The atmosphere in Jyske Bank Boxen was electric as some of the world’s best dressage riders went head-to-head, with Danish rider Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour ultimately claiming the victory.

Some of the world’s leading dressage riders had announced their participation in this year’s Danish Warmblood Stallion Show in Herning, and from the start lists alone it was clear that the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music – ECCO Five Star Dressage would feature a clash of titans.

The main battle unfolded between two global superstars: Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Germany’s Isabell Werth.

The atmosphere in Jyske Bank Boxen reached boiling point, and several riders later commented on the unique ambience that characterizes the Herning event.

“I am so impressed by the show and the atmosphere here. This event has it all – sport and breeding, young and experienced horses. The atmosphere was electric when I entered the arena today, and I really enjoyed it,” said Isabell Werth, who finished second on the Danish-bred Wendy de Fontaine by Sezuan/Blue Hors Soprano (bred by Kurt Gosmer). Together they delivered an outstanding performance, breaking the magical 90 percent barrier with a score of 90.080%.

The fact that Werth finished second despite scoring above 90 percent speaks volumes about the level of competition the audience witnessed in Herning.

The Danish crowd erupted when it became clear that Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour had secured her second victory of the day. Riding Mount St John Freestyle by Fidermark/Donnerhall 11, she had already delivered what she described as a spot-on Grand Prix yesterday. Today she produced another brilliant performance, earning an impressive 90.465% after a freestyle that gave the audience goosebumps and a standing ovation.

“Herning is fantastic, but Freestyle is even more fantastic. Yesterday’s Grand Prix was the best Grand Prix of my life, so I almost felt guilty asking her to perform again today. I rode with slightly less throttle today, and it’s so rare to reach 90 percent. The victory itself means nothing – but seeing top sport like this in Denmark is absolutely fantastic. We have an incredible show here, and the atmosphere – I’m not sure it exists anywhere else in the world quite like this. I have to pinch myself that we can host this level of top sport in Herning,” said Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour.

Third place in this year’s Grand Prix Freestyle went to Norway’s Isabel Freese with the Danish-owned stallion Total Hope OLD by Totilas/Blue Hors Don Schufro. Together they delivered a solid performance, earning a score of 81.885%.

“I had a really good feeling today. Yesterday was a bit more difficult, and it was great that he was more relaxed today. It almost feels like home riding here in Herning, even though I’m from Norway,” said Isabel Freese after today’s performance.

Results