The winner of todays qualification, Victoria’s Secret, is a horse ‘to die for’, accourding to Francis Verbeek, chairman of the jury. Photo: Hippofoto Team

45 combinations showed their talent for dressage and treated the audience to a full day’s programme. The best twelve competitors have placed themselves directly for the finals and tomorrow in the small final three more horses will be added to this group.

The quality of this group was very good, which became clear as the top 12 all scored more than 80%. Chairman of the judges Francis Verbeek: “We have seen fantastic horses that possess lots of quality. Gorgeous horses that in general showed three good gaits. The top distinguished themselves today in, amongst others, rideability. The winner of today, Victoria’s Secret, is a horse ‘to die for’.

She really does not look like a five-year-old: so constant and beautifully ridden, this mare has no weaknesses. She gave us goose bumps. Today she was by far the best, but that’s the thing with young horses: tomorrow it can all be different.”

The number 2 Guadeloupe-Beau was also pleasantly ridden. Kim van der Velden really showed how you let a young horse perform a five-year-old test. Photo: Hippofoto Team

The German rider Beatrice Buchwald and her Vitalis-mare Victoria’s Secret scored 93.40%, that included a 9.5 for the canter and perspective and thereby was far ahead of number two, Guadeloupe-Beau (s.Bordeaux) with Kim van der Velden (89.80%).

Lordswood Dancing Diamond is an incredible horse who was marked high on submission and perspective. Photo: Hippofoto Team

Francis Verbeek: “The number 2 Guadeloupe-Beau was also pleasantly ridden. Kim really showed how you let a young horse perform a five-year-old test: no pressure, but honest and technically ridden. With beautiful contact and acceptance and a good length in the neck.

Also Lordswood Dancing Diamond is an incredible horse that we marked high on submission and perspective.” Lordswood Dancing Diamond (s.Dancier) was presented by Anne-Kathrin Pohlmeier. The pair scored consistent and their submission and talent was awarded with a 9, bringing the total to 88.40%.