BRITISH dressage supremo Carl Hester took the crown in the FEI Grand Prix freestyle to music at Royal Windsor Horse Show last week where British riders enjoyed a one-two in the event.

Hester and Nip Tuck delighted a full house with their winning test that scored high artistic marks and a final total of 79.45% just short of a personal freestyle best for the pair. The combination were members of the British team that won silver at the World Equestrian Games last year in France.

“This horse has never, in all his tests made a mistake in his changes – all he wants to do is his best and he always tries his hardest,” said Hester who was however slightly disappointed with the final mark.

“My aim was 80% and we didn’t quite make it – perhaps the walk wasn’t quite the same as in the Grand Prix but no matter he was really good. Make no mistake this arena is a major ring with a big atmosphere and it is so good for us to be able to ride here.”

EMOTIONAL

His pupil Fiona Bigwood made an emotional return to the top with her young mare Atterupsgaards Orthilia, affectionately known as Tilly. Fiona suffered a serious fall a year ago but she also rode her freestyle to music made for her former horse Mr G who tragically died in a field accident. Tilly was found in Denmark 18 months ago and was described by Hester as “an 80% horse”.

He said: “All Fiona has to do is to continue increasing her confidence in the ring and she’ll be in the top five in the world – that horse can make us a gold medal team again.” The British pair will both now compete at the CDI in Fritzens in Austria.

Fiona’s husband, Danish rider Anders Dahl, kept it in the family with third place on Wie Atlantico.