Lottie Fry and Glamourdale (pictured top) produced the performance of their lives under the Aachen lights tonight at the dressage World Championships (15 August) to retain their world freestyle title from four years ago and leave the British rider struggling to find words for what she had just achieved.Its unbelievable. I literally cant believe how amazing Glamourdale was in there today, said Lottie after a performance she described as the test of a lifetime.Weve never, never, ever had a test so good and it all just came together at the right time in Aachen its so special.The defending champions delivered when it mattered most, with Glamourdale once again showing why the freestyle is his great stage. The black stallions power, expression and charisma revelled in the 40,000-strong Aachen crowd and their superb aeroplane-themed music. I literally had a smile on my face win the extended canter, she said. I was like, This is the most incredible feeling in the world. I was so relaxed and so calm in there not worried at all, she said. He was just giving me so much confidence, and we both enjoyed it so much, every minute of it.Lottie said Glamourdale couldnt wait to get on the big stage. Hes so funny. He was whinnying the whole time in the warm-up, trying to get in there he was so excited to get in. And then he went in completely relaxed with the crowd and just doing everything his best.Lottie said the victory was the culmination of an enormous team effort.Its just amazing to have the whole team here, she said. I wouldnt be here without any of them they are an incredible support, and its such a huge team effort to be able to peak at the right moment in Aachen. Its a dream come true.This pair won both individual titles at the 2022 World Championships and have remained among the sports defining combinations, with the stallions spectacular extended canter and trademark presence making him one of the most recognisable horses in modern dressage.Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour: Im over the moon Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour was equally delighted with silver on Mount St John Freestyle in this class too.Im over the moon today, she said. I really felt that I lost a gold medal [in the grand prix special] because of my performance and my mistakes. But today I bloody won that silver medal.It was a remarkable turnaround in mindset, and the Danish star made the most of her opportunity with this 17-year-old mare.I didnt expect anything else from Lottie that she was also going to put the ground on fire, which she did, Cathrine said. But Freestyle was fault-free and Im so, so happy about my silver today.Freestyle, who has been in extraordinary form throughout 2026, rose to the occasion in front of Aachens enormous crowd.She felt like she was flying today, Cathrine said. I started my music, and she just felt perfect from the first footprint.Cathrine also paid tribute to the wider team behind her and her horse who has taken her to another championship medal.Im really proud not only of Freestyle and myself, but my whole team and my home team as well, she said. It takes a village.Werth relishes Aachen atmosphereGermanys Isabell Werth completed the individual podium battle in style, producing a performance on Wendy de Fontaine that left her so, so grateful.Im so happy about my test today, Isabell said. And the atmosphere was I got goosebumps when I went in.The German legend said: I realised I had to take risks and that was the only chance I had to get a medal.At the end it was so amazing. She was so with me, and I could play with the piaffe and passage. It was just amazing.For Isabell, her medal today helped with narrowly missing out on one in the grand prix special. Becky Moody: This is cool Britains Becky Moody brought her World Cup-winning partnership with Jagerbomb into another huge championship atmosphere and the home-bred gelding really impressed. This is cool. And he was so chilled, Becky said.She admitted the horseBomb did not quite have all the energy he can produce, but she was delighted with his willingness to stay with her.He was so with me and everything. And I think we can show a good picture, which is what Im really trying to do.Becky also saw the evening as an important education for Jagerbomb.It was a really good learning experience for him, she said. When are you going to get the opportunity to do something like that again?The performance capped an extraordinary season for Becky and Bomb. They arrived in Aachen as reigning World Cup champions after their 88.33% victory in Fort Worth, and Jagerbomb had already shown his ability to thrive on the biggest stages.Carl Hester: I had a totally different horse to ride Fellow Brit Carl Hester signed off his championship with Fame after a week in which the veteran rider repeatedly demonstrated his extraordinary ability to produce under pressure. But it took all of Carls skill to get a spooky and hot Fame to the end of their test. Hes feeling well, Carl said. I had a totally different horse to ride today.The 36-time championship veteran admitted the atmosphere is almost impossible to replicate in training.You cant replicate the atmosphere you get when youve got 40,000 people when youre at home, he said.There was also a hint of relief at the end of a long week.Im not disappointed because Ive had an amazing week, Carl said. Top 10 in all three tests thats a good feeling.And after years at the very top, his gratitude for the people around him was clear.Its always the support team. We do have an army out here with us, and they make sure that we get we are in the best possible place to get and give our next performances. So for that, were really, really grateful. Images: Tim WilkinsonRelated contentI cant believe what just happened: emotional Lottie Fry and Glamourdale retain world title for Great Britain in emotional Aachen grand prix special triumphThe most amazing feeling Ive ever had: Lottie Fry and Carl Hester deliver at World Championships to secure team silverBecky Moody battles back as Fiona Bigwood savours special Aachen moment for Great BritainHow to watch the 2026 FEI World Championships on TV and via livestreamThe post The most incredible feeling in the world: Lottie Fry and Glamourdale claim history-making World Championship freestyle gold for Britain appeared first on Your Horse.