Posted: 20th July 2015 | Back to news feed
International dressage rider and trainer Hannah Biggs is fresh back from competition at Hagen CDIO5* as part of the GB Nations Cup team (9th-13th July). Whilst she had some down time after unpacking the lorry, Equine Events caught up with Hannah to see how the competition fared and a why she had very special collection to make on the way home from Germany….
You’ve just got back from Hagen, how was it?
Hagen was a fantastic show. A very well run, lovely show, with brilliant facilities, great surfaces in the arena and wonderful hospitality. They looked after us so well that they even helped out with a driver and translator, as I had to go to hospital with a nasty infection in my finger!
…and the superstar stallion?
Weltzin felt fantastic, getting better and better every day. He certainly kept his energy levels up to be able to put his all into three tests, thanks to the excellent nutrition he receives on Saracen feeds along with the support of Science Supplements.
How was the competition?
I was a little cautious in the Grand Prix, but just went for an easy clear round. I then put my foot on the gas for the Special. I was on a mission and I went for it! He was fantastic and even though we had a couple of small mistakes, he gave me such a fabulous feeling. I was then over the moon to be best of the Brits and through to the kur on Sunday.
As you were the only British combination to make the Kur, how did that feel?
At such a prestigious event it was a serious achievement to ride in the kur so I was determined to enjoy every second of it. Being drawn first to go is never easy, but we went for it and rode our best ever performance of our Tom Hunt composed 'Superman' kur. It wasn't scored as a personal best, but it certainly rode like one! Competing at Hagen is like riding into the lion's den. It's extremely hard to get the scores out of the judges there (if you're not German!) so every mark is precious and well earnt.I hope we've done enough to gain the team selector's attention, but if not, I know that we did our very best and left everything we could in that arena!
The trip home was extra special as I picked up my new superstar! An 8 year old KWPN mare by Dayano out of a Flemmingh mare called Camarilla-Callimero. She is a special mare who was sought after by many top professionals in Holland and Germany. But the owner wouldn't sell her to just anyone. She had to go to someone who would ride her with softness, kindness and sympathy and treat her like the princess that she is. So I'm very lucky that the owners decided we were just right for each other. I'm very excited about her future but will take my time getting to know her and bringing her up to peak condition, with the help of all the support from my sponsors, David Marlin and World Class.
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