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div>– Article by Eurodressage (this content reflects Eurodressage’s firsthand experience and viewpoint on the event)
Team Germany achieved a remarkable feat at the 2024 CDIO Aachen by clinching the top three positions on the leaderboard and securing victory in the nations’ ranking. Isabell Werth, Ingrid Klimke, and Frederic Wandres claimed the top spots in the 5* Grand Prix class on July 4, 2024.
High Stakes at Play
The 2024 CDIO Aachen serves as the final major competition before the Paris Olympic Games, making it a crucial event for Germany. With reigning Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl absent due to a bye, other German team contenders are giving their all to earn a coveted spot on the team.
At the initial German Olympic trial in Balve, Frederic Wandres secured second place, while Ingrid Klimke finished third. Isabell Werth, who skipped Balve with Wendy, placed fifth with Quantaz due to a “paddock accident.” Subsequently, based on performances, Wendy replaced Quantaz in the 5* team. Katharina Hemmer was selected as the fourth team member, while Sönke Rothenberger had to deliver an exceptional ride in the 4* Grand Prix to remain in contention.
Despite an impressive effort, Sönke achieved a score of 73.891%, while Werth and Wendy claimed the top spot in the 5* class.
“An Enjoyable and Valuable Experience “
The atmosphere at CDIO Aachen showgrounds was electric, attracting a sizable crowd for the Grand Prix class. Isabell Werth, riding Queenparks Wendy, showcased a captivating performance early in the morning. Werth, who has been riding Wendy since January, displayed significant progress with the mare, praised for her honesty and willingness to excel.
Throughout Wendy’s Grand Prix routine, there were standout moments along with some eyebrow-raising scores. The judges awarded the ride a winning score of 76.500%, acknowledging the pair’s growing partnership.
In a similar vein, Ingrid Klimke received thunderous applause upon completing her test with Franziskus, highlighting the consistency and high scores she achieved. Klimke’s diligent training and proper execution contributed to her success, earning her a commendable score of 76.043%.
Wandres in Close Pursuit
Following closely behind Klimke was Frederic Wandres on Bluetooth OLD, narrowly trailing by less than 0.4%. Despite minor issues with flying changes, Wandres demonstrated a strong performance aboard the Oldenburg gelding.
Imagining a flawless routine, Wandres could have potentially clinched the top spot.
Bluetooth appeared strong and agile, even adding a playful buck while moving around the arena. Despite a halt that lacked complete stillness (scored 6 – 7), the performance showcased correct, forward, and engaged trot extensions, fluent half passes, and a solid rein back. The passage displayed good collection, but the first piaffe had slight issues with width in the hind legs, though maintaining a steady rhythm. The extended walk received a score of 7.5. The highlight of the test was the second piaffe-passage, executed with smooth transitions. A mistake occurred during the two tempi changes, but the extended and uphill canter, as well as the technically challenging zig-zag movements, impressed. There were some shorter steps in the changes. As tension mounted in the arena during this crucial Olympic ride, the crowd anxiously watched and voiced their reactions. Bluetooth changed lead prematurely before the left pirouette, but Wandres managed a quick recovery and executed a good pirouette. Despite a minor double-beat in the right pirouette, the nerves seemed to settle in the final trot sequence, with an expressive extended trot and a rhythmic final centerline.
Wandres achieved a score of 75.630%, solidifying the German trio’s success in the prize-giving ceremony. The judges’ scores ranged between 75.109% and 76.304%.
“In the press conference, Frederic expressed his satisfaction, stating, ‘My horse feels better than ever.’ He mentioned an unexpected kick from Bluetooth during the ride and appreciated the judges’ positive feedback on his horse’s condition. Frederic aims to showcase this form again on Saturday.
Germany secured victory in the Nations’ Cup, followed by the Netherlands and Denmark.
A Few Considerations
When asked about the announcement of the German Olympic team, team trainer Monica Theodorescu and chef d’equipe Klaus Roeser confirmed the announcement on Sunday. This denotes that the results from the Grand Prix Special will carry significant weight in the team selection process.
As the German riders pursue their Olympic aspirations, their fate will be determined in the upcoming CDIO 5* GP Special. The intense competition will restart on Saturday.
Werth and Wendy secured victory with a score of 76.500%. It prompts reflection on when was the last time such a relatively ‘low’ score clinched the 5* Grand Prix?! Aachen this year featured prominent contenders with Glamourdale leading in the 4* tour (80.978%). Notably, several top contenders opted to skip the event. The last instance of a score like 76.500% winning a 5* Grand Prix in Aachen was in 2006 (Nadine Capellmann on Elvis with 75.833%).
Standouts of the Competition
The competition proved captivating to watch.
Dutch rider Dinja van Liere achieved fourth place with Eugene Reesink’s 9-year-old Hanoverian Vita di Lusso scoring 74.696%. The bay gelding exhibited improved focus in Aachen compared to previous performances. Van Liere particularly excelled in the well-executed piaffe work. However, the passage could benefit from more hind leg engagement. In the canter, the young Grand Prix horse occasionally struggled with maintaining the correct frame but displayed straight two tempi changes. Vita di Lusso is a horse showing promise with potential for further growth.
Swedish rider Patrik Kittel faces a decision on his Olympic mount between Sommarkvarn AB’s 12-year-old Touchdown and Andreas Helgstrand and Cathrine Rasmussen’s 10-year-old KWPN stallion Jovian, whom he rode at Aachen. Jovian impressed with his striking trot and canter extensions but faced challenges in certain movements. Despite minor imperfections, they secured fifth place with a score of 74.652% (ranging from 73.696% to 75.978%).
Danish rider Nanna Skodborg Merrald showcased her talents with the 13-year-old Hanoverian Blue Hors St. Schufro, scoring 73.674%. While the horse displayed room for improvement in certain movements, Nanna executed graceful and engaging performances, especially in the two tempi changes and extended canter.
Nadja Aaboe Sloth of Denmark achieved her personal best score of 72.348% with her own 11-year-old Danish bred Favour Gersdorf. Despite some technical flaws, Nadja demonstrated good control and harmony, garnering praise for her horse’s extended canter. Noteworthy areas for enhancement include improved elasticity and bending in the zig-zag movements.
Noteworthy Performances
On this significant day for Americans, the focus turned to the U.S. riders at Aachen. Despite challenges faced by team anchor Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper, emotions ran high as the team evaluated future strategies. As a seasoned Olympian, Peters possesses invaluable experience that will be crucial in regaining confidence.
The American talent Marcus Orlob from Kronberg was also under scrutiny.Alice Tarjan’s 10-year-old KWPN mare Jane had a promising performance in Aachen to validate her previous success in Kronberg. Although her scores were not as high as before, her 73.326% in the 5* Grand Prix was encouraging, placing seventh. Jane, a graceful and talented horse with excellent gaits, shows potential to excel at the highest level of competition. However, her lack of experience at the international Grand Prix level is evident. Despite her impressive trot work and precise piaffe, Jane struggles with maintaining balance and engagement in the hind legs. While executing beautiful movements like two tempi changes and pirouettes, there are areas such as the bending in right turns that need improvement. Though her extended walk and final centerline display good rhythm, Jane’s performance still requires refinement.
Endel Ots rode Bohemian, a 14-year-old Westfalian gelding owned by Heidi Humphries, demonstrating a solid performance with accurate execution of movements in a consistent frame. While maintaining quiet hands, Ots and Bohemian face challenges with bending and flexion in the corners. The trot extensions lack power and rhythm, with some elements like the passage showcasing energy and elevation. However, Bohemian struggled in the zig-zag by dropping behind the vertical, yet excelled in the extended canter and final centerline. Their performance earned them a score of 71.435% for the eleventh position.
Anna Marek and Janet Simile’s 14-year-old Fire Fly entered their third European CDI, delivering scores of 69.848% in Hagen, 70.826% in Kronberg, and 69.522% in Aachen. While Fire Fly demonstrates a graceful piaffe, the horse appeared compact in frame during the recent competition. By adding lightness and elongation, Fire Fly’s score could surpass the 70% mark.
Anna Buffini partnered with Fiontini, a 14-year-old Danish mare, for their first few months of competition. Transitioning from previous male riders known for strong contact, Buffini faces a challenge in establishing a light and independent connection with Fiontini. Moments of harmony, especially in the second piaffe, reveal potential for improvement. Despite scoring 68.130%, a significant increase from their performance in Kronberg, there is still room for progress towards their peak score of 71.783% achieved in Hagen.
This article provides insights and opinions on the recent dressage competitions at Aachen. For further information and photos of the competitors, visit the Eurodressage website.
