Personal bests and “best ever” scores were the order of the day in the sixth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in Mechelen, Belgium.

But the winner was no surprise.

World no. 2 and reigning world champion Charlotte (Lottie) Fry and her Tokyo 2020 mount, Everdale rode to the win in both the Grand Prix and Freestyle, earning top marks for their strong half-pass and canter pirouette, tempi changes and trademark extended canter. Fry said it was their best performances yet.

“I had a great ride yesterday and today on Everdale, I think these were two of his best ever tests, and he’s just improving all the time. And the atmosphere in there today was pretty incredible!” said the 27-year-old Brit.

The Netherlands’ Marlies van Baalen and Habibi DBV took second with a personal best score of 81.160%. while rising star Flore de Winne and Flynn FRH earned a 80.330%—a first in Belgium history, according to Jeroen van Lent.

“Another mark in the history of Dressage in Belgium getting the first 80 (percent) in history, so as manager of Belgian Dressage I am a happy man!”

“Yes, we’re back! It is unbelievable, nobody could have dared to dream that!” said de Winne (28).

At only nine, hopes are high for the de Winne’s stallion following their sixth place finish in the World Cup Freestyle at London (GBR) two weeks prior. Could they reach the level of today’s winners, Fry and Everdale?

“That is everyone’s childhood dream and also my dream!” said de Winne. “We are slowly growing, we are both green at this level but I hope to get close in the future, or even better!”

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel continues to lead the Western European League standings ahead of French rider Morgan Barbançon and young German, Netz, has moved into third following this week’s result. Fry has moved into joint-sixth place.

There are five more qualifiers to come before the series Final in April 2024. The Dressage World Cup next stops in Basel, Switzerland in two weeks’ time.

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