Freestyle GOLD for Fry

On the final day of competition at the 2018 U25s European Championships, held at the Hippisch Centrum Exloo, history was made by the invincible Charlotte Fry and her superstar dancing partner Dark Legend (13 – 17 August).

Rising star Charlotte has had a phenomenal month in which her talent and dedication has seen her enjoy results to dream of. With her own and Anne Van Olst’s 10-year-old gelding Dark Legend, an energetic freestyle brought her another FEI Championship medal, this time a historic gold.

The score for the duo was 82.14%, which left them an astonishing three percent in front of Germany’s Jill-Marielle Becks who’s performances throughout the week with Christian and Melanie Becks’ Damon’s Satellite have impressed the panel of judges and spectators alike. The two riders have been locked in battle at this event, each winning a test before today but Charlotte and Dark Legend capitalized on their late draw to blow the competition away.

Their test saw them earn no less than 17 nines from the judges panel consisting of Francisco Guerra Diaz (ESP), Peter Storr (GBR), Francis Verbeek-van Rooy (NED), Magnus Ringmark (SWE) and Susanne Baarup (DEN). The five judges ranked her unanimously in first place.

A maximum number of three British riders came forward to contest the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music, with Ryan Todd and Rebecca Edwards also enjoying an exciting final test.

Rebecca Edwards and Sarah Oppenheimer’s experienced Dimaggio sired gelding Headmore Delegate set the standard at the start of the class scoring 70.77%. Becky and ‘Del’ earned their highest placing of the week in this class, finishing in an eventual 15th place.

Ryan Todd and his mother Julie’s Charlex Eskebjerg also produced a brilliant test to score 70.79% in their second U25s Championship together. Ryan and Charlie placed 14th to finish their time in the under 25s category in style.

Congratulations to all four riders on a history-making week from all at British Dressage. Thanks go to Equestrian Team GBR, Musto and FalPro for their support of the under 25s team.

Results

Freestyle to Music
1st Charlotte Fry with Dark Legend, 82.14% (GBR)
14th Ryan Todd with Charlex Eskbjerg, 70.79% (GBR)
15th Rebecca Edwards with Headmore Delegate, 70.77% (GBR)