Tilbageblik på et stort 2025 i både sport og avl med velkommen til et spændende nyt 2026

H2R har været lidt rundt i løbet af året der er gået, og det har naturligvis alene kunnet lade sige gøre med opbakningen fra alle jer, der har valgt at støtte op om nyhederne på H2R - tusind tak for det.

Et kig på året der er gået

Inden vi sagde farvel til 2024 gik turen forbi Bachmann Dressage til deres nye faciliteter i Malling.

Januar bød på besøg hos Steen Steensen Blicher (podcast), og traditionen tro gik turen til landsstævnet i Esbjerg i bidende kulde i slutningen af januar.

Februar startede med arrangement med Hannoveraneravlsforeningen i Danmark “Fra føl til Grand Prix” på Randbøl Dressage Academy.

Her blev det også til lille podcast med Mette Assouline, som var hjemvendt til Danmark efter en lang årrække i England, for at fortsætte sin business fra Randbøl Dressage Academy faciliteterne.

Besøg Larsen Dressage på Fyn (i H2R´s gamle “baghave”) hvor Jeanette Larsen driver sin forretning fra top faciliteter, og med en mindre salgsstald med spændende kvalitetsheste.

Marts satte Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour sit aftryk på FEI World Ranking som nr. 1 i verden sammen med MSJ Freestyle.

Og så blev det Herning tid igen. Stedet hvor både ungheste- og international topsport smelter sammen med avlen i en skøn forening. Her samles heste-Danmark, og flere fra resten af Europa om fællesnævneren “hestene”. Årets gæstedommer i unghestechampionatet var Sven Rothenberger, som på bedste vis formidlede dommerkommentarer under vejs, ligesom Daniel Bachmann igen guidede tilhørerne gennem hans måde at teste de unge heste på.

Mere Herning, hvor bl.a. Lisa Munch Holst avler af nr. 2 i årets unghestechampionatet Soulmate Askehaven leverede weekendens største smil. Dejligt gensyn med Portugal´s Joao Moreira og Drosa Fürst Kennedy OLD i CDI5 turen. Parret sluttede fornylig som nr. 3 i CDI-W i Mechelen.

Der stod Stutteri Atterupgaard på sejren i unghestechampionatet for Atterupgaards Daimi med Selina Vittinghus i sadlen, og samtidig vinder af lille-tur på Daimi´s mor Delorean.

Nyindstiftet pris “Velfærdsprisen” fra Shamballa Jewels gik velfortjent til en stolt og ydmyg Majken Faaborg Glerup.

Nadja Aaboe Sloth sluttede første gang på podiet i CDI5-turen med Cathrine som vinder og Andreas som nr. 2.

Mere marts var med H2R på sidelinien til landsstævne på Randbøl Dressage Academy, mens 6 unge ryttere var samlet på Stutteri ASK/Blue Hors til Team Danmark og Salling Fondenes Talentprogram.

Marts afsluttes med hingste show på ASK/Blue Hors med absolut highlight med Nanna og Viva Vegas.

April med besøg (podcast) hos Karoline Rohmann på Sydfyn, samt en podcast (telefon interview) med Lotte Kulle fortæller som avler, om samarbejdet med rytter i forhold til uddannelse og salg af sølvmedaljehoppen Delizia.

Maj med besøg hos Morten Kappel som gennem en årrække været aktiv avler og rytter og med succes til elitefølskuet, og nu bl.a. klar med hingst til Herning 2026.

Landsstævne på Hovgaard Rideklub i Svendborg og region 3 med arrangement hos Grøn Dressage på Fyn med Tom Buhl, hvor publikum fik super indsigt i hans tilgang til opstart af den unge hest.

Besøg hos Rikke Dupont (podcast) som i 2025 meldte sig seriøst ind på landsholdet sammen med Grand Galiano.

Slut maj med første DM på Randbøl Dressage Academy og årets første UVM iagttagelse.

Juni med clinic på Kirstineholm Rideklub i Århus med Daniel Bachmann og Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, hvor Daniel havde medbragt spændende yngre heste. Her var man med i de forskellige træningsfaser, og undervejs var der var rig mulighed for spørgsmål fra publikum.

Juni bød også på Hannoveraner hoppekåring og følskue hos Stutteri G i Lynge, med entusiastiske avlere og god stemning.

Juli endelige UVM udtagelse på Vilhelmsborg

Besøg hos flittige og talentfulde unge Julie Dam Jensen som var med på EM bronze holdet for young riders (podcast)

Slut juli med region 4 følskue i Esbjerg, hvor MLJ Vancouver e. Viva Vegas / Zackerey fangede både H2R og dommernes opmærksomhed, og et salg til spanske Sergio Morron blev efterfølgende en realitet.

August med UVM i Verden. Skønt at være tilbage i Tyskland hvor Hannoveranerforbundet havde påtaget sig den store opgave. Igen med stor DV succes og dansker succes til UVM, og samtidig en velfortjent UVM guldmedalje til danske Mette Sejbjerg Martinez KWPN hingsten Proud James. (Nu nygift med kollegaen hos Helgstrand Dressage Eric Guardia Martinez, og derfor med nyt efternavn Martinez).

Kombinationen af avl og sport går op i højeste enhed til UVM, hvor avler Helene Geervliet fra Stutteri G igen kunne nyde Quinn G tage guldet for 3. gang, første gang som 5 års med Betina Jæger og som 6 års og 7 års med Fiona Bigwood.

Britiske Lottie Fry fra Van Olst Horses var ligesom hollandske Dinja van Liere en af de internationale topstjerner som også høstede UVM medaljer i 2025.

August gik igen i år til Andresen Dressage i Norge til kombineret hoppekåring, følskue og egnethedstest. Et gennemført arrangement, med god kvalitet af de unge heste, og med flot opbakning fra sponsorer og avlere.

Besøg hos Barnow Dressage (podcast & video) hvor Susanne og Steffen hele tiden har øje for opgraderinger i forhold til stævneafholdelse sideløbende med Susanne i 2025 har været succesfuld både ungheste sammenhæng og i perspektiv gruppen mod landsholdet.

Eliteskuet med top vinderføl, hoppeføl Vitalia e. Vitalos/Dancier fra Lena og Ulrik Kristensen, og hingsteføl Tophøjs Excellent e. Extreme US/Floriscount fra Stutteri Tophøj, som allerede efter første runde i hallen var solgt til Daniel Bachmann og CVL Horses i partnerskab.

Eliteskuet var igen også med aftryk fra Stutteri Straight Horse med velfortjent udnævnelse af hoppen Romanik som “Årets Avlshoppe 2025”. Udover at være mor til Zonik med imponerende 17 Grand Prix heste i stammen og 19 kårede hingste.

August var også med EM i Crozet (hvor H2R ikke var afsted) men med individuel sølv til Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour og MSJ Freestyle i både Grand Prix Special og Grand Prix kür, samt team bronze til Cathrine, Nadja, Rikke og Andreas.

Marginalerne ikke i Cathrine´s favør

Ikke for at hænge sig i detaljerne, men bare for at slå fast hvad 2025 var, så vandt Cathrine og Free faktisk også Grand Prix klassen (som alene var en del af teamkonkurrencen) foran Werth & Wendy og Verboomen & Zonik Plus.

Man må ikke sidde baglæns på hesten, men alligevel husker H2R tilbage på OL 2024 som der hvor team guldet blev “givet” til tyskerne, og 2025 blev så året hvor Cathrine og Free ikke skulle forbi Justin og Zonik Plus. Først til EM i küren hvor 89,864% (Zonik Plus) mod 89,821% (Free), og ikke mindst senest til Top12 i Frankfurt med 91,195% (Zonik Plus) mod 91,085% (Free).

September med besøg hos Stutteri Straight Horse, hvor Eva og Mogens bl.a. i flere år har haft succes i avlen ved bl.a. at anvende ICSI reproduktion, succeshoppen Romanik og seneste hingsten Straight Horse Leonardo som vandt UVM bronze med Mette Sejbjerg Martinez. 2026 byder på valg af ny formand for Dansk Varmblod, og her stiller Mogens Pedersen sit kandidatur til rådighed.

Velorganiseret DV auktion Jylland afholdt på Randbøl Dressage Academy, hvor dyreste føl Double Dream Klinkt e. Dynamic Dream / Farrell, avlet af Gitte og Poul Erik Klint og solgt til Susanne Barnow & Steffen Kristensen (Barnow Dressage), solgt for kr. 200.000.

September var også med besøg hos Stutteri EVO (podcast) hvor berider Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen har fået foden under eget bord i tæt samarbejdet med hele teamet, og allerede høstet succes både med ungheste og senest international lille-tur.

(Podcast) Ny butik i 2025 er Martin Klavsen og Julie Kruse Hansen (Vestervang by JuMa) fra top faciliteter på tidligere Blue Hors ungheste ejendom i Bredsten. Teamet slutter året flot af med fremstilling af 5 unghingste til forbesigtigelse og 3 udtaget til Herning.

Oktober bød på tur sammen med Hannoveraneravlsforeningen i Danmark til Tyskland, hvor en bus fuld med hestefolk var klar til fælles hesteoplevelser. Bestemt et fællesskab som er værd at dyrke i fremtiden.

Championatsfinaler på smukke ASK/Blue Hors, som desværre var sidste gang i år. Den gode ridning fortjener god formidling, mens den måske knap så succesfulde præsentation stadig fortjener god formiding med saglige og ordentlige dommerkommentarer. Håbet for 2026 er at alle dommere bliver klædt på til opgaven i forhold til bedømmelse og formiding, således at ryttere, ejere og avlere stadig synes det er interessant at deltage i championaterne.

World Cup Herning igen med masser dansker succes, og hvor Sara Hyrm og Atterupgaards Cooper meldte sig ind på international senior GP niveauet med succes.

Efterårets kåringer i de udenlanske forbund blev med flotte danske avlspræstationer, herunder bl.a. med nykåret i Hannover var DV hingsten e. Vitalis / Sunny-Boy fremstillet af Rothenberger Ventures og avlet af Witt Horses, der som føl fandt vejen til Rothenberger via H2R.

Egnetshedstesterne var en kæmpe succes i år, og klart rytternes foretrukne valg for deres 4 års DV heste. Flere topryttere havde valgt at vise deres unge heste, herunder spanske Severo Jurado Lopez som havde taget turen fra Tyskland med Springborgs Amilla e. Glamourdale / Ibiza til Vilhelmsborg. En hoppe som klart lignede en Herning billet, men som dommerne desværre ikke så med samme kvaliteter, dog med invitation til DV´s Eliteskue i 2026 i forbindelse med kåring samtidig med egnethedstesten. En ekvipage som vi forhåbentlig får at se i UVM sammenhæng i løbet af 2026.

Et af årets absolut højdepunkter for H2R var clinic med Cathrine og Kyra. Deres “sprog” udi at uddanne og forfine tingene er second to none. En oplevelse af de helt særlige, og understreger 100% den retning som alle gerne vil se dressuren i. Mere af det tak!

November med 2 x egnethedstest på ASK/Blue Hors grundet den store tilslutning.

Året sluttes af med DV´s forbesigtigelser, som oprindelige var tænkt samlet på Vilhelmsborg, men grundet CS Equstrian (Christian Springborg) som havde 12 hingste klar hos tidligere HH Horses i Solrød, var det naturligvis oplagt at åbne op for forbesigtigelse her også. Iøvrigt en lidt uvirkelig situation at stå på stedet, hvor nok en af Danmark mest entreprenate og succesfulde avlere Henrik Hansen omkom tilbage i marts.

Derefter gik turen til Vilhelmsborg med en større flok af unge hingste, hvor toppen ligesom i Solrød var med tydeligt aftryk fra hingsten Secret.

Det var slut på 2025 H2R året lidt i store træk. Tak til alle der fulgte med, og ikke mindst bakkede op.

Hvis du ikke fik lyttet med på de forskellige 🎧PODCASTS så kan du fange dem her.

Med starten på 2026 ønskes alle et godt og lykkebringende nytår, med mange spændende hesteoplevelser.

Belgian Dressage on the rise as Larissa Pauluis claims Mechelen victory

Larissa Pauluis (BEL) and Flambeau - winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2025/26 qualifier in Mechelen (BEL) © FEI / Dirk Caremans

Belgian Dressage continues its upward trajectory and showed no signs of slowing down at the traditional season finale in Mechelen (BEL). Larissa Pauluis (BEL) claimed victory in both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle with her 15-year-old Flambeau, sealing the win in the Freestyle with an impressive personal best of 82.975%.

To complete the home celebration, Justin Verboomen (BEL) finished second with Djembe de Hus OLD. His score of 82.450% left him narrowly behind Pauluis. Third place went to Joao Pedro Moreira (POR) with the black Drosa Fürst Kennedy OLD on 79.280%.

Top three remains unchanged

The podium remained unchanged in a sold-out and festively decorated Nekkerhal, with Pauluis, Verboomen and Moreira again leading the way. Behind them, however, the standings saw significant changes compared to the Grand Prix.

That Dressage is clearly on the rise in Belgium, traditionally a nation dominated by Jumping, was evident from the atmosphere in the arena. The compact Nekkerhal was packed to capacity, and the crowd enthusiastically supported their home favourites throughout the Freestyle.

Several combinations who had a less successful Grand Prix returned strongly in the Freestyle. That was certainly the case for first starter Ingrid Klimke (GER) with her mare First Class 92 (owned by Gut Hülsen). After costly flying-change mistakes in the Grand Prix, the pair delivered a more polished Freestyle to finish ninth on 74.985%.

An even bigger climb in the rankings came from Emmelie Scholtens (NED) with the powerful Kyton (owned by Bruver BV and Stal Rom Vermunt). After tension led to errors and a 15th place in the Grand Prix, the pair returned with greater focus and a superb rhythm in the piaffe-passage work, to finish seventh on 76.005%.

Emotional farewell for Botticelli

It was a special day for Charlotte Defalque (BEL) and her 19-year-old Botticelli (owned by the athlete and Marie-France Defalque-Scohier). The pair rode down the centre line together for the final time, closing a partnership that began in the youth classes and grew into one of Belgium’s most reliable championship combinations.

Following his retirement, Botticelli received a standing ovation, flowers and treats, and Defalque’s eighth-place finish on 75.475% earned her a place in the prize-giving as a fitting final chapter.

Consistent performances 

For Luxembourg, European Championship finalist Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger produced a strong performance with Quater Back Junior FRH (owned by the athlete and Soc. Hippique Et D’Elevage SA), finishing sixth on 76.150%.

Marieke van der Putten (NED) slipped from fourth in the Grand Prix to fifth in the Freestyle with Zantana RS2 OLD N.O.P. (owned by Saskia Lemmens-Reijnen and Jacques Lemmens). The elegant mare impressed with her talent and expression, but a costly mistake in the right pirouette impacted the score, which settled at 76.605%.

Camille Judet Chéret (FRA) also delivered two solid tests in Mechelen with Herelja Higgins (owned by Françoise Bourgeois and S.A.S. Pamfou Dressage), earning strong marks for the gelding’s piaffe and passage.

Moreira and Kennedy and their special journey

After catching the eye in the Grand Prix, Joao Pedro Moreira repeated his strong performance in the Freestyle with Drosa Fürst Kennedy OLD (owned by the athlete and Roberto Pedrosa Haras do Drosa). The talented black gelding worked with ease through the movements, showing focus great abilities to collect, to secure third place on 79.280%.

Moreira has had Kennedy since he was just two and a half years old, and the pair share a deep bond. Their journey together has not been without challenges. One day before the Grand Prix at the Paris Olympic Games last year, Kennedy required emergency colic surgery.

“Last year at this time of the year we were only just able to trot lightly again under saddle. Kennedy has made an incredible recovery. To be here now and finish the 2025 season like this is a privilege. I am so proud of him, he is very special and he always tries his hardest for me,” Moreira states.

Home victory to remember

The Belgian stars from the Grand Prix appeared late in the starting order, with Pauluis entering the arena first. Her 15-year-old Flambeau (owned by Caroline and Emmanuel Lepage, Jean Pauluis and Marie Christine Pauluis) continues to develop, and their Freestyle score marked a convincing personal best.

Flambeau danced through the rhythmic choreography, effortlessly linking demanding combinations of exercises. The crowd joined in early on the final centre line, clapping along in unison. The final score of 82.975% secured victory for Pauluis.

“For me it has always been a dream to win in Mechelen. The support from the crowd was incredible, the atmosphere during the Freestyle was wonderful. Flambeau keeps developing. He started his career as a Jumping horse and only became a Dressage horse at nine, so we are still improving. It has not always been easy with him, but in terms of quality he has no limits. Today he was dancing with me. We are still finding new gears and dimensions.” 

Larissa Pauluis
(BEL)

Verboomen delivers again

The revelation of Mechelen 2024 returned once more. Justin Verboomen made his breakthrough in the Nekkerhal last year with Zonik Plus, winning the Grand Prix and finishing second in the Freestyle. This time he presented his other Grand Prix horse, Djembe de Hus OLD (owned by S.A.R.L. Haras de Hus).

With a soft hand and great feel, Verboomen guided the less experienced chestnut through both tests, earning two second-place finishes.

“It has been a crazy year,” said Verboomen. “What happened over the past year is unbelievable. Zonik Plus is having a bit of rest now, which is why I brought Djembe de Hus. My main goal here was to give him confidence. The indoor arena, the music, the applause, he found it all quite exciting. In the Freestyle he really tried to listen and we had a special connection during the test.”

World Cup standings

After the fifth FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in Mechelen, Raphael Netz (GER) remains in the lead of the World Cup standings with 48 points. Pauluis makes a significant move up the rankings and now sits second with 47 points. The next FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier will take place in Basel (SUI) on 9 and 10 January. Don’t miss a hoofbeat.

FULL RESULTS

Nürnberger Burg Pokal and Louisdor Preis qualifikations 2026

The prestigious young horse competitions Nürnberger Burg Pokal (7-9 year old horses) at PSG Speciel and Louisdor Preis (8-10 year old horses) at Short GP & GP level are ready with qualifiers for 2026 finals.

Nürnberger Burg Pokal qualifiers:

  • 22 - 26 April Hagen - Horses & Dreams

  • 14 - 17 May Munich - Pferd International

  • 4 - 7 June Balve

  • 16 - 19 July Görlitz

  • 30 July - 2 August Elmlohe

  • 3 - 6 September Schäftlarn

  • 17 - 20 September Darmstadt-Kranichstein

  • 16 - 18 October Guxhagen-Dörnhagen

  • 16 - 20 December Frankfurt final

Louisdor Preis qualifiers:

  • 22 - 26 April Hagen - Horses & Dreams

  • 13 - 17 May Hamburg

  • 30 July - 2 August Donzdorf 

  • 4 - 6 September Pinneberg 

  • 8 - 11 October Guxhagen-Dörnhagen

  • 16 - 20 December Frankfurt - final

VIDEO - 5 hingste udtaget fra ekstra forbesigtigelse på Randbøl 22. december

Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall I - avler og ejer FA Horses.

8 hingste blev fremstillet til den ekstra forbesigtigelse på Randbøl Dressage Academy igår, og her blev 5 af hingstene udtaget til hingstekåringen i Herning.

For Martin Klavsen og hans team (Vestvang by JuMa) var det debut som selvstændig til DV´s forbesigtigelse, hvor de præsenterede 5 af hingstene til dagens forbesigtigelse. Ved dagens afslutning havde 3 af hingstene fået adgang til Dansk Varmblods hingstekåring i Herning i marts 2026. (St. Secret SLS, FA Villarreal og UNO Valentino).

De øvrige 2 hingste som fik adgang var præsenteret af Lennart Lindberg (Equinito)

Se video klip af de 3 hingste præsenteret af Vestervang by JuMa ⬇️⬇️⬇️

VIDEO - 18 hingste udtaget fra Vilhelmsborg (18 december)

Teglovnens Vitra e. Vitalis / Sir Donnerhall II - foto: H2R

Sidste weekend var det “store forbesigtigelsesdag” på Vilhelmsborg med 45 unghingste.

Grundet feber (karatæne) på Randbøl deltog de oprindelig tilmeldte hingste ikke på Vilhelmsborg, men istedet var avlsledelsen på tur igår, hvor 5 hingste blev udtaget. (Nyheder følger seperat)

Fra sidelinien manglede 3 hingste på listen over dem som avlsledelsen udtog, nemlig So Perfect / Valverde fra Maik Kohlschmidt samt Secret / Fidertanz og Santo / Lauries Crusador xx, begge fra Helgstrand Dressage, (video klip af alle 3 her under), mens et par af dem der er på listen til Herning, ikke helt fangede H2R.

Hvis du er på Instagram kan du fange flere videoklip fra dagen her. Klik på fotoet.

Mount St. John Freestyle & Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour peaked together in Frankfurt

MSJ Freestyle & Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour - photo: Krisitine Ulsø Olsen/Laudrup-Dufour

Debut in Frankfurt

It was Cathrine and Freestyle´s first ever performance in Frankfurt this weekend, and it became a weekend for the history book in more than one way. It is exactly two years since Cathrine and Freestyle made their debut together in Kronenberg, and today they performed a new Personal Best with impressive 91,085%.

First of all it was Top12 debut in Frankfurt as Stockholm was not able to continue to host this high class competition. When Werth heard about the issue, she reached out to Frankfurt organiser Matthias Rath and Top12 became a reality.

Huge support from sponsors

When watching the prizegiving ceremoni it was impressive with the support from sponsors for the sport. The total price money for today´s final was impressive 250.000 euro with 65.000 euro for the winner, 50.000 euro for 2nd placed and 45.000 euro for 3rd place.

Top 3 - photo: Kristine Ulsø Olsen/Laudrup-Dufour

Top 3

The competition today became with a very special top 3. No doubt Justin and Zonik Plus World no 1 were favourites, but could he keep Werth and Wendy behind, and where would Cathrine and Free be?

Werth and Wendy showed a super strong performance with lots of highlights but unfortunately an error for 1 times.

Super entry, strong start with piaffe/passage, super half passes, super piaffe turn, half pass passage, WOW piaffe and transitions, super extended walk tour, tiny tension collected walk, strong canter start super pirouette, good 2 times, nice extensions, could show bit more suppleness hind for 2nd pirouette, error for 1 times, no joker line, beautiful final passage/piaffe tours WOW. 87,165% - all 5 judges with them as no 3.

MSJ Freestyle & Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour came to the freestyle final with a 3rd place in the Grand Prix. When entering the crowed electric arena they looked super confident and focused.

Strong start, at the aides, super balanced piaffe, smooth power extension, supple half pass right, passage half pass left, super piaffe turn out into passage half pass right, super half pass left uphill supple, super in and out of super piaffe at the spot with activity and balance, active collected walk, to piaffe turn, to canter pirouette, WOW, tiny flat extended canter super back to pirouette, super 2 times, super 1 times at diagonal waiting for the music, super priouette, super half passes canter, extension super, into extended walk, super relaxation, into collection and then double pirouette, to piaffe pirouette to other side - OUTSTANDING NEVER SEEN THEM BETTER!!!! 91,085% with judges placement 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 1, with only 3 point difference up to the winner Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus.

To underline H2R statement above Cathrine´s long time trainer/”professor” Kyra Kyrklund made this post ⬇️

It was Cathrine´s victory today unfortunately not fully reflected at the scoreboard.

Cathrine also told after today´s performance: “I´m incredible proud. For the first time Free and I truely melted together. It was a very touching moment.”

Focus

Justin keep improving together with his young partner Zonik Plus, and it is with very very strong competition every time he enters the arena. No doubt that Isabell, Cathrine or Lottie any time wants to take over the winner seat.

Just 1 year ago Justin and Zonik Plus entered the international scene, and now with 13 international victories including Aachen and individual Europan Champion.

Bit open halt, from there a smooth expressive powerful and harmonious trot tour, crusing in and out of piaffe and passage, supple half passes, good walk tour, WOW pirouette! good 2 times on curved track bit tense, WOW pirouette just sitting and cantering, good line of 1 times, WAUW double pirouette to piaffe turn opposite way, passage toward final halt. New Personal Best 91,195% (89.964% European Championship 2025).

Besser geht Dressur nicht

“Harmony and Fairness price” went to Isabell Werth and was decided by the spectators.

From Christoph Hess his Harmony and Fairness price went to Danish Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. As he explain during the interview he had kind of goosebumbs when watching her performance with MSJ Freestyle. What was special: “She was able to bring calmness into her performance, with high degree of difficulty and creativity in her coreography. The way Cathrine was able to make the combination of piaffe and pirouettes at the centerline was second to non,” said Hess.

Viva Gold OLD & Isabell Werth with 2025 victory in Louisdor Preis final

Werth shows this beautiful boy with so much quality and super effortless all the way. Nothing looks difficult and Werth can just ask and he just answers with his all time positive attitude. This attitude he really showed at the prizegiving cermony just standing and enjoying the atmosphere.

The way Viva Gold is able to be super supple and still keep the balance and rhythm all the way is kind of out of this world, and it is the entire way around the damanding Grand Prix exercises.

Werth and Viva were definitely in a league of their own for this years final.

Placed 2nd Escolar´s Emil with Thomas Wagner another very complete power horse. Body wise very strong and also manage to show top level. Actually Escolar´s Emil look like a Werth horse.

Here you find the entire results.

Video clip from preliminary test for Werth and Viva ⬇️⬇️

H2R note: For the breeders dreaming about fresh semen from Viva Gold next season, it might not be an option as Werth former has stated that the best stallion actually is a gelding 😁

Life Time FRH & Charlott-Maria Schürmann winner of 2025 Nürnberger Burg Pokal final

Nürnberger Burg Pokal final is the highlight with the best 7-9 yr old horses. Both very experienced riders and debutants were among the finalists. As usual for the finals Christoph Hess was ready after each test with comments and short interview with the rider.

Life Time FRH and Charlott-Maria Schürmann were already favourites before this years finals, and they did not disappoint. Charlott-Maria is showing Life Time with full risk today without errors and succeeded.

Nice halt, go and flow for the entire trot tour, could stretch a bit more clear into the hand for extended walk, good relxations, bit big collected walk, good walk pirouettes, good into canter, easy to collect into 1st half pirouette in canter, very nice angle for 2nd pirouette, full risk medium canter, nice half passes, not the biggest changes but very well managed from the rider, maximum outcome, good extended canter, nice change, tense into halt, bit short neck for rein back, power towards super halt.

H2R highlights

Placed 3rd Borghese MT with Kira Laura Soddemann shows an effortless and easy performance. Borghese looks very rideable with natural suppleness and no exercise weaknesses, very nicely presented by Kira. A very interesting combination for the future.

Lovely swing and balance throughout the entire trot tour, nice uphill frame with natural go and flow, super nice into walk, very nice relaxation for extended walk, clear good quality collected walk, walk pirouettes missing bit more energy but well managed, 1st half pirouette canter missing bit more sit, 2nd better, nice changes at C, good medium canter, nice half passes, super change between, super series with super canter quality and big changes, nice extension, nice change, nice halt unbalanced rein back, super extensions towards, super halt.

Some Hess comments: Shining horse lovely rhyhmn in the trot tour, very nice walk tour, room for improvement for canter half pirouettes. What a first performance.

Manolo FRH and Borja Carrascosa with such a positive attitude all the way. Supple with super expression all the way. From H2R point of view a winner combination.

Lovely go and flow with super power in a nice natural closed uphill frame for the entire trot tour, super quality extended walk, ok collected walk, pirouettes bit to big, bit unbalanced into canter, nice sit and balance for both half pirouettes in canter, good series full diagonal tiny swing, bit tense halt with rein back, power forward into halt.

What a lovely I WANT TO DO MY JOB horse.

Bayside AK and Juliane Brunkhorst is pure quality both from horse and rider, but still not fully settled for the Frankfurter atmosphere, but a lot to like for the future.

Bit tense halt, what a flow for the trot tour and expression, unfortunately lost of balance for extended trot, good extended walk bit on the toes, nice collected walk including nice walk pirouettes, good half pirouettes in canter, bit 2nd change at C, super medium canter, nice half passes, good series bit out to right for the changes, nice extension, nice halt but hears something, bit stocked rein back, super extension, nice halt.

What a lovely elegant spider mare with super nice presentation from Juliane.

Here you find the full results.

Flying high on home soil, Fry and Glamourdale claim London win

Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale (GBR) flew to victory during the fourth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League at the London International Horse Show. With their flying-themed Freestyle, the black stallion soared to great heights, adding Freestyle victory to their Grand Prix win with an impressive score of 89.170%. Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb claimed second place with 86.410%, while Isabell Freese (NOR) and Total Hope OLD completed the podium on 81.695%.

The London arena, traditionally decorated entirely in Christmas style, was filled with a festive crowd dressed to match, enthusiastically cheering on their home favourites. After an all-British top three in Friday’s Grand Prix, expectations for the Freestyle were high. 

Strong performances before the break

Two combinations delivered strong Freestyle performances before the break, securing their places in the prize-giving. First to impress was Marieke van der Putten (NED) with Kuvasz RS2 (owned by RS2 Dressage Center de Horst). The black stallion, a son of today’s winner Glamourdale, showed some tension in the Grand Prix, but in the Freestyle Van der Putten guided him through a fault-free test to score 76.420%, earning seventh place.
Twenty-two-year-old Moritz Treffinger (GER), contesting his first FEI Dressage World Cup™ season after claiming the U25 European Championship title earlier this year, partnered Cadeau Noir (owned by Gestüt Bonhomme GmbH & Co. KG). His boldly ridden Freestyle earned 75.395% and eighth place.

British favourites take centre stage

After the break, the focus shifted firmly to the British combinations and the atmosphere inside the ExCeL London arena quickly reached fever pitch. Sadie Smith (GBR) led the way with Swanmore Dantina (owned by the athlete). The reigning British champions have relatively limited international Grand Prix experience, but Smith presented a beautifully ridden Freestyle, allowing her mare to perform with confidence and relaxation throughout. Despite a few minor errors in the tempi changes, the pair scored 76.900% for sixth place, a new international personal best.

When Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale (owned by the athlete and Van Olst Horses) entered the arena, the venue fell silent. The reigning FEI Dressage World Cup™ champions had been untouchable in Friday’s Grand Prix and left no doubt about their superiority in the Freestyle. Glamourdale’s last competition had been the FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet (FRA), where he scored well but was not quite at his peak. In London, however, he was back in top form. Their new flying-themed Freestyle, which was premiered at the Europeans, earned 89.170%.

Fry: “This is one of Glamourdale’s best ever performances. He loves the crowd here and the support was just amazing today, Glammie really rises to that. The crowd seemed to love our new Freestyle. The way he felt today was just the most incredible feeling. 

"We both really got our confidence back here; I think we finished this year on the highest of highs.”

 

Charlotte Fry
(GBR) 

Moody delights with festive Freestyle

The crowd had little time to recover before Becky Moody (GBR) and Jagerbomb (owned by the athlete and Jo Cooper) entered the arena. The ever-smiling British athlete had created a special Christmas-themed Freestyle for the occasion.
“We tried to have a little bit of fun with the music, it was really cool,” she said afterwards with a smile. Jagerbomb produced a steady performance in a technically demanding test featuring numerous transitions and difficult combinations. Their score of 86.410% secured second place behind Fry.

Moody added: “I’m incredibly lucky to have such a phenomenal horse, he has a heart of gold.”

Freese back on the podium

German based British athlete Susan Pape (GBR) followed with the eye-catching chestnut mare Harmony’s Giulilanta (owned by the athlete and Harmony Sporthorses). Dancing to the sounds of Tom Jones, the pair delivered a fault-free Freestyle, with the mare showing impressive technique in piaffe and passage. Their score of 79.805% marked a new personal best, leaving them just outside the top three.

Isabell Freese (NOR) and Total Hope OLD (owned by Lone Boegh Hendriksen, Øivind Bache and Paul Schockemöhle) had finished second in London last year and repeated that strong form with another podium finish, taking third place. While the stallion had been slightly distracted in the Grand Prix, he was fully focused in the Freestyle.

Freese: “I’m super happy today, he was much better than yesterday. We managed to ride without mistakes. He’s a breeding stallion, so warming up with other horses isn’t always easy for him. I’m really proud that he was fully concentrated as soon as we entered the arena.”

Dujardin just misses out

Expectations were also high for the final athlete of the day. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) received a warm welcome from the crowd with Alive and Kicking (owned by the athlete, Ulrike Bachinger and Carl Hester). After a razor-sharp Grand Prix performance that earned second place on 76.544%, a few mistakes crept into the Freestyle, in two piaffes and the transitions leading into them. The score of 79.230% left her outside the top three and just behind her compatriot Pape.

World Cup standings

Following the London qualifier, Raphael Netz (GER) remains at the top of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League standings. Becky Moody made the biggest move up the leaderboard and now sits third with 37 points.

The series continues on 28 and 29 December in Mechelen (BEL), so don’t miss a hoofbeat.

Full Results

VIDEO - 6 hingste udtaget til Dansk Varmblods hingstekåring i Herning fra forbesigtigelse i Solrød

Dagens travle fremstiller Christian Springborg (CS Equestrian) her med “dagens vinder” hingst (iflg. H2R) Kleppenhus Stargate e. Secret/Don Romantic.

6 hingste udtaget til Herning

Lørdagens dommer team bestående af Vicky Nortvig, Johnny Sørensen og Rune Willum var klar til bedømmelse af 16 unghingste i Solrød. Den første del af bedømmelsen på fast bund var hos HH Horses, mens visning løs var i ridehuset hos Solrød Rideklub på den anden side af vejen.

For dem som ikke fulgte med via Instagram stories på H2R er her en lille video med de 6 udtagne hingste, hvor begge hingste fra Kleppenhus e. Secret viste ekstra klasse, og med Kleppenhus Stargate 🤩 var i en liga for sig selv. Bedøm selv ⬇️

For dem som undrede sig over at hingstene ikke blev vist i trav på fast bund, fangede H2R Vicky Nortvig for en lidt nærmere forklaring.

“Der er flere grunde.Håbet var at det ville give en mere rolig og ustresset afvikling for hingstene. Det synes vi faktisk lykkedes. Det gør det også nemmere for avlerne selv at fremstille når de ikke skal løbe med dem. Det er i tråd med vores beslutning om at skubbe longeringsdelen til Herning. Vi vil gerne se så mange som muligt og det gør det økonomisk muligt for flere at vælge det til. Det sparer samtidig noget tid hvilket vi godt kan bruge på Vilhelmsborg hvor der er stor tilslutning. Samtidig er der ingen faglig grund til at der traves. Vi bedømmer ikke bevægelse på fast bund, kun eksteriør og fundamentets korrekthed og derfor mister vi ikke noget ved at skære det væk ved forbesigtigelsen. Der vil fortsat traves til fast bund når vi kommer til hingstekåringen,” fortæller Vicky.

Både fast bund og efterfølgende løs visning forløb uden problemer, og hingstene blev vist i en afslappet atmosfære, så ændringen gav klart den effekt som var tiltænkt.

Day 5 KWPN stallion pre-selection - 25 stallion selected for 2nd inspection

A total of 25 stallions selected for the last day Saturday. From the qualities you might get the feeling as if they needed more stallions for the 2nd inspection, as more of them did not quite look as interesting as the ones from the first days.

H2R top from the last day:

  • Secret Lover / Negro with suppleness, stallion look and 3 really nice gaits in good balance and active of the ground.

  • Extreme US / Florencio - top model, supple body with good power from behind and well balanced.

  • O´Frederic / Everdale - small size stallion but easy of the ground movements with nice strong body.

  • Opoque / Boston - expressive stallion look with good power and 3 really good gaits.

Day 4 KWPN stallion pre-selection - 11 stallion selected for 2nd inspection

H2R highlights:

  • Santiano / Riccione - powerful and supple from behind with nice stallion look. Video ⬆️

  • Kingston / Franklin - well moving in all three gaits, super uphill, huge imprint from damsire.

  • Next Level / Governor - nice natural strong body, easy supple movements with good expression.

  • Omar Sherif / Expression - stallion look, big framed and well moving.

Day 3 KWPN stallion pre-selection - 18 stallions selected for 2nd inspection

Day 3 with huge imprint from Glock´s Toto Jr with 5 sons selected for 2nd inspection. Overall well moving stallions with 3 good basic gaits, best of them no 399 with Apache / Don Schufro on the dam side.

Best of the day by Florida TN x Total US - stallion type, uphill with good hind legs.

Las Vegas x Blue Hors Zack, super mover uphill with power and suppleness, still very young body wise.

Day 1 - KWPN stallion pre-selection, 12 stallions selected for 2nd inspection

Highlight from the first day of KWPN stallion pre-selection was the full brother of international GP horse Vamos Amigos named Vamos Junior by Vitalis / Hotline. Type, expression and super nice overall suppleness.

Among the best of the day

  • Dante US / Vivaldi showing suppleness but missing bit more strength over the back.

  • Secret / Negro open framed with nice suppleness.

  • Sir Donnerhall / Vivaldi strong body with good movements.

  • Both Total McLaren with super type and well moving, damsire Oscar with best power from behind. Charmeur damsire was a bit to shy.

  • Power Edition KSH (born 2020) already did 2-days performance test as 3 yr old in OLD and was placed 8th in the PAVO Cup final 2025 (first round).

Dansk Varmblod forbesigtigelse starter på lørdag i Solrød

Lørdag den 13. december (Solrød Rideklub) og torsdag den 18. december (Vilhelmsborg)

På lørdag går det løs med årets første forbesigtigelse på Sjælland (Solrød) hvor 17 dresurhingste er klar. Derefter følger Vilhelmsborg torsdag den 18. december med 48 dressurhingste.

Kataloget er opdateret med interessante oplysninger/resultater fra de enkelte stammer, så man har mulighed for at nørde lidt inden man evt. står på sidelinien.

H2R vil være med på sidelinien begge steder, og forsøger at fange lidt indtryk undervejs.

LINK til Equipe.


EQUILANNOO Performance Mix 20 kg. hestefoder til sportsheste

Fuldfoder müsli til heste der behøver ekstra energi gennem foderet for at kunne yde deres bedste. Indholdet består af en kombination af hurtig og langsom energi, der sikrer både hurtighed og udholdenhed.

KWPN stallion pre-selection starts tomorrow 9 December

9 - 13 December with KWPN stallion pre-selection in Ermelo

A total of 235 dressage stallions are ready for the 1st inspection starting tomorrow in Ermelo at 12.15 with the first group on hard surface follow with free presentation. This is a really great oppertunity to see a lot of young stallion from the same sire in order to be able to compare their qualties.

The entire pre-selection days will be live at Clipmyhorse.

Here you find the entire list of stallions and time schedule for the days.