In Park Brakkestein of Nijmegen the Dutch Dressage Championships were organized for the Third time from 4th till 7th June 1998. Thanks to the good footing the show still continued despite of the rainy weather.
Expected winner was again Anky Van Grunsven who achieved the title of Dutch Dressage Champion for the ninth time. A few weeks ago Anky announced that she would be showing her two horses Bonfire (Oldenburger by Welt As) and TCN Partout (Trakehner by Arogno). She said that TCN Partout would be her first choice because one day this brown stallion needs to become the first horse of Anky when Bonfire will be retiring. But at the championships she changed her mind because Bonfire ran so well and she claimed the national title again with Oldenburger.
Sven Rothenberger didn't show his Jonggor's Weyden (Hann. by Western Star) because he was needed as stud. He saddled Without A Doubt, but the horse is not that experienced and the walk and piaffe definitely need improvement. Great rising Star was Coby Van Baalen with "Black Beauty" Olympic Ferro (KWPN by Ulft x Farn). Ferro is an imposing horse and he already has proven his qualities as sire (three of his descendants are already approved as studs: Kennedy, Metall, Negro). Coby Van Baalen showed Ferro exquisitely but the combination can still improve in their unity. Trainer Johan Hinnemann was very happy with his pupil's performance and he sees a great combination for the future in them.
Rider - Horse - Grand Prix Score - Special Score - Freestyle Score
- 1. Anky van Grunsven - Bonfire - 75.80 - 75.72 - 81.53%
- 2. Ellen Bontje - Silvano N - 70.68 - 69.91 - 75.36 %
- 3. Coby van Baalen - Ferro - 66.04 - 70.60 - 74.71%
- 4. Sven Rothenberger - Without a Doubt - 69.08 - 69.44 - 71.21%
- 5. Imke Bartels - Barbria - 66.72 - 68.47 - 70.67%
- 6. Leida Strijk - Celiton - 68.04 - 67.30 - 67.81%
In the Junior Riders division we saw Marlies Van Baalen (daughter of Coby Van Baalen) win with her stallion Inspekteur. Dominique Fillion became Reserve champion with Cyrano, Joyce Heutink followed on the third place with her mare Irish Dancer. Mischa Koot became Young Riders champion with Berkenhorst Discovery, Tyrza Van Iperen received the silver medal with Tolstoi and 21 years old Kirstin Beckers deserved bronze with Ouli B.