The arena is not incredibly big, so last night’s speed class demanded focused horses from start to finish. The KWPN-recognized stallions were off to a flying start and secured an excellent starting position for tonight’s second round. 

The German Daniel Deusser and his KWPN-recognized Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve out of Whoopie C by Mr.Blue, bred by J. Bellemans of Affligem) showed to be in flying form. In a quick time, they finished their clear round and placed third. Through swift reflexes and unlimited scope, Tobago Z made his 1.60m course look like a walk in the park.

Vancouver de Lanlore fifth

Vancouver de Lanlore (Toulon out of Hispania de Bacon by Le Tot de Semilly, bred by Anne Dafflon of Lafitole) gave another impressive performance. Ever since the World Championships of Herning, he and his rider Pius Schwizer have grown as a combination. The Toulon-son showcased his mindset and impressive hindquarter technique. The pair placed fifth. 

Two KWPN horses for Ballard

Another impressive ride came from the Canadian Erynn Ballard. She brought two KWPN horses to this world cup final. Ballard opted for her Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve-offspring Hero (out of Akyra stb-ext prest byy Oklund, breeder Mathijsen of Biezenmortel) in the first round. It was only the fourth international show for this duo and their very first indoor competition. 

Air-time

“He will jump the Olympics”, she commented about Hero afterwards. “I brought him for this test, the other days I will compete with Gakhir.” The Spartacus TN-son Gakhir (out of Zakhira ster by Indorado, bred by Mts. Van de Donk-Kooi of Vorstenbosch) has gained more experience at the highest level. “Hero is a tad quicker, although I had a bit more ‘air-time today”, laughs Ballard afterwards. The scopey gelding could have shaven off some time by not jumping so high.

Truly talented

Ballard is full of praise when talking about her two KWPN horses. “Gakhir and I go way back, he is my best friend and we have traveled the world together. All the fantastic moments I have experienced, were with him”. Normally, the horses of the Canadian rider are not stabled with her for a long period of time. As a rider for horse trader Ilan Ferder, she has competed many horses at the highest level. “I have such faith in Hero, I have already ridden many horses, but he is truly talented. Today, it was our 4th 1.60m course and first indoor competition. When I left the ring, I told Ilan ‘He can jump the Olympic Games. He can jump everything’. Gakhir can too, for sure. I feel very lucky to have two fantastic horses like these.”

Other KWPN horses

Daniel Blum and his Luidam-daughter Gemma W (out of Britt W by Unaniem, bred by A. Waldman of Putten) placed 15th. The duo set a quick time but incurred one rail, which were translated to three penalty seconds in this speed class. Eddie Blue (Zirocco Blue VDL out of Silvana keur prest by Marlon, bred by J. Honcoop of Chaam) of Devin Ryan placed 21st, followed by Leone Jei (Baltic VDL out of Dara ster prest IBOP-spr PROK by Corland, bred by G.M. van Mersbergen of Udenhout) of Martin Fuchs. They finished the course with two poles down.

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz