Olympia, The London International Horse Show kicked off last night, where British Olympic rider Carl Hester won the FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix.
The British favourite produced a superb test with Nip Tuck who, despite being 12 years-old, is still a bit spooky. The duo produced an impressive piaffe and passage and claimed a unanimous win from the five judges.
“I am very happy with him,” said Carl. “We can improve on the score and yes I need to be more attacking in the ride to gain the higher marks but tonight was a stepping stone to that and, considering how spooky he can be, he is becoming a very reliable horse.”
Dutch Olympic team riders Hans Peter Minderhoud and Edward Gal, were second and third. It was just the second show for Hans Peter and Glock’s Flirt, the reigning World Cup champions since their World Cup win in Gothenburg in April.
“I am very satisfied with Flirt, especially as he had all summer off and only came back at Maastricht where he was second. Already he feels improved and hopefully he will be better again tomorrow,” said Hans Peter.
“We always try to do this show and now feel very much at home here in London”, said Hans Peter. “It has a great atmosphere and is good way to end the year.”
It was also only the second outing for the stallion Glock’s Voice since he competed with Edward Gal at the Olympic Games in Rio.
“Yes he was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere and a little bit too much of a stallion in the warm-up – which is quite small and was busy with other horses – so he was a bit difficult and falling into the corners and a little against my hand at times, but we can most certainly can do better,” said Edward.
The FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle starts tonight at 7.30pm, after which the retirement ceremony of the British team Olympic gold medallist horse Valegro will take place.
