The fantastic DWB-mare Lyngbjergs St. Paris was just crowned world champion of the five-year-old dressage horses at the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. In a thrilling final that featured one incredible horse after the other, it was the breeding product of Bente Børjesson that came out on top ahead of Vitalos (Vitalis x De Niro) and Fashion Prinz OLD.
Fairytale
It had not fully dawned on Vallentin in the press conference. “When the crowd started cheering on our last line, I thought to myself ‘this might have been a good test’. But I never expected it, it feels like a dream. She is so easy to ride, I am not even sweating”, she laughs.
It is a fairytale come to life for the Danish rider and her horse. “I ride a lot of horses, but she is very special to me. I have purchased her as a two-year-old out of the field and have always ridden her myself. We have decided to keep her for a long time, so this is very special.”
Powerful and willing
In second place we saw a completely different horse. This sizeable Vitalos (Vitalis x De Niro) was bred by Josef Bramlage and scored a 9.8 for the trot with Leonie Richter. “Vitalos is an incredibly powerful and willing horse and Leonie has shown us such a lovely test”, commented Monique Peutz. “He is always uphill, brisk and resigned in his movements and maintains the power in his hindquarters. He seems to have great aptitude for the collected work, and we believe this horse has a bright future ahead of him.”
Dream horse
Leonie Richter, the rider of Vitalos, campaigns the chestnut for the Stallion station Helgstrand/Schockemöhle. “He is amazing. He has been my dream horse since day one at Helgstrand/Schockemöhle. He is a breeding stallion and has had a very busy season, but he is such a nice horse and has the best character you could wish for. He has enormous power, but is so relaxed and focused at the same time. Plus, he gives all in the ring.”
Big boy
The Oldenburg-stallion Fashion Prinz OLD (Fürst Romancier x Sarkozy), bred by Gestüt Lewitz and owned by Hof Kasselman, won the qualification on Thursday with Frederic Wandres. Today, the duo could mount the third step of the podium. Monique Peutz: “This big bog is a fantastic horse. Once he develops more strength in his hindquarter, he will only get better. Another promising horse for the future.”
“I am very happy with my horse. He measures well over 1.90m, so he needs a bit more time than the mare. But I know what he is capable so we will take the time to prepare him for next year. Our aim is gold next year!” says the ambitious Wandres.
Promotion for dressage
Henning Lehrmann, the chairman of the jury, lauded the quality of the horses and the riders. “It has been an honour to judge such fantastic horses. It was fantastic promotion for the sport. The riders all presented their horse in such a positive manner. I think dressage is on the right track.
Find all the results here.
Photo: Dirk Caremans/ Hippo Foto Media
