BD International: Wellington CDI3* and Cascais CDIY roundup

British riders were on winning form last week, both sides of the Atlantic. Susan Pape and Harmony’s V-Plus completed a dual win at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 7 at Wellington in Florida (21 – 25 February 2024), while Emma Howson and Junky XL won the Young Rider Individual Test at Cascais CDI in Portugal (16 – 18 February 2024).

Susan Pape continued her winning streak at the 2024 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Florida, USA. Partnering her own and Harmony Sporthorses’ young stallion Harmony’s V-Plus (Vivaldi x Fürst Romancier), pictured last year, she won the CDI3* Grand Prix on 71.391% and CDI3* Grand Prix Special on a combination PB of 72.936%.

“It felt absolutely amazing today,” said Susan to the AGDF. “We had a ‘nice’ Grand Prix, but I thought seeing as he’s listening so well in the arena, today I gave it a bit more energy to see how responsive he was, and he was absolutely marvellous. He’s very concentrated in the ring and that’s something very nice to have upfront.

“I have incredible support, not only from my family but from all my trainers – my husband Ingo, Michael Klimke and Gareth Hughes – as well as my groom Antonia. It really is a team effort to get here,” continued Susan who was presenting the 10-year-old stallion at only his fourth CDI at Big Tour Level. “And the opportunity to be in Florida helps V-Plus a lot too because at home it’s drizzly and cold and you’re in the indoor all the time. Here you have sun and open space, and that helps a lot.”

Ellie McCarthy and the young and scopey Oldenburg stallion Brave Heart (Bordeaux x Tuschinski), who she co-owns with her parents Spencer and Bridget McCarthy, achieved promising results finishing seventh in the CDI3* Grand Prix and ninth in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special. The duo will compete at three more international fixtures at this year’s AGDF before returning home to the UK.

Cascais CDI
Emma Howson and her 10-year-old black gelding, Junky XL (Ampere x Olivi), made a winning Young Rider debut at Cascais CDI in Portugal. Achieving third place in the Young Rider Team Test, the duo went on to win the Individual Test on 68.382%.

Emma (18), who is originally from Preston in Lancashire but has lived in the Algarve since the age of just four, started competing internationally in 2023 as a Junior rider before stepping up to Young Riders this year.

Results – winners and British placings
Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 7, Wellington, Florida, USA
CDI3* Grand Prix (Qual. for GPS/GPFS)
1. Susan Pape and Harmony’s V-Plus, 71.391% (GBR)
7. Ellen McCarthy and Brave Heart, 66.370% (GBR)

CDI3* Grand Prix Special
1. Susan Pape and Harmony’s V-Plus, 72.936% (GBR)
9. Ellen McCarthy and Brave Heart, 65.319% (GBR)

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Cascais CDI3*
CDIY Young Rider Team Test
1. Francisca Monteiro and Invictus VF, 66.294% (POR)
3. Emma Howson and Junky XL, 64.794% (GBR)

CDIY Young Rider Individual Test
1. Emma Howson and Junky XL, 68.382% (GBR)

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photo © Susan Stickle