The Z class of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage showcased outstanding quality this evening. World Champion Red Viper lived up to every expectation under Dinja van Liere, scoring an impressive 92.2 points. With that result, the Romanov Blue Hors son claimed victory in Kronenberg.

Dinja van Liere presented Red Viper (s.Romanov Blue Hors out of Zolena elite pref EPTM-dres sport-dres PROK by Sir Sinclair, bred by C. Kerbert from Enschede) in the Z class of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition. The stallion received a 9.8 for trot and a 9.5 for overall impression from judges Domien Michiels, Brecht D’Hoore, and Janine van Twist.

“What a powerhouse, presented with great harmony,” praised Domien Michiels. “In the collected walk, we would like to see a clearer degree of collection. The extended walk was very pure, ground-covering, and rhythmical. He followed the contact beautifully, maintaining a clear rhythm. In trot, we saw tremendous power, impulsion, and balance. The lateral movements were executed with elevation and suppleness, and the contact was excellent. In counter canter, he could show a bit more balance today, but the extensions in canter were really beautiful. The flying changes were straight and powerful.”

Harmonious Obsession Taonga
World Championship finalist Obsession Taonga (s.Vitalis out of Jatilinda elite pref IBOP-dres sport-dres PROK by All At Once, bred by Stal 104 BV from Wijdewormer) closely followed with 90.8 points. Young rider Lara van Nek presented the homebred stallion with great harmony.

“This is a very elegant stallion with lots of expression. In the collected walk, he could have been a little more active from behind, but the rhythm remained pure. The extended walk was active with a good overtrack, and the frame opened nicely. The trot showed a lot of balance and power, with lovely extensions where he again opened the frame and kept the hind leg well engaged. In the lateral movements to the left, there was a bit of balance loss. In canter, this horse shows excellent ability to carry weight, which was also evident in the pirouettes.”

Extreme U.S.
Extreme U.S. (s.Escamillo out of Viva Contana PS by Vivaldi, bred by Gestüt Lewitz, Steinfeld, GER) also made a strong impression under Renate van Uytert–van Vliet. The Pavo Cup winner scored 89 points, finishing in third place.

“A very impressive horse, presented nicely uphill. The overall picture could become even more appealing as he develops a bit more length in the frame. The collected walk was a real highlight—active and with a clear rhythm. The extended walk was also pure, though we would like to see a bit more reach from the shoulder. The trot showed plenty of impulsion and uphill movement. The flying changes in canter were still a little green but cleanly executed. This stallion has a lot of power in canter.”

More information about the Stallion Competition 2025/2026

Photo Red Viper: Horses