Faurie and Watson-Greaves impress at Neumünster

Last weekend, the Holstenhallen Neumünster in Germany staged the seventh leg of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2017/2018 Western European League (15 – 18 February 2018). The home nation’s star Helen Langehanenberg and 16-year-old stallion Damsey FRH (Dressage Royal x Ritual) sealed victory in the Grand Prix and Freestyle, leading the line-up of world class combinations.

For Great Britain, Emile Faurie and Hayley Watson-Greaves each delivered strong performances. In Saturday’s qualifying Grand Prix, the exciting new pairing of Emile and Delatio (De Niro x Rubinstein) - pictured at Olympia - a 14-year-old stallion owned by Elena Knygininicheva, were awarded 72.630% for sixth place.

Meanwhile Hayley and her superstar partner Rubins Nite (Rubin Royal x Limbo), also 14, earned 69.957% for tenth - both combinations easily earning themselves a place in the Freestyle. On Facebook, Hayley commented; “A great ride in the Grand Prix today, 69.95% top 10, even with a massive spook in the first pirouette. Through to freestyle tomorrow!”

On Sunday morning in front a knowledgeable sell-out crowd, the top 15 came forward for the much-anticipated Freestyle. Reigning national champions Hayley and her beautiful black gelding ‘Squeeks’ typically relish the Freestyle and they lived up to their reputation here, improving by two places to eighth. They earned an excellent score of 75.820%.

Immediately following his compatriot in the running order, Emile and the magnificent Delatio, who shows immense yet controlled power, were awarded some very high marks for a total percentage score of 78.765. Their freestyle to emotive music composed by Tom Hunt raked in the technical marks, followed by artistic marks up to 85%.

“So proud of Elena Knyginicheva’s Delatio today fourth in the World Cup qualifier in Neumünster. What a horse!” said Emile (via Facebook) who travels this week to Gothenburg for Göteborg CDI-W with another of his top rides, Lollipop 126.

Results
Grand Prix
1st Helen Langehanenberg with Damsey FRH, 78.043% (GER)
6th Emile Faurie with Delatio, 72.630% (GBR)
10th Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite, 69.957% (GBR)
Full results

Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Helen Langehanenberg with Damsey FRH, 83.880% (GER)
4th Emile Faurie with Delatio, 78.765% (GBR)
8th Hayley Watson-Greaves with Rubins Nite, 75.820% (GBR)