Successful CDI debut for Camille Carier Bergeron and Finnländerin

Camille was all smiles aboard Finnländerin after a second place finish in Thursday’s CDI3* Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo: Joanna Crilly)

Week 5 of the Adequan Global Dressage festival is underway and once again a number of Canadians are in pursuit of their MERs, the FEI's Minimum Eligibility Requirements required to compete at the 2024 Olympics. Between January 1, 2023 and June 24, 2024 horse / rider combinations must earn 67% from both the panel and an L4 judge twice in a CDI.

Having already secured her MERs on longtime partner Sound of Silence, Camille Carier Bergeron made her Grand Prix CDI debut with Finnländerin, earning their first MER. The pair finished second in Thursday's CDI3* Grand Prix, with panel scores of 68.587 - 68.478 - 67.717 - 68.913 - 65.326 for a total 67.804%.

"I’m super happy and proud of Finn; she is just so fun and you can feel she tries so hard and wants to please," says Camille. "We had a miscommunication in the ones which was quite expensive, but overall there were many nice highlights, and still some room for improvement. I’m so excited for the future and I can’t wait to go back in there for the Special! I’m really grateful."

Four other Canadians contested the CDI3* Grand Prix (for the Grand Prix Special) today:
5th - Tina Irwin & Fancy That - 66.348%
6th - Ariana Chia & Guateque IV - 66.065%
11th - Tom Dvorak & Cyrus - 62.957%
Retired - Evi Strasser & Deja Vu Tyme

In addition, there were two Canadian entries chasing World Cup points in today's CDI-W Grand Prix (for the Grand Prix Freestyle):
7th - Tanya Strasser-Shostak & Fidelis Tyme - 65.784%
11th - Evi Strasser & Disney Tyme - 62.456%

CDI action in Wellington continues tomorrow with Tom Dvorak and Jeriko IR in the CDI1* PSG, while Evi and Tanya Strasser will be dancing under the Friday night lights in the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle with Disney Tyme and Fidelis Tyme. Live streaming video from the CDI ring in available on the Adequan Global Dressage Festival website, while live scoring for the both the CDI and national show can be found at Equestrian Hub. 

​As well, competition at the CDI in Le Mans, France begins tomorrow. Ryan Torkkeli is the lone Canadian entry, and will be riding his superstar Sternenwanderer in Friday's CDI3* Grand Prix.