-- FEI press release by Bettine van Harselaar, edited by Eurodressage
Pauline Basquin (FRA) and Sertorius de Rima Z made a lasting impression by claiming their first-ever World Cup qualifier victory at the 2024 CDI-W Madrid on Saturday 30 November 2024.
Competing in a freestyle field of 10 combinations, Basquin was the only athlete to break the 80% barrier. Germany’s Carina Scholz with Tarantino and Spain’s home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with Elegance completed the podium, securing second and third place, respectively.
The elegant and light-footed 14-year old Sertorius de Rima Z (by Sandro Hit x Voltaire) danced to victory under Basquin. While their freestyle score of 80.925% in Madrid was slightly below their personal best from Lyon (FRA) - where the pair placed third just two weeks ago - it was more than enough to secure the win. Basquin also dominated the Grand Prix on Friday, making it a double victory for the French athlete and her talented gelding.
A "Diverse" Field in Madrid?!
"Though the field in Madrid featured only 10 combinations, the audience enjoyed a vibrant display of a variety of horses, athletes, and music, "t he FEI stated calling the field "diverse".
An objective look at the the starters list was nothing short but underwhelming. The FEI schedule stated that 14 starters would be invited to this 5* (!!) show in Madrid, but in the end only 11 were there and several applicants confirmed they got rejected or were denied entry. The starters field of 11 included 7 riders based on the Iberian peninsula and four riders actually made the trip to Spain from Western Europe.
Of those 11 riders only 10 made it into the freestyle as the Spanish based rider from Uruguay scored 50% and stayed 10% short of the qualification standard to be allowed into the freestyle.
Both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle were scheduled at noon time which in Spain is considered siesta time and a lunch break for many. Dressage certainly did not take "center stage" at Madrid Horse Week where the discipline, nor the press (accreditation for serious dressage journalists was rejected!), does not seem top be take serious. Fortunately the interest in the fans was good and the stands and VIP area looked almost full.
Ferrer-Salat sets an early standard
Musical choices ranged from Spanish castanets and opera, to Lady Gaga, The Beatles, and David Bowie, creating a dynamic atmosphere that thrilled spectators.
It took a while for anyone to approach Ferrer-Salat’s score. Austria’s Diana Porsche and her own Douglas (by Johnson x Terwolde) followed immediately after. The duo presented a rhythmic freestyle with an uphill frame, but a mistake in the two-tempi changes relegated them to sixth place overall.
Skarsoe and Jiménez Cobo
Luxembourg’s Fie Skarsoe came close to challenging Ferrer-Salat, riding Manon Ackermann's striking grey Lusitano stallion Imperador Dos Cedros (by Rubi x Hostil). Performing to a lively Beatles medley, the stallion impressed with a very solid test and super piaffe and passage. However, their final score of 76.665% fell short of overtaking Ferrer-Salat.
Triple Olympian Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo, one of Spain’s most experienced dressage athletes, entered the ring as the penultimate competitor. Riding his own and Sylvia Fort Brescia De Mulder's 10-year old Hanoverian chestnut Quartar (by Quantensprung x Laurentio), the 65-year-old Spaniard delivered a polished performance. Cobo’s freestyle earned him 77.145%, matching Ferrer-Salat’s score but leaving him just behind due to slightly lower artistic marks.
Scholz claims second
Scholz, who continues to lead the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings after Madrid, came to the competition with a clear goal: “I wanted to dance in the freestyle, have fun, and enjoy the show!”
Her efforts paid off, as she delivered a seamless performance to secure second place with 79.415%. “We had a very polished freestyle today, and Tarantino was super relaxed in this atmosphere. I absolutely loved it here,” Scholz said after the competition.
Basquin seals the win
As the final athlete to enter the arena, Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima Z delivered the ultimate performance of the evening. Their harmonious freestyle combined fluidity and elegance, underlining their strong partnership.
She describes the gelding as a true warrior. “He is very generous and has a real fighting spirit. He loves to perform and enjoys being in front of the audience,” Basquin said about her 14-year-old partner. "I think we had a flawless freestyle with no major mistakes. What really pays off is the harmony between us"
This was Basquin’s first time competing in Madrid, though she had previously performed at the Madrid Horse Week as part of the Cadre Noir Gala. She still competes in their iconic uniform. Her ambitions for this season include securing a spot at the World Cup Final and preparing for the 2025 European Championships in Crozet (FRA) next year.
“We are working hard to improve, so perhaps one day we can win a medal,” she concluded.
A trio of experienced stars
With Sertorius de Rima Z, Tarantino, and Elegance aged 14, 17, and 15 respectively, the podium in Madrid featured seasoned horses who are still performing at their peak.
Home favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat echoed this sentiment: “Elegance still feels young and full of energy. Compared to last year, when we also placed third here in Madrid, he performed much better today.” The five-time Olympian, who earned individual bronze and team silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics, continues to be a cornerstone of Spanish dressage with her performance in Madrid.
Related Links
Scores: 2024 CDI-W Madrid
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2024-2025 World Cup Qualifiers and Finals