Blue Hors Don Olymbrio Changes Rider: From Daniel Bachmann Andersen to Agnete Kirk Thinggaard

Mon, 11/11/2019 - 11:00
Denmark
Daniel Bachmann Andersen and Blue Hors Don Olymbrio at the 2019 CDIO Aachen :: Photo © Astrid Appels

Danish team rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen has lost the ride on his best scoring Grand Prix horse of the moment, Blue Hors Don Olymbrio. The licensed stallion has been allocated to Agnete Kirk Thinggaard. 

Don Olymbrio is an 11-year old KWPN licensed stallion by Jazz x Ferro. 

He was purchased by Blue Hors stud as a foal. As a youngster he was first started and competed by Allan Gron up to small tour level. In 2016 Bachmann took over the ride and brought him to Grand Prix.

Although Bachmann was quite tall for the compact Don Olymbrio the pair gelled well and they patiently worked their way up on the score board. In 2019 the duo flourished and "Don O" overtook his stall mate, Blue Hors Zack, on the score board with higher marks from the judges. However, for the 2019 European Championships Zack was chosen as he is more expernienced and Don O's time would still come. 

This year Bachmann and Don Olymbrio scored three double victories at major CDI's: the CDI-W 's Hertogenbosch, the CDIO Uggerhalne and the CDI-W Herning.

Today Blue Hors stud announced that Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, daughter of Blue Hors stud owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, will take over the ride on the stallion. 

When asked if Daniel was not sad to see "Don O" go, the head rider at Blue Hors replied: "I’m totally fine with it and also proud that the horses I have educated are nice to ride for other riders too. I think it is a huge strength for the Danish team."

Bachmann still has three Grand Prix horses lined up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic year: his confirmed Blue Hors Zack, his rising star Blue Hors Zee Me Blue and his come back kids Blue Hors Zepter, which after a half a year break from competition returned last weekend at the CDI Randbol to score winning marks of 78.717% in the Grand Prix and 79.511% in the Special.

Kirk Thinggaard on Blue Hors Venezieno at the 2019 CDI Randbol
Agnete Kirk Thinggaard recently retired her number one Grand Prix horse Jojo AZ from competition sport and now relies on developing Grand Prix horses Blue Hors Zatchmo and Blue Hors Veneziano. With Blue Hors Don Olymbrio she will have a more confirmed iron in the fire in the 2020 Olympic year. Her other two mega star Grand Prix horses Atterupgaards Orthilia and Cassio have disappeared from the show scene.

Blue Hors stud's third Grand Prix rider, Nanna Skodborg Merrald, will need to wait in line to get confirmed Blue Hors' Grand Prix horse to ride. However, she is close to making the transition to Grand Prix level on the highly talented Blue Hors St. Schufro and she might become the shooting star of 2020 with him.

Photos © Astrid Appels - Ridehesten

Related Links
Scores: 2019 CDI Randbøl
Daniel Bachmann and Don O Do the Double at the 2019 CDI-W Herning
Agnete Kirk Thinggaard Joins Team Blue Hors, Takes Over Ride on Veneziano
Agnete Kirk Thinggaard to Retire JoJo AZ from Sport
Thinggaard Pullls Orthilia Out of 2018 WEG Team Contention
Atterupgaards Orthilia Injured and Out for 2017 Summer Show Season
Fiona Bigwood's Atterupgaards Orthilia Sold to Agnete Kirk Thinggaard
Marina Mattsson's U25 Horse Cassio Sold
Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Blue Hors St. Schufro Make CDI Debut with a Bam