2004 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses

Hans Peter Minderhoud Makes History with Florencio

July 12, 2004

Not only did Florencio score the highest marks the judges have ever decorated a horse with at the World Championships, but Hans Peter Minderhoud has also won his third World Champion's title in his career. In 2002 and 2003 Minderhoud won the championships aboard the NRPS bred Rubels (by Rafurstinels).

Though Hans Peter scored higher with Florencio, you won't hear the Dutch rider say that Florencio is better. "Both horses are very good," Minderhoud said. "With Rubels I have an emotional bond. I found him myself when he was two and that's more special to me. I got Florencio when he was four but he often went back to Germany for breeding."

Only two horses have ever scored a 10 at the World Championships. This year, Florencio got a 10 for his canter, last year the Brandenburg mare Poetin got 10 for her trot.

Though Poetin is an astonishing dressage horse with the most breath taking trot, Florencio seems to be a more complete dressage horse, excelling in all three gaits. Poetin "only" scored 7 for her walk and a 9.5 for her canter.

However, it is worth mentioning that Poetin achieved these marks in the 6-year old division, and not in the 5-year old class like Florencio. Furthermore, the Hanoverian mare Cherie (by Don Primero) did score an overall 9.8 for her winning ride in the 6-year old finals at the 2002 World Championships. In 2000, 5-year old Keystone Dimaggio got 9.50 in the finals at the World Championships in Arnhem.

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

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