The German Young Riders horse Mocca has been sold to Dutch young rider Dominique Filion. Mocca, a 14 year old massive dark bay Hanoverian gelding by Merlino out of Wittelsbach dam, was purchased by Filion at Norbet van Laak's sales barn in Germany.
Von Platen sold Mocca to a Brazilian dressage rider after her last European Young Rider Championships, but the Brazilian experienced too many difficulties riding the strong, temperamental bay gelding. Mocca then landed at Norbert van Laak's where Sjef Janssen spotted the horse and mentioned it to Filion. Dominique already rode her first Young Rider Dutch Selection Trial with the horse and is trying out for the Dutch YR team.
Mocca was trained from training to Prix St Georges level by mother Ute von Platen. In 1995 he became Vice State Champion and the Bundeschampionate in the 5-year old division. In 1998, Mocca became the steady partner for Julia Katharina von Platen and was multiple member of the German Junior and Young Riders team. Mocca was Von Platen's most successful dressage horse to date. Aboard Mocca, Von Platen won twice team silver and once individual bronze at the European Young Riders Championships and individual silver at the German Young Riders Championships.
Photo © Mary Phelps
Related Links
Julia Katharina von Platen to Train Sprehe Dressage Horses
Meet the 1999 German Junior Riders