Carl Hester picks up another title at national dressage championships

A more relaxed Movistar followed yesterday’s prix st george championship win for Carl Hester at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championships by adding the Bates Intermediaire I Championship to his honours with a score of 71.85%.

Carl Hester said: “I felt there was more expression today, because he let go so was softer and more rideable.”

Charlotte Dujardin and 6-year-old Valegro scored 42.5% and became Shearwater Supreme Champions once again. Runners-up were Peter Storr and Royal Concert on 40.9%. The dark grey by Royal Diamond was Shearwater National 5-year-old champion at Addington recently. Peter said: “He gave me a fantastic ride today. He’s a little machine, quite hot to ride with lots of energy.”

Charlotte and Valegro went to head to head once again with Ruth Edge and Shadowfax, this time in the Stretch & Flex Elementary Open Championship. Valegro emerged the victor once again on 74.3%, ahead of Shadowfax on 74%.

Both riders drew praise from judge Maria Colliander. She said: “They are both really talented, but very different horses. Valero has fantastic power and Charlotte presents him very well. Ruth is a superbly elegant rider, but Shadowfax isn’t so strong yet.”

Christian Landolt and 6-year-old Wincent took the Dodson & Horrell Novice Open Championship with 70.5%. Christian said: “He is a bit of a gangly teenager and has only been out a handful of times as we needed to get him organised at home. Sandy Phillips, who has been helping me for the past 6 months, has been inspirational in helping me to deal with his huge movement.”

Today’s highest scoring para winner was Sophie Wells (Touchdown M) on 71.4% in the grade 4. Sophie said: “It was a bit hectic in the warm up today as he doesn’t like other horses but he gave me a solid test.”

Not far behind was Nicola Tustain with the Berkeley Group’s Rivaldo of Berkeley scoring 70% in the grade 2. Nicola said: “He did me proud today. There’s been a bit of a breakthrough. I have been going down to Kilbees Farm and Sarah Pidgley and Markus Gribbe have taught me to keep it relaxed and then build on it once the horse has settled.”

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