Davina, Charon, Be Special Win 2012 KNHS Subli Championships

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2012 KNHS Subli Championships

The 4-year old Davina, the 5-year old Charon and the 6-year old Be Special became the winners of the 2012 KNHS Subli Young Horse Championships held at the KNHS Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, The Netherlands, on Friday 28 December 2012. The Subli Championships can be considered the official Dutch Young Horse Championships open to all breeds, whereas the Pavo Cup finals are restricted to KWPN registered horses.

In the 4-year old division Lisanne der Nederlanden finished at the top aboard Coby van Baalen's KWPN elite mare Davina DVB (by Johnson x Ulft). The mare scored 9 for trot and 9.5 for canter and achieved a total of 87.80 points to claim the title. Judge Mariette Sanders-van Gansewinkel praised the combination for its "very beautiful image and textbook test. The mare has an engine behind. Her trot is very active with much cadence and the canter is incredibly lightfooted." Der Nederlanden only picked up riding the mare in September as the chestnut produced a foal by Don Schufro last spring. Next year she will stay in full training, as it has been decided to flush some embryos for transfer. "We have now qualified for the Dutch selection process for the World Young Horse Championships and that's our next goal," said Der Nederlanden.

The reserve title in the 4-year old division went to Jessica Nijpjes aboard the black Sambucco (by Stedinger). The rider also finished fourth aboard Devil Diamant (by Florencio x Flemmingh). The black Oldenburg bred Sambucco stood out with his swing and elasticity in trot and expressive canter and scored 81.20%. The bronze medal went to Stephanie Kooijman's Dibert L (by Vivaldi x Montecristo) which was presented by former Dutch team young rider Michelle van Lanen who took over the ride from Kooijman after she broke her shin bone. The long legged Dibert scored 80%.

Last year's 4-year old champion Hexagon's Charon (by Rubiquil x Havidoff) prolonged his title in the 5-year old division. Under Thamar Zweistra the small dark bay stallion stood out with his outstanding canter. "My compliments to Thamar for the way she presented him," said judge Sanders. "She painted a beautiful picture in trot with a nice contact. Charon has a ground covering walk and moves through the body. The canter is uphill with much power and potential for collection." Thamar Zweistra and Charon were rejected from the 2012 Dutch team for Verden, but went on to finish fourth at the 2012 Pavo Cup Finals. "We weren't selected for Verden last summer. It was a big disappointment," Zweistra admitted. For 2013 the rider hopes she can prove her worth and qualify for Verden.

Linda Verwaal and her Westfalian bred Rocky LVD (by Rock Forever x Fitipaldi) finished second with 78.80%. Verwaal acquired the horse as a foal at the auction and her horse has not stopped growing ever since. "He still needs to gain in strength, but it's nice that with the Subli Championships you can gain experience with the youngsters and make them stronger," Verwaal commented. Thamar Zweistra and Hexagon's Capetown (by Rubiquil) finished third with 78%.

Fieke Houwen on Be Special The title in the 6-year old division was determined by the quality of the flying changes. Initially Jennifer Sekreve and Before Sunrise (by Damon Hill x Flemmingh) appeared to be heading for gold, but the chestnut mare was not confirmed enough in the changes and finished second with 81.60%. This opened up space for Fieke Houwen and the dark bay Be Special (by Special D x Rex Magna xx) to move into first place as the duo appeared experienced and confirmed at the required level. This duo scored 83.60%. "I never would have dreamt of this," Houwen commented after winning. "My dad bought Be Special together with two other foals. I got to keep one and chose Be Special. He's very scared of other horses, but he trust me completely. I have been riding him since he was 3 years of age. Since we started competing at Z2 level the changes have been going well and that worked to my advantage today."

Dieuwertje van Donselaar and the KWPN bred Brown Boy (by Sandreo) landed a third place with 79%. Last year's 5-year old champion Beau Sejour finished in fourth place under owner Marie Jose Hulsman.

Photo © Digishots

Results - 2012 KNHS Subli Championship

4-year olds

1. Davina DVB (by Johnson) - Lisanne der Nederlanden - 87,80%
2. Sambucco (by Stedinger) - Jessica Nijpjes - 81,20%
3. Dibert L (by Vivaldi) - Michelle van Lanen - 80,00%
4. Devil Diamant N (by Florencio) - Jessica Nijpjes - 79,00%
5. DJ Jazz (by Jazz) - Kim Vugts - 77,60%

5-year olds

1. Hexagon's Charon (by Rubiquil) - Thamar Zweistra - 86,80%
2. Rocky LVD (by Rock Forever) - Linda Verwaal - 79,80%
3. Hexagon's Capetown (by Rubiquil) - Thamar Zweistra - 78,00&
4. Hubinstein (by Hotline) - Niels Bax - 76,00%
5. Cavendish (by Lord Leatherdale) - Inge Broeken de Breuk -

6-year olds

1. Be Special (by Special D) - Fieke Houwen - 83,20%
2. Before Sunrise (by Damon Hill) - Jennifer Sekreve - 81,60%
3. Brown Boy (by Sandreo) - Dieuwertje van Donselaar - 79,00%
4. Beau-Sejour (by Flemmingh) - Marie-José Hulsman - 78,40%
5. Britty (by Flemmingh) - Hans van Bedaf - 74,40%