The CAI3* International Horse Driving took place at Haras National du Pin in Normandy, France, July 5-9, 2023, with 35 singles and 42 pairs contesting this prestigious event consisting of dressage, marathon and cones competions.
The dressage tests provided a great show for the fans, with some of the world’s best drivers taking to the arena. While Anne-Violaine Brisou from Picardy, one of the most experienced riders on the circuit, held the provisional lead for a while with her first horse Haronica, Laure Philippot (BEL) struck a blow after the lunch break by becoming the first rider to break the 45-point barrier. World number 1 Mario Gandolfo (SUI) was unable to steal first place, but Canadian Kelly Houtappels-Bruder finally scored a stunning 39.99 points to take the lead with her reliable partner Flip.
“This is the sixth time I’ve come to the Haras du Pin. We always love this competition, the welcome, the bread, the wine, all those wonderful French specialties,” said the world #4 driver, laughing. “It’s the best dressage test we’ve done this season. We’re really happy, especially as it’s one of the last competitions of the year. Flip felt good right from the warm-up, so it was looking good.”
She continued, “We’ve taken part in three competitions since January: Wetteringen (GER), Windsor (GBR) and Bühl (GER). It’s a bit of a transition here, as we’re trying out a few things like a new bit, and sometimes that influences your results. But our major objective is the 2024 World Championship [at Haras du Pin]. Changing certain settings doesn’t always give good results, but it allows us to improve and fine-tune our preparation.
“Flip is always better on the marathon. We’ve mainly worked to improve his dressage skills over the last seven years, but this has diminished his quality on the marathon. We’re trying to find the right balance between the two and make him competitive on both tests…it’s an exciting adventure and never easy. On the marathon he’s always focused, always willing, even if sometimes he takes his own decisions, which isn’t easy! We know each other really well, he’s my best mate.”
Of Saturday’s marathon track she commented, “Le Pin is one of the few real marathons on the calendar. I think it’s going to be a tough course, with a lot of pitfalls. It’s as hard on the horses mentally as it is physically. Fortunately, with the new facilities, there’s no need to worry about the horses’ comfort, the tracks are extraordinary.”
As predicted, the marathon was a tough test, with the Parc du Hautbois offering a preview of what’s to come at the World Pair Driving Championships at the end of September. Overhanging obstacles and slaloms between gates, combined with the heat and heavy weather, kept drivers and horses on their toes. Houtappels-Bruder retained first place by a very narrow margin; whereas on Thursday she had a comfortable five-point lead over her nearest challenger, the 41-year-old’s advantage was reduced to just one point ahead of Switzerland’s Gandolfo and his horse Favela. Behind this duo, four French drivers loomed, just a handful of points off the lead going into Sunday’s cone phase.
Overnight showers pleasantly cooled the atmosphere at the Haras National du Pin, creating the perfect conditions for the final session of the CAI3*. The cones track demanded maneuverability and a blend of skill and speed, with only six entries managing to complete the course without any penalties, as time was relatively tight. The duel at the summit pitted Gandolfo against Houtappels-Bruder and with a perfect round, the Swiss driver clearly put the pressure on his rival. The Canadian held her nerve right through the final gate and maintained her slim lead of 1.20 points to claim her first-ever victory in Le Pin (she placed second here in 2017 with Flip). The horse pairs competition was won by Franck Grimonprez (FRA).
This first major event to be held at the brand-new Pôle International de Sports Equestres (PISE) showcased the fabulous facilities and was praised by the international driving world. This very positive outcome offers excellent prospects for the World Championships, scheduled from September 26 to October 1.
~ with files from Haras National du Pin
More from News:
