Horse & Hound's coverage of Ashford Farm CSI4* Bolesworth International (18-21 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com
Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche cruised to victory in the Equestrian.com invitational inter I freestyle at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International (18 June).
Their score of 77.62% put them more than 3.5% clear of second-placed Laura Tomlinson.
Since Michael rode the now nine-year-old Furst Heinrich daughter to World young horse championship gold medals as both a five- and six-year-old, the pair have gone from strength to strength.
At Bolesworth the chestnut was a little nervous in the atmosphere – given away by blowing her nose and chewing on the bit – but her extended trot was still rewarded with two nines.
Farouche’s dam, Woodlander Dornroschen, is competing at top level, recently posting over 70% at grand prix for the first time on only her third outing at the level.
“Rouchy” heads to Fritzens CDI in Austria next, before contesting the Elite Stallions young horse prix st georges classes at Hartpury Festival of Dressage.
Laura Tomlinson brought her new ride, the eight-year-old Rhodium x San Remo stallion Duval’s Capri Sonne Jr, and occupied second place with 74%.
Laura rode to an old compilation, but one that she had never before ridden in competition.
Apart from a mistake in one pirouette, where the horse lost impulsion, the test was smooth and rythmical.
Third-placed Becky Moody was snapping at Laura’s heels, garnering 73.79% for her test on Carinsio (Painted Black x Beaujolais). The pair are the reigning inter I winter champions, having won both that and the prix st georges class at the Naf Five-Star British Dressage Winter Championships at Hartpury in April.
For a full report on all the action at the Ashford Farm Bolesworth International show, pick up a copy of Horse & Hound on Thursday (25 June).
