Lottie Fry described victory in the Freestyle at the London International Horse Show last night (Thursday 19 December) as “the perfect end to the year for Glammie and me”.
The reigning World Champion and Olympic dual bronze medallist and her Paris partner Glamourdale pulled off a customary confident performance to a set of British music. The black stallion’s piaffe and passage were light and rhythmic, while his canter work was as impressive as ever to earn the big marks.
They made a minor error in the one-time flying changes and tension showed in the two-times. However, they did more than enough to secure victory with 86.645%.
“He was absolutely on fire, and performing like this on home soil is incredible. Riding him feels like flying,” said 28-year-old Lottie about ‘Glammie’.
“He was a little tense yesterday when we entered the arena, but his excitement is a good thing. He’s fresh and still improving.”
Spectators in the packed out stands clapped along to the music during the final lines of many Freestyle routines, but it was Lottie and Glamourdale’s ‘Best of Britain’ set that drew the loudest cheers.
“I cannot thank the audience enough for their support,” added Lottie, who is based at Van Olst Stables in Holland. “Not just now, but also throughout our journey to Paris and during the Olympic Games. It’s emotional to be riding here in England again.”
Eight weeks off after surgery
Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD, who is sired by the great Totilas, were last to go in the competition and they pulled off marks worth 83.270% to finish second.
“This exceeds all my expectations,” said an emotional Freese. “I am so proud. It has always been a dream to compete here. I’ve just been eight weeks out of the saddle after a surgery, which made this result even more special.
“My groom took exceptional care of Total Hope, and perhaps the break was beneficial for both of us. He is in fantastic form.”
Dinja van Liere, riding Hartsuijker for the Netherlands, finished third on 80.225%.
“He felt amazing, though he was a bit tense during the warm-up due to the noise. But once we entered the arena, he settled and gave me a wonderful ride,” said the Dutch rider.
Becky and Bomb’s Beatles-themed set
High hopes for British star Becky Moody and her home-bred Jagerbomb stalled when the horse broke into trot as he exited the canter pirouette and took a moment to recover.
Nevertheless they showed some stunning work during their Beatles-themed set, with their beautiful connection and steady contact earning them 80.160% and fourth place.
Becky and ‘Bomb’ — who got the last minute call up for Paris in the summer following Charlotte Dujardin’s FEI suspension and went on to help the British trio to Olympic team bronze — triumphed in the Grand Prix earlier this week.
“This show last year was when I really realised how amazing my horse was,” said Becky.
“The whole of this year has been a crazy ride. Competing here is incredible. To be honest, I was very nervous competing in the Grand Prix here last year because I had never competed in a show like this.
“Equally, this year, I did put pressure on myself, as I felt like we had something to prove. It was great to come out and take the win.”
Images © FEI/Jon Stroud Media
