Dinja van Liere started 2018 convincingly in the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage. She won the M class scoring 90 points with the extremely talented Totilas-son Total U.S., who secured his top-position in the standings.

It was a battle between several top-talents in the M Class, in which Total U.S. (Totilas out of  Sandra by Donnerhall, breeder Gestüt Lewitz) pulled at the longest end with 90 points. “A horse with fantastic qualities. He is sharp and shows great rideability. In the beginning he was a bit spooky, but that is not a problem with young stallions. Total U.S. really impresses with his beautiful front and his uphill movement”, head judge Monique Peutz praised the winner. Both for his resolute walk, the good harmony and his unprecendented talent, the stallion received 9’s, for his uphill trot even a 9,5. Powerhouse Henkie (Alexandro P out of Beaujamanda ster by  Upperville, breeder Gait Hekkert) collected, ridden by Adelinde Cornelissen, 86 points and took second place. “Henkie moves with tremendous power and impresses also with his superb walk that we gave a 9,5.”

Two times Dinja
Except winner Total U.S., Dinja van Liere also rode Hermès (Easy Game out of Bukkie keur EPTM-dres by Flemmingh, breeder G. Gijsbers uit Loosbroek) who got third. He received 84 points. “I am very grateful that Joop van Uytert has given me two such great stallions to ride. Hermès has a lot of quality but needs a bit more time than Total U.S. I am very happy with both stallions, they are both world class. I was the first starter with Hermès and it was still a bit noisy on the stands, what made him start a bit tense. Fortunately the judges did see his qualities and that is also the most important for the breeders. It doesn’t make a difference for them if a stallion they want to use, spooks once in a while in a test. Hermès is unbelievable willing, has a lot of talent for the more difficult movements and at home he can already do a flying chance. He learns fast!”, says Van Liere. She is also very pleased with the winner. “Everybody can see that  Total U.S. is a natural talent. He can do it with so much ease and has a very functional body, all I have to do is manage. Every step he makes is uphill, with that we are enormously in favor. I think he is the best horse from his year, so I hope we can get the job done in Den Bosch, I can’t wait!”, the rider laughs.

JS / YBF for KWPN, photo Jacob Melissen