TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published March 7, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Isabell Werth and the 10-year-old stallion Viva Gold won the Herning Grand Prix with a 77.5%, though a 6% discrepancy in judging scores sparked conversation despite the clear victory.
What Happened
Isabell Werth and the 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion Viva Gold secured a commanding victory in the CDI3* Grand Prix at the Danish stallion licensing in Herning. The pair finished with a score of 77.5%, marking a personal best for the duo in a "normal" Grand Prix. The judging, however, showed a notable lack of consensus; scores for the ride ranged significantly from 74.783% to a high of 80.761%.
Viva Gold, a grandson of Werth’s legendary Olympic mount Weihegold, demonstrated increased strength and impulsion in the passage and a balanced opening piaffe. Despite some tension in the second piaffe, where the stallion became somewhat exuberant and struggled with his front leg positioning, Werth’s management allowed him to recover for a strong finish. The final passage was a highlight, earning a 10.0 from one judge and scores ranging from 8.0 to 9.0 from the others.
The podium was rounded out by Leonie Richter (GER) and Lord Europe, who took second with 70.109% in their international "long" Grand Prix debut. British rider Annabella Pidgley finished third aboard Gio with 69.978%.
Why It Matters
This win signals the continued rise of Viva Gold as a top-tier international contender under Werth’s guidance. As the grandson of Weihegold and a descendant of the influential Donnerhall, his performance carries significant weight for both sport and breeding enthusiasts.
For the broader dressage community, the 6% scoring discrepancy among the five judges highlights a recurring conversation regarding judging consistency at the highest levels of the sport. While the winner was clear to all, the wide range in percentages, particularly the heavy use of 9.0s and 10.0s by a single judge, underscores the subjective challenges inherent in dressage scoring.
Additionally, the success of Leonie Richter and Lord Europe marks a successful transition for the rider, who recently went into business for herself while maintaining access to high-quality horsepower formerly associated with Helgstrand Dressage.
Competition Context
The Herning CDI3* is held in conjunction with the prestigious Danish stallion licensing, making it a high-profile venue for showcasing stallion talent. Both the first and second-place finishers, Viva Gold and Lord Europe, were participants in the 2025 Louisdor Prize final, demonstrating the effectiveness of the German developmental circuit in preparing horses for the international Grand Prix stage.
Discipline Context
This event is of primary interest to the Dressage and Breeding communities. Viva Gold is not only a competitive athlete but a highly sought-after sire; his performance in the ring directly impacts his value and influence in the warmblood breeding industry. The results also track the progress of youth and U25-adjacent riders like Annabella Pidgley and Leonie Richter as they establish themselves in senior international ranks.
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