Individual rider for Greece, Theodora Livanos riding Robinvale, scored 65.714
Currently in the arena is Robinvale, ridden by 25-year-old Theodora Livanos for Greece. Theodora makes her senior championship debut as one of the youngest riders in the field, though she has a wealth of international mileage, partnered with 19-year-old Robinvale — who was bred by the Pidgleys. The pair contested the under-25 Europeans and World Cup circuit together before stepping up; anything over 66% in the grand prix would mark a solid start.
The first Spanish rider is in the arena – Team debutantes Lucia Gallardo with HIP by Johnson – the early scores are looking a step up from the previous pairs we've seen. This horse has athletic paces. Although they didn't ride enough steps in the first piaffe. A tricky moment in the canter zigzag. One-time changes are clean but lacking a bit of ground cover. Very uphill in the canter pirouettes. And Lucia gives him a nice pat as they walk out of the arena looking relaxed. They score 68.37.
This mare is showing some good steps of passage. Some good steps and length in the extended walk but is losing the connection down the rein. The piaffe isn’t of the same quality as the passage. She has a nice frame in the canter work, but is lacking a bit of reach and expression. Changes were all clean, but could have been more uphill. More good passage steps on the final centre line. Looking very relaxed as they leave the arena. That's a score of 65.637 for France.
Ganesh has showed some tension in the walk and the hind legs jumped together at the end of the two-time changes. The one-times were clean. The canter pirouettes were small but lacking some energy. Kevin looks happy with that. That’s the first score for Ireland on the board: 66.298
Manuel Rodrigues Tavares De Almeida Neto and Hermes scored 60.761
The first of the Irish combinations is Kevin Acres, who is making his senior team debut with Ganesh, a 15-year-old by Jazz. Kevin secured his place with a second MER at Hartpury CDI3*, scoring 66.96% to finish 14th, just before the team was announced. His grand prix scores have hovered in the mid-to-high 60s all season, so a solid team contribution in Aachen would be a fine result.
After making a very respectable start to the test, unfortunately Hermes spotted one of the big screens, and looked quite concerned by it, which then affected the walk. But they got back on track, produced some very expressive and high piaffe steps. Both the two-time and one-time changes came off. But the horse is really trying hard despite being uncertain of the screens. I think Manuel will be letting out a big sigh of relief after that. Good job!
