Isabell Werth & Wendy de Fontaine ready for Aachen

Winners of the Grand Prix (with 81%) and the Nations Cup, Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine dominated the CDIO 4* Grand Prix Special in Hagen yesterday, setting a new personal best in the process.

The "Covalliero Dressage Days," hosted by Hof Kasselmann Stables, concluded on Sunday with another victory for Isabell Werth. In the CDIO4* Grand Prix Special, the world's most decorated dressage rider—partnered with Wendy—delivered a performance serving as preparation for the World Championships, securing the win with a score of 82.426%. Raphael Netz and Great Escape Camelot took second place with 74.255%, while Finland's Henri Ruoste and Tiffanys Diamond finished third with 72.979%. A total of 13 combinations competed in the class.

Isabell Werth was particularly pleased with the progress shown by the daughter of Sezuan: "The more ease and natural flow we can bring to our performance, the more beautiful it becomes. I think we are on the right track. She had a lot of energy today, but she managed that power very well. It was a truly excellent day."

Monica Theodorescu, the German team coach, also gave a very positive assessment of her riders' performances throughout the weekend: "First of all, we had a fantastic Nations Cup. The field of competitors may not have been the strongest we’ve ever seen, but we delivered a very cohesive team performance. I am delighted with it. Our young riders, in particular, shone. On Saturday, we took the top two spots in the Freestyle, and we repeated the feat today with another one-two finish; that makes me very happy."

Full results HERE

crédit photo :  Thomas Hellmann