Isabell Werth & Monica Theodorescu about the EC Dressage
The medals of the Longines FEI European Championships Jumping, Dressage and Para Dressage are divided. The riders, horses and other team members returned home safely and look back on this exciting event. We asked a few stars of these championships about their experiences. To start with Isabell Werth and chef d'equipe Monica Theodorescu who celebrated great successes at the Longines FEI European Championship Dressage presented by Rabobank!
Happy and proud
Isabell Werth looks back at an amazing event which she ended with three golden medals: “I’m still very happy and enthusiastic because of the great competitions we had. I think it was super for the sport and a very big success for the German team. Monica adds: “For the German team it couldn't have been better. The Grand Prix was very exciting for us and that makes me really happy and proud.”
Facilities
For the German dressage rider ‘Het Kralingse Bos’ was familiar territory. “I know the event since almost 30 years, and it improved a lot over the last years. And of course, for the Europeans the organization really did a super job! All the facilities, the stables, the venue and the main arena, it was all really perfect. We had a lot of training arena’s, so all the disciplines had enough time, space and possibilities to prepare for their sport. And after one of two days the organization was used to do it!”
Audience
The audience came as the championship progressed with an almost sold out Rotterdam Stadium on Saturday. Monica Theodorescu: “In the beginning there were just a few spectators, it was not very busy. I hoped there were a little bit more, but I also understand that on Monday morning in the beginning of an event it’s probably hard to get more spectators. But on Saturday, at the freestyle, it was fantastic!”
Boulevard
Werth competed in the past often at the CHIO Rotterdam, but she had to pass the recent years because the event, which usually takes place in June, did not fit into her competition plan these days. According to Isabell the event improved a lot. “The main arena changed a lot, certainly the old tribune. And the old dressage stadium changed to a big warming up arena. However, a lot of things were similar to many years ago and it felt quite as home. Besides the stables and the facilities it was interesting to see the Boulevard at the lakeshore as an extra element. It was a very strong and tough step for the organization. Far away from the main arena, but I think it worked!”
The Boulevard was new this year, where sports and entertainment came together. Isabell says: “I have to say that it’s always nice to see the spectators. Especially the Dutch people used it as a celebration area. It showed also a lot of event character with nice entertainment. I really liked the Longines FEI European Championships Dressage presented by Rabobank in Rotterdam!”
photo credits: Liesbeth Foppen