Helma de Jong: ‘Good quality in use classes in Sevenum’

At the Regional judging of Department South in Sevenum, judge Helma de Jong got to see seven participants in the use sections, as well as a young handler. She invited them all to the Central judging in Kootwijk Aug. 17, 2019. “With great pleasure I judged the use sections this day,” she said.

Helma de Jong: “There were not so many participants, but the quality we got to see was very good. All participants performed convincingly, this also thanks to the fine help of ringmaster Denise Methorst.”

Gear section

Shamrocklake The Cool Colonell competed with Marijke Oskam in the single span harness ponies class. Helma de Jong: ”The Cool Colonell started with a lot of tension and his tongue over the bit but was well taken care of by his driver Marijke Oskam. After this was remedied he showed much more what he is capable of. Because of these qualities the he certainly deserves to make his appearance in Kootwijk.”

Shamrocklake Heart of Stone was presented by Andries de Geus in the same class. “Shamrocklake Heart of Stone was beautifully presented by Andries de Geus and stood out with a nice constant movement and touch. We are also going to enjoy seeing this tightening back in Kootwijk.”

Men's sections

Emmalie van Welie mounted Ramon in the men's pony single-carriage class and also entered Ramon and chessmate High Flown's Roemer in the track for the men's pony double-carriage class.

“In the single span men's pony we saw Ramon. A very workmanlike pony, who sometimes went through the track almost too enthusiastically so he could not quite finish his passes nicely. His driver Emmalie van Welie will take this on board as a point of attention in her training for Kootwijk where we would also like to see this combination back.”

“Emmalie presented the beautiful double pair with obvious pleasure. A pleasure to watch and certainly the moments when both ponies ran as ‘one’ were wonderful.” The double span is also headed to Kootwijk.

Driving sections

Section B Dorado DE was presented by Anouk Blonk. “They are a nice combination. The pony liked to walk a bit outwardly set, which didn't always make riding easier for Anouk, she is therefore going to train extra with Dorado for Kootwijk on stance and flexion in the pony.”

The NWR Maurik's Iggy Azalea was beautifully presented by Gaby Versleijen. “With the spur in canter as a point of attention. The pony had a nice steady touch and the combination gave a nice, calm image to look at.” This combination also goes on to Kootwijk.

The Welsh Partbred Iscar was presented nicely by rider Xanthe Daniëlse. “Despite the heat and the busy day this combination had already had, they managed to put down a promising presentation. Iscar's spacious gaits came out even better when his rider started to ride a little ‘easier’.” We will see this combination back in Kootwijk.

Young presenter

In the 12 to 16-year-old young handler category, Dabernon Meghan was presented very nicely by Sharona van der Heide. “She set up Dabernon Meghan nicely and had her attention on her pony. During her presentation she used the track optimally. They too are going through to Kootwijk.”