The breeding day at the KWPN Championships ended on a high note with the three-year-old dressage mares. The stunning and brilliantly moving Sophie Anne Maria has been crowned the new National Champion.

A Beautiful Final
A strong group of 13 mares returned for the final—the culmination of the National Mare Inspection. Under the watchful eyes of a large audience, the mares were ranked by quality. Although the competition was fierce, Sophie Anne Maria (by For Romance out of Nanny McPhee—elite, IBOP-dres, sport-dres, PROK—by Vitalis), owned by Patrick Reesink and Judith Ribbels from Eibergen, came, saw, and conquered. At her studbook inspection, she scored a remarkable 85/90 and later won the regional championship in the East region.

Judge Luuk Smetsers described her:
“Sophie Anne Maria is a magnificent mare with an expressive front and lots of presence. She has three outstanding basic gaits and doesn't rely on speed. Time and again, she convinces with her ease, self-carriage, and excellent balance in movement.” With this National title, Sophie Anne Maria gave her breeders their second major success of the year, as her full brother Scott Nicolas was licensed at the KWPN Stallion Show this past winter. “Amazing! A few years ago, we had an National champion too, but she wasn’t from our own breeding. This is even more special!” said a beaming Judith Ribbels.

Quality at the Top
Another great talent took second place: Sarai Verdoni, a daughter of Kjento out of Maia B (ster, IBOP-dres, PROK by Glock’s Toto Jr.), bred by N.M.H. van Dommelen from Borculo and owned by Verdoni Stables from Lieren. “An alert, athletic mare with beautiful lines. Her trot is like a machine—with many gears. She stands out with her ease, adjustability, and powerful hind leg.” Third place went to the youthful Next Level daughter Showgirl (out of Mimi Magnifique, ster by Apache), bred by Patty Zwang from Dordrecht. Like the National champion, she scored 85/90 at her studbook inspection.- “A refined mare that can transition effortlessly in trot and shows impressive leg technique.” Finishing fourth was She’s A Linda Taonga, a daughter of Blue Hors Zackerey out of Atilinda M (elite, IBOP-dres, sport-dres, pref, prest, D-OC by Negro), bred by Stal 104 and co-registered by MT-Stables from Kootwijkerbroek. This strong mare stepped it up in the final, especially in her trot. The top five was rounded out by the highly functional Safier (by Bordeaux out of Karesha GJ, ster, PROK, D-OC by Galaxie), bred by Petra van Gorkum-de Jong from Moergestel and Joop van Uytert from Heerewaarden. She had already won the regional inspection earlier this season in the Maas-Delta region.

Result

More Information: KWPN Championships

JS for KWPN
Photo Sophie Anne Maria: Jacob Melissen