At the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses Kjento (Negro x Jazz) and Charlotte Fry just secured the world championship for seven-year-old horses by a substantial margin. In a sun-drenched final, the expressive KWPN-stallion bred by A.J. van Os and owned by Van Olst Horses, was head and shoulders above his competitors. The second step of the podium was claimed by Destello OLD (Dimaggio x Furst Fuegger) ahead of Escamillo (Escolar x Rohdiamant).
The jury ran out of superlatives to describe the trot of the black KWPN stallion. “What an exciting and super moving horse”, started commentating judge Maria Swenessen of Australia. “A pleasure to judge and in a trot with such balance, uphill tendency, and collection the question arises: ‘How high can you go?’.” That would be the ultimate mark and that’s how the only 10 of this final was awarded to Kjento’s trot. Also, his uphill canter in which he shortens and lengthens his stride so effortlessly, and his pure-beat walk were praised. The jury has a lot of faith in the future of the seven-year-old breeding stallion as shown by the 9.8 for perspective.
Winning mood for Lottie Fry
The British Charlotte Fry radiated after the final. “I still had four riders to go after me, that was the worse bit for me; I rather go last. So, I did a lot of pacing around after our ride, but now I get to enjoy our win!” The 2021 FEI world champion of the six-year-old horses is a pleasure to work with, according to his rider: “Kjento has the most amazing character; he is almost like a gelding in the stable. He is super chill but as soon as you pick up the reins, he is super sharp and ready to go. He is the perfect horse.” During the test, the combination could enjoy the ride despite the pressure of being the tipped favourites: “Today we went for much more power, and he really delivered it. Of course, you feel more pressure coming into it to prove he is still as amazing as he was, but I don’t have to worry too much about that with him”, concludes Charlotte.
WC lastminute choice for Destello
The ‘silver’ horse Destello almost did not start at the world champion. It was a lastminute choice to enter the elegant Oldenburg chestnut that made his debut at this world’s stage in Ermelo. “We had no expectations when we came here, simply aimed to show off his qualities. He has very little experience in such impressive surroundings so for me he is a winner”, enthuses his rider Beatrice Hoffrogge of Germany. And showing off his talent is exactly what Destello did. The at Hannover and Oldenburg approved stallion of Sophie Fabri out of the dam line of Stefanie Löhmann received a 9.8 for the trot and a 9.5 for perspective. “An expressive and elegant presentation”, concluded Maria Swenessen after their test. “An elastic trot with an engaged hind leg, always collected and he showed a great deal of ease in the lateral work. In the walk he had clear rhythm and good over track. The canter is great, expressive, and uphill. What a beautiful partnership they have shown us.”
Neck and neck
The impressive and effortlessly moving Escamillo was not too far behind Destello. The stallions were well-matched in the final, and the difference was no more than eight tenths of a point. “Today was a bit difficult for me”, quips his Spanish rider Manuel Dominguez Bernal. “Escamillo was hot today, but he has so much quality. I am very happy with our third place.” The runner-up of Verden 2021, that is owned by Kimberley Davis-Slous, was off to a strong start and stood out with his powerful trot, athletic use of the body and elasticity. Throughout the test, the Rheinlander stallion bred by Gestüt Tenterhof exhibited his amazing work ethic. “Escamillo’s trot is powerful and always supple over the back. His massive yet easy-moving walk is in a clear rhythm but could have more activity in the collected work. The stallion uses his hind legs very well and boasts a great, uphill canter. We love him for the future”, summarizes Maria Swenessen.
Find all the results here.
Photo: Dirk Caremans/ Hippo Foto Media
