Susan Pape comes out on top at Hagen CDI

British riders impressed at last week’s Horses & Dreams CDI in Hagen, Germany (22 – 26 April 2025), where Susan Pape took top honours in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special.

Fresh from a successful winter campaign with multiple first and second placings in Wellington, Florida, Susan Pape’s return to European competition marked a strong continuation of her international season. The Germany-based British rider topped the leaderboard in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special as she expertly piloted her 14-year-old mare Harmony’s Giulilanta (Jazz x Flemmingh) through a harmonious performance that showcased the strength of their partnership. The duo was rewarded with a score of 73.043% by judges Maarten Van der Heijden (NED), Knut Danzberg (GER), Janet Lee Foy (USA), Peter Storr (GBR) and Ulrike Nivelle (GER), marking a personal best for the pair. Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and Vayron NRW finished second on 71.340%, ahead of Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi in third on 70.851%.

Earlier in the week, Susan and Harmony’s Giulilanta also claimed second place in the CDI4* Grand Prix on 71.217% for another fluent performance, placing them behind Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi, who took the win with a score of 72.826%.

“I was absolutely over the moon with the performance of Harmony’s Giulilanta! She felt so perfect in this incredible atmosphere in Hagen,” said Susan. Reflecting on the journey they’ve shared, she continued, “It has been a very long way with this sensitive but lovely mare to come this far. She has always been very special to me and everyone involved, and I know she is not at her peak yet even though she’s already 14. She sustained a very serious injury a couple of years ago and we weren’t sure if she would be able to continue her career as a sport horse. Therefore, I am forever grateful that she made it. It sure helped Giulilanta a lot to spend the winter in Wellington to get some mileage under her belt and to gain more confidence in the arena. All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Leslie and John Malone of Harmony Sporthorses, to whom I owe the biggest gratitude!”

Britain’s Annabella Pidgley also produced two promising performances aboard the 13-year-old Vitalis-sired gelding Vamos Amigos in the CDI3* classes in Hagen. The duo placed sixth in the Grand Prix on 67.674%, before placing within the top five in the Grand Prix Special with a score of 69.638%.

Posting on social media after the event, Annabella said, “It was a very special day yesterday in Hagen as Vamos and I danced together in the rain. He gave me a truly amazing feeling in the arena, he really trusted me, and it felt like it was just us two in our own little bubble … I’m so grateful to call you mine.”

Results - top three and British placings

CDI4* Grand Prix
1.    Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi, 72.826% (GER)
2.    Susan Pape and Harmony's Giulilanta, 71.217% (GBR)
3.    Ingrid Klimke and Vayron NRW, 69.956% (GER)
CDI4* Grand Prix Special
1.    Susan Pape and Harmony's Giulilanta, 73.043% (GBR)
2.    Ingrid Klimke and Vayron, 71.340% (GER)
3.    Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi, 70.851% (GER)
CDI3* Grand Prix 
1.    Semmieke Rothenberger and Farrington, 72.804% (GER)
2.    Isabell Werth and Special Blend, 70.913% (GER)
3.    Patrik Kittel and Dante's Herzchen, 70.283% (SWE)
6.    Annabella Pidgley and Vamos Amigos, 67.674% (GBR)
CDI3* Grand Prix Special 
1.    Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Diallo, 72.447% (GER)
2.    Semmieke Rothenberger and Farrington, 71.341% (GER)
3.    Isabell Werth and Special Blend, 71.149% (GER)
5.   Annabella Pidgley and Vamos Amigos, 69.638% (GBR)

FULL RESULTS 

Photos © Sportfotos Lafrentz