Goosebump moment: Strobel and Valparaiso NRW dance to Freestyle victory
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Bright sunshine, perfect conditions and top-class dressage marked the conclusion of the second competition day at the international dressage tournament (CDI4*) at Schloss Achleiten. In the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle (CDI4*), Germany’s Laura Strobel and Valparaiso NRW topped the field with a winning score of 75.820%. Reigning Austrian National Champion Timna Valenta-Zach and Farant finished second on 73.810%, while Jennifer Buda (GER) and Daily Fun 4 placed third with 72.120%.
For Strobel, the victory was particularly special. Together with Valparaiso NRW, owned by Elisabeth Max-Theurer and a familiar face at Achleiten for many years, she delivered an expressive and harmonious freestyle performance. “I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun riding a freestyle with him,” said the delighted winner afterwards. She was especially pleased with the piaffe-passage tour: “That has never really been our strongest part. Today it just felt fantastic.”
The partnership’s development is closely linked to a number of important milestones. With Valparaiso NRW, Strobel rode her first international Grand Prix, her first Grand Prix Specials and her first freestyle. “He is a very special teacher for me. I can learn so much from him and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to ride him,” she said. The weekend in Achleiten felt like “the next step” in their journey together. “Suddenly you realise how much influence you can have within a test. It’s a really great feeling.”
The music selection also played a key role in creating the overall atmosphere of the freestyle. “I like music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Tina Turner’s songs fit Valparaiso NRW perfectly with their energy and rhythm. Sometimes I get goosebumps myself during the performance,” Strobel explained.
Timna Valenta-Zach was also pleased with her second-place finish. After a difficult day on Friday, the Austrian champion delivered a significantly improved performance. “It’s a conciliatory ending. We really found each other today,” said the Styrian rider. She was particularly satisfied with her pirouettes and the piaffe-passage tour and now looks ahead to her upcoming international competitions.
With outstanding performances and emotional moments, the freestyle provided a fitting finale to another successful day of competition at Schloss Achleiten.
RESULTS N°2 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle (CDI4*)
1. Laura Strobel (GER), Valparaiso NRW, 75,820 Percent
2. Timna Valenta-Zach (AUT), Farant 73,810
3. Jennifer Buda (GER), Daily Fun 4, 72,120
