Ingrid Klimke Takes CCI4*L/S at Pratoni

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

The final CCI4*L of the European season before riders head off to the Portugal Winter Tour was held at the Centro Equestre Ranieri di Campello in Italy this weekend, and it was all Klimke for the headlining divisions. The German champion took home the top honors in both the Long and Short format CCI4* aboard SAP Asha P (Hera x Askari 173) and SAP Hale Bob OLD (Goldige x Helikon xx), respectively. Ingrid also won the CCI2*L division with Asha P’s half-sister on the dam side, Van Hera P (Hera x Verdi TN).

Ingrid Klimke and Van Hera P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

It was a wire-to-wire weekend for Ingrid in the CCI4*L, where the 9-year-old SAP Asha P put in a 26.9 for early first place. They would go on to finish on this score, holding off Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon and the 12-year-old One Night Love, who moved from fourth following dressage into second overall on a score of 29.9.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

SAP Asha P has now collected eight FEI wins throughout her young international career, which began in 2017 under the tutelage of Ingrid. She has described the mare as a “laid back and practical horse with a happy, friendly character,” and has enjoyed a long partnership with Asha after purchasing her from breeder Lutz Pietscher with the help of the Lauber family.

This was the first CCI4*L start for second-placed One Night Love, the 12-year-old gelding by Hurricane owned by The Sweep Syndicate and ridden by Vittoria Panizzon. Vittoria has produced “Sweep” since he was a three-year-old, building on his exceptional paces to slowly produce a confident competitor.

Completing the podium for the premier class are Germany’s Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi, who most recently finished in the top 10 at Luhmühlen. They would also finish on their dressage score of 31.5 to seal their third place finish. This was a CCI4*L debut for both horse and rider, who have been partnered together since 2016. Sophie at one point rode for Ingrid Klimke, even taking a younger SAP Hale Bob for a spin back in 2011.

Looking to the CCI4*S, it was Ingrid’s stalwart competitor, SAP Hale Bob OLD, who would rebound from a shaky performance at the German Eventing Championships to cap off his 2020 season with a win. The 16-year-old gelding earned a 20.8 from the judges on day one and added a handful of time to end on a 24.4.

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

Honorary American Felix Vogg, who represents Switzerland, and Colero picked up a second place finish in the CCI4*S division, ending their weekend on a score of 36.5. After spending a year competing in the U.S., Felix relocated his business back to his family’s farm in South Germany, where he’s been hard at work with a handful of top horses. The 12-year-old Colero, a Westphalian gelding, most recently finished second at this venue but improves on his finishing score (40.7) this weekend.

Rounding out the CCI4*S top three are The Netherlands’ Merel Blom and The Quizmaster, an 11-year-old Dutch gelding making his fourth start at the level. Some time added in the jumping phases would keep this pair out of second place, but their finishing score of 38.1 would be enough to secure a podium finish.

Here’s a look at the winners of the other international divisions contested this weekend at Pratoni:

CCI1*: Valentine Ray and Alienor D’Agenais (32.6)
CCI2*L: Ingrid Klimke and Van Hera P (26.2)
CCIP2*L: Giulia Mannoni and Douglas (38.5)
CCI2*S: Emiliano Portal and Creevagh Limited Edition (27.8)
CCI3*L: Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power (30.7)
CCI3*S: Bjinse Venderbosch and Vesuve D’Aveyron (33.2)

Pratoni International CCI4*L/CCI4*S: [Website] [Final Scores]

Photographer Massimo Argenziano has graciously allowed us to use some of his photos from the weekend. You can view more of Massimo’s work on his website. Many thanks, Massimo!