Originally from Ariss, ON, Kelly Houtappels-Bruder and her team achieved an exciting win against some of the world’s best drivers in the CAI3* Horse Single Division at the FEI Driving Competition – St. Margarethen in Austria from August 10 – 13, 2023.
After earning a win last month in Le Pin-au-Haras, France, the world ranked number two singles driver guided her trusted partner Flip (Fidertanz x Carprilli), a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding she co-owns with Frank Houtappels, to a strong start with a score of 40.12 in the dressage phase on Thursday. A day later in the marathon, they added 79.18 to their total, and concluded the event on a final score of 119.30 to secure another top finish.
“This was our last international competition of the season and it was so nice finishing the season this way. The entire year has gone well, but we always had one phase that didn’t quite go according to plan – our progress ultimately peaking at the right moment gives a shot of confidence going into next year and ultimately the 2024 World Championships in Le Pin au Haras in September,” said Houtappels-Bruder.
Houtappels-Bruder also debuted her young horse Backstage CQ or ‘Claus’ in the CAI2*-H1. “He exceeded all expectations and finished fourth from the 16 entries. He had an amazing positive experience and promises to fill Flips shoes in the future. This show probably had one of the most stunning competition rings in Europe nestled in the Austrian alps.”