Kay Maxted and Privaldi posted not only their first international victory, but also a double by heading both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at Vidauban CDI2* in France on 9 – 11 November 2012.
Kay and the elegant Gribaldi-sired gelding scored 67.66% to take Friday’s grand prix ahead of France’s Arnaud Serre and Helio II on 67.27%. Showing consistent form, the pair followed this victory with a solid 67.15% to scoop the next day’s grand prix special ahead of Russian rider Tatiana Miloserdova and Doolittle J.
“I’m thrilled to bits with him,” said Kay, “the marks have gradually been getting better all summer and it finally came to fruition – he’s been improving all year. He was a little tired in the special, but I’m really delighted with him.”
“He has a really good balance in piaffe and passage,” said Kay about the 15-year-old Dutch gelding she owns herself. “We got some high marks for passage which was a highlight of the grand prix and a couple of judges gave us over 70%. Without one spook in the test, our score could have been higher.”
Kay, who trains with Sarah Millis, has crossed the water to compete several times this year: “I’m beginning to know now what they want abroad, having done more internationals, and having done the shows, our marks are going up.”
The popular South of France venue experienced some adverse weather. “There was torrential rain on Saturday and Sunday but the arenas at Vidauban stood up brilliantly,” said Kay.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Text © British Dressage
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI Vidauban
Arnaud Serre Retires Helio II