-- Text and Photos © Astrid Appels - NO REPRODUCTION ALLOWED - NO SCREEN SHOTS !
Dutch pony riders Kate Jansen and Esmae Niessen ruled the roost in the packed pony division at the 2024 CDIO Compiegne on 3 - 5 May 2024. In a field of 29 competitors, the two Dutch young ladies shared the trophies in the three classes held during the weekend.
In wet conditions with occasional rain showers spoiling the party throughout the weekend, pony riders from six different nations came to collect scores and ride themselves in the picture of team selectors for the approaching summer highlight of the season, the 2024 European Pony Championships in Opglabbeek (BEL) in July.
The team championship test on Friday was dominated by Esmae Niessen aboard the 10-year old Danish bred pony Strandgaards Do It My Way (by Dr Doolittle x Bolero). Two of three judges placed the pair first with 73.286%, an overall result that gave her the victory. She stayed ahead of Russian born Agata Zakhrabekova, who now rides for her father's country, Azerbaijan, while living in Germany. Throughout the week, Zakhrabekova consistently placed in the top three aboard the 7-year old Westfalian bred RM Golden Showman (by Golden West x Noir de Luxe). In the team test they were second with 72.524%.
On a rainy Saturday, Dutch Kate Jansen won the individual test with 71.261%. She rode the 12-year old Rhinelander bred FS Mr Magic (by FS Mr Right x Don't Worry), on which she took over the ride in 2023 from German Rafael Reichart-Eisenhardt after Jona-Emily Bomberg introduced the palomino at international pony level in 2021. Zakhrabekova was again second with 71.081%.
The kur to music on Sunday was a toss up between Jansen and Niessen and ended in favour of Jansen on FS Mr Magic with 75.065%, while Niessen and Do It My Way were second with 74.795%. Zakhrabekova finished her weekend with a third place on 74.085%.
Photos © Astrid Appels - NO REPRODUCTION ALLOWED - NO SCREEN SHOTS !
Eurodressage took photos of almost all CDI competitors in Compiegne (no children alas). If you are interested in photos for social media use or print, send us an email and you can BUY our photos. No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOtS!
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