Von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera’s partnership win in Neumünster

The German partnership of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB continue their unbeatable reign in European Dressage at the fifth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup 2021/2022 Western European League in Neumünster. 

The pair completely dominated at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before sweeping a triple gold at the FEI Dressage European Championships 2021 in Hagen. Now, once again they demonstrated to be on the top of the game and ready for the World Cup with a winning score of 90.615.

Danish riders also proved to be challenging rivals as they finished in second, third and fourth place. In second place, Catherine Dufour (DEN) and Vamos Amigos achieved a score of 87.175% while third place went to Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) with Atterupgaards Orthilia at 84.625%.

Field reduced to 13

The field started with 13 dressage riders following the withdrawals of Helen Langehanenberg (Annabelle) and Benjamin Werndl (Famoso OLD). During the competition, Australia’s Kirsty Oatley left the arena in tears after a personal-best 79.840 with the gelding Du Soleil. The pair were in front going into the second half of the competition. 

However, soon after the break, Swedish rider Patrik Kittel and Blue Hors Zepter took the lead with a score of 81.325. Isabell Werth, chasing her fourth consecutive series title this season, put 82.640 on the board. However, this was not good enough this time for the podium as the final four riders to go would stir the competition up. 

Carina Cassøe Krüth and Helline’s Danciera broke in extended trot but ended with a one-handed passage that gained the public cheers and a score of 83.670. However, compatriot Cathrine Dufour was next into the ring, and they raised the bar even higher with a mark of 86.725.

Superb performance

Nanna Skodborg Merrald was next to go with a personal-best of 84.480 with Atterupgaards Orthilia. This however, was not enough to beat Dufour, but good enough for the second position. Soon the podium would take a change as Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera set off for a German win. 

Although their performance was great, not everything went according to the plan. The mare got a bit naughty in the extended canter, but the quality of the work overall in their transitions to and from passage earned multiple scores of 10 across the judges. 

“She knew she shouldn’t do it, but she was just feeling too good! She’s so full of power and energy, but she trusts me and she came back to me very quickly” -Von Bredow-Werndl

What is coming next? 

The Hostenhallen in Neumünster was Dufour’s first time in the venue, and she admitted she was delighted with the venue and the result. Also, she claimed to be “super-pleased to be sitting next to Jessica and also Nanna because we have been competitors, colleagues and friends” since they were children.

The last leg of the Western European League qualifier for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2022 will take place in s Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands 12-14th March. As it is essential to compete in three qualifiers to go to the Final, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl will be making her appearance in this venue. 

She is in sixth position while Dufour and Frederic Wandres share 52 points in the first and second position. In third place with 47 points is Nanna Skodborg Merrald.