She’s a lady! Susan Pape and Harmony’s Giulilanta own the stage with Tom Jones
Susan Pape and Harmony’s Giulilanta earned a personal best in the CDI5* Freestyle at Friday Night Stars prompting an emotional response from the British rider who shed tears and punched the air in celebration.
“She amazes me every day,” said Susan of the pretty chestnut Dutch Warmblood mare after their Freestyle test to the music of Welsh singer Tom Jones under the lights at Global Dressage Festival in Wellington scored 81.745% “Even though she’s already 15 she hasn’t got so much experience under her belt,” said Susan, referring to Giulilanta overcoming a career-threatening injury at 11 that sidelined her for two years. “But it just seems that she gets better and better with everything, and I’m very grateful. I am also very, very grateful to the owners, John and Leslie Malone, who support me and let me ride this incredible horse.”
Five nations were represented in the CDI5* Freestyle with USA’s Anna Marek claiming runner up with 76.435% on Fayvel and Sweden’s Caroline Darcourt taking third with Lord Django on 76.04%. A packed crowd of some 2000 spectators charged the atmosphere for the night, which was a welcome contribution for Ana and Fayvel. “He always lights up in the Friday night lights, so I really enjoy riding him in front of the atmosphere,” she said.
Also enjoying the spectacle was one of the judges Dr. Sven-Günter Rothenberger – judge at C on the centerline. “It was for us easy to judge,” he said. “Because it was harmonious. It was fluid. It was nice music. We really could lean back in the chair and we enjoyed doing that and I think that’s always a good sign that we see good riding.”
The Freestyle victory came on the back of Susan and Giulilanta’s personal best of 73.63% to win the CSI5* Grand Prix the day before. The wins were a family affair as Susan’s daughter Laura Pape is currently grooming for her, having taken on the new role in October, while taking a gap in her studies.
“It goes very well, I have to say,” said Susan. “She has very good support also from the other grooms, from Michael Klimke [and his groom] Nico.”
Susan’s Freestyle soundtrack had a tangible impact on the win with Giulilanta awarded nines for choreography, music and the canter pirouettes. “Tom Jones – it’s a little bit my generation,” said Susan, 64. “As you might know, I’m not the youngest anymore… but I really like his music, and that’s why I chose it. And also because she’s a lady, and I thought that he fitted her very well.”
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