Briar and Brink back to their best
Home riders proved unbeatable in the FEI World Cup Dressage grand prix kür in Stockholm’s Globe arena, with Jan Brink and Briar heading the Swedish coup.
“Harmony, balance and dance brought the three Swedes their first three positions,” explained Swedish international judge Birgitta Bergsten.
Following disappointment in the run-up to the WEG in Aachen, Brink (pictured) has been focused on getting Briar back to full fitness.
“Stockholm proved to me that Briar is better than ever again,” said Jan Brink. “In the freestyle he was really alert and going, not tensed at all, with a lot of harmony and expression. I would say he is back to his normal standard.
“We plan to go the Amsterdam World Cup qualifier and to Gothenburg. Then we will see where we are and probably do ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Of course the FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas is my plan.”
Second was Brink’s compatriot Tinne Vilhelmson riding Solos Carex, ahead of Louise Nathhorst and the black stallion Guiness, who performed to a popular collection of Abba songs. Germany’s Ellen Schulten Baumer finished fourth with Donatha S and takes the lead in the overall standings.
Unfortunately grand prix-winner Andreas Helgstrand dropped out of contention in the kür when the spectacular Blue Hors Matiné knocked herself during the test. They finished in fifth place.
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Britain had two riders finish in the top 10. Emma Hindle and Lancet scored 70.80% to finish ninth, just ahead of Fiona Bigwood and Mr G de Lully on 70.25%. Bigwood is currently in second place in the overall standings.
World Cup dressage qualifier results
1. Briar (Jan Brink) SWE 78.90%
2. Solos Carex (Tinne Vilhemlson) SWE 75.90%
3. Guiness (Louise Nathhorst) SWE 75.85%
4. Donatha S (Ellen Schulten Baumer) GER 75.30%
5. Blue Hors Matiné (Andreas Helgstrand) DEN 75.15%
6. BMC Kigali (Marlies van Baalen) NED 72.05%
7. Maximus JSS (Catherine Haddad) USA 71.05%
8. Wilson (Kristian von Krusenstierna) SWE 70.90%
9. Lancet (Emma Hindle) GBR 70.80%
10. Mr G de Lully (Fiona Bigwood) GBR 70.25%
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