Carl Hester’s first competition since being reunited with World Equestrian Games (WEG) hopeful Liebling II, ended in elimination at Hartpury international, Gloucestershire (16-18 July). During Carl’s grand prix test, judge at C Peter Holler of Germany noticed blood on Liebling’s left lip during the walk tour and pulled up the pair.
Carl told H&H that they found a very small nick on the horse’s tongue when he got back to the stables, which was the only explaination they could find for any bleeding.
”He was going so well in the test, scoring 74% up to that point,” said a gutted Carl, who, having not completed the grand prix, was eliminated from the remainder of the competition.
He will now contest Hickstead international in two week’s time, where Carl hopes to have the chance to impress the WEG selectors.
Richard Davison won yesterday’s grand prix on plus-70% riding the Countess of Derby’s Hiscox Artemis, making him the new favourite for tonight’s kür at Hartpury’s gala evening.
In the international small tour, yesterday’s prix st georges winners Gareth Hughes and Ann Newton’s Duvie were beaten into second place in this afternoon’s intermediate I by Michael Eilberg riding his parent’s Torino. Michael is dominating at Hartpury, with further wins in the Premier League and Shearwater young horse classes, which run alongside this international.
full report and pictures from Hartpury international, para international and Premier League, don’s miss Horse & Hound magazine out 29 July.
