Latest from Horse & Hound in Jessica-von-bredow-werndl

Olympic champion to miss World Championships: ‘Responsibility sometimes also means letting an opportunity pass’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:05:09 +0000

Olympic dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is out of contention for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11 to 23 August).

On Sunday (28 June), Jessica shared the news that her current top ride, Times Kismet (“Kiss”), would not be contesting the selection trial for the German team in Hagen this week (1 to 5 July).

“I would have loved to take part in the second selection trial for the World Championships in Aachen next week, which makes the decision not to travel to Hagen an especially difficult one,” said Jessica.

“Together with Kiss’s owners, we have consciously decided to give her the time she needs. This is Kiss’s first grand prix season, and she has exceptional talent. Precisely because of that, it is important to us to develop her with patience and a long-term perspective.

“With every competition, we continue to grow and learn. Over the summer, we want to stay committed to this path, without added pressure, but with a clear focus on her long-term development.”

She added: “In competitive sport, it is often tempting to seize every opportunity. But responsibility sometimes also means letting an opportunity pass when you are convinced it is the right decision for the future.”

The 11-year-old mare is Jessica’s sole ride at international grand prix, so her withdrawal means Jessica is also out of the running for a place at her home world championships. Jessica’s former top ride TSF Dalera BB, with whom she was crowned Olympic champion in Tokyo and Paris, retired from competition in August 2024, and she sadly lost rising star Diallo BB to sudden illness at the start of the year. She has others coming up in her string, including Dancier Gold FRH, but none at this level yet.

Jessica and Times Kismet finished 10th in the grand prix at the German championships (3 to 7 June), but had to withdraw from the special and go into quarantine after the mare’s stable neighbour, Quick Decision FRH (ridden by Jessica’s brother, Benjamin Werndl), was diagnosed with a fever. Diagnostic tests came back negative for Quick Decision FRH, Times Kismet and Mondrian – Quick Decision’s other stable neighbour at the event, who was also taken into quarantine as a precaution.

Jessica posted on 5 June that Times Kismet and Mondrian were doing very well, and that Quick Decision was doing “pretty well” and his temperature was dropping. On 8 June, Benjamin said Quick Decision’s illness was “fortunately nothing serious”, that vets thought it was a minor viral infection that should pass as quickly as it came, and that the horse’s fever came down on its own.

Ingrid Klimke out of contention

Ingrid Klimke is also out of the running for the dressage World Championships.

Ingrid and Vayron NRW were part of the German side that won team gold at the 2025 Europeans, but on 18 June Ingrid said that the gelding “is not yet fit enough” to compete in Hagen.

The pair also missed the selection trial at the German Championships last month, and so are out of contention for the worlds squad.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

What a squad! Medal-winning veterans and rising stars feature on British showjumping World Championship shortlist

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Golden Paris Olympic trio among British eventing entries for 2026 World Championships

2RA9G9N Aachen, Germany. 02nd July, 2023. Equestrian sport, dressage, CHIO, Dressage Grand Prix of Aachen: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl from Germany on the horse Dalera is pleased. (to dpa Dressage rider von Bredow-Werndl wins in CHIO freestyle) Credit: Uwe Anspach/dpa/Alamy Live News (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘The potential is enormous’: Olympic champion and mare formerly competed by Charlotte Dujardin make international debut

Becky Murray — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:37:07 +0000

Times Kismet has made her international grand prix debut with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, 17 months after she joined the German Olympic gold medallist’s stable.

The 11-year-old mare had been a rising star in Charlotte Dujardin’s string and competed at small tour, before she joined Jessica in October 2024. Jessica has taken her time producing Times Kismet, riding her in their first national competition on home soil in August 2025.

On 13 March the pair made their international debut, at grand prix, at Malaspina International Equestrian Centre in Ornago, Italy, where they were seventh on 66.26%. The following day they won the grand prix special on 73.23%.

Jessica described the win as “a very special day”.

“She already felt incredibly good in the grand prix, so much quality and power. Unfortunately she was still a bit nervous on the final centre line in the piaffe, but that’s all part of the process,” she said.

“I went into the special with the intention of riding her even more relaxed, giving her even more confidence and simply showing her ‘We’re doing this together’. And that’s exactly how it felt. She was so beautifully with me, so focused, so trusting.”

Jessica added that “of course, not everything is perfect yet”.

“Many things are still a bit shaky, and some things are still under-developed. But that’s what makes it so exciting, because the potential this mare has is simply enormous,” said Jessica.

“I am incredibly grateful to have this partner by my side and I am so excited for everything that lies ahead.”

Jessica has enjoyed an exciting couple of weeks; her double Olympic gold medallist TSF Dalera BB welcomed her first foal, Dolce Vita BB, on 9 March.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘We are so grateful’: double Olympic champion welcomes first foal

Becky Murray — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:33:34 +0000

Dressage superstar TSF Dalera BB, the multiple gold medal-winning ride of Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, has welcomed her first foal.

Jessica said the 19-year-old mare gave birth to “this magical little creature” – named Dolce Vita BB – at 1.40am on 9 March. The filly is by Vitalis.

“The BB in the name stands for Dalera’s owner Beatrice Bürchler-Keller,” said Jessica, adding that Beatrice was on her way to visit at the time.

“We are all so grateful, fulfilled, but also very tired.”

Jessica has been sharing videos of the mare and foal enjoying their time in the field and said the new arrival has been “keeping Dalera on her toes”.

Trakehner mare Dalera (Easy Game x Handryk) enjoyed a phenomenal career with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl; they won two team and two individual Olympic golds, two team and four individual European golds, team gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and two World Cup Final titles.

At the Paris Games in 2024 they successfully defended their Olympic title won in Tokyo, scoring +90% in the freestyle. They arrived in Paris as world number ones and reigning European champions, on an unbeaten streak of 35 international victories.

During a Paris press conference Jessica told media Dalera would soon retire, and the formal announcement was made on 27 August 2024. She retired sound, happy and at the top of her game aged 17.

“This journey has been something so special to me and fortunately it is not over yet. We can keep Dalera here in Aubenhausen until her last breath and I am already looking forward to many more wonderful years with her,” said Jessica at the time.

“Dalera has been so much more to me than just my sport partner over the last few years. I’ve never experienced anything before like connecting with a horse on such a soul level that we didn’t need words, which don’t even exist. We just understood each other and I always knew what she needed – and she always knew everything. She just understood me and still understands me today, and that is the beauty of it.”

Jessica revealed on 11 May last year, Mother’s Day in Germany, that Dalera was in foal – stating that she was sure Dalera would be a “wonderful mummy”.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘No word feels big enough for what’s broken inside me’: Olympic champion mourns sudden death of rising dressage star

Oscar Williams — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:33:30 +0000

Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has spoken of her grief following the death of Diallo BB aged 11, following a sudden illness yesterday (6 January).

“No words feel big enough for what’s broken inside me right now,” Jessica said. “Just over the weekend, we danced together, it all felt so easy.

“And then this disease came like a storm, silent, merciless and unstoppable, ate through your body in hours and ripped my heart out of my chest.”

In his short career with Jessica, the Dancier x Floriscount gelding had already established himself as a serious prospect for future championship teams.

Bred in Germany by Margaret and Herrmann Hasseler, Diallo was produced as a young horse by Jasmin Schaudt, who competed him in 2019 and 2020. He later moved to Annette Göbelsmann-Schweitzer, who allocated the ride to Roxana Noack (née Mohr) in 2021.

That year, Diallo BB finished 16th at the Bundeschampionate for six-year-olds. Diallo returned to Schaudt in 2022 before progressing to grand prix with Uta Gräf, who competed with him in the Louisdor Cup qualifiers in 2024.

Jessica and Diallo BB first competed together in April 2025, after an ownership group including Göbelsmann-Schweitzer and long-time Werndl supporter Beatrice A Buerchler-Keller secured the ride. The partnership made an immediate impact. From just nine international starts, they recorded seven wins.

Among the standout results was a decisive victory at the World Cup qualifier in Stuttgart in November, when Diallo BB scored 83.1%.

Jessica added: “You have been fighting. We fought together. We had to let you go with a broken heart because yours couldn’t any more. It’s quiet now, and I know you’re out of pain, that you’re free.

“Thank you, Diallo. For your love. For your strength. For your trust. For every moment that we were together. You’ve been a great gift. I carry you in my heart. In all I am.”

What is bornavirus, suspected cause of Diallo BB’s death?

Jessica said that investigations into the illness are still ongoing, but the suspected cause is bornavirus.

Bornavirus, more specifically Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), is a rare viral infection that affects the brain and central nervous system. In horses, infection is associated with severe neurological disease and carries a poor prognosis.

The virus is thought to be carried by small mammals, particularly shrews, which can shed it without showing signs of illness. Horses are considered accidental hosts, and although transmission is believed to occur through contact with contaminated environments or secretions, the exact route of infection is not fully understood.

Clinical signs can develop suddenly and may include behavioural changes, loss of coordination, lethargy, difficulty swallowing and rapid neurological deterioration. Once symptoms appear, the disease typically progresses quickly.

There is currently no effective treatment or vaccine. Diagnosis is difficult, and most commonly confirmed through post-mortem examination, which contributes to the challenge of recognising cases early.

Cases of bornavirus infection in horses are considered extremely rare. When they do occur, the disease is devastating owing to its aggressive course and poor outcome.

At present, prevention relies on standard biosecurity and stable hygiene measures, with particular emphasis on limiting contact between horses and wildlife that may act as carriers.

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Olympic champion wins on World Cup circuit with exciting rising star

Lucy Elder — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:56:44 +0000

Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl showed she has a star in the making in Diallo BB.

The pair won both the grand prix and the freestyle at the World Cup leg in Stuttgart, in Jessica’s first World Cup victory since the retirement of her phenomenal long-term partner TSF Dalera BB.

Diallo BB, a Hannoverian gelding by Dancier, has enjoyed a superb first year at international grand prix, scoring seven wins from nine starts since his debut in April – including his triumphs in Stuttgart.

Watch Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s winning freestyle with Diallo BB below

“I don’t think I’ve realised it yet! I’m so proud, especially after yesterday, when he was really hot and excited,” said Jessica, who described Diallo BB as a “little powder keg”, after their grand prix test.

“I didn’t know what to expect today, and I couldn’t be happier and prouder of him than I am today,” she said. “Everything is the first time for him – he hasn’t had a crowd like this before, and especially when we finished our ride, he was so proud. I didn’t expect him to leave the arena so self-confident, and this makes me even more happy.”

Jessica always channels such artistry in her freestyle music and choreography choices. Fans will have recognised returning riffs of Magic Moments, L-O-V-E and Big Spender from her archive, and the remixed adaptation was well suited to Diallo BB.

“This music also suits Diallo perfectly. We made a few small adjustments, but it feels wonderful to ride to these sounds again,” said Jessica.

“In the freestyle I could enjoy every single step down the final centre line. Diallo was so relaxed, yet still so powerful.

“After a pretty difficult and hot start in the grand prix yesterday, I didn’t expect him to be so focused today. I was so proud of him, because this arena is very electric.”

The 10-year-old, owned by Béatrice Buerchler-Keller who part-owned Dalera, and Annette Göbelsmann-Schweitzer, earned a new freestyle personal best of 83.095% from the judges to win by almost three per cent.

Raphael Netz, who was based with Jessica for eight years before setting up on his own in 2024, was second with Great Escape Camelot (80.765%).Sweden’s Patrik Kittel finished third with his 2024 World Cup Final winner Touchdown (79.620%).

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz)

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

(Image credit: www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz)

Olympic champion is expecting a foal: ‘We’re sure she will be a wonderful mummy’

(Image credit: www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz)

‘She deserves the very best’: double Olympic champion retired from competition

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic champion is expecting a foal: ‘We’re sure she will be a wonderful mummy’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:36:44 +0000

Double Olympic dressage champion TSF Dalera BB, who was partnered by Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl to individual and team gold medals in both Tokyo and Paris, is pregnant.

Dalera (by Easy Game, out of Dark Magic mare Handryk) was retired from competition in August 2024, following hints from her rider at Paris that connections were thinking about the mare’s post-sporting future.

Dalera’s career boasted 11 gold medals from Olympic, World and European Championships, plus two World Cup final titles.

Jessica told media at Paris 2024 that she hoped “Dalera can have a baby some day”. Her retirement was announced several weeks later, along with the news that she would stay with her rider for ever. The pair enjoyed guest appearances at shows over the winter.

Jessica revealed on Sunday (11 May) – Mother’s Day in Germany – that Dalera is in foal to Vitalis (by Vivaldi, out of D-Day mare Tolivia).

“It’s overwhelming, and we’re sure that Dalera will be a wonderful mummy,” said Jessica, adding that the mare took straight away and that they have already seen the foal’s heartbeat.

“We’re so excited for the exciting time ahead – and for the little prince or princess.”

Other Vitalis offspring include Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s 2022 world team gold and double individual silver medal-winning ride Vamos Amigos, who has since joined Britain’s Annabella Pidgley, and Daniel Bachmann Andersen’s Paris 2024 team silver medal-winning partner Vayron, who has since joined Ingrid Klimke.

His more recent progeny include exciting British-bred young horse MSJ Viva Dannebrog, daughter of Diva Dannebrog with whom Natasha Baker won grade III individual and team silver medals at the para dressage World Championships at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. MSJ Viva Dannebrog, owned and bred by Emma Blundell, was crowned national five-year-old champion in 2023 with Amy Woodhead, holds several regional titles and has had multiple placings up to advanced medium at the winter championships.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘He will be greatly missed’: farewell to Olympic coach who helped country to 40 championship medals

Becky Murray — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:39:00 +0000

Tributes have been paid to highly respected German dressage coach Jonny Hilberath, who has died aged 69.

Jonny led the German team to silver at the London Olympics, and alongside Monica Theodorescu, was behind 40 championship medals.

A spokesperson for the German equestrian federation said Jonny died yesterday (5 March) following a short and serious illness.

“Jonny was a trainer and instructor with all his heart. His sudden death has left us all very sad and stunned. We will miss him very much,” said Dennis Peiler, the German federation’s managing director of sport.

Jonny’s career started with working horses in rural Kellinghusen, Germany. He began riding, and competed in dressage, showjumping and eventing, before the “decisive turning point” came when he met dressage rider Rosemarie Springer. He trained with Rosemarie, and later Herbert Rehbein, who had “a lasting impact on his sporting career”.

During the early 1990s Jonny rode for Detlef Saul’s stable in Bremehaven, winning a number of grands prix and the 1992 professional dressage championship. In 1995 Jonny and his wife Annika set up in their own yard in Abbendorf, Lower Saxony, where they trained riders from all over the world including Mexico’s Bernadette Pujals, Japan’s Yuko Kitai, Australian rider Hayley Beresford, and Nathalie Hobday from South Africa.

Jonny took on the role of Germany’s dressage team trainer in 2012 following the death of Holger Schmezer, whom he’d been regularly assistant to. Jonny led the German team of Dorothee Schneider, Kristina Sprehe and Helen Langehanenberg to a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

The following year Monica Theodorescu took on the role of dressage team trainer, as Jonny wanted to devote more time to his own riding, but his plans changed and he became co-trainer with Monica. Under their training Germany won 40 championship medals, including team and individual gold and individual silver at Paris last summer.

“The news of Jonny’s death has hit me hard. I’m not only losing a great colleague, but also a good friend,” said Monica.

“We had the same philosophy when it came to dressage riding and training, and that always connected us. I will miss him very much.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl said Jonny was not only her trainer of the last 14 years, but her “very close and wonderful friend”.

“Jonny, you were such a special horse person who had a great influence on me and supported me so much over many years,” she said.

“I am incredibly sad and will miss you so much. At the same time, I am filled with gratitude for this gift of being able to learn from and with you.”

Carl Hester knew Jonny for more than 35 years, having first met him when Jonny was a work rider at a dealer’s yard in Germany.

“I’ve deeply admired his journey from those early days to becoming the German national trainer, a role he carried with grace, diplomacy, and unwavering respect from all who knew him,” he told H&H.

“Coaching the German team is one of the sport’s most sought-after positions, yet Jonny wore it lightly. He had time for everyone – regardless of nationality – and was always the first to offer congratulations for a well-ridden test. He simply loved good riding and good training, and his presence will be greatly missed.”

Grand prix rider Nicola Buchanan was based with Jonny for “a couple of incredible years”, and said she was “incredibly sad” to hear of his death.

“Jonny was passionate and gave his all when training. He was always so supportive and instrumental in developing my own knowledge and passion for dressage,” said Nicola.

“I will always have fond memories of my time with Jonny and am for ever grateful for the path he forged for me. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Olympic dressage champion takes the reins of rising star, formerly ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

Becky Murray — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:57:52 +0000

Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has taken over the reins of Times Kismet, the rising dressage star previously competed by Charlotte Dujardin.

The promising nine-year-old mare, by Ampere and out of Lord Leatherdale daughter Evita, was bred by Peter Belshaw. She was competed twice as a four-year-old by Katherine Bailey, before Charlotte took on the ride and produced her up the levels.

On Monday (28 October) Jessica said that it was “with great excitement and gratitude that we welcome Times Kismet to Aubenhausen”.

Peter Belshaw confirmed to H&H that Kismet has been sold and the ride was secured for Jessica by her partners, who are now the legal owners.

“Bret Willson made contact and was able to offer an alternative plan that I had to give serious thought to,” he said.

“These decisions are not easy and with the uncertainty of the investigation, the uncertainty of the road back for Charlotte and the time this will take while Kismet is heading towards her prime years, the proposal from Jessica and her partners made a lot of sense for Kismet’s welfare and future career.”

As reported on Eurodressage, Mr Belshaw said he loves Kismet and that it had been a very hard decision but he wanted to give the mare the future she deserves, and he intends to stay in touch and be part of her future career.

Bar one class, Charlotte and Kismet won every outing they had together, including the novice and elementary gold finals at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships in 2021, and the medium and advanced medium gold winter finals in spring 2022.

Later that year they won the advanced medium title at the Le Mieux National Championships, and in 2023 they won the prix st georges and inter I finals at the nationals. The mare’s other highlights include a small tour victory at Aachen in 2023, after which Charlotte described Kismet as an “Olympic horse” who showed “everything for grand prix”.

Charlotte and Kismet won on their final outing together, the Dressage Future Elite Championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show, on +83%.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have such a wonderful horse in our care,” said Jessica.

“We want to thank our partners and Kismet’s breeder Peter Belshaw for collaborating with us. And thanks to Bret Willson for connecting us.”

Jessica added that it has “been a joy getting to know Times Kismet”.

“She has an incredible character, that proves what great training and care she has had from Charlotte and Carl [Hester]. I am just so grateful for this opportunity with her”.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Exclusive ‘Dalera is a great communicator – I am a good listener’: Paris dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the home routine that yielded Olympic success

Martha Terry — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:28:48 +0000

When Jessica von Bredow-Werndl brought her double Olympic champion TSF Dalera BB home from Paris 2024, the first thing she did was turn her out “as soon as possible”. The 17-year-old mare loves her daily turnout (in front brushing boots and over-reach boots). Dalera’s homecoming ritual after any competition always consists of both grazing and hacking.

We now know that Dalera has contested her final competition, although she will still appear at certain shows on a farewell tour and Jessica confirmed that the mare will stay in work.

“I think she would be super disappointed if I didn’t continue to ride her!” Jessica says. “Luckily we have got some more shows together, not to compete, but to enjoy each other and to give the audience that chance to feel that too.”

The pair have been “dancing together”, as Jessica puts it, for nine years. Jessica is proud that Dalera has never been lame, and puts their success down to a mutual partnership, where she listens carefully to what the mare is telling her.

“What we have is more than a partnership, it’s on another level. We have a very special bond.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: “Dalera tells me when she wants to train”

At home, their training has always been structured around Dalera’s desires.

“She is talking to me,” explains Jessica. “OK, maybe I am a good listener, but she really tells me what she wants to do and when.

“She tells me how long she wants to hack out, or she tells me when needs a canter – or a wild canter up the galloping track. And she tells me when she wants to work. She is just too good for everyone!”

Dalera’s days at home do not consist of endless drills in the school. Besides her daily turnout – since Paris she has had a field companion, 11-year-old grand prix mare Forsazza De Malleret – she “loves her cuddle sessions” and long hacks.

“We canter through the forest, hacking out a lot and spending so much extra quality time together,” Jessica says. “We go strolling around, eating grass, massaging – that time together is special too, not just riding her.

“I think I have found a good rhythm between technical training, regeneration and conditioning training, so this keeps the whole work/life balance so good for her because when we have the regeneration part we are hacking out for days,” she explains.

“Then she tells me when she wants to train again. She is a very good communicator about what she needs, which is so cool. So when we are hacking out after a competition, she tells me when she wants to start training. Sometimes it’s day three, sometimes day five, but when she starts playing around when we’re hacking out it means let’s start to do something.”

In Paris Jessica said that this year the veteran mare was feeling “more athletic than ever – she has all the strength she needs and more”. However, with the full set of four gold medals from the past two Olympics, individual golds at the past two European Championships and World Cup titles to boot, there is nothing left for Dalera to prove. She goes out on a high – and it looks like very little is set to change in a daily routine filled with plenty of attention and human intuition on how she spends her time.

“I will continue to thank her again and again her, I kiss her and cuddle her,” says Jessica. “I will spoil her until the last day of her life.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, the Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘An incredible honour’: Dalera takes her place on ‘walk of fame’ at iconic equestrian venue

Lucy Elder — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:08:25 +0000

Double Olympic champion TSF Dalera BB was a guest of honour to see one of her shoes placed in Aachen’s “walk of fame”.

The 16-year-old mare retired from competition after winning her second individual Olympic gold medal and helping Germany to back-to-back team titles at Paris 2024. She was joined in Aachen on Sunday (22 September) by her rider, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Jessica’s brother Benjamin Werndl and the horse’s owner Beatrice Bürchler-Keller.

Aachen’s walk of fame is reserved exclusively for horses and holds shoes of other superstars including Big Star, Hale Bob OLD, Hans Günter Winkler’s Halla, Totilas and more.

One of the conditions for securing a place is victory in showjumping’s Rolex Grand Prix, or the eventing SAP Cup, or the dressage freestyle Lindt-Prize – which Dalera won in 2023.

“That really is an incredible honour,” said Jessica. “Knowing that Dalera is eternalised here in Aachen for ever is simply fantastic and makes me very proud.”

She added that she is “grateful to share this special moment” with Beatrice and Benjamin.

Dalera also delighted crowds at Aachen’s Deutsche Bank Stadium at the weekend, receiving a standing ovation following a masterclass by the siblings, in which she was ridden by Jessica.

Dalera is featured in this week’s print edition of Horse & Hound (on sale Thursday, 26 September), where H&H’s Martha Terry spoke to Jessica, groom Franzi Leonhart and judge Isobel Wessels about the star mare.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Dalera was pushing me out of the hammock to get going’: how Jessica von Bredow-Werndl kept her Olympic champion ‘playful and happy’ through the Games

Martha Terry — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:28:26 +0000

As we now know, Paris 2024 would be the swansong for Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s ride TSF Dalera BB, the all-conquering mare with multiple gold medals to her name. Between July 2022 and July 2024 they reigned in an unbeaten stretch that incorporated 36 classes at the highest level. However, in the Olympic grand prix special at the start of August, they were just pipped to the win, by Denmark’s new pairing of Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle.

The mark of a champion is not just what they win, but how they bounce back from their blips. With Dalera’s sub-par test, Germany’s team gold by a 0.12% margin over Denmark in the Olympic team dressage was tighter than envisaged. This was partly due to a rare miscommunication in the piaffe.

“We had a hiccup – actually a huge misunderstanding – which cost us a lot of points, but luckily we connected again and brought it home,” Jessica said after securing the team title.

Their harmony is their hallmark, so it was rare to see that falter, and a credit to their relationship, class and resilience that Jessica not only regained their mutual composure during that grand prix special to secure team gold, but came out for the following day’s freestyle back on top form.

“She is always leaving her heart in there for me, especially when it is such a big atmosphere,” Jessica says. “She has her antennae 100% on me, so when I am in the here and now and totally focused, she is as well. This is what makes her so special and this is why I can ride her with so little aids. It looks so easy, but she makes it easy for me because she is listening so well.”

Saluting the crowd after their freestyle in Paris (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: “I just tell Dalera what test is coming next”

Jessica explains how she managed the mare in Paris so that she could achieve this level of focus in front of a crowd of 16,000 and the weight of expectation on her shoulders. Between each of the three tests – the grand prix, the special and the freestyle – Dalera had different routines to bring out the best in her.

“On the first day [off] after the grand prix, Dalera was completely off – I didn’t ride her, only strolled around with her four or five times a day,” Jessica says. “We went grassing, massaging her, like at home. Then the next day I did some little check-ups for the special like walk to piaffe, and showed her that the passage to canter is now from the right – just telling her what’s coming up next.”

After the glitch in the special, Jessica could have been tempted to put a bit more work in to check all their transitions were watertight. But she didn’t waver from her routine.

“For the freestyle, I don’t prepare for it,” she says. “Dalera and I always listen to her freestyle music while I’m plaiting her mane so then she knows the freestyle is coming.

“She is so smart and so funny,” Jessica adds. “I wanted to sleep [the morning of the freestyle], so I was in the hammock in her stable, but she was just playing with me, and trying to push me out because she wanted to get on with it. She was so playful, cheeky and happy. And then when I walked her – we always do the “peepee” walk so she can pee – and she was kind of smiling. She knew that was the day and she just did it. She knows everything.”

The key word was trust. Jessica says the pressure of playing anchorman for the German team had affected her in the special, and she reset her mind.

“The change from the special to the freestyle was in the heart. I didn’t change anything – no equipment, nothing about Dalera,” she says. “I woke up and thought, ‘It’s all about love, joy and trust. She is enough, I am enough, and together we can do it.’ We have proved so often we can do it, so I didn’t need to fix anything. It’s about letting go, to surrender.”

Less is more for Dalera’s prep

Dalera’s freestyle warm-up was minimal.

“I didn’t even do a whole pirouette in the warm-up, just tested it a little,” says Jessica. “She went in with dry hair and came out with dry hair. It was just a mental game.”

And as a result, “She was 1,000% with me. She had no ear or eye anywhere else but by me. She was listening so carefully and really showed me this is what she wants to do – it’s what makes it so emotional because I don’t know if I will ever get another horse like her. At the end, I knew I couldn’t have done better and nor could she.”

It was indeed good enough for a second individual gold medal, the climax of years of planning. After the Tokyo Olympics, Jessica – then six weeks pregnant with her second child – was walking along a beach in Spain with her husband Max, listening to Je Ne Regrette Rien.

“I played this music, and got goosebumps on my whole body,” she says. “I told my husband, ‘this is the music; this is what I want to do’. I used the whole pregnancy to create Dalera’s new freestyle. And just before I got too big to do extended trot, I filmed the choreography.”

Dalera now retires to a life of hacking, pampering, exhibition shows and maybe motherhood. But what a way to leave the sport – dancing to a gold medal in front of a French crowd to the tones of Edith Piaf.

You may also be interested in reading…

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

‘Arty is my heart horse – I sat watching him for hours in Paris’: Abi Lyle shares her special Olympic memories

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

‘She is out of this world’: Olympic champion defends title in gripping dressage finale at Paris 2024

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

‘London 52 wanted it as much as I did’: Laura Collett relives her Olympic medal-winning performance at Paris 2024

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

A thrilling conclusion, history makers and more: catch up on the dressage team medals day at Paris 2024

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

Future plans for veteran gold medal-winner TSF Dalera BB confirmed

(Image credit: Aubenhausen GbR)

‘She deserves the very best’: double Olympic champion retired from competition

Lucy Elder — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:15:45 +0000

Double Olympic dressage champion TSF Dalera BB has been retired from competition and will stay with her rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.

The phenomenal mare, who successfully defended her Olympic title in Paris last month, bows out aged 17 after winning four Olympic gold medals. The Easy Game daughter, owned by Beatrice Buerchler-Keller and Micaela Werndl, has also won two World Cup Finals, plus four individual gold medals at the last two European championships.

She was also part of the gold medal-winning teams at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, 2019 and 2021 Europeans, and helped Germany to team silver at last year’s European Championships.

Jessica told media at a Paris Olympic press conference that Dalera would retire soon, and has said today (27 August) that she will “no longer take part in competition”.

In an emotional video shared on Jessica’s social media today, the German rider said that it has been “an incredibly beautiful journey”.

“Together with Beatrice and our family and trainers, we have decided that Dalera will no longer take part in competition,” she said.

“What else will we do? I wouldn’t call it farewell shows, but a few joyful appearances.”

She added plans include Neumünster “to celebrate with the Trakehners” in November and Basel in January.

“I know Dalera loves her stage so much and that is why it’s important to me that she gets to do this a few more times,” said Jessica.

“I simply love spending time with her. That is why it’s not necessary to be so emotional now. But it’s also ok, because it’s like no era I’ve ever experienced before in my life and I don’t know if I will experience it again in this same way.”

Jessica added that she is “so grateful” to those who have accompanied them on their journey.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful time and I am now looking forward to giving Dalera the best years of her life here in Aubenhausen, because she deserves one thing, and that is the very best.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Future plans for veteran gold medal-winner TSF Dalera BB confirmed

Pippa Roome — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 14:51:30 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl confirmed that TSF Dalera BB will retire soon, following her second Olympic individual gold medal this afternoon at Paris 2024.

“I hope Dalera can have a baby one day,” said the German rider at the post-medal ceremony press conference today. “So next year we will try to get her pregnant. This year it’s too late anyway.

“I said I couldn’t handle the emotions that this is her last dance, so maybe we will do two or three more shows and hopefully she can be a mum after that.”

Jessica confirmed the 17-year-old mare will definitely not go to the European Championships next year, so today was her final championship appearance.

TSF Dalera BB to retire as Olympic champion

Dalera is a Trakehner by Easy Game, out of a mare called Dark Magic by Handryk. She belongs to Béatrice A. Buerchler-Keller and Micaela Werndl.

With Jessica, she has won four Olympic gold medals – individual and team in Tokyo in 2021 and here in Paris – as well as world team gold in 2018 in Tryon, four individual European Championships gold medals (special and freestyle in both 2021 in Hagen and 2023 in Herning), European team gold in 2021 and 2019 and European team silver in 2019 in Rotterdam.

The mare did not contest the 2022 World Championships because Jessica gave birth to her second child Ella Marie that week – and watched her brother Benjamin finish fourth in the freestyle in Herning from the delivery room at the hospital.

Jessica and TSF Dalera BB scored 90.09% in the freestyle in Paris today, the only pair to crack the 90% barrier in the dressage at these Games. They were unbeaten in their past 36 international tests until the special yesterday in Paris, which was won individually by Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Freestyle.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘She is out of this world’: Olympic champion defends title in gripping dressage finale at Paris 2024

Lucy Elder — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 12:32:06 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB kept their Olympic crown firmly in place as they danced to individual gold in the dressage grand prix freestyle with a +90% score.

Their French-themed freestyle music was a perfect fit for Paris. The crowd clapped them through the closing stages to the sound of Édith Piaf, as this prolific partnership left nothing to regret in the Olympic dressage arena.

The world number ones and reigning European Champions arrived in Paris unbeaten in their last 35 international outings – a winning streak that started when they claimed individual gold in Tokyo. They leave as only the fourth combination to ever defend an Olympic individual dressage gold medal, landing victory on 90.09% and the only combination to break the 90% barrier at these Games.

“She knows everything. She’s the most intelligent horse I’ve ever had,” said an emotional Jessica, who rides this 17-year-old doyenne for Béatrice A. Buerchler-Keller and Micaela Werndl.

“She was 1000% with me. She had no ear or eye anywhere else than me. She was listening so carefully and she really showed me that that’s what she wants to do. This is why it makes me so emotional because I don’t know if I will ever get a horse like her… she is out of this world.”

As they exited the arena after their test, Jessica wiped a tear from her eye. By the time she stepped onto the podium to receive her Olympic dressage gold medal, the tears were flowing freely.

“I’m overwhelmed and exhausted. I had to cry too much today,” said Jessica, reflecting on the difference she felt performing today as an individual compared to the pressure of riding as team anchor yesterday.

“Today I woke up and I thought, ‘it’s all about trust’. We are enough. I can trust myself. I can trust Dalera, I can trust us and it’s about letting go.

“This was a mental game change from yesterday to today. I didn’t change anything about the equipment, or about Dalera – about anything.”

Tapping her own head, she added: “It was just in here [I needed] to let go, to trust and to tell her that she is enough.”

Jessica spent the time she was pregnant with her daughter to create this freestyle.

“I was six weeks pregnant and listening to ‘Non, Je ne regrette rien’ walking on the beach in Spain with my husband. I got goosebumps on my whole body and told him, ‘this is the music – this is what I want to do’,” she said.

This pair’s bond has blossomed over the nine years they have spent together – Jessica has even been napping in the mare’s stable here in Paris. It’s a bond Jessica puts down to listening to the mare and being led by what the horse tells her.

“She tells me how long she wants to hack out or she tells me when she needs a canter – a wild canter on the galloping track – and she tells me when she wants to work. She is just too good for everyone,” she said.

“She’s so smart and so funny. I wanted to sleep in the hammock today and she was just playing with me – she was so funny, cheeky and happy.”

She added: “She knew today was the day and she just did it. I’ve not enough time yet [to fully thank her], but I will continue to just thank her again and again and again, and kiss her and cuddle her.

“I know that my husband, Franzi [my show groom], and the owner is with her and they will all just tell her that she’s just amazing. I will spoil her to the last day of her life.”

Their closest rival was Isabell Werth, the world’s most decorated Olympian, who re-wrote the lyrics of Mandy to “Oh, Wendy”, in honour of her exceptional new ride. They scored 89.61% to put the pressure on the remaining competitors.

Britain’s world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale sealed bronze in this gripping finale to the Olympic dressage, with a score of 88.97%.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘She’s always leaving her heart in there for me’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera top scorers in Olympic dressage grand prix

Oscar Williams — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:47:24 +0000

Last to go in the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage grand prix, reigning champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB got the highest score of the competition so far with 82.07% – which saw them top Group G with ease.

“This is very emotional because there won’t be so many more competitions I’m going to ride with her,” Jessica said.

“She’s always leaving her heart in there for me especially when it’s such a big atmosphere. When I’m in the here and now and totally focused, she is as well. This is what makes her so special – I don’t need to push, I just need to ask.”

The combination scored several 10s for their transitions in and out of their piaffe and had a whole host of other highlights, but it didn’t look the easiest ride for Jessica, with Dalera a little unsure in the contact.

It was a raucous atmosphere to enter, with the French crowd giving the penultimate combination Pauline Basquin and Sertorius De Rima Z an enthusiastic send-off as the now 17-year-old Dalera entered the arena.

But a little bit of tension shouldn’t be seen as too much of a negative. Having small areas to improve, while still being more than 1% ahead of the next highest-scoring combination – Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle – is a remarkable position to be in.

“She continues to improve, she’s more athletic than ever,” Jessica said. “She’s also so intelligent, I’ve never had a horse like her. It’s more than a partnership with us, it’s on another level.

“I think I’ve found a good rhythm now between technical training, regeneration and conditioning. This helps keep the balance good for her because there are times when we’re hacking for days only, and then she tells me when she wants to train again.

“I’m a good listener but she’s a very good communicator – she tells me what she needs.”

‘She’s not retiring yet’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on Dalera’s dressage future after the Olympic Games

Despite coming into the competition as individual favourites, Jessica added that she didn’t feel daunted by the pressure.

“I would love to defend the title, but I’ve also already won it, so either way it’s good,” she added. “We’ve proven for three years that we can do it and that gives us both more self-confidence.

“But on the other side, I had huge mistakes at the German Championships and if these mistakes happen here we have no medal.

“I know that, and it’s still so important to have everything together for these six minutes, this is always the challenge.”

Whatever happens, Jessica said the Olympics will not be the last time we see Dalera compete.

“I can’t handle that thought, it’ll make me cry,” she said, the emotion now really starting to show in her voice. “That’s impossible, at least we’d do some farewell competitions, I don’t know yet – maybe it’s three more shows, maybe it’s one.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Paris Olympic grand prix dressage times: when do the Brits and other medal contenders start?

Martha Terry — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:48:50 +0000

The Paris Olympic dressage times for the grand prix have now been released.

The dressage competition at the Paris Olympics kicks off with this qualifier that takes place over two days, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July. It starts at 11am local time (10am British time) on Tuesday with Austria’s Stefan Lehfellner on Roberto Carlos MT.

Britain’s Lottie Fry, the reigning world champion will be first into the arena on Wednesday, at 10am local time (9am British time). The final rider is the defending Olympic champion Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who is due in with TSF Dalera BB at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time) on Wednesday, meaning these two favourites are bookending the second day of competition.

Britain is drawn seventh of the 15 nations, with Austria starting first. Within each rotation, when horses start depends on recent rankings, so a top championship horse that competes rarely may well be drawn earlier than horses that compete more frequently. All the horses and riders will compete in this grand prix.

Some of the timings are on 30sec past the minute, so we have given you the minute on the dot rather than the half-minute to avoid confusion.

If you would like to watch your favourite riders compete in the dressage at the Paris Olympic Games, find out how you can follow on TV from anywhere in the world with our comprehensive guide.

What are the Olympic grand prix dressage times for the British riders?

Carl Hester and Fame on Tuesday at 12.25pm local time (11.25am British time)
Becky Moody on Jagerbomb on Tuesday at 4.11pm local time (3.11pm British time)
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale on Wednesday at 10am local time (9am British time)

Who else should you watch?

Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Zepter on Tuesday at 11.09am local time (10.09am British time)
The Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere on Hermes on Tuesday at 11.19am local time (10.19am British time)
Ireland’s Abi Lyle on Giraldo on Tuesday at 1.38pm local time (12.38pm British time)
Sweden’s Patrik Kittel on Touchdown on Tuesday at 4.20pm local time (3.20pm British time)
Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour on Freestyle on Wednesday at 10.38am local time (9.38am British time)
Germany’s Isabell Werth on Wendy on Wednesday at 11.25am local time (10.25am British time)
Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB on Wednesday at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time)

What are the breaks during the sessions?

Riders are drawn in six groups of 10 with a 30–35min break between each group. There are three groups on each day.

Day one, Tuesday, starts at 11am local time (10am British time) and the last horse goes at 4.20pm local time (3.20pm British time).

Times are an hour earlier on day two, Wednesday, which starts at 10am local time (9am British time) and the last horse goes at 3.20pm local time (2.20pm British time).

Olympic grand prix dressage times: complete list

The full times are listed below.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

TSF Dalera BB – one of the best horses dressage has ever seen

Oscar Williams — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 16:30:07 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her Trakehner mare, TSF Dalera BB, are one of the most decorated combinations ever to compete in dressage. Together they’ve won gold medals at the Olympic Games, European Championships, World Championships and World Cup Finals.

The names they’ve beaten along the way read like a Who’s Who of modern dressage greats – including Weihegold OLD, Bella Rose, Glamourdale, Showtime and Imhotep.

However, despite the ease and harmony Jessica and Dalera can present between the boards, none of their victories have come easily. Instead, their success is a story of continual improvement, mental fortitude and years of hard work – with some impressive comebacks thrown in for good measure.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera’s beginnings

Dalera (Easy Game x Handryk) was bred by the late Silke Druckenmüller, a two-time winner of the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses (WBFSH) Dressage Breeder of the Year.

Owned by Jessica’s long-term sponsor Beatrice Bürchler-Keller, Dalera has been ridden by Jessica all of her competitive life and is the main successor to her breakthrough partner Unee BB who retired in 2018.

In those early years together, Jessica explained on The Horse & Hound Podcast that Dalera could be a little tense but already showed much potential in the piaffe and passage. “She’s always had a lot of energy and she’s very, very smart, so as soon as she understood how to use her body and she got more strength, it got really easy for her.”

The pair made their international debut together in 2016 when Dalera was nine years old at Lamprechtshausen CDI3* in Austria, where they were second in the prix st georges (PSG) on 72.28% and first in the inter I on 71.92%.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl riding TSF Dalera BB during the Longines FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Their international grand prix debut came two years later in 2018 at Ebreichsdorf CDI3* where they won the grand prix on 75.06% and the grand prix special on 76.21%.

A championship debut came as part of the German gold medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, where they came ninth in the grand prix on 76.67% and 16th in the special on 73.87% – the freestyle was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

More championship medals came in 2019, as Dalera and Jessica won team gold with Germany at the European Championships in Rotterdam. Individually, the pair were left disappointed with their 76.89% in grand prix – a sign of how far they’d already come by that point.

Jessica had imagined the freestyle was out of her reach, let alone an individual medal. Just three riders from each country were able to progress through to the freestyle and this was a German team including Isabell Werth on Bella Rose, Dorothee Schneider on Showtime and Sönke Rothenberger on Cosmo.

But they were able to turn it around and pipped Sönke and Cosmo by just 0.42% to be the third-highest-placed German. In the freestyle they won their first individual medal together, claiming bronze on 89.10% and scoring nines for the half-passes which had tripped them up in the grand prix.

“In the special, I wanted it too much, and we had too many mistakes and it was just a big, big portion of luck that we made it into the freestyle because Sönke also had mistakes,” says Jessica. “It was the first day in my life where I realised everything is possible.”

Speaking to Horse & Hound at the time she added: “On the first day I shed tears of sadness, today it’s tears of happiness. It’s been exhausting for my emotions, this was the happiest end I could wish for – Dalera felt extraordinarily good today, and there was no second of the test that we lost one another.”

Dalera’s rise to greatness

Rotterdam proved to be somewhat of a watershed moment for Dalera and Jessica as they would go on to be almost unbeatable for the next five years.

In 2021, Jessica made her Olympic debut at the delayed Tokyo Games, with Dalera this time coming out on top over Showtime and Bella Rose in the grand prix, the special and the freestyle, to win both team and individual gold.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl riding TSF Dalera BB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Her La La Land freestyle scored 91.73%, the second highest-ever recorded at an Olympics after Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro at Rio in 2016.

“What I felt was that from very first second to the last second she was 100% with me and trying her heart out for me to perform,” said Jessica, who finished her test with a remarkable one-handed centre line. “She was so listening to my aids that I couldn’t do too much or too little. She was incredible tonight.”

The combination had been tipped to do well, with Dalera having already beaten Showtime at Munich CDI4* earlier that year. Jessica admitted that she felt considerable pressure in the run-up to the Games.

“But I always told myself that Dalera doesn’t know the difference between the German championships and the Olympics, so why should I make a difference? The only thing we can do is to give our best,” she told Horse & Hound. “But the fear of not performing knocked on my door every day.

“I remember the feeling when I realised that I could be individual Olympic champion, even though it wasn’t sure yet, and that feeling was so emotional,” she adds, describing the moment she watched Isabell’s score of 89.6% flash up on the screen and realised she was still holding the top spot with just two riders left to go.

“I didn’t expect it to be that emotional, but it showed me how much I really wanted it. The moment you know you might achieve your dream is so incredible. There was a lot of pressure inside me and at that moment everything just fell down. It was unbelievable.”

In a bumper summer, the combination was back out just two months later to win team and individual gold again this time at the European Championships in Hagen.

“It was perfect for me to have to perform again [so shortly after the Olympics], to show that we’re not a one-hit wonder,” Jessica told Horse & Hound at the time. “It was very emotional – I didn’t expect her to be that good again. That was the best feeling I have ever, ever had. She’s unbelievable.”

She scored 91.02% to win the freestyle, with the judges awarding her 27 10s in total for their piaffes, halts and piaffe-passage transitions – with many of those watching, including Jessica herself, expecting an even bigger score.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB win individual gold at the 2023 European Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

From Tokyo onwards, Dalera was unbeaten barring a loss in the grand prix qualifying round at the German Championships to Sönke and his rising star Fendi in 2023 – a blip she corrected in the grand prix special to win her third German national title.

That unbeaten, two-year run included two World Cup Final wins in Leipzig in 2022 and Omaha in 2023 as well as a European Championship individual gold and team silver medal at Riesenbeck in 2023.

Her European Championship showdown with Lottie Fry and Glamourdale had been billed as a clash of the titans, with some suggesting beforehand that the then-16-year-old Dalera may have already reached her peak.

That was not to be the case as Jessica and Dalera retained their European title on a personal best score of 92.82% – despite mistakes in the one-time tempi changes, without which they could’ve scored even more.

“The best word to describe my whole week here is grateful. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful dancing partner in Dalera, and to have her owner here and my family, my kids and all my team at home,” said Jessica at the time. “It’s very special, and this never becomes normal.”

“Every time I’m allowed to enter the arena, it’s a gift,” she added. “She always tries her very best. It’s just up to me. If I’m focused and on point, then she is as well. She’s my mirror.”

Jessica puts Dalera’s continued success down to three key ingredients: “Fun, motivation and really listening to what she needs, and this is what I’m getting better and better at.”

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

Who are the best dressage horses in the world right now? We take a look…

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

Imhotep – Charlotte Dujardin’s ‘sensitive’ but ‘brilliant’ partner who lives out all year round

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘This never becomes normal’: extraordinary Europeans freestyle smashes records as two Brits ascend the podium

Polly Bryan — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:08:20 +0000

If ever a European Dressage Championships freestyle was to stick in the mind for many years to come, it’s this one. On the sixth consecutive day of sizzling sunshine at the beautiful Riesenbeck venue in Germany, what played out in the flower-clad arena was without doubt something for the history books.

Every single one of the medallists scored a personal best, and every one of them surpassed the previous European Championship record, set by Valegro back in 2013 (though his all-time freestyle world record remains intact). Today it was Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl back on the top of the podium, this time with Britain’s Lottie Fry in silver and Charlotte Dujardin in bronze. And what every single one of these remarkable women produced in the arena today was nothing short of extraordinary.

Watch Jessica reflect on her test in the video below

The run-up to these championships was characterised by debates over whether world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale could defeat the European and Olympic champions, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB – or whether Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep would possibly beat the both of them.

And when it came down to it, the competition went as close to the wire as everybody hoped it might.

Jessica was first of the medallists into the Riesenbeck arena, where the crowds sat in relatively close proximity to the arena and produced an electric atmosphere. Jessica has been producing magic for years now with this incredible 16-year-old mare, but today was something else. Their scoresheet was flooded with 10s, for piaffe, passage, the transitions between, the right pirouette and the halts. Their French-themed music raised goosebumps, and although they did have a blip in the one-time tempis, they performed them flawlessly on their joker line to pull the mark for that movement back up.

“The audience were so amazing, it was like I was being carried through the test. I’m sorry to them for the mistake in the ones, but luckily I had my joker line,” said Jessica.

“The best word to describe my whole week here is grateful. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful dancing partner in Dalera, and to have her owner here and my family, my kids and all my team at home,” she added. “It’s very special, and this never becomes normal.”

Their score of 92.82% was their best ever – and this from a pair who had already exceeded 90% 10 times already before today. Could Lottie and Glamourdale even hope to match it?

European Dressage Championships freestyle goes to the wire

Having missed out on a podium place in the special, Lottie and Glamourdale were back on sparkling form today. Lottie rode with her face set in quiet determination, knowing she had to produce her own personal best to be in with a shot of gold – and with Charlotte Dujardin yet to come, possibly even a medal.

Like Dalera, Glamourdale also had a blip, striking off wrong into canter after their walk tour – proving that even the very best can make the most elementary of errors from time to time. But the rest of his work was simply stunning and spectators waited with bated breath to see whether his score could exceed that of Jessica and Dalera.

It was very, very close. Less than 0.5% separated these two powerhouses of modern dressage, but in the end, it was Lottie who would have to settle for silver.

Both of them faced another tense wait, though, as Charlotte Dujardin took to the arena with a brand new freestyle aboard the 10-year-old Imhotep, who has been nothing less than a personal best machine this week, churning them out one after the other.

He did it once more here, producing a highly accurate, expressive test with extraordinary amounts of lift and suspension throughout. That their massive mark of 91.4% – itself higher than Charlotte’s own Europeans record, and higher than the gold-winning scores at both the 2019 and 2021 Europeans – was not enough to take the lead here underscores the exceptional standard shown in Riesenbeck today. But it was enough to edge special silver medal-winner Nanna Skodborg Merrald off the podium, and take the bronze.

Nanna and Blue Horse Zepter claimed silver in the special – their first individual medal – and they performed a new routine in the European Dressage Championships freestyle for a new personal best of 89.55%.

Zepter is the son of Blue Hors Zack – Nanna’s 2022 World Championships team gold medallist. He is a massive horse, but so attentive to Nanna’s aids, while maintaining great activity, balance and expression, and they make a beautiful partnership. Some small rhythm issues in the piaffe and a mistake in their one-time changes were what kept them off the podium today.

Earlier in the afternoon, Isabell Werth proved why she is the ultimate show-woman as she rode an exceptionally difficult freestyle on DSP Quantaz for 88.4%, a touch above their previous best. Her Bonnie Tyler programme scored over 95%, with 10s for the music and interpretation. The highlight was a piaffe pirouette that transitioned seamlessly into a canter pirouette, and then later the same move in reverse. The German home crowd were in raptures.

Meanwhile, Therese Nilshagen was another to trounce her previous personal best, scoring a huge 86.13% with her long-time championship partner, Dante Weltino OLD. The pair have been a feature of every Swedish team since 2017, and the 16-year-old Danone son is still hitting new peaks, not just for themselves but for their country – their score here was a new Swedish record.

“I’m really proud of my horse; he’s 16 years old but in the shape of his life, so it was so nice to show it in the ring today,” said Therese. “My music is a good mix of power and emotions, and it fits us very well. We can show a very good picture together with the riding and the performance.”

Carl Hester enjoyed a wonderful conclusion to what has been a dream week for him and his ride of just eight months, Fame. In their first-ever freestyle together, they achieved the highest mark of Carl’s entire career, 85.46%, to sit seventh on the final leaderboard.

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

It’s a glorious GOLD for Britain at the European Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

‘Riding Dalera is always a gift’: Olympic heroes make magical return to championship squad

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

‘I hear them doing the Grand National at night!’ Carl Hester on the joys (and worries) of top horses living out

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

‘The handbrake is still on’: why Imhotep’s European bronze is precursor to even greater things

(Image credit: Benjamin Clark)

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European dressage action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

Defending champion grabs individual gold at Europeans – with a Brit on the podium too

Polly Bryan — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:51:55 +0000

Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has successfully defended her title of European champion, taking the gold medal in the grand prix special at the European Dressage Championships.

Jessica left the rest of this incredibly high-quality field trailing in her wake as she scored another personal best of 85.59% with the 16-year-old TSF Dalera BB.

Behind her in silver was Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald with Blue Hors Zepter on the best special score of her career – 82.79%. The bronze went to Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep, also posting a personal best of 82.58%.

Battle of the champions

It came as a surprise to many to see reigning world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale off the podium; as first to go from the last cluster of riders, they finished fourth with a brilliant score of 81.76%.

Lottie and Glamourdale produced a customary display of power and might, with the Lord Leatherdale stallion appearing much more focused than in his grand prix. Their biggest strengths are the two-time changes, extended canter and half-passes, and they earned big marks in these areas. But a mistake in the one-time changes was unfortunate, and lowered their score a little.

“He felt really good, and much more concentrated than yesterday,” said Lottie. “Everything felt good. We had a blip behind in the one-tempi changes but apart from that, I couldn’t fault him. He was much more with me, and feeling much better today but that wasn’t reflected in the marks.”

Lottie was followed by Jessica and Dalera, and these two simply glowed in front of a home crowd, leaving few in doubt that she would go straight to the top of the leaderboard.

Dalera is a true equine dancer, gliding through her work and producing exemplary piaffe-passage work. She was rewarded with a slew of 10s, especially on the last centre line, and Jessica looked ecstatic as she waved to the crowd after her salute. She was right to be – the score was a personal best again, a massive 85.59%.

“This is difficult to describe, it’s very special,” said an almost speechless Jessica. “Dalera felt so powerful and focused today – it was a pleasure to ride her.

“She wants to please, she wants to show herself, and show what we can do, and she is listening to me 100% from the first second to the last. Last night, I rode [mentally] though the grand prix special 10 times for myself, because when I have everything together, she has everything together.”

Jessica has faced a lot of pressure this year, the hype growing around her duel with Lottie and Glamourdale. As it turned out, it was two other combinations that proved her biggest competition on this particular day.

“It’s good to be pushed. I have been working with all these expectations for months, and I’m so happy to meet them but I try not to think about it, because the only thing I can influence is Dalera and me,” said the gold medallist.

“If it’s not Glamourdale it’s others. There are always more horses coming up, and it’s good for sport. If there was nobody, I wouldn’t improve, so it’s good to be pushed and to continue improving. We have improved the walk, the piaffe, the canter, the changes, so many things, and I still want to improve it more. It’s the art of dressage to have everything together on point, but also with a happy athlete who wants to present herself because she has enough strength.”

European Dressage Championships grand prix special: down to the wire

Charlotte Dujardin was next out of the starting blocks, with fans eager to see whether she and Imhotep (Pete) could recreate the magic they produced yesterday in the grand prix. They soon had their answer. A near-immaculate test saw them post 82.58%, another personal best.

“I’m so proud of Pete today,” said Charlotte. “He’s 10 years old and today he’s given me everything. He’s still young and inexperienced, against a lot of more experienced horses. Next year is going to be very exciting.”

It was now up to the final rider, Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald, to do what she could to push her way onto the podium. She and the imposing chestnut Blue Hors Zepter had some uncharacteristic errors in their grand prix, and Nanna said the sensitive gelding tends to remember his mistakes when he returns to the ring. But today, they were on fire.

It’s with Zepter that Nanna has risen to become the Danish number one and as of this month, number two in the world. Today, she showed why, riding the test of her life. Zepter was on her every aid, combining power with lightness, spring and expression to score a massive 82.79%.

“I could feel the nerves, definitely, but really had to focus on what I had to do,” said Nanna. “He is so sensitive, and after making big mistakes yesterday it was important to me to really go for it in exercises where I really could, but to keep him calm in others.”

Nanna Skodborg Merrald, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Charlotte Dujardin on the individual podium at the European Dressage Championships. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Meanwhile, there was magic happening just off the podium, as well.

Having ridden a wonderful grand prix to help Britain to team gold, Britain’s Carl Hester proceeded to demolish his previous grand prix special personal best with Fame, guiding this very talented horse to just over 80% and fifth place.

Once again, his test was such a pleasure to watch, with Fame looking even more confident and in a better frame than in his grand prix.

“He felt easy, I’ve never had him so relaxed,” said Carl. “It was almost a new feeling for me as normally I’m always managing him as he gets a bit tense, but it’s as though he has grown up at this show, accepted all my aids really nicely. I had a lovely ride and couldn’t be happier.”

Simple, sporty; red jackets and an emerald dash – the dressage Euros trot-up in pictures

Martha Terry — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:36:26 +0000

The competition at the European Dressage Championships at Riesenbeck, Germany, is about to commence in earnest. But we’ve already had the first slice of the action, in the form of the European Dressage Championships trot-up, to whet the appetite for the excitement ahead.

It’s not quite as flamboyant as a Badminton or Burghley – team members have to adhere to their own dress code rather than go wild in turquoise suits. But you know you want a glimpse of all the British pairs and to see which teams had the smartest outfits…

The Brits

Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Gareth Hughes and Lottie Fry make up the British quartet. The Brits were dressed simply, in navy down jackets or gilets, navy chinos and brown suede boots. All wore helmets and gloves to present the British horses, too.

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

Charlotte Dujardin and 10-year-old Imhotep, gearing up for his second championship after last year’s worlds. Charlotte added a patriotic flourish with her Union Jack helmet.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Lottie Fry’s world champion ride, the Lord Leatherdale stallion Glamourdale, is led by Van Olst Horses’ Niek Haarlink, while Lottie watches on (right).

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

Carl Hester arrives at his 22nd championship, this time partnering the Bigwood family’s 13-year-old Fame, a new ride for Carl this year.

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

Gareth Hughes presents his 17-year-old mare Classic Briolinca, by Trento B, at their third major championship together.

European Dressage Championships trot-up photos

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

The one they all have to beat: reigning Olympic and European champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB. Jessica, representing the home nation Germany, wore the team navy suit with cream scarf, while the 16-year-old Easy Game mare Dalera sported a browband in the German flag colours.

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

For Ireland: a dash of emerald with a glittery helmet and silk scarf, worn by Abi Lyle, presenting Farrell.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It’s a sporty look for the Danish team, who will be vying for medals with hotshot Heiline’s Danciera and Carina Cassøe Krüth among the talented quartet.

(Image credit: BENJAMIN CLARK)

Also for Denmark, Andreas Helgstrand brought forward his popular breeding stallion Jovian – who definitely looked to be enjoying the party.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Belgium were dressed very similarly to Denmark, with red tops and blue trousers. Here is the wonderful partnership of business manager Charlotte Defalque and 17-year-old Vivaldi stallion Botticelli. They have competed on junior, young rider, under-25 and senior teams together.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Danish warmblood mare Cyprus Ophelia will make history as the mount of the first ever Cypriot rider to compete at a European Dressage Championships: Gabrielle H-Kiefer (not pictured). They are the first combination down the centre line in the grand prix on Wednesday (6 September).

Who will win medals at the 2023 European Dressage Championships?

Polly Bryan — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:44:41 +0000

A strong German side poses a significant challenge, but Britain head to Riesenbeck with their best chance in years of grabbing gold, says H&H’s dressage editor Polly Bryan

The last time Britain won a team gold medal at a dressage championship was the London Olympics in 2012. Since then, British teams have collected five silvers and three bronzes, but gold has eluded them. Until this year’s European Dressage Championships, perhaps.

Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Lottie Fry and Gareth Hughes brought home silver from the last European Dressage Championships, in 2021, and the same quartet will head to Riesenbeck, Germany, quietly determined to go one better this time.

All four ride different horses this year, and what horses they are – without a doubt some of the best in the world. Glamourdale, Lottie Fry’s reigning world champion, is expected to lead the pack as in 2022, with the benefit of another year’s strength and experience.

Charlotte Dujardin’s precocious Imhotep and Gareth Hughes’ trusty Classic Briolinca are proven performers, who are in the form of their lives this season.

And while Carl Hester’s ride of just eight months, Fame, will be competing at his first championship, this is Carl’s 22nd. If anyone can guide a horse through his championship debut to bring out his best when it matters, it’s Carl.

But make no mistake: while Britain are highly capable of winning gold, they will have to surpass a formidable German home side to reach the top of the podium.

Last year’s German team was somewhat depleted by the absence of reigning Olympic and European champion, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. But Jessica and her stellar mare, TSF Dalera BB, are now back in the game and have lost none of the mastery that led Germany to gold in 2021.

The long-awaited showdown between Glamourdale and Dalera is set to be a thriller. One a mighty, testosterone-fuelled powerhouse, the other the epitome of elegance – each will meet their match in Riesenbeck.

Jessica will be flanked by the ever-imposing Isabell Werth, plus Frederic Wandres and Matthias Rath, drafted in from the reserve bench to replace the withdrawn Sönke Rothenberger. Buoyed by home support and a will to maintain their European record of success, Germany will be gunning for gold.

While the Germans have regained their biggest hitter, current world champions Denmark have lost their 2022 golden girl this year. But the Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour-shaped hole in the Danish team has been somewhat filled by the emergence of Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter as one of the world’s most impressive combinations in 2023.

With the experienced Carina Cassøe Krüth, Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Andreas Helgstrand alongside, you can expect to see Denmark back on the podium.

Don’t discount the other Scandinavian powerhouse, although Sweden’s chances of a medal have definitely been dampened by the late withdrawal of team stalwarts Juliette Ramel and Buriel K.

The Netherlands, too, have been dealt a blow that could close the door to the podium. With both her world individual bronze medallist Hermes NOP and now Hartsuijker injured, Dinja van Liere is without a Europeans ride. But the dynamic Indian Rock is back in action after rider Emmelie Scholtens’ knee surgery, and could cause a stir.

Check out all the teams for the European Dressage Championships

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

European Dressage Championships: individual favourites

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl

The world number one and reigning Olympic and European champion with TSF Dalera BB (right), Germany’s Jessica is a hot favourite for individual gold medals – if she can beat Lottie Fry and Glamourdale. Dalera, now 16 and seemingly all the better for her six-month break while Jessica welcomed baby Ella Marie, oozes grace and quality, with swoon-worthy piaffe-passage and no signs that she is feeling her age.

Lottie Fry

Reigning world champions Lottie and Glamourdale could add more gold medals to their record in Riesenbeck. The black stallion is more secure in his work than when breaking the 90% barrier last summer, and both he and Lottie relish big atmospheres so can be expected to bring their best. But this will be the first time since early 2021 that Glamourdale has faced TSF Dalera BB, who will make he and Lottie work hard for gold.

Charlotte Dujardin

Imhotep was still new to top level when scoring three top-10 finishes in Herning last year, and he has matured impressively since. He and Charlotte are on superb form: unbeaten internationally on British soil, with a hat-trick of top-three finishes at CHIO Aachen. Will prove a huge asset to Britain, and a serious contender for individual medals as well.

Carina Cassøe Krüth

Carina dazzled at the Tokyo Olympics, and then again at the World Championships with the delightful black mare, Heiline’s Danciera (above). This Danish pair have real harmony and are a pleasure to watch dancing together. Get ready to sing alongto their Whitney Houston freestyle – and don’t be surprised to see them well in the mix for medals.

Isabell Werth

THhe queen of German dressage can never be overlooked, especially now DSP Quantaz (below) is settling into his role as successor to superstar mares Bella Rose and Weihegold OLD. He and Isabell were pipped to bronze in the special at the worlds last year and while they would certainly have to be on tip-top form to clinch a podium position in this company, only a fool would bet against Isabell making it happen.

Nanna Skodborg Merrald

The imposing chestnut gelding Blue Hors Zepter (above right) has competed at this level with three top riders – Daniel Bachmann Andersen, Patrik Kittel and Nanna. And it’s with Nanna that the 15-year-old gelding, who is by Nanna’s Olympic ride Blue Hors Zack, has reached his peak. They’re now Denmark’s highest-ranked pair, and with freestyle scores approaching 90% they’ll definitely be individual podium contenders.

Frederic Wandres

The 13-year-old Bordeaux son Bluetooth OLD (below) has been given the green light for this championship ahead of Frederic’s seasoned performer, Duke Of Britain FRH, and that’s saying something. Bluetooth’s scores have been on an upward trajectory for the past 12 months and with a plus-84% freestyle in Aachen, he looks well capable of finishing among the top few.

Glamourdale v Dalera: who will come out on top in European Championships showdown?

Polly Bryan — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:32:00 +0000

The 2023 European Dressage Championships are approaching and with it the hotly-awaited showdown between the world’s two leading dressage horses: reigning world champion Glamourdale, ridden by Britain’s Lottie Fry, and reigning Olympic and European champion TSF Dalera BB, ridden by Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.

Dalera is the mare that carried Jessica to five gold medals in 2021 – team gold at both the Tokyo Olympics and 2021 European Championships, and individual golds at both championships too.

But while Jessica was taking a break from competition in 2022 to have her second child, Lottie and Glamourdale rose to the top of the world stage in spectacular style, winning double individual gold at the World Dressage Championships, and leading Britain to team silver.

The Europeans will not be the first time these two combinations have met in international grand prix competition; they both competed at Hagen CDI4* in April 2021. On that occasion Dalera came out ahead of Glamourdale in both the grand prix and the special. However, Hagen was Glamourdale’s first ever international grand prix show, whereas the older and more experienced Dalera had been competing at the level for over three years at that point.

So, with Hagen 2021 not providing a fair comparison of these two wonderful horses’ abilities and attributes, all eyes will be on Riesenbeck, Germany, next week to witness their first meeting since both reaching gold medallist status.

What makes these two horses so interesting is how different they are. Glamourdale, a mighty powerhouse of a stallion, and Dalera, an epitime of elegance and grace, are without a doubt two of the best dressage horses the world has ever seen. Each brings very different qualities and talents to the table – and it’s that fact that will make their duel all the more enticing.

So, which one will emerge victorious in Riesenbeck? We have sifted the stats and crunched the numbers to bring you our predictions…

TSF Dalera BB

Age: 16yo

Breeding: Easy Game x Handryk

Owner: Béatrice A. Buerchler-Keller

Breeder: Silke Druckenmüller

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB en route to triple gold at the European Dressage Championships 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Dalera’s career-best international scores

Grand prix: 84.38% (Tokyo Olympic Games 2021)

Grand prix special: 84.77% (Kronberg CDI4*, Germany 2021)

Grand prix freestyle: 91.73% (Tokyo Olympic Games 2021)

Dalera’s 2023 competition record

Basel CDIW, Switzerland, January – 1st grand prix (83.46%); 1st freestyle (90.8%)

World Cup Final, USA, April – 1st grand prix (79.92%); 1st freestyle (90.48%)

Aachen CDIO5*, Germany, June – 1st grand prix (82.3%); 1st special (81.02%); 1st freestyle (90.82%)

Grand prix highlights

Highest-scoring movements (average marks): piaffe-passage transitions (8.98); piaffe (8.93); passage (8.52)

Lowest-scoring movement: collected walk (6.63)

Glamourdale

Age: 12yo

Breeding: Lord Leatherdale x Negro

Owner: Van Olst Horses

Breeder: Joop Rodenberg

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale in the team test at the World Dressage Championships. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Glamourdale’s career-best scores

Grand prix: 80.84% (Herning World Championships 2022)

Grand prix special: 82.5% (Herning World Championships 2022)

Grand prix freestyle: 91% (London Excel CDIW 2022)

Glamourdale’s 2023 competition record

’s-Hertogenbosch CDIW, Netherlands, March – 1st grand prix (79.83%); 1st freestyle (86.84%)

Fontainebleau CDI5%, France, April – 1st grand prix (79.94%); 1st freestyle (89.36%)

Kronenberg CDI3*, Netherlands, July – 1st grand prix (79.54%); 1st special (81.09%)

Grand prix highlights

Best-scoring movements (average marks): extended canter (9.35); two-tempi changes (8.77); trot half-pass (8.53)

Lowest-scoring movement: extended walk (6.91)

Glamourdale v Dalera: analysis

Dalera has scored higher than Glamourdale in all three grand prix level tests, particularly so in the technical tests – the grand prix and the special – while their top scores for the freestyle are much closer. However, it’s worth noting that all three of Dalera’s personal bests came in 2021, whereas Glamourdale’s were last year, perhaps indicating that Dalera has dropped slightly from her all-time peak.

That said, Dalera was off games for much of 2022, and both horses have come similarly close to matching their best scores in 2023.

It’s also worth noting that, as you might expect from horses partnered by such talented and professional riders, both have tended to hit their peak at championships, meaning you can expect both to be at their best in Riesenbeck.

FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final - Grand Prix in Omaha (USA). Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) with TSF Dalera BB. Taken on 5 April 2023 by Liz Gregg during the medal ceremony. (Image credit: Liz Gregg)

When it comes to comparing their marks within tests, it gets even more interesting. Across the 20 different movements that feature in the grand prix, Dalera’s average mark is higher than Glamourdale’s in 15 of them. She has also recorded higher marks in four of the seven movements that are marked using a double co-efficient – meaning they are worth double marks – including the piaffe, which features more frequently in a test than any other double-marked movement (three times).

However, Glamourdale’s average mark for his best movement – that extraordinary extended canter – is higher than for Dalera’s, the piaffe-passage transitions. Glamourdale also outscores Dalera in his lowest-scoring movement, the extended walk, compared to her lowest-scoring, the collected walk. In fact, the collected walk is where he holds most sway over Dalera – his marks for this (also double-marked) movement are, on average, 1.45 higher.

Can Glamourdale beat Dalera at the Europeans?

So, what does all this actually mean? Well, it would indicate that Dalera is the more likely horse of the two to come out on top in the technical tests – the grand prix and the special – where moves like piaffe and passage are responsible for a large proportion of the total marks available.

But, in the freestyle, where each movement receives just one mark, and riders have the freedom to show off their horses’ best qualities in creative ways, Glamourdale could well defeat Dalera.

Freestyles have an extra component in the artistic marks, for rhythm, harmony, choreography, degree of difficulty and music. Dalera scores slightly higher in all but rhythm, but she has performed her current freestyle routine more times than Glamourdale has done his, meaning it is not a fair comparison.

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale complete their plus-90% freestyle at the World Dressage Championships. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The other crucial factor to consider is that Dalera, at 16 years old, is nearing the end of her top-level career, while Glamourdale could be said to be just getting started. It means that averages of their scores so far should be taken with a significant pinch of salt; Glamourdale is in his third season, while Dalera is in her sixth.

It means that Glamourdale, whose career is currently on an undeniably upward trajectory, is more likely to produce his highest scores to date in Riesenbeck – and they could well be beyond Dalera’s best.

But don’t forget – while Glamourdale and Dalera are the hot favourites for the two individual gold medals up for grabs in Riesenbeck, neither will have it easy as they’ll also be faced with the likes of Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin on Imhotep, and Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald with Blue Hors Zepter.

The competition is set to sizzle at these championships, and with the Paris Olympics just round the corner, there’s all to play for.

Who are the best dressage horses in the world right now? We take a look…

Polly Bryan — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 15:32:53 +0000

With the 2023 European Dressage Championships just round the corner, we take a look at the best dressage horses in the world, as of August 2023, according to the latest FEI world rankings.

It’s been a year since the FEI changed its dressage world ranking format, splitting the leaderboards into separate horse and rider rankings rather than using combinations. There has been quite a shuffle in the top names over the course of 2023 so far, with British horse, Imhotep, entering the top 10, and the re-entry of TSF Dalera BB.

It’s also notable that the current top 10 line-up are now all European-ridden horses, with the USA’s Suppenkasper having slipped down from the top 10 spot he held in the new year, to lie 14th.

There has been quite the shake-up if you were to compare today’s top 10 to the horses that featured at the top of the list around the time of the last European Championships, in 2021. Just four of the names that made up the best dressage horses in the world two years ago still feature in the top 10 rankings.

So, who are the best dressage horses in the world right now?

1. TSF Dalera BB, GER

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB en route to triple gold at the European Dressage Championships 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

This brilliant mare, a 14-year-old Trakehner daughter of Easy Game, entranced viewers all over the world in 2021, when she was crowned both Olympic and European champion with her brilliant rider, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Their dominance extended into the winter season of that year and they won the 2022 World Cup Final, before taking an extended break as Jessica welcomed her second child, Ella Marie.

Dalera’s absence from the World Dressage Championships in 2022 saw her slip out of the top 10, but she has hurtled straight back into the top spot in 2023, winning the World Cup Final for the second year and dominating proceedings at CHIO Aachen. She is yet to face a showdown with the stallion who took her place at the top last year, however, the hotly-anticipated meeting of Dalera and Glamourdale at the Riesenbeck Europeans next month will reveal which one has the edge.

2. Glamourdale, GBR

Lottie Fry and Glamourdale take gold in the special at the 2022 World Championships. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The stunning stallion Glamourdale and his talented British rider Lottie Fry became worthy world champions last summer, moving temporarily into the world number one spot in the months that followed. They have slipped down to number two in 2023 since Dalera returned to the fray, but the Lord Leatherdale stallion has grown in strength and experience this year and looks even stronger in his grand prix work than he did in August 2022.

Both he and Dalera are unbeaten so far this season, and are, without a doubt, the two best dressage horses in the world at the moment. But they can’t both remain unbeaten when they come up against each other for the first time at the Europeans. It’s hard to predict who might come out on top, but we’re looking forward to finding out in Riesenbeck.

3. Blue Hors Zepter, DEN

Nanna Skodberg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter at CHIO Aachen 2023 (Image credit: Stefan Lafrentz)

This imposing chestnut gelding has had a number of riders in the past few years, most notably Daniel Bachmann Andersen, Patrik Kittel and Nanna Skodberg Merrald. It’s with Nanna that the Blue Hors Zack son has emerged as one of the best horses in the world this year, finishing as runners-up at the World Cup Final in April, and remaining hot on TSF Dalera’s heels at CHIO Aachen.

Somewhat surprisingly – though perhaps not given his rider-hopping – 15-year-old Zepter will be making his championship debut in Riesenbeck. Expect big things from this pair at the Europeans – they will definitely be fighting for individual medals.

4. Emilio 107, GER

Isabell Werth riding Emilio 107 at the Amsterdam World Cup qualifier in 2023 (Image credit: Arnd Bronkhorst)

The highest ranked of Isabell Werth’s current horses – it is by virtue of the fact that 17-year-old Emilio has had nine outings in the past 12 months, compared to DSP Quantaz’s six, that he ranks higher than his stablemate, who is bound for the Europeans.

You could say Emilio, by Ehrenpreis, is among the more underrated of Isabell’s rides in recent years; he has not made it to a major championship or World Cup Final, yet from 89 international grand prix starts since the start of his top-level career in 2015, he has achieved a whopping 54 wins. Definitely deserving of his place among the world’s best.

5. DSP Quantaz, GER

Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz at the World Dressage Championships in 2022 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

This eye-catching Quaterback stallion was slightly in the shadow of Isabell Werth’s famous mares, but over the past year he has stepped up into the position of her number one ride, and become a true medal contender in his own right.

The pair were just pipped to individual bronze at the World Championships in 2022 – although they did help Germany win team bronze – and they’ll be gunning for team gold on home soil next month. Quantaz has now exceeded 85% on no fewer than seven occasions, making him highly worthy of his place in the world rankings.

6. Imhotep, GBR

Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep in the grand prix at the World Dressage Championships 2022. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A new entry to the top 10 this year, Charlotte Dujardin’s current top horse Imhotep, a 10-year-old son of Everdale, has taken the grand prix circuit by storm during the past year. He was very much a rookie when helping Britain to team silver in Herning last summer, but some time out over the winter while Charlotte welcomed baby Isabella seems to have done him the world of good. He has come out in 2023 stronger, more mature, and looking every bit a potential individual medallist in Riesenbeck.

Unbeaten on British soil this year, he was also snapping at Dalera’s heels during CHIO Aachen with a trio of top-three finishes. We haven’t seen the best of him yet.

7. Everdale, GBR

Britain’s Lottie Fry in action with Everdale during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The powerful 14-year-old Lord Leatherdale stallion may be playing second fiddle this year to his world champion stablemate, but he’s still the seventh best dressage horse in the world. Under Britain’s Lottie Fry, he strutted his stuff in Tokyo to take home the team bronze in 2021. Less than two months later they brought home team silver from the Europeans, and secured a fifth place finish in both the freestyle and the special.

In the years since, Everdale’s performances have grown more refined, without losing any of their power, and he scored a career best of 87.51% recently at Aachen. When a horse like this is your number two, as is the case for Lottie, you know you’re truly a rider to be reckoned with.

8. Heiline’s Danciera, DEN

Carina Cassøe Krüth and Heiline’s Danciera at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

This gorgeous mare and her rider, Denmark’s Carina Cassøe Krüth, captured hearts around the world at the Tokyo Olympics and they were key members of the gold medal-winning Danish team at the worlds in 2022. They have remained on consistently good form this year, sweeping the board at both the Gothenburg World Cup qualifier and the five-star Nations Cup leg in Compiegne.

The 12-year-old Fürstenball mare, who truly looks as though she is dancing when she takes to the arena, will be in line for individual medals at the European Championships.

9. Hermes NOP, NED

Dinja van Liere and Hermes at the World Dressage Championships 2022 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The double individual bronze medallist at last year’s World Championships with Dinja van Liere, Hermes would no doubt be higher up this list of the world’s best dressage horses if an injury hadn’t ruled him out of action since April. He was a dominant force on the 2022/23 World Cup circuit, winning the Mechelen and Amsterdam legs and finishing second to Glamourdale in ’s-Hertogenbosch.

Such is the talent the Easy Game son has displayed at the age of just 11, he could have been expected to give Dalera and Glamourdale a run for their money in Riesenbeck. If he can return on the same form, expect him to be a major player ahead of the Paris Olympics.

10. Touchdown, SWE

Patrik Kittel riding Touchdown at the World Dressage Championships 2023 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Touchdown brings a fourth nation inside the top 10, being the ride of Sweden’s number one Patrik Kittel. 2022 was a big year for this pair, as they brought the house down with their James Bond themed freestyle to finish seventh. Patrik adores this Quaterback son and they’ve maintained their super form since, recently posting their best ever score of 85.9%.

Whether or not Touchdown maintains his position within the top 10 may depend on whether Patrik opts to campaign him at the Europeans over his other talented grand prix horse Forever Young – unconfirmed at the time of writing – but there is no doubt Touchdown is among the best in the world.

You may also be interested in…

Glamourdale – Lottie Fry’s world champion dressage stallion who makes crowds gasp

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Who will be representing their country in European Dressage Championship teams?

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The dream team’: Britain’s silver medallists selected for European Championships

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘A real one for Paris’: Aachen grand prix result boosts Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic hopes

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Defending champions list four combinations for European Dressage Championships

Polly Bryan — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:31:22 +0000

Four combinations have been selected as nominated entries for the German dressage team at the European Dressage Championships this September, to be held at Riesenbeck, Germany.

Definite entries for the championships are not expected to be confirmed until the middle of August, but the German Olympic Committee for Equestrianism has listed just four riders on the home side’s “longlist”, along with three reserve combinations.

Germany are the reigning European champions, having won gold at Hagen in 2021, as well as at Rotterdam in 2019. Germany also won team bronze at last year’s World Dressage Championships, behind Denmark and Britain.

The nominated entries for the German dressage team at the 2023 European Dressage Championships are:

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with 16-year-old mare TSF Dalera BB

Owner: Béatrice A. Buerchler-Keller

Breeder: Silke Druckenmüller

Breeding: by Easy Game, out of a mare by Handryk

Sönke Rothenberger with nine-year-old stallion Fendi

Owner: Rothenberger family

Breeder: Danish Derby Horse Shows ApS

Breeding: by Franklin out of a mare by Diamond

Frederic Wandres with 13-year-old gelding Bluetooth OLD

Owner: Hof Kasselmann

Breeder: Gestüt Lewitz

Breeding: by Bordeaux out of a mare by Riccione

Frederic Wandres with 16-year-old gelding Duke Of Britain FRH (reserve horse)

Owner: Hof Kasselmann

Breeder: Pidgley family

Breeding: by Dimaggio out of a mare by Rubinstein

Isabell Werth with 13-year-old gelding DSP Quantaz

Owner: Victoria Max-Theurer and Madeleine Winter-Schulze

Breeder: Kathrin Damm

Breeding: by Quaterback out of a mare by Hohenstein 4

The following combinations are listed as reserves:

Matthias Alexander Rath with 10-year-old stallion Thiago GS

Owner: Gestüt Schafhof

Breeder: Gestüt Schafhof

Breeding: by Totilas out of a mare by Warkant

Katharina Hemmer with 11-year-old stallion Denoix PCH

Owner: Nancy Gooding

Breeder: Friedrich Kuhlmann

Breeding: by Destano out of a mare by Pik Noir

Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock with 11-year-old mare Florine OLD

Owner: Elisabeth von Wulffen

Breeder: Klaus Gustenberg

Breeding: by Foundation out of a mare by Lauries Crusador XX

The European Dressage Championships take place from 4 to 10 September, with the European Para Dressage Championships running alongside at Riesenbeck, Germany.

You may also be interested in…

Top rider causes a stir by wearing earpiece during CHIO Aachen grand prix special

Polly Bryan — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:30:59 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was at the centre of some controversy when she narrowly beat Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin in the CDIO5* grand prix special at CHIO Aachen, while riding with what appeared to be an earpiece in.

Reigning Olympic champion Jessica and the 16-year-old mare TSF Dalera BB scored 81.02% in the special to finish just 0.23% ahead of Charlotte and Imhotep, but it was spotted that she was wearing part of an earpiece in her right ear during her test.

The FEI dressage rules state that “Any outside help by voice, signs, etc (earphone and/or electronic communication devices included) is considered as illegal or unauthorised assistance. Illegal or unauthorised assistance will result in elimination of that combination”.

The earpiece was discovered by stewards at Jessica’s post-test check, but they were satisfied that it was not able to transmit and so the pair were not eliminated under the outside assistance rules.

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl later explained that when removing the training earpiece before her Aachen test, the cover element had come off and become stuck in her ear.

“I didn’t realise it had got stuck, I didn’t realise it was still in my ear,” she said. “The stewards found it when I came back and that was the point I realised it too.

“I was connected to the sky,” she joked.

2RA6BAH Aachen, Germany. 01st July, 2023. Equestrian sport, dressage: CHIO, Grand Prix Special (2nd classification Nations' Cup). Jessica von Bredow-Werndl from Germany on the horse Dalera rides in the course. Credit: Uwe Anspach/dpa/Alamy Live News (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Despite having finished at the top of the leaderboard, Jessica was left ruing technical mistakes in the grand prix special, losing marks for the first halt and final set of changes. The German duo were back on their usual flawless form by the final day’s grand prix freestyle however, where they scored over 90%.

With a clean sweep of wins, Jessica not only led the German team to Nation Cup victory, ahead of Denmark in second and Britain in third, but was also crowned the Aachen grand champion. The accolade is awarded to the best performing combination across the five-star classes.

“She leaves her heart in there for me,” said a very emotional Jessica of Dalera after her freestyle.

“Yesterday I had big mistakes because I made the wrong decisions, today I didn’t take any wrong decisions so we had no mistakes, because she just listens to me. It has always been my childhood dream to be on the winners’ board.”

Being a champion in any sport takes more than just talent

Polly Bryan — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:57:29 +0000

I’m H&H’s dressage editor, but I want to talk briefly about tennis. Please bear with me.

Alongside the live stream from Wellington International Festival of Dressage, I spent last Sunday afternoon watching Serbia’s Novak Djokovic claim a record 23rd men’s singles grand slam victory with triumph over Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final of the French Open.

As Novak walked onto court, knowing he had a chance to make history, I wondered how confident he felt. Reasonably confident, clearly – after it was done, his team handed him a jacket already embroidered with the number 23 in readiness for the moment.

But on his way to wearing that jacket, Novak had to put in over three hours of toil on the hot, dusty clay court. Casper did not make it easy for him, especially in the opening set, but ultimately, when it came down to it, Novak did what he has done so many times before – played a masterful match, and got it right more than he got it wrong.

Closer to home, Charlotte Dujardin was doing something similar at Wellington. Over three sizzling days, she clocked up six wins from prix st georges to grand prix with four horses – a whitewash of the kind she has produced so many times before.

Charlotte Dujardin on her small tour winner Times Kismet at Wellington CDI3* 2023. (Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

Meanwhile, over in Germany, another dressage Queen, reigning Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, was reclaiming the German national dressage championship title for the third time with TSF Dalera BB.

But here was a difference. Much like Novak’s French Open final, Jessica’s national title campaign didn’t get off to the the start she’d hoped, and she finished second behind Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi in the opening round, the grand prix.

I was struck by her comments on social media that evening, and it brought home an important reality of what it takes to consistently win at this level.

“‘You always win’ – how this sentence has annoyed me again and again,” Jessica said. “No – it’s not that simple. It is always work and training to have everything together here and now. And I didn’t have that today.”

Jessica explained she “started the two-time changes far too early and unprepared”, and it resulted in an average score of 3.2 from the judges.

“But now to the positive,” she added. “Dalera felt sensationally good while warming up and then also in the test. So fresh, so athletic, so motivated and light-footed. And that is the most important.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB en route to triple gold at the European Dressage Championships 2021. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

It’s a lesson to all competitors to own your mistakes, and work out where it went wrong so that you can learn from them – but also not to forget to focus on the positives and feel proud of what went well. It clearly worked for Jessica – she returned to the top of the leaderboard the following day in the grand prix special, before winning the freestyle with 90.07%, and with it, the overall national title.

And it’s also a valuable reminder that, no matter how successful a rider or any other sportsperson may be, no victory is automatic.

Those who enjoy win after win are those who, as Jessica says, consistently put in enough work and training to get everything right on the day, and who can do that over and over again. But no athlete, not even an Olympic champion or Novak Djokovic, can get it right every single time. If they did, Novak would have never lost a match and instead celebrated a record number of grand slam titles back in 2015 at the US Open.

‘Being a champion means never taking winning for granted’

Of course, you can’t directly compare tennis to dressage. In tennis, it’s about you, out there alone on court for hours at a time. There’s no living, breathing sporting partner who can both disrupt your careful execution, and save you from your mistakes. Your tennis racket might prove not to be up to the job, sure, but you can just whip out a new one.

But in tennis, as in dressage, it’s striking how certain names have dominated the sport for years, returning season after season to claim title after title. Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams – much like Isabell Werth, Charlotte Dujardin, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Lottie Fry.

And these eight remarkable athletes all have something crucial in common. I don’t mean their talent – although of course they all have that in bucketloads. I mean their ability to show up when it counts, to learn from their mistakes, and to get it right more than they get it wrong.

Showing up when it counts includes never neglecting the small things; always taking time to set up a serve, even when the crowd are hustling you to get the job done, or preparing a horse for a perfect pirouette by riding an equally perfect corner.

It’s about viewing the entire test or match as a process – aiming to win every point, but not letting one doomed game or movement affect the next.

And it’s about never, ever, assuming you will win – even if everybody else does.

Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep in the grand prix at the World Dressage Championships 2022. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Because that’s the thing. When you watch Charlotte or Jessica riding into an arena, you may assume she will win, but she doesn’t make that assumption. She knows she can win, but she knows how much she has to do first in order to make it a reality. And the reason that time after time, we are proved right, and Charlotte and Jessica end up on the podium? Because they ride into that arena, and they do everything they need to get there, often more.

And just as Novak walked onto court knowing that the record was his to claim, that an embroidered jacket was waiting for him up in the player’s box, he also knew that he would only wear it to bed that night* if he could produce his very best tennis that afternoon.

Being a champion isn’t just about being the most talented. It’s about having the dedication and the ability to produce your best performance at the exact moment it matters, time after time, and never taking success for granted.

And that’s something we can all do well to remember, whether it’s as spectators or competitors, in any sport, at any level.

*speculation based purely on the fact that if I had earned a jacket declaring me the best in the world, I’d probably never take it off again.

‘She trusted me from the very first step’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl posts huge score to claim back-to-back World Cup titles

Polly Bryan — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 08:18:30 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl stole the show on freestyle night at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Omaha, USA.

The German rider, last year’s World Cup winner and also the reigning Olympic and European champion, returned to the Dressage World Cup Final with her delightful TSF Dalera BB and rose to top the leaderboard in spectacular fashion once more.

The pair scored 90.48% – the ninth time they have exceeded the 90% marker – to finish 3% ahead of runners-up Nanna Skodberg Merrald and Blue Hors Zepter.

Jessica reported that the 16-year-old Easy Game mare had been super hot during the grand prix, and although they had topped the leaderboard on that occasion, it was without the usual polish as a spicy Dalera made a few uncharacteristic mistakes. But Jessica said that on freestyle night, she didn’t do too much in the way of warming-up, and that Dalera was more rideable in the arena as they glided through their French-themed routine.

“It was really hot in there and she again was a little bit scared but she trusted me 100%, that was the difference tonight. I was confident and we were mirroring each other, she was confident and I got confident. She was excited but she trusted me from the very first step”, said Jessica.

With this win, Jessica has proved that she and Dalera are right back at the top of world dressage, following her break from competition during 2022 while she welcomed her second child. During that time, it was Lottie Fry and Glamourdale who soared to success, being crowned world champions, and it is yet to be seen who will come out on top when these two combinations meet in competition for the first time later this year.

Denmark’s Nanna Skodberg Merrald demoted Germany’s Isabell Werth to third place when she came in from last draw and produced a stunning test with Blue Hos Zepter, a new ride of just a few months for her, that scored 87.15%.

“He was really on fire. I had to be so careful all the way around, it was a bit difficult to come back after extended canter but I’m so thrilled,” she said. “My journey with him has been so short, we have only been together for four months and I have the feeling I can ask for so much more – he is amazing,” she added of the 15-year-old chestnut, a son of Nanna’s own Olympic and world championship ride Blue Hors Zack.

Isabell and DSP Quantaz completed the podium with a score of 85.76%.

It was a somewhat depleted field that came forward for the freestyle, the deciding test of the Dressage World Cup Final, after two of those considered among the challengers for the title, Ingrid Klimke (Franciskus), Marieke van der Putten (Torveslettens Titanium) and Dinja van Liere (Hermes NOP), withdrew from the competition.

Defending champions off to winning start at Dressage World Cup Final – despite ‘expensive hiccups’

Polly Bryan — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:16:05 +0000

The FEI Dressage World Cup Final kicked off this evening in Omaha, Nebraska, with the defending champion and reigning Olympic gold medallist, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, opening her bid for back-to-back World Cup titles as she claimed the grand prix with TF Dalera BB.

The pair scored 79.92% – on the low side for this pair and the first time they have posted less than 80% internationally since January 2021 – but it was enough to keep them ahead of fellow German combination, Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz, who were second on 77.85%.

Jessica and Dalera presented a characteristically light-footed, harmonious test, with numerous highlights including the piaffe-passage work. But the mare was hot, and mistakes crept in, with an immobile halt to start, and a short first change in their line of one-time changes, which Jessica described as “expensive hiccups”.

“She was so on fire, I was lucky we had no major mistakes to be honest. She thought it wasn’t necessary to halt at the entrance for example,” said Jessica. “But I am super happy; she flew all the way here to America and is full of energy and wants to perform. She was just a bit too energised today; she was electric. But she is in super shape and she really tried to focus on me.”

Having claimed the 2022 Dressage World Cup Final title in euphoric fashion, Jessica missed the World Dressage Championships last summer due to the birth of her second child, Ella Marie. She has enjoyed three winning outings with Dalera since her return to competition in the autumn, and the pair look on track to defend their World Cup title in Omaha.

The World Cup is decided solely by the grand prix freestyle, which takes place on Friday, 7 April; the grand prix acts as a qualifier and determines the running order for the freestyle.

Denmark’s Nanna Skodberg Merrald finished third in the grand prix behind Jessica and Isabell on 76.16% riding Blue Hors Zepter. The 15-year-old son of Blue Hors Zack – Nanna’s team gold medallist at the world championships in 2022 – is a relatively new ride for her, though he is no stranger to a World Cup Final, having finished eighth at the 2022 final with Patrik Kittel.

One of the strongest contenders for the title, Dutch pair Dinja van Liere and Hermes NOP, withdrew from the grand prix, meaning they will not be eligible to compete in the freestyle – which determines the World Cup winner.

No British combinations have made the trip to compete in Omaha – reigning world champions Lottie Fry and Glamourdale qualified, but opted not to compete due to the stallion’s breeding commitments.

Still no maternity leave in eventing, while rules for dressage and jumping change

Becky Murray — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 19:21:15 +0000

Changes to FEI maternity rules in dressage and showjumping have been welcomed – but there remains no such provision for eventing.

Maternity leave in horse sport has been discussed at length over the years and extensively reported on by H&H. The topic was back under the spotlight when the FEI announced it would review the rules after Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was denied her planned competition return after having her second child, owing to the “FEI’s perception of the regulations” (news, 29 September).

This month, the FEI announced changes to the maternity rules for dressage, showjumping and driving to “introduce further flexibility” and give athletes the option of adapting the duration of their leave to their individual situations.

Under the new rules, the minimum maternity leave period has been reduced from six months to three; the maximum period of 12 months remains unchanged. Riders can come back earlier than originally indicated, by giving four weeks’ notice, or 10 weeks for showjumpers who wish to be eligible for CSI invitations. Riders will continue to retain 50% of their ranking points during this leave.

These rules have also now been introduced for endurance and para dressage, while vaulting is being examined by the technical committee.

World and European team gold medal-winning German showjumper Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmerman, who was involved in founding campaign group EqualEquest following the birth of her son, said the changes are “positive” and the FEI is sending a “clear signal” to women in top class sport.

“Nevertheless, we will continue to be involved [in campaigning]. More self-determination and flexibility are essential so that women can remain competitive in equestrian sports,” she said.

The FEI said it had listened to the riders who wanted the option of returning to competition earlier than six months.

“The board is in favour of supporting athletes wishing to achieve the best balance between family and a high-level sports career,” said an FEI spokesman, who added that the FEI will “keep on reviewing” the maternity and medical leave across disciplines to make sure they remain “relevant and fair”.

But despite the latest review, eventing remains without any maternity rules. The FEI eventing committee said it considered including medical and maternity leave provisions, but it was “not in favour” owing to “risk management reasons”.

Five-star eventer Kirsty Chabert told H&H she believes event riders should be able to retain some of their points when they take time off to have a baby, and that returning to competition was in the “forefront“ of her mind after she had her son in December 2018.

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t be able to freeze our points, we’ve worked hard to gain them and we’re constantly trying to get back to the job as quickly as we can. I had a complicated C-section, but I still felt the need to be back competing as quickly as I could,” she said.

“Thinking of risk management, I would say eventing is the riskiest of the three disciplines, and possibly the most strenuous. When you’ve got to be able to hold your pelvic floor and core for potentially 11 minutes and jump down into drop fences and still be able to be safe, surely by freezing your points you’re then not rushing to get back doing a discipline that you might physically not be fit enough to do.

“I think there needs to be a generic rule that’s across the disciplines, if that’s possible.”

The FEI spokesman told H&H the safety of athletes is “paramount” and it was felt that freezing ranking points would be “counterproductive” in eventing.

“Maternity leave provisions were not proposed in eventing, reflecting the eventing committee’s position on safety. This follows extensive work with the community in the past years to reinforce the eventing risk management policy by implementing rules that put more emphasis on recent results, to ensure athletes and horses are active at the level they compete and, ultimately, to reduce risk,” said the spokesman.

“This includes rider categorisation, minimum eligibility requirements (MERs), return to play rules or development of the horse form index, among others. Trends are being monitored through the collection of data and statistics and these clearly show that using current results as part of the MERs is a strong contributing factor to safety.”

Olympic champion explodes back into competition with huge score in brand new winning freestyle

Polly Bryan — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:59:51 +0000

Less than three months after giving birth to her second child, reigning Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has burst back on to the international competition scene, with a brilliant new freestyle to boot.

Having opened her comeback with a freestyle win on Ferdinand BB in Stadl Paura, Austria, this month, Jessica chose the World Cup qualifier in Lyon, France, to return to the ring with her Olympic and European gold medallist TSF Dalera BB for the first time since winning the World Cup Final in April.

Jessica and Dalera began their campaign with a plus-81% short grand prix win, then debuted their brand new freestyle routine to score a massive 90.14% in the freestyle the following day.

“I’m so, so, so happy to be back,” said an exuberant Jessica after her grand prix. “Dalera felt amazing. We had many highlights and I just love the way of our “silent communication”.”

Jessica gave birth to her daughter, Ella Marie, in August.

The premiere of Jesica and Dalera’s new freestyle, to replace the La La Land routine that had won the pair one bronze and two individual gold medals since 2019, has been much anticipated. It became clear why Jessica had chosen to debut it at Lyon, with the new programme based around the iconic French singer Edith Piaf’s music, which Jessica has said is designed to depict the love story between herself and Dalera.

The emotive strains of Non, Je ne Regrette Rien matched perfectly with Dalera’s beautiful piaffe-passage, which has certainly not diminished in its quality during her time off. Their walk section was to La Vie en Rose, with Padam Padam featuring during the canter tour.

The test, which had the maximum degree of difficulty of 10, was virtually mistake-free, save for a short change behind near the beginning of their canter work. Jessica’s face broke into a huge smile as she concluded the routine with the superb piaffe, before the final halt.

The scores awarded ranged from 87.95% from the French judge Jean-Michel Roudier at B, up to a high of 91.75% from the Dutch judge Mariette Sanders – Van Gansewinkel at M. Four of the five judges had her in the lead – France’s Isabelle Judet at C had eventual runner-up Isabell Werth and Emilio 107 in front. This is the seventh time Jessica and Dalera have broken the 90% barrier in international competition – their all-time best score was 91.75% at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel got in the way of an all-German top three at Lyon, finishing third with Touchdown, ahead of Jessica’s brother Benjamin Werndl in fourth with Famoso OLD.

Olympic champion ‘denied’ permission to return to competition in maternity leave dispute

Lucy Elder — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:30:40 +0000

Olympic champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was denied her planned competition comeback after having her second child owing to the FEI’s “perception of the regulations on maternity leave”.

The world number one is calling for a change to the rules – and the FEI has stated it will review them.

The current rules freeze 50% of a rider’s world ranking point while they are away from competition for maternity leave or medical reasons. But the FEI is saying that for the points freeze to apply, that this break has to be for a minimum of six months – this, and differing interpretations of the rules, are the crux of the dispute here.

Jessica, who took individual and team gold at the Tokyo Games with TSF Dalera BB last summer, followed by three gold medals at the 2021 European Championships, has been told she is not allowed to compete at Ludwigsburg CDI this week (22 to 25 September).

The German rider welcomed a baby girl with her husband Max von Bredow on 11 August. Their daughter, Ella Marie, was born the morning after Jessica watched her brother, Benjamin, finish fourth in the grand prix freestyle World Championships, from the delivery room at the hospital.

Jessica said she was looking forward to her comeback after her baby break, but her participation “was not approved”.

“The FEI denied me permission to start – because of its perception of the regulations on maternity leave,” she said.

“Our interpretation of the regulation is that if female athletes apply for maternity leave, the FEI must grant at least six months.

“But it is not a rule that an athlete must take a six-month break. So the female athletes should be allowed to end their maternity leave earlier [and in] the month they first restart, receive the existing points from the previous payment period.”

She added that when she was pregnant, she applied for maternity leave with the FEI.

She said according to the FEI, she is not allowed to return to competition during that time, adding that she has consulted with the German federation and “we do not share the FEI’s point of view”.

Jessica said that she would have assumed she would have lost the relevant frozen ranking points with her competition return in Ludwigsburg, but now she is “not even allowed to start”.

“I find it simply unfair and cannot understand the decision given the wording of the FEI regulation,” she said.

FEI maternity leave rules: how the disciplines compare

The FEI’s rules maternity leave rules are discipline specific – where they exist at all.

In the disciplines they do exist – dressage, showjumping and driving – the rules cover both maternity and periods of leave for medical conditions. Showjumping was the first discipline to incorporate provision for freezing 50% of ranking points, followed by dressage in 2019.

There is no provision for maternity leave in eventing or para dressage. The FEI told H&H in 2019 that this was owing to risk management reasons in eventing, as “many of the top level international events base their entry procedure on the rankings”.

Ranking points are separate to minimum eligibility requirements. Both may influence how an event accepts entries, for example, the Badminton entries ballot (horses’ points at four- and five-star in the last two years – with slightly tweaked criteria just for 2022) and CSI show invitations.

A number of top event riders have historically dropped significantly down the monthly updated world rankings, in some cases hundreds of places, because of time away from competition to have a baby.

In dressage, the FEI rules state that riders will retain 50% of the world rankings points earned from the corresponding months of the preceding year until they restart competing internationally.

“The minimum length of time for which an athlete may be granted a maternity/medical leave is six months; if the maternity/medical leave lasts less than six months, no points will be retained from the corresponding month of the preceding year,” it states.

“The maximum length of time an athlete may benefit from a maternity/medical leave of absence at one time is 12 months. During the period in which an athlete is on maternity/medical leave, they may not compete in international or national competitions; the FEI will inform the athlete’s national federation accordingly. The athlete concerned must inform the FEI when they resume international participation.”

‘The FEI will undertake a review’

Jessica added that her interpretation of the rules was that by deliberately waiving the calculation of the world ranking points, she could re-start.She said she is “very sad not to be allowed” to compete at Ludwigsburg.

“I hope for the future (for my colleagues) that the rules will be adjusted,” she said.

In a comment under her Instagram post, Jessica pointed out that had she not opted for maternity leave, she would have received no freeze on points at all – even in the event of a longer absence from competition owing to a difficult birth, c-section or similar.

“You don’t know beforehand how the birth will go,” she said.

“While we fully understand her desire to compete, Ms von Bredow-Werndl clearly expressed her decision to avail of the maternity leave provisions set out in article 2.2 of the FEI dressage world ranking list rules in April 2022 and it was explained to Ms von Bredow-Werndl at the time that the minimum period of the maternity leave would be six months,” said the spokesman.

“The FEI also informed the German equestrian federation at the time that, further to Ms von Bredow-Werndl’s decision, a note had been added to her profile confirming that she would not be competing during the six-month period of her maternity leave.

“Once an athlete has chosen to apply for medical/maternity leave, and has benefited from the provision allowing for the retention of 50% of the ranking points from the corresponding six months of the previous year, it is not possible for the athlete to subsequently change their mind.”

The spokesman said that the procedures currently in place are “to protect the fairness and integrity of the sport. Any recalculation of the dressage rankings could have a significant impact on other athletes”.

“The FEI will undertake a review of the medical/maternity leave rules for the future, and will liaise with the riders’ clubs (IJRC, IDRC) [International Jumping Riders Club and International Dressage Riders Club] and the wider equestrian stakeholder groups,” said the spokesman.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl ( GER) riding Tsf Dalera during the Grand Prix Special - Team Final for the Olympic Dressage Competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held at Equestrian Park in Setagaya-ku in Tokyo in Japan between the 23rd July and 8th August 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘She’s a real dancer’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and ‘amazing’ mare ensure Germany’s Olympic dressage gold

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl dazzles to claim individual European gold, with agonising finish for Charlotte Dujardin

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘She leaves her heart in there for us’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claims World Cup title on last major outing before baby break

‘Every child begins the world again’: Olympic champion gives birth while watching her brother ride at Herning World Championships

Polly Bryan — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:28:12 +0000

Olympic and European dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has given birth to her second baby, a daughter, with husband Max von Bredow.

The baby, named Ella Marie, was born on Thursday, 11 August, the morning after German rider Jessica had watched her brother Benjamin finish fourth in the grand prix freestyle at the Blue Hors FEI World Dressage Championships, from the delivery room at the hospital.

“Yes, she’s here,” said Jessica. “ I watched my brother’s phenomenal performance from the maternity room yesterday evening.”

She has already got home to her Aubenhausen base, and introduced Ella Marie to the horses, including her top mare, the Easy Game daughter TSF Dalera BB.

Jessica’s pregnancy prevented her from competing at the Dressage World Championships, and thus a crack at the “triple crown” – holding world, European and Olympic titles simultaneously. Her last major competition with was the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, in April, which she won.

But while Jessica had to follow the World Championships from home – and the hospital – her brother Benjamin was instrumental in helping Germany claim team bronze, on his championship debut with Famoso OLD. The pair also came fifth in the special and fourth in the freestyle, both with personal best scores.

“So damn proud of you and Famoso. Riding one personal best after the other at your first championship at seniors level is just crazy,” Jessica said in support of her brother after the grand prix special.

Following Benjamin’s brilliant freestyle performance for 85.89% she said: “There were so many wonderful goosebumps moments, every day you outdid yourselves again. And this is just the beginning.

“I am incredibly proud of my brother Benjamin, Famoso, his owner Flora Keller, Aniko Hornik – representing our whole team in Aubenhausen and all coaches (equestrian, fitness or mental), physiotherapists, vets, farriers… simply all who belong to it!”

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘She leaves her heart in there for us’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claims World Cup title on last major outing before baby break

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He doesn’t want to make any mistakes’: German debutants impress with second personal best of World Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A new Olympic champion is crowned – how Jessica von Bredow-Werndl won gold in Tokyo

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Disappointment for Lottie Fry as she copes brilliantly with tricky ride at the World Cup Final

Polly Bryan — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 21:51:57 +0000

There was heartbreak for Britain’s Lottie Fry in tonight’s FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany. Her grand prix freestyle with Dark Legend did not go as planned, and they finished well down the order with an uncharacteristically low score of 67.55%.
With the stands packed with noisy crowds in the Leipziger Messe and the hospitality areas by the side of the ring bustling, it proved a very tricky environment for the hot Zucchero son, who put in a big spook just seconds before entering the arena. He proceeded to take fright on the first centre line of their toe-tapping “Let me take you dancing” routine, and Lottie said she had to improvise her floorplan to try to avoid the entire H corner of the arena that was making Darky afraid.
The 26-year-old produced a masterclass of clever, sympathetic riding coaxing a very tense Darky through their routine, and showing plenty of flashes of brilliance between the spooks.
“It was a shame it was today that he got scared, but I’m just glad that he could carry on and we got some confidence back and we could finish the test,” said Lottie, who finished eighth in the short grand prix on Thursday, the opening day of the Dressage World Cup Final.
“I had to change my floorplan to avoid the corner. But we managed to get everything in and I was really proud of how we managed to carry on,” she added. “When you’re in that atmosphere, you don’t have time to think about if it’s good or not – you have just got to do it.”
It was an unfortunate end to the winter season for Lottie and Darky, who have been racking up the plus-80% scores over recent months, with their best to date being the 83.68% they posted in Aachen in September.
“It’s a shame that happened here, but I think we can get the confidence back and hopefully be out this season back in shape,” said Lottie.
Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claimed the title after a brilliant ride on her Olympic champion, TSF Dalera BB, while it was an emotional night for Isabell Werth as she performed her last test on the 17-year-old Weihegold OLD.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘It’s right to retire her at the top’: Isabell Werth on Weihegold’s retirement plans and her best memories of the brilliant black mare
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘She leaves her heart in there for us’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claims World Cup title on last major outing before baby break
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
What’s it like to ride at a World Cup Final on a horse you’ve only competed once?
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Access all areas: Dressage star Lottie Fry *H&H Plus*
With all eyes on Tokyo, the young but talented Lottie Fry is a very real contender for the British dressage
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘She leaves her heart in there for us’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claims World Cup title on last major outing before baby break

Polly Bryan — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 20:48:49 +0000

Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl claimed an emphatic victory at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, tonight (9 April). The reigning Olympic and European gold medallist added another championship win to her remarkable tally with TSF Dalera BB with a huge score of 90.84%.
“Dalera was just amazing, as always, but today it was very, very special,” said an emotional Jessica, who also won Thursday’s short grand prix with the 14-year-old Easy Game mare.
“It’s difficult to find the right words to describe Dalera; she leaves her heart in there for me, for us,” added Jessica, referring to her second child who is due to be born in August. “This is something you can’t ask for and what she offers is so special.”
This is Jessica’s last competition with Dalera before taking a baby break this summer, and admitted it was “a little sad as Dalera is in such good shape”.
“We will use the summer to have a vacation and to keep on doing conditioning training and cantering in the forest – everything we both love, and I already can’t wait to come back.”
The pair’s score this evening was slightly lower than their personal best of 91.73%, that they achieved at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, but Jessica said their test tonight “felt better than in Tokyo”.
“The feeling she gave me was probably the best ever,” she added, and certainly their test sheet was littered with nines and 10s, mostly for the piaffe-passage and the pirouettes. This elegant mare shows such incredible willingness to work, and such impressive ability to sit and use her body while remaining beautifully relaxed that she and Jessica are simply a joy to watch.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB en route to their plus-90% World Cup Final win (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Taking the runner-up spot was Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour, competing at her first World Cup Final. Cathrine scored 86.16% with the 10-year-old Vamos Amigos, the British-owned Vitalis son who is destined one day to become the ride of British junior champion Annabella Pidgley.
“He is only 10 and this was only the second time he has performed with a full crowd. I’m really proud of him and I think he did a super performance today,” said Cathrine.
Germany’s Isabell Werth was not quite able to hang on to the World Cup title for a fourth final in a row, but instead filled third position. It was an emotional night for Isabell, as she made her final trip into a dressage arena with the brilliant mare Weihegold OLD, who is now to be retired, aged 17.
“To retire Weihe and for her to finish at this level with such an atmosphere, it’s a great day, and to receive a standing ovation – that is what I wished for to honour her at her last competition,” said Isabell, who admitted she felt very emotional on the last centre line, when the crowds rose to show their appreciation for this stellar combination.
Danish riders filled out the top five, with Carina Cassøe Krüth producing a stunning performance with Heiline’s Danciera for 84.97% and fourth, while Nanna Skodberg Merrald was fifth with Atterupgaards Orthilia, the former British team horse under Fiona Bigwood.
The night did not go quite to plan for Britain’s Lottie Fry, who displayed masterful riding aboard Dark Legend, but finished in 17th after a tricky ride.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: FEI/Richard Juilliart)
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on flying form in opening round of the Dressage World Cup Final
(Image credit: FEI/Richard Juilliart)
‘It’s right to retire her at the top’: Isabell Werth on Weihegold’s retirement plans and her best memories of the brilliant black mare
(Image credit: FEI/Richard Juilliart)
What’s it like to ride at a World Cup Final on a horse you’ve only competed once?
(Image credit: FEI/Richard Juilliart)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What time will Britain’s Lottie Fry and the other top contenders ride in the Dressage World Cup Final tonight?

Polly Bryan — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 13:44:47 +0000

The much-anticipated FEI Dressage World Cup Final takes place this evening (9 April) in Leipzig, Germany, and whether you are lucky enough to be there in person, or if you will be watching from home, you’ll need to know what time the top riders will be in action.
All 17 riders who took part in Thursday evening’s short grand prix will ride again tonight, with the results from that class determining the starting order for the grand prix freestyle, from which the Dressage World Cup Final winner will be decided.
Britain’s Lottie Fry, who finished eighth in the grand prix with Dark Legend will be the eighth rider into the Leipzig arena tonight, riding at 8.20pm (7.20pm BST). This is Lottie’s first World Cup Final, and even qualifying came as something of a surprise to her.
Thursday night’s winner, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB, is undoubtedly the favourite to win this year’s title, having already wowed the crowds with her plus-84% grand prix win. She will be the last rider into the arena at 10pm (9pm BST) to fight for what would be her first World Cup title, having finished third on three previous occasions with Unee BB.
Before Jessica though, come her main rivals; she will be preceded into the arena by Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour, who finished second in the grand prix with over 80% on the very exciting 10-year-old Vivaldi gelding Vamos Amigos. Cathrine will begin her test at 9.50pm (8.50pm BST).
All eyes will be on Germany’s Isabell Werth tonight as well, when she goes at 9.20pm (8.20pm BST). Not only is she the defending champion, having won the World Cup title in 2017, 2018 and 2019, but this will be her brilliant black mare Weihegold OLD’s final trip into a dressage arena. The 17-year-old will be retired after tonight’s competition, and is set to become a broodmare.
Check out the full list of starters for the Dressage World Cup Final [PDF download].
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Battle of the titans: who will win this year’s Dressage World Cup Final?
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
How to watch the FEI World Cup Finals of Dressage and Jumping
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on flying form in opening round of the Dressage World Cup Final

Polly Bryan — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 21:13:45 +0000

The FEI Dressage World Cup Final kicked off this evening in Leipzig, Germany (7 April) with the reigning Olympic and European champion waltzing her way to the top of the leaderboard in the short grand prix. Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl rode the delightful 15-year-old mare TSF Dalera BB to a score of 84.79% to score a resounding victory in the first round of competition.
All seven judges had Jessica firmly in the lead with the Easy Game daughter, with whom she won five gold medals in 2021. Her scores this evening ranged from 83.29% up to 86.84% for her virtually flawless round.
“Dalera makes it very easy for me to enjoy it, although I don’t really think about how much I enjoy it during the test as I am always very focused.
“It’s difficult to find the words to describe Dalera – she still feels like she’s improving, it’s incredible, and she is always giving 100%,” said Jessica, for whom this is the last major competition before she takes a break to have her second child, due in August.
“I’m just so happy to be able to ride, as I am pregnant, now in the fifth month, but I feel super fit and so does Dalera. From a sport point of view, it’s a little bit sad that this is the last big competition before a break,” she said, adding that she will work at producing a new freestyle for Dalera during her pregnancy break.
This Dressage World Cup Final was always set to be a showdown between the two leading ladies of German dressage, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth, defending champion and winner of the past three consecutive finals with Weihegold OLD. But Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour established herself as a serious contender for a podium position with a second-place finish tonight riding the young and relatively inexperienced Vamos Amigos, a 10-year-old Vivaldi son who is owned by Britain’s Sarah Pidgley and is one day destined for a partnership with 17-year-old British junior rider Annabella Pidgley.
Cathrine said the gelding was “on fire from the beginning” and admitted she was willing the excited Leipzig crowd not to clap as she entered the arena.
“He is super powerful but also always on the edge,” she said. “I was sitting on the handbrake all the way though; I’m not even riding him 50% at the moment. It’s all just a matter of keeping him calm and giving him confidence.
“At some point he will for sure go to Annabella, but for now he is a handful, and she has Gio to get to know now and also Espe, one of the younger horses I had at my yard,” added Cathrine, who trains Annabella. “For now she needs slightly more experienced horses to get started in grand prix.”
Cathrine’s impressive round pipped defending World Cup champion Isabell Werth into third with Weihegold OLD, the 17-year-old Don Schufro mare who is set to be retired after the Dressage World Cup Final. Isabell scored 79.76% with a slick round.
“It felt very good, and I’m really pleased and proud of Weihe as it was her last grand prix,” said Isabell.
Britain’s Lottie Fry finished in eighth on her World Cup debut after a test which included lots of highlights but also a costly mistake.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Battle of the titans: who will win this year’s Dressage World Cup Final?
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘He is capable of winning something like this’: John Whitaker opens his bid for first World Cup title in +30 years
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Gio moves to new rider Annabella Pidgley’s yard
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Battle of the titans: who will win this year’s Dressage World Cup Final?

Polly Bryan — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:32:52 +0000

Who will win this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup Final? It’s a question many are asking as the equestrian world gears up for the first World Cup Final since 2019, taking place from 6 to 10 April in Leipzig, Germany.
A world-class field will line up for the dressage final, but all eyes will be on the two favourites for the title, both of whom are competing on home soil: defending champion Isabell Werth, who will ride her World Cup winner from the past three finals, Weihegold OLD, and the reigning Olympic and European champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who will bring her top horse, TSF Dalera BB. So, which of these two German superstars is most likely to win this year’s Dressage World Cup Final?
Isabell is, of course, the most decorated dressage rider of all time, and will be as hungry as ever to claim her fifth World Cup title, and what would be her fourth with this talented Don Schufro mare. This year’s final will be especially poignant for Isabell – it is set to be 17-year-old Weihegold OLD’s last competitive appearance before she is retired. And if they did come away with the spoils, they would also make yet more history together, as the first combination to win the title on four consecutive occasions.
The World Cup result is decided solely on the grand prix freestyle, and Isabell is known for her stirring freestyle routines, eye-watering levels of difficulty in her floorplans and her pinpoint accuracy, which will stand her in good stead in Leipzig. Although Weihegold and Isabell uncharacteristically finished off the podium in the freestyle at the 2021 European Championships, they have broken the 90% barrier together a whopping six times. However, they have not done so in more than two years, since January 2020. Their best-ever freestyle score is 90.98%, achieved at the Europeans in August 2017.
Jessica and the 15-year-old Easy Game mare Dalera, on the other hand, will arrive in Leipzig off the back of a dream season, when they scooped both team and individual gold medals at both the Tokyo Olympics and the European Championships. Dalera is unquestionably in the prime of her life – she and Jessica have remained unbeaten since before the Tokyo Olympics, and posted 90.55% to win their final World Cup qualifier, at s’Hertogenbosch, less than a month ago.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)
“I don’t want to hide Dalera away just for the outdoor season,” Jessica told H&H earlier in 2022. “She wouldn’t like that, and I always think that I get better when I compete, and she loves it, so we should do it.”
This is their first World Cup Final as a combination, although Jessica has finished third on three previous occasions, and seventh on another, riding Unee BB. She will be hungry for World Cup glory, and also knows it is likely her only shot at a major championship in 2022 – Jessica is currently pregnant with her second child due in August, ruling her out of the dressage World Championships.
Jessica and Dalera have scored over 90% on five occasions internationally, with an all-time best score of 91.7% at the Olympics last July. In fact, the last time they posted under 90% in a grand prix freestyle was in January 2021.
Of the two top German challengers, Jessica appears to be the most likely candidate to capture the World Cup title, but never underestimate Isabell Werth, who will be fighting hard to maintain her dominance, and to finish her great mare’s stellar career on a high.
Dressage World Cup Final 2022: best of the rest
Even dressage can be unpredictable, and the field for this year’s final is littered with talented combinations who could shake things up. One of those is Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour, riding at her first World Cup Final. Cathrine will not bring her European individual silver medallist from 2021, Bohemian, with whom she exceeded the 90% marker for the first time on their last outing, at Herning CDI5* in mid-March, but instead has campaigned the younger, relatively inexperienced Vamos Amigos at the World Cup circuit.
Make no mistake, though, this Vitalis son, who is owned by Britain’s Sarah Pidgley, may only be 10 years old with just a handful of international shows under his belt, but he could definitely make a splash in Leipzig. The pair scored almost 87% to finish second to Jessica von Bredow-Werndl at their last qualifier, in Neumünster in February, and could be extremely competitive here.
In fact, the entire Danish contingent could prove a threat. Three of the combinations who won team bronze at the Europeans will be in action in Leipzig – expect both Carina Cassøe Krüth (Heiline’s Danciera) and Nanna Skodberg Merrald (Atterupgaards Orthilia) to put in strong bids for the podium.
Britain’s sole representative, Lottie Fry, is another in with a realistic shot at a top-three finish in Leipzig. She will ride Dark Legend, after qualifying for the final somewhat unexpectedly, and this 14-year-old Zucchero is another horse in the form of life right now. The pair posted an all-time best score as a combination at Aachen CDIO5* in 2021, of 83.68%, and they also scored 82.33% at their last show, the World Cup qualifier at s’Hertogenbosch.
“Dark Legend has been going better than ever,” Lottie told H&H. “It’s always incredible to compete alongside the best riders in the world and we’re ready to do our best.”
You might also be interested in:
(Image credit: FEI/Christophe Taniere)
One rider carries British dressage hopes on World Cup Final debut
(Image credit: FEI/Christophe Taniere)
Olympic dressage champion reveals exciting news – but tilt at World Championships looks unlikely
(Image credit: FEI/Christophe Taniere)
‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold
(Image credit: FEI/Christophe Taniere)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

One rider carries British dressage hopes on World Cup Final debut

Polly Bryan — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 10:10:48 +0000

Lottie Fry will be the sole British rider competing at this week’s FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany. This will be the first World Cup Final held since 2019, as it was called off owing to coronavirus in 2020 and the EHV outbreak in 2021.
Lottie will ride Dark Legend at what will be the Olympic medallist’s first World Cup Final. The 14-year-old Zucchero x Tango gelding was her British team partner at the 2019 European Dressage Championships, as well as her under-25 European gold medallist in 2018.
“I’m really excited to be going to my first World Cup Final,” Lottie told H&H. “It was actually a little unexpected but Dark Legend has been going better than ever and we managed to qualify at the last minute. It’s always incredible to compete alongside the best riders in the world and we’re ready to do our best.”
Lottie finished in 10th position in the Western European league, following her second-place finish at the London Horse Show in December, and fourth-place finish at s’Hertogenbosch this month.
Just nine riders from the Western European League may qualify for the final, but with a maximum of three riders allowed from one country, Lottie clinched a slot above Germany’s Frederic Wandres, who lost out owing to a late qualification rule change by the FEI, despite the fact he finished fourth in the standings. The current rules allowed his compatriot Helen Langehananberg to take the third German spot behind top-ranked Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and defending champion Isabell Werth, who is automatically allocated a place at the following year’s final.
Jessica will bring forward her Olympic and European champion, the 15-year-old mare TSF Dalera BB (Easy Game x Handryk), for a crack at winning her first World Cup title. Jessica is no stranger to World Cup Finals, having finished third on three occasions, and seventh on another with her former top horse Unee BB. She and Dalera are on top form, having remained unbeaten in international competition since before the Tokyo Olympics, and will likely start the competition as favourites to win.
The World Cup Final looks set to be Jessica’s only major championship in 2022 – she is almost five months pregnant with her second baby, who is due in August, meaning she will miss the dressage World Championships this summer.
Jessica’s main rival will be Isabell Werth, for whom this will be her 19th World Cup Final. She won the last three consecutive finals with the now 17-year-old Don Schufro x Sandro Hit mare Weihegold OLD, and will be riding the mare again at this year’s event.
Also among the starters is European silver medallist Cathrine Dufour, riding for Denmark, another at her first World Cup Final. Catherine will ride the 10-year-old Vamos Amigos, a Vitalis son owned by Britain’s Sarah Pidgley.
Two USA riders will be in action: Anna Buffini (FRH Davinia La Douce) and Ashley Holzer (Havanna 145), with a total of 13 nations represented in total.
All 18 riders will first contest the short grand prix on Thursday 7 April, with all those who achieve 60% going forward to the grand prix freestyle on Saturday 9 April. The winner of the freestyle will be crowned the World Cup champion for 2022.
You might also be interested in:
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘He’s not normal!’: Lottie Fry scores huge personal best with upcoming stallion
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Access all areas: Dressage star Lottie Fry *H&H Plus*
With all eyes on Tokyo, the young but talented Lottie Fry is a very real contender for the British dressage
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘I have to keep looking at the medal to realise it happened’: Lottie Fry reflects on her Tokyo Olympic experience
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic dressage champion reveals exciting news – but tilt at World Championships looks unlikely

Polly Bryan — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 12:59:21 +0000

Reigning Olympic and European champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is unlikely to attempt to add a first world title to her collection in 2022, as the German rider has announced she is pregnant with her second child.
Competing at the 2022 dressage World Championships, which are to be held in Herning, Denmark from 5 to 14 August, will be “difficult, as the estimated date of birth is in August,” the world number one told H&H.
However, the 36-year-old rider did confirm to H&H that she is still aiming to compete with her top mare TSF Dalera BB at the 2022 World Cup dressage final on home soil in Leipzig, Germany. Jessica will be five months pregnant when the final takes place, on 6-10 April.
Jessica and her husband, Max von Bredow, already have a four-year-old son, Moritz.
“So infinitely grateful for the second miracle that may be created within me,” said Jessica.
The 2022 World Cup final will be Jessica’s fifth, and her first with Dalera – she has finished third at the final on three occasions with her former team horse Unee BB, in 2015, 2016 and 2018. She is currently in joint fifth place on the Western European World Cup leaderboard, which is led by Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour. As defending champion, Germany’s Isabell Werth – who has won the title at the last three finals with Weihegold OLD – will also have a guaranteed slot at the World Cup final.
Jessica swept the board in 2021, claiming both team and individual gold at the Tokyo Olympics – her first Games – in July, going on to win triple gold at the European Championships in September with the 15-year-old Trakehner mare Dalera, a daughter of Easy Game x Handryk.
Since the Europeans, Jessica has competed Dalera on the international and World Cup circuit, remaining unbeaten with plus-90% victories at Stockholm CDI5* in November, and Neumünster CDIW in February. The pair are currently in action at the World Cup qualifier at s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, alongside Britain’s Lottie Fry (Dark Legend) and Richard Davison (Bubblingh).
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
‘He’s not normal!’: Lottie Fry scores huge personal best with upcoming stallion
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: the top German dressage rider who nearly quit the spot *H&H Plus*
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Could your horse be right for a lesson with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl?

Sarah Eakin — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 13:59:53 +0000

Five horses need to be selected for the upcoming Evening with Olympic champion, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl at the Adequan Dressage Festival [AGDF] close by to the Winter Equestrian Festival – and the list of prospects is oversubscribed.
“I’m getting far more requests than I can take,” said AGDF director of sport, Thomas Baur. “It needs to be the right horse. That’s the most important part here.”
In the past AGDF has hosted Carl Hester in 2018 and Isabell Werth in 2019, presenting in the same formula. Teams at the Equestrian Sport Productions and the AGDF are expecting the “Evening with Jessica” on 24 March to be a big hit in the international arena at the showground with an expected crowd of some 1,500 spectators.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for dressage riders and fans in Wellington to learn from a rider like Jessica von Bredow-Werndl,” said AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur. “We are pleased to have her here and be able to share her experience with those at AGDF.”
Jessica will first discuss the horses with the riders in a briefing session, before she offers advice from the ground to each rider in front of everyone attending. Her comments will be shared over a microphone so spectators can benefit from her live analysis and training tips.
“We will have five different horses from our dressage community that evening,” said Thomas. “And Jessica will give a clinic for half an hour to 45 minutes per horse; it depends – if it’s a five-year-old you cannot do that long. She’s giving them riding lessons.”
In 2020 Jessica won individual and team gold at the Tokyo Olympics. At the 2021 European Championships, she and her top partner TSF Dalera BB won the team and two individual gold medals. Jessica also won the team gold medal at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2019 European Championships. Unsurprisingly the chance of having a horse critiqued by Jessica has proved popular.
Jessica is part of the selection process and will review videos of the horses before making a decision as to which ones will work best for the clinic.
“We are trying to show through the ages – so from a five-year-old through to grand prix — or a young grand prix horse,” said Thomas.
Meanwhile, the search for the right candidates goes on. “We are still looking for those suitable horses,” he said.
You may also find interesting…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Frederic Wandres and Guenter Seidel among leading riders taking the arena for Palm Beach Derby
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Bluetooth OLD is ready for Europe after crowd-pleasing win at Winter Equestrian Festival
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Wandres goes for a double victory as dressage returns to the limelight at the Winter Equestrian Festival
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘The fear of mistakes knocked on my door every day’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the ‘mental toolbox’ that helped her win Olympic gold

Polly Bryan — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:02:47 +0000

2021 was a year of dreams for Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Olympic champion and European triple gold medallist. Riding the Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB, the German rider proved invincible – leading her team to gold at the Tokyo Olympics, before winning the individual gold medal. Less than two months later, she repeated the feat at the European Championships, back on home soil in Hagen, Germany, winning team gold and two individual golds.
Tokyo was far from being Jessica’s first championships – she has been a stalwart of the German national team for several years, formerly with Gribaldi stallion Unee BB – but it was her first Olympic Games. And, having dominated the European show circuit during the early part of 2021, she and Dalera arrived in Japan as favourites for the gold – as long as they could find a way to beat the indomitable Isabell Werth with Bella Rose.
“I knew I had the chance to win [gold] but I didn’t expect it,” Jessica revealed to H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan on episode 86 of The Horse & Hound Podcast. “To win at an Olympic Games, everything has to work out and be on point. You have to keep your nerves under control.
“Dalera was amazing; she tried her heart out for me and gave me the feeling every day that everything was going to be alright. It was a real fairytale, actually.”
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: Olympic champion
The individual final in Tokyo played out in dramatic fashion, with Jessica setting a sky-high target of 91.73% ahead of her compatriot and closest rival Isabell entering the arena.
“I remember the feeling when I realised that I could be individual Olympic champion, even though it wasn’t sure yet, and that feeling was so emotional,” said Jessica, describing the moment she watched Isabell’s score of 89.6% flash up on the screen and realised she was still holding the top spot with just two riders left to go.
“I didn’t expect it to be that emotional, but it showed me how much I really wanted it actually,” she continued. “I always tried to tell myself, ‘you can’t do more than giving your best’, but the moment you know you might achieve your dream is so incredible. There was a lot of pressure inside myself and at that moment everything just fell down. It was unbelievable.”
Jessica admitted that she felt considerable pressure in the run-up to the Games, but mostly stemming from her own hopes and expectations rather than from other people.
“I always told myself that Dalera doesn’t know the difference between the German championships and the Olympics, so why should I make there be a difference, and that all we can do is our best. But the fear of not performing knocked on my door every day.
“Luckily I could prepare myself over other championships and several years of experience now at this top level. Over the years I have created a mental toolbox that I can grab from, for example meditation or breathing techniques.
“It helps me handle the pressure but also the fear to make mistakes, because on one hand to make mistakes is very normal, but on the other hand it’s stupid if it happens [at an Olympics],” she said.
Jessica also revealed that a comment in an article written by H&H’s dressage editor shortly before the Olympics had quite a profound effect on her going into the Games.
“Reading that sentence [suggesting she could become the next Olympic champion] was the first time I really confronted myself with this topic and thought, ‘Wow, there are people who really believe it’s possible’. I read it and it really touched me and was a big motivation for me actually,” said Jessica.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
A new Olympic champion is crowned – how Jessica von Bredow-Werndl won gold in Tokyo
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
H&H dressage editor’s blog: ‘Will we see Valegro’s world records broken this year?’
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 86: Olympic and European dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl | Rider diet | News round-up
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘The best feeling I’ve ever had’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on her gold medal-winning freestyle – and aiming for the world record
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
H&H Olympic reporter’s blog: ‘We were standing with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl when she found out she’d won gold’
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Horse & Hound Podcast 86: Olympic and European dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl | Rider diet | News round-up

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:45:06 +0000

In our 86th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Polly Bryan talks to the current Olympic and European dressage champion, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Jessica talks about how she handled the pressure in Tokyo. H&H’s Pippa Roome then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss fragile foal syndrome, the cost of living and how different grazing systems can benefit the environment. Finally, personal trainer Katie Bleekman talks about getting your diet on track, ready for the 2022 season. We hope you’ll enjoy listening.
Episode 86 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available every Thursday morning for our H&H digital subscribers, is now live.
Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app 24hrs after its early release to our H&H digital subscribers. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.
View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast
In our 86th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Polly Bryan talks to the current Olympic and European dressage champion, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Jessica talks about how she handled the pressure in Tokyo.
“I always told myself that ‘Dalera’ doesn’t know the difference between the German championships and the Olympics, so why should I make a difference? The only thing we can do is to give our best” – Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on how she handled the Olympic pressure in Tokyo.
H&H’s Pippa Roome then catches up with the H&H news team to discuss fragile foal syndrome, the cost of living and how different grazing systems can benefit the environment.
“The results were unexpected as it showed horse owners were giving consideration to things like biodiversity, soil health and rewilding” – H&H’s news editor Eleanor Jones on a study carried out to discover how different grazing systems can benefit the environment.
Finally, personal trainer Katie Bleekman talks about getting your diet on track, ready for the 2022 season.
“If you were looking at what to feed your horse, you wouldn’t just think ‘right, what’s the quickest way for him to lose weight?’ You would think about keeping condition on, making sure he has the balance of all the correct nutrients he needs, and the same should apply to yourself” – Katie Bleekman
We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com
H&H Plus podcast: episode 86
.
.
Listen now to other recent episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 85: Top amateur eventer Lauren Innes | Rider fitness post-Christmas | News round-up
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 84: Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 83: 2021 review featuring Tom McEwen, Lottie Fry, Ben Maher and more
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 82: Top rider Christmas quiz
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Horse & Hound Podcast 81: Vicki Casey on riding at the London International Horse Show | Introducing young horses to riders | News round-up
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

High emotions and an elimination: today’s key stories from the European Dressage Championships

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 16:49:45 +0000

The final day of competition is complete at the senior European Dressage Championships at Hagen, in Germany, and the freestyle proved to be a real thriller with moments that moved the crowd and brought goosebumps to those watching on as some of the world’s best competed for a place on the podium.
European Dressage Championships: day four news and results
Olympic champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB rounded off their perfect week of competition, adding a third gold medal to their 2021 Europeans tally.
Discover why Jessica said her test today was “the best feeling” she has ever had
Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Gio, gave it everything they had to secure a medal
Find out what Charlotte had to say following her test with ‘Pumpkin’
Britain’s Lottie Fry, scored yet another personal best with Everdale to some fantastic contemporary music
Read what Lottie had to say about her impressive test
Carl Hester put on a masterful display of riding with En Vogue, who was particularly fresh today
Discover why Carl described their performance today as a “good learning curve”
Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour put her Tokyo demons firmly behind her with Bohemian to claim a place on the podium
Hear what Cathrine had to say about her test and why she described her situation as “unreal”
There was drama towards the start of the freestyle class when one combination were eliminated
Discover why this pair were not permitted to complete their test
Unfortunately, the podium did not feature Germany’s Isabell Werth for the first time in six years
Find out more about how the freestyle competition unfolded
Plus, find out who H&H’s rider of the day is – her story might surprise you
Discover more about a young British rider who has taken a slightly unconventional route to dressage
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘We were really trying for everything today’: Charlotte Dujardin and Gio bring home Europeans freestyle bronze medal
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
‘The best feeling I’ve ever had’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on her gold medal-winning freestyle – and aiming for the world record
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Horse eliminated from freestyle at European Dressage Championships under blood rule
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘The best feeling I’ve ever had’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on her gold medal-winning freestyle – and aiming for the world record

Polly Bryan — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 16:05:45 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is the new European champion, having added individual freestyle gold at the European Dressage Championships to her Olympic title from earlier this summer. The German rider, who also won team gold and grand prix special gold earlier this week, rode the delightful TSF Dalera BB to a score of 91.02% to top the podium ahead of Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour in silver and Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin in bronze.
Their test, ridden to the La La Land music that suits this elegant, joyful pair down to the ground and never fails to raise the emotions, was quite breathtaking, with a plethora of highlights. Even Jessica could not choose a highlight, saying “every moment felt very special”.
“It was very emotional – I didn’t expect her to be that good again. That was the best feeling I have ever, ever had,” said Jessica. “She was so focused. This week has been a fairytale and Dalera is unbelievable.”
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl exits the ring after her freestyle at the European Championships (Image credit: creditUnknown)
The seven judges awarded them 27 10s in total, for their glorious, classical piaffes, super halts and the velvet-smooth piaffe-passage transitions, which appeared effortless. They also received straight 10s for the music and choreography.
However, many of those watching the European Dressage Championships – and Jessica herself – had expected the score to have been even higher, and perhaps even to threaten the freestyle world record of 94.3%, that Charlotte Dujardin set with Valegro in 2014.
“I had hoped for a bigger score to be honest as I had the best feeling ever – better than in Tokyo and in Balve,” said Jessica, referring to the Tokyo Olympics and to the German National Championships in June this year, where she and Dalera recorded their highest ever score of 93.03% in the freestyle.
“She was light, she was on fire but not too much. Two days ago [in the special] she was a little bit too hot, so I couldn’t ride extensions fully, then it looked a bit intense I think. Today was the perfect energy. She loves what she does, and I feel it every second and in every movement.
“If we ever get a world record, of course that is amazing, but I am just grateful for now, for this year and for this mare. I can’t ask for more.”
Jessica and Béatrice Buerchler-Keller’s 14-year-old Easy Game mare have been partners for six-and-a-half years and have developed a very special bond.
“We have a real friendship and we love spending time with each other, not only when I’m in the saddle. Whenever I’m around her I’m happy,” said Jessica, saying that Dalera will now have a long holiday with plenty of field time and hacking. “I feel like she really loves what she does and it makes it so special. She has strength and self-carriage and self-confidence now, and it’s just so fun.”
You may be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: the top German dressage rider who nearly quit the spot *H&H Plus*
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
H&H dressage editor’s blog: ‘Will we see Valegro’s world records broken this year?’
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl dazzles to claim individual European gold, with agonising finish for Charlotte Dujardin
Meet the vegan dressage rider with Tokyo Olympics ambitions
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hat-trick for Germany’s golden girl as Charlotte Dujardin scoops individual freestyle bronze; no medal for Isabell Werth

Polly Bryan — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 14:31:11 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl has completed a golden hat-trick to top the freestyle podium at the European Dressage Championships, with Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin repeating her Tokyo result to claim a fabulous bronze. Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour slotted into the silver medal position — the best individual result of her career.
However, for the first time in six years, Germany’s Isabell Werth will not feature on an individual championship podium, finishing fourth with Weihegold OLD after a couple of mistakes capped her score to 84.89%.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the stunning 14-year-old Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB danced their way through a delightful routine to their La La Land music, scoring 91.02% with every judge having the partnership decisively in the lead. Having won freestyle bronze at the last European Dressage Championships in 2019, they have gone from strength to strength in the years since and are now the reigning Olympic and European champions.
“I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful mare with me and I couldn’t have asked for more. She is wonderful,” said Jessica, who has now won five gold medals in the space of six weeks.
Cathrine and the 11-year-old Bordeaux gelding Bohemian also produced a polished test to their dramatic, emotive Les Misérables soundtrack, scoring 88.43% to improve on their individual bronze medal from the grand prix special.
Charlotte Dujardin and Gio during the freestyle at the 2021 Europeans in Hagen (Image credit: creditUnknown)
Charlotte and the diminutive 10-year-old Apache son Gio rode a stunning round to their Tokyo music, which suits this bouncy gelding down to the ground. Charlotte rode for every mark, and it was just an unfortunate mistake in their second batch of one-time changes, on their joker line, that likely cost them the silver medal. It is testament to the quality of the rest of their test that even with a major mistake they came away with 87.45%, just 1% less than their Tokyo score.
“He tried his heart out and I couldn’t have asked for much more. I made a mistake in the last set of ones on the centre line, but he tried incredibly hard and it was more of a rider error – I waited for the music, then thought, ‘Oh no I’m not ready’, and I got in a kind of muddle. But apart from that it was super, so I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Charlotte.
Britain’s Lottie Fry rode another super test to secure yet another personal best of 84.72% to finish fifth, just 0.7% behind Isabell Werth. This is Lottie’s third personal best from three tests at the Europeans with the fantastic Lord Leatherdale stallion Everdale.
Carl Hester did not have the easiest ride on the sensitive En Vogue, who was quite affected by the atmosphere at Hagen. They posted 78.37% to finish 13th.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Judges split on Carl Hester’s freestyle as European Dressage Championships gears up for thrilling climax
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Horse eliminated from freestyle at European Dressage Championships under blood rule
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Isabell Werth puts on brave face to win medals in Hagen as her top horse Bella Rose undergoes colic surgery
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
H&H’s Hagen Europeans horse of the day: Buriel K.H – ‘He is just amazing to work with’
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Career bests and giving it everything you’ve got: today’s key stories from the European Dressage Championships

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 23:21:39 +0000

The third day of competition is complete at the European Dressage Championships at Hagen, in Germany, and the first of the individual medals have been awarded following the thrilling grand prix special, which saw some of the world’s biggest names fight it out for a place on the podium.
European Dressage Championships: day three news and results
Olympic champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB stunned a packed out crowd to deliver an incredible test
Discover why Jessica said this occasion was completely different to the Olympics and how her mare reacted to it
Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Gio, left nothing in the arena during their eye-catching performance
Find out what Charlotte had to say following her test with ‘Pumpkin’
Britain’s bright young talent, Lottie Fry, scored yet another personal best with Everdale
Find out what Lottie had to say about her impressive test
Britain’s Carl Hester rocketed to the top of the leaderboard at the halfway point with En Vogue
Discover why Carl was delighted with their performance
Gareth Hughes has a very exciting prospect in the form of Silvano Van Hof Olympia and they displayed some incredibly smart work
Hear what Gareth had to say about his test and how his horse coped in a situation that ‘he has never been in before”
Isabell Werth broke the news today that her Tokyo mount, Bella Rose, underwent emergency surgery last night
Find out more about the operation this fantastic mare underwent
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl dazzles to claim individual European gold, with agonising finish for Charlotte Dujardin
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
‘I’m absolutely delighted and I can’t ask for much more’: Charlotte Dujardin and Gio give it their all in European Dressage grand prix special
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
‘The best feeling he’s ever given me’: Lottie Fry delivers another personal best for top five finish at European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl dazzles to claim individual European gold, with agonising finish for Charlotte Dujardin

Polly Bryan — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 21:06:34 +0000

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl added individual European Dressage Championships grand prix special gold to her Olympic gold with an amazing performance aboard her delightful mare TSF Dalera BB. The pair stormed into the lead from final draw with 84.27% to take a decisive victory in Hagen, Germany.
Jessica’s compatriot Isabell Werth took the silver with Weihegold OLD, scoring 81.7% for their faultless round.
“Compared to the atmosphere in Tokyo, today was totally different – there were many, many spectators, and we are not used to it anymore,” said Jessica. “I realised when we entered the arena that Dalera became even bigger – she pricked her ears and she was excited – she loves to show off.
“She was really excited when I did the extensions in the trot – I really tried not to move because otherwise it could have put her out of balance, because she was so on fire. But it’s a great feeling, especially after the Olympics that she’s still fit and so energetic.”
As in Tokyo, Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour and Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin battled for the bronze medal, but in a reversal of the Olympic result, it was Cathrine who edged her way onto the podium, posting 81.08%, less than 0.7% behind Isabell. Charlotte and the 10-year-old Apache son Gio finished fourth after a super test for 79.79%.
It may be the toughest position in which to finish, but Charlotte knew she could not have done more.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with ‘Pumpkin’,” said Charlotte. “I pretty much nearly had a clear round, so for him I’m absolutely delighted. I can’t ask for much more – he’s still a young, inexperienced horse.”
In fact, Brits filled the three spots just below the podium, with Lottie Fry producing yet another personal best aboard the flamboyant stallion Everdale to sit fifth with 78.15%. She snuck ahead of Carl Hester, who slotted into sixth with En Vogue after a brilliant round for 77.31%.
Gareth Hughes ended up 15th with Sintano Van Hof Olympia after achieving 73.72%, but although it is 15 riders who qualify for Saturday’s freestyle, only three riders per nation may go forward, meaning Gareth looks set to miss out.
More to follow…
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Gareth Hughes pilots upcoming star into competitive position in grand prix special at Europeans
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
‘We’ve done it and I’m over the moon’ says Charlotte Dujardin – Britain secures silver at European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Carl Hester: Medal-hunting on familiar turf
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Who could win individual medals at the European Dressage Championships – and when do the Brits ride?

Polly Bryan — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:04:07 +0000

The start list for the European Dressage Championships grand prix special has been released, with all four British riders having qualified to compete for individual honours tomorrow (Thursday 9 September). The top 30 combinations from the grand prix have progressed to ride the grand prix special, which will decide the first of two sets of individual medals at the European Dressage Championships. Here are the European Dressage Championships start times for the grand prix special…
European Dressage Championships start times: when will the Brits ride the grand prix special?
The class begins at 5pm (4pm BST), with all four Brits – who won silver in the team competition – appearing in the second half of the draw.
Gareth Hughes and his own and Judy Firmston Williams’ Sintano Van Hof Olympia: 7.50pm (6.50pm BST)
Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, Sandra Biddlecombe, Lady Anne Evans and his own En Vogue: 8.10pm (7.10pm BST)
Charlotte Dujardin and Renai Hart, Carl Hester and her own Gio: 10pm (9pm BST)
Lottie Fry and her own and Van Olst Horses’ Everdale: 10.20pm (9.20pm BST)
When do the other medal contenders compete?
The favourite for individual gold is Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who carried Germany to team gold with her Olympic champion TSF Dalera BB, winning the grand prix with 84.099%. They will be the final combination to ride the grand prix special at 10.30pm (9.30pm BST).
Germany’s Isabell Werth is the reigning European champion, having won triple gold in 2019 and 2017, the latter with her ride here in Hagen, Weihegold OLD. They posted 79.86% to finish second in the grand prix, ahead of Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Gio by just 0.03%. Isabell and Weihegold will ride the special at 9.50pm (8.50pm BST).
Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour scored 79.72% in the grand prix, despite an expensive mistake with her talented gelding Bohemian. They will be in serious contention for individual medals here and will ride the special at 10.10pm (9.10pm BST).
Don’t miss a second of the action out in Hagen – find out how to watch the European Dressage Championships.
Check out the full list of European Dressage Championships start times
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)
Carl Hester: Medal-hunting on familiar turf
(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)
H&H’s Hagen Europeans horse of the day: Nine-year-old Marshall-Bell – ‘I was so proud of him’
(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)
‘We’ve done it and I’m over the moon’ says Charlotte Dujardin – Britain secures silver at European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)
Olympic champions pull off sensational grand prix to put Germany within a whisker of gold
(Image credit: Gemma Redrup)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic champions pull off sensational grand prix to put Germany within a whisker of gold

Polly Bryan — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:34:22 +0000

Germany look set to claim their sixth consecutive championship team gold at the European Dressage Championships, with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl riding a stunning grand prix aboard her Olympic champion TSF Dalera BB.
The test was a pleasure to watch, earning a plethora of 10s from the seven judges, and the final score was an enormous 84.099%. The test was virtually flawless, with beautiful, fluid tempi changes and seamless transitions in and out of piaffe-passage. The final mark was slightly lower than they earned in the grand prix at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but still means the world numbers one combination have taken over from their teammates Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD at the top of the rankings here.
“She was on fire, but still so focused and concentrated and I couldn’t have asked for more because from the very first second, to the very last second she didn’t give me any doubt that she wanted to do it. She was 100% with me,” said an emotional Jessica.
“Today was not as easy as it was in Tokyo, because in Tokyo, I only had to achieve 72% to win gold for the team, and today there was a little bit more to get. But I’m always giving my best, and so does Dalera. Today we both did it and everything was good.
“I’m so glad Dalera has so much power after the Olympics. She showed me two days after we got back home that she was fresh and well, and she proved that today. She’s the perfect partner,” she said, adding that originally she had not planned to bring Dalera to Hagen, but changed her mind after the mare showed so much energy and exuberance after her journey home from Tokyo.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s test means the home side Germany finish on a total score of 238.944 at the European Dressage Championships. Denmark currently sit in silver with 231.165, but Britain’s final combination, Olympic bronze medallists Charlotte Dujardin and Gio are yet to ride. Charlotte must score 78.65% to put Britain ahead of Denmark into the silver medal position, while a score of 86.43% would be necessary to take the British quartet ahead of Germany into gold.
Britain have not taken home a medal from a European Dressage Championships since winning silver in 2015 – British teams finished fourth at the Europeans in both 2017 and 2019.
So far at this championship, British riders have excelled, with fantastic tests from Gareth Hughes with Sintano Van Hof Olympia and Lottie Fry on Everdale giving them the lead overnight, while Carl Hester kept them in serious contention with En Vogue earlier today.
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Isabell Werth takes over the lead to thrust Germany back in front at the European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Personal bests, Britain in gold and a first championship appearance at the age of 59: today’s key stories from the European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
It’s tight at the top as Denmark sets the target for the team medals at the European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Find out when the Brits will ride for team medals at the European Dressage Championships

Polly Bryan — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 20:00:51 +0000

The European Dressage Championships kicks off in Hagen, Germany, tomorrow (7 September) and the times have been released for the grand prix, which acts as the team competition.
Britain has been been drawn as the penultimate of the 15 teams, meaning British riders will be the second-last to ride in each of the four rider rotations, with two pairs from each team of four in action tomorrow and two on Wednesday (8 September).
What times do the Brits ride in the grand prix?
Gareth Hughes and Sintano Van Hof Olympia: 11.13am on Tuesday (10.13am BST)
Lottie Fry and Everdale: 2.59pm on Tuesday (1.59pm BST)
Carl Hester and En Vogue: TBC on Wednesday
Charlotte Dujardin and Gio: TBC on Wednesday
Who are the favourites and when do they ride?
Germany will start the competition as favourites and Britain’s most significant challengers, having won team gold at every major dressage championship since 2015. The same riders claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo in July, though only Jessica von-Bredow Werndl has brought her Olympic horse, the individual gold medallist TSF Dalera BB, to Hagen. Germany have been drawn 12th of the 15 teams.
Dorothee Schneider and Faustus: 10.37am on Tuesday (9.37am BST)
Helen Langehanenberg and Annabelle: 2.41pm on Tuesday (1.41pm BST)
Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD: TBC on Wednesday
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB: TBC on Wednesday
The grand prix will determine the outcome of the team medals, with the three best scores to count for each team. There are also two sets of individual medals up for grabs, in the grand prix special, which takes place on Thursday evening, and the grand prix freestyle, which happens on Saturday.
The Under-25 European Dressage Championship, which runs alongside the senior competition in Hagen, will also begin tomorrow with the team competition. Britain’s Lucy Amy on Rudy and Lewis Carrier on Diego V will be in action on day one of the competition, with Alex Harrison and Diamond Hill and Ellie McCarthy with GB Londero V Worrenberg riding on Wednesday.
Check out the full list of European Dressage Championships grand prix times
You may also be interested in…
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Dramatic airs above ground and five horses held at European Dressage Championships trot-up
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
How to watch the European Dressage Championships live – your full guide
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Latest from Horse & Hound in Jessica-von-bredow-werndl

Olympic champion to miss World Championships: ‘Responsibility sometimes also means letting an opportunity pass’

You may also be interested in:

‘The potential is enormous’: Olympic champion and mare formerly competed by Charlotte Dujardin make international debut

You may also be interested in:

‘We are so grateful’: double Olympic champion welcomes first foal

You may also be interested in:

‘No word feels big enough for what’s broken inside me’: Olympic champion mourns sudden death of rising dressage star

What is bornavirus, suspected cause of Diallo BB’s death?

You may also be interested in:

Olympic champion wins on World Cup circuit with exciting rising star

You may also be interested in:

Olympic champion is expecting a foal: ‘We’re sure she will be a wonderful mummy’

You may also be interested in:

‘He will be greatly missed’: farewell to Olympic coach who helped country to 40 championship medals

You may also be interested in:

Olympic dressage champion takes the reins of rising star, formerly ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

You may also be interested in:

*Exclusive* ‘Dalera is a great communicator – I am a good listener’: Paris dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the home routine that yielded Olympic success

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: “Dalera tells me when she wants to train”

You might also be interested in:

‘An incredible honour’: Dalera takes her place on ‘walk of fame’ at iconic equestrian venue

You may also be interested in:

‘Dalera was pushing me out of the hammock to get going’: how Jessica von Bredow-Werndl kept her Olympic champion ‘playful and happy’ through the Games

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl: “I just tell Dalera what test is coming next”

Less is more for Dalera’s prep

‘She deserves the very best’: double Olympic champion retired from competition

You might also be interested in:

Future plans for veteran gold medal-winner TSF Dalera BB confirmed

TSF Dalera BB to retire as Olympic champion

You might also be interested in:

‘She is out of this world’: Olympic champion defends title in gripping dressage finale at Paris 2024

You might also be interested in:

‘She’s always leaving her heart in there for me’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera top scorers in Olympic dressage grand prix

‘She’s not retiring yet’: Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on Dalera’s dressage future after the Olympic Games

You might also be interested in:

Paris Olympic grand prix dressage times: when do the Brits and other medal contenders start?

What are the Olympic grand prix dressage times for the British riders?

Who else should you watch?

What are the breaks during the sessions?

Olympic grand prix dressage times: complete list

You might also be interested in:

TSF Dalera BB – one of the best horses dressage has ever seen

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera’s beginnings

Dalera’s rise to greatness

From Tokyo onwards, Dalera was unbeaten barring a loss in the grand prix qualifying round at the German Championships to Sönke and his rising star Fendi in 2023 – a blip she corrected in the grand prix special to win her third German national title.

That unbeaten, two-year run included two World Cup Final wins in Leipzig in 2022 and Omaha in 2023 as well as a European Championship individual gold and team silver medal at Riesenbeck in 2023.

“The best word to describe my whole week here is grateful. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful dancing partner in Dalera, and to have her owner here and my family, my kids and all my team at home,” said Jessica at the time. “It’s very special, and this never becomes normal.”

“Every time I’m allowed to enter the arena, it’s a gift,” she added. “She always tries her very best. It’s just up to me. If I’m focused and on point, then she is as well. She’s my mirror.”

Jessica puts Dalera’s continued success down to three key ingredients: “Fun, motivation and really listening to what she needs, and this is what I’m getting better and better at.”

You may also be interested in…

‘This never becomes normal’: extraordinary Europeans freestyle smashes records as two Brits ascend the podium

European Dressage Championships freestyle goes to the wire

It was very, very close. Less than 0.5% separated these two powerhouses of modern dressage, but in the end, it was Lottie who would have to settle for silver.

You may also be interested in…

Defending champion grabs individual gold at Europeans – with a Brit on the podium too

Battle of the champions

European Dressage Championships grand prix special: down to the wire

Meanwhile, there was magic happening just off the podium, as well.

Once again, his test was such a pleasure to watch, with Fame looking even more confident and in a better frame than in his grand prix.

You may also be interested in…

Simple, sporty; red jackets and an emerald dash – the dressage Euros trot-up in pictures

Exclusive ‘Dalera is a great communicator – I am a good listener’: Paris dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the home routine that yielded Olympic success