Incredible Isabell Werth takes second consecutive World Cup qualifier

Photo FEI/LEANJO DE KOSTER

Germany’s Isabell Werth has achieved a back-to-back World Cup win taking the title in the qualifier in Stuttgart.

‘Something special’

Isabell won in Lyon riding Emilio, and this time she was partnered with Bella Rose – who took her to double gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA two months ago.

The talented mare came has been off for four years with an injury and has come back into competition with a bang.

“This was her last show before her injury four years ago, so to come back today and to win like this is something special!” said Isabell.

Major blip

It was a great day for the home crowd, as Germany dominated the podium. Isabell’s Rio 2016 Olympic gold-medal-winning team mate, Dorothee Schneider, was second with Sammy Davis Jr (81.840) and 2013 FEI Dressage World Cup champion Helen Langehanenberg was third with Damsey (81.470).

Isabell won the class with a considerable margin, posting 85.660 despite one major blip.

‘Just brilliant’

“She was a bit tense in the canter work and I got behind the music, so I had to push it and that was the reason for the mistake in two-tempis,” she explained. “But Bella Rose was fantastic, she really wanted to give everything, she was just brilliant!”

The Western European League series now moves on to Madrid.

You can watch the World Cup qualifier from Stuttgart on Horse & Country now.

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