Jessica von Bredow-Werndl Triumphs in CHIO Freestyle Dressage

German Dressage Rider von Bredow-Werndl Wins CHIO Freestyle

Aachen - Jessica von Bredow-Werndl celebrated with joyful waves as she made her debut. For the first time in her career, the 37-year-old rider claimed victory in the prestigious Grand Prix of Aachen. Riding Dalera, von Bredow-Werndl emerged as the winner in the freestyle of the CHIO, with a score of 90.820 percent, in front of approximately 10,000 spectators.

During the dressage highlight of the world's largest tournament, the double Olympic champion and her mare surpassed Nanna Skodborg Merrald from Denmark with Zepter (88.730) and Britain's Charlotte Dujardin with Imhotep (88.415). Prior to this, von Bredow-Werndl had also won the Grand Prix and the Special competitions, as well as the team event with the German team.

"You could feel the audience celebrating along with me," said the victorious rider in an interview with WDR after the freestyle. "I noticed that some people wiped tears from their eyes." However, von Bredow-Werndl herself was also moved by the splendid performance and praised her mare, saying, "She is, it might sound cheesy, my best friend."

Isabell Werth achieves the second-best German result

The rider experienced only a tiny moment of fright during the freestyle, which was set to French chanson music. "When the audience clapped along, she was briefly confused," von Bredow-Werndl reported. However, Dalera quickly regained composure. "I can feel how sensitive she is," said the dressage rider, who has once again dominated the sport after her maternity leave last year.

Isabell Werth from Rheinberg achieved the second-best German result in the final freestyle, finishing in fifth place with Quantaz (84.840). Just behind her, in sixth place, was Frederic Wandres from Hagen am Teutoburger Wald with Bluetooth (84.480).

Despite a mistake by Quantaz, Werth was still "super happy" with her sometimes challenging horse and only lamented an "over-enthusiastic hop." After encountering difficulties at the German Championships, Werth said, "This was a step forward." Quantaz had "figured it out," explained the rider from Rheinberg with a grin. "Overall, it was a satisfying week," summarized the 53-year-old. On Saturday, she won the Nations Cup with the German team and the freestyle of the supporting program with her second horse, Emilio.