Inspiring Hester and Moody open Team GB campaign

With two British riders drawn on day one of the Dressage Grand Prix competition, seven time Olympian Carl Hester and debutante Becky Moody set out to begin the campaign in rousing fashion. 

 

With the scene set, two days of Grand Prix competition seek to pick out the eight best teams and 18 best individuals ahead of the team and solo medal finals taking place on the weekend.  

British riders Carl Hester and Becky Moody were drawn on day one of the qualifier competition – a fate decided by world ranking points, designed to give individuals the most fair opportunity to make it through to the medal final.  

Seven-time Olympian Carl Hester began his Paris 2024 journey in the mid-morning sunshine, partnering experience with emerging talent, as he presented Fiona Bigwood’s stallion Fame at his debut Games. The atmosphere is clearly electric and Carl did well to hold Fame’s hand at the start of the test whilst he became used to a stage designed for high-drama and high-fashion. Their test was full of highlights, with movements across the paces presented in optimum balance and harmony. The judges panel rewarded Carl’s efforts with 77.345%; USA judge Michael Osinski presented the high mark at 78.804% and German Henning Lehrmann posted the lowest of the seven judges on 75.435%.  

“I’ve loved this all my life, for 32 years I’ve been competing internationally. I wanted to do Paris because I have a horse I absolutely love riding in Fame, he’s probably one of the most fun horses of my career. You’ve got to enjoy it and I went in there and enjoyed it, that horse is what makes me smile. I’ve never been a really competitive person in wanting to win an individual medal for myself, I want to get good team scores because I like the team to win medals. The team is inspirational for other people coming into the sport, you need a successful team and something that people can be proud of.” 

“I don’t care if I’m first, second or third, I care about the ride I get off him” Carl commented on Fame, a horse he describes as the ‘ideal pet’ at home, “He’s just so genuine, it’s like riding around a Grand Prix whispering instructions to him, he’s that clever. He’s my sort of horse. I love the way he tries, there are a few things to improve but it’s qualification for Saturday and Sunday and it’s a good start for us.” 

Carl’s score was enough to deliver him third place in a highly competitive Group A, which means a wait to find out if he’s part of the six highest scores outside of direct Freestyle qualification at the end of the Grand Prix competition.  

Sheffield’s Becky Moody was called up into team action just last week and showed admirable talent, grit and determination to make an Olympic debut under challenging circumstances. With her home-bred 10-year-old Jagerbomb, Becky produced the ride of her life; her test was packed with power and poise, with just a small error at the end of the one tempi changes detracting from an otherwise outstanding score sheet, which earned two nines. The final percentage was 74.938%, taking her to the top of Group C and guaranteeing her place in Sunday’s Freestyle to Music Individual medal finale.  

 

“That was insane! What a stadium and what a crowd,” a delighted Becky spoke after her test, “It was just an amazing experience. He’s so special to me, I bred him so we’ve done everything together and I think we both in there a little nervous and apprehensive but we helped each other out. I’m so just proud of him, he’s amazing.” 

“Now I feel okay...up to this point a little bit nauseous! It’s an incredible venue, we have an amazing team around us – both the guys in our team and the larger support team – couldn't have been more helpful and to be part of it is amazing.” 

Summarising how much ‘Bomb’ enjoyed the experience, Becky concluded, “He goes around with a smile on his face, he loves to be out there and the more people watching him the better. He had a great time!” 

Thanks to the efforts of Carl, Fame, Bomb and Becky, Britain’s total at the end of the first part of competition is 152.283, leaving Team GB in provisional second place overnight. The top eight teams will qualify for Saturday’s Team medal showdown, and with 2022 World Champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale starting for Great Britain tomorrow, we can keep fingers crossed for safe qualification.  

Lottie presents her test at 9.00 BST, as the first rider to go in Group D – the first session of the second day of Grand Prix competition.  

FULL RESULTS