Sven Rothenberger's multiple medal winning horse Ideaal has passed away. The Dutch warmblood gelmding was found dead in his stall this morning October 6, 2006. He was 31 years old and died of old age.
The 1975 born KWPN bred gelding Ideaal was by Doruto out of Karina (by Eufraat x Admiraal). Under O-judge Dr. Volker Moritz, the bay gelding competed in his first Grand Prix at age 7. He then went to Johan Hinnemann, who became the 1987 German Dressage champion on him and won individual bronze at the 1987 European Championships in Goodwood.
Afterwards, Ideaal sold to Sven Rothenberger who booked big show successes with this horse. The pair won team gold at the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm and placed second at the 1992 and 1993 World Cup Finals. They finished second at the German Dressage Championships. Under Sven's wife Gonnelien Rothenberger, Ideaal won team bronze at the 1993 European Championships.
"Ideaal was really 'ideal'. His name was truly correctly chosen," Rothenberger told Eurodressage. "He did everything and was still in top shape when we retired him at age 19. I wish I could find a horse for my children that gives such a good feeling as the feeling he gave me when I rode him."
Ideaal was the most successful dressage horse of his time having won the biggest amount of prize money of all Grand Prix horses competing in the late 80s - early 90s.
Related Links
Rothenberger's Barclay II to be Competed by Belgian Carl Cuypers
Sven Rothenberger In Dutch A-Team
Deutsche Einheit, aka Donnee for Rothenberger