Dutch Grand Prix rider Karen Nijvelt had to say goodbye to Maestro, her Grand Prix ride from 2009 till 2013. The horse was 26 years old.
Maestro was a Dutch warmblood stallion by Contango out of Carion (by Joost x Abgar xx). He was bred by J. Mors.
The black stallion arrived at Karen Nijvelt's barn as a foal and was an approved KWPN stallion, with the majority of his offspring born between 2008 and 2014. His most famous get is Darwin (Karen Nijvelt), Easy VZ (Ruth Hole) and Esprit (Brianna Shelly).
Nijvelt trained the stallion from novice level to Grand Prix. He was owned by the breeder until 2010 and then switched ownership to Nijvelt's Stable Belvedere.
The pair made its international show debut at Prix St Georges level in 2002. In 2006 they moved to international Grand Prix level. Between 2009 and 2012 they competed solely at French internationals: Biarritz, Pompadour, Vidauban, and Compiegne.
At the 2009 Dutch Dressage Championships they were 18th in the Special. At the 2009 Dutch Dressage Championships they were 11th overall in the big tour.
On 6 August, Maestro passed away at age 26.
"This afternoon we had to say goodbye to Maestro with pain in our heart," said Nijvelt. "He arrived in Hoeven as a foal and we experienced so much together. Of course there were many ups, but also some downs, like for instance his colic surgery right before he was licensed with the KWPN. The good memories prevail because he was a great personality and a special talent."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
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Contango Passed Away