The Grand Prix Freestyle in Stuttgart, qualification for the World Cup Final in Omaha (USA) at the beginning of April, provided moments of goose bumps. 8,000 spectators experienced top sport in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle - there was not a single free seat left at the dressage highlight of the 36th STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS. And the frenetic Stuttgart audience experienced a sensational victory. Contrary to expectations, Isabell Werth - the most successful dressage rider of all times - missed out on her tenth freestyle victory in the Baden-Württemberg state capital. In the saddle of DSP Quantaz, the rider from Rheinberg showed a test full of maximum difficulties. Mistakes, among others in the series changes, cost her valuable points. With a score of 82.030 percent, the seven-time Olympic gold medallist ended up in second place. In contrast, Ingrid Klimke (Münster) achieved the big surprise with her Hanoverian stallion Franziskus FRH. One highlight followed the next in their freestyle, which was rewarded with 83.440 percent (personal best) and victory in the World Cup.
"I didn't expect that at all. I would also have been satisfied with second or third place. But it is even nicer that we managed this little sensation," said the popular rider. In 1987, her father, the unforgettable Dr. Reiner Klimke, had won this competition. Benjamin Werndl (Aubenhausen) followed behind Ingrid Klimke and Isabell Werth on the 18-year-old Daily Mirror (81.885). At the press conference, the top three raved about the special atmosphere. "The spectators were wonderful. We were literally carried to top performances," said freestyle winner Ingrid Klimke.
