Gotilas and Higgins in the top 10 at CDI4* Aix-la-Chapelle

Last week, Camille and Corentin competed at the CDI4* Aix-la-Chapelle, with Camille riding her new partner Herelja Higgins and Corentin riding his faithful Gotilas.

As the only French rider in the Grand Prix qualifying for the Kür, Corentin and Gotilas made their outdoor competition comeback at Aix-la-Chapelle. Since the World Championships in Herning in August last year, they had only participated in indoor competitions such as Peelbergen, Basel, and Doha. Two weeks before the German event, Corentin injured his wrist while working on the stables. After emergency surgery, he was only able to get back on his horse a few days before the competition, even riding his Grand Prix with twelve stitches on his left arm! Despite receiving a 4.7/10 score with a coefficient of 2 for the extended walk (when Gotilas stopped to scratch himself), preventing them from achieving an excellent score of 71%, the pair placed 8th and qualified for the musical freestyle, where they performed again in the legendary Deutsche Bank Stadium. Due to his injury, Corentin was a bit more cautious than usual (76% at CDIW Basel and CDI5* Doha), but delivered a harmonious and smooth performance, very encouraging for the rest of the season. The couple is expected to compete at the CDI5* Fontainebleau in three weeks.

Meanwhile, Camille and Higgins continued their progress in the CDI4* qualifying for the Grand Prix Special. Despite having to receive a personal invitation from the organizer to compete in the event (as they were not selected by the French Equestrian Federation), they ultimately achieved the best French performance, surpassing Alexandre Ayache and Pauline Basquin. After their excellent scores at the CDI4* in Lier, Belgium, the young Pamfou Dressage couple confirmed their good form by placing 8th with almost 70%, despite some youthful imprecisions. As the only French pair qualified among the top 15 to compete in the Grand Prix Special, Camille and Higgins achieved a score above 70% for the third time in just one month.

Unfortunately, they will not have the opportunity to compete at the CDI5* Fontainebleau, but they will participate in the CD4* at Le Mans next week. Scoop du Bois Luric (CDI4* FS) and Fétiche de Hus (CDI6YO) are also expected to join them.

Our two Indian students were also present at the CDI1* Aix-la-Chapelle in the Small Tour category. Sudipti Hajela and Chinsky, as well as Hriday Chedda with Emerald, are currently on the long list to represent their country at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2023. Hriday Chedda obtained 67.5% in the Prix Saint Georges and qualified for the freestyle, where he finished in the top 10 with over 70%!