The decision to opt for Isabell Werth’s newcomer, Wendy de Fontaine, for the German Lambertz Nations’ Cup team instead of Quantaz was taken just before the start of the CHIO Aachen. The Grand Prix, the Prize of Family Tesch also decides the Lambertz Nations’ Cup. In retrospect one can certainly say Quantaz prove her mettle.

Isabell Werth has been riding the ten-year-old Danish mare, Wendy de Fontaine, since the start of the year. They came together very quickly. So fast that they are considered to be potential candidates for the Olympic Games and the selection committee used the Prize of Family Tesch as a final opportunity of direct comparison between her and other five-star pairs before they select their team for Paris. That is why Wendy was nominated for the team instead of Quantaz. They were the best German pair in the class and already put in a performance in the first quarter of the test that hardly any other pair was able to beat. On a score of 76.50 percent they claimed their first Grand Prix victory in Aachen and thus also won the Prize of Family Tesch.

Werth’s conclusion: “I am very, very happy with Wendy. We are coming together more and more and with each competition I am learning more and more details and how to deal with this situation and that. The mare really is fantastic. She is so honest and polite. She really tries her best and it is such an enjoyment and a gift.” She also stated that she thinks there is still room for improvement.

With an immaculate performance, the World Championships bronze medallist of 2022, Ingrid Klimke finished in second place with Franziskus FRH, in the Prize of Family Tesch. 76.043 was their final score and the Head Judge, Susanne Baarup (DEN) at C, even awarded her first place. “I am very happy, because Franz was so reliable and he gave his very best,” Ingrid Klimke said. “When I rode in, I knew he was totally focused and was totally with me. We both enjoyed it.”

After mistakes in the two-tempis and in the second pirouette – the last of which were doubly expensive – Frederic Wandres and his 14-year-old Bordeaux son, Bluetooth came third (75.630). Wandres was nevertheless satisfied: “I must say my horse feels in better shape than ever. I think he showed that before we entered the ring when he had a ‘positive explosion’ and kicked out. But Wandres also knows: “It is good that he is so fresh. The trot and the extended and collected walk were very good. Then, we made mistakes in the canter tour which cost me a lot of points today. Normally, immaculate tests are our strength. So, we will try to make no errors on Saturday. But I learnt from the protocol that the judges saw what good form he was in today and I will try and show that on Saturday.”

Because on Saturday, the Grand Prix Spéciale, the MEGGLE-Prize is on the agenda. The best 30 pairs from the Prize of Family Tesch qualify to take part.