Klimke was the favourite for the 2008 Nurnberger Burgpokal title, but in the finals, the Westfalian stallion lacked some collection in the canter despite the fact that the trot was outstanding.

Ingrid Klimke and her young Grand Prix horse Damon Hill NRW are no longer a combination. The owner of the licensed stallion, the Becks family, and Klimke could no longer reach an agreement about the training and handling of this talented FEI horse.

"Damon Hill is now standing at stud at Rüscher-Konermann and will not return to my stable, though initially agreed," Klimke stated. "Unfortunately, the owner and I could not reach a consensus about the management of the stallion, taking into account the training, his show and schedule as well as his health. My years of experience have taught me that a careful management of stallions is essential, especially when they have to combine sport with breeding."

Klimke took care of Damon Hill's training for six years. Under Ingrid Klimke's former student Helen Langehanenberg, Damon Hill NRW (by Donnerhall x Rubinstein) became the 2005 World Young Horse Champion in Verden as a 5-year old. One year later, Klimke won the World Championships with him as well. Klimke continued to train the stallion all the way to Grand Prix level. 

In 2008 the combination became the reserve champions in the Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals (the inofficial small tour championships) at the CDI-W Frankfurt. They competed in the 2009 Medien Cup, making their transition to Grand Prix. In 2010 they were selected for the German Grand Prix B-team.

Photo © Barbara Schnell

Related Links
Ingrid Klimke and Damon Hill Win Medien Cup Warm Up Class
Damon Hill Strikes Back by Becoming the 2005 World Young Horse Champion
Damon Hill and Florencio Win 2005 World Championships in Verden
Damon Hill NRW Renews World Champion's Title