THE London International Horse Show hosted some fabulous show jumping classes, but alongside them, were some amazing displays of dressage in the form of FEI Dressage World Cup classes, with many of the top international competitors taking part.

The World Cup Grand Prix class on Wednesday, December 18th, saw some lovely tests ridden by the 14 participants. When Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD rode a fluid test, they scored 76.000%, which was good enough to take the lead – but two of the world’s best combinations were to follow, British competitors Becky Moody on Jagerbomb and Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale.

Fry, who won double bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, could not improve on Freese’s score, and slotted into second place at that stage (75.217%).

Moody was next into the arena and rode a dynamic test to score 76.96% to take the top spot – her first win at the show – leaving Freese in second and Fry in third.

Following her win, Moody said: “This show last year was when I really realised how amazing my horse was, and the whole of this year has been a crazy ride. Competing here is incredible. To be honest, I was very nervous competing in the Grand Prix here last year, because I had never competed in a show like this. Equally, this year, I did put pressure on myself, as I felt like we had something to prove. It was great to come out and take the win.”

Standing ovation

Thursday, December 19th saw the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music being won by Fry and the 11-year-old stallion Glamourdale. The pair put on a spectacular performance, which earned them a standing ovation from the crowd and a score of 86.645% to win the class, repeating their 2022 success.

Freese (NOR) on Total Hope OLD slotted into second (83.270%), followed by Dinja van Liere (NED) on Hartsuijker in third (80.225%).

Afterwards, Fry said: “The feeling that I had in the arena tonight was something that I have never felt before. He was absolutely amazing and on fire!

“I am so thankful to be able to produce a test like this in London in front of this incredible crowd. I can’t thank the public enough for your support, not only tonight but this year. In the run up to Paris and also in Paris, we could feel all of your support.

“It makes me a little emotional to come back to England and to be able to ride in front of this crowd is truly an honour.”