Charlotte Dujardin and 9-year old mare, Mount St John Freestyle, have claimed the individual dressage bronze medal, at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tyron, North Carolina.
Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle produced a personal best of 81.49% in their grand prix special performance, which is remarkably only the special Mount St John Freestyle has participated in, in her life. The individual bronze comes after and amazing performance to secured Team GBR’s bronze medal, the day before.
My ride today was unbelievable — I couldn’t have asked for any more from her. I had nothing to lose today; yesterday I rode it a bit safe as I didn’t want to push and frighten her, but I knew I could go for more today. Freestyle upped her game and took on the challenge, and delivered! She’s such a fighter.”
The silver medal was awarded to Laura Graves, of the USA, ahead of Dujardin by just 0.23%, scoring 81.71% on 16-year old gelding, Florett AS.
Photo FEI/MARTIN DOKOUPIL
Isabell Werth, who was last to go, stormed into the lead with Bella Rose, finishing with a score of 86.24% and taking the gold medal.
Outside the medals, Team GBR’s Carl Hester performed spectacularly on 10-year old Hawtins Delicato. Hester placed ninth, with a score of 77.22%, in the horses second-ever grand prix special.
I have to be happy with plus-77% in only his second special and his first championship; after all, he’s only a young horse.”
“It’s only when you come to shows like this you learn about your horse and he’s also learned a lot here. I was happy with the team result as that’s what we came here to do but I’m equally happy today.”
Unfortunately, Spencer Wilton and his ride, Super Nova II, were unable to compete in the grand prix special competition after helping Team GBR secure bronze.
A ‘devasted’ Wilton explained his reasons for not participating in the grand prix special, the 15-year old De Niro gelding, otherwise known as ‘Neville’, not feeling 100% after the prizing giving.
Prize-givings are not Neville’s, favourite thing and normally I wouldn’t do them but we’re at a championship.”
“I helped the team secure qualification for Tokyo 2020 and that was my primary focus, so with that in mind, Neville’s welfare was key to this tough decision.”
Both Dujardin and Hester have now qualified to compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle, which has been postponed until Monday 17th September due to Hurricane Florence.
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