By Jean Llewellyn (press release)
Photography: Hannoveraner Verband

The Herwart von der Decken Prize is only awarded every four years, and on this occasion the family of Hann.Pr.St. Coco M was honoured with the most prestigious trophy awarded by the Hannoveraner Verband.

The winner of the jumping mares was Hann.Pr.A. Unica, while Hann.Pr.A. Joyride took the dressage title. “All the mares had one thing in common: they came from extremely athletic dam lines,” summarised breeding director Ulrich Hahne.
The highlight of the Herwart von der Decken Show was the family competition. For the first time, a family with a show jumping pedigree was honoured. Hann.Pr.St. Coco M (Comte x Escudo II: breeder and exhibitor: Peter Mahler, Neuhaus/Oste) won with her two Grey Top daughters Hann.Pr.A. Golden Hour M and Hann.Pr.A. Golden Moment M. Almost exactly 10 years ago to the day, the liver chestnut mare was celebrated as the champion jumping mare in Verden.
The reserve champion family was the family of St.Pr.St. Fantastica (Fürst Nymphenburg x Wolkentanz: breeder: Koelmann GbR, Bad Bentheim, exhibitor: Anneli Brunckhorst, Hollenstedt), who presented her two daughters Hann.Pr.St. Brasilia (Bon Coeur) and Hann.Pr.A. Soleil d'Amour (Secret: breeder and exhibitor: Anneli Brunckhorst, Hollenstedt). “The tradition of family competitions must be upheld. The mares are the most valuable asset in breeding,” said Dr Norbert Camp. The managing chairman of the Trakehner Association assessed the seven families together with State Stud manager Dr Axel Brockmann and deputy breeding director Maren Schlender.
The 14 showjumping mares were judged by Hergen Forkert, Ulrich Hahne, and Dutch stallion owner Wiebe Yde van de Lageweg. After spectacular free jumping in the open air, the Untouchable x Quintender daughter Hann.Pr.A. Unica (breeder and exhibitor: Marlies and Dirk Visscher, Leer) led the field. She impressed with her light-footed and modern jumping...

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