The final CSI1* class of Jumping Indoor Maastricht resulted in an all-Dutch ladies’ podium. The victory in the Quintes Finagri Prix Big Tour Final went, just like on Friday, to Mireille Couperus with her eight-year-old mare Macoon Blue H.V.
“It’s truly an overwhelming week,” Couperus said with a broad smile. “It’s my first time competing at Jumping Indoor Maastricht, and the CSI level is still quite new to me in general. Macoon jumped clear all three days. For things to go this well is, of course, incredibly special. Gaining this kind of experience at such a level is amazing for us.”
Switching the mindset
The rider mainly works with young horses, but in the eight-year-old mare Macoon, she has found a horse for the higher levels. “With the young ones, you don’t often ride against the clock, so when you do, it’s extra exciting. It’s fantastic when it turns out like this. Macoon has had three foals and came to me when she was almost six. That’s when the switch flipped: she has enormous quality and a wonderful attitude — you could really see that today in the first line.”
Behind Couperus, Alicia Bocken took second place with her seven-year-old Delicious Diana Z, and Stefanie Caroll finished third with the eight-year-old Bec Lenka. Eric Jr. van der Vleuten placed fourth riding Helia de Maeza, while American rider Stephanie Whitworth and Nevermind HX completed the top five.
View the full program and results here
Photos by Digishots
