BD International: CDI Aachen Festival 4 Dressage results

The three British combinations that competed at CDI Aachen Festival 4 Dressage (27 - 31 March 2024) showed their potential in the iconic Deutsche Bank Stadium at the celebrated German venue.

The promising new pairing of Lily Laughton and Hulana T (pictured), Britain’s sole Youth combination at the show, delivered consistently good results on their international debut together to finish ninth in the Young Rider Team Test (68.431%), ahead of placing sixth in both the Individual (69.167%) and Freestyle (72.417%).

Lily, part of the British squad that won team bronze at the 2023 FEI Young Rider European Championships in Pilisjászfalu, Hungary, acquired Hulana T (Ampere x Florencio) in December of last year. The 12-year-old mare was formerly partnered at Small Tour by Dutch dual Olympian Marlies van Baalen. Alongside her mother, Coby (van Baalen), Marlies runs Dressage Stable Van Baalen where 20-year-old Lily is now based as a stable rider.

Lily took to social media at the end of the week to say, “An amazing end to an amazing week at Aachen CDI. Another sixth place and 72.4% in our first freestyle together. Hulana has performed at her best all week and I am so excited to build on this. Thank you so much Marlies and Coby for all your training, support and guidance. On to Tolbert CDI in over a week.”

The CDI3* boasted a strong line-up as the race for Paris selection builds momentum, with the Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere (Hermes N.O.P.), Sweden’s Patrik Kittel (Jovian), Finland’s Henri Ruoste (Quentano 2) and Belgium’s Flore de Winne (Flynn FRH) each stepping into the winner’s circle.

In the Grand Prix for Special, won by Van Liere, Great Britain’s Emma Hindle and her recent acquisition, Zippo M.I. (Blue Hors Zack x Blue Hors Don Schufro), showed much potential finishing 25th on 67.261%, as did Richard White with his own and Lynda Cameron’s bright prospect, Heroi do Seixo (Rubi x Jalisco), who scored 65.370% for 32nd on the biggest stage of the Lusitano’s career so far.

Results – British riders
CDI3* Grand Prix
Qualifier for the Grand Prix Special
1. Dinja van Liere and Hermes N.O.P., 75.522% (NED)
25. Emma Hindle and Zippo M.I., 67.261% (GBR)
32. Richard White and Heroi do Seixo, 65.370% (GBR)

CDIY Young Rider Team Test
1. Sophia Boje Obel Jørgensen and Highfive Fuglsang, 72.647% (DEN)
9. Lily Laughton and Hulana T, 68.431% (GBR)

CDIY Young Rider Individual Test
1. Sophia Boje Obel Jørgensen and Highfive Fuglsang, 72.745% (DEN)
6. Lily Laughton and Hulana T, 69.167% (GBR)

CDIY Young Rider Freestyle
1. Jette de Jong and Heavenly Charming, 75.725% (BEL)
6. Lily Laughton and Hulana T, 72.417% (GBR)

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photo © DigiShots