| Little Special in Red M impresses in Leipzig
A successful weekend at the World Cup show in Leipzig lies behind the eight-year-old mare Little Special in Red M (I’m Special de Muze x Calido I) and Ciaran Nallon. Competing in the Youngster Tour, the pair started their weekend in Saxony with a clear round in the opening class over 1.35 m. After a day off, the second qualification for the final took place on Saturday. With a fast and clear round in the 1.40 m class, the pair secured third place. Thanks to their strong performances over the first two days, Little Special in Red M qualified for the final featuring the best 15 eight-year-old horses. The final was held as a two-phase jumping competition over 1.45 m. Following a confident first phase, the Riesenbeck pair advanced to the second phase. They were quick and clear, but at the final oxer of the course the back rail fell, causing Ciaran and Little Special in Red M to drop to seventh place in the final standings. A frustrating mistake, as their time would have been good enough for victory. Nevertheless, it was a successful and promising weekend for the pair in the Leipzig Youngster Tour.
Ciaran also enjoyed a successful weekend in Leipzig with the ten-year-old mare Casalla Blue PS. On Thursday, the pair already secured a placing in the opening class of the 5* tour. They also placed in the "Championat der Stadt Leipzig", a 5* competition over 1.55 m with jump-off. Sixteen of the 41 combinations qualified for the jump-off, including Ciaran and Casalla Blue PS. However, the first rail fell in the jump-off, putting victory in class out of reach. Nevertheless, Ciaran and Casalla Blue PS completed the jump-off confidently and quickly and, with the second-fastest time and one rail down, secured eighth place on Saturday evening in front of the Leipzig crowd.
Next week, Ciaran will head to the 5* show Jumping Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Philipp will once again compete in Doha, and James will be competing at home in Riesenbeck with his horses at the first CSI** of the year at Riesenbeck International.
