The result marked a significant comeback for Pearce, who had been sidelined for an extended period after suffering a broken hand. Prior to that injury, she had only presented Will Marq twice at international level last autumn. The partnership, however, is clearly developing in the right direction. The gelding previously represented Spain at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses at the age of six and appears to suit Pearce’s riding style exceptionally well.

Their Grand Prix test stood out for its consistency and harmony rather than flashy risk-taking. The protocol showed a strong line of 6.5s, 7s and 7.5s across the board, reflecting a solid overall picture with few real weaknesses. The canter work proved to be a particular highlight, earning several eights thanks to the gelding’s power, energy and strength in the tempi changes. The left pirouette was notably small, balanced and well placed. With more mileage at Grand Prix level, the combination looks well capable of pushing towards the 75% mark in the future.

France’s Pauline Basquin finished just fractions behind in second place with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE (by Sandro Hit), scoring 71.065% in front of a home crowd. A costly mistake in the one-tempi changes ultimately proved decisive. Basquin and the sixteen-year-old Zangersheide-bred gelding are now in their fifth international Grand Prix season together. Their most recent international appearance before Bordeaux dated back to October, when they placed fifth in the Grand Prix and fourth in the World Cup freestyle.

Third place went to Brazilian rider João Victor Marcari Oliva with Feel Good VO NRW (by Franziskus FRH). The fourteen-year-old Westphalian gelding had been leased to U25 rider Marta Fernandes last season, before Marcari Oliva resumed the ride after the European Championships in Kronberg. Their return to competition in Le Mans last October produced a score of 69.478%. In Bordeaux, the pair broke through the 70% barrier, though they remained below their personal best of 73.478%.

Results