FEI World Championship for Single Horses in Munich: Stefan Ulrich wins dressage, Switzerland leads team standings

TeamNL driver Eline Houterman was the second competitor to enter the arena today. Fino Uno Toltien had some difficulties with the contact and there were several mistakes during the test. On the other hand, the combination showed some very nice work in the canter movements, finishing on 62.36 penalties. Of course, this combination’s real strength lies in the marathon, which takes place tomorrow.

Movement versus correctness?

There was a remarkable difference of opinion among the judges during the test of France’s Tony Ecalle (49.71). His dressage-bred Kensington has tremendous movement, with a phenomenal extended trot. However, he built up some tension, which became particularly apparent in the walk and, as the test progressed, in a shortening of the neck and movement.

Nevertheless, three judges ranked him among their top seven, while the other two placed him around the middle of the field.

Berry van den Bosch, competing individually for the Netherlands, started midway through the second session. His horse Fabolo began the first extended movement a little too enthusiastically and broke into canter. Alongside a few minor mistakes, Berry also showed some very nice work, particularly in the walk movements.

Unfortunately, things went wrong in the right canter. After striking off correctly, the horse broke into trot and then struck off again on the wrong lead. Berry did not correct him, which proved costly in the canter movements. He left the arena with 65.49 penalties.

Stefan Ulrich and Cindy Benschop break the 40 barrier!

All eyes were on Switzerland’s Stefan Ulrich when he entered the arena with Bombardier, the outstanding horse with whom both Stefan and his father Werner have enjoyed major success.

The eleven-year-old Westphalian made a tremendous impression, producing one beautiful movement after another and receiving several 10s for ‘Athlete’ and ‘Presentation’. Ulrich was rewarded with 36.12 penalties, making him the first driver to break the magical 40-penalty barrier.

Not long afterwards, TeamNL driver Cindy Benschop entered the arena with the dressage-bred Liberty (by Governor). With an intelligently ridden test, Cindy demonstrated just how much the combination has developed, keeping the spectators captivated throughout.

Only two very small hesitations in the simple canter changes slightly affected her high marks. They barely dented the judges’ appreciation, however: she received several 9s and two 10s for ‘Athlete’ and ‘Presentation’, resulting in an excellent score of 38.85 penalties.

A few facts… about presentation carriages and carriage lamps

Most combinations compete in dressage with a presentation carriage fitted with carriage lamps, creating an elegant overall appearance. Interestingly, some drivers do not use a presentation carriage but compete with their marathon carriage instead. In addition, some carriages – both presentation and marathon carriages – are driven without carriage lamps.

Both are permitted. A marathon carriage must, however, meet all applicable requirements, including the minimum track width and weight if the driver also uses it for the cones competition.

Team competition: Switzerland takes the lead

As always, competition in the single horse discipline is fierce, making the team competition particularly exciting as well. Thanks to the outstanding performances of Stefan Ulrich and Michael Barbey, Switzerland leads after the first phase on 79.24 penalties.

The Swiss are followed seven penalties behind by France, thanks to the excellent results of Fabrice Martin and Clement Deschamps, on 86.36 penalties. The Dutch women’s team follows in third, just under five penalties further back, thanks to the strong performances of Cindy Benschop and Larissa Jansma (91.22).

The German women’s team is fourth on 94.69 penalties, with Belgium close behind in fifth on 96.49.

Tonight’s programme features a gala evening, during which the dressage prize-giving ceremony will take place.

Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., an exciting marathon awaits, with marathon specialist Eline Houterman among those to watch. The B section covers more than seven kilometres and includes seven obstacles.

Watch the competition live via ClipMyHorse and FEI Driving

Click here for all starting lists, results and marathon obstacle drawings

Source: Hoefnet. Reproduction without permission via info@hoefnet.nl is not permitted.
Photos: Marleen van Straaten & Melanie Guillamot