During the final day of competition at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Driving World Championships for singles held from Sept. 15 – 18 in Le Pin-au-Haras, FRA, Canadian Kelly Houtappels-Bruder brought home the bronze medal, finishing in an overall position of third place of 71 athlete and horse combinations.
All smiles. Kelly Houtappels-Bruder and Meike Paridaans. (Melanie Guillamot photo)
In a competition sand arena that is 120m in length and 70m in width, Houtappels-Bruder, originally from Ariss, ON, residing in Steensel, NED, and her partner Flip (Fidertanz x Carprilli), a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding whom she co-owns with her husband Frank Houtappels, finished in 20th place with a score of 2.90.
The Canadian pair finished with a score of 139.64 for third place, behind Netherlands Saskia Siebers (135.16; first place) and France’s Marion Vignaud (136.46; second place). The duo of Houtappels-Bruder and Flip earned their second podium finish after winning silver at the 2020 FEI World Championships for single drivers in Pau, FRA.
“Flippy was such a good boy today!” said Houtappels-Bruder. “It was a difficult course with a tight time limit and lots of tight turns. We drove without any knockdowns and just a little over two points for time.”
The driver went on to express how she felt about their podium finish. “This was the best result we could have hoped for – we didn’t give anything away and weren’t in a position to move up in the standings. So proud of my team and so thankful for all of the support at home,” said Houtappels-Bruder.
When asked what was next for the team, she adoringly focused on her horse’s welfare. “We will head home tomorrow and Flip will have a very well-earned rest. We will work mainly under saddle this fall and compete in some dressage competitions over the winter.”
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