(acm/mps) They have already gained 90 S class wins – Ina-Katrin Schmid from nearby Reutlingen and her 17-year-old chestnut gelding FBW Tango Korrupti achieved one of the most important on Thursday in the iWEST Dressage Cup. 1,381 points secured the pair victory in the unofficial state indoor dressage championships at the 22nd International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show.
The 42-year-old already led the field after the four qualifying shows. Initially however they appeared to have shot their famous last bolt as the pair had to satisfy themselves with a tenth and last place in the warming up class on Wednesday afternoon. At the decisive moment however the two were in irresistible form and in the end thoroughly earned the 1,000 euro prize money and their first victory in the prestigious competition. Michael Bühl from Bad Boll and the eleven-year-old gelding Golden Dancer took second place with 1,346 points. Third by the closest of margins was Julia Beckfeld from Mannheim who was just one point behind Bühl on Victor B.
“Today has quite literally taken a load off my mind,” said the overjoyed winner. I honestly didn’t believe it was possible after yesterday’s performance. But I prepared differently with him today and am now very happy with the way things have worked out.” Show Director Gotthilf Riexinger was exited by the performances of all iWEST Dressage Cup participants. “We’ve seen a clear improvement over last year,” said Riexinger when commenting on the rides. An estimation also shared by the iWEST boss Dr Dorothee Meyer. “We’ll definitely be continuing, for the event gives us all a lot of pleasure,” she said when announcing the continuation of her company’s sponsorship. “I think it’s a wonderful thing that the state’s best have the chance to perform in the same arena with all the international greats.”
