"My first indoor competition at a 5* level was a learning education. I left for Lyon with my two lovely horses Ratina and Zeta, without setting any expectations. Zeta didn't compete much since the last European Championships and I myself, hadn't competed on a high level for a while," states Conter.
Tha female rider began her first competition day with the necessary amount of stress.
"I was surprised the first day was built very heigh and technical. When I walked the course I didn't feel comfortable... I had ben out of rhitm for a while and suddenly I was supposed to start my competition with a world cup qualifier. To be honest that feeling was overwhelming me. In the warm-up Zeta did what she always does, acting foolish. She didn't want to jump all the fences, bucked a bit, etc. But when I entered the arena, and received the necessary pep talk from Farid (her coach), we did what we came for. I finishe my course with one time penalty and was very satisfied with that result."
"The next morning I received news I was qualified for the worldcup leg in Lyon, apparently Zeta and I did a great job the day before. The worldcup itself didn't go as planned. I had to start at the beginning of the class and when I walked the course, the only reaction I could think of was "WOW". It's a completely different level as I am used to, completely different as a normal CSI5* level as well. Everything is heigh and technical. Once we started we got into the rhitm. Until fence number 9 we only made one jumping fault, unfortunately that is also where it went wrong. Therefor I decided to retire."
After her decision to retire, Zoe left the arena with a double feeling...
"I was dissapointed, although, looking back at it, I'm mainly grateful I got the opportunity to start this competition and I'm happy my horse gave her best over the three days. Actually I returned home with a set extra motivation for my next competition in Verona..."