Two-time Paralympian Roberta Sheffield rode to top results at the CPEDI 3* Mannheim, held in Germany from May 4 to 9, 2023. Competing at the Maimarkt tournament, where Para Dressage competition has been offered since 2003, Sheffield made the maple leaf proud, posting high placings in the Grade III division.
Sheffield started off strong on May 4, riding her own Fairuza to a second-place finish with a score of 71.056%. She and her 14-year-old bay Gelderlander mare were just fractions of a percentage point off the leader, Germany’s Melanie Wienand, who earned 71.222% aboard Lemony’s Loverboy.
A day later, Sheffield, who resides in Lincolnshire, ENG, and Fairuza, also known as ‘Wonky’, returned to the ring. This time the pair finished on top of the standings, earning a score of 72.111%. They concluded the event together in Mannheim finishing with another first place in the freestyle on a score of 74.489%— their highest yet.
“Back in 2013, I wore the maple leaf for the first time in the Mannheim CPEDI3*. It was the start of an adventure that would take me to three World Championships and two Paralympic Games and counting,” said Sheffield. “In so many ways, Mannheim is such a special show for me. I love its huge atmosphere and sense of organised chaos. It is the perfect preparation for a major Games. This year was my fifth visit and Fairuza’s second.”
“The competition itself was wonderful. Wonky really found her form. She loves the big occasion! On the first day we had some moments of tension but by the second test we had found our rhythm to set a new PB. Our freestyle, made by Avery Maude Dressage, felt like a dream.”
“To have so much success at our special show with my heart horse is just the most incredible feeling. The tears flowed unapologetically when I was watching my horse staring at the Canadian flag while O Canada was playing during the prize giving. It was a perfect moment.”
Next for Sheffield and Wonky is the Ottawa CPEDI3* as part of the team event and then they will return to Europe for the Grote-Brogel CPEDI3*.
For complete results of the CPEDI 3* Mannheim, visit here.
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