Dinja van Liere shines in CDI1* Freestyle

The Intermediaire I proved to be a Freestyle of the future with an entire Dutch podium in the saddle of eight-year-old stallions. Dinja van Liere and her promising Mauro Turfhorst took the win with a cracking performance. Thamar Zweistra and Hans Peter Minderhoud completed the home party with strong rides on Hexagon's Mr Magnum and Glock's Massimo.

Afterwards, Van Liere beamed with pride: ‘Mauro did really well today! Yesterday he had a scare, but today he danced to the music. Mauro is actually just a puppy with only experience at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. This is his first adult international competition and I am so proud of him!’

Dinja brings house to the dressage ring
Exciting beats made her ride extra special. ‘Yes, this is a bit different!’, laughs Van Liere. ‘My friend Marlies made a brand new freestyle together with renowned house producers, especially for Mauro. Everything flowed perfectly together and I was able to ride well to the music straight away. I was completely in my element; it felt megacool!’

Van Liere looks confidently to the future: ‘Mauro has enormous talent for collecting, he sits already so beautiful in the pirouettes. He is gorgeous, has great technique and is super nice to ride. Hopefully we will start in the Grand Prix next year!’

Behind her, Thamar Zweistra managed to impress again after her victory in the Prix St Georges. With a score of over 76%, she finished second in the saddle of Hexagon's Mr Magnum. Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock's Massimo scored a solid 75%, completing the Dutch podium.

Photos: TDM/Digishots