August 25, 2006

Isabell Werth Wins the Grand Prix Special Gold Medal in Aachen

Isabell Werth (GER) and her 12-year old gelding Satchmo rode the Grand Prix Special of a lifetime. With a result of 79.480, they are World Champions. “It was the best test I’ve ever ridden,” a very emotional Isabell declared. “We made no mistakes; I can’t tell you what a feeling that is.” This result is all the more rewarding given the impossibly difficult horse Satchmo used to be. He would rear in the middle of test never giving his rider a chance. No specialist could believe that such a badly behaved horse would ever be any good to anyone. And yet a miracle has happened. With much hard work and faith, the former hooligan has now turned in a World Champion. “Satchmo is the best horse I’ve ever had,” Isabell maintains.

The silver medal goes to Anky Van Grunsven (NED) and Salinero (77.800). Anky admitted she had been very shocked by the way the horse had gone off during the prize-giving ceremony following the Grand Prix. Luckily, last night during a training session, he had happily accepted to go back into the arena where confidence had been restored. “The arena is the space where he is safe,” Anky firmly believes. “I’m happy with myself, I couldn’t have done any better,” she declared.

The great surprise of this Championship, Andreas Helgstrand (DEN) and Blue Hors Matine, take the bronze. Last season had been a successful one but there had been little mistakes here and there. The winter was spent training at home. The first show of this season was here in Aachen and things have been going for the best ever since.

The level of performances displayed at this Championship has been outstanding. The FEI can only be proud of the exceptional qualities of horses and riders and look forward to the future.