Beatriz Ferrer-Salat Comes Up With the Magic Formula

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Delgado(Photo: Equita PSV)

As the last rider out for the Grand Prix presented by CRERA, part of the Reem Acra FEI World CupTM Dressage, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat won over the judges thanks to a harmonious routine and the fact that her horse Delgado remained fully concentrated throughout. The rider has been in great form this year and won with a score of 79.360%.

“My horse did a great dressage test; I didn't make any mistakes. Before entering the arena, he was really hot in the paddock. Lyon is a great competition; it’s also not far from where I live; just 600km between Barcelona and Eurexpo. It’s a lot simpler that many other competitions. Tomorrow, I will present the freestyle test that I did in Aix- la-Chapelle; it will be just the third time we have presented it to the judges, and actually the very first time indoors. I have been riding Delgado for eight years, since he was 6, but we had lots of little problems for a long time; you could say that I have recently found the magic formula.” said the delighted rider after her round.

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Delgado(Photo: Equita PSV)

The last rider out was Patrik Kittel on the elegant Déjà. They took second place with a total of 76.400%. They finished ahead of the German rider Fabienne Lütkemeier on D’Agostino with 74.400%.

“I’m really pleased; the mare had not competed since the Championships in Aix-la- Chapelle. It’s her big return to Lyon. Yesterday, she was very hot. We probably need a few more Grands Prix to get back into full form, but what she did here in Lyon is great. The score is in the middle between what we did in Aix-la-Chapelle and the maximum of 79 that she has already achieved. In Lyon, judge B even gave us 80, which is great because I think the mare has the means to get 80s. I really love the competition in Lyon and I come here as often as possible. The organisation is perfect, the ground is really good and everything is planned to receive the riders in the best conditions and for the horses’ well-being,” said the Swedish rider.

As regards the French riders, Pierre Volla and Badinda Altena achieved a score of 70.640% under the expert eye of the national coach Jan Bemelmans, who was clearly delighted with his young recruit’s performance. They finished seventh in their first Grand Prix on the Reem Acra FEI World CupTMcircuit. Next up is the Freestyle to Music test at 4pm tomorrow.