In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 World Cup final held in Basel on April 5, 2025, Charlotte Fry of Great Britain showcased her exceptional talent, riding Glamourdale to a stunning victory with a score of 88.195 percent. This triumph marks Fry's first World Cup title, solidifying her status as a rising star in the equestrian world.
Isabell Werth, the legendary German rider, finished in second place aboard her horse, DSP Quantaz, scoring 84.365 percent. Despite her impressive performance, Werth was unable to clinch her sixth World Cup title, a feat that would have further cemented her legacy as one of the greatest equestrians of all time.
Fry's victory was not just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for British dressage, as she dominated the competition throughout the event. "It feels incredible to finally win this title," Fry expressed after her victory. "Glamourdale was amazing today; he truly felt at home in the arena. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from him." Her Kür, set to a captivating "Best of Britain" soundtrack, highlighted their synergy, particularly during the piaffe-passage tour and the gallop sequence.
While Fry basked in the glory of her win, Werth maintained a positive outlook despite falling short of her goal. "Mission accomplished!" she declared, referring to her goal of securing a podium finish. "I’m very satisfied with Quantaz; he improved significantly from yesterday's performance. I took a cautious approach to ensure we scored well, and it paid off," she added, reflecting on her ride.
The podium was completed by Isabel Freese from Norway, who made history as the first Norwegian to reach the podium at a World Cup final. Riding Total Hope OLD, Freese achieved a score of 81.850 percent, a remarkable accomplishment that underscored her potential in the sport. "This exceeds all my expectations!" Freese exclaimed, thrilled with her performance. "He was so easy to ride and gave me an incredible feeling. The audience's support made it even more special."
In addition to the top three, French rider Corentin Pottier finished fourth with Gotilas du Feuillard, scoring 80.415 percent, while Patrik Kittel, the defending champion, presented a new Kür with his mare Forever Young HRH, which earned him a score of 80.115 percent and fifth place. Kittel's performance was praised for its creativity and execution.
German newcomers Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock and Carina Scholz also had noteworthy performances. Nowag-Aulenbrock finished sixth with Florine, achieving 78.990 percent, while Scholz placed eleventh with Soiree d’Amour. "I’m very relieved; my mare was fantastic this week," Nowag-Aulenbrock said, expressing her satisfaction with her debut at the World Cup final.
As the event concluded, the focus shifted to the spring jumping finals scheduled for April 6, 2025. The German team, led by Sophie Hinners, who is currently ninth in the overall standings, will compete in two rounds with a jump-off. Hinners, riding my Prins, has an uphill battle ahead, trailing the leader Julien Epaillard of France by seven points.
The atmosphere in Basel was electric, with spectators cheering on their favorites and witnessing some of the best equestrian talent in the world. The competition not only highlighted the skills of seasoned riders like Werth and Fry but also showcased the promising talents of newcomers like Freese and Nowag-Aulenbrock.
Overall, the 2025 World Cup final in Basel proved to be a memorable event, filled with exceptional performances and significant milestones. As the riders prepare for the next season, the excitement and anticipation for future competitions continue to build.
