Danielle Heijkoop's internationally successful small tour horse Daula II has been sold a new rider. A Dutch amateur has taken over the reins.
Daula II is a 12-year old Dutch warmblood mare by Gribaldi out of Kladaula (by Michelangelo). She is bred by Ab Barneveld.
Dutch stallion owner Joop van Uytert co-owned by the mare with Barneveld.
As a youngster she was the Gelderland Mare Champion and scored 90 points for her IBOP test. As a 4-year old she had a foal by Dancing World.
Her training was picked up again as a 5-year old by Cora Verlouw, who took her to the 2013 Pavo Cup semi-finals. Then Patrick van der Meer took over the ride.
In 2016 Daula II was part of the Excellent Dressage Sales auction collection, but was bought back by Van Uytert for 88,000 euro.
Former Dutch Grand Prix team rider Heijkoop trained the tall, long-legged mare up to Intermediaire II level. She purchased the half ownership share from breeder Barneveld.
Their international debut was in 2017 at the CDI Roosendaal at small tour level. The pair competed internationally for two years at shows such as Mechelen, Lier, Joosland, Uggerhalne, winning four classes in total. Their last CDI two years ago, the CDI Aachen, where they placed fourth in the small tour.
At national level they won the 2017 Dutch Championships at ZZ-Zwaar level (M/S*) and bronze at the 2018 Dutch Championships at small tour level.
"I heard she was a real red-head when I got her three years ago," Heijkoop reminisced. "The goal for me was to train her to the highest level and I can see I succeeded at that. Such a cool mare. She's a very special horse to me, we've achieved so much. I will miss her in my stable, but she'll get a new career and a nice life."
Photo © Astrid Appels
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