German dressage legend Isabell Werth delivered a stunning 82.66% freestyle debut with Special Blend 3 at the 2026 Adequan Global dressage Festival, captivating a sold-out crowd with a technically demanding and elegantly executed performance. Despite Special Blend 3’s inexperience and last-minute substitution for Werth’s usual mount, the pair impressed with a classical routine originally crafted for Werth’s Olympic champion horse, Emilio. The enthusiastic audience’s applause underscored the emotional connection and high level of artistry displayed.

The competition saw strong performances from riders across six nations, with Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu achieving a personal best of 79.25% on Jaccardo, and Ecuador’s Julio Mendoza Loor placing third on Jewel’s Goldstrike. Werth praised the event’s growth and atmosphere, expressing excitement about the festival’s global reach and her intention to return next year after a 15-year hiatus from competing in Wellington.