German A-team Grand Prix rider Carola Koppelmann has received the ride on 2008 World Young Horse Champion Desperado OLD. The 7-year old Oldenburg gelding arrived at Koppelmann's stable already six months ago.
Koppelmann took Desperado OLD to the 2010 CDI Wiesbaden where she schooled him and revealed her new top ride to the public.
Though only 7 years old, Desperado OLD has already been in the limelight since he was four. He was the price highlight of the 2007 Vechta Elite Auction selling for 210,000 euro to Pferd24, the company behind Nadine Plaster and Simon Kohlenbrenner. CP Medien chairman Ralf Hartmann also obtained 50% ownership in this horse.
Plaster and Desperado OLD dazzled the judges and crowds at the 2008 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, where they won the 5-year old division with an 8.84 mark. In 2009, the combination finished fifth with 8.22 in the 6-year old World Championships.
Ralf Hartmann recently acquired full ownership of the horse and placed it with Koppelmann to train and compete. The sympathetic 32-year old Carola recently lost the ride on her Grand Prix horse Insterburg TSF, which sold to Sweden. However, with Desperado OLD she has a new FEI star for the future.
Photo © Barbara Schnell
Related Links
Desperado, Price Highlight at 2007 Vechta October Elite Auction
Desperado OLD Makes a Winning Move in the 5-year old World Championship
Desperado OLD Heads 5-year old Qualifier for Finals in Verden
Westpoint Wows the Crowds in 6-year old Finals
