Three mares that jumped for 90 points at the studbook inspections put up a convincing performance once again. They composed the National Mare Championship podium, the athletic Pretty Women ES (s.Chacfly) taking the top step. 

Wim Versteeg, Wout-Jan van der Schans and guest judge Tim van Tricht assessed the conformation, loose jumping qualities and movement of 39 mares. The best eleven advanced to the final. 

Champion of the Central Inspection of Utrecht, Pretty Women ES (Chacfly out of Halita ES pref by Tornesch) of Egbert Schep was announced to be the most complete jumper horse. “A fantastic winner, a mare that is well-developed and provided a good demonstration of her talents. She built her performance up to a huge bascule, showed good overview and an exemplary technique in her landing”, explains Wim Versteeg. It’s not the first time that breeder Egbert Schep is standing next to a NMC champion, but this mare is one of his favourites of all time. “You can take this mare out of her stable any time any day and she will always jump in the exact same manner. I have sold her to an American client this summer and I still have no regrets, but we will attempt to breed some offspring out of her before she leaves.”

Talent

Not a single year passes in which VDL Stud is not providing some fierce competition and this edition their Friesian champion Pre Helena VDL (Emerald van ‘t Ruytershof out of Be Helena keur IBOP-spr pref prest by Chin Chin) placed second. The genetic gem was awarded a 90/90 score at the regional mare inspections and was one of the tipped favourites prior to the final. “A mare with strong and athletic sports body. She showed to be extremely careful on the jump and boasts a good technique and a great deal of scope. She was a tad fresh in the ring, making her very eager on the jump. Nevertheless, a remarkable jumper horse.” The champion of the Central Inspection of Groningen completed the top-three: Picobella (Comthago VDL out of Channe elite IBOP-spr sport-spr pref PROK by Alicante) of breeders Menko and Elsa Jongeling of Aduard. “This mare impressed at the studbook inspections and today was equally convincing. She is well-developed, gifted with a good canter and she jumps with supple, athletic body and great overview.”

Photo Jacky van Tartwijk Horses.nl/Paardenkrant