The pair went to the 2016 Olympics, the 20 World Equestrian Games and five straight World Cup Finals from 2014 through 2018. Inessa, whose expressive celebrations has made her a favorite of spectators, first competed the spectacular-moving Mister X at international Grand Prix in June 2013. Russia’s Regina Isachkina on Fyrca placed fourth on 72.565% and fifth on Sun of May Life on 72.455%, that appeared to be enough to move the rider to the top of the Central European standings. Olga Safranova of Belarus on Sandro D Amour was third on 73.730%. Marina Aframeeva on Arums, owned by Inessa and competed by Marina at Small Tour in 2016, placed second on 75.260%. Inessa and Mister X, now 16 years old, scored 78.200% in the freestyle, a day after scoring 75.370% in the Grand Prix at the sixth qualifier in the Central European League to seek a start at the World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden next April. 17, 2020–Mister X, the top Russian dressage horse this century, returned to competition after a two-year break with Inessa Merkulova riding the Russian-bred Trakehner to victory in the World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle Sunday.
