British riders Maria Eilberg and Fiona Bigwood made their mark at the Wiesbaden CDI, Germany, 22-24 May, consistently placing in the top five against fierce German and Dutch competition, H&C is pleased to learn.

Maria and Two Sox started well in the GP for Kür with third place on 68.09 per cent while Fiona and Wie Atlantico finished fifth on 66.59 per cent. Germany’s Anja Plönzke and the 11-year-old Wie Weltmeyer gelding Le Mont d’Or topped the class on 68.76 per cent with the Netherlands Hans Peter Hinderhoud and IPS Tango in close second on 68.55 per cent.

Sunday’s Kür saw Eilberg and Bigwood hold their form with Maria finishing third once again on 73.55 per cent and Fiona clinching fifth for a second time on 72.20 per cent. Plönzke doubled her wins with a score of 75.80 per cent and Germany made it a 1-2 with Susanne Lebek and Baudolino improving to take second on 73.55 per cent.

Maria’s father and trainer Ferdi Eilberg was pleased with the pair’s performance. “It’s a great atmosphere in Wiesbaden,” said Ferdi. “There’s such a buzz, especially Sunday with the Kür, and it can be a lot for the horses to deal with. I’m happy with Two Sox and how he held himself throughout the weekend, they both did a good consistent job.”

Maria echoed her father’s comments on the Wiesbaden buzz. “It was a mega show!” said the 25-year-old. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced quite such an atmosphere especially for the freestyle – it was absolutely electric. We had to walk through crowds to get to the arena with lots of applause for the previous rider going on all around you. Two Sox was great though, I was a bit worried with all the noise and he had a little whiz off around the arena before, but then he was fine. We had a little mistake in the ones, because we were heading straight for the crowds, but otherwise he was wonderful.”

“He’s really grown up,” added Maria “He used to draw into himself at big shows but now he loves all the attention, and he’s much more at home.” Maria, who will be in action again in two weeks time at Lingen with Two Sox and her small tour ride Woodlander Rockstar, is currently staying with family in Germany. “It’s absolutely lovely to be here with my Gram in her little village and enjoy a little down time amidst all the preparations.”

Joining Maria in Lingen will be European team member Laura Bechtolsheimer with Mistral Hojris and Andretti H, and Emile Faurie with Elmegardens Marquis.