Reed Kessler and Cylana were in a league of their own at the CSI5*-W event in Stuttgart on Thursday, when they won the 1.50 Preis der Firma Walter Solar.

The competition was against the clock, and faults were converted in to time – which made for fast rounds and riders taking extra risk. With only 35 of the 50 riders qualifying for Friday’s 1.50 class, a quick time was needed.

When Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson half way in the class rode a faultless and fast round on the now 15-year-old H&M Tornesch (Lux x Libero H) it looked like it would be hard to beat as she took over the lead with a time of 63.75 seconds. But, only a few riders later home rider Felix Hassmann – winner of the first 1.45 class of the show – rode a blistering fast round on Horse Gym’s Balzaci (Balou du Rouet x Ex Libris) to stop the clock on 63.07 seconds slotting into first.

With an amazing performance, it was US rider Reed Kessler that would take the win on her 2012 Olympic ride Cylana (Skippy II x Darco) though. It was efficient and fast, yet beautiful – with smoothness and tight turns all over the thirteen fence track. Crossing the finish line, Kessler had brought the time down to 60.94 seconds and with this no remaining rider could catch up with the US couple. 

There were two opening 1.45 classes on Thursday; one for German riders only - that was headed by Felix Hassmann on SL Brazonado (Baluarte x Silvestre). The second 1.45 was open for foreign riders, and went to Sweden's Linn Zakariasson on Ugaulin du Bosquetiau (Kashmir van Schuttershof x.Sea Harvest Xx)