One of the added classes at the Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses is the battle of four-year-old talents. Fall In Love (Blue Hors Farrell x San Amour, breeder Kerstin Klieber/Dressurstall Sandbrink) owned by Mario Vargas triumphed in the first round. Presented by Svenja Grimms, this Hanoverian mare received an average score of 8.86 from judges Marian Dorresteijn and Patrick Berends.
“It was a wonderful competition in a beautiful setting”, stated Dorresteijn afterwards. “In general, we have seen quality horses with a fantastic top layer. The winner displayed the most harmony, was focused on the rider, and was very well presented.” Have we seen future World Championship horses at work? “Fair chance, given the quality.”
According to the winner, Svenja Grimm, “It felt amazing. I still cannot believe it. I truly enjoyed the ride. It was so nice to ride in this stunning arena. Fall in Love felt great, but she always does. Once we enter the ring, she is focused and ready to go.”
The jury awarded the highest marks overall for Fall In Love's walk: 9.2. “I think all three gaits are fantastic. This time the walk earned the top mark, other times she received the highest grade for canter or trot. I think she is a very complete horse,” said Grimm with an enthusiastic smile.
Nanny McPhee (Vitalis x Sorento, bred, owned, and shown by Judith Ribbels) claimed second place. The KWPN mare was very nicely presented by Ribbels to earn an average score of 8.76, including her highest mark, 9.0, for canter. Dorresteijn remarked; “This mare astounds in her quality of movement and use of the hind leg. At times, she probably could have lengthened more, but we are talking about finesses now in a very young four-year-old horse. She is a horse with natural go, elasticity, and the right attitude. To top it off, she is also light-footed.” Berends added: “A horse we believe to be very suitable for the big levels of sport. A quality horse in every way.”
Bart Veeze guided the KWPN-bred Nero (Ferguson x Totilas, breeder Titan Wilaras, owner, Bruver BV) to a score of 8.74. “Another horse with an alluring presence, expression and athletic use of the body”, said Dorresteijn. “We enjoyed the performances of all the horses and it was a very close top-three!”
Source: Ermeloyh/Claartje van Andel
