Bring on the Rio magic
27-30 July
RIO-bound mare Athene Lindebjerg completed her final competition before the Paralympics with flying colours, with rider Sophie Christiansen tweeting, “Rio We Are Ready For You” and adding the cryptic hashtag #backinblack.
After securing 82.45% from the five international judges in the three-star grade Ia freestyle, Sophie revealed that the nine-year-old black Gribaldi daughter had been sore in front, but that she was now completely back on form.
“We didn’t want to overdo it, and she was very relaxed. She went and did her job,” said Sophie, who was riding to her new music for the second time (see box, below).
“I love competitive riding, and doing the test keeps you up to the mark. I love the music so much that it’s a job not to cry while I’m riding the test.”
Sophie Wells clocked up a personal best score of 82.5% in the three-star grade IV kür on C Fatal Attraction (Jorge), riding to Tom Hunt music that made judge Wendy Barker cry.
“It’s very emotional, and I felt that Jorge had the best balance and frame he’s ever had. He’s strengthening and developing all the time,” said Sophie, who had her Rio ride Valerius with her so she could carry on with her training and preparation.
It was also an excellent few days for Rio reserve Natasha Adkinson, who is trained by Sophie. Natasha won all her grade Ib tests riding her San Remo mare Sweet Caledonia, whom she calls “My Princess”.
Sophie was also mentoring 15-year-old Izzy Palmer, who has taken over Sophie’s former ride Pinocchio. The pair claimed triple victory at grade III, with increasing scores.
“Izzy exceeded everyone’s expectations. At Hartpury CPEDI she was getting to know him and under a lot of pressure because she was on Pinocchio. They were more relaxed here, and are forming a partnership. He’s such a generous horse, he’ll give you what you ask for,” said Sophie.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Izzy, who is on the World Class Podium Potential Programme. “I’ve learnt so much — and have so much more to learn.”
‘It’s given me my life back’
SUZANNA HEXT won the overall two-star title with her new ride of just a few weeks, the Lady Joseph Trust’s LJT Engaards Solitaire (Sid), previously competed by Paralympian Ricky Balshaw.
The H&H blogger also dominated the three-star grade II section, heading all three tests with Charlie and Pammy Hutton’s Abira, culminating in a 78.45% kür.
“I’m slightly emotional and extremely happy with how this week has gone, especially when Abira smashed it in the CPEDI3* freestyle,” said Suzanna.
“On Tuesday it was four years since my accident — a day I’ll always remember, but I’d rather forget. That day changed my life forever, but I never would have dreamt of this happening. Para dressage has given me my life back and a reason to get out of bed every morning,” said the 27-year-old.
“It’s a huge team effort and I’m grateful to all my support team. I’m just the one who does five minutes in the arena!”
The overall one-star winner was Ruth MacCarthy Coupe, riding her own Edendawn William Wombat (see box, above right). H&H
Bishop Burton College CPEDI, East Yorks