India’s rising equestrian talent Anush Agarwalla delivered an impressive performance at the Holtkämper Dressurtage Grand Prix, earning a personal best score of 69.44% in only his second Grand Prix appearance with his new equine partner, Etro. The prestigious event, held in Bielefeld, Germany, features some of the world’s elite dressage riders, and Anush’s strong showing has positioned him as a name to watch in the international circuit.
The performance marked a significant milestone for Anush and Etro, who have been working together for just a few months. Their growing partnership was on full display as they executed a graceful and technically refined test, drawing praise from both judges and spectators.
“I am very proud of our performance together,” said Anush. “Etro and I have learned a lot from each other in a short time. It’s been months of hard work behind the scenes, and I’m happy we could showcase that today. While there’s still room for improvement, this is a strong start to the season, and I’m excited to build from here.”
The pair will soon take their partnership to the international stage, competing at their first international show together—the CDI 3* in Lier, Belgium, later this week. Held at the renowned Azelhof Equestrian Centre, the Lier event is known for attracting top-level talent, and Anush is looking forward to the challenge.
“Competing internationally with Etro is something I’ve been looking forward to, and I’m very excited for what’s ahead,” he added.
Anush Agarwalla continues to make history as one of the pioneers of Indian dressage on the global stage, and his latest performance is another step forward in an inspiring journey.
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What is equestrian?
Equestrian simply refers to horse riding. However it is a professional sport as well. Dressage is a form of equestrian where the horse and the rider aim to achieve high levels of precision and harmony. A dressage competition continuously tests a rider and horse’s physical and mental ability. The rider and the horse are expected to perform a series of predetermined movements, known as ‘figures’ or “movements”. These movements are carried out in the backdrop of a music. Some of the “movements” in dressage are: Shoulder in, Half Pass, Half-Pirouette, Flying Change, Traverse, Piaffe, Levade, Counter Cante.
Dressage competition are classified as follows:
Preliminary, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, Advanced, Prix St George, Intermediate – I and Grand Prix. A Grand Prix is the highest level of dressage competition which is also the level at which the sport is played at the Olympics.
Anush Agarwalla:
Anush Agarwalla is an India equestrian from Kolkata. He has represented India in the sport at the Olympics. He won a gold and a bronze in dressage at the 2022 Asian Games. He won gold in the team dressage and clinched bronze in individual dressage. He is one of India’s top equestrian and has been awarded the Arjuna award for his achievement in the sport.
The Sportz Planet Desk
One Response
Well explained about Eqesterian and Dressage and their inticasies. Not know to many .
Keep it up