Kittel’s student Luca Sophia Collin triumphs in U25 Freestyle

It was a delight today! The horses were ridden with great harmony and relaxation by the youth riders. Today’s highlight was the U25 Freestyle, this class was won by the German Luca Sophia Collin and her fantastic Fuhur 6 (s.Fürstenreich).

With a great score of 76.758% Luca Sophia stood out by more than 2,5% and secured her second victory of this week. “He’s been injured the whole last season, so I’m really really happy he’s so good on track”, is her first reaction. And she has got some loving words about her partner in crime. “He’s a really sweet guy to be honest. If I you do a mistake he’s also like ‘it’s ok, let’s do it again’. This is our first season together, we have had a few competitions before. He’s a good teacher and became Swedish Champion with my trainer, Patrik Kittel. I’ll definitely come back next year, it’s so nice to be here. The atmosphere is super nice.”

3* Grand Prix debut
Fuhur 6 isn’t the only horse Luca Sophia brought to Lier. Tomorrow she will make her 3* Grand Prix debut with her former U25 horse Ferrero D (s.Tuschinski). “He’s a little bit more a special horse, but he is really fun. I’m not expecting anything, but it will be fun. I’m excited to make my debut at Grand Prix level.”

Results U25
The Belgian Amber van den Steen became second in today’s Freestyle with her horse Fame (s.Ampere), scoring 74.142%. The Freestyle of the Dutch Rowena Weggelaar and Don Quichot (s.United) was rewarded with 73.550% and a third place.

Junior successes
A third, second and now a first place for the German Alix von Borries, she didn’t expect to win at all today. “It’s only my second international competition in general, with her, for me, so I’m very very happy and grateful.” Feingefuehl (s.Fuerstenball), Alix her mare, dances into a score of 75.700% and secured the win. “She really has her own opinion, she’s a real mare, but when you have her on your side, she just does everything. It was amazing today, she felt really good and I love my music.” Kebie Raaijmakers and her Kevita (s.Negro) ending up second, scoring 74.558%. Followed by Clara Cordes Arnkjaer from Denmark, she scored 73.808% with Brianna (s.Boegegaardens Boney M).

Young Riders
After a third and second place earlier this week for Amanda Lindholmm and Tiramisu (s.Tailormade Temptation), they were unbeatable in today’s Freestyle. With a score of 75.267% they lead the lap of honor. Followed by yesterday’s winner Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel and Zinq Emma (s.Escolar), scoring 72.692%. Tuesday’s winner Wynja Eriksdotter Rubin and El Diablo completed the stage and became third with a score of 71.750%.

Results

A free music composition of To The Music for winner of the 3* Grand Prix

This is going to be exciting! To The Music will do live mixing of the freestyle music during the 1*, 3* and 4* Freestyles And.. the winner of the 3* Freestyle gets a freestyle composed by To The Music.

To The Music will award a free music composition to the winner of the 3* Grand Prix. Established in 2005 by brother and sister, Stefan and Barbara, To The Music has solidified its presence as a key player in the world of freestyle dressage music. Based in the Netherlands, we’ve become a sought-after destination for riders looking for distinctive and personalized compositions.

Specializing in crafting unique dressage music experiences, we prioritize authenticity in every note. Our commitment to this authenticity is encapsulated in our tagline, ‘Composed with Pride.’ At To The Music, we adopt a collaborative approach, engaging our clients throughout the entire creative process. By sending regular samples, we ensure that the music resonates with the individuality of each rider. Recognizing the nuanced difference between riding at home and in the arena, we persist with edits until it’s pitch-perfect – all part of our comprehensive service.

Beyond just music, To The Music is dedicated to enhancing your freestyle journey. Join us, and together, let’s craft a soundtrack that seamlessly complements your ride. Authentic tunes tailored to your rhythm.

Three in a row for Lilli von Helldorff

It’s the final competition day for the youth. The Children have put their best foot forward and it was again Lilli von Helldorff who took the win. At her second international show with Tropensonne, she managed to win all the three Children classes, sponsored by Lydia DeHertoghe.

“I didn’t expect this, it’s absolutely amazing to win all three classes. Especially because all other riders are so good. It’s my second international show with Tropensonne and we’re looking forward to the future”, says Lilli afterwards.

With a score of 77.342% she scored almost 3% higher than the number two, the German Ava Osing and Darjeeling 14 (74.343%). The Dutch Felyne Boschloo-Karsijns managed to become third with Heavens Voice with a score of 73.033%.

The ponyrider Feodora von Roeder rode a very smooth Freestyle and danced to the victory with her pony Morgensterns Delicius, just like yesterday, and scored 76.783%. Nora Feldmann and Beauty W ended up second with a score of 75.058% and the Danish Sofia Rosenkilde became third with a score of 74.583% on her pony DSP Cosmo Royale.

Results

A winning Young Riders debut for European Juniors vice-champion Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel at CDI Lier

The Young Riders were in full battle on day two of CDI Lier. It was another day full of amazing rides and great performances. Like Germany’s Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel and her Zinq Emma FH. These European Juniors vice champions were making their international Young Riders debut and secured victory today.

“It was an amazing feeling today. It’s my first time here and I love this competition, everything is very nice. I’ve had Emma for three years now. She had first a foal and we are both new at this level. Tomorrow is our first freestyle at this level and I’m really looking forward to it. I just want to ride a good test, not too many mistakes I hope.” Yesterday Lana came second and today she took the win with a score of 70.392%.

Two in a row
Junior rider Lilly Marie Collin made it two in a row today. “My horse is just a dream. I definitely didn’t expect this because I’m new to the Juniors. I’m riding my new freestyle tomorrow, I’m very happy to be able to ride it and to show it to the judges, so I’m very excited.” Lilly Marie Collin and Famous K FRH scored 73.431% today. “He’s a stallion but super sweet and super calm and such a lovely horse to ride. He always wants to do everything perfectly.”

Clinic with dressage legend Kyra Kyrklund
Tomorrow is Freestyle day and there will be a very exciting clinic with the Olympic dressage legend Kyra Kyrklund. Join us at Azelhof Equestrian Center or watch via the free livestream.

Results

First ever international win for Swedish Wynja Eriksdotter Rubin

It’s unbelievable, it’s my first international win so it’s very very special”, sounds a very happy rider afterwards. With her 15-year-old El Diablo (by Zenon), Sweden’s Wynja Eriksdotter Rubin scored 70.735%. This put her ahead of Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel with Zinq Emma FH (by Escolar) and her Swedish companion Amanda Lindholm with Tiramisu (by Tailormade Temptation).

“This horse is just amazing, we had a long journey. He was not ready for like even Junior classes, so it has taken a lot of time and patience. I’ve known all the time that he is really good but now we can show it also in the arena.”

Pinch me moments
“He’s 15 years old, I’ve had him for three years and it’s his third international competition ever. Last year we did our first competition, which was in May and it didn’t go well,” Wynja laughs. “Then I decided we needed to train and get better at training to get better at competitions. So I didn’t compete for a few months. And when I felt ready, I did two national competitions, and they were good. When we went to an international competition again, I was also blown away. Because we scored over 70 percent every day. It was a pinch me moment, just like now winning this class. I don’t know what to say, I’m so proud.”

Swedish friends on stage
Wynja was joined in the awards ceremony by her Swedish friend Amanda Lindholm. “That’s really cool, because Amanda and I trained with the same trainer when we started, when we rode ponies. We follow each other for many years. So it can’t be better.” About CDI Lier, Wynja also has nice words. “It’s so beautiful here. I love the arena and the amazing facilities. I don’t want to go home.”

The first day of CDI Lier is almost over, the youth put their best foot forward today. With wonderful results we look forward to tomorrow.

Results Children, sponsored by Ruitersport Lydia Dehertoghe

  1. Lilli von Helldorff & Tropensonne: (79.982%)
  2. Ava Osing & Darjeeling 14 (77.643%)
  3. Greta Louise Wagner & Fashion Rose (77.607%)

Results Pony’s, sponsored by Ruitersport Lydia Dehertoghe

  1. Sofia Rosenkilde & DSP Cosmo Royale (72.333%)
  2. Feodora von Roeder & Morgensterns Delicius (72.286%)
  3. Sissi van Gijssen & New Star 8 (71.286%)

Results Juniors, sponsored by ClipMyHorse.TV België

  1. Lilly Marie Collin & Famous K FRH (73.373%)
  2. Alix von Borries & Feingefuehl (72.121%)
  3. Anna Peeters & Harlekin (70.202%)

Results Young Riders, sponsored by Stal de Muze / Joris de Brabander

  1. Wynja Eriksdotter Rubin & El Diablo (70.735%)
  2. Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel & Zinq Emma FH (70.588%)
  3. Amanda Lindholm & Tiramisu (70.147%)

Results U25, sponsored by Stal Verwimp

  1. Luca Sophia Collin & Fuhur 6 (72.010%)
  2. Amber van den Steen & Fame (69.951%)
  3. Kimberly Pap & Just A Dream-STRH (69.461%)

All results

CDI Lier welcomes World Champions

With less than two weeks to go, the field of participants for the seventh edition of CDI Lier is known. A veritable invasion of world champions will travel to Azelhof Equestrian Center in Lier. From Tuesday, February 27 to Sunday, March 3, not only will these top combinations be enjoying themselves, but Kyra Kyrklund will also treat the public to two interesting clinics.

With reigning world champion Charlotty Fry and former world and Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin, among others, the field of participants leaves nothing to be desired. In addition, two-fold world champion of the World Championship for Young Horses, Jovian, is making his international Grand Prix debut under Patrik Kittel. This has been eagerly awaited since the announcement of the rider change.

Belgian youth champions at the start
The youth is again welcome at CDI Lier this year. There will be classes for the international Pony, Children, Juniors, Young Riders and U25 combinations. They get a great opportunity to ride in the international spotlight and prepare for the youth European Championships this summer. Almost all reigning Belgian youth champions will appear at the start.

Biggest Indoor dressage competition of the world
“I am very pleased with the large number of starts. Looking at the number of starts in the 3* and 4* Grand Prix, we can even call ourselves the biggest indoor dressage competition in the world. A total of 220 horses are coming and we even have a waiting list”, Chairman Wim Verwimp enthused. “CDI Lier is important for many riders leading up to the Paris Olympics this summer and it’s fantastic to see more and more bigger names coming to the start of CDI Lier. This is definitely going to make for great sport, both for the competitors and for the public who are of course very welcome.”

British Olympic team present
Jovian and Patrik Kittel, who appear at the start of the 3*-Grand Prix Tour, will have competition from Charlotte Fry and Nespresso, Charlotte Durjadin and Alive and Kicking and Richard Davidson and Interno, with whom almost the entire British Olympic team will travel to CDI Lier. Other big names competing include Germany’s Dorothee Schneider, Australia’s Kirsty Oatley, France’s Morgan Barbançon, the Dutch Hans Peter Minderhoud and Sweden’s Juliëtte Ramel and Therese Nilshagen, as well as reigning Belgian champion Larissa Pauluis. In total, participants from 20 countries will compete.

Dressage clinics with Kyra Kyrklund
On Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, none other than Kyra Kyrklund will be coming to provide an interesting dressage clinic. This Olympic dressage legend will give some of her valuable insights to all dressage fans in Lier.