Dramatic changes have taken place at the German stallion station Im Niedern, the official training stable of Conrad Schumacher and Dutch WEG team rider Ellen Bontje.
All horses, including breeding stallion Gestion Silvano N and Prix St Georges mount Rubioso N, have been sold to Paul Shockemoele.
Dutch equipe rider Ellen Bontje will still compete the Holsteiner stallion Gestion Silvano N (by Silvester) at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, but afterwards the bay will move to Muhlen, Germany, to stay at his new owner's barn.
The big commotion at Gestut Im Niedern started with the death of the owner of the facility, Mr Neff senior. His children decided to sell the whole facility and former show jumping star Paul Shockemoele was the most interested by their offer.
Ellen Bontje is devastated by the quick changes that have taken place in her life and hopes that Mr Shockemoele will show the heart to continue to offer her the ride of the 17-year old bay stallion, with whom she became the 2002 Dutch Grand Prix Dressage Champion.
Photos © Arnd Bronkhorst
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Source: KWPN
Rider in the Spotlight: Ellen Bontje
Ellen Bontje, 2002 Dutch Dressage Champion