Lotje Schoots' Grand Prix level trained dressage mare Reine B has been leased to her student, Dutch FEI pony rider Mercedes Verweij. Verweij will be making her junior riders' debut with the chestnut mare.
"Reine will stay in my stable and the combination will train quietly under my supervision," said Lotje Schoots. "Reine is a great schoolmaster for Mercedes and she has already won many victories at junior and young riders level (with Schoots)."
Reine B (by Rubinstein x Vincent x Marinier) is owned by the Bleeker family and was trained and competed by Lotje Schoots.The pair was one of the most successful Dutch youth riders combinations. They were Dutch Junior Champion in 2006 and Young Riders Champion in 2007 and 2008. In 2006 they won team gold at the European Junior Riders Championships. In 2007 and 2008 they won team gold at the European Young Riders Championships. In 2007 they also earned individual silver and in 2008 they won individual gold at the Europeans.
"The past two years I rode Reine at Grand Prix level," said Schoots. "I have learnt a lot from her and I trained her from novice to Grand Prix level. Fortunately she stays in my stable and I hope Mercedes will win my beautiful prizes with her."
Reine B has also been extensively used as a broodmare, mainly via embryotransfer. She has had three foals so far, by Diamond Hit (Brennus B), by Valeron (Dauphine B - ET), and by Sunny Boy (Regina B-ET). In 2012 an ET foal by Jazz and one by Totilas will be born.
Photos © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Lotje Schoots Proclaimed Dutch Talent of the Year 2007
Young Riders Team Championship at 2007 EUJYRC
Schoots Wins Young Riders Classes In Style at 2008 CDI-YR Weert
Lotje Schoots Wins Individual Test Gold Medal at 2008 European YR Championships