During the final Olympic individual dressage competition, the rivalry never let up between Germany’s Isabell Werth riding Satchmo and The Netherlands Anky Van Grunsven aboard Salinero. The dressage queens each showed why they are the best in the world. But there can only be one gold medal winner, and this time around it was Van Grunsven’s turn. She turned in an unbelievable score of 82.40%, well ahead of the rest of the field of 25 riders. Werth had to settle for silver with a score of 78.10%; Germany’s Heike Kemmer took bronze with a score of 75.950% aboard Bonaparte.
American rider Debbie McDonald and the mare Brentina did not make the Individual final after an incredibly uncharacteristic performance in the Team competition. During that Team competition Germany claimed gold, The Netherlands took silver and Denmark grabbed bronze.
While the American dressage riders didn’t walk away with any Olympic medals this time around, you can bet they are looking toward London in 2012… with a vengeance.
We will kick butt in 2012 i know it!
I think shes a great rider and good for her to get gold!
Congrats!!!
She is a wonderful rider and Salinero is amazing.
How can 2 riders who had major disobediences such as bucking and backing during piaffe and breaking gait come out with gold and silver? The author didn’t point out that the head judge (German) put Steffan 9th while the rest of the judges had him 4 or 5 places higher. Apparently the dressage judges have been taking lessons from the ice dancing judges.
Hmmm – the last sentences struck me as a bit premature. The US can’t (yet) match the depth of the field and the breeding that both Germany and the Netherlands have at their disposal. Also, what about the Swiss? Perhaps we’re being a bit too US-centered…? However, the team gold in jumping is a good counter-strike!