World Dressage Masters

Isabell Werth and Emilio dance to victory in Geneva

john — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 15:29:52 +0000

It was their first Freestyle performance together and it turned out a winning debut. Isabell Werth and Emilio (Westf, Ehrenpreis) danced to victory in the VIAN WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Jiva Hill Stables in Geneva on Saturday evening. The 10-year-old gelding made no mistakes and the test was awarded with 84.025%. Highlights in their Freestyle were the piaffe and passage. The enthusiastic crowd of 6000 spectators cheered the brilliant ride of the number 1 on the ranking list. Isabell said afterwards: “It was a great pleasure to be here in Geneva, the crowd is fantastic. We are not used to have such an atmosphere during the show. So this was a big challenge and I think I showed good sport to the public. Emilio was really calm and concentrated in the arena. I hope I can come back here next year.”

Second place went to Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke-Susmelj and her DWB gelding Smeyers Molberg (Michellino x Rambo). The combination scored 76.750% with a faultless and brilliant test. Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat finished close in third place with Sir Radjah (Westf, Sir Donnerhall x Radjah Z) with 75.725%. The test was very energetic with highlights in the changes.

“The premiere of WDM Geneva was an emotional moment for many of the Swiss dressage fans. The house was packed with people that witnessed the extraordinary performance of one of their own, Swiss rider, Antonella Joannou who finished in 4th place in the Kur. After 15 years, dressage returned to CHI Geneva and we feel very proud and grateful to be part of that,” Camil Smeulders of WDM said.

Full results

Photo: Prizegiving ceremony for the VIAN WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Jiva Hill Stables: Antonella Joannou, Isabelle Judet, President of the Jury, Sophie Mottu, Show President, Marcela Krinke-Susmelj, Isabell Werth, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, Ian Lundin of Jiva Hill and John van de Laar, WDM. (photo Joseph Carlutti)

VIAN WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jiva Hill Stables for Boblet

john — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 07:36:13 +0000

This morning riders, who did not start in the Freestyle, competed in the VIAN WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jiva Hill Stables. It is obvious that the public is happy dressage returned to the Palexpo after 15 years. The stands were well filled with enthusiastic dressage fans despite the early hour.

Winner was France’s Marc Boblet with Nobel Dream Concept Sol Biolight. The pair scored 69.392%, which made it a successful comeback for the beautiful black mare in the international arena. The mare had a long break and competed internationally for the last time in 2015 (July) during the CDI Compiègne. Despite mistakes in the two and one tempis they showed some real highlights, especially in the passage-extended tour.

Second place was for Germany’s Ulla Salzgeber with 68.745%. Her horse, Sir Radjah (WESTF, Samarant x Florestan I) is a promising young horse of eight-years-old. They showed a lot of potential in the piaffe-passage tour and Ulla’s experience will certainly give this horse a chance for the future.

Third with a faultless test came the Swiss pair Alexandra Zurbrügg and her light-footed mare Get Time. Elasticity and energy are the best words to qualify their test that was rewarded with 68.255%. With an improved piaffe this combination will definitely score higher marks.

Isabell Werth scores in WDM Grand Prix in Geneva

john — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 20:52:50 +0000

Germany’s Isabell Werth started off well in Geneva in the beautiful and impressive Palexpo, by convincingly winning the VIAN WDM Grand Prix presented by Jiva Hill Stables today. She scored 77.580% with her 10-year-old Westphalian gelding Emilio (Ehrenpreis x Cacir Aa). The judges unanimously placed Isabell in first place. Germany’s Gotthielf Riexinger, president of the jury, awarded her test with the highest score of 80.200%. Isabell was very satisfied after her test: “It’s great to be back again here after 20 years. I especially can remember one time when I won here with Amaretto. Everything is nice in Geneva, all is in one big space, it’s not easy for the horses but it is a great challenge. And today Emilio was really calm and relaxed. He did a good job.”
Spain’s Olympic and European bronze medallist Beatriz Ferrer-Salat took second place with Sir Radjah, another Westphalian gelding by Sir Donnerhall x Radjah Z. The pair received 73.220% from the judges panel that consisted of Alain Francqueville (FRA), Maja stukelj (CZE), Gotthilf Riexinger (GER), Isabelle Judet (FRA) and Leif Törnblad (DEN).
Switzerland’s Marcela Krinke-Susmelj finished in third place with 72.760%. The rider, who was born in Czechoslovakia, but now lives in Lucerne rode her 15-year-old Danish-bred gelding Smeyers Molberg (Michellino x Rambo).

Tomorrow, Saturday 10 December, two WDM competitions are scheduled, the Grand Prix Special and the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Full results

Schedule Saturday 10 December
09:00 hrs – CHF 9,000 VIAN WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jiva Hill Stables
19:15 hrs – CHF 70,000 VIAN WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Rolex

More information: CHI Geneva

Olympic and World champions at WDM Geneva

john — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:50:08 +0000

Next week WDM will have its inaugural competitions at the CHI Geneva. From 8 till 11 December the world’s top riders, in dressage but also in show jumping, eventing and driving, will travel to the home of Rolex to compete in front of Geneva’s enthusiastic crowd. In total CHF 89,000 is available for the three WDM competitions:

WDM Line-up

The line-up for the WDM competitions of fourteen dressage riders includes several Olympic medalists. Germany is sending a strong contingent with multiple champion and icon of the world of dressage, Isabell Werth. She will bring either Emilio or Don Johnson. Isabell will be joined by Kristina Bröring-Sprehe, Olympic team champion and individual bronze medalist in Rio, and the multi-medalist Ulla Salzgeber. Ulla has been very successful in the past WDM seasons. Spanish rider Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, who won team gold and individual bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics, will also make the trip to Geneva, along with Morgan Barbançon Mestre, who will bring Girasol 7, the former top horse of Germany’s Nadine Capellmann. The Swiss delegation will be led by Marcela Krinke Susmelj, sixth in the Freestyle to Music in Stuttgart in mid-November, with local rider Antonella Joannou and the young Philine von Bremen completing the team.This line-up will guarantee top class dressage competitions next week!

Full line-up

Spain
Morgan Barbançon Mestre / Girasol 7
Beatriz Ferrer-Salat / Sir Radjah
France
Marc Boblet / Noble Dream Concept Sol Biolight
Bertrand Liegard / Star Wars
Pierrie Volla / Babinda Altena
Germany
Kristina Bröring-Sprehe / Esperados FRH
Jenny Lang-Nobbe / Loverboy
Ulla Salzgeber / Sir Simon
Isabell Werth / Don Johnson FRH – Emilio
Netherlands
Margo Timmermans / Catch Me
Switzerland
Antonella Joannou / Dandy de la Roche CMF CH
Marcela Krinke Susmelj / Smeyers Molberg
Philine Von Bremen / Artemis

Time Schedule WDM competitions

Friday 9 December
12:15 hrs – CHF 10,000 VIAN WDM Grand Prix presented by Jiva Hill Stables

Saturday 10 December
08:45 hrs – CHF 9,000 VIAN WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jiva Hill Stables
19:15 hrs – CHF 70,000 VIAN WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Rolex

More information: CHI Geneva
You can order your tickets here
Information on accommodation can be found here or here

WDM moves on to Geneva!

john — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 19:09:16 +0000

The next stage of the WDM season will be the prestigious CHI Geneva in Switzerland. The Palexpo will open its doors for the best riders and horses from 8 till 11 December 2016. CHI Geneva has a long history and will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year. CHI Geneva was voted Best Indoor Competition by L’Année Hippique seven times and is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping alongside the CHIO Aachen (GER) and the CSIO Calgary (CAN).
With the WDM competitions dressage will be back in Geneva after a break of 15 years. This comeback with the introduction of World Dressage Masters was made possible with the support and involvement of both Rolex and Jiva Hill.
It is still to early to publish the line-up for the WDM competitions, but it is sure that the top names in dressage will be present. Germany’s dressage queen Isabell Werth has already announced to travel to Geneva.

Schedule

Friday 9 December
12:15 hrs – €10,000 WDM Grand Prix presented by Jiva Hill Stables
Saturday 10 December
08:45 hrs – €9,000 WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jiva Hill Stables
19:15 hrs – €70,000 WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Rolex

More information: CHI Geneva
You can order your tickets here
Information on accommodation can be found here or here

Successful CHI Geneva meeting at Jiva Hill Resort

john — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:07:41 +0000

Last week the organizers of CHI Geneva organized a meeting for all partners of the show at the fantastic Jiva Hill Resort situated at the foothills of the Jura Mountains facing the majestic Mont Blanc.The sports programme was announced and the organization presented the new poster.

From December 8 till 11 dressage will be back in Geneva after a break of 15 years. This comeback with the introduction of World Dressage Masters was made possible with the support and involvement of Rolex and Jiva Hill. The WDM Grand Prix will take on Friday December 9, the WDM Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon and the WDM Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday evening. WDM is looking forward to this fantastic show!

Photo: At Jiva Hill Resort: WDM’s Camil Smeulders and John van de Laar with Virginia Lundin of Jiva Hill.

Jiva Hill
Read more about Jiva Hill: WDM Media Guide
CHI Geneva

Maucca Karki joins WDM management

john — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 12:59:38 +0000

Maucca Karki, a life-time equestrian originally from Finland but living in the Netherlands already since 2000, has a background as a dressage rider and a breeder and as an equestrian consultant. Maucca’s experience and large network consists of companies, professionals and media worldwide of which many have an affinity for the equestrian sport.

“I am looking forward to join forces with WDM in the next years and together create a future for the highest level competitions in dressage sport. Since the beginning of WDM in Cannes in 2008, I have followed WDM and seen the contribution WDM has brought to the sport.

WDM has the possibility now to grow to the next level and expand the interest of dressage sport globally. I hope to be able to bring in my network and my knowledge of both dressage, sponsoring, marketing and media to expand the interest of dressage sport to a larger international audience together with the WDM team and the partnering show organizers.

The dressage community needs to realize the need of investment and development so that the sport can remain and grow. WDM has, in the last 8 years, paid over 3 million euros in prize money and established the circuit as a 5* show organizer and a strong brand as well. Top shows, serious prize money and media attention are extremely important for the future of dressage. I hope to help in finding the right partners for WDM to enable this to continue and to create a road-map for international dressage from Rio to Tokyo (2017 – 2020).

Shows world wide where the world’s best ranked dressage riders compete together with the stars of tomorrow – as in the WDM Next Gen / U25 series - will hopefully continue to grow and help to contribute to keep dressage sport an Olympic discipline. The challenge we all have, is big.”

What’s Next?

john — Fri, 20 May 2016 11:41:32 +0000

The next stage of the World Dressage Masters will be in December at one of the world’s most prestigious events, CHI Geneva in Switzerland. The show will be held from 8 to 11 December. Each year the popular event in the Palexpo welcomes the very best riders and drivers in the biggest indoor arena.

CHI Geneva was voted Best Indoor Competition by L’Année Hippique seven times and is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping alongside the CHIO Aachen (GER) and the CSIO Calgary (CAN).

The Concours Hippique International of Geneva hosted two World Cup Finales (1996 and 2010) as well as 11 Finals of the Top 10 Rolex IJRC, which comes back every two years, alternatively to the Champions’ Challenge©. Each year, 700 highly motivated volunteers bring the event to life and welcome 41’000 spectators over the four days.
More information on CHI Geneva

Olympic Games

It is quite a long way to December and the team of World Dressage Masters will therefore focus on the Olympic Games as well. We will keep you informed about the good and funny behind the scenes. Stay in touch on Facebook and Twitter!

WDM Wiesbaden: top sport combined with top ambiance

john — Fri, 20 May 2016 11:30:00 +0000

The inaugural WDM at Wiesbaden was a great success. The location, the sport, the ambiance and the organization was of top level. On Whit Monday the large crowd saw Germany’s dressage queen Isabell Werth convincingly win the WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jerich International with 79.804%. The talented 11-year-old mare Weihegold OLD received 8’s and 9’s for her passage, piaffe and flying changes. Isabell said afterwards: “The Special here in Wiesbaden was of great value and importance to us. The mare is in super form, but there are still a few things that need addressing at home.”

Second were Hubertus Schmidt and the impressive stallion Imperio 3 (Trak. by Connery) with 74.510%. Their performance was smooth and Imperio showed a good passage and piaffe and the trot exercises were strong. Fabienne Lütkemeier, winner of the WDM Grand Prix Freestyle the night before with Qui Vincit Dynamis, had to settle for third place in the Special with D’Agostino FRH with 72.902%. The 16-year-old Hannoverian gelding has a very good extended trot and canter.

Show president Kristina Dyckerhoff said afterwards: ” WDM is, of course, an enrichment for our dressage tour. The cooperation was very pleasant and we are looking forward to a further engagement.“
Isabelle Kettner, Wiesbaden’s dressage manager was very happy too: “This was a very successful premiere on five star level. This inaugural World Dressage Masters competition was great for both riders and public and we are looking forward to next year – again with WDM and five stars and again with the sport on all levels, from ponies to the Grand Prix cracks.”
Camil Smeulders, managing director of WDM concluded: “Super sport, a superb location and large numbers of spectators. The cooperation with the Wiesbaden organization, Kristina Dyckerhoff and Isabelle Kettner was perfect. We could not wish for more.”

Full results WDM Grand Prix Special
Watch all tests on our YouTube channel
More pictures

Prizegiving for the WDM Grand Prix Special: WRFC-President Kristina Dyckerhoff, Isabelle Kettner, winners Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD, Jochen Kettner, Michael Ketterer and Carl Cuypers of Hofgut Rosenau. (photo: WRFC/Hennig)

WDM Wiesbaden: Lütkemeier reigns in Freestyle

john — Mon, 16 May 2016 13:04:25 +0000

In a beautiful floodlit setting Fabienne Lütkemeier won the WDM Grand Prix Freestyle presented by VIAN GROUP with Qui Vincit Dynamis. The pair danced to 76.750%. Fabienne was happy, the day before she said after the Grand Prix: “I never competed in the floodlight freestyle in Wiesbaden with him before. So I am very excited to see how it will go tomorrow, but I trust on his wisdom, he is 17-years-old.” And she was right, the Oldenburger gelding performed superbly. They received eights for their piaffe and flying changes and for elasticity and harmony between rider and horse. Afterwards the International Business School graduate from Paderborn smiled: “„I am completely happy with Quinci. He did such a good job and we really enjoyed it. I have used D’Agostino’s Freestyle as I did during the World Cup Final in Las Vegas. It is a difficult Freestyle, but Quinci can do it and it fits him.”

Second place went to Juliane Brunkhorst and her 11-year-old Hannoverian stallion Fürstano with 74.350%. The pair received high marks for their half-passes in trot and in canter and passage. Italy’s Valentina Truppa finished in third place with the 19-year-old Fixdesign Chablis with 73.450%. The horse is still in top form and Valentina was in tears after her test and said: “I have been riding him since he was three-years-old. He means more to me than a boyfriend.”

This afternoon equestrian fans can enjoy the WDM Grand Prix Special presented by Jerich International. You can watch Isabell Werth, Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and many other top dressage riders at www.worlddressagemasters.com/wdm-live

Full results