The German riders topped the rankings with 81,175% and 81,099%, respectively, though Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Massimo (Glock’s Toto Jr. x Bretton Woods) followed in hot pursuit on place three with 80,68%.

“We have seen some great combinations and some fantastic horses. We have absolutely enjoyed ourselves today”, enthuses chairman of the jury Maarten van der Heijden. “The horses that came out on top, were often the ones that performed the test with great harmony and a soft contact. If they did not, we marked down the submission. The ones that were not in the top of the rankings, often showed some difficulties with the walk.” The fact that the scores in the top three are so close, excites the members of the jury: “The final promises to be full of thrills and spills. The top seven is incredibly well-matched, a small error or a moment of tension may just turn the entire ranking upside down. Anything can happen in the final. We are looking forward to it.”

So close

After the eighth place in the qualification for six-year-olds last edition, Charlott-Maria is more than satisfied with their win a year later. “Today was incredible, he felt so focused today. It is our third time in Ermelo, and we have gradually climbed upwards.” The Hanoverian stallion, bred by Johannes Hesselink and owned by Domus Equus Niedner, showcased his talent with three 9.0s. However, Global Power OLD, bred by Gestüt Lewitz, is breathing down his neck with a 9.5 for trot and 10 for canter. The walk of the black stallion of Christianne Bergmann and Hof Kasselmann was awarded a 7.0. The KWPN bred Glock’s Massimo had been in the lead for the better part of the day, but eventually saw his German colleagues surpass him. The bay stallion, owned by Glock HPC NL BV and bred by M. van Cortenberghe, was received 9s for his trot and perspective. Charlott-Maria and Life Time FRH are ready to rumble: “We have never achieved such a high score, but the victory tastes sweet so we are going to give it our all on Sunday.”

© Stefan Lafrentz