Indian dressage star Anush Agarwalla got off to a spectacular start with his new black mare Floriana, securing first place at the Jubiläumsturnier Hofgeismar Open with an impressive 69.841%. Riding the elegant 7-year-old, it was the pair’s first-ever win at S* level (Prix St George Level — one level below Grand Prix — the level at which Asian Games is played), only the second time they paired up.
Anush has three horses to choose from – Etro, Flynn and Floriana, since his stint with Sir Caramello Old..
He went on Insta and Twitter and shared: “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner 2nd S ever and directly first win for Floriana and myself with 69.8%! Only 7 years old and what a potential for the future.”
Anush added: “I’m incredibly proud of Floriana. This was only her second S competition and she handled it with maturity beyond her years. Winning here is a special moment for both of us. I want to sincerely thank Anna Schölermann for her constant guidance, training, and belief in us. This is just the beginning for Floriana, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
The Asian Games double medallist has been camped in Germany and is preparing for the World Championships later this year and Asian Games in 2026. He has also started his digital series #DressageWithAnush, where he unpacks the fundamentals of dressage what the audience sees, what they don’t, and everything in between on his Instagram channel, with new episodes drops every alternate Thursday at 1:30 PM, with E2 due to land.
While upgrading to the Grand Prix competition level in Europe, Anush will test for combinations. The Indian ace, has more choices to pick from besides Straight Horse Floriana, a 7-year-old black mare. Flynn, a 9-year-old black gelding is added to his stables. “I have 3 top horses ahead of the World Championship. It depends,” he says, not revealing who his choice might be.
Etro, the bay stallion, is training on the Grand Prix level, and already has a Minimum Eligibility Requirement, a qualifying standard, at the World Equestrian Games. The main goal however stays the World Championships 2026 and LA Olympics 2028.
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Flynn, at 9, is training on Grand Prix level, and might become first choice for World Championships 2026 and LA Olympics 2028, while Straight Horse Floriana, who’s only 7, is finding her feet on Prix St. George level, and might be opted for at the Asian Games 2026 and subsequently LA Olympics 2028, but not the World’s.
However, with this win, Anush may shuffle his combinations.
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