Fifteen couples had qualified for Friday evening's flagship Dressage trial, the Freestyle to Music. In a sold-out arena, the public in Lyon experienced a great moment of sport and elegance.
Riding her magnificent Jerich Parzival N.O.P, the reigning Olympic silver medallist and double winner of the FEI World Cup in 2011 and 2012, literally captivated the audience.
Despite her horse's nerves and the atmosphere in the arena in Lyon, Adelinde Cornelissen has dominated the two days of competition, and put in a near perfect performance this evening with an average of 80.300%. The public and the judges were bowled over by the harmony of the couple, which now moves into first place in the ranking for the Western European FEI World Cup circuit, thanks to this victory.
The much-awaited duel between the Germans and the Dutch indeed took place; a magnificent duel of the highest level, with a balance rarely witnessed in Lyon. Fabienne Lütkemeier (D'Agostino FRH) took second place with an average of 80.050%. She finished just ahead of her compatriot Ulla Salzgeber on Herzruf's Erbe (79.325%, 3rd).
As regards to the French riders..
Marc Boblet (71.950%, 12th): "While very regular and calm at home, Noble Dream was a little in difficulty and very tense this evening. Everyone knows that each time we change from outdoor to indoor, the horse gets worried and behaves less well. My next competition will be in London, but before that I will do some outdoor events. I'm hopeful it will improve."
Ludovic Henry (68.500%, 15th): "I felt under greater pressure during the Grand Prix Freestyle. The horse entered the piaffer very well but made a few little mistakes that cost valuable points at the end and don't reflect the freestyle performed the day before."
WHAT THEY SAID…
Adelinde Cornelissen, 1st:
"Jerich Parzival N.O.P. was less frightened than yesterday. Things went better. Despite that, he was frightened of the flowers, the areas in the shadows. I really don't know what's going on in his head."
Isabelle Judet, President of the Jury:
"There was real uniformity among the horses and riders.
Each new couple that entered the arena could have taken the lead, which made the trial even more fascinating. It is rare to see such an open competition. The group result is coherent.
Sylvie Robert, Director of Equestrian Events at GL events, President of Equita Concours:
"After organising the FEI World Cup Final in April, it's now time to get started on a new season. I would like to thank the International Equestrian Federation for renewing its confidence in Equita, and would also like to thank Reem Acra, the lead partner of the circuit. I would also like to thank the City of Lyon, which has supported us for this event. Finally, thanks to all the riders, owners and horses that have come to Lyon this year; we are delighted to continue the adventure with them."
