Lots of people were looking forward to watching Ben Maher in action with his super horse Explosion W by Chacco-Blue, who he won Olympic gold last year. A few days ahead of Herning2022, the British rider had to face the fact that Explosion was not ready.
“Explosion was not at his peak fitness, which it demands to ride a big championship, and therefore it was a last-minute decision to bring Faltic to Herning”, Maher says. Therefore, the 12-year-old Faltic HB by Baltic VDL is the one competing with the British rider here in Herning.
Even though it was Ben’s second choice, it turns out to be a great choice, because Faltic and Maher are among the best in the championship so far. The combination is after the first 2 rounds placed preliminary as number 6 individually, only 1.76 faults behind the leading combination from France.
“My horse jumped even better today. He gains confidence the more times he jumps in the same arena. Yesterday was a perfect round but a bit rushed, today we could ride like I wanted to. It was a difficult, but good course”, Maher said after his ride yesterday.
Later today, the British rider will compete along with 63 riders. At 21.00 CET it is time for the team final. The team final will also decide which 25 riders will get a spot in the individual final at Agria Super Sunday. The British team is preliminary placed number 6, but only once fence separates them from the 3rd best nation. A medal is just within reach for Maher both in the team competition and in the individual ranking.
Source: FEI/Herning2022
