Dujardin introduces new superstars

With a massive grand prix class and fierce competition for para Olympic spots, Wellington showcased British dressage at its finest

- HELEN TRIGGS

Wellington Riding Premier League, Hampshire

THIS was without doubt Charlotte Dujardin’s show. She achieved seven wins and no scores under 74%. In the grand prix, Gio (Pumpkin), the horse she owns with Renee Hart, delivered a creditable 79.47% to win.

The 10-year-old Apache gelding appears so confident in the ring, it’s hard to believe this was only his 10th start at the level. A mistake in the rein-back and a slight stumble at the end of a good line of one-time changes produced the only fives on a scoresheet that was otherwise full of eights and nines.

“He’s never done a show before in heat like this,” commented Charlotte. “It was another good schooling round for him.”

Not too far behind Gio in second was Charlotte’s grand prix debutante Florentina VI, whose only outing since becoming the 2018 inter I, inter I freestyle and prix st georges (PSG) national champion was Liverpool Horse Show in December 2018. The elegant grey mare (Vivaldi x Rubels), owned jointly with Paul and Wendy Dockley, had green moments in the passage-piaffe transitions and some swing in the one tempis, but showed plenty of highlights.

“She’s so genuine in her mindset though she’s still green.

We’ve given her time between small tour and grand prix, and I hope to go international with her next year. I’ve never doubted she’d turn into something special,” said Charlotte.