This year, the Freestyle to Music for the VHO Trophy was different: the contestants were musically accompanied by Joost Peeters. The big winner was Vivaldi-son Desperado, that showed lots of potential with Emmelie Schooltens. Scoring 88.25%, the stallion deservedly triumphed in the VHO Trophy for stallions at small and big tour level.

Desperado (Vivaldi out of Sarita elite pref prest D-OC by Havidoff, bred by family Andeweg from Randwijk) demonstrated a lot of perspective with Emmelie Scholtens. “We have seen a horse with tremendous allure. The walk is spacious, the trot expressive with an eye-catching use of the front leg. In piaffe, Desperado takes of the weight. The serenity and relaxation is something we love to see, this is the harmony we all look for. An incredible performance”, praised Maarten van der Heijden.

Bordeaux second

Bordeaux (United out of Venna ster pref by Gribaldi, bred by Lisman Stables in Dreumel) already competeted at international champiosnhips with Isabell Freese and demonstrated in the VHO Trophy to possess the quality for the highest level. “A test with a high level of difficulty”, comments Van der Heijden. “Going from relaxation in the extended walk to the piaffe and back again to that extended walk, that’s a combination we need in top sport. The changes may be more uphill, but the transition from changes every two strides to every stride is not simple.” The result: 84,5% and the second position

Charismatic Ferdinand

The eight-year-old Ferdinand (Vivaldi out of Sabine elite pref prest PROK by Havidoff, bred by J.A.M. Althuyzen in Sint Anthonis) possesses an amazing trot, commented Van der Heijden. “We should not forget this horse is only eight years old. Ferdinand shows lots of potential for passage. This is a horse with lots of charism and has a great future ahead of him.” 83% secured the third place for Ferdinand.

Results

Image: Dirk Caremans