The "Herwart von der Decken-Prize" is a unique award given to the best Hanoverian mare family every four years. And it couldn't have been more suited: the valuable prize went to state premium mare Lizeth by Londonderry x Von Velten (breeder: Christina Kruse, Cuxhaven)
and her two daughters, state premium mare Harmonie by Hochadel, and a two-year-old by Fuerst Nymphenburg, bred and exhibited by Hans-Henning von der Decken, Stade, the son of the eponym.
State premium mare Harmonie already left the Mare Show in Verden four years ago as Champion Mare of the dressage division. The family of state premium mare Rafinesse by Rohdiamant x Eisenbarth, bred and owned by Harald Thelker, Ostercappeln, occupied the second place at this family competition.
The Herwart von der Decken- Show, the traditional opening of the International Dressage and Show Jumping Festival in Verden, started with a highlight. State premium candidate Cunterbunte by Cassini II x Garibaldi II (breeder and exhibitor: Diedrich Meyer, Koehlen) convincingly won the free jumping under the open sky. "She was the most complete horse today: Outstanding jumping capabilities and displaying good movement," Breeding Manager Dr. Werner Schade said. The Scendix x Contendro-daughter Scenletha (breeder and exhibitor: Egon Schroeder, Hittbergen) finished runner-up as Reserve Champion Mare.
The division of halfbred mares was a class of its own, particularly emphasizing the importance of the thoroughbred stallion Lauries Crusador xx for the Hanoverian breed. The Celle state stud stallion was the sire of all seven participants. "This mare is a motivation for all breeders to decide on a thoroughbred stallion," was Dr. Werner Schade's enthusiastic comment about the Champion Mare. State premium candidate Letizia by Lauries Crusador xx x Hohenstein (breeder and exhibitor: breeders' alliance Grube, Drochtersen) accomplished the victory lap, decorated with laurel wreath and winner ribbon. Second finished state premium candidate La Vida SL by Lauries Crusador xx/Brentano II (breeder and exhibitor: breeding site Schmitz-Leitner, Rommerskirchen).
The winning mare in the dressage division was rewarded with lots of applause. State premium candidate Royal Rose M by Royal Classic x Weltmeyer (breeder and exhibitor: Klaus Michaelis, Basdahl) impressed with her powerful trot and her perfect, shiny conformation. "An exemplary, modern riding horse as we would wish them to be, clever and with marvelous, elastic movement," Theodor Leuchten, Chairman of the Rhinelander breed society, said. State premium candidate Fleur by Floriscount/Wild Dance (breeder: Angela Fitschen, Scheeßel, exhibitor: Anneli Brunckhorst, Hollenstedt) was nominated Reserve Champion.
14 show jumping, seven halfbred and 37 dressage mares participated at this show event. Nine families competed for the Herwart von der Decken-Prize. Theodor Leuchten, Daan Nanning from the Netherlands and Konrad Böth, Hermann-Juergen Rump, Hartmut Wilking, Dr. Werner Schade and Dr. Ludwig Christmann were the judges.
Photo © Christina Beuke
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