Carl Hester Rides Bigwood's Fame to Double Win at 2023 CDI Tolbert

Carl Hester returned to the stage after a 13-month absence from CDI competition and has not lost his winning ways. At the 2023 CDI Tolbert in The Netherlands, the six-time Olympian steered Fiona Bigwood's Fame to a double victory in the Grand Prix and Special.

In January 2023 Hester premiered the 13-year old Dutch warmblood Fame (by Bordeaux x Rhodium) at a home show in Hartpury. They were entered for the CDI Addington in March, but Carl injured his foot in a slip and fall and withdrew. Tolbert was chosen as the substitute event, which meant crossing the Channel, a trip he confessed he does not like doing. However, going against the grain paid off.

Tolbert hosted its first international competition after having been known as a dressage venue for multiple-day national shows. There was a particular Dutch touch to it with "Schlager" music playing in the background as if carnaval was back in town.

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