McConkey and Lady Gaga on song in Aachen

British Junior rider Jessica McConkey delivered an Individual Test PB at last week’s Aachen CDIYJP in Germany (28 November – 1 December 2019).

With her 2018 and 2019 FEI Junior European Championship partner Lady Gaga (Quaterback x Solos Landwind) – pictured last year – she achieved a score of 70.147% amongst strong company at the iconic venue.

Held in the Albert-Vahle-Halle on the showgrounds of the Aachen CHIO, the annual four-day festival known as Aachen Youngstars attracts many of the sport’s best young riders from across Europe. Jessica and Lady Gaga are no strangers to the beautiful, festively bedecked arena having competed there successfully last year.

The competition got underway on Friday with the Junior Team Test when Jessica rode a super test for 68.485% despite a miscommunication in the canter when the mare accidentally changed leads after the half pass right to centre line. Then Saturday, an expressive clear round in the Individual was justly rewarded with 70.147% - their highest score yet for the test – and a very pleasing seventh place for the pair.

Great result with Millie [Lady Gaga] today in our Individual test. We earned ourselves a PB with a 70%+ score and through to the prize giving. Super happy with her performance today.

A delighted Jessica took to Jessica McConkey Dressage Facebook to say, “Great result with Millie [Lady Gaga] today in our Individual test. We earned ourselves a PB with a 70%+ score and through to the prize giving. Super happy with her performance today and now for the music tomorrow.”

Unfortunately, ten-year-old Millie’s exuberance got the better of her on Sunday resulting in several expensive errors in their Ed Sheeran themed Freestyle. This kept their score in check at just shy of 63% for 11th, but there were super highlights, expressive work and plenty of scope to earn high marks in future.

Results
Junior Team Test
1. Micky Schelstraete and Grand-Charmeur, 72.576% (NED)
2. Emma Gömmer and Sir Robin Off Loxley, 71.162% (GER)
3. Jana Lang and Davy Jones 18, 71.010% (GER)
12. Jessica McConkey and Lady Gaga, 68.485% (GBR)

Junior Individual Test
1. Micky Schelstraete and Grand-Charmeur, 73.627% (NED)
2. Romy Allard and Summer Rose OLD, 72.010% (GER)
3. Lily Bendig and Boscolo, 71.961% (GER)
7. Jessica McConkey and Lady Gaga, 70.147% (GBR)

Junior Freestyle Test
1. Micky Schelstraete and Grand-Charmeur, 75.100% (NED)
2. Jana Lang and Davy Jones 18, 73.733% (GER)
3. Romy Allard and Summer Rose OLD, 73.208% (GER)
11. Jessica McConkey and Lady Gaga, 62.692% (GBR)

Full results