Much to her own surprise and joy, Dutch Antoinette te Riele claimed the silver medal at the 2008 European Pony Championships. Riding the youngest pony at the show, the 6-year old Golden Girl, Te Riele had one big mistake in her test and some 'cosmetic errors' but also showed the great potential of her palomino mare.
Te Riele's individual test was far better than her team test ride, which leads to conclusion that her 72.350% score is more deserved than that same score (72.263%) for her team test.
Te Riele entered the ring as the last rider to go in the class. In trot, the mare moved with good tempo and there was a nice contact with the bit. Golden Girl lacks some push off the ground, but in the extensions she covers much ground. In the half pass left, she broke into canter. The walk pirouette left was slightly too big but the extended walk which followed was outstanding. The rein back was difficult with dragging legs not stepping backwards diagonally.
In canter, the rhythm was good and the extensions showed power. The first two simple changes could have been more defined. It took long for the walk to come to expression, the final changes were good. Golden Girl scores with the quality of her basic gaits, but is still young and lacks definition in the execution of the movements. The judges awarded the mare's potential and their score of 72.350% made Antoinette's dreams come true.
"Yesterday I was fourth, but the differences were small. Today I was quite nervous, but I just tried to ride like I always do. We made a few small mistakes, but Golden Girl went super," Te Riele said. "She has tons of talent and always does her best."
Golden Girl is owned by Stal de Ijzeren Man owner and project developer Adri Gordijn, who paid a staggering 70,000 euro for the then 3-year old mare at the 2005 Munster Elite Auction. Gordijn is both grandfather to the Rothenberger kids via his daughter Gonnelien Gordijn and to Antoinette te Riele via his other daughter Antoinette Gordijn.
Text and Photos copyrighted Astrid Appels/Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed without permission
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