In the first qualification for the Seven-year-olds, 40 combinations appeared in the arena. A great variety of horses, with a lot of quality as common denominator. The KWPN-approved stallion Las Vegas (Ferdeaux out of provisional keur mare Dalia Delin by Wynton) and his rider Hans Peter Minderhoud achieved the best result. He was bred by the Deenen family in Heijen and is registered with Nico Witte and Nol Gerritsen. 

 

With a total score of 81.170, Las Vegas placed fourth. Las Vegas has already participated in the World Cup twice before, in 2021 with Franka Loos and last year with Emmelie Scholten. Hans Peter Minderhoud is now in the saddle of this powerhouse with its beautiful frame. Las Vegas showed a very nice trot, always moving freely from the shoulder. For this he was rewarded a 8.9. His mega canter resulted in a 9.0, as did his perspective. The walk was pure but could be a little more through the body. 

 

Lightning Star

Close behind Las Vegas came the KWPN mare Lightning Star (by Ferguson) and Kirsten Brouwer. In 2021, this mare won the bronze medal at the World Cup and last year she participated in the final. She is currently successful at 4th level. In her test she showed a lot of 'go', got through the body very well with a mega transition. Her trot is very light-footed and in the canter she kept a beautiful posture. For the walk she received an 8.8, which brought her total score to 80.209. The dam of Lightning Star is elite performance preference sports mare Daily Enjoy (De Niro x OO Seven). Lightning Star is registered with R&R Sporthorses BV, and Stal Brouwer. She is bred by Titan Wilaras.

 

Lord Platinum

The KWPN gelding Lord Platinum is also by Ferguson and has the same breeder. He was attractively presented for the Netherlands by Fransisco Benitez Sanchez. This is also the third time competing at the World Cup for this chestnut gelding. Last year he finished fifth in the final. He trotted actively and off the ground, could extend very well in the easy canter. The dam of Lord Platinum is provisionally keur mare How Pretty Platinum (Bretton Woods x Jazz). He is registered with Esther Bakker-Lafout, Kirsten Beckers and Wiro Bakker.

 

First Lewis

First Lewis, also a son of Ferguson, was voted best stallion at the Pavo Cup last year with his rider Niels Bax. He also showed his qualities in this qualifier. He trotted nicely in rhythm and balance. The canter had impulsion and he really settled into the pirouettes. He scored an 8.9 for his trot and the total score was 76.013. The dark bay stallion is registered with Martin Bax and stallion farm De IJzeren Man. He was bred by L. van Grunsven out of the preferent provisional keur mare Elena (by Wynton).

 

L'Amour

Charlotta Rogerson presented the KWPN horse L'Amour (by Grand Galaxy Win) for Switzerland. He showed a lot of self carriage and collection and a lot of flexion in the joints, but the judges commented that he should show a little more body use in all exercises. He was bred by J.W.J.M. Janssen and is registered with James Rogerson. His mother is Zalite (by San Remo). Immediately after this combination, another Grand Galaxy Win- son entered the ring, Global Player, who eventually ended up in second place. The victory today went to the Hanoverian Danciero (Dancier x Floriscount) with his rider Anna Kasprzak.

 

Photo Las Vegas by Dirk Caremans

 

Source: KWPN