11-09-2022 door Ermelo YH

The Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses final six-year-old dressage horses went down to the wire. The last combination on the starting list, Global Player OLD (Grand Galaxy Win T x Blue Hors Don Schufro) and Eva Möller proved to be in a class of their own as the pitchblack stallion earned two 10s. The silver medal was obtained by Hesselhoej Downtown (Hesselhoej Donkey Boy x Blue Hors Zack), Lennos U.S. (Grand Galaxy Win x Rousseau) may take home the bronze.

“A flawless test”, summarizes commentating judge Katrina Wüst (DUI) the performance of the Oldenburg stallion. Global Player OLD is owned by Stallion station Helgstrand and Schockemöhle and was bred by Henrik Hansen. “A very impressive horse with a powerful, rhythmic trot, in which her hindleg is well-engaged. There was not much to criticize.” This was reflected in the mark: a 9.8 for trot. The jury was very positive about the rest of the performance as well, the only remark was that the walk could have been slightly more active in the extended work. “The canter is uphill, with a nice push and it covers a lot of ground. The rider and horse work together in perfect harmony, so there were no errors. We have a lot of faith in the future of this stallion”, concluded Katrina Wüst as two tens for submission and perspective popped up on the scoreboard.

 

Total package Global Player OLD

By now, Germany’s Eva Möller has become a seasoned rider at the World Championships but winning remains exciting: “Since the scores were so close during the qualification, there was a lot of pressure in the final. We rode our heart out, so it is amazing it all came together. It is such a special feeling to set foot in this arena, you will never get used to that.” In the meantime, it has been three years since Eva has taken over the reins of the six-year-old stallion. During this period, they competed at several championships. “Global Player does everything right, he is talented, cooperative, in great shape and easily combines breeding with a sport career. That’s his strong suit, he remains focused on the sport and is super reliable”, says the proud rider.

Last ride for Jeanna and Hesselhoej Downtown
The 2021 world champion of the five-year-olds had to settle for silver this year. The audience erupted in a wild applause after his test. “We share your enthusiasm”, commenced Katrina Wüst. “We particularly liked the light-footedness and ease in all three gaits.” The Danish warmblood was bred by family Hoeck. His trot was bouncy and active, but the hindleg could have placed underneath the mass a little bit more at times. His walk was very clear, with a nice over track and lots of relaxation. In canter the activity and eagerness to go forward was appreciated. Again, the harmony and perspective received highest marks from the judges: a 9.5 and a 9.8. “What a lovely contact between the rider and horse in this performance, we get the feeling he likes working for you”, spoke the judge to rider Jeanna Hogberg. After the test, this silver medal turned out to be a memento to the last ride of this duo. Hogberg moves back to Sweden as her employment at owner Helgstrand Dressage A/S comes to an end. “Downtown is incredible, he stays focused on me in the ring and he is such a talented horse with three excellent gaits. I am so happy and grateful I got to ride him for three years.”

Upward trend for Lennox and Jill
Out of nowhere, 17-year-old Jill Bogers and her KWPN-approved stallion Lennox U.S. entered the equation at the World Championship. It was not a complete surprise, given the Dutch National title at M-level and their fifth place at the EC for Juniors this summer. “We have already received some great scores this season, but today everything fell into place. It felt like our best ride ever. So, it was fantastic to see our scores matching my feeling!” enthuses the rider. Despite the young age of both rider and horse, the combination was lauded for the harmonious presentation: “It is a beautiful partnership, full of trust and cooperativeness”, summarized the jury the test that was awarded a 9.5 for submission. The stallion is bred by Mr. Wilschut and owned by Paul Schockemöhle and Joop van Uytert. “Lennox has a great trot; he kept the same cadence throughout the whole trot work. The walk could have shown a little more purpose, but the stallion has an impressive, uphill and swinging canter.”

Grooms in the spotlight
The organisation of the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses emphasized that the world championship is a true team effort. The winning riders received a trophy while the medals were bestowed on the grooms.

Find all the results here.
Photo: Dirk Caremans/ Hippo Foto Media