BD Abroad: 's-Hertogenbosch CDI-W/CDI4*

British riders achieved good results last week in both the World Cup qualifier and the CDI classes at ‘s-Hertogenbosch CDI-W/CDI4* in the Netherlands (8 – 11 March 2018).

In this, the ninth and final qualifier of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2017/2018 Western European League, Hayley Watson-Greaves and Rubins Nite (Rubin Royal x Limbo) once again held their own amongst world class company. 

During their Grand Prix on Friday morning expensive moments of tension crept in, but there were awesome highlights too. A creditable 68.283% was the score, for them to finish just behind fellow Brit Emile Faurie with Elena Knyaginicheva’s Lollipop 126 on 68.500%.

The Freestyle is Hayley and ‘Squeaks’ strong suit and here was no exception, the pair impressing the jury with a magic mix of harmony and expression to earn 75.595%. Eighth was where they sat in the final line-up which was headed by German superstar Isabell Werth with the spectacular Emilio (pictured chatting to Hayley and Squeaks).

Reflecting on her successful 2017/2018 World Cup campaign, Hayley took to Facebook to say; “It's been an amazing show, eighth in the freestyle [with] over 75%. It's been a great experience campaigning the World Cup Series, I have met some inspiring riders, competing against the world’s best... I've had so much fun and feel so lucky to have 'Squeaks', my incredible horse & dancing partner.”

British rider Charlotte Fry (22) who is based at Van Olst Horses in the Netherlands, also made an impression with the beautiful black Everdale, a nine-year-old son of Lord Leatherdale. The highly talented stallion and his young rider achieved 71.325% in the Inter I Freestyle indicating an exciting future ahead. Charlotte also had a cracking ride in the Under-25 divisions to take fourth on her U25 Grand Prix debut with her 2017 Young Rider European Championship partner, Dark Legend. The pair scored 68.821%.

The results at ‘s-Hertogenbosch decided the Western European League qualifying spots for the Final which takes place in Paris from 11 – 15 April, where nine riders from six nations – Austria, Denmark, German, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden – will do battle with the rest of the best of the world.

Although Emile Faurie made the decision to withdraw from the Freestyle with Lollipop, he has achieved equal-eighth place in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Standings - Western European League to secure his place at the Final.

Results:

CDI-W
Grand Prix
1st Isabell Werth with Emilio, 78.413% (GER)
13th Emile Faurie with Lollipop 126, 68.500% (GBR)
14th Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite, 68.283% (GBR)

Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Isabell Werth with Emilio 107, 87.405% (GER)
8th Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite, 75.595% (GBR)

CDI 
Prix St Georges
1st Patrick Van Der Meer with President’s First Apple, 73.118% (NED)
9th Charlotte Fry with Everdale, 66.235% (GBR)

Intermediate I Freestyle
1st Diederik Van Silfhout with Scenario 2, 76.450% (NED)
6th Charlotte Fry with Everdale, 71.325% (GBR)

CDI-U25
U25 Grand Prix
1st Jeanine Nieuwenhuis with TC Athene, 73.538% (NED)
4th Charlotte Fry with Dark Legend, 68.821% (GBR)

U25 Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Jeanine Nieuwenhuis with TC Athene, 78.775% (NED)
11th Charlotte Fry with Dark Legend, 64.475% (GBR)