What's Happening: June 2012 - Part 2

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:53
What's Happening in the Dressage World?

Swedish Grand Prix rider Minna Telde got engaged to Finnish Johan Ulander, who is a property developer in Dubai. He has global petrochemical interests and is focusing on the Mining business in North and South America and Africa. Ulander is the father of Minna's one-year old son and was willing to invest millions in Carl Hester's Uthopia back in December 2011. Minna announced the engagement on Facebook and it will be her first marriage. Ulander is in the process of divorcing from his wife Nina, who lives in France with their three children.

Anky van Grunsven has sold her equestrian clothing company Anky Technical Casuals (ATC) to Bieman de Haas of BR. "Due to personal circumstances, Anky and Sjef decided to turn over the company to Bieman de Haas," it said in an official statement.

According to Horsetelex the Trakehner licensed stallion Imperio will stay in training with Hubertus Schmidt. The bay stallion (by Connery) is owned by Landgestut Schwaiganger and Gestut Horem. The German Olympic Equestrian Committee and Hubertus Schmidt acquired Horem's share in the ownership of the stallion.

British FEI dressage rider Roland Tong has made the switch to Ireland. The 32-year old had dual nationality through his Irish mother and has now decided to represent Ireland. Tong is currently campaigning Grand Prix horse Pompidou and rising Prix St Georges horse Ambience IV. In 2004 Tong rode for Great Britain at the World Young Horse Championships with Walentino.

We had a little bit of fun touching up this photo of Clayton Frederics and his horse Bendigo. These equine compression suits are the latest thing for travelling horses but they reminded us more of diving gear.

Danish Grand Prix rider Sune Hansen and his Antiguan Grand Prix riding wife Emily Ward Hansen are expecting their first child together. The baby is due 30 December 2012. Congratulations!

Anne van Olst's former Grand Prix horse Dexter has resurfaced in England. Nicky Lickley has taken over the ride on the dark bay gelding (by Traumdeuter x Elizar) and is currently competing him at Intermediaire II level.