Katrin Bettenworth's Diamond Flame Sold to U.S. Grand Prix Rider Nancy Later-Lavoie

Dressage

U.S.A.

German professional Katrin Bettenworth has sold her Grand Prix horse Diamond Flame to American Grand Prix rider Nancy Later-Lavoie, who aims to make her come back at the highest level with the mare.

Diamond Flame is an 11-year old Westfalian mare by Diamond Hit x Sir Schölling.

Come Back Star for Nancy Lavoie

Originally named Dorade, the mare was presented at the Westfalian Elite Mare show as a youngster, before beginning her career in sport under the name Diamond Flame. She was trained up to Grand Prix level by Bettenworth.

American Grand Prix rider Nancy Lavoie was in search of a new Grand Prix talent and returned to Katrin Bettenworth's stable in Germany, where she had previously found her most successful horse in her career so far, Alexis D (by Archipel x Gardeulan).

Lavoie traveled to Germany in December 2019 and found Diamond Flame.

Katrin Bettenworth and Duke M in Cappeln

"It was love at the first sight," said Katrin about Nancy's connection with "Blondie" as the liver chestnut mare boasts flaxen mane. "This mare is a piaffe and passage machine. She is very sensitive, but Nancy was able to handle her perfectly."

She continued: "Blondi was with me for nearly six years and she is a super sweet heart, very sensitive, never spooky and full of energy. She is just the perfect combination for a Grand Prix horse. Nancy is a very good rider and will do a fantastic job with Blondie, I am sure. It is a super match and I was very happy to sell this special horse to her and because I know she will get the best home."

Diamond Flame moved to Florida a few weeks ago, right before the corona pandemic brought life to a standstill. The plan is to prepare the horse for the 2021 Wellington show season.

Rising Stars in the Barn

Bettenworth is not without a Grand Prix horse now with a barn full of rising stars, amongst them the two rising Grand Prix horses Duke M and Dantino.

Dantino wins the Inter 2 at the 2019 CDI Cappeln

Katrin and the pair of horses made their international show debut at medium tour level last year at the 2019 CDI Cappeln. It was Katrin's first international in nine years, having her plate full focusing on national competitions as well as running her sales business, Bettenworth Dressurpferde.

The 9-year old Hanoverian gelding Dantino (by Dancier x Royal Blend) and the 11-year old Hanoverian Duke M (by Desperados x Laibach) both have proven their talent and potential at the higest level. While Duke M won several regional Grand Prix classes last season, young gun Dantino won the Intermediaire II at the 2019 CDI Cappeln with 70.794%

"Aside from these two ready Grand Prix horses, I have more up and coming stars who are now schooling developing GP as well as six young prospects with huge talent for the big tour. They are become better every day, so for me it's not a boring time to stay at home," said Katrin.