Britain’s golden pair, Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin have just posted the highest ever Grand Prix Special score of 86.120, to become the new world champion.  Valegro was in spectacular form and the quality of his work was such, that even though the test contained three mistakes, the judges rewarded the good and could not deny the exceptional quality and adherence to the directives of the test.

In another time and place, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill FRH would have been receiving congratulations for setting records, as her score was 84.468.  The strong Aussie contingent got right behind Helen and the atmosphere was electric.   Helen made many friends earlier in 2014, when she came “down under” to officiate as the riding judge at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars, and also conducted the Saddleworld Dressage Masterclass. Helen began riding in her personally designed Prestige X-Helen saddle and she has since recorded 15 over 80% scores, with this WEG Special a career highlight.

A delighted Kristina Sprehe (Germany) added to her numerous Young Rider Championships and cemented her WEG day 1 win, by taking the WEG Grand Prix Special bronze medal recording a percentage of 79.782, riding Desperados FRH.

Grand Prix Special medallists.
Photo with thanks to PSV Photos

The capacity crowd had came to see the best and Valegro’s performance did not disappoint.  Charlotte Dujardin rode very effectively and used her disappointing Aachen (2014) result as a “wake up call” and this outstanding duo set a standard that will make dressage history.

Helen Langehanenberg rode to perfection and Damon Hill NRH was in excellent form.  The elegant stallion showed near perfect rhythm and engagement, this combination are part of the new generation leading the way to perfect harmony between horse and rider.

Bronze medalist Kristina Sprehe, rode with maturity beyond her years and produced a powerful and positive performance on her talented stallion, Desperados FRH.

Kristina’s wait until the end of the class must have been excruciating as The Netherland’s champions Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival were in reach of the Bronze and at the completion of an expressive and well-ridden Grand Prix Special test.

Adeline missed the medal by less than half a mark. This would have been a bitter disappointment as Adelinde accrued a penalties from all 5 judges for entering the arena 47 seconds after the bell rang.  The time allowed is 45 seconds.
Top 6

1. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)/ Valegro - 86.120
2. Helen Langehanenberg (GER)/ Damon Hill FRH - 84.468
3. Kristina Sprehe (GER)/ Desperados FRH - 79.762
4. Adelinde Cornelissen (NED)/ Jericho Parzival - 79.328
5. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE)/ Don Auriello - 78.235
6. Victoria Max-Theurer (AUT) Augustin Old -  77.857
   
   For full results CLICK HERE
   For more information see: www.normandy2014.com