JESSICA VON BREDOW-WERNDL IS BACK IN TOP FORM

Competing in her first international event since giving birth on 11 August, Germany's Jessica von Bredow-Werndl showed that she is still a force to be reckoned with. Riding her faithful TSF Dalera BB, the world number 1 took first place on the podium with a final average of 81.739%. They were the last couple to enter the arena and the only ones to exceed 80% in this FEI Dressage World CupTM Grand Prix presented by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Equestrian Committee (CREARA). Indeed, it did not take the jury long to decide the winners of the class. "I felt really good in the arena. Dalera was really buzzing, but she was very focused and listened. We lost our connection for a second, which led to a little misunderstanding and the loss of a few points, but I felt great about the routine as a whole and I'm really happy to be back competing," she said after the awards ceremony. Tomorrow, the rider will be presenting her brand-new Freestyle to Music routine to the music Edith Piaf, highlighting her love of France.

This morning, the young rider even took the lead from her own brother, Benjamin Werndl (77.000% on Famoso OLD), who was making his first appearance in the Lyon stage of the FEI World Cup Dressage circuit. The Swedish rider Patrik Kittel, who is a regular at the Lyon event, finished third with a score of 75.261% on Touchdown. 

As regards the French contingent, the audience had the opportunity to watch five riders who came to gain experience in the Lyon arena, under the watchful eyes of the national coach Jean Morel. "I am quite satisfied, because even through our riders were not perfect, we exceeded the 70% mark, which was our goal. It's encouraging; they have all really improved. Here, we haven't set any objectives in terms of results; we just want the horses and riders to gain experience. It is by going to competitions that you see how the horses behave and what needs to be improved", he explained at the end of the class. 

1. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) and TSF Dalera BB: 81.739%


2. Benjamin Werndl (GER) and Famoso OLD: 77.000%


3. Patrik Kittel (SWE) and Touchdown: 75.261%