Isabell Werth created quite a stir when winning the seventh leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2015/2016 Western European League at the sold-out RAI Arena in Amsterdam (NED) today with Weihegold. The lovely mare was competing in her very first international Freestyle, but in the hands of the 46-year-old German athlete who includes six Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles amongst her career highlights, the 11-year-old horse posted a spectacular score in the early stages of the competition and could not be beaten. The pair’s success was all the more remarkable for the fact that today’s class was of an exceptionally high standard, with top riders really raising their game in the battle for points towards the Reem Acra Final in Gothenburg (SWE) in March. Werth admitted afterwards that her victory was unexpected. “It was a surprise because the Freestyle is really difficult here in this atmosphere in Amsterdam, and there was an outstanding field of competitors. You know how it is in Freestyle, we did not have the best starting order so I was not expecting to win, but at the end of our test I felt really sure and safe - I’m so very, very happy!” she said. Germany also claimed runner-up spot when Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB pushed The Netherlands‘ Diederik van Silfhout and Arlando down to third, while Olympic, European and defending Reem Acra champion Charlotte Dujardin slotted into fourth for Great Britain with Uthopia. The Grand Prix was dominated by the home contingent, 2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion Edward Gal leading the way with Glock’s Voice followed by van Silfhout in second and Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt in third. This was also a tough day of sport, with a total of 22 starters and only 15 qualifying spots on offer for today’s Freestyle. Werth and Weihegold had to settle for sixth place yesterday, so they had it all to do when they stepped into the arena this afternoon. But they posted an amazing 83.450 when sixth to go, their score boosted by artistic marks of 90.00 from judges Francis Verbeek van Rooy (NED) and Stephen Clarke (GBR). In an intricate test that oozed willingness, energy and focus, Weihegold showed effortless piaffe, lovely extended trot and passage and strong canterwork. And the big smile on the face of Werth’s great patron, Madeleine Winter-Schulze, as she watched from the sidelines was reflected by the rider who could be seen to go - “Oh Wow!” - as she drew to a halt with the black mare which is owned by Christine Ams-Krogmann.
