A settlement has been reached in the Anky van Grunsven/Sjef Janssen versus Henk van Aalderen case. Henk van Aalderen purchased the Grand Prix dressage horse Idool for his granddaughter Danielle van Aalderen for 400,000 euro in February 2003. Only two months later, the horse dropped dropped dead in the field from a cardiac arrest. Van Aalderen claimed the horse had a hidden disease, while Van Grunsven contested that. A lawsuit followed. Yet, it never came to a verdict. After a 6-hour discussion in court two weeks ago, a settlement has been reached between both parties. "It's a good solution with no stress for further lawsuits and expensive lawyers," Van Grunsven stated afterwards. Related Link: Gestion Idool Died Unexpectedly
Anky van Grunsven's student Joyce Heutink had a severe car accident mid November. The driver of a car coming from the opposite direction lost control over the steering wheel and crashed into Heutink's car. Joyce sustained a foot fracture and can not ride horses for a couple of weeks.
Australian Mary Seefried has received an Award of Distinction in the 2004 Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) Fellowship Awards. The Award of Distinction is given in recognition of long-term service to sport through a member of CAS (the Australian Equestrian Federation). Mary is an FEI 'O'-level Dressage judge and a National Board member. She has been a Chair of the National Dressage Committee and also of the EFA Queensland Branch.
Coby van Baalen's up and coming Prix St Georges horse Pasternak DVB (by Gribaldi) will not be participating in the Finals of the Dutch ZZGP (Fourth Level) Cup. The black gelding has been operated on his throat for roaring. Because Van Baalen will be starting him at Grand Prix level in the future, she wants the horse to be able to breathe optimally. The operation went fine and Pasternak will be recuperating at Johan Hinnemann's farm. The horse will get 3 weeks of complete rest and will need 6 weeks in total to recover from the operation.
The Westfalian stallion Delphi is leaving Johan Hinnemann's farm and moving back to his owner, the Warendorf State Stud. Delphi (by Diamantino x Renaldo) was the 1993 Reserve Licensing Champion and in 1997 he finished fifth in the 6-year old division at the Bundeschampionate. Delphi was in training with Johann Hinnemann for six years. Rider Martin Stamkotter competed the chestnut stallion at Prix St Georges level and earned his Gold Reitabzeichen (Gold Medal) in 2002 on this horse. Delphi is now 13-years old and will be a schoolmaster in Warendorf.
American Grand Prix dressage rider Robert Dover is joining a tv-entertainment trend by launching the "American Dressage Idol" Program. Dover’s program is officially open to any rider, 24 years or younger to send him a video of themselves and their horse to be reviewed. Dover will respond to every applicant and will select 3 to 5 riders to come to train with him in Florida. He will donate the cost of board and training. From that group, the one and only American Dressage Idol will be picked, who will continue to train with Rovert at his cost. (American) Applicants can submit their videos (which will not be returned) to
Robert Dover / 12028 Longwood Green Drive / Wellington, Florida 33414