2002 World Equestrian Games

They Didn't Win A Medal, But They Won Our Hearts Notable Rides At 2002 WEG

Never Count A Four-Time Olympian Out!

Anky van Grunsven and Gestion Krack

Olympic Gold Medalist Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands rode the 10-year-old bay Dutch stallion Gestion Krack C skillfully, exhibiting this young horse to his advantage. Krack looks remarkably like a smaller version of Bonfire in his way of going, especially in his knee action, but does not yet have that power, balance or presence in the ring. In the Grand Prix the pair received a big round of applause and whistles at the end of their test. The judges' score of 69.420% put van Grunsven in a tie for 14th place with Elena Sidneva of Russia on Artax Condor RBB and qualified her for the Special.

In the Special, van Grunsven showed that she and her partner are definite contenders. The young stallion put in a perfectly obedient test that was elegant and demonstrated that he had mastered the execution of all the movements. What was visibly noticeable is the bond between this horse and rider – one has the impression that he is doing his job not because of his rider, but for his rider. The wonderful performance earned a 71.800% and van Grunsven took over the lead at this point in the competition. However, the score did not hold up long, and she finished in 12th place, moving up two spots. The score qualified her for the Freestyle.

In the applause barometer and for creative interpretation, van Grunsven arguably won the Freestyle. Using Spanish-flavored music that matched Krack C's gaits to a T, he performed extended trot to tango music and and passaged and piaffed to Hernando's Hideaway. In an unusual but totally appropriate music choice, the canter work was done to delicate violin music, while the walk work used accordian music that pointed out Krack's ability to extend and collect. In the half-pass and zigzag, Anky used 'fairy-like' music that accentuated this horse's lightness. Though Krack C's piaffe is not strong and he does not yet exhibit power in his passage, and a few of the transitions seemed a bit late and even confused, the total picture was so captivating that Anky received resounding cheers from her final halt all the way out of the arena - accolades that very few of the other riders received. She gave Krack C huge pats with both hands and continually pointed at him during her exit as she waved and smiled broadly to the cheers. The judges gave her 76.375% for 8th place which moved her up to 11th place overall for this WEG.