Total Hope OLD and the Norwegian Isabel Freese proved unbeatable in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special presented by Helgstrand Dressage. They were bestowed with the winner’s sash thanks to a score of 75.68%. The WC for Young Dressage Horses is a familiar site for this combination, in 2019 they seized bronze in the final for seven-year-old horses. The stallion is bred by Christine Arns-Krogmann and owned by Lone Boegh-Henriksen and Paul Schockemöhle.
The Grand Prix Special podium was a rerun of yesterday’s Grand Prix. Charlotte Fry rode her grey gelding Especial (Everdale x Vivaldi), bred and owned by Van Olst Horses, to the second position with a score of 72.23%. Borja Carrscosa placed third with Sir Hubert B (Sir Heinrich OLD x Florestan I), bred by Huber Brinkmann and owned by his rider, thanks to a 71.55% total.
Strong top three
Chairman of the jury Olivier Smeets praised the consistency in the test of Total Hope OLD. “The stallion is focused on his rider and carries out the movements with a lot of ease. Especial of the seasoned Charlotty Fry shows ample balance in the test despite his age. Borja Carrascosa rode a good test a highlight was the degree of effortlessness he goes through the advanced movements! This was a very competitive class today, and there was a big crowd to cheer on the riders.”
Dreaming of the Olympic Games
The 75.6% of Isabel Freese and her Total Hope OLD did not only mean a unanimous win, but also a personal best. “We have not ridden that many Grand Prix Specials yet, but this was the best so far. He felt really good today, even better than yesterday. It was lighter, more relaxed.” Did it feel like the winning ride in the saddle? “Yes, for sure. I started off and thought: Ah, you are listening to me, and he felt so soft and supple. As a rider, you start to enjoy the test. I am super proud of him. I already mentioned it yesterday, but Ermelo is our last rehearsal before the European Championships. I feel relieved this weekend went so well. Of course, there are always some small things to improve, but I am heading to Riesenbeck with much more confidence. Hopefully we can obtain a good result there, so we’ll have a chance to grab a single ticket to Paris. The Olympic Games is every rider’s dream, and I would love to represent Norway there. It is our big goal!”
WC contenders
This class proved to be a reunion of former WC contenders. Besides Total Hope, we also saw Haute Couture (Connaisseur x Krack C) in fourth place. Ridden by Katherine Bateson Chander, the mare received 71.25% from the jury. Haute Couture qualified for multiple finalists of the WC for young dressage horses.
Picture: Dirk Caremans
Results
