VERDEN, Germany, Aug. 5–Woodlander Farouche (Furst Heinrich – Dimaggio) was in a class of her own in capturing the six-year-old World Championship for Young Dressage Horses on Sunday.
She is a mare that is almost impossible to describe or capture on either still photo or video. Her charisma, light footedness and athleticism resulted in a “10” for walk and a “10” for the general impression. The judges hated to have to penalize her at all, but a slight loss of rhythm in the 2nd trot extension and tension in the last canter flying change resulted in scores for trot 9.8, canter 9.9, submission 9.7 and a final score of 9.88.
Emmelie Scholtens and the KWPN stallion Borencio (Florencio – Lord Sinclair 1) scored 9.10 and were gracious reserve champions. The stallion, who finished 8th last year in the five-year-old championships, has continued his training with Emmelie. She has been riding him since he was three years old and is obviously proud of his development.
In third place was the Danish combination of the Oldenburg stallion Sir Donnerhall II (Sandro Hit – Donnerhall) and Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard. This was the first time at Verden for Thomas and he totally delighted with the result, they received 8.78 with the trot being a real highlight, 9.60
As the scores for Woodlander Farouche were being read she received a standing ovation and had to present herself to the crowd before she was allowed to leave the arena. I personally found myself “tearing up” (adds a challenge to taking photographs) and getting goosebumps, she is that special.
The entourage associated with this phenomenal mare is so humble. Breeder and part owner, Lynne Crowden feels both honor and almost disbelief that this journey continues with such tremendous success. Michael’s mother, Geri Eilberg, is a totally “proud” mum, grinning from ear to ear. She commented that her face muscles are exhausted from smiling so much but she still can’t stop.
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, Nov. 8--Six Elite Dressage Pre-Olympic Games three-day training sessions/clinics with U.S. coach Anne Gribbons and Steffen Peters have been scheduled in California and Florida during winter, funded...
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