Bechtolsheimer Wins Grand Prix Freestyle
It was a superb day for British dressage, when the top four places in the prestigious grand Prix freestyle to music at Olympia Horse Show in London were taken by British riders to the delight of the audience.
Laura Bechtolsheimer riding the ever impressive Mistral Hojris performed a superb test gaining excellent marks throughout and especially for their piaffe and passage to finish on a final score of 83.975%.
In second place was rising star Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro who is owned by Carl Hester and Mrs R Luard. The pair despite losing marks for their lively entrance and flying changes gained exceptional marks for Valegro's impressive extended trot to finish on a final score of 83.7%.
Carl Hester performed a superb test riding the stunning Uthopia who's extended trot was quite simply incredible with a beautifully choreographed test that flowed from start to finish and left them on a final score of 83.450%.
In fourth place also for GBR was Richard Davison riding Hiscox Artemis who finished on a final score of 75.050% who was closely followed Nadine Capellmann for Germany riding Elvis VA who finished on 74.600% and who's choice of Elvis music was well received by the crowd.
Amongst the shows entertainment was the Lusitano Ride which show cased the breed's athleticism and presence with riders wearing traditional dress and performing several maneuvers during this visually rewarding show of Portuguese horsemanship. Another crowd pleaser was Lorenzo who's performance whilst standing up on the back of his beautiful grey Lusitano horses is accompanied by a display of jumping and unique and impressive horsemanship. The Shetland Grand National is another great display and shows off just how versatile these little equines are whilst being accompanied by plenty of cheering and encouragement from the crowd.
15.12.2011
Final Of The 2011 Reem Acra Grand Prix Freestyle