Anna Jesty (23) has enjoyed a successful fortnight in Spain, gaining a win on her CDIU25 debut and several strong placings at the two-week Jerez de la Frontera CDI at the iconic Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Cádiz on 19 – 21 and 23 – 26 March 2022.
During week one, with her 11-year-old gelding Flow Motion (by Fürstenball x Londonderry) – pictured earlier this year - she followed third spot in the CDIU25 Inter II and second in the U25 Grand Prix with a 70.87% victory in the Freestyle for her stylish, Pink Floyd-themed programme. Claiming the class ahead of Spain’s Alfonso Jesús Ramírez Benítez and Cuba Libre (69.785%), this marked the British pairing’s first CDIU25 win.
“Our first ever Grand Prix Freestyle, our first ever time riding to this music and the first ever time riding this floorplan… a lot of ‘first time ever’ for an international!” said Anna on social media, going on to explain how some improvisation was required after getting ahead of her music.
“It all came good,” she continued, “and we finished on 70.875% (with all judges giving me high marks for my interpretation of the music) to win the class! Our first U25 CDI and our first international win.”
During the second CDI, the duo rose from fifth place in the U25 Inter II to second in the U25 Grand Prix on 68.71% behind Spain’s Alejandro Oliva Lazaro and Décor (69.385%).
“A great end to an amazing couple of weeks,” she said. “I could not have wished for a better start to my season – Floyd has just been on fantastic form from start to finish, including in our last test today, the U25 GP, gaining a 68.718% to finish second. We don’t have a freestyle this week due to some bad weather earlier in the week resulting in the classes all being moved around.
“So pleased and now cannot wait until the next one!”
- Text by British Dressage
Related Links
Scores: 2022 CDI Jerez de la Frontera
Scores: 2022 CDI Jerez de la Frontera
Kuropatwa, Jesty, Lucas Win 2015 British Youth Riders Championships