2005 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses

Belgian Selection Trial: Nick van Laer and Hennessy XO Wins 5-year old class

Judges Mariette Withages, Freddy Leyman and Jacques van Daele were planted in the judge's box to analyze and discuss the rides of twelve 5-year olds and six 6-year olds.

In general, the quality of the 5-year olds was pretty decent, with a couple of interesting horses and several other horses who were nice riding horses, but wouldn't stand out in a field of world class potentials in Verden.

The distinguished winner of the 5-year old division and qualified for Verden was the Oldenburg stallion Hennessy Xo (Hohenstein x Welt Hit II). Fresh Belgian LRV Eventing Champion Nick van Laer presented this black stallion in a good manner. The horse was nicely on the bit, with the nose slightly above the vertical, but on the bit.

Hennessy's trot work was rhythmical with much looseness in the body, though the horse did lose his balance a bit when the reins were lengthened. The walk showed at least 2 hooves overstep, but was a bit quick and the canter work was active behind and ground covering. Hennessy Xo and Nick van Laer scored 80.20 points and had the highest mark in the 5-year old division.

Hennessy XO is bred and owned by Jean van Laer of brood farm De Nayakker. "Nick has been riding Hennessy for three months now, and the first time he got on him, they clicked immediately," Jean van Laer told Eurodressage. "I also have a yearling called 'Highness' who is a full brother to Hennessy," van Laer added.

Text and Photos copyrighted: Astrid Appels/Eurodressage - No Reproduction Allowed
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