Abfalterer impresses in the Juniors competition

Schloss Achleiten once again proved to be the perfect host for international dressage sport this weekend. Glorious sunshine, ideal conditions in the castle park arena, and highly motivated young riders provided the setting for the FEI Junior Team Test. Six participants faced international competition – among them: Lena Abfalterer with her mare La Bella Rosa.

The young Austrian delivered a very appealing round and secured a well-deserved victory with 68.394 percent. “I think it was a very, very solid round,” Abfalterer summed up after her ride. Yet she is self-critical enough to see room for improvement: “I think I could have done even better, made everything a bit cleaner. There's definitely more potential.”

One particular flying change cost her valuable points. “That was on me. I should have prepared the change better.” She and her well-practiced partner also want to work on collection and expression in the coming weeks: “A bit more collection, more expression – that’s what we’re aiming for.”

Abfalterer has been riding La Bella Rosa since last summer, and the two have made significant progress in recent months. “I’m very satisfied. We got her last summer and have been able to improve a lot since then. We’ve really grown together.”

Abfalterer especially values her mare’s reliability and character: “She has an extremely good attitude, is receptive – you can always count on her. She doesn’t spook, she’s always right there with me.” A special highlight: the walk. “No matter the situation – she always delivers, with a good, strong, and collected walk. Walk is definitely her strength.”

Behind Abfalterer, Italy’s Matteo Borghesi with Foldbergs Dantino (67.333%) and Switzerland’s Malina Schneider with Zaja von Buchmatt CH (67.273%) placed second and third. Emilia Brandstätter, the second Austrian in the competition, finished fourth with Weena (67.243 percent), narrowly missing the top three by just 0.03 percent.

N°7 FEI Junior Team Test 1. Lena Abfalterer (AUT), LA Bella Rosa, 68,394 Prozent 2. Matteo Borghesi (ITA), Foldbergs Dantino, 67,333 3. Malina Schneider (SUI), Zaja von Buchmatt CH, 67,273 4. Emilia Brandstätter (AUT), Weena, 67,243 Ergebnis im Detail HIER