Austrian Victoria Max-Theurer and her small tour horse Valparaiso were victorious in the opening class - the Prix St Georges - of the 2019 CDI Fritzens, set at Klaus and Evelyn Haim-Swarovski's paradisal equestrian yard Schindlhof in the Tyrolean Alps.
This year the event celebrates its 25th edition of the Manfred and Hilde Swarovski Memorial Show and the hospitality, top quality facilities and familiar atmosphere draw some of the world's best dressage riders to Austria. In 2019 the show also seems blessed with sunny, summer weather and the kick-off class on Friday morning 28 June presented ideal conditions for showing.
Victoria Max-Theurer has regained her appetite for showing since turning to Isabell Werth for coaching and with a new string of horses that her mother Sissy Max-Theurer systematically buys as youngsters. Aboard the 8-year old Westfalian stallion Valparaiso (by Vitalis x Furst Piccolo) she posted 73.912% this morning to win the Prix St Georges.
"Despite the high temperature, Vali was very motiated and it was really a lot of fun to ride him," said the 34-year old Max-Theurer. "He last competed at my home show in Achletein and in Munich he produced 74 and 75% rounds. He becomes more self confident each time and you notice that in the arena."
Spaniard Pablo Gomez Molina steered Yeguada de Ymas' 12-year old Westfalian gelding Furst Fiorano (by Furst Piccolo x Donnerbube I) to a third place with 70.500%.
The action in Fritzens continues today with the Grand Prix for Special on Friday afternoon
Photos © Petra Kerschbaum
Related Links
Scores: 2019 CDI Fritzens
Coverage of the 2019 CDI Fritzens on Eurodressage
