Drama for Danielle Van Aalderen as her 18-year old Junior Riders' horse Festivo passed away after a short period of illness. The licensed Westfalian breeding stallion Festivo (by Fruhlingsball x Pasteur)
and bred by Th. Leuchten (GER)) was still fit despite his age -- not including his severe leg injury in 2001-2002 -- and was ready to make the transition to Young Riders' level. Festivo passed away December 23, 2002.
Van Aalderen discovered the stallion through her former trainer Coby van Baalen who received the stallion for competition from her trainer Johann Hinnemann. Festivo was up for stud at Hinnemann's but due to unsatisfying performances at Prix St Georges level under Van Baalen, a new career for Festivo proved more fruitful.
Van Baalen sold Festivo to her junior rider's student Van Aalderen who became the 1999 Dutch Junior Riders Champion with him. Other successes include the bronze and double silver team medal at the 1999, 2001 and 2002 European Junior Riders' Championships. Her best individual placing was a 7th position at the 2001 European Junior Riders Championships.
Van Aalderen only recently moved her horse to Anky van Grunsven's stable, as a change in trainers was felt needed. A post mortem examination will be conducted on Festivo to discover the real cause of death.
Images copyrighted: Dirk Caremans - Arnd Bronkhorst
Related Link
Dutch Pony, Junior and Young Riders Teams Announced