Danish rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen has strengthened the home side’s medal hopes in the Blue Hors FEI World Dressage Championships with a +76% in the grand prix.
Daniel contained the 10-year-old Marshall-Bell’s enthusiasm to deliver an impressive test, which put the combination into sixth in the World Dressage Championships results at this stage.
The Blue Hors Don Romantic son, who shone in Aachen last month finishing third in the grand prix freestyle, produced expressive half passes in the first stage of the test however lost a bit of energy in the first piaffe. He really relaxed into the extended walk, and although he became a little overactive in the latter passage and piaffe work – his enthusiasm worked well for the pair in the one and two-time changes. The pair finished on 76.58%.
“The feeling in there was absolutely fantastic,” said Daniel.
“I loved my ones, they were really good and soft – and he was really walking nicely today and settling good. The piaffe passage can be much more energetic but I liked overall that he was just with me listening all the way, that was a good start for the next day.”
Daniel, who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the Europeans in Hagen last year, said Marshall-Bell has grown in confidence.
“He hasn’t done many shows, he’s still just 10 years old. We didn’t do the World Cup season last year because I didn’t want to that with a nine-year-old,” he said.
“He’s got more strength and become softer in the body now. The first day here he was a bit spooky so we really had the tactic today of slow it down and get a safe round. He surprised me how calm he was in there, I was thinking ‘Ok, come on’ – but it worked and he really listened. From now on I can maybe turn it up a little bit because there’s lots of power, it’s just being able to control it and get that soft feeling, because it can also tip a little bit the other way, then you get a mistake which we don’t want.”
Marshall-Bell was sold earlier this year to 22-year-old Israeli rider Nicola Ahorner but Daniel said the gelding will remain with him for the moment.
“I’ll keep riding him, and Nicola will fly in and train with me. Then we will make a show programme for Marshall and Nicola so they can start competing together,” he said.
“I’m so excited to join that journey as well. I’m also a trainer not just a rider, I like to teach and bring my knowledge further on, that makes me better.”
Medal favourites Denmark sit in a strong position at this stage in the World Dressage Championships results, with Nanna Merrald Rasmussen and Blue Hors Zack delivering 76.72% yesterday, and Carina Cassøe scoring 76.86% on Krüth Heiline’s Danciera. Cathrine Laudrop-Dufor will be last to ride for the team on Vamos Amigos at 7.18pm local time (6.18pm BST).
You might also be interested in:
‘I absolutely love that horse’: Charlotte Dujardin’s superstar delivers in World Dressage Championships grand prix
‘He’s the love of my life’: Ireland’s Abi Lyle sheds tears of pride for defining horse of her career on World Championship debut
‘Horses are not machines; I’m not mad at her’: USA rider has perfect response after disappointment at World Championships
Danish rider Nanna Merrald Rasmussen takes the lead in World Dressage Championships grand prix
Highs and heartbreak: all you need to know from day one of the World Dressage Championships
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
