Twice just too short during the Stephex Masters…
Last weekend we were once again able to prepare for one of the most beautiful shows of the year: the Brussels Stephex Masters. Stephan Conter and his team spared no expenses this year to make it another unforgettable event! Due to the varied program with both a CSI2*, a CSI3* and a CSI5* competition, this was the ideal opportunity for many riders to start with several horses. The same goes for Niels, who made the trip to Wolvertem with 5 horses.
Last weekend he counted on Delux Van T&L and Gancia de Muze for the classes of the CSI5* competition, and both horses gave Niels another top ranking. He became 2nd on Friday with Delux in the 1.45m class against the clock. Niels and Delux remained clear and with their time of 65.74 seconds they only had to tolerate Steve Guerdat in front of them.
Gancia de Muze shone again on Saturday evening during the 1.50m main class. After a clear first round, Niels and Gancia belonged to the group of 12 combinations that managed to qualify for the second and decisive round. Thanks to their fast finish time in that first round, they were also the very last to start in the second round. They finished after another strong round in 39.80 seconds and this earned Niels another nice 2nd place.
In the CSI3* classes, Niels started Diornella-D and Nabeau van het Migroveld Z and they again managed to take care of a few placings. For example, on Wednesday during the opening day there was immediately a 12th place for Niels and Diornella during the 1.35m opening class. Two days later they started in the 1.45m Longines Ranking class and a 10th place followed after another clear round. With Nabeau, Niels was placed in the 1.45m Longines Ranking class on Thursday. In a jump-off for which 19 combinations were able to qualify, Nabeau knocked a pole out of the cups and this ultimately gave them a 13th place.
Finally Scarlina de Tiji Z confirmed her good form that is already present since Knokke Hippique. During the first two days Niels and Scarlina ensured a nice clear round and only during the final class on Saturday they ran into 1 fault.