Quinn G (Quaterhit x Fassbinder) and Betina Jaeger charged to a win in an electrifying final for the five-year-old dressage horses at the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Championships for Young Horses. The Danish Warmblood mare produced a substantial margin of no less than 6.2% between her and the silver medalist No Limit (Geniaal x Florestan I) and Simone Pearce. The bronze medal was awarded to Beck’s (Benicio x Desperados) and Thomas Schulze.
On the last line the crowd erupted in a thundering applause. “I saw you smiling during the test, and this must have been a lovely ride”, commenced commentating judge Ulrike Nivelle. A jaw-dropping 10 for perspective appeared at the scoreboard, which signals this mare is one to watch in the future. “By nature, an easygoing and willing horse. She has enormous potential.” The other marks on the score sheet confirmed the extraordinary qualities of the chestnut mare bred by Stutteru G – Helene Geervliet and owned by Helgstrand Dressage. Both her trot and submission were rewarded with a 9.7.
Always on fire
Betina Jaeger is at a loss for words right after the prize giving ceremony. “I don’t know how I feel, I only think: Wow!” radiates the Danish rider. “After the third place in the qualification on Thursday we practiced our transitions, and I was so eager to show off her qualities here. We succeeded.” When asked about the best features of this mare, Betina beams: “She is such a happy horse that always wants to work for me, with her ears pointed forward. As soon as she sets foot in the arena she is on fire and gives it her all.”
Happy horse
Chairman of the jury Susanne Baarup noticed Quinn is a happy athlete in the test. “Forward and easy-going, we nearly gave the mare a 10 for submission until their minor hick-up. We wanted to reward the power and ease of these young horses, so as a jury we unanimously agreed this should be today’s podium. We had goosebumps in the jury boxes.” Quinn’s breeder can attest to the fantastic character of the mare; “she was a nice foal, but not extraordinary. Her qualities emerged when she started her training under saddle. As it turns out, she is a true competition horse. She has a lovely temperament and always says ‘yes’ to her rider. And now gold, it’s the best feeling imaginable as a breeder.”
New team
The silver medal fell prey to another chestnut, albeit it a Westphalian gelding this time. The impressive No Limit, bred by Marcel Roerdink and owned by Monika and Thomas Ritzinger, recorded three nines on his score sheet, the highlight being a 9.5 for his trot. “No Limit is an incredible horse with a lot of perspective”, states Ulrike Nivelle “He has a huge, elastic trot and is well-balanced and uphill in the canter.” His Australian rider Simone Pearce only recently picked up the reins of No Limit and never expected to grab a medal in Ermelo. “Six weeks ago, No Limits could not even perform this test, so I am incredibly proud of him”, she shares overwhelmed by emotion. “Everything is new to him and for us as a team, so it is amazing he tried his heart out here.”
Chestnut equals success
The colour palette in the prize giving ceremony was a tad monotonous as the podium was filled with three chestnuts. You either love them or hate them, but today chestnuts guaranteed success. Marcel Roerdink, breeder of No Limit takes a decisive stand: “I love chestnuts, so I was immediately fond of this foal when he was born. No Limit was bred out of a famous dam line and a very talented mare. He takes after his dam; she is also a special one. This is fantastic, it’s the dream of any breeder.”
Biggest friend
The Hannoverian bronze medalist followed No Limit closely, the score interval being merely 0.4% “Beck’s shows a lot of power, balance and activity in the trot” says Ulrike Nivelle. “He was presented in a nice frame and showcases a willingness to collect.” It resulted in a 9 for the trot and perspective for the stallion bred and owned by Christian Felker. “I have believed in this horse since day one”, explains Mr. Felker. “Thomas and Beck’s are a perfect match. This was a WC-debut for rider, horse and for me as a breeder. An experience I will never forget!” Thomas says he can feel the power and ease in the saddle. “Beck’s is my biggest friend and wants to do everything for me. After his test on Thursday, I noticed he was impressed by the surroundings and even a bit tired, so we only did some light training to save his energy for the final. It worked out perfectly”, smiles the German rider proudly.
Picture: Dirk Caremans
Results
