By Elisabet Ernblad (translation Hillevi Brasc) / SWB
Photography: Pernilla Hägg
The prestigious dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses hosted by Ermelo, the Netherlands, in early August this year, showcased fantastic sport amidst rather upredictable weather.
Many horses that have gone on to the absolute top of the world rankings began their international careers at the WBCYH. For Swedish Warmblood, this year’s edition marked an historic success, which is incredibly positive and promising for the future.
From the very first day, SWB horses showcased exceptional talent where Skyline to B, the handsome and expressive stallion, guided with a broad smile by Carl Hedin, secured an impressive second place in the qualifiers. Also, qualifying straight to the final was Vive la Reinne II VH, ridden by Maria Anita Andersen. Out of the 15 finalists, two were SWB horses, with one in contention for a medal. The pride and joy in the SWB camp was palpable, already suggesting that SWB was having its best championship in a long time, if not ever.
Success breeds more success; that is a known fact. It was with this momentum that Jeanna Högberg, on the splendid six-year-old BE Allex, entered the arena on the championship’s second day. The gelding, purchased at SWB’s Elite Auction four years ago by Tobias Hansson and Hennix Horses, delivered a flawless performance rewarded with high scores, resulting in a ride that would lead to victory. A SWB horse winning a qualifier at the WBCYH has never happened before, and here too the expectations for any medal was high – and even for the highest award.
Likewise, hopes were high heading into the seven-year-old qualifier, especially for Moretti Weltino and Ida Kuchenmeistern Nordenberg, previous five- and six-year-old finalists, and for Diploid with Vendela Eriksdotter Rubin. This latter duo also appeared in the 2022 six-year-old finals. Both pairs delivered what was needed, securing their spots in the finals through consistent and harmonious performances.
The final round for the five-year-old horses was a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved, including SWB riders, leaders, and the entire team. Would Skyline to B secure a medal? Would Vive la Reinne II VH have an extra gear for the finals? The mare was the first of the two to enter the arena and put in a solid performance, particularly showcasing excellent trot work. While slightly lower in points compared to the qualifier, it was undeniably promising for the future. Carl Hedin and Skyline to B, a bonded pair, entered as the third to last duo. They delivered a confident performance, shining brightly in the arena, almost securing a bronze medal. A mere two-tenths of a point separated them from the bronze, and despite the disappointment of finishing fourth, the remarkably strong championship debut of Skyline to B could not go unnoticed... To read the complete article you need to be a subscriber
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