So much went on at Aachen while it showcased five disciplines, with the Rolex Grand Prix of show jumping being the big news (our piece is the main story on this website) as the International Equestrian Festival ended its 10-day run.
But we shouldn’t overlook the three 5-star victories by Isabell Werth, who confirmed her relationship with new ride Wendy de Fontaine at the show. She ended with a fantastic freestyle, in which the lyrics of one of Barry Manilow’s most famous songs, where the chorus begins with the line, “Oh Mandy” became “Oh Wendy.”
The performance edged close to 90 percent, marked at 89.095. The audience whistled and applauded in rhythm with Wendy’s foot-perfect piaffe and passage on the final centerline, a test rewarded with a standing ovation.
“Today was our day,” said Isabell.
“We grow closer together, day by day. Wendy was really totally cool, although it was so loud. She simply said: `Tell me what to do,’ and then she did it. I have been here so many times, but today was the best day ever.”
Isabell Werth bows her head after a fabulous freestyle that showed why she should be on the German Olympic team with Wendy de Fontaine.
There was no question when the German team for Paris was named that she would be on it with Wendy, along with world number one Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, who did not compete at Aachen. The only question was whether it would be Frederic Wandres and Blue Tooth Old or Ingrid Klimke and Franziskus for the final spot.
Frederic, second in the freestyle on 83.010 got the nod and Ingrid, third in the freestyle with 81.385 after her horse broke into a canter at the start of the extended trot, is reserve for the Olympics. She had said after Paris she would go back to concentrating on her main interest, eventing.
The highest-placed U.S. combination in the freestyle was Olympic reserve rider Endel Ots with Zen Elite’s Bohemian, who finished fourteenth on 74.665.
“Bohemian again gave me his everything, thank you my friend for taking me on this journey with you,” said Endel, who had never ridden in Big Tour international Grand Prix before this year.
“I truly couldn’t be any more proud of you and I am nothing but honored to be your partner.”
Anna Buffini, the only other U.S. rider in the freestyle, was fourteenth on Fiontini with a score of 74.065.
“Getting closer to where we want to be with each test,” she pointed out.