Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris, known as “Alf”, finished fourth with 76.5% in the FEI World Cup freestyle qualifier at Neumünster CDI-W in Germany, 11-15 February 2009, and are now equal 10^th in the Western European League standings.

 

Bechtolsheimer intends to take Andretti to the final qualifier, ’s-Hertogenbosch in Holland, 19-22 March, and, if on form there, could be in with a chance of qualifiying for the FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas, 15-19 April.

 

Bechtolsheimer, who was third with Alf in the grand prix at Neumünster on 70.809%, was particularly pleased with the 14-year-old 17hh Danish Trakehner gelding’s performance considering the difficult stadium, which has no space between the arena and the audience.

 

“In the grand prix, he was not relaxed enough to show his full potential, but I managed to steer him through it and achieve a respectable percentage. In the freestyle, the extremely enthusiastic crowd was buzzing. Alf was foot-perfect until the tempi-changes, which cost us dearly, but we still achieved a good score and placing.”

 

For the show's full results, visit www.reitturnier.de