Today marked the start of the World Championship Para Dressage and right on the first day individual medals were up for grabs. It was a successful day for the Netherlands and the KWPN with gold and silver in Grade IV.

A total of seven KWPN-horses made their appearance today, six in Grade IV and one if Grade II. Sanne Voets was one of the first entries this morning and put a top score of 76.750% on the board with her Vivaldi-son Demantur RS2 N.O.P. (out of Kaylee keur prest sport-dres by Elcaro, bred by A.M. Reuzenaar of Schaijk). The expectations were high for the ruling world champion and Paralympic champion but once again, she lived up to them. 

Pressure
Afterwards the weight drops off her shoulders: “There is a lot of pressure when you have won so much already, and the expectations are high. We have been able to remain focused today and show a soft, harmonious test. Demantur was flawless, fluent, and light-footed. He was relaxed yet kept going with a nice energy. Yeah, I am super happy with him!” And harmonious was the key word, Demantru RS2 N.O.P. was relaxed throughout the test, his ears pointed forward and focused on his rider.

PB for debutant
No one could touch the score of Sanne Voets, except teammeate and WC debutant Demi Haerkens (pictured below). Aboard her well-moving EHL Daula (Gribaldi out of Kladaula ker pref prest by Michelangelo, f: J.M. van Uytert of Heerewaarden and A. Barnveld of Zeist) she made a serious attempt to reach the highest step of the podium. Her score of 76.000%, a personal best, eventually resulted in a silver medal. “I am so happy with this test! She already felt nice and relaxed in the warming-up and in the ring, I could tell she did her absolute best for me. The test had a few minor things that could be improved by the rider, however”, jokes Demi Haerkens. 

Youngest participant
Another striking KWPN-horse is Katharina Sollenburg, she placed fifth with the Belgian rider Manon Claeys. At the age of only seven, Katharina Sollenburg is by far the youngest Para-horse of this World Championship. The combination scored 71.750%.

Follow WC Herning
The entire program, an overview of the participating KWPN-horses and more can be found in the mediaguide. The WC can be followed at FEI.tv and CMH.tv. The KWPN website and social media channels also keeps you updated on all the KWPN-horses in Herning.

Start lists/results

Photos: Dirk Caremans