Tommie Visser shines in the Special as Marieke van der Putten dazzles in the Test to Music

The white arena here at CDIO Lier stands out beautifully against the clear blue skies on Friday afternoon at CDIO Lier. Among the day’s highlights: Tommie Visser and Karma Begijnhoeve claiming victory in the CDI 3* Grand Prix Special with 69.830%, while Marieke van der Putten and Torveslettens Titanium RS2 topped the board in the Grand Prix Test to Music with an impressive 76.760%.

The Grand Prix Special: a totally new test for Tommie Visser

With 16 combinations in the ring, victory stayed in Belgian hands. Tommie Visser and Karma Begijnhoeve came out on top with a score of 69.830%, keeping him just ahead of Canada’s Chris von Martels, who finished second with 69.681%. Austria’s Lisa Wernitznig completed the podium with a score of 68.830%. “I have never ridden this test before. Not even at home, this was truly the very first time. I also competed yesterday, but today went so much better! Karma is a horse full of power, and that sometimes gains the upper hand, but today we had it totally under control. What she does is walk into that arena, put her ears forward and just go for it, haha!” Tommie says about his home-bred mare. The combination made their international debut this weekend, and after a third place on Thursday in the Grand Prix, they delivered the winning test in the Special. 

A home bred champion 

“I had a small mistake in the one tempies and the canter transition also went slightly wrong, but that’s what happens when you ride a test for the very first time. She just didn’t quite understand what was being asked of her at that moment.” Tommie is very proud of his breeding product. “We’ve had her since she was a foal, and that really makes the bond you have with your horse something special. She has an incredible will to perform for you and she doesn’t back down from anything. Whether it’s pouring with rain or, like today quite warm, it doesn’t matter to her at all. We already have a couple foals from her now, which is just so exciting! She has a wonderful character and she passes that on too.” Tommie and Karma won’t only be seen this weekend, they’ll also be at the start next weekend at the Belgian Championships.

A home fixture

Originally Dutch, Tommie has been living in Belgium for quite some time now and competes under the Belgian flag. “This is truly one of the most beautiful shows in the area. Also because this was my first international Grand Prix with her, CDIO Lier was the obvious choice. We love coming here and because of that I know the event well. With barely over an hour in the car, having an international show just around the corner is a real luxury! I also thought to myself: in the very worst case, the tests go completely wrong. But then at least I’m home in no time, haha!” says a beaming Tommie. 

A flawless Test to Music from Marieke van der Putten

The arena took on a more musical atmosphere as the Grand Prix Test to Music got underway. After 8 combinations, the winner was clear: Marieke van der Putten and Torveslettens Titanium RS2 came out on top with a score of 76.760%. Hot on her heels: Marsja Dijkman with 75.850%, followed by Caroline Darcourt with 75.050%. “I noticed straight away when I entered the arena that he was so much more at ease than yesterday. We had a few small mistakes, but he’s just a very quick horse and that makes it happen a little faster”, Marieke says about her winning test.

 

Perfect Dutch Championship preparation

Torveslettens Titanium RS2 is a horse with a bunch of international miles done at the very highest level. A true top athlete, but that doesn’t mean he’s on autopilot! “He always finds something new that excites him in the arena and at which he can spook at, haha! Today wasn’t too bad, although he was definitely having a good look around. I could feel that while riding. But still, nothing could throw us off today, because I really got to ride a lovely test. It’s about 20 degrees warmer today than it was a week ago, so that doesn’t exactly help as well! But I have to say, I could barely tell.” Marieke is a regular face at the show and speaks very highly of it. “We are huge fans of CDIO Lier. The horses have fantastic stables to stay in and everything here is always perfectly organised. I want to ride the Dutch Championships next week and this competition fitted perfectly into the schedule. A really great dress rehearsal!”