Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento (SusanJStickle.com)
Vilhelmson-Silfven was very pleased with the duo's performance today, commenting that this week was their first competition back together in a year. "He felt really, really good today. I am very pleased with him. I managed to get the perfect amount of tension I was looking to have in the test, and that is always difficult to find," she said. "I was a bit more daring today, and it ended up being a lovely test so I'm very happy."
Divertimento, who can tend to be hot, settled nicely for Vilhelmson-Silfven and is beginning to come into his own at the Grand Prix level. "He's really learning, opening up his mind and listening to me now. He's much more with me now," she stated. "With a horse like this, you must have 150% focus for your entire ride. It is a matter of being in the exact same moment as him because the tiniest change from me can lead to mistakes."
Perfecting technique has been a huge component in the formation of their partnership. Vilhelmson-Silfven took over riding the gelding seven years ago and has been competing him ever since. "He is truly a very exciting horse to ride and compete because he forces me to focus. He asks a lot of me in regards to technique. It's a great challenge," she smiled.
The duo are regulars in Wellington during the winter season. Vilhelmson-Silfven has continued competing Divertimento here since his 8-year-old season where he debuted at the Intermediaire level. Their partnership continues to grow and Vilhelmson-Silfven now feels more consistent during Grand Prix tests. She explained, "Now that he's older, I don't feel like I need to ride as much, which is really a lovely feeling because he is so nice from the first step now. It is a great feeling and is something you really want to achieve, and we're there now."
Vilhelmson-Silfven will continue to compete Divertimento at the Grand Prix level throughout the duration of the AGDF season, aiming to improve upon the scores they received in the first week of competition. "I want more routine now. I have small things that I want to work on, but you will always have those things as a rider. The difference between yesterday and today was very nice though, and it will only continue to improve," she said.
Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Special CDI W, presented by MTICA Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E, Judge H, Judge C, Judge M, Judge B, Total
1. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, Di Versave x Fatima: 72.941%, 75.490%, 73.637%, 70.588%, 72.255%, 72.980%
2. Allison Brock (USA), Rosevelt, 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine & Fritz Kundrun, Rotspon x Lore: 72.647%, 70.686%, 71.471%, 71.078%, 72.647%, 71.706%
3. Lisa Wilcox (USA), Pikko del Cerro HU, 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Horses Unlimited, Pik L x Rohweena: 69.020%, 71.373%, 73.824%, 71.078%, 71.275%, 71.314%
4. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 14-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Elisabeth Manstermann, Sandro Song x Rosenfee: 67.157%, 66.863%, 67.353%, 66.863%, 67.941%, 67.235%
5. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jill Irving, De Niro x Rosana M: 64.020%, 64.314%, 63.235%, 65.196%, 64.216%, 64.196%
6. Adrienne Pot (USA), Something Special C, Dutch warmblood gelding owned by Elizabeth Bramsen, Ferro x Gicara II: 62.549%, 62.059%, 63.824%, 63.333%, 64.020%, 63.157%