Since the huge downfall of the Dutch Dressage Team at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain, the Dutch dressage riders are experiencing many difficulties toconnect again with the top five scorers at the European indoor competitions.
Gestion Goliath T had a very disappointing performance at the CDI Berlin two weeks ago, only scoring 65.28% and finishing 12th in the Grand Prix. The reason for this poor performance was that Goliath has severe breathing problems in the indoor ring in Berlin. The KWPN gelding Goliath (by Zebulon) is suffering from "cornage", a paralysis of the larynx causing horses to 'murmur' when breathing. "Goliath has always had this disease, but it never caused him any problems. In Berlin, on the otherhand, he couldn't breathe anymore and it was really bad," Arjen Teeuwissen said. On Monday November 25, 2002, Goliath was operated on by the renowned equestrian surgeon Dr. Tom Marien. Dr Marien developed a special technique for operating this disease, which diminishes the chance of complications afterwards. Goliath will leave the vet clinic on Wednesday and will competed again soon.
Broere Jazz also had a terrible go at the international competition of Berlin. In the Grand Prix, the licensed KWPN stallion by Cocktail had to retire in the middle of the test because he suddenly turned lame. At home, rider Tineke Bartels had her farrier check his hooves. "They weren't looking that great before the show. My farrier redid the hooves, and put them in iodine and wrapped them up in bandages. They are looking much better now," Bartels explained. Tineke also cancelled her entry for the World Cup Qualifier in Stockholm but will probably compete again in Maastricht.
Another lame horse in the Dutch team is Laurentianer. The Hanoverian licensed stallion by Lauries Crusador xx and in training with Johan Hinnemann was entered for the CDI Berlin but did not compete. He turned lame right before the show, causing rider Marlies van Baalen to cancel her entry for the Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I class in Berlin.
Photos © Dirk Caremans