The nice thing about dressage riders is that they take care of their horses themselves after the show. Before asking about Isabell Werth’s impressions of the Massa Stud Grand Prix, one had to wait until Warum Nicht had taken his shower and Isabel had borrowed an apple from her German colleague Anja Plönzke, who herself was washing the head of Le Mont d’Or.
Isabell, you seemed disappointed at the announcement of your marks. Why?
It’s that 71% is below Warum Nicht’s ability to perform: Last week, he achieved 76% at the Grand Prix. But I don’t mean to be critical of the judges, I was just deceived by some mistakes the horse made because he was distracted by the flower decoration that was moving in the wind. That made me mess up the piaffe and change of leg. This morning Warum Nicht was more relaxed, but the flower decoration had not been hung up then… we won, though, and that’s the most important thing!
This is your first time showing in Cannes. What makes this event different from others you have participated in?
Ah, it’s amazing! It’s a mixture of competition and vacation. Of course I am here to perform well, but I also have the intention to profit from this place.
How important is the World Dressage Masters during a dressage season?
It’s a great circuit for us and not only because of the prize money, but rather because it adds a new vibe to the discipline.
For me it will have been a good lesson as well, because I had no idea how scared my horse was of flowerpots. I will ask the organizers of the event to put some on the arena for the training tomorrow, so his problem should be sorted out by Saturday. I already told my groom that it was necessary to spangle our own arena at home with flowers so they won’t ever be a problem again.
How is Satchmo doing and what’s this season like, with the impending World Championship at Lexington in October?
Satchmo is very fine, he did a Grand Prix with 76% last weekend, followed by a Grand Prix special with 77%. He gets better and better!
And so you are showing great promise to be on the German team for the World Championship again!
I’d be very surprised if I wasn’t part of it. Now I just have to see which of the two – Warum Nicht or Satchmo – will be in better shape for the championship… but there are far worse dilemmas!
Result:
1. Warum Nicht – Isabell WERTH – GER – 71.489
2. Le Mont D’Or – Anja PLÖNZKE – GER – 71.447
3. Triviant UNICEF – Mathias ALEXANDER – GER – 70.851
4. Appolo Van Het Vijverhof – Jeroen DEVROE – BEL – 69.915
5. Eremo del Castegno – Valentina TRUPPA – ITA – 69.234
6. Withney Van’T Genthof – Stefan VAN INGELGEM – BEL – 68.298
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