DPC Houten: Lots of talent at final selection match

Last Saturday was an exciting day at the very last qualifying competition at Zilfia’s Hoeve in Houten for the young dressage talents competing in the Dutch Pony Championship. Would they be able to earn the points needed to secure a spot in the finals, scheduled for September 9 in IJsselmuiden? Judges Willeke Bos and Lara van Nek had the difficult task of evaluating the four-, five-, and six-year-old ponies.

Four-year-olds

Victory in the four-year-old class for the NRPS-registered stallion Cream de Luxe DV, who is also approved by the NWPCS.

• 1. Romee Schoenmakers, riding the stallion Cream de Luxe DV, scored 89 points.
• 3 Willisha Holzken, riding the gelding Onyx Emelwerth, scored 84.5 points.

Three ponies scored over 80 points in the four-year-old class. Just like two weeks ago, it was the striking perlino NRPS stallion Cream de Luxe DV (by Cassanova du Bois) who finished at the top with his rider Romee Schoenmakers. He achieved an average score of nearly 9, with a 9.5 for his sublime canter and overall impression. “A pony with a real wow factor—the looks, the movement, the whole package!” commented Willeke. “Romee presented him very neatly and professionally. Unfortunately, she’s almost reached the age limit for pony riders, but a younger rider will soon make a big impression with him!”

The Welsh gelding Onyx Emelwerth (by Despacito AT), ridden by Willisha Holzken, scored 84.5 points. He had to settle for a 7.5 in the trot in Houten, but scored 8.5s and 9s in all other categories, good for 84.5 points and third place. “They’re still a young pair, but the way she’s already performing bodes well for the future,” says Willeke.

Five-year-olds

A top-three finish among the five-year-olds for Welsh-bred ponies.

• 1. Lizette Kamper, riding the stallion Monaco WNE, scored 91.5 points.
• 2 Sophie van Iwaarden, riding the stallion Hexagons Dragonfly, scored 87.5 points.
• 3 Vanity Hus, riding the gelding Goldwinshoeve Vuego, scored 81.5 points.

In the large group of five-year-olds, the victory went to Monaco WNE (NRPS, by FS Mr. Right), ridden by Lizette Kamper, with a record score of 91.5 points. The approved NRPS stallion by FS Mr. Right received, among other things, a 9.5 for his superb trot and overall impression. Willeke: “The five-year-olds showed a lot of quality across the board—it was truly a pleasure to watch. In our opinion, Monaco WNE has everything a pony should have: three amazing gaits, a nice contact, a great attitude—and all that in a beautiful coat color! Lizette was clearly enjoying herself on this handsome pony.”

The runner-up, Hexagons Dragonfly ridden by Sophie van Iwaarden—last year’s champion in the four-year-old division—also earned a nine for overall impression. This mini version of Double Dutch scored an impressive 87.5 points. “Hexagons Dragonfly is an incredibly impressive pony with amazing balance and movement; he’s definitely going to be a top FEI pony. Sophie rode him beautifully!” Goldwinshoeve Vuego (NWPCS, by Goldwinshoeve Valerion) with Vanity Hus, G-Star (NWPCS, by Maarlen’s Romeo), and Brummerhoeve’s I.Q.H. (New Forest, by Sulaatiks Vingino) with Fenne Houben all achieved scores of over 80 points. Willeke: “Goldwinshoeve Vuego has clearly inherited the good genes from his parents; he may have looked just a tad less experienced than the number 1 and 2, but there was no lack of quality. Together with Vanity, this is a combination to keep an eye on.”

Six-year-olds

Don Chello took third place in the six-year-old division.

• 3 Isa Westendarp Knol, riding the gelding Don Chello, scored 80 points.

Don Chello and his rider Isa are a joy to watch; Isa rides him around the arena very professionally, and Don Chello responds well to her aids. He excels with his fantastic walk. We should definitely keep an eye on this pair as well.

The full article and results can be found here

Text: DPC, edited for NWPCS by Lonneke van Laarhoven

Seen an error? Email webredactie.nwpcs@gmail.com