Germans Isabell Werth and Jenny Lang-Nobbe wrapped up the final day of competition at the 2016 CDI Fritzens. Hosted at Evelyn Haim-Swarovski's magnificent Schindlhof stables in the Tyrolian Alps, the 2016 CDI Fritzens boasted a sell-out crowd of 6,000 spectators on Sunday 3 July 2016.
Jenny Lang-Nobbe Enthuses 6,000 Fans with Kur Victory
Sold out! More than 6,000 dressage fans gathered at Schindlhof on Sunday for the Kur to Music which was set in ideal weather conditions in the Alpine area. The German Grand Prix for Kur winner Jenny Lang-Nobbe also persevered in the freestyle riding her 16-year old Holsteiner Loverboy to Pink Panther music. They scored 76.90%.
The best Austrian was Christian Schumach on Picardo, finishing 7th. He will next focus on the 2016 Austrian Championships on 9 - 11 September 2016.
"Once more it has been three incredible days of sportive top performances and many moving moments here at our Schindlhof," said show host Klaus Haim about his 22nd Manfred Swarovski Memorial Show. "We can not appreciate enough that Germany with its best dressage team with three Olympic squad listed riders Isabell Werth, Dorothee Schneider and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, as well as team trainer Monica Theodorescu, decided to come here so short before the Olympics. If all horses stay healthy, no one can take gold in Rio away from them."
The kur to music marked the conclusion of this year's CDI edition at Schindlhof. The quadruple CDI Mannheim winner Jenny Lang-Nobbe rode the most precise Kur.
The Austrian effort in the freestyle was commendable: Christian Schumach and Picardo scored 69.9% and Timkna Zach and Simply Red posted a score of 69.5% in a field of competitors from 9 different nations. They were 7th and 8th.
Isabell Werth and Emilio Win the Grand Prix Special
Earlier on Sunday morning Isabell Werth and Emilio cracked the 80% marker in the Grand Prix Special and won the class with 80.196%. Judges by five Olympic judges, including Thomas Lang (AUT), Eddy de Wolff van Westerrode (NED), Peter Holler (GER), Gary Rockwell (USA) and Annette Fransen-Jacobaeus (SWE), Werth scored over 80% on Emilio for the second time at an international event. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Zaire were second with 76.023%, followed by shooting star Anna Nolte on Pentimento with 72.843%.
This year's Manfred Swarovski Memorial trophy goes to Isabell Werth and Emilio with a total score of 159.156 points (GP + GPS score combined). Emilio is now the third horse, besides Uthopia and Valegro, to have scored 80% at the Schindlhof.
"I'm slowly coming to the point, that I can ride him to his full potential," said the 5-time Olympian Isabell Werth. "I'm becoming more a pilot instead of a co-pilot and can rely on this horse's potential. It is amazing how Emilio develops from show to show."
Besides having her name added to list the Manfred Swarovski Memorial Trophy winners, Werth will also receive a special prize donated by countess Ulrike von Walderdorff: a trip to the Irish manor house Artramon Farm.
"I've already heard much about the Manor and will definitely make time for it after the Olympics," said Werth.
Fifteen riders from 9 different nationals contested the Grand Prix Special. Amongst them was show host Evelyn Haim-Swarovski who was self-critical after her ride on the Danish mare Dorina (by Don Schufro).
"I made too many mistakes, but I'm very proud to have achieved the top 15 and to have ridden in this world class field. Dorina and I will continue to practise much, ride at two or three more internationals before the Austrian Championships here at Schindlhof in September," said Evelyn.
Erdmann Wins Consolation Grand Prix
The Austrian Nikolaus Erdmann and his 14-year old mare Vienna A became the winners of the consolation Grand Prix class with a 66.7% score. The consolation class was scheduled for those riders who did not qualify for the Grand Prix Special and took place early Sunday morning.
Austrian Stefanie Palm and her 12-year old Oldenburg gelding Royal Happiness (by Royal Diamond) were third with 64.90%.
Austrian Para Team and Pepo Puch Ready for Rio
The Steir based Pepo Puch defended his title of Austrian Champion at the Schindlhof and got the gold. The Kartner based grade 1A rider Julia Sciancalepore got silver, while Michael Knauder earned bronze. Together with Paralympics routinier Thomas Haller (fifth time!) they will make the Austrian team for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
"Many thanks that we were able to stage our Austrian Championships here at the Schindlhof. For the Austrian Para Dressage Sport this was a wonderful opportunity to present ourselves in front of an expert audience," said Dr. Eva-Maria Bachinger, who is a 5* Para judge and selector for the Austrian federation.
"We were very impressed by the performances of the para riders and their horses. It is always nice to see how rider and horse work together and support each other in harmony," said show host Evelyn Haim-Swarovski.
For the Austrian para team the Schindlhof was the dress rehearsal for the Olympics amongst world class riders. It was an important step for them towards Rio.
"It is exciting to enter such a beautiful Alpine arena in front of such a big audience," said team leader Pepo Puch who premiered his Rio freestyle on Fontainenoir on Sunday. Despite losing a shoe upon entering the ring, the duo was still able to produce a beautiful round with three shoes.
"I believe this happy music fits Fonti well," said Puch. "We still have to practise the whole a bit more so we can execute it more cleanly."
Photos © Max Schreiner
Info, images, videos, starter and results lists can be found at www.schindlhof.at, or on Facebook and Youtube.
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDI Fritzens
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2016 CDI Frizens