A beautifully harmonious test has seen Julie Brougham and Vom Feinsten finish second in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W at the 2017 Australian Dressage Championships at Boneo Park.

Brougham was very happy with their 73% effort in a hugely competitive field. “I am particularly pleased when you consider this is just his second show back after six months of rehab . . . it is pretty awesome,” she said.

Vom Feinsten fairly floated his way around the arena, drawing plenty of praise from commentators and fans. “Everywhere we go people have something nice to say. I do think the surfaces here really suit him, he just springs out.”

Stand-outs for Brougham and her coach Andrea Raves were Vom Feinsten’s canter pirouettes, changes, passage and piaffe. “I don’t think there was anything to grizzle about. It all came together very well.”

Brougham has previously been third at the event, and this evening finished behind Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser who scored 74.54%.

Abbie Deken was far happier with the efforts of KH Ambrose today, with the Taranaki combination finishing on 67.225%. “I was disappointed with our mistakes in the twos, which was costly, but there were certainly improvements on yesterday,” said Deken. “I rode with more energy, which is what we needed to do. He took in the atmosphere really well and the surface out there is just to die for. It is a great experience to be in that arena.”

Both women line up in the special tomorrow, and Deken is hopeful their improved performance will continue. “The special is a test he has scored quiet well at in the past, so I am hoping for another good one. We will have to find our last little bit of energy.”

The trip has tired KH Ambrose, and Deken says their warm-up will be a shorter one tomorrow. “I knew it would be a big learning curve here and it is something I need to be doing.”

She was rapt to have her coach and best mate Vanessa Way helping her at the champs. Brougham also commented on the tremendous support the two riders had at Boneo Park. “It is super cool having a fantastic team of New Zealanders here – it is just fabulous and really feels like Kiwi land.”

The competition was tough but Brougham said it was so important. “It is a fabulous experience and relatively cheap compared to (travelling to) Europe (to compete).”

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison