Once the competition itself got under way, it was Canadian Evi Strasser who was the first to go. Generally, a nice quiet ride reflecting Quantum Tyme’s experience, but the drive, the impulsion wasn’t there, this showed particularly in the piaffe. The 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Quattro out of Argentinius) just simply lacked impulsion behind, which was even evident in the trot extensions. They finished their ride with a score of 63.00 percent.

Next to go was Dutch rider Marlies van Baalen with the Dutch Warmblood stallion BMC Kigali (Wolfgang x Voltaire). The veteran 15-year-old stallion turned out a quiet confident ride, much like Quantum Tyme, and judges rewarded them alike, giving Kigali and van Baalen a final score of 63.75. Third to go was Jacqueline Brooks of Canada with the 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding Gran Gesto (Grannox x Goldstern). This Canadian pair finished their ride with a score of 61.083 percent. They were followed by one happy Portuguese rider, Daniel Pinto, who just two weeks ago was awarded a wild card to attend this year’s World Cup. His enthusiasm at being at the Cup was matched by that of his partner, the Lusitano stallion Galopin de la Font (Exspanto x Zorro). The 13-year-old stallion displayed energy, which may have come across as having a tempo that was a bit too quick for judges who awarded the pair a score of 63.333 percent.