2004 Bundeschampionate

Birgit Wellhausen-Henschke Returns to Glory with Donic

September 6, 2004

It's been a long time since Birgit Wellhausen-Henschke had a taste again of Bundeschampionate glory. In 1997 Henschke finished second in Warendorf riding Renommee, a black mare who later on won the very first World Young Horse Championships and was afterwards sold to Renske Quellhorst to fade away into oblivion.

In 2004, Birgit Henschke almost hit the jackpot again. Riding Vera Rätzmann's Oldenburg gelding Donic (De Niro x Golfclub), Henschke placed fourth with an 8.7 score. Donic is a lovely compact, yet impressive chestnut gelding who moves with great eagerness and functionality. The horse was presented in a beautiful classic way with no flamboyance, but with quietness in rhythm and balance.

"He has an energetic trot, uphill and swinging," Christoph Hess commented. "The extensions in trot are phenomenal. His canter is excellent and he shows much potential to collect. The walk pirouettes are the best we have seen so far. His walk is rhythmic but could be more ground covering."

Birgit Wellhausen Henschke lives with her husband Ulrich Henschke in Bremen and together they manage a dressage and sales facility.

Text and photos copyrighted Astrid Appels/Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed!

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