In the Grand Prix on Friday, the normally strongest German pair, Werth with Emilio, had a disastrous day and ultimately landed in 17th place, which left the path clear for the USA.
Werth said: “I felt very guilty and I am so sorry for Emilio that I didn’t listen to what he was trying to tell me!”
But the Westphalian-bred Ehrenpreis son has obviously already forgiven his rider: “Emilio was back to his normal self today and we are a team again!”
After her unfortunate Grand Prix performance, Werth had to ride as the 12th pair, so she hadn’t expected to stay in front until the end.
“My colleagues lent me some support there. That was obviously their birthday present for me,” grinned Werth.
It would only have been fair if her colleagues did help her since last year she did her fiercest rival Laura Graves (USA) the same favour. Namely, the MEGGLE Prize was staged on July 22, last year – Laura Graves‘ birthday – and she managed to beat Werth for the first time.
Graves’ Verdades had a bad day this time, finishing 11th on a score of 74.085.
Langehanenberg, returning after maternity leave, was amazed at her second place with the Hanoverian-bred Damsey FRH. She gave birth to her daughter, Finja, just four weeks ago and was nominated for the team by national coach, Monica Theodorescu, only one week ago!
She said: “I already thought on Thursday that is the best we can do, but obviously not. I have only been riding again for three and a half weeks, our last test was in February.
“Maybe sometimes a break helps (laughs). I enjoyed the test today. I had a super safe feeling today and everything was really easy in spite of the heat.”
The American Dressage rider, Perry-Glass, also put in fantastic performances at the CHIO Aachen with the Danish gelding, Goerklintgaards Dublet. Two judges actually had placed her first.
Perry-Glass and the elegant dark bay horse competed in Europe for the first time in 2016 and their performances were very popular. She even managed to leave the European Championships bronze medallist, Cathrine Dufour and Cassidy, behind her.
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Images by CHIO Aachen - Michael Strauch / Stefan Lafrentz (Helen Langehanenber)
