-- FEI press release, edited by Eurodressage - Photos © Dirk Caremans
An exceptional field gathered for the eighth World Cup™ qualifier in Amsterdam, where the audience offered standing ovations even before the first break. Reigning World Champions Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale claimed victory with an impressive 89.840%, but the competition was fierce.
British Dominance
This marked Fry’s second consecutive win in Amsterdam, following last year’s triumph with Glamourdale’s stablemate, Everdale. This 2021 Olympic team ride has not been out to compete in almost a year and his FEI passport is not yet renewed for 2025. Nevertheless, it was Fry's second victory in a row with a thriving Glamourdale, who secured the World Cup™ qualifier in London (GBR) on 19 December 2024.
Her compatriot Becky Moody came close with her homebred Jagerbomb (owned by the athlete and Jo Cooper), earning 86.500% to finish second. Meanwhile, Isabell Werth (GER) climbed from fourth spot in the Grand Prix to third (85.265%) in the freestyle on Quantaz, pushing Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) into fourth place (83.070 %).
With her second victory this season, Fry has moved up to 12th in the Western European League World Cup standings, though she remains undecided about pursuing the final, whereas Isabell Werth is currently in the lead and has definitely marked the Finals in Basel on her calendar.
“We’re taking it step by step," said Lottie Fry. "Our main focus this year is the European Championships, and we’re building toward that."
Harmony & Fairness Award for Kittel
Even before the break, the audience was on their feet, cheering for the first combinations. With no fewer than nine duos scoring above 80% the competition in Amsterdam offered plenty to enjoy. Patrik Kittel (SWE) set the tone, earning the first standing ovation with his own and Arlette Jasper-Kohl's Hanoverian mare Forever Young HRH (by Furst Fugger x Don Bosco). Dancing to Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely, the mare scored 82.560%, securing sixth place and the "Harmony & Fairness Award" audience prize.
“When the crowd gives you a standing ovation and your horse performs so well, you feel like a little kid — even after all these years in the sport,” laughed the Swede.
Dutch Horse Swaps
Host nation the Netherlands also sent a strong contingent to their capital. Two of their combinations scored over 80%. Hans Peter Minderhoud was originally entered with Toto Jr but swapped him last minute for the Austrian owned 10-year old Hanoverian stallion Taminiau (by Totilas x Sandro Hit). They delivered a freestyle earning 81.885% for seventh place.
"I got ill on the last day of my skiing holiday and a week later I still don't feel 100%," Dinja explained about her changing horses. "I really haven't been able to train enough with Hermes because of that and he really isn't ready! Hartsuijker is a lot less complicated and Kim Alting was able to ride him nicely when I wasn't feeling well. He is just in better shape for now and a lot easier for me to ride in than Hermes who I just know that every piece of the puzzle has to be right otherwise I don't have to go!"
With Hartsuijker Dina scored 82.645% to finish fifth. A small mistake in the one-tempi changes and some tension in the contact kept the pair out of the top three.
“I enjoyed every minute. Hartsuijker is a true pocket rocket. I love him to pieces," said Dinja.
Vayron on Fire
Making their World Cup debut, Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Rudolf Spiekermann's imposing Westfalian Vayron (by Vitalis x Gloster) also scored over 80%, finishing ninth with 80.580%. During a hiccup in the extended trot and an error in the one-tempis, the crowd showed their sympathy with a collective sigh of disappointment. They finished their freestyle with a one-handed extended trot full throttle.
Maria von Essen (SWE) and the 13-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Invoice (by Jazz x Ferro) scored just a fraction more with 80.660%. Invoice was purchased by Eugene Reesink in a big stock sale when breeder Piet Crum died. Through Swedish horse dealer Johan Ifverson, Maria von Essen got a video of Invoice as a 2.5-year old and bought him together with her husband, farrier Alexander Bennergård.
Nanna Merrald and the 17-year old Blue Hors Don Olymbrio (by Jazz x Ferro) dropped a place in the Freestyle compared to the Grand Prix. Last year’s World Cup™ runner-up in Riyadh (KSA) delivered a faultless freestyle but scored 83.070%, narrowly missing the podium in Amsterdam.
Showman Jagerbomb
The cheerful athlete is confident about the future: “He’s only 11, there is so much more to come! Today, Bomb and I were completely in sync. The crowd was behind us all the way, and Jagerbomb was thinking, Clap harder, guys! He’s such a showman.”
Werth Third
In Amsterdam, Isabell Werth’s winning streak this season came to an end. Riding Victoria Max-Theurer and Madeleine Winter-Schulze's 15-year old Brandenburg bred Quantaz (by Quaterback x Hohenstein), she finished third but was pleased nonetheless.
“In this electric atmosphere Quantaz stayed very calm. Yesterday many riders had some mistakes, but today’s freestyle was top-level sport, so I knew I had to stay focused. Apart from a slightly spooky moment at the end, I was very happy,” said Werth.
She remains at the top of the standings with 75 points. With Quantaz she aims for the Final in Basel (SUI) on 2 - 6 April 2025.
Fry and Glamourdale wow the crowd
Fry left nothing to chance and with just shy of 90%, the victory was hers. His 89.840% secured the win.
“Glamourdale was amazing today. We’ve been working hard at home on some exercises and that paid off today. I’m thrilled the scores reflect that. He was already incredible, but he keeps getting better. Glammie thrives in arenas like this,” said Fry.
The next World Cup qualifier takes place in Neumünster (GER) on 15-16 February 2025.
Related Links
Scores: 2025 CDI-W Amsterdam
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2025 World Cup Finals and Qualifiers