Beat Mändli’s first trip to the Washington International Horse Show proved resoundingly successful when he topped a thrilling 11-horse jump-off with Dsarie to win the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington in the heart of the United States’ capital.

Mändli (SUI) and Grand Road Partners’ 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare blitzed a top class field which included the top two ranked riders in the world, Kent Farrington (USA) and McLain Ward (USA). Ward finished second with HH Callas, less than three-tenths of a second off the winning time of 32.07 seconds (32.30). Catherine Tyree (USA) and Enjoy Louis finished third, turning in a career-best finish in this World Cup qualifying competition.

“I feel great,” Mändli said. “Everything worked out better than I was thinking at the start of the week. I’m just super happy for the horse and for the whole team. It was great night for me.”

Beat Mandli & Dsarie

The indoor track designed by Alan Wade saw 11 of the 26 competitors jump cleanly in the first round, making for an incredibly competitive and fast-paced jump-off. Despite it being his mount’s World Cup qualifier debut, Mändli was confident enough to take risks over the shortened course, confirming the championship potential he sees in Dsarie.

“I have had her for four years now, and I really think she’s a superstar,” he said. “She can go very far also doing some championships, I hope. She’s only nine years old, and there’s nothing she can’t do. So, I’m very happy to have her.”

The North American League held a double-header on 28 October 2017, with Isabelle Lapierre earning her second victory of the league this season in Calgary (CAN) on the west coast. The east coast sub league continues in Lexington (USA) on 4 November 2017.

Beat Mandli & Dsarie

Beat Mändli (SUI) – 1st

“For me, the course was perfect. It just suited my horse very well. [With Dsarie, you can leave a stride out, and you can turn back in a jump-off, which is important.”

“Dsarie has all you need. She has the scope, she has the super brain, she’s rideable, and careful.”

McLain Ward & HH Callas

McLain Ward (USA) — 2nd

“It’s always a fine line, these jump-offs at this level. Beat had a phenomenal jump off round. It really would have taken a perfect round to beat him. You do the best you can on every turn and every line, it’s inches, but that’s the sport. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Catherine Tyree & Enjoy Louis

Catherine Tyree (USA) — 3rd

“Every time I get to go in the ring on [Enjoy Louis], I’m very happy. I know how lucky I am to have such great horses, and to be able to perform half as well they do every time they go in is something that I really try to do, because they always give me their all.”

Result

1. Beat Mändli (SUI) & Dsarie – 0/0 32.07

2. McLain Ward (USA) & HH Callas – 0/0 32.30

3. Catherine Tyree (USA) & Enjoy Louis – 0/0 33.83

4. Alison Robitaille (USA) & Ace – 0/0 34.57

5. Katherine Dinan & Dougie Douglas, (USA) 0/4 32.03

6. Charlie Jacobs & Cassinja S – (USA) 0/4 33.62

7. Callan Solem & VDL Wizard – (USA) 0/4 33.98

8. Christine McCrea (USA) & Nektarina B – 0/4 37.38

Full results can be viewed here

Source: Press Release by Catie Staszak for FEI – Fédération Equestre Internationale

Photos: © FEI / Ashley Neuhof