading into the lead? Jonelle’s steely faced at the end. What a competitor. Sub-30 for sure. A superb showing and straight to the top of the leaderboard.
27.2
Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo head into the lead. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
🇨🇿 Matěj Sukdolak and Qaid*
This homebred got off to a bit of a shaky start, almost trying too hard. The pair get settled in though but the pressure of the occasion is clear to see. They hold it together in walk which is mighty expressive considering the fizz that’s bubbling under the surface. The horse really tries for his rider in the canter work although it’s all a little shaky. Big pats at the end though and really well ridden by this young rider.
41
🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake*
Caroline and Blake get off to a neat start, showing off expressive extension in the trot, which is bouncy and light and beautiful. Caroline’s daughter Blake has spotted herself on the big screen, cute. She’s waving a US flag with her dad. Her mom is putting in a pro performance although there’s a miscommunication in the canter transition which is an annoying mistake. And then there’s another in the changes. They were trending towards the top but those mistakes will be expensive. Blake stops to scratch his nose on the way out. Hugs for Caroline who looks disappointed.
32.3
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake are the second rider for team USA. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
🇯🇵 Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed*
This horse is so confident in his work and puts in a solid performance at the start of his test. He’s not the easiest in the contact but he’s accurate in the movements on the whole. He’s blowing through his nose and it seems like there’s a little tension creeping in which comes out in the changes. A solid test, overall, but a higher mark than would have been hoped for. Ryuzo waves to the crowd on the way out and Feroza Nieuwmoed decides to trot off. He’s ready for Saturday.
35.4
🇦🇺 Sam Woods and SS Eight Count*
Apparently this horse’s name is rodeo influenced, with eight seconds being the magic number for staying aboard. Let’s hope there’s more ballet than broncing today. The gelding has a particularly nice trot, powerful and expressive. He looks totally rideable and is trying his best in his work. The walk is a real highlight, strong and swinging, very nice. Sadly there’s a problem in the corner for the canter transition and Sam has to put things right. The tension creeps in then. It’s a shame because this test was trending in the very low-30s but the marks have increased as the tension rose. Big cheers from the Aussie fans at the end and huge pats for the horse. Sam gives a thumbs up to the crowd. He’s perhaps a little disappointed but there was an awful lot to like in that test.
36.7
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
💯 Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo got their World Championships off to a super smart start with an international personal best for the horse and a second best Championship score for Jonelle.
👌 Angelika Dubak and Felin de Chignan picked the perfect time to deliver a PB at the top levels (4 and 5*).
😁 The prize for the smiliest rider for sure goes to Maarten Boon whose ride Gravin van Cantos seemed to be smiling along also.
🧸 Christoffer Forsberg’s Hippo’s Sapporo TSF totally gave us the warm and fuzzies when he walked happily out of the ring with his bottom lip flapping happily.
THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:
Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards truly throwing some cats amongst the pigeons. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:
Japan’s Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed have jumped clear at 5* on three occasions and have just one jumping penalty on their record since 2021. They scored higher than they perhaps would have liked, putting down a 35.1 and sitting in 16th, but there’s every chance they’ll be climbing on Saturday.
Belgium’s Maarten Boon and Gravin van Cantos have beef with World Championships, having been eliminated at Pratoni out on cross country, but that was very much an anomaly on their card. They’ve had a couple of frangible penalties, but as far as jumping goes, they haven’t had a 20 since 2018. They had a “joyful” time of things between the white boards and sit in 6th on 31.4. Looking forward to seeing them on Saturday.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and one combination cracked that barrier in this session, joining one from the first session and one from the second.
Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.
Go eventing!
A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.
FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
THURSDAY SESSION 2:
Italy’s Giovanni Ugolotti and Duke of Champions wrap up the first team rotation. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Leader in the clubhouse right now, in gold medal spot at this early stage of the competition, is Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man on a score of 28.7.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In silver as things stand is Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley on a score of 29.3.
3️⃣ 🇨🇭 Rounding out the rolling podium, now in bronze medal position, is Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH* on a score of 30.1.
🇺🇲 Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 5th on 32.6.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇸🇪 Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof Z*
Sofia made the best of a difficult situation during this test, which wasn’t the easiest ride but she managed it well. The horse seemed to be a bit agitated by the flies and did have a nose net on. There was some tension throughout which made things tricky, and anticipation, a bit looky looky really. There was very nearly a mishap when it seemed Sofia had forgotten the halt and reinback, but she remembered albeit a little late. The horse put in one beautiful change, so clearly all the talent’s there, just a whole lotta World Championships atmosphere in there.
39
🇳🇱 Splinter Bergsma and Vigo Key SR Z*
This test got off to an incredibly hard start, with a big spook coming at they made their way up the center line, throwing them right off course. Splinter got the horse back though and they continued on, albeit a little tentatively. But the spooks kept coming in the corner by the judge’s box. Actually, both horse and rider do a great job of trying to stay together and some nice changes really show off what this horse can actually do. A little spook at their shadow at the end. Big occasion, big spooks. But a World Championships and senior team debut test completed for this young rider and a happy, relaxed horse walking out on a loose rein.
40.3
🇧🇪 Senne Vervaecke and Google van Alsingen*
There’s another spook at the judge’s box – who you gonna call? Not so dramatic from this horse though and they continue on to perform a polite and consistent test. A little tension creeping in towards the end of the walk, but they settled into canter and delivered four clean changes and finished up with a nice halt. Pats from Senne and claps from the Belgian team watching on.
35.1
🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley*
Trending in the 20s throughout this proficient test, we got a display of accurate riding as we’ve come to expect from Gemma. A huge highlight was a beautiful square halt which Gemma made the most of, standing for a good amount of time to show it off. Another highlight was the extended canter which Gemma rode for every mark. The horse was relaxed and totally with his rider right to the end, when a little mishap in the tricky final change on the center line threw them off a smidge, but overall a very sweet test and huge smiles from Gemma at the end and big cheers from the crowd.
Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley put in a flasy performance. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
29.3
🇮🇹 Giovanni Ugolotti and Duke of Champions*
This horse has a really elegant and elevated trot, really pushing through from behind but unfortunately he decides to show it off in the walk work too. Giovanni does a masterful job to keep a lid on all the excitement brewing under the surface, overall, and he’s super brave in the extended canter, really covering the ground. A disappointing score for this pair, really, based on what they can do, but the atmosphere must be electric and this horse was really feeling it. He is very ready for Saturday.
36.3
🇹🇷 Kumru Say and Baladin de L’ocean LA
It’s a World Championships debut for this pair, and this country. They have a bit of an awkward center line, veering off slightly, but Kumru convinces the horse to come back on track and they continue on with their test. She’s really sitting on a lot of excitement and manages really well, overall. The walk actually comes off for them, which is impressive considering how hot this horse is feeling. Tricky times but a proud moment all the same, and incredibly well ridden.
38.7
🇮🇹 Francesco Aondio Bertero and It’s Athene
This elegant little mare started off producing a very neat test but the sense of occasion caught up with her as it went on, she’s only a 10-year-old so is still developing. She wanted to have a look round and take in the sights and Francesco does a nice job to support her, not asking too much. He has a big grin on his face at the end and really plays up the pats, thinking very much of having a confident horse in the future. Nice horsemanship.
40.9
🇹🇭 Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin
This horse’s trot is particularly nice, very rhythmical and balanced. There’s moments of inattentiveness, like on the center line and in the halt, but when they get going, they create a really lovely picture. The horse is relaxed in the walk and seems to be nicely rideable. They’re not pulling in the biggest marks as there’s tiny inaccuracies, but overall they put in a clear round in dressage terms. They finish up with a very straight and square halt. The horse looks proud and Korntawat is grinning. Big cheers and congratulatory hugs in the team.
35
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
👻 It was spooky central in the second session, with Splinter Bergsma’s Vigo Key SR Z and Senne Vervaecke’s Google van Alsingen seeing a g-g-g-ghost in the judging box.
🌱 Sofia Sjoborg’s Bryjamolga VH Marienshof Z decided her performance was worthy of a bite of World Championships grass on the way out of the ring.
🎆 Fireworks came courtesy of Giovanni Ugolotti’s Duke of Champions, and Kumru Say’s Baladin de L’ocean LA with some tactful riding on show through what were a tricky tests.
🇹🇷 History was made in this session by Kumru Say and Baladin de L’ocean LA, who became the first combination to compete in eventing at the World Championships for Türkiye.
THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:
Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like an atom in the Cern Collider. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:
Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin are the combination to watch for a jumping clear on Saturday from this session; you have to go all the way back to 2019 to find a cross country jumping penalty on this gelding’s record. They’re sitting on a score of 35 after the first phase.
⭐ A horse who turn his hoof to dressage like pros and is also good for quick clears on cross country is Great Britain’s Gemma Stevens’ Flash Cooley. They’re sitting in 2nd on 29.3 and are on a streak of five consecutive clears inside the time.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and 1 combination cracked that barrier in this session, two overall so far.
Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.
Go eventing!
A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.
FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
THURSDAY SESSION 1:
Austria’s Daniel Dunst and Chevalier 97 were first up the center line, getting the eventing at the World Championships underway. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇳🇿 Leader in the clubhouse right now, in gold medal spot at this early stage of the competition, is Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man on a score of 28.7
2️⃣ 🇨🇭 In silver as things stand is >Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH* on a score of 30.1.
3️⃣ 🇩🇪 Rounding out the rolling podium, currently in bronze medal position, is Libussa Lübekke and Caramia FRH on a score of 31.3.
🇺🇲 Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 4th on 32.6.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇦🇹 Daniel Dunst and Chevalier 97
The trailblazers for the eventing competition took on the huge pressure and atmosphere of being first to go at this immense venue in fine style. In particular, delivering a nicely relaxed walk, with Chevalier 97 really listening to his rider, and putting in four clean and true changes including the very tricky one on the final center line. Huge pats at the end and Austrian flags waving in the stands. The horse looked very pleased with himself and so was the rider. “Woo hoo!” he shouts to his team.
33.3
🇳🇿 Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man
This striking gray horse cut an elegant figure throughout his test and was beautifully presented by Clarke. The transitions were smooth as butter and everything was low-key, really, just all super pro and accurate. The flying changes were especially neat and tidy. Big smile from Clarke at the end and pats for Rocket Man. Thumbs up to the crowd and a very relaxed horse walking out, nice to see. Very deservedly sub-30. A pleasure to watch.
28.7
Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man rocket themselves into first place with a pleasing performance. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
🇨🇿 Miroslav Trunda and Mellevue van Rechteren
It’s the first time in 90 years that we’ve seen a Czech team at the World Championships and this pair got off to a great start. The trot work was nice and relaxed and the halt was particularly impressive, stock still. A little sticky going into the rein back but the mare was very responsive in the walk work, taking the contact out when asked and keeping a cool head in the atmosphere. This 9-year-old has a little developing to do in the canter work but a very polite early part of the test and much more to come from her, for sure. Pats and a pensive look from Miroslav at the end.
41
🇺🇸 Phillip Dutton and Denim*
Overall a total pro performance from this talented horse and super experienced rider, although the score ended up slightly higher than might have been expected from this pair. It all started out well, beautifully presented and accurately ridden and the walk was a particular highlight, expressive and relaxed. A little tension crept into the canter work though, just enough to keep them from the top marks. Phillip looked very serious at the end; Denim looked very relaxed walking out.
32.6
Phillip Dutton and Denim get the US team effort underway. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
🇦🇺 Sophia Hill and Humble Glory*
Sophia rides this thoroughbred very tactfully between the white boards, he doesn’t find this phase easy, it’s fair to say. He tries his best for Sophia though and performs what’s asked of him on the whole, staying quiet and consistent throughout. Three out of four changes come off nicely. There’s a sigh of relief at the end from Sophia and a jig jog from Humble Glory. Flags waving and chants from the crowd.
37.6
🇮🇪 Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis*
This horse is beautifully expressive and powerful in the trot work, very impressive and striking as he bounds across the arena and lovely and light on his feet. A little tension crept into the walk work though and that continued in the canter, tightening in the neck a smidge although the changes were are clean and rhythmical. This pair totally nailed the final halt, dead straight and square, surely nothing to take off there? The horse looked proud of himself at the end, although the score was perhaps a little higher than we might have expected.
33.5
🇫🇷 Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy*
This horse really does flick his toes in trot, very fancy. There’s a little resistance in the reinback but they manage a quiet enough walk, albeit a little tentative. The horse relaxes into the canter work though and they hit the four changes. They finish up with a nice straight, square halt. Big pats for Figaro Fonroy, who stretches his neck as he walks out of the ring. They’ve been sub-30, but not today.
36
🇨🇭 Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH*
This is a third World Championships start for this pair, very impressive, even more so when we take into account that Robin’s only 27 years old, it’s his ninth senior championship appearance. This 18-year-old was strong and secure in his work but for an annoying break into canter during the trot section – Ronin was really going for it though, high risk, high reward, but it doesn’t quite come off. The rest of the trot is expressive and rhythmical and the walk work is nice and relaxed. Overall a solid test, well ridden and confident work from the horse. Huge pats at the end and a very happy-looking horse.
30.1
Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH head into 2nd place. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
🇩🇪 Libussa Lübekke and Caramia FRH*
There were big cheers as this pair came into the ring but the horse stayed unflappable and totally pro. This mare’s expressive and totally on the rider’s side. The transitions were smooth and overall it was a flowing and pleasant test, although some tension creeping in, particularly in the changes proves expensive. Huge cheers from the home crowd at the end but a higher score than the Germans would have liked and been expecting.
31.3
Libussa Lübekke and Caramia FRH for the home team. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
👌 Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH picked the perfect time to deliver a personal best, putting down a 30.1 to sit in 2nd.
🪩 Libussa Lübekke’s and Caramia FRHgets the prize for shiniest horse in the Aachen sunshine.
🩰 Benjamin Massie’s and Figaro Fonroy showed off some fancy toe flicks in the trot work.
🐮 Sophia Hill’s and Humble Glory went cowboy with a cheeky lil’ cow kick in the first flying change.
👏 Dutton fans were in da house, with a huge cheer for Phillip Dutton and Denim at the end of their test.
👍 Trailblazer Daniel Dunst finished up his test with Chevalier 97 with a big thumbs up to the camera.
THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:
Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:
New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man have nary a cross country jumping penalty on their record since getting together in 2023. They’re in top spot as things stand and have put themselves in a great place with a sub-30 score of 28.7in the first phase.
Ireland’s Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis – the last time this pair picked up a 20 it was 2021. They’re on 33.5 but will be looking to climb on Saturday.
Switzerland’s Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH are on a streak of 20 clear cross country jumping rounds, spanning five years. They’re sitting in second on 30.1 so it’ll be exciting to see how close they can stay to that on Saturday.
🪜 A combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory are classic cross country day leaderboard leapers due to this pair’s penchant for pace. They’re on 37.6 and will likely still be close to – or on – that score after all’s said and done on Saturday.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and 1 combination cracked that barrier in this session.
Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.
Go eventing!
A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.
FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
