A Dutch number one in the small final for five-year-old dressage horses at the Longines FEI/WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Ermelo. Obsession Taonga (Vitalis x All at Once) and Lara van nek won the class with a 2.6% gap towards the runner-up Feinstein (Franklin x Rock Forever) and Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen that obtained 87%. The podium was completed by Straight Horse Sun King (Sir Donnerhall x Blue Hors Zack) and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen with 85%.
Obsession Taonga and Lara van Nek rode their lap of honour if it were a daily occurence, even though the Dutch rider is merely nineteen years old. Despite her tender age, the win makes her hungry for more and Lara had a big smile after the prize giving ceremony. “Yesterday I made a mistake myself of course, but today it was smooth sailing. The feeling was so good. I had to give it my all to obtain a top three placing and go through to the final.” The result was met with a big round of applause from the crowd. “We receive so much support from the sidelines, that makes it even more fun. Of course, it also extra special that we have bred Obsession ourselves. My mom does not leave my side, I think she might be more nervous than me. Now it’s time to enjoy the win and then: our full focus on Saturday.”
Fierce competition
The black KWPN stallion, bred by Stal 104 BV and owned by Willeke Bos, received three 9s, a 9.2 for perspective and a 9.5 for the trot. The number two Feinsten scored a 9.5 for his trot as well but had some difficulties with the walk. Nevertheless, the Westphalian stallion bred by Hendrik Schulte-Märter and owned by Helgstrand Dressage, is a fierce competitor with three more 9s on his scoresheet. The DWB-bred Straight Horse Sun King, bred and owned by Straight Horse Aps, obtained a 9.2 for his trot and two 8.8s for his canter and submission, thereby showcasing he truly belongs in the coming final on Saturday afternoon.
© Photo Digishots
