Ingrid Klimke and Damon Hill NRW No Longer a Combination

Tue, 05/18/2010 - 23:23
German Dressage News

Ingrid Klimke and her young Grand Prix horse Damon Hill NRW are no longer a combination. The owner of the licensed stallion, the Becks family, and Klimke could no longer reach an agreement about the training and handling of this talented FEI horse.

"Damon Hill is now standing at stud at Rüscher-Konermann and will not return to my stable, though initially agreed," Klimke stated. "Unfortunately, the owner and I could not reach a consensus about the management of the stallion, taking into account the training, his show and schedule as well as his health. My years of experience have taught me that a careful management of stallions is essential, especially when they have to combine sport with breeding."

Klimke took care of Damon Hill's training for six years. Under Ingrid Klimke's former student Helen Langehanenberg, Damon Hill NRW (by Donnerhall x Rubinstein) became the 2005 World Young Horse Champion in Verden as a 5-year old. One year later, Klimke won the World Championships with him as well. Klimke continued to train the stallion all the way to Grand Prix level. 

In 2008 the combination became the reserve champions in the Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals (the inofficial small tour championships) at the CDI-W Frankfurt. They competed in the 2009 Medien Cup, making their transition to Grand Prix. In 2010 they were selected for the German Grand Prix B-team.

Photo © Barbara Schnell

Related Links
Ingrid Klimke and Damon Hill Win Medien Cup Warm Up Class
Damon Hill Strikes Back by Becoming the 2005 World Young Horse Champion
Damon Hill and Florencio Win 2005 World Championships in Verden
Damon Hill NRW Renews World Champion's Title

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The dressage arena at the 2010 CDI-W Sopot; jumps are quickly moved aside and judges have to sit in cars while judging the class
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The judges' boxes at Sopot. Reminds one of rural dressage competitions where judges sit in cars or trailers as well