FRIDAY SESSION 5:
Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe are the anchors for the French team. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 In gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In silver is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.
3️⃣ 🇩🇪 In bronze medal position, is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH on a score of 23.
🇺🇸
Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 are in 5th place on a score of 27.
Will Coleman and Diabolo are in 17th on a score of 30.
Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker are in 25th on 30.9.
Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake are in 36th on 32.3.
Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 38th on 32.6.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE TEAMS:
After two days of dressage, the team standings look like this:
🥇Great Britain are on a score of 72.8.
🥈 Germany are on a score of 73.6.
🥉 France are on a score of 82.5.
🇺🇸 The USA are in 6th on 93.2.
You’ll find the team standings here.
THE ACTION:
🇮🇪 Padraig McCarthy and MGH Zabaione*
This is a beautiful bright bay horse and he looks stunning with the sun shining off him. He’s really got huge potential and is total quality, but is still young and developing. There’s a really nice cadence to his work and you can see where the big marks will come given time. The walk is a particular highlight, purposeful and overtracking really well. The marks drop a little for the final changes but for sure a horse for the future. Padraig looks serious at the end but there’s a wave to the Irish flags in the crowd.
32.8
🇫🇷 Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe*
This is another lovely gray horse, there’s plenty in the field. This is a big test which could put France into a medal position. They sure get off to a great start, trending low-20s for quality work. The horse really uses his body well, he’s really powerful but in a contained way. He’s totally on board with Nicolas, very focused in the walk. We see a teaser of his gallop in the extended, it’ll be cool to see that put to full use tomorrow. Beautifully balanced work throughout, so good, but one costly mistake in the changes. Nicolas is absolutely delighted with his horse and so he should be. He’s grinning and patting Diabolo Menthe and actually looks quite emotional. The horse strolls out of the ring. What a sweet guy. This is big for France. And Nicolas. They go into 4th individually. And France go up into bronze medal position. But there’s not even a second tomorrow between them and New Zealand. It’s going to be edge of your seat stuff, for sure.
26.7
🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Frieda*
Felix and Frieda are a really solid pairing and they show that with sub-30 scores throughout the trot work. The reinback is a little sticky but they put that behind them and focus on producing each movement the best they can. Felix is a bold rider between the boards, really pushing for the marks and being brave. The walk is particularly nice. Things don’t go totally to plan in the canter but overall there was a lot of very good stuff going on in this test and it’s good enough for sub-30. The Swiss flags are waving in the crowd in appreciation of a solid showing. They post the best score of the Swiss and the team moves into 5th.
29.3
🇩🇪 Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH*
The excitement in the crowd is palpable through the screen as Michael makes his way around the ring. Big moment coming up. He’s such a beautiful horse and obviously, Michael is a beautiful rider. The gelding’s 18 now and looking fantastic. They’re trending low-20s, as expected. It all just looks so easy. Everything’s consistent and accurate and flowing and clear. The extended canter is so good. It’s all just so good. But oop. There’s a gasp on one of the last changes. It’s not quite right. The scores drop right away for that one movement. It might have cost them the lead, which they were going into until then. But there’s a standing ovation that goes on and on. Appreciation for an amazing rider. Appreciation for an amazing, amazing horse. The mistake’s expensive and they go into 3rd. But seriously, it shows just what class we have at these Championships. A score of 23 in 3rd. Wild. Germany go into the lead.
23
🇸🇪 Frida Andersen and Box Leo*
This is a super experienced pairing and it shows in their work. They’re totally together and accurate and the horse is clearly trying hard for Frida. They’re trending around the 30 mark for a consistent and clean performance. There’s some anticipation around the canter strike off and we can hear the crowd in the main arena, it’s buzzing over there and a few horses have been distracted by it. But Frida gets his attention back and everything gets back on track. Overall a very nice showing. They’ll improve the Swedish score. The horse looks very proud walking out.
32.2
🇳🇱 Sanne de Jong and Enjoy*
This pair are now riding for the team following the withdrawal of Florinoor Hoogland and Hontoni. Sanne and Enjoy are really a nice partnership and the horse really works for her rider and tries her best. She’s beautifully rideable until, goodness, the atmosphere gets to her and she jumps about a bit and then runs off in the extended canter. There’s a gasp from the crowd. Ugh, it’s such a shame. The upset continues throughout the canter work and Sanne just has to do her best. Disappointing, and a reminder that we’re working with animals. Sanne takes a minute to stroke Enjoy at the end and walks out rubbing her neck to settle her. Nice to see. The horse looks happy walking out on a long rein and Sanne continues to stroke her.
37.5
🇧🇪 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville*
This is a good looking horse with a really powerful bum which he uses to good effect, pushing through and moving with real intention. He has a very consistent walk and he’s so relaxed and listening to Lara. The canter’s just as balanced and the judges are rewarding the accuracy. A little bobble comes when he pops in an extra change and then he does it again on the center line. He was trying so hard. Lara’s smiling at him and saying he’s a good boy. Six clean changes, although we only wanted four. Babyish mistakes from a super talented contender. She gives him a stroke and lets him have a bite of grass. Very sweet moments and a lady who adores her horses.
32.9
🇬🇧 Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo*
“Walter” looks so ready for this. He’s just a total star. They’re trending close to 20 for the early trot work, which is stunning. There’s 9s for the halt and their score drops sub-20. There’s plenty of excitement flowing over from the pure dressage in the main arena but Walter’s totally focused on his job. His walk is fabulous. What a superb job Ros is doing with all the cheering coming from next door, staying calm and collected. Extended canter – 9, 8, 8. They’re challenging for the lead at this point. But then, he’s late behind in the first change. Expensive. So close. A real shame for them. But the crowd are cheering for what was, honestly, a beautiful performance. Walter’s cool as ever. They go into 4th, just 0.4 behind bronze. Ros is disappointed, with herself – she’s such a perfectionist. But Great Britain are back in gold with three team riders inside the top 5.
23.4
🇮🇹 Vitoria Pannizon and DHI Jackpot*
This is a stunning white horse turned out to perfection, very eye catching. He works really nicely for Vitoria, listening to her and trying his best in every movement. They’re trending around the 30 mark. They’re very consistent and the judges have been rewarding that. There’s a lot to like about this horse but the changes are costly, not quite coming off for them. But the last one one the center line is better. She looks pleased with her horse and he seems happy walking out on a long rein, stretching his neck. A really nice ending to two excellent days of dressage.
32.9
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
📈 Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH have been to seven championships. They won the only one they didn’t lead after dressage. They’re in 3rd. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.
🧸 Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe had a total warm and fuzzy moment at the end of their test, with Nicolas delighted with his pal’s efforts, big grins and big pats and a very proud horse dad.
💖 Another lovely moment came courtesy of Sanne de Jong whose mare Enjoy got really quite upset in the ring. Sanne straight away settled her longtime partner with lots of strokes that continued on all the way out of the ring.
🌱 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier’s 10-year-old homebred Kiarado d’Arville was an absolute darling, showing off six very good changes, overachiever that he clearly is. We only wanted four but Lara saw the cute side and was obviously proud of her guy. He had a nice bite of grass at the end of his test for being such a good boy.
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:
Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe have a clean cross country card from their international events and are super speedy to boot. They’re currently in 6th on 26.7 and will likely add very little, or nothing at all, to that score tomorrow.
Teams pick strong anchors and that meant class contenders in this final group, like EquiRatings’ joint-favorites for runner up Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo and Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. EquiRatings couldn’t find anything between them and nor could the dressage, really with just one second of cross country time separating them. We can expect smooth clears inside the time from each. Probably.
🪜 A combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is Padraig McCarthy and MGH Zabaione who have some classy, quick rounds on their record. They’re ones to watch tomorrow, for sure. They’re in 41st on 42.8 and we can surely expect a climb up the board.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and four more combinations cracked that barrier in this ultra-strong session. Satisfyingly, that means the top 20 are all on dressage scores in the 20s.
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
FRIDAY SESSION 4:
Kiwis Tim Price and Falco will be looking to shake things up on the scoreboard in this session. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
No change at the top during this session.
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leader in the clubhouse, staying in gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In silver is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, in bronze medal position, is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.
🇺🇲 Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 put in a great test this session to go into 5th place on a score of 27.
Will Coleman and Diabolo also went in this session and scored 30 which put them in 17th.
Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker sit in 21st on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 31st and 33rd.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇫🇷 Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or
We get back underway with a couple of individual riders. This horse oozes quality, for sure. He’s relaxed and soft and looks very comfortable on the world stage. There’s no sign that the big atmosphere is having any effect on him and he’s working nicely for Astier in the early stages of the test, which is trending sub-30. Everything’s smooth and flowing until sadly, a change sneaks in at the start of the extended canter line. That’s frustrating as it’s a great movement for this horse but the scores don’t show it. It was a lovely change though, as are the rest. Very nice work apart from that annoying mistake. Astier looks disappointed but he waves to the crowd and the horse looks very proud of himself.
30.6
🇺🇸 Tamra Smith and Lillet 3
This is a lovely confident young mare, very elegant and sure in her work. She’s looking very fit and supple and so ready for the challenge of her first Championships. She’s trending mid-20s through the trot work and then an excellent halt helps those marks some. This continue consistently in the canter with the horse really trying her best. A very smart showing from this pair riding as individuals for the USA. Tamie’s delighted. The Stars and Stripes are flying in the stands. Big cheers from the crowd and waves from Tamie.
27
🇦🇹 Lea Siegl and Watermill Georgio RS*
Lea brings us into the final rider rotation for the teams fielding four. This is an exciting looking prospect for Lea. He’s a strong and powerful horse who’s got an elegant, quality way of going. It all looks so rhythmical and easy. He’s so happy in his work and there’s a clear partnership on show. Nice. They’re trending sub-30. The walk’s really purposeful. The canter is also great quality, fluent and connected. The changes are nailed. A really super start to the competition from this pair. Lea’s grinning as she pats her horse. A job very well done. Austria’s best global Championships score after dressage and Lea breaks her own record for the country’s best individual dressage score at a Championships.
29.2
🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco*
Tim’s extravagant ride looks very flashy in the Aachen sunshine. He shows off his scope in the extended trot, striding out across the ring. They’re trending in the mid-20s and really consistently mastering each movement. Tim’s a total pro, World No. 1 and an absolute technician in the saddle. Falco goes to add an extra step in the reinback but Tim got his legs straight on. Oh, there’s a real moment in the canter transition. Falco looks up, distracted, and misses the cue, things get in a muddle and Falco gets upset. Tim sits quiet and encourages him forward and they get back on track. That’s a real shame and affects the rest of the test. A sigh from Tim. Ugh, that’s horses. He waves to the Kiwi flags in the crowd, sense of humor in tact. Falco’s still on his toes coming out of the ring. This becomes the drop score for New Zealand so their score of 84.8 stands.
33.7
🇺🇸 Will Coleman and Diabolo*
Diabolo looks super smart out there on the World Championships stage. He’s quietly working for Will and is soft and willing. They’re trending mid-20s at the early stages of the test. The walk is very nice. Everything is. We can clearly see both horse and rider absolutely doing their best to get every fraction of a mark they can. The changes are a smidge off and marks are dropped slightly. Will shakes his head but there was so much in there that was great. The fans in the stands appreciate what they’ve seen. He’d have been hoping for sub-30 but it’s not quite to be. “Dab” is super relaxed walking out. Nice to see. It improves the US team score some but not enough to get them onto the podium.
30
🇯🇵 Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA*
This experienced gelding really does have presence in the ring. He’s got super elevation and power. Props to Toshi for sitting that big trot. The walk’s just as nice and scores are trending sub-30. The canter’s rhythmical and the changes are accurate but the scores dip a bit. Toshi looks really pleased at the end. He waves to the crowd and gives Jefferson a nice pat on the rump. A solid showing from them.
31.7
🇦🇺 Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos*
This is a horse that loves Aachen. He’s been three times and hasn’t been out of the top 5, adding just three seconds of cross country times across all three outings. He sure looks happy to be at the World Championships. His work is very consistent and accurate and he’s scoring sub-30 for the trot section and they stay there through the walk. The canter looks very easy and the horse is so confident and well-within himself, that’s experience for you. Nice. What a pleasure to watch and well appreciated by the crowd. A huge test for them – a PB for the 17-year-old gelding and into 4th place. Amazing. The team are thrilled. That puts Australia just under 10 points of a medal position.
26.9
🇧🇷 Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Royal Encounter*
This horse is such a willing young campaigner, really content in his work and trying his best for Marcio. Everything’s very accurate and the judges like that. But there’s a whoopsie at the end of the extended canter, he gets on his forehand a bit and it causes him to knuckle over, but Marcio sits tight. That’s a shame. The rest of the test returns to the consistency of earlier. Very solid work and nice scores throughout, despite that moment. Marcio waves to the crowd but he looks a little disappointed. The horse walks out very relaxed and at ease. William Fox-Pitt was watching on in the kiss and cry. Big claps from the team. They put down the best of the Brazilian team scores, despite Marcio apparently having some kind of arm injury.
31.2
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
👌 Andrew Hoy’s 17-year-old Vassily de Lassos loves Aachen and he absolutely showed it with a superb personal best score. Incidentally, Andrew won team bronze at the World Championships in Aachen 20 years ago.
🧬 Lea Siegl and Watermill Georgio RS made history for Austria, breaking their own best Championships dressage score and helping to secure the best team dressage score for her country. Fun fact – her dad rode in the World Championships at Aachen in 2006, alongside Andrew Hoy.
🧠 Tim Price’s experienced campaigner Falco proved he’s got a mind of his own with a real moment in his test. Annoying when it affects the score like it did but a reminder that these horses are living, breathing beings and the riders have to work with them.
🎓 Special mention for Astier Nicolas who has played a part in producing four horses competing at the World Championships this year.
🦘 I spy an inflatable kangaroo in the crowd.
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:
Will Coleman and Diabolo have a clean sweep of cross country clears together and proved they can beat the clock at Kentucky on the way to the win this season. They’ve put themselves in a good position on 30 and are likely to finish up on, or very close, to that.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and three combinations cracked that barrier in this session. That means the top 16 are all on sub-30 scores.
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
FRIDAY SESSION 3:
Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 became European Champions last year; will they add World Champions to their accolades? They’re EquiRatings’ favorites for the win. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leader in the clubhouse, staying in gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Storming into silver this session is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, now in bronze medal position, is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.
🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker went in this session for the US. They sit in 16th on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 24th and 26th.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE TEAMS:
We’ve had three team riders now and so have a team leaderboard. There’s still one rider to go for the teams fielding four and there’s a drop score to be considered, but at this point in proceedings the team standings look like this:
🥇Great Britain are on a score of 78.7.
🥈 Germany are on a score of 81.9.
🥉 New Zealand are on a score of 84.8.
🇺🇲 The USA are in 6th on 95.8.
You’ll find the team standings here.
THE ACTION:
🇳🇱 Jillian Giessen and Seattle Park*
This pair put on a good showing in their test, looking confident and proficient in their work. Everything’s consistent and correct. The walk is particularly relaxed and the horse seems to want to do well for his rider. He’s really rideable and the work is clean, must be a nice feeling. Lovely neck rubs at the end for a job well done.
34.2
🇧🇪 Karin Donkers and Leipheimer van’t Verahof*
Super experienced Karin brings forward her striking stallion for her umpteenth Championships. We don’t see a lot of stallions in the sport but this guy is impressive. He’s very consistent in his movement and uses all his power for good. He’s so responsive and Karin can be brave in the extended knowing that he’ll come back to her. They’re trending really well in the scores until he misses a change, that’s expensive. Overall though, a very secure start to their World Championships. Karin waves to the crowd at the end and the horse walks out looking super relaxed and happy. Nice. Karin says, “He normally does it so well” at the end to her team, with a rueful smile.
31.7
🇬🇧 Laura Collett and London 52*
The British fans are in da house and there’s a big cheer as Laura comes in. This horse holds the record for the lowest Championship test score – sub-20. How low will they go? Game face on for Laura. This horse is just so impressive to watch, he looks easy. Laura rides her tests so very beautifully. There’s 9s in the scores and they’re trending very low-20s. Everything is just spot on, clean, expressive, soft. Very rhythmical. Very, very good. Total harmony. Laura’s delighted with her pal. She waves to the crowd, she pats London 52 and gives him a kiss, the flags are waving. It’s going to be close. Very close. They slip into silver medal position, just 0.8 behind.
22.8
🇮🇹 Andrea Cincinnati and Cecilia Lad*
It’s a first Championships for Andrea, who finishes up the third rider rotation for the team, and he gets it all off to a nice start. This is a tall, elegant horse and there’s allsorts of potential on show. He works hard for his rider and tries to stay focused, despite the atmosphere. There’s a little fussiness but he’s staying with Andrea. All the movements come off for them and they score a clear round in the dressage. The final change on the center line is very nice. Andrea salutes to the judges and gives his horse a bit pat. The horse was willing throughout and walks out very happy and relaxed. Exciting horse for the future.
33.8
🇫🇮 Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click
We’re back with the individual riders now. This horse is like a bouncy ball of energy, with a really extravagant action. He’s clearly very excited to be at the World Championships. He’s an experienced horse but he’s definitely feeling the atmosphere. He blows his nose a bit and Sanna gives him a subtle little pat to help him settle. Despite the fizz brewing, he’s actually doing a nice job and Sanna’s riding tactfully, cutting the corners a bit. He messes about before the last couple of changes and he’s incredibly lit up going out of the ring. The crowd gives a little clap of appreciation but realise that big cheers aren’t in order for this guy. Cross country to come.
38.3
🇮🇳 Fouaad Mirza and Mokatoo
Fouaad asks the crowd to contain their clapping as he comes into the ring. It’s cool that they’re so enthusiastic but we’re not used to the noise before a test, really. This horse is a really lovely type. He’s strong and sturdy looking and seems confident in his work in the early part of the test. There’s gasps from the crowd as he lets loose though, bucking his way across the arena. Well sat Fouaad. Cheeky boy. But full of character. It’s a shame as the horse really does look to be very capable and the final center line is very good, the change is totally solid there. Fouaad smiles at the end, you’ve gotta have a sense of humor with horses, and a good seat.
38.8
🇬🇧 Caroline Harris and D. Day
The individuals for Great Britain get off to a strong start, putting in some consistent, accurate work. The gelding is really focused and tries his best for Caroline. Everything’s neat and tidy and confident and it’s a fine showing on the world stage for this pair. Pats and waves and the team in the kiss and cry show their support with a round of applause for a job well done.
32.6
🇮🇪 Georgie Goss and Kojak
Kojak’s sporting a lucky shamrock on his quarters, very smart. He’s a solid looking type and seems like he’d be fun to ride. He trends sub-30 in the trot but the reinback shows up some tension creeping in. We see it again as he lifts his head in the walk but Georgie’s keeping him on side. There’s a lot of power there which he shows in the extension and then he doesn’t really want to slow back down again. He’s ready to run cross country. They finish up nicely and Georgie gives him a good pat. Team Ireland look well pleased with their individual’s performance. Good work and an exciting horse for the future.
31
🇩🇪 Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH
This horse is very smart and accurate in his paces although there’s clearly a little tension brewing which he shows in his neck a little. He’s rhythmical and expressive though and scores are trending around the 30 mark. Overall a very accurate test throughout, very consistent. Big cheers from the crowd for the German individual and flags waving. Christoph smiles and waves. A solid start to their Championships.
29.4
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
💞 Laura Collett and London 52 were a picture of perfect harmony from start to finish, really a very nice picture of a horse and rider working together.
👣 Karin Donkers’ stallion Leipheimer van’t Verahof showed he’s got the walk, striding out proudly and showing off all that power.
🦵 Best knees goes to Sanna Siltakorpi’s Bofey Click – a lotta action going on there.
🍑 And the neatest seat surely has no competition, with Fouaad Mirza staying stuck in the plate despite Mokatoo’s characterful back end antics.
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:
Karin Donkers and Leipheimer van’t Verahof have nary a cross country jumping penalty on their squeaky clean card of 35 international events. They’re on 31.7 after dressage.
A combination who for sure turn their hoof to dressage like pros and are also good for a quick clear on cross country is Laura Collett and London 52. They’re not European Champs for no reason. They’re on a score of 22.8 and likely to stay on that. Exciting.
🪜 A combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is surely Caroline Harris and D. Day, who’ve proved twice at 5* now that a quick clear on cross country day can be very valuable indeed, with two top level wins on their record. They’re on 32.6 and will very probably add nothing to that score.
🪜 Another one is Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH, who’ve jumped clear inside the time round Badminton and Kentucky. They’re on 29.4 and will very probably stay there.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and two combinations cracked that barrier in this session. That means the top 13 are all sub-30.
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
FRIDAY SESSION 2:
Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker take the US team total to three in this session. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 We have a new leader in the clubhouse after this session, storming into gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Slipping into silver as things stand is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.
3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Rounding out the rolling podium, now in bronze medal position, is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo on a score of 27.2.
🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker went in this session for the US. They sit in 14th on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 20th and 22nd.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker*
The crowd erupted as Boyd entered the arena and the cheers and whistles continue as he makes his way round the ring waiting for the bell. Cooley Nutcracker stays as cool and calm as his rider though. The extended trot is an absolute highlight for this guy, so powerful and impressive. Scores are mid- high-20s at the early stages of the test. The walk is very nice, forward and relaxed. They’re doing a superb job out there. The canter is consistent and the changes are accurate although there’s a smidge of tension creeping in. A lovely halt to end and a cheer from the crowd, lots of Stars and Stripes waving. Boyd waves and there’s more cheers. Oop, Cooley Nutcracker spooks on the way out, just keeping Boyd on his toes. So much quality on show but a score a bit higher than we’d have perhaps expected.
30.9
🇯🇵 Kento Nagura and Vinci de la Vigne JRA*
It’s a third World Championships start for this gelding, although it’s a first Championship for Kento. Pippa Funnell’s wearing a Team Japan T-shirt on, watching on. They get off to a very nice start, confident and flowing. The work is accurate and smooth and there’s a lot to like on show. The horse looks so happy in himself and what’s being asked of him. There’s a bobble in the canter transition but they’re straight back on track and finish up with some very strong canter work and an excellent final change on the center line. A huge sigh from Kento at the end. Huge pats for Vinci. Kento spots the Japanese flag in the stand and stands to wave, looking delighted. Vinci takes the opportunity to trot off. Nice moment. Pats for Vinci from Pippa afterwards.
33.8
🇦🇺 Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar*
Oliver’s the youngest 5* winner on record in 80 years, having taken the Adelaide title as a 22-year-old. He sure is a talent, that’s clear from how beautifully accurate he rides his dressage test. The horse is totally in tune with him. He’s a lovely type, strong and powerful, and tries hard in this phase. There’s little moments where marks are dropped, but overall the work is consistent and confident. An awful lot to like on show. Aussie flags are flying and the horse is being patted as he walks out of the ring looking very relaxed. A very good morning’s work, although Oliver says he’s disappointed with his final flying change. Harsh, really. There was a tiny mistake, but the others were super.
31.7
🇧🇷 Carlos Parro and Safira*
Safira’s another striking chestnut with three lovely white socks. This mare has a very nice way of going and is working hard for Carlos. There’s a jiggy jog in the walk, the World Championships atmosphere is intense out there. But she comes back and focuses on Carlos. The tension builds through the canter work and the changes are expensive. This horse doesn’t like to make a mistake and gets a little upset. She tries too hard, really. A test of two halves. Carlos gives her a good rub on the neck at the end, settling her down some. She walks out nicely on a long rein.
44.2
🇮🇪 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue*
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate Colorado Blue’s braids, they are beautiful and so many down that sweet neck. The crowd is hugely excited to see “Salty” and there’s a whole bunch of cheers and whistles as they make their way round the ring. It quietens down for the test though. Salty really does put his best hoof forward for the World Championships. He’s supple and attentive and the work is excitingly solid. This horse seems to be getting better and better at this phase. They’re trending sub-30. Can they keep that up? Amazingly ridden by Austin and an amazing performance from Salty. The supporters in the kiss and cry are thrilled. A huge test from this pair. Austin is delighted with his pal. This is very exciting knowing just how good this pair are in the jumping phases.
29
🇫🇷 Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza*
This mare is super elegant in the dressage phase and she shows it all off and then some in the extended trot, full of elevation and power, stunning and well-rewarded from the judges. She looks totally on Gaspard’s side and is working hard for him. The mare blows through her nose in the canter work but it doesn’t affect her performance any. She nails the changes. This has been a really clean and expressive test. Excellent quality work throughout and incredibly consistent. A superb, competitive start to this pair’s World Championships. He revs up the crowd on the way out. Tricolors are flying in the stands. A real celebration. Fun.
29.3
🇨🇭 Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco*
The gelding’s a little fussy at first, he looks a sensitive kind of guy. There’s some head action and Nadja’s sitting quiet and trying to keep things calm. He goes into canter a couple of times in the trot work. This is a tricky situation for Nadja, and a shame as this isn’t always typical for him. Sometimes, but mostly not. The head continues bobbing in the walk. Nadja’s breathing and working with what she has to try and keep him with her. When he’s going nicely, he’s really lovely. When he comes to the change right, it’s really good. But something’s bothered him. That’s so disappointing for Nadja and the team. He’s still flicking his nose on the way out. He’s got a nose net on but there’s something going on for him. Very well managed by Nadja.
46.5
🇩🇪 Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel*
Host nation support comes in the form of a big cheer from the crowd and Julia just asks for a bit of calm. Wait til the end. This is a big test, for the individual competition and the team. The horse looks amazing. He’s so powerful and supple and beautifully trained. They’re trending well in the lead in the low-20s. They’re just such a stunning pair. Everything is a highlight but the walk is *chef’s kiss*. The power in the extended canter, wow. 9s coming in. Stunning from start to finish. We have new leaders, surely. A punch of the air. The stadium erupts for a home favorite’s fabulous performance. What a show. A standing ovation. Amazing. They storm into the lead. Game well and truly on.
22
🇸🇪 Louise Romeike and Caspian 15*
It’s tough for this pair to come into such an electric atmosphere. The crowd has settled for them though. This is a lovely big gray horse that’s full of scope and power. There’s a lot of lift and elegance but a bit of tension showing through the neck and that’s affecting the marks some. The walk is a bit tentative, he’s certainly on his toes. Louise is doing a masterful job. We get a glimpse of what we’ll see in this horse’s gallop on Saturday in the extended. A big smile from Louise at the end and pats for Caspian who’s jiggy jogging on the way out. A masterclass of riding a very ready horse.
35.3
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
👌 Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel brought in 9s galore, the highest marks of the competition so far propelling them right to the top of the leaderboard.
😁 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue got their World Championships off to a very smart start, producing Austin’s best ever Championships score and Austin’s grin said it all. Huge love for Salty from the crowd too.
💃 Gaspard Maksud’s Zaragoza showed off her dancing spirit with a beautifully elevated and elegant extended trot, pulling in two 8s and an 8.5.
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:
Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel have nary a cross country jumping penalty on their record together, bar an unlucky elimination for a fall in the water at Boekelo back in 2023 at a fence that claimed a fair few high profile scalps. They’re the ones to beat right now, sitting in the lead on 22.
Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 have an impressive 35 cross country clears on their record, including at the Paris Olympics. They can also be quick. They’ll be clawing their way up the placings on Saturday if form’s anything to go by. They start out on a score of 35.3.
Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue are surely one of the best cross country pairs in the field and a dead cert for a leaderboard climb on Saturday with a fast clear round. With just two cross country jumping penalties and a missed flag on their international card from starts dating back to 2015, eyes on this pair, for sure. They’re in on a competitive score of 29 after their dressage test today and are likely to finish close, or on, that.
Carlos Parro and Safira have a clean sheet across the country and will be looking to keep the time to a minimum to maximise a leaderboard leap. They’re sitting on 44.2.
🪜 Another combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza, or ‘Zoom Zoom Zaragoza’ as Gaspard calls her, because well, she is one quick mare. Paired with a very quick, brave Frenchman and it’ll be squeaky bum time on Saturday as they bid to make their mark on the leaderboard with a clear inside the time. They’ve done themselves no harm with a great dressage test for 29.3.
THE STATS:
Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and three combinations cracked that barrier in this quality session. That’s the top 11 all on scores in the 20s.
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
FRIDAY SESSION 1:
Alex Hua Tian and Chicko are representing the People’s Republic of China. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
THE LEADERBOARD:
No change at the top after this morning’s session.
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lead the way in gold medal position with a score of 26.6.
2️⃣ 🇳🇿 In silver spot 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 on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively.
You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.
THE ACTION:
INDIVIDUALS:
🇲🇦 Noor Slaoui and Legende P
We start off the second day with individual riders. Noor’s welcomed into the Aachen ring by a round of applause. The crowd really have been super supportive, right from early morning starts to the end of the day. Legende P looks strong and confident and goes around in trot in a really good rhythm. He’s nicely rideable in the walk at the start but anticipates the pace change toward the end. And then things get fiery as he decides to wave to the judges. That’s a shame as it was shaping up to be a good test, just a moment of miscommunication. He settles in the canter though and Noor finishes up with a smile. The horse walks out on a long rein looking happy.
38.7
🇹🇭 Weerapat Pitakanonda and B.Grimm Chateau de Versailles M2S
There’s a moment before this pair come into the ring when the horse spooks just after the bell’s rung, but Weerapat quickly settles him and they actually get off to a lovely start, despite that difficulty. The horse blows a little in the walk but again, Weerapat rides sensitively and they do a good job. But then there’s a big spooky moment in the canter and they end up going sideways rather than forwards. There’s a camera along that side that’s caught the horse’s eye, for sure. Weerapat does such a good job but that was a tough situation to be in. The ears are locked onto the camera on the way out too. A shame as there’s clear talent and potential there.
41.4
🇭🇺 Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15
This horse is a nice shiny chestnut who looks like he knows his job. Lots of very solid work happening in there. The horse is really trying for his rider and everything’s very consistent and correct. This guy’s walk is particularly nice. All’s well in the canter too and overall this was a very proficient test. Clear round – good job. The horse looks happy on the way out, very relaxed and pleased to be at the World Championships.
35.3
🇵🇱 Joanna Pawlak and Armin de Monsieur
Good, clean work on show from this pair, very consistent if not the most expressive we’ll see. The pair work nicely together and the horse is trying for his rider. There’s a bobble coming into the first flying change but the others are neat enough. Joanna looks very pleased at the end and there’s massive pats for the horse and lots of neck rubs. Overall, a nice morning’s work and the team look very happy.
37.2
🇩🇰 Peter T. Flarup and H.Carald Z
Peter’s a super experienced Championship rider and he comes forward with a very impressive looking 10-year-old. The horse goes in a really lovely outline and is very expressive in the trot. They trend around the 30 mark in the early stages of the test. Unfortunately he drops his head down and under rather than taking the contact forward in the walk and the marks increase for that. The canter’s got a nice rhythm but there is a little tension creeping in. What an exciting prospect though, it’ll be cool to see this horse really come into his full strength and power as he matures. Very smart and full of potential.
35.1
🇨🇳 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko
This is a stylish pair and they cut a fine figure as they make their way round the ring waiting for the bell. There’s a big cheer from the crowd as they pass and Alex smiles up at his supporters. Alex is such an accurate rider, absolutely riding for every single fraction of a mark. Their halt is fabulous. All the work is super consistent, confident and polished. There’s a bit of a look around mid-way through the walk but Alex is on it and encourages Chicko to concentrate on the job at hand. They’re back on track in the canter though, which is bold and rhythmical. This rider is such a technician, producing every single movement and responding to what his horse is offering every single second. Perfect final halt. A horse riding lesson for us, a nice start to the World Championships for Alex.
32.5
🇦🇹 Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Renegade*
We’re back with the teams now and the third rider rotation. Renegade is a big horse who looks like she knows her own mind. She works nicely for Katrin though, going through the movements with consistency. She wants to have a look round at the crowd but Katrin keeps her focus. The canter’s a little sticky at times, around the changes, really, although the changes are there. Katrin looks thrilled with her horse a the end. Huge smile and big pats. The mare looks pleased with herself.
38.3
🇳🇿 Monica Spencer and Artist*
Big test alert. New Zealand are currently in gold medal position as a team after two riders, shared with Great Britain on the same score. Artist has all the makings to challenge the lead and this score will give the Kiwis a three-rider total. They start off trending in the mid-20s and the extended trot is the highlight we’ve come to expect from this horse. He’s got a beautiful big walk too. A tiny bit of tightness creeps in during the canter and the trending score rises to the high-20s. Conservative scoring for the changes might make all the difference here. Sub-30 for sure. Smiles all round from Monica who waves to the cheering crowd. There’s Kiwi flags going crazy in the stands. But a real feeling that this score isn’t going to be quite as spectacular as Monica and the team were hoping for. She joins her two teammates to have already gone in the top 6.
29.2
🇨🇿 Pavel Brezina and Turin*
This horse produces a consistent test and delivers the best he can do, not the flair that we see in some other horses, but all very clean and competent. He works nicely for his rider and is clearly trying. Solid and sensible throughout and a very respectable showing on the world stage. Pavel looks pleased with his horse’s efforts and the horse sticks his nose out as he walks out of the ring, clearly having tried really hard at his job.
41
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
👋 Noor Slaoui’s Legende P had a moment when the horse gave the judges a little wave. They were quickly back on track though.
👻 Weerapat Pitakanonda’s B.Grimm Chateau de Versailles M2S saw a g-g-g-ghost on the outside of the ring. Unfortunately, it wasn’t busted and the spooks continued during the test.
👏 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko elicited the cheers of the morning. He’s such a popular rider and smiled up at the crowd’s appreciation.
🩰 They may not have scored as low as they’d have liked, but Monica Spencer and Artist’s extended trot was a thing of beauty.
⬅️ Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Renegade exited the arena in a sideways canter after the cheers from the enthusiastic crowd lit up the mare.
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:
Peter T. Flarup and H.Carald Z have just a single cross country jumping penalty on their record from 26 FEI runs and it came way back at the horse’s first ever international result. They scored 35.1 in the dressage so we can perhaps be looking at a leaderboard climb tomorrow.
Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15’s record is equally impressive, with 29 FEI competitions on their card and also just the one cross country jumping penalty. They’re on 35.3 after the first phase so could be in the ascendency tomorrow, depending on whether they keep the time penalties down.
Joanna Pawlak and Armin de Monsieur had a couple of mishaps right at the beginning of their relationship but have been on a streak of clear cross country jumping rounds ever since – 10 in total. They’re on 37.2.
A particular pairing who turn their hoof to dressage like pros and are also good for quick clears on cross country is Monica Spencer and Artist, who have just a single frangible penalty on their card in the whole time together, bar a 20 in their first ever FEI event way back in 2018. This Thoroughbred’s swift to boot. Their first-phase score is higher than we’re used to seeing but it’s sub-30 and likely to stay that way 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.
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 & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]
