Jeanine Nekeman's Ferrari Passed Away

Dressage

The Netherlands

Jeanine Nekeman's internationally competed Grand Prix horse Ferrari has passed away. He was 16 years old.

Ferrari was by s by Apache out of keur mare Vivaldi by Jazz x Wellington. He was bred by J.A.M. van Deurzen from Nuenen, The Netherlands.

KWPN Foal Champion

The striking colt was proclaimed 2010 KWPN Foal of the Year at the KWPN horse days in Ermelo. Judge Toine Hoefs said at the time, "this is a foal which lives up to the breeding standard. He moves easily and especially the smooth canter stands out. He is a complete foal."

Ferrari sold as a youngster to Lens Nekeman. The ride was first allocated to Yessin Rahmouni, who competed him at the 2016 World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo to a 26th place in the 6-year old consolation finals.

Nicky Snijder rode Ferrari for the Nekeman family in the Pavo Cup and competed him up to Z2 level before Jeanine Nekeman took over the ride.

Jeanine Nekeman

The new pair debuted in the spring of 2017 and rode their first international at Young Riders level at the CDI Roosendaal in June 2016.

As of 2017 the duo competed in the international small tour at CDi's in Compiegne, Exloo, Le Mans, Joosland, and Saumur. In 2020 they made the transition to Under 25 Grand Prix level, first in Le Mans, and then at CDI's in Opglabbeek, Exloo, Compiegne and Deauville. At the 2021 Dutch Under 25 Championships they were third in the consolation final.

As of 2022 the duo competed in the senior Grand Prix tour at numerous shows. Their last international was in Herning in October 2023.

Untimely Passing

Nekeman announced the passing of Ferrari on 8 May 2026.

"After being my best friend for nearly 10 years, we have had to say goodbye to you," Jeanine stated; "You were with us from a foal, and I started riding him when he was 7. We went through everything together and grew up from Z2 to eventually GP. Even though you later went through life with one eye due to a fungal infection, you always tried your best. The sweetest with a heart of gold. We already miss you at the stable, but this was the only and hardest choice we had to make. Now you are no longer in pain. Thank you for everything you have done for me, dear Ferry."