FEI World Cup Dressage update

The opening competition of the FEI World Cup Dressage Western European
League concluded today in Aarhus with the home side's Andreas Helgstrand
and Blue Hors Cavan claiming top position, a resounding 4 per cent above
their nearest rivals.
Helgstrand took over the ride on Cavan when his former jockey, Danish
team medallist Lars Pedersen, emigrated to the USA. In the words of
Ground Jury President Stephen Clarke the pair performed " a powerful,
expressive test, which also looked fun. They were both having a good
time, which is how dressage should be."

Second place went to Germany's Ann-Katrin Linsenhoff, refreshed from her
wonderful honeymoon on the Queen Mary after her marriage to Klaus-Martin
Rath just a month ago. "It was our first show since Aachen [in July] so
Wahajama-UNICEF was a little nervous in the grand prix. Today, though,
she was just wonderful - we were really together and it was such fun to
ride her." Ann-Katrin, who applauded the enthusiastic and sporting
audience, is aiming for a slot to compete at the FEI World Cup Final,
which will be held in Las Vegas, USA next April (20-23). "We are one
step nearer!" she said.

Sven Rothenberger, who was in Athens this summer as a member of the
Dutch Olympic team, which so narrowly missed out on a medal, was also
delighted with the performances of his father-in-law's Barclay II. " We
had a very, very good show", commented the third placed rider, who has
ridden the horse for just over a year. " Even before Athens I felt there
were a few things we should change, but it was only after that I could
think changing anything. Now I feel Barclay is more settled, has less
pressure mentally, and he has got stronger physically." Rothenberger
credited his wife Gonnelien's insight for aiding this progress. Third
prize winner with Olympic Bo at the 1994 Final in Los Angeles (which was
the only previous Final to be held outside western Europe), Rothenberger
would love to return to the USA to ride next spring, if his commitments
to the Dutch team effort allow.

Jan Brink had been expected to shine here, but the Sweden's European
silver medallist withdrew Bjorsell's Briar before the grand prix. His
trainer Kyra Kyrklund, however, unveiled her nine-year-old prospective
star Max to finish sixth in the FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier.

Aarhus, back in the calendar after being cancelled last year, was
applauded by riders and officials for the user-friendly organisation,
and clearly enjoyed by the crowd. Stephen Clarke commented: " It was
very well organised with super facilities and produced a very good
qualifier. The standard was very good, producing a 79 per cent winner,
and with the top horses on 75 - 74 per cent, it was an above average
class."

The next FEI World Cup Qualifier takes place in Stockholm (November
26-28)

FEI World Cup Qualifier - Freestyle to Music results
1, Blue Hors Cavan (Andreas Helgstrand, DEN) 79.47
2, Wahajama-UNICEF (Ann-Katrin Linsenhoff, GER) 75.44
3, Barclay II (Sven Rothenberger, NED) 75.38
4, Esprit de Valdemar (Jon D. Petersen, DEN) 74.78
5, Lesotho (Ellen Schulten-Baumer, GER) 74.13
6, Max (Kyra Kyrklund, FIN) 74.01
7, Regent (Christian Plaege, SUI) 72.44
8, Guinness (Louise Nathhorst, SWE) 72.07
9, Galliano (Maria Ericksson, SWE) 70.93
10, Joy (Patricia Callaghan, NED) 70.60

For full results:
www.vilhelmsborg.dk

For further information on the FEI World Cup Dressage season, including
league standings, future competitions, rules: www.horsesport.org