Diavolessa and Tatiana pick up two placings

For the last major competition in the indoor season, Escon Marketing had invited to the Signal Iduna Cup in the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund. The prize money was high. Accordingly, highly successful couples were in the Grand Prix tests at the start. In this field of strong competition, Dia and Tatiana were able to hold their own. The two achieved a seventh place in the Grand Prix and a fifth place in the Grand Prix Special, two placings in a major CDI4 * tournament.

One of two placings. Dortmund was a success

On Friday, 23.03, the Grand Prix was scheduled. How would Dia show up in this hall with an audience? At the last competition in Lier she had shown nerves, which had had an effect especially in the Grand Prix there. Intensive training and a lot of encouragement in recent weeks should make for a better performance. And that worked well. Scarcely 71 percent Tatiana was able to ride in the Grand Prix and thus establish itself in the international top. The test was dominated by the comeback Desperados' with Kristina Bröring-Sprehe, who scored 79.7 immediately after the long break. Also Mister X under Inessa Merkulova showed in outstanding form and finished with 75.2 percent in second place. These two were unchallenged at the front. This was followed by a field of six pairs that were close together, including Tatiana and Diavolessa with 70.9 percent and seventh place. So it was clear: The two can play at the top again this season. Qualifying for the Grand Prix Special was clearly achieved.

On Sunday Tatiana Diavolessa could even reach fifth place. At 71.3 per cent, output increased slightly. A great and important success for the two. Although Dia had not dropped their respect for the hall. But she did not react as panicky as in Lier. On Friday, she looked at exactly the flower arrangements, got stuck, but did not jump aside and let herself be guided by the task. On Sunday, she showed a whole new page. She was no longer interested in the environment, was not unsettled by flower arrangements and advertising. But you noticed very much excitement, so that they hardly approached the reins. Nevertheless, Tatiana could steer the diva through the course. Obviously, the mare relied on the rider in her excitement and she was able to skilfully recall the lessons that had become routine until now, so that the tension did not really catch the eye. Only the transition from the Galopptour in the final trot failed, which unfortunately cost some points. On the other hand, there were real highlights. So the flying changes could be so routinely presented, that after all, two judges for the first time awarded an eight for this lesson. Also the riding was turned out three times with the eight: Congratulations Tatiana.

Success must be celebrated. The Russian crew was pleased about the outstanding performances of Inessa Merkulova (4th left) with Mister X (second place in the Grand Prix, first place in the Grand Prix freestyle) and Tatiana Kosterina.

Dortmund was the last indoor competition this season. Now the outside tests starts. Dia has developed both physically and psychologically, so hopefully the next competitions will be watched. Would it be wonderful if Dia could be accompanied by a Grand Prix challenge without any reservations and easy to steer?