German Hannah Erbe has reclaimed the individual test gold medal at the 2016 European Junior Riders Championships in Oliva Nova, Spain, on Saturday 23 July 2016. She edged out team mate Semmieke Rothenberger who scored silver aboard Dissertation. Dutch Lisanne Zoutendijk and her Ringo Star got the bronze.
The junior riders individual test was ridden over two days in the Valencia Arena at the Oliva Nova equestrian show grounds. Set in bright sunny 37° temperatures, the competition was cutting edge with Erbe producing a top ride and beating gold medal favourite Semmieke Rothenberger.
Aboard her 9-year old Rhinelander gelding Carlos (by Carabas x Weltmeyer), Erbe scored a winning mark of 77.658% for gold.
Rothenberger and her newest ride, the 9-year old Hanoverian mare Dissertation (by Don Crusador x Gluckspilz) could not reproduce the accuracy and especially the improved uphill tendency they had shown in the team championship test. For their individual ride they scored 77.579%, just a fraction less than Erbe. Semmieke landed on the silver medal step of the podium.
Overnight leader Lisanne Zoutendijk and her 13-year old Rhinelander gelding Ringo Star (by Riccione x Laredo) scored 74.684% for bronze.
"It was clear from the start that the two (Erbe - Rothenberger) would have to battle it out," said German co-team trainer Oliver Oelrich. "In the end there is also a bit of luck involved."
Text and photos © Astrid Appels - No reproduction allowed
Eurodressage is on the scene taking photos. If you are interested in ordering prints or digital files for Facebook/instagram, please send us your name and we will mail you the proofs of the photos for you to choose from.
Related Link
Eurodressage coverage of the 2016 European Children, Junior and Young Riders Championships