PRATONI TEST EVENT, stunning dressage in glorious sunshine
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STUNNING DRESSAGE IN GLORIOUS SUNSHINE ON DAY ONE OF THE DRIVING TEST EVENT AT PRATONI DEL VIVARO
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The dressage on day one of the Driving Test Event at Pratoni del Vivaro (CAI2*/3*) near Rome was all about elegance. With 28 competitors forward, from a single pony to six horse four-in-hands, the setting of the grass arena surrounded by ancient trees, with the international flags fluttering in the cool breeze, created a picture-perfect scene.
The day’s top score went to a masterclass in driven dressage, produced by Frenchman Benjamin Aillaud and his beautiful team of black Arab-Friesian horses. Their black coats glistening silver in the sun, they moved with suppleness and obedience, and were the most balanced and united of the horse fours. They were duly rewarded with a unanimous first placing from all three judges, finishing on 72.6%.
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Benjamin Aillaud (FRA) - ph. Massimo Argenziano
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Hungarian father and son, Jόzsef Dobrovitz Snr. & Jnr. drove safe tests but it was Jόzsef Jnr. who was the better, his mahogany brown horses going well together, showing some fine paces, and he was rewarded with second place, although five points behind the leader on 67.6%. With the margins between the remaining drivers very tight, Italian Luca Cassottana with his handsome, flashy horses was awarded 66.2% and Jόzsef Snr., with a young team who at times showed their potential, was fourth by the smallest amount on 66.1%; Anthony Horde from France was fifth on 65.4% and Janόs Papp, the remaining Hungarian driver, was sixth on 63.7%
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