FIRST CSI AFTER COVID, ULYSS KICKSTARTS THE SEASON
He and Rik and are placed 4th in the Lier Grand Prix on the 5th of July.
Rik had to take part in two qualifying rounds to eliminate half of the hopefuls, but finally he was through to the Grand Prix on the Sunday. There were 85 riders in the class, and in view of the quality of those present, the course builder had constructed a demanding course.
Rik and Ulyss brought off a magnificent clear round. Ulyss was flying and didn’t touch a single pole. He walked it.
The jump off brought together 23 partnerships who had overcome the first round traps. 23 excellent riders...so the course rode very quickly. Unfortunately, Ulyss slipped twice (maybe even three times) on ground that had become degraded due to so many horses. Rik had to add an extra stride in before the double (see the video). He lost a good two seconds and finished 4th in the class. As he was only 1.2 seconds behind the winner, without those two slips, he would most likely have won the class.
Ulyss gave everything in this jump off, as courageous and respectful as usual. He didn’t want to touch a single fence. He flew over the final which Rik approached at a flat out gallop, on a really long stride.
One can only admire their exceptional rapport: a perfect symbiosis.