In his debut at the Washington International Horse Show, Rene Dittmer of Germany took an armful of special awards.
Rene Dittmer and Corsica X. (Shawn McMillen Photography)
Not only was he leading international rider and leading foreign rider; his mount, Corsica X (Conor X Corofino II), won the international jumper championship. Rene’s groom, Carolin Kagelmann, earned the international groom’s award, presented in memory of Karen Golding.
On Friday night, Rene collected victories in both the Welcome class and memorably, the costume class, dressed as a stein of beer. He said his girlfriend, Chloe Reid (whose mother, Juliet, is a former chairman of the show) selected that costume.
But he missed out on the featured $450,000 President’s Cup 5-star Longines FEI World Cup qualifier, finishing second to Katie Dinan and Brego R’n B (Namelus R X Gerbinus) in a seven-horse jump-off.
It was Katie’s first 5-star win in a decade, and she made the most of being able to go last over the course designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral, assisted by Nick Granat.
Katie, a New Yorker who has owned Brego for five years, said, “In the jump-off, he showed all of his amazing qualities. He’s got huge scope, quality, bravery, intelligence, and he tries hard. You can’t really ask for more from a horse as a rider. I think he knew he won.
President’s Cup winner Katie Dinan with Brego R’n B. (Shawn McMillen Photography)
For his part, Rene said, “The week could not have started better and kept going. I can’t be more proud of my horse.”
He speculated when he watched Alise Oken, first to go in the jump-off on Gerval, “her seven (strides) was a little short to the last and I was thinking, ‘Should I do seven?’ I caught everything quite well before, and I took the safer option. I’m still happy with my second place today. It was an amazing jump-off.”
Rene Dittmer as a beer. (Shawn McMillen Photography)
He was clocked in 34.40; Katie’s winning time was a handy 33.50.
Third place in 34.74 seconds went to Devin Ryan of Long Valley, N.J., on his longtime partner Eddie Blue (VDL Zirocco Blue X Marlon), who took him to a second place 2018 World Cup Finals finish and to team gold on the 2018 World Equestrian Games squad.
“He was jumping great tonight,” said Devin.
“He jumped the second round and even felt looser and even better. I’m very grateful that I have such a good animal, and he’s still going strong. Hopefully, it keeps on going and he has a few more years in him at this level.”
In contrast to the gray gelding’s stellar persona in the arena, “He’s a bit of a grouch in the barn,” Devin revealed, “but he loves carrots. You become his best friend as soon as you walk in the stall with a carrot for him. He has quite an attitude.”
In other action at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Maryland, where the show has been held for two years, Maddie Tosh won the equitation final on Daktari 38. She is the daughter of top hunter rider Hunt Tosh, who trains her with the North Run crew of Missy Clark, John Brennan and Maggie Gampfer.