The Royal Belgian Equestrian Federation (KBRSF) has selected the horses which will represent Belgium at the 2004 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden July 9-11, 2004.
Following a selection trial on Wednesday June 16, 2004, in Brussels, judges Mariette Withages, Freddy Leyman, Jacques van Daele, and A.M. Swenden selected the following combinations:
For the 5-year old division, Daianira van de Helle and Wizard will be sent to Verden. Daianara van de Helle, a dark bay Hanoverian mare bred by Dorith Kothe and owned by Stud farm De Helle, won the 5-year old qualifier. Ridden by Vicky Smits, a former European junior rider silver medallist, Daianira van de Helle will probably be Belgium's best bid in Verden. The elegant mare by Dream of Glory x Ritual is a superb mover in all three gaits and has the potential to be a top five horse in Verden, if she keeps her cool at the show and politics will not rule the event.
Stefan van Ingelgem qualified the second 5-year old for Verden. His own Wizard, a chestnut Hanoverian gelding by Weltmeyer x Classiker, finished second at the Belgian WCYH qualifier.
For the six-year old division, the Belgian warmblood Vasco van het Gestelhof (Weltmeyer x Furioso I) and the licensed breeding stallion St Ludwig's Leardo (Lanciano x Coriolan) will travel to Verden. Vasco will be ridden by Gestelhof's chief rider Wilfried Mondelaers and Leardo by Belgian Grand Prix rider Philippe Jorissen.
Images copyrighted:
Koenraad Cappon