WEC CDI: Kohmann Creates Chaos – 5* Venue Draws 1* Riders
I Found Heaven
Have I told you lately how much I love the World Equestrian Center in Ocala? In case you missed me crushing on WEC you can watch that video here.
The World Equestrian Center is hosting its first Dressage CDI, with a world-class venue and epic prizes including a horsebox one would think the show would draw some of the big names who are still shopping for scores to qualify for the Olympics. Instead, it drew a crowd of mediocre riders grasping at their last chance to qualify for a team, mostly Canadians.
Let’s Talk About The Scores
The judging was more accurate than Wellington. In a previous blog, I mentioned that the scores in Wellington tend to be 3-5% higher for the ‘Chosen’ ones. EuroDressage has also made light of the scores recently, calling it the Personal Best Festival due to the number of personal bests that were coming out of Wellington this season.
Lindsay Kellock won the Grand Prix with Sebastion who has legs for days. Chris Von Martels rides the final centerline like a boss which is refreshing and exciting. That landed him in third place.
All In (Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu) was obedient in the Grand Prix. Degas 12 (Jill Irving) has risen from the dead (barely able to get his feet off the ground). Jill Irving must have bought a vowel because the judge at E, Cesar Lopardo-Grana gave her the highest score of the class with 75% a whole 8% higher than his cohorts.
Jill Irving was not the only one with significant differences in scores. Kevin Kohmann and Dinamico had several issues with his test. His horse took an unfortunately timed poop in the rein back and then had a meltdown after the canter pirouette. This created chaos among the judges. The scores are almost 10% different between them. We have attached that ride to this blog. Who do you think was correct?
Reality VS Livestream
Catherine Haddad was the stand-out rider for me at this show. I have only seen Catherine and Frankie on the horrible quality Livestream from WEF. This pair definitely has a more dynamic presence in person. To be clear Karen, I am not saying that they should have won the class, just that they were better in person.
Once in a while, I get a fan or a hater that will argue with me that dressage is not boring. For those who have done so, I encourage you to watch the Ocala CDI at The World Equestrian Center from start to finish. The Grand Prix yesterday was the most boring Grand Prix that we have seen in 2021.
WEC has provided a 5* experience for dressage riders, unfortunately, there was only a 1* attendance by the riders.