Carl Hester and Fame continued their build-up to this summer’s European Dressage Championships with a commanding double win at Wellington CDI3*.
Despite a packed Friday crowd (6 June) and torrential rain on Saturday, the pair improved on their Addington CDI3* scores: 77.04% in the grand prix and 77.64% in the special. Carl said he is feeling confident ahead of what could be his 24th championship appearance.
“He loves the job and doesn’t care about things like the rain,” Carl said. “I wasn’t worried, but in our three years together, I’ve never competed with him in the rain – it’s always been very hot, 35ºC-plus – so I had to see how he coped.
“It just shows his maturity and our partnership.”
Their only hiccup came in the grand prix came in the last one-time changes, when 15-year-old Fame, who is owned by Carl, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl, threw in a couple of extras.
“He’s so special – he was like ‘I’ll do ones now!’” Carl said. “He’s so sensitive, and I must have moved a bit quickly.”
But his double-marked canter pirouettes on either side were a highlight, earning nines from the judges. In the special, the pirouettes picked up a 10 from Isobel Wessels at C, as did the final halt.
The piaffe and passage were another standout, never dipping below a seven and averaging over eight across both tests.
“He’s done four tests this year, all around 77%,” Carl added. “I know he’s had these scores before, but for me, the difference is the way he’s using his body now – he’s still powerful and expressive, but he’s much more relaxed.
“He’s hot because he’s a show-off, but he tries so hard not to make a mistake.
“I’ve had lots of great horses in my career, and I’ve always said if he is my last international ride, what a horse to finish on.”
With dominant winning margins of 4.8% and 6.2%, the pair now look near-certainties for summer team selection.
Carl’s Olympic teammates Becky Moody (Jagerbomb) and Lottie Fry (Glamourdale) have also been in top form, but the race for the fourth and final team spot at the Europeans remains wide open.
Selectors are expected to make their final decision following a designated selection meeting at the end of July.
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