With 89.60%, the KWPN stallion Obsession Taonga, ridden by Lara van Nek, won the small final for 5-year-olds this evening. The judges praised the stallion for his appearance, expressive gaits, and recognized real talent for the future. Under Jessica Lynn Thomas, Oz (by Expression) narrowly missed qualifying for the big final, finishing in fourth place.

Obsession Taonga (by Vitalis out of Jatilinda, elite preferent IBOP-dressage sport-dressage PROK by All At Once, bred by Stal 104 BV from Wijdewormer) also performed well in the qualification, but some tension affected his score. Today, he made a comeback under Lara van Nek. His trot was consistently active, showing good use of the hind leg and a lot of elasticity. In the canter, the stallion was also beautifully uphill and well balanced. “This is a horse with great future potential. He is expressive and truly a talent for the future,” the judges praised.

Oz Shows Potential
Swedish rider Jessica Lynn Thomas presented the KWPN horse Oz for the Netherlands nicely in both tests, but with 83.60% and a fourth place in the small final, he just missed the big final. Oz (by Expression out of Firalda, elite sport-dressage PROK by Oscar, bred by R.J.M. Kauffeld-Jansen from Ede) demonstrated a beautiful elastic trot and was presented very naturally. His walk was also clear and the judges found the stallion consistently moving in a good connection.

Just as in the qualification, On Fire (by Indian Rock out of Jewel D.E. PROK by Davino V.O.D., bred by R. van Rooijen from Alphen aan den Rijn), representing Canada, also stood out positively. With 80.00%, the mare, ridden by Beatrice Boucer, finished in tenth place. “The trot was active and showed good use of the hind leg. It is a very charming and elegant horse,” the judges noted. Orado (by Desperado out of Cazanne, elite sport-dressage IBOP-dressage PROK by Johnson, bred by J.G.J. de Louw from Sterksel) placed 11th for the United States with 79.60% under Alice Tarjan. Just below in 13th place with 78.60% was Oberon (by Kensington out of Alina, elite sport-dressage IBOP-dressage PROK by Painted Black, bred by Stal Perlee and A.P.E. Goldschmeding from Maartensdijk) under Daria Suchshinkaya.

Overview page World Championships for Young Dressage Horses

Text: BvH for KWPN
Photography: Digishots