The dream came true for Michiels

Together with his black, statuesque horse Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof, Domien Michels danced home the FEI World Cup Dressage freestyle victory for Belgium. It was the combination’s first visit to Gothenburg - and they enjoyed themselves immensely.

“Of course, my horse geared up in the ring with this fantastic crowd, but we managed to keep our focus”, Domien stated.

He and Intermezzo found each other when the gelding came to him to be trained and sold.

“We had a special bond from the beginning, and I asked the owner to keep him for further education and development. Now he will stay with me for the rest of his life.”

The combination has made its debut in the international Grand Prix together and has done both the European Championships, World Championships and Olympics. Now they also have a World Cup qualifier victory on their record.

“It really is a dream come true. I could never imagine this when I went here”

The best Swede in the starting field was Maria von Essen on the gelding Invoice.

“It feels completely crazy, completely unbelievable. This is a great experience for the future”, said a happy Maria von Essen after the award ceremony.

With her to Gothenburg, Maria, or Mia as she is called on a daily basis, had a large fan group from home.

“It's great fun that everyone who is involved in our day to day life can be here today.”

Maria bought Invoice from the Netherlands when he was 2.5 years old. The gelding is owned by Maria and her husband Alexander Bennergård. The future looks bright for the combination.

“I am very, very proud of my horse today”, said Maria.

In third place came the Spanish rider  Borja Carrascosa with Sir Hubert NRW, Borja is based in Germany since many years.

“ I am so happy with how he behaves inside the arena. My horse is becoming more and more relaxed in that environment”, said Borja Carrascosa.

With his third place in Gothenburg, Carrascosa has collected 45 points and is thus in eighth place ahead of the final World Cup qualifier in s-Hertogenbosch. Nine riders go to the World Cup Final in Riyadh from the Western European League.

“ I am ready to go if they ask me, right now, I am so happy. I never expected this outcome from this amazing event” said Carrascosa.

An almost full arena, some 12000 people watched and cheered the riders and gave a standing ovation during the lap of honour for the top-three riders.

More pictures

Quotes from Mixed Zone