Focus at DSP stallion collection for licensing 22 - 25 January

50 dressage stallions are ready for DSP licensing

H2R picked 6 favourites, each with supple movements, nice expression and stallion look. Of course the picture of each stallion will be much more clear when watching each of them from the lunging part. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

No doubt the auction will also focus on the 4 Vitalis sons as they look like interesting prospect for the sport.

Schedule dressage stallions:

22 January Wedneday

  • 16.00 - free jumping

23 January Thursday

  • 08.00 - presentation at hard surface

  • 11.00 - lunging

24 January Friday

  • 07.30 - free presentation with subsequent licensing decision

  • 20.00 - DSP Gala

25 January Saturday

  • 09.30 - presentation and honor of premium stallions (3 yr old and older under saddle)

  • 10.30 - show

  • 11.00 - honoring of premium stallion and annoucement of champion of the year

  • 14.00 - auction

The entire event will be available at Clipmyhorse.

Here you can find the entire collection.

Goodbye 2024 and welcome 2025

Thank you for following and supporting H2R during the year.

The Olympics was the absolut highlight of 2024, but taking a tour through the different news and posts during the entire year it´s been much more than the Olympics.

Started the year with national event in Esbjerg, KWPN stallion licensing, later on Danish Warmblood licensing, visiting many of you during the year for bigger or small ocations, stallion show at Stutteri Ask (new facilities for Blue Hors), Hagen as one of the best international shows, Danish national championships, Danish Hannoveraner foal show and mare show, Blue Hors foal show and auction, Danish selection days for WCYH in Ermelo, Danish Warmblood mare shows, foal show in Norway, Danish Warmblood Elite mare show, clinic at Kirstineholm, Danish young horses finals, World Cup qualifier Herning, young horse qualifier for Herning from Billund & Vilhelmsborg and ending the year with Danish Warmblood stallion pre-selcctions at Riders Cup and Vilhelmsborg.

Additionally many hours of LIVE coverage from international sport and breeding events at Clipmyhorse.

In between many of you has been part of small video interviews and lately also the world of Podcast has been introduced at H2R.

Here you can follow H2R PODCAST as more visits are allready planned for 2025







Below small recaps from a great 2024 ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Movie about living legend John Whitaker (available at ClipMyHorse)

How to save money on coffee? ☕

Do it like John Whitaker: sit down and wait to be invited! 😄

We asked John’s daughters and wife what the showjumping legend is really like. The verdict? Down-to-earth, positive, and surprisingly thrifty.

🎬 Watch "John Whitaker - Not A Normal Life" NOW on CMH.TV!

🔗 http://watch.clipmyhorse.tv/Not-A-Normal-Life


Small teaser ⬇️⬇️⬇️


Van Liere (NED) triumphs in Mechelen as Verboomen (BEL) steals the spotlight

The final FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier of the year in Mechelen (BEL) turned into an exciting contest between Dutch and Belgian combinations. In the festive arena, the home crowd witnessed Belgian dressage performances of a calibre rarely seen before. Ultimately, it was Dinja van Liere (NED) and Hermès N.O.P. who disrupted the Belgian celebration with a winning score of 83.240% in the Freestyle.

The FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in Mechelen was the sixth leg of the season and gave the home audience much to cheer for. The excitement started early in the Grand Prix on Saturday, when Justin Verboomen (BEL), World Cup-debutant and first combination of the day, delivered a sensational performance with the only eight-year-old Zonik Plus. They posted an impressive score of over 74%, which held up against even the most experienced athletes, including Olympians Dinja van Liere and Larissa Pauluis (BEL).

Van Liere bounces back in the Freestyle

Dinja van Liere brought her top horse Hermès N.O.P. (owned by Joop van Uytert) to Mechelen. The pair achieved fourth place at the Paris Olympics, but Hermès found the atmosphere in the Mechelen Grand Prix overwhelming, leading to costly mistakes and a fourth-place finish. “In the Grand Prix, we really lost each other,” Van Liere explained. “He was scared and spooked, so it was a difficult ride.”

However, Van Liere restored order in the Freestyle. Despite minor errors in the two-tempis and one pirouette, Hermès appeared far more settled, delivering a relaxed and harmonious performance with outstanding piaffe and passage-work, to claim victory. Their score, though impressive, remained around 5% below their Olympic peak.

A vibrant arena

Mechelen’s arena, with the crowd close to the action and a lively and noisy atmosphere, proved challenging for several horses. Among those who managed to excel was Camille Cheret Judet (FRA), who rode the energetic Herelja Higgins (owned by Francoise Bourgeois and S.A.S. Pamfou Dressage) to a score of 76.295%, finishing eighth. Belgian Olympian Domien Michiels raised the bar further with Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof (owned by Marc Steeno), delivering a precise and correct Freestyle for 77.305% and sixth place.

Belgian pride: Pauluis shines

Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis, riding her Olympic partner Flambeau, gave a near-flawless performance in the Freestyle. Their expressive freestyle with well-fitting rhythmical music earned them a score of 79.920%, securing third place. Reflecting on her horse’s development, Pauluis said,

 

“It’s taken me years to get where we are today, and he keeps improving. In the beginning of our career, he was very difficult to ride in the double bridle, but the contact keeps getting better. I’m so proud of him.”

 

Larissa Pauluis

(BEL)

 

 A rising star: Verboomen and Zonik Plus

The most memorable moment of the weekend came from Justin Verboomen and his own Zonik Plus. Competing in just their second international Grand Prix and their first World Cup competition, the pair delivered a standout performance. After winning the Grand Prix on Saturday, they scored a sensational 81.730% in the Freestyle, finishing second.

Verboomen discovered Zonik Plus as a 2.5-year-old in Portugal and has since developed him into a rising star. The stallion already has impressive achievements under his belt, including sixth place in the six-year-old finals at the Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. Now, he looks poised to become a world-class competitor.

Reflecting on his journey together with the talented stallion, Verboomen said, “It’s been an incredible journey, and his best years are still ahead of him. He’s such a generous horse, full of courage and always in a good mood.”

Final highlights

Dorothee Schneider (GER), the last athlete in the Freestyle, also delivered a strong performance with her Grand Prix star Dayman (owned by Lian-United GmbH). After placing third in the Grand Prix, they had errors in the one-tempis and one piaffe in the Freestyle, earning 77.325% for fifth place. Schneider was narrowly surpassed by Corentin Pottier (FRA) and Gotilas du Feuillard (owned by Maryse Pottier, Herve Pottier and Camille Judet Cheret), whose harmonious and error-free performance earned 77.340% and fourth place.

Borja Carrascosa (ESP), fifth in the Grand Prix, slipped down two places after the Freestyle. Riding the elegant stallion Frizzantino FRH (owned by the athlete and Alexander Brenninkmeijer), he earned 76.985%, with slight mistakes in the extended trot and some transitions affecting their score.

Looking ahead

With Van Liere now fourth in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ standings after her Mechelen victory, she is eyeing a spot in the Finals but is yet to decide which horse she will take: Hartsuijker or Hermès N.O.P. 

The next leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ is scheduled for Basel (SUI), on January 2025, so don’t miss a hoofbeat…

FULL RESULTS

Barefooted World Cup Grand Prix victory for Belgium super stars Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen

8 yr old Zonik Plus & Justine Verboomen with today´s first ever World Cup debut - photo: screenshot/Clipmyhorse

Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen with World Cup Grand Prix debut victory at home soil in Mechelen today

Today with their 2nd international event and with impressive World Cup Grand Prix victory.

It is obvious to everyone that this combination just shows how to have fun in the arena, no matter of the challenge.

The 8 yr old black stallion Zonik Plus by Glock´s Zonik / Hohenstein with his owner and rider Belgium Justin Verboomen were again today, like their recent international debut first to go, and they just delivered an effortless performance. Top motivation from both horse and rider shining together through the demanding GP exercises, one by one without any technical difficulties. Score 74,348%.

The way the black stallion just conquers the impressive arena and atmosphere, still staying fully focused on the job is just second to none. Their partnership brings dressage into a beautiful spotlight. Light contact, natural open frame, high degree of elasticity, suppleness and not least fine aides all the way.

Barefooted

The sharp eye might have caught that Zonik Plus actually is barefooted. As Justin told H2R Zonik Plus were struggling to keep his shoes on when having his daily paddock time. Therefore now happy paddock time without concerning about lost shoes and at the same time he is super comfortable being barefooted.

Debut freestyle

Not only is it World Cup debut this weekend, but it is also a very exciting freestyle debut. Justin looking very much forward to tomorrow (start time 12.45), where they will show a brand new freestyle, actually as brand new as Justin first received the music yesterday, and haven’t had the chance to practice yet. The theme is kind of emotional and also inspirational tells Justin.

Link for start list - https://www.longinestiming.com/equestrian/2024/jumping-mechelen-mechelen/startlist_D2.html

FOCUS on OLD stallion collection for licensing and auction

48 dressage stallions ready for licensing 16-18 January

Which stallion is a sport horse producer? The 2025 horse for dressage is for sure different from what clients/riders were asking for in ex 2020.

Are we looking for the individual stallion or do we have to focus even more on the dam line?

H2R favourites

Top stallions:

Other top highlights:

Here you find the entire collection. Be aware that not all stallions will be available at the auction.

Last 2024 World Cup qualifier Saturday and Sunday at Jumping Mechelen

A Dream Line-Up

On Saturday, December 28, at 10:30 AM, the FEI Dressage World Cup kicks off with the Grand Prix, followed by the Freestyle on Sunday, December 29, at 10:45 AM. The line-up is stronger than ever, featuring international stars and beloved Belgian riders. According to Jeroen Van Lent, responsible for dressage at Mechelen, this is “the best line-up in years.” He adds: “The Netherlands is bringing an incredibly strong team, including three former winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup in Mechelen. Fans are also looking forward to stars like Nanna Skodborg Merrald, Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock, and Dorothee Schneider. Our Belgian riders make it extra special: Jorinde Verwimp is back after some time away, Domien Michiels returns after an injury, and Larissa Pauluis is riding for a top position this year. We also shouldn’t forget Isabel Cool and newcomer Justin Verboomen, who have shown great form in recent competitions.”

Source: Jumping-Mechelen.com

DRF´s reglement er opdateret og træder i kraft med ændringer fra 1. januar 2025

Hvis man i forvejen ikke er 100% hjemme i DRF´s reglementer, kan det være en stor mundfuld at forsøge at tygge sig igennem hver enkelt punkt, men ikke desdo mindre alligvel vigtigt.

For fælles bestemmelserne er det tydeliggjort med markering af ændringer - LINK til opdaterede fælles bestemmelser.

Et kig på det nye dressur reglement gældende fra 1. januar 2025, indeholder bl.a. et nyt punkt:

PISK: Pisk må udelukkende benyttes til at touchere hesten med, og aldrig som straf. Det er aldrig tilladt at anvende pisk fra jorden.-

LINK til opdateret DRESSUR reglement med tydelige rettelser.

VÆSENTLIG ÆNDRING:

Det er fra 1. januar 2025 ikke længere tilladt at starte en 8 års hest i sværhedsgrad 8. Mindste alder i sværhedsgrad 8 er nu 9 år. (Her er Inter II nu også en del af sværhedsgrad 8)

Christmas & New Year

Thank you for following and supporting H2R during the years.

2024 has been an incredible year with great sport and a true highlight with Paris Olympics. The love for our horses, the breeding and the sport will continue, even though things change and develop. All the best to H2R @followers, the breeders continueing producing the next stars, the athletes develop the horses and all their teams around making dreams come true.

Looking forward to many more great memories in the world of breeding and sport.

Anne Søndergaard CLINIC på Randbøl Dressage Academy 22. januar 2025

Hvordan kommer vi godt fra start med vores heste?

Vigtigheden af at kunne lave små delmål, både for hesten, men også os selv, så vi i sidste ende når helt i mål i træningen af den unge hest.

Hvad er den mest rigtige måde? Hvilke værktøjer er de bedste?

Oplev hvordan Anne Søndergaard griber tingene an fra første møde med den unge hest, eller hesten som ikke har haft den bedste start på livet som kommende ridehest.

Der bliver rig mulighed for at stille spørgsmål under vejs, med måske de udfordringer du lige nu står med sammen med din unghest.

PODCAST - Daniel Bachmann fortæller om et helt særligt 2024

Hvad var OL?

“OL var en virkelig speciel størrelse, det var noget helt helt anderledes, på den fede måde. Der er mange der har sagt når du kommer til OL første gang bliver du overvældet. Du kan også blive overvældet negativt, for der er så meget presse på, og der er så meget normal presse også, der er helt andet tryk på. Så du er ikke bare i konkurrence for dig selv, men du er i konkurrence sammen med resten af Danmark - FOR DANMARK.

Det gav bare mig noget mere motivation, det gav mig så meget blod på tanden, så meget go og stemning og holdspirit - vi havde hele pakken. Det hjalp selvfølgelig også at jeg havde to med som havde prøvet det, altså Cathrine flere gange og Nanna en gang, det var virkelig fedt at være med de to afsted, de er mega seje. Vi er rigtig gode sammen, og spiller hinanden vildt gode på alle punkter.”

Charlotte Fry (GBR) Impresses Home Crowd with Glamourdale to Win London Freestyle

The wonderful venue at London’s ExCeL centre was transformed into a Christmas wonderland, extending to the crowd’s lively enthusiasm. Spectators clapped along to the music during the final lines of many routines, and Fry’s home performance alongside Glamourdale (owned by the athlete and Van Olst Horses) drew the loudest cheers. “I cannot thank the audience enough for their support,” Fry said. “Not just now, but also throughout our journey to Paris and during the Olympic Games. It’s emotional to be riding here in England again.”

Van Liere sets the bar high

Earlier tonight, Dinja van Liere (NED) had set the bar high with an energetic freestyle aboard the chestnut gelding Hartsuijker (owned by Jan Pieter Dalsem). The Dutch athlete delivered a precise routine free of errors, with the passage, flying changes, and pirouettes particularly shining. Her 80.225% score elevated her from sixth in the Grand Prix to third in the Freestyle rankings.

Fellow Dutch athlete Marieke van der Putten rode Torveslettens Titanium RS2 N.O.P. (owned by Jacques Lemmens and Saskia Lemmens-Reijnen) directly after the break, but couldn’t catch up with Van Liere’s score: their polished piaffe- and passage tour made them finish seventh with 77.615%. Their Dutch compatriot Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Toto Jr. (owned by Glock Hpc NL B.V. and Nicole Werner) did not surpass the 80% they achieved earlier this season in Lyon. The duo settled for sixth place with 78.900%.

Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) also displayed technical precision aboard the active Blue Hors St. Schufro. Despite a spirited ride, the black stallion could settle down a bit more in the environment. They scored 79.910% for fifth place.
High expectations for Moody and Jagerbomb

The crowd’s anticipation peaked when Becky Moody (GBR) entered the arena with her home-bred gelding Jagerbomb. Smiling broadly, Moody began her Beatles-themed freestyle with high expectations after their Grand Prix win. However, her smile faded when Jagerbomb faltered in the canter pirouette, breaking into trot while riding out and taking a moment to recover. Despite this, they delivered a lovely trot tour, with their beautiful connection and steady contact earning them 80.160% and fourth place. 

Isabel Freese (NOR), riding Total Hope OLD, entered the arena as the last competitor. The black stallion has an extraordinary pedigree: sired by Totilas and out of Isabell Werth’s former champion Weihegold OLD. Their piaffe and passage were executed with metronomic precision, and despite an error in the two-tempi changes, the pair’s dynamic Sher-freestyle earned them a personal best of 83.270% and second place. 

“This exceeds all my expectations,” said an emotional Freese after the ride. “I am so proud. It has always been a dream to compete here. I’ve just been eight weeks out of the saddle after a surgery, which made this result even more special. My groom took exceptional care of Total Hope, and perhaps the break was beneficial for both of us. He is in fantastic form.”

Van Liere was equally pleased with her ride on Hartsuijker. “He felt amazing, though he was a bit tense during the warm-up due to the noise. But once we entered the arena, he settled and gave me a wonderful ride,” she reflected.

Glamourdale Feels Like Flying

It was, however, Charlotte Fry who had the most to celebrate. The reigning World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist was competing in London for the first time since the Olympic Games in Paris. After mistakes in the double-counting pirouettes during the Grand Prix, Fry was focused on delivering a flawless Freestyle. The 28-year-old guided the imposing Glamourdale through their ‘Best of Britain’ freestyle, set entirely to British songs, which delighted the home crowd. Glamourdale’s piaffe and passage were rhythmic and light, and his canter tour, as always, was breathtaking. A minor error in the one-time changes and a touch of tension in the two-time changes were mere blips in an otherwise stellar performance. Their score of 86.645% was more than enough to secure victory.

“This was the perfect end to the year for Glammie and me,” Fry beamed after the prize-giving ceremony. “It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before. He was absolutely on fire, and performing like this on home soil is incredible. Riding him feels like flying.” Fry revealed that Glamourdale had enjoyed a short holiday after Paris before being trained up again with London in mind. “He was a little tense yesterday when we entered the arena, but his excitement is a good thing. He’s fresh and still improving,” she explained. Looking ahead, Fry remains undecided about her plans for the rest of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ season.

The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier takes place in Mechelen, Belgium, on 28-29 December. So don’t miss a hoofbeat… 

FULL RESULTS

DAY 3 - KWPN stallion pre-selection with 19 selected stallions

Highlight from DAY 3:

No 371 - supple natural uphill mover, very nice in all three gaits.

No 368 - Modern, expressive, power, suppleness and uphill.

No 369 - Supple with uphill power.

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