The five-year-olds made their debut on Thursday morning with their FEI Preliminary Test in the Markel Arena. Madeleine Bendfeldt (GER) earned the top score of the day with Beth Noorthoek’s 2018 Danish Warmblood gelding, Lindholm’s Quick Step. The striking black gelding earned high marks across the board for an overall score of 89% from the judges.

Photo – Madeleine Bendfeldt and Lindholm’s Quick Step. (©SusanJStickle.com)

Class Results

Current Overall Standings:

1. Madeleine Bendfeldt (GER) and Lindholm’s Quick Step
2. Sven Smienk (CAN) and Superior 9
3. Adam John Steffens and Candoit’s Secret Weapon

From the Mixed Zone:

Tell us about Lindholm’s Quick Step’s background and breeding.

Madeleine Bendfeldt: Quick Step is by Quarterhit. I found him in Denmark at a friend’s place. That was so not what I expected but it turned out way better than I thought. He just came in February, so we did not have that much time. But he caught up on all the education and he was great, as he proved today. He’s fun every day. I love this horse. He has the right attitude. He’s my Black Beauty. He is amazing.

What qualities make him stand out from other young horses?

MB: He has the talent for everything that he needs to be an amazing grand prix horse. He has so much talent for collection. He’s willing to give you everything he has to give every day the same. He’s very talented and he has the perfect attitude for it.

How did you feel about your test today?

MB: It was so fun to ride. Ever since I’ve been doing this job, I feel like this is what it is, the pure fun experience where you never have one second where you struggled and thought, ‘Oh, this could have been better.’ It was seamless until my last turn on the centerline. I thought, ‘Okay, that could not have been any better.’ He gave me everything, and they rewarded him for that, and I really do appreciate the judges.

Full Schedule and Results

2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions Livestream

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