CCI 4* in Pau : First Day Tests

The D-Day : Starting tests of the 4 star event in Pau. Today ‘s program is Dressage test.

The issue for the 39 couples was to execute a 5 minutes compulsory test in a rectangular arena measuring 60 x 20 m  They were judged by 3 judges : Alain James –FRA, Martin Plewa –GER and Sue Baxter –GBR.

The public had the good fortune on this lovely sunny day to admire the world’s best eventing riders, and in the end it was a great comeback for Pippa Funnell riding her faithful horse Ensign (3rd in the team event at the Athens Olympic Games riding Primmores Pride ; European Champion in 1999 (Germany) riding Supreme Rock and in 2001 (France) riding Ensign ; 3rd at the 2003  European Championships (Irland) riding Walk on Star.)

Alain James President of the Jury « Overall the level of the dressage was quite average with the exception of the couples we judged this afternoon and who are known to perform very well in the dressage test. It is obvious that the favourites stood out today. When you look at the dressage leaders there are no suprises, the stars are all there. They get the best out of their horses on all the figures and that is how they score points. This professionalism is what makes a difference. For example, Pippa’s horse, Ensign, is a former race horse that wasn’t particularly gifted in dressage, but Pippa rides him so well that it pays off, this she has proven with her provisional first place.

Pippa Funnell, provisional first place "Ensign really did his best today and I am very proud of him even if back home everyone calls him tiny as he is a bit on the small side. Now I am going to prepare for the Cross Country test, it is a real 4 star test. I have already ridden Pierre Michelet’s courses (international course designer) and I trust him. However tomorrow we will have to stay concentrated from the start to the finish,  in contrast to the 4 star course in Badminton (GB) where once you have got round the first two thirds of the course the rest is easier going." 

This gives you an idea of what is waiting for the riders on the cross country course tomorrow at 14h 30 …

Just for interest Andrew Hoy has withdrawn his horse Yeoman’s Point.

PS : Results of the first day. All the information about the events on the website : www.event-pau.fr All the events are in live on the web : www.event-pau.fr

Photo Credit: Pippa Funnell by PSV-Jean Morel