last updated on September 28, 2010 17:08

In the midst of WEG fever Henriette Andersen stole pole position ‘across the pond’ at Saumur, France 25-26 September. Narrowly defeated by Denmark’s Sanne Henningsen in the grand prix on a score of 68.26%, Andersen came back fighting for the top spot as she scored a personal best of 74.15% in the grand prix freestyle. Aboard long standing owner Paula Potter’s Louis D’or III Andersen impressed to take the first international grand prix level win of her career. A delighted Andersen told British Dressage, “it was very exciting to win, he’s on form right now and it’s great to confirm this with the win at Saumur.”

Andersen described how she first spotted the bay gelding in Denmark as a 4 year old and encouraged owner Mrs Potter to invest, “initially Paula wasn’t too keen so I said, ‘trust me’ but it seems even I didn’t realise quite how good he was going to be! Paula has been very loyal and supportive to me over the years.”

The 13 year old by Heslegard’s Louis has had a fantastic year with Henriette placing second in the grand prix at both Hartpury CDI and Hickstead CDI3*, “I’m lucky with him, he makes everything easy and he’s very level headed,” Andersen explained. “He’s absolutely brilliant with the crowds and really rises to the occasion! He enjoys the music and you can feel that he is on his toes, in a good way that you can work with. We will have a rest now and focus on our preparations for Olympia.”

Fellow Brits Emile Faurie and Judy Harvey also encountered success in France. Emile and Lusingando improved on their 10th place grand prix position to post 69.15% in the freestyle pushing them into fifth place. For the 9 year old Lanciano bred Gelding owned by Emile, Saumur was his first taste of international grand prix competition having so far only competed in national classes and at the Dressage Deluxe National Championships earlier in September.

Buckinghamshire based Judy Harvey rode Mr Heley’s Feuerbrand gelding Fitzcerraldo into fifth and sixth place in the grand prix and grand prix freestyle with 66.09% and 69.05% respectively. In comparison to Emile’s ride the well travelled 12 year old is no stranger to the international grand prix circuit with outings to Zwolle, Saumur, Pompadour, Vierzon and Hickstead throughout 2010.