Fandango, New Olympic Hopeful for Guenter Seidel

Thu, 01/26/2012 - 11:48
American Dressage News

American Olympic dressage rider Guenter Seidel of Cardiff, Ca, has acquired a new Grand Prix horse with the help of Ed and Camille Penhoet of Toyon Farm in Napa Valley and will be aiming for a spot on the US Team at this summer’s Olympic Games in London.

Seidel will be campaigning Marie Meyers’ top Grand Prix horse Fandango through August of 2012. Fandango is a 1997 born Oldenburg gelding by Feinbrand out of Utgard (by Figaro), which Meyers discovered at Stefan van Ingelgem's stable in Belgium. The bay gelding is bred by Helmut Kleen.

“I am thrilled that Marie made this opportunity available and that Camille and Ed’s gracious support is making it possible," Seidel commented. "I know the horse really well and he’s a super talent. Right now we’re focused on getting ready for the upcoming selection trials.”

No stranger to the top levels of international dressage Seidel is a three-time Olympic bronze medal winner and WEG team silver medal winner.

Aboard Fandango he participated in the exhibition at the 2009 FEI World Cup in Las Vegas and wowed audiences with his “Phantom of the Opera” themed Pas de Deux.

Under his owner Marie Meyers, Fandango was the 2008 Intermediaire II USDF Horse of the Year and finished fourth in the 2006 US National Championships at the Small Tour level.

Photo © Dirk Caremans

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