Rider Comments Following Cross-Country

Source :  WEG 2006 Aachen

Comments following the Cross-Country

Hinrich Romeike (GER)

It is a very demanding course, which requires an immense amount of strength, because you are constantly riding uphill and downhill. So it is very important that you have a horse that is easy to handle.

The cross-country track is absolutely fitting for the World Championships. It is one of the best courses that I have seen over the past few years.

In fact it was good that I had to stop en route, because it enabled me to catch my breath again.

It was a wonderful feeling being cheered on by thousands of applauding fans as I rode by.

Dirk Schrade (GER)

Sindy had lost a horseshoe on her foreleft leg, which meant I wasn't able to ride as fast. Furthermore, the ground was so wet and muddy that the mare really skidded a few times without the horseshoe.

Ingrid Klimke (GER)

We were both in top form this morning. At first Sleep Late was fresh and eager to jump. I found the ideal approach for the Soers Canyon, but at the last moment my horse pulled his head to the side and ran past. However, I still had a good feeling until we started cantering uphill and he started breathing very hard, which is very untypical for him. After that I rode more cautiously and took the alternative route at the last water complex.

Of course I am very disappointed, but one also has to accept defeats, it is just part of the sport. And I am also a little concerned about Sleep Late.

Heelan Tompkins (AUS)

I am overjoyed, but also totally surprised. The course is completely different to what I had expected. It is incredibly difficult and has lots and lots of corners.

The hoards of spectators…wow, it is really crazy here!!!

Frank Ostholt (GER)

At the beginning Air Jordan pulled against the bit somewhat, he was very fresh and eager to jump. He took the difficult water complex very well. Overall it is a very demanding course, which encompasses everything you can expect of a Championship course.

Whether he has a tip for the remaining German riders? No, we have ridden according to plan so far, and we should continue to follow this strategy.

Heidi White (USA)

The course is very difficult. You are constantly confronted with new challenges. The obstacles demand everything possible from you. When I set off the ground was still moist and soft, which didn't make things easier.

My horse was confused at first. We are not used to so many people shouting so close to the course.

But overall I really must say: I am thrilled. It was a phenomenal round!

Andreas Dibrowski (GER)

I am very very disappointed because my horse ran past obstacle 25b, I came over 25a and she didn't quite find the right way to the next obstacle. In a split second all my hopes of winning a medal disappeared.

Sharon Hunt (GBR)

I am totally delighted, my horse was fantastic. I was chasing the time a bit and had a sticky moment at obstacle 19, when he took off too early and landed on the jump. But he is ever so clever and helped himself out of the situation.

Karen O'Connor (USA)

It is an extraordinarily technical course, but then I have an extraordinarily good horse. It is the first time ever that he has had two refusals. He lost a bit of confidence as a result of the technical difficulties. I will have to work on this over the winter and gradually build him up for Hong Kong.

Zara Phillips (GBR)

It was super!!! Toy Town did a fantastic job. The course was fabulous to ride, even if it did include some very tricky combinations, bends and edges. I am very happy that I reached the finishing line in such a good time. I can hardly believe that I am currently in the lead. And I am really looking forward to the jumping competition in the big stadium tomorrow.

I have had Toy Town for nine years now, he came to me as a five-year-old and I trained him myself. It was pure chance that he came into my hands. My father read an advert in the "Horse and Hounds" and went to look at the horse. It is amazing how quickly he has advanced to reach three-star level.

Bettina Hoy (GER)

I am thoroughly satisfied. He jumped everything well. The German team riders were given the instruction to reach the finish with as few faults as possible, which is why I took two alternative routes towards the end of the course, in order to avoid taking any risks, because I noticed that he was a little bit tired.

Magnus Gällerdal (SWE)

It was a nice round. The course has a very good rhythm and was ideal for my horse, which is not the fastest one. So I could canter rhythmically and I only had a scary feeling at one fence. At the last water fence I took the alternative way. I loved the crowd along the course. Keymaster and I could easily start again.

Carlos Grave (POR)

The Portugese rider unfortunately had a fall, but remounted and managed to finish the course with his horse Laughton Hills without sustaining any injuries.

Oliver Townend (GBR)

It was a fantastic competition. The course was very tough with several difficult demands, but a real WEG course. The crowd was bigger and louder than I have ever experienced. At the last water fence I was a little bit insecure, because one of my fellow-countrymen was previously eliminated at this fence. I´m only disappointed about my dressage, because Flint Curtis is normally a very good dressage horse.

---The British rider is only 23 years old. His horse Flint Curtis is 10 years old and it is only the second four star event he has ever competed in.

Andrew Hoy (AUS)

I am delighted about my wife's ride. Bettina rode like a World Champion, simply fantastic.

The course was very demanding, as I had already noticed during the course inspection. But one must say, Rüdiger Schwarz did a brilliant job. I tackled the course with the necessary respect. Unfortunately my horse was so strong and temperamental, that it wasn't easy for me. And this was the reason for my refusal at the C element of the Normandy Bank.

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