April 8, 2023 
Prior to her trip to Omaha, world no. 1 Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) took to Instagram to declare TSF Dalera BB was “one in a billion.”
After watching the pair win their second consecutive FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, presented by Havensafe Farm, the world might just agree.
“It sounds a little strange but it feels like we are soulmates,” she said of her eight-year partnership with the 16-year-old Trakehner mare. “It’s a very special partnership and I am so grateful every time I’m allowed to compete with her. It’s just so good to spend time with her.”
Von Bredow-Werndl was at a loss for words Friday evening after successfully defending her 2022 title.
“It’s difficult to describe,” the German superstar said of coming down centerline knowing the crowd is engaged, the atmosphere is electric, and she has just put in a stellar Freestyle.
“It’s always a challenge to do it again. To be in the here-and-now and to have everything [come] together. Again it worked out and I’m so grateful to be able to ride such an incredible mare. This mare is something very special because she always throws her heart in the arena for me and always wants to give 200%. She did it again today and I can’t be more proud.”
Last year, Von Bredow-Werndl rode to an historic win, capturing dressage’s highest individual title outside the Olympics while six months pregnant. In 2023, she reclaimed that title just eight months after welcoming her second child.
The reigning Olympic, World and European champions took the lead on Wednesday with a score of 79.922% in the Grand Prix. In Friday’s Freestyle, they clinched the title with a 90.482%, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard.
Claiming the silver medal with a personal best score of 87.146% was Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) aboard new mount, Blue Hors Zepter, who she has only been partnered with for four months. Five-time World Cup Final champion Isabell Werth (GER) took bronze with DSP Quantaz (85.761%). It was her 15th podium finish in 25 World Cup Final appearances. Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper (USA) finished fourth.
Quality time is clearly von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera’s love language, and that quality time was running deep while in Omaha. von Bredow-Werndl is not one for sightseeing or steaks—she spent all her time in the barn with her best friend.
“It’s something very special to spend time with her,” she shared. “I enjoyed every minute here to spend so much time with her. That’s why I didn’t do the sightseeing; I was spending time with her because this is something she really appreciates and so do I.”
Even with a score above 90%, the German rider admits she will pick her test apart in the days ahead, looking for opportunities for incremental improvement.
“I’m always challenging myself and I always want to improve my rides,” she remarked. “It won’t be long before I’m sitting there and analyzing and trying to improve. It’ll last my whole life to do that.”
Spoken like a champion.
See final results here.
