The CDI4* tournament at the Schafhof in Kronberg near Frankfurt was not only the last zests for the Olympic Games for the German dressage riders. The Russian national coach Alexandra Korelowa had also invited four candidates from the longlist for Tokyo to Kronberg for a final test.
The Schafhof in Kronberg offered something for the eye. The facility is excellently laid out and maintained.
For Tatiana Kosterina, the tournament started with a setback. In the Grand Prix on Friday, Diavolessa was visibly impressed by the magnificent facility on the Schafhof. Already when riding in the arena, Tatiana managed only with difficulty to get into the front right corner. Which flowers were disturbing there or whether it had been on the camera, could no longer be determined. In any case, the mare was hard to calm down. Fortunately, the judges gave the couple a little time before they rang the bell for the ride. In the test, however, it did not get much better. Diavolessa remained tense and looked very interested in the surroundings. Especially the diagonals caused big problems: in the strong walk, in the trottraversals. Both flying change tours failed. The result was corresponding: 66.5 percent, 11th place. This was not an exhilarating result and was not a recommendation for Tokyo. Accordingly, the mood was depressed.
The following Saturday was then used for an extensive training with Alexandra Korelowa. The weather calmed down. The rain stopped. It was very hot with high humidity. Diavolessa, however, hardly mind. Eagerly, if not tensely, the Grand Prix Special was expected on Sunday. Would the horse be so impressed by the facility again or would the couple succeed in delivering a clear recommendation for the Games in Tokyo?
At the tournament there often is a banana. Dia likes it.
The recommendation succeeded. Tatiana was able to bring the mare on her side. The task was mastered without error. Although Diavolessa was still a bit tense, she got involved in the dialogue with Tatiana, who was able to play out the strengths of the mare again and again, in a strong walk and this time also in the error-free flying changes diagonals. The result was just under 70 percent. This time the judges were quite economical. Even the commentator at ClipmyHorse rated the performance with a seven before the decimal point. Anyway. The participants could be very satisfied. The pair showed a very harmonious performance at a high level. Tatiana and Diavolessa were the best Russian candidates this Sunday. Whether that's enough for Tokyo remains to be seen.
