RESULTS: Anky Van Grunsven, NED, on her new young (9yo) horse, Salinero just edged out Ulla Salzgeber
of GER on Rusty with a score of 85+. The third went to the Spanish rider Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Beauva, and fourth
was Debbie MacDonald and Brentina of US.
OTHER MISC:
After all those movements, overall scores and so on--(for those unfamiliar with dressage, each of the movements is scored
individually on a scale of 1-10, and then overall impressions are added--generally at a 2x score--much like a gymnastics floor
exercise or ice skating) the top four rides were seperated by only about 3.5 points.
The winning score of 85 was a Very High Score.
RIDING STYLE--several riders using the little finger on the outside of the curb rein, with the ring finger between the
snaffle and curb.
Germany's Weltal actually bolted and spooked a couple of times...unusual and large deductions under "obedience to the
aids".
If you have read A. Podhajsky's classic "My Horses, My Trainers", he recounts a story of a presentation
that included an unexpected helicopter arrival, for which they had not practiced. He says the Lippizaner stallion shook
and trembled, however he stood motionless--ultimate sign of trust and obedience. This is considered a basic in dressage.
In all fairness to the rider, several horses did shy or start to shy, etc.--which actually is rather
unusual to see at this level.
