It was exhilarating to see the talent on display Wednesday in the qualifier for Thursday’s FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle at the London International Horse Show. How much better will the top horses perform when the music is playing and the chips are really down?
No surprise that multi-multi medalist Charlotte Dujardin distanced the field in the Grand Prix with Imhotep’s mark of 81.761 percent, but what impressed was the margin she enjoyed over World Champion Lottie Fry on Everdale with a 77.435.
Lottie Fry and Everdale. (Photo London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)
That being said, Lottie was not on her World Championships horse, who is Glamourdale. She rode Everdale to Olympic bronze in Tokyo. Both are by Lord Leatherdale and known for their exceptional extended canter. And Imhotep is by Everdale, to complete the circle.
The order of finish was 1,2, 3 for Britain, as Becky Moody took third on Jagerbomb with 75.087 percent. (It was also 1,2,3 for KWPN (Dutchbreds), it should be noted. The only thing that marred the afternoon for the British was the elimination of Emilie Faurie, after the judges spotted blood in the mouth of his mount, Bellevue.
Charlotte had one big oops with her 10-year-old mount, nicknamed Pete, when he broke into canter before he made the transition from piaffe into extended walk in the first third of his test. Two of the five judges acknowledged that mistake with marks of 4, which was understandable. Charlotte’s total, however, was buoyed by several 10s, including her final halt. Pete’s power really showed off in his extended trot, and Charlotte’s expertise was demonstrated in her seamless transitions (except for the one referenced above).
It’s a well-deserved victory lap for Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep, better known as Pete. (Photo London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)
Charlotte’s partner, Dean Golding, was on hand with their daughter, Isabella Rose, born in February. The two of them watched with Charlotte’s longtime mentor, Carl Hester, who was not competing.
Pete, who hasn’t been outside the top three placings in his starts this year, sparkled and enjoyed the crowd at ExCel during the class presented by Bret Willson Dressage International Ltd. and supported by Horse & Hound. The show, a London fixture at Christmas, used to be known as “Olympia” after its former home in the city.
“It’s Imhotep’s first indoor show, so for him to come here — to this incredible show with an amazing set-up and atmosphere — and perform so well with no experience is amazing,” said Charlotte.
Charlotte and Imhotep.
“I missed coming to the London International Horse Show so much last year and am so happy to be back, this time it being even more special with my daughter, Isabella, watching me.”
Charlotte, looking forward to the freestyle, added “I am so excited for tomorrow, I absolutely love the Freestyle to Music, it’s the party piece. Who knows how Imhotep will go?
“Fingers crossed, he will be okay. He’s such a fantastic horse and I love him to bits. If he needs me to hold his hand, I can hold his hand, I can feel him breathe and I can reassure him and it’s the most incredible feeling. To have the opportunity to go into that arena and do that performance is all very exciting.”
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