2002 World Equestrian Games

Grand Prix Dressage

Nadine Capellmann

Nadine Capellmann on Farbenfroh, a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding, topped the field of 65 riders in the Grand Prix with a score of 77.960%. She was the 30th rider to go on the first day, and her score remained unbeatable throughout the remainder of the two-day competition.

Cheers and whistles accompanied Capellmann's entrance to Chapin Stadium. With just four riders to go that day, and the placings standing at: The Netherlands, USA, and Denmark, in first, second and third, she was the German team's chance to get back in 'podium position'. Noticeably aiming for calm and quiet with this sometimes erratic 12-year-old chestnut Westphalian gelding, Capellmann walked slowly and with great dignity from the stadium entryway all the way to the fence of the arena and did not begin to trot until she reached the corner of the white fence. Beginning her test with a perfectly square halt, the pair floated through the first trot extension and half pass.

The transition from trot to passage was beautiful. In the piaffe, however, Farbenfroh appeared to sway from side to side slightly. The reinback showed excellent swing. In the second piaffe, the swaying in front was even more pronounced. The transition from passage to canter was flawless. Farbenfroh's canter extension set the tone of the rest of his test – movements performed in relaxed, easy and athletic executions including the one tempis and pirouettes. The final centerline piaffe and passage showed he still had plenty of energy. From the side view, the sway in piaffe is not noticeable. The judges loved this test, giving a total of 1,949 points.

"I was very pleased," said Capellmann, a World Champion who has trained with Klaus Balkenhol for 10 years. "He was very concentrated and had a good feeling. I can do better."