German Dorothee Schneider and Australian Maree Tomkinson rode themselves into the winner's circle on the third and final day of competition at the 2022 CDI Fritzens, Sunday 10 July 2022.
Schneider and "Roman" Wins Grand Prix Special
The German duo thus took the victory in the Grand Prix Special ahead of Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer and Topas FBW, who also conjured up a strong performance with 74.83 percent in the arena of the Alpine stadium at Schindlhof, which was packed despite the rain.
Olympic champion Dorothee Schneider was impressed by the 12-year-old gelding For Romance, which she nicknames Roman: “We speak the same language, after all he came to me in training as a 5-year-old. To have such a rough diamond under your rump is a brilliant thing.”
The exceptional rider is equally thrilled by the Manfred & Hilde Swarovski Memorial Tournament: “Riding here at the foot of the mountain is a pleasure! I love coming here to the Schindlhof and thank you very much for the unique hospitality of Evelyn and Klaus Haim-Swarovski!”
The red-white-red top pair is ready for the World Championships in Herning (DEN, August 6-14). Max-Theurer: “We are nominated for the World Championships and are very happy that we can represent Austria again at a big championship. Now we will have a week’s break and then we will work very carefully on the fine-tuning towards Denmark.”
As in the Grand Prix, the two Germans Nicole Wego-Engelmeyer and Evelyn Eger, as well as the Spaniard Teia Hernandez Vila, took third to fifth place – all with scores above the 70 percent mark.
A giant leap forward was made by the Austrian Katharina Haas, who had qualified for the Special of the best 15 on Friday with Let It Be in thirteenth place with a score of 67.848 percent. This time, the 28-year-old from Upper Austria took 6th place with her 12-year-old mare with a very good 70.468 percent.
Australian Maree Tomkinson Wins Consolation Grand Prix
The victory went to the Australian Maree Tomkinson with DMJ Donna Elena (66.667%) ahead of Spaniard Jordi Domingo Coll with Esprit Dond D (65.072). Austria’s Amanda Hartung was happy about her 3rd place with Fürst Flipper, so a Swarovski crystal trophy called “Cristal Peak” stays in Tyrol.
“There is so much world class competing here that it is already a distinction for me as Tyrolean national champion to be able to take part. The fact that we can now take home a Swarovski trophy is really cool,” cheered the 41-year-old Hartung from Milser, who qualified for the international dressage tournament with four stars in Fritzens, Tyrol, for the tenth time in a row.
For this, one must show oneself every year anew with one’s horses at qualification tournaments, so-called sightings, and – if one wants to ride internationally at four-star tournaments – bring at least two results with more than 68 percent at three-star tournaments.So it is written in the strict sporting specifications of the Austrian Equestrian Federation.
“12 years ago I was allowed to ride here at Schindlhof for the first time, back then with my Wolkenritter. It is something very special to be allowed to ride here in this beautiful arena. Evelyn and Klaus Haim-Swarovski are unique hosts, who conjure up a tournament with a flair that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. I am already looking forward to next year and will give everything to be able to compete here again,” promises Amanda Hartung.
Videos of the tests at Schindlhof on Youtube
Text by Daniel Winkler - Photos © Max Schreiner
Photos © Max Schreiner
Related Links
Scores: 2022 CDI Fritzens
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2022 CDI Fritzens