In the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, Wellington regular Susan Pape (GBR) came out on top riding Harmony’s Eclectisch to 68.174%. The German-based British rider has been coming to AGDF for a decade with her string of horses from sponsors John and Leslie Malone of Harmony’s Sporthorses. Another team Harmony rider, Michael Klimke (GER) was also in the mix, finishing third and fourth with Harmony’s Zomancier (66.544%) and Harmony’s Fado (65.565%).

Photo – Susan Pape & Harmony’s Eclectisch presented as winners of the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, by Betsy Juliano (left) and Judge at C William Warren (right). (©susanjstickle.com)

Kevin Kohmann (USA) was the filling between the Harmony bookends, claiming the runner-up spot with 66.826% on Diamante Farms’ 14-year-old Bordeaux daughter Giulietta. Kohmann also spearheaded the CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges, which was sponsored by Harmony’s Sporthorses. He rode another Diamante Farms horse, the 10-year-old Scala, by Blue Hors St. Schufro, to 70.676%.

Pape’s ride, Harmony’s Eclectisch, is also a regular to AGDF, but life is a little different for the 16-year-old this time round, as he was gelded over the summer.

Good Decision

“I think it was a really good decision to geld him as he felt very focused in the ring. He doesn’t have the biggest piaffe, but all the rest gave me a good feeling and he was in front of me,” said Pape. “I was very satisfied with Eclectisch’s test even though we had a little blip after the second pirouette where he did two one-times, but that can happen.”

In past years – as a stallion – Eclectisch has spent the winter season confined to the showgrounds at AGDF due to biosecurity, but this year he is able to join Pape’s other horses which she has brought for the season, Giulilanta and Shiraz, at the Malones’ Four Winds Farm.

Not Focusing

“He was really not focusing and at home in Germany. I couldn’t even ride him in the indoor with a mare. Now it’s such a relief for both of us; we walk on a long rein and he doesn’t care. He can finally go in the paddock and do all the things you can’t do with a freaky stallion so for him it’s a nicer life—even better than before. He’s proven everything already, so we just want to have fun and maybe do a couple more CDIs,” added Pape.

Click here for full results from the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by Havensafe Farm.

Dressage resumes on Friday, with the week’s highlight, the FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle under lights starting at 7pm ET. For more information and results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.