(mps) The last are the first – this also came true at the 24th International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS for Julia Ellsässer (Germany). Riding her 12-year-old gelding Rossini Grande, she was the last to enter the arena in the final of the iWEST Dressage Cup, the federal state of Baden Württemberg’s unofficial indoor championships, and finished first after being awarded 70,300 per cent by the judges.
For the first time ever the state’s most important dressage competition was held this year as a freestyle event, which initially sparked a great deal of scepticism amongst not only the riders. Additionally, the move to the afternoon session upgraded the event to an even greater extent. “I was more nervous before the freestyle and wondered if the music was suitable and whether Rossini would take fright,” said the happy winner. “He had a go and concentrated on me. New things are always a risk. He who dares wins.” Julia Ellsässer expressed her thanks to Show Director Gotthilf Riexinger and Dr. Dorothe Meyer, the CEO of the sponsors, iWEST.
Riexinger could not hide his delight, “that I was able to get my way with the decision in favour of the freestyle.” Dr. Dorothe Meyer supported the idea right from the very start. The show director continued, “I’m sure we can convince the riders and the fans.” He congratulated the joyous winner on her great ride. “On behalf of our association and the organisers, I’d like to thank our sponsors, iWEST, for supporting Baden Württemberg’s riders so fantastically.” Dr. Dorothe Meyer appeared to be as equally happy as the rider: “We’ve got to give the riders even greater support and go down new avenues together,” said the open-minded CEO.
Second behind Julia Ellsässer was Renate Rapp on her mare Gachina (69.000 per cent). Alexandra Mumm-Gerweck and her 10-year-old gelding Rio di San Agostino finished third (67,850).
iWEST Dressage Cup 2009
Mannheim > 1. bis 5. Mai 2009
Kirchzarten > 31. Juli bis 2. August 2009
Marbach > 14. bis 16. August 2009
Giengen/Brenz > 25. bis 27. September 2009
