2004 Bundeschampionate

Gold Fades to Bronze for Forestina

September 11, 2004

Last year Forestina was the winner of the 5-year old Dressage Pony division, this year, her gold medal has faded to a bronze one in the 6-year old class. A Bundeschampion is expected to be brilliant, in his movements as well as in his rideability.

The dark bay mare Forestina, a Rhinelander bred Flying Dream x Derbino offspring, has movement enough. Her walk, trot and canter are ground covering and functional, but her rideability was not excelling in Warendorf. Rider Sophie Viktoria Schmid was pulling the bit almost constantly, especially in the trot work, and was unable to make the mare shine with grace and elegance.

Judge Christoph Hess also voiced this opinion, but was a bit more careful in his choice of words. "She has three good basic gaits, but the bending was not O.K.. It is important that 'lightness' is maintained throughout the test," Hess said. Unfortunately, lightness was not to be sensed in Forestina who steamed through the ring. Pity.

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

Back One Page / Index / Next Page of the Report