Two chestnut lookalikes, both sired by the Hanoverian stallion De Niro, dominated the Grand Prix Special at the 2010 CDI Fritzens and have indicated that they are two star horses to be reckoned with in the future. Spanish Beatriz Ferrer-Salat won the Special aboard the 9-year old Westfalian Delgado with 74.125%, whereas German Anabel Balkenhol placed second on the 10-year old Hanoverian Dablino with 73.458%.
Though Delgado and Dablino have the talent, athleticism and movement potential that absolutely equals at least Holland's number two horse Parzival, the judges are keeping their 10-score cards in their pockets and still remain "conservative" in scoring these brilliant stars. These two chestnut could certainly challenge the ruling Dutch team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, at least if the slate is wiped clear and all horses are assessed by the judges on equal terms without taking star-status halo-effects into account.
In the gorgeous Austrian Alps at Evelyn Haim-Swarovski's dressage stable, Ferrer-Salat and Delgado won the Special. Their test was not fault-free so it indicates the extra scoring potential of this pair. Their trot half passes were brilliant and the quite forward passage has much suspension. The half pass right could have been a bit more fluent. In piaffe Delgado has much sit and power but he struggled a bit with relaxation and the transition to passage could be more flowing. In the canter half passes the Westfalian covered much ground, but could have had more relaxation over the back to make even bigger strides. This young Grand Prix horse, which is doing its first season at the highest level, still lacks a bit of straightness in the one tempi's (which had a mistake) and he made an unscripted extra change in the 9 one tempi's on the centerline. The pirouette left was delightful. With scores between 72.708 % and 76.458 %, they averaged a 74.125 %.
It was a toss up for the victory between Ferrer-Salat and Anabel Balkenhol on Dablino. The German had a much quieter contact with the bit and the transitions to and from piaffe and passage were much more fluent and regular, but in piaffe Dablino still travels too much forward for his age. The pirouette left was a bit big and he changed behind right before the pirouette right. The trot extensions was extraordinary as well as the half passes. Dablino has an amazing regularity and long lasting suspension in the passage, as Delgado. The 10-year olds tempi changes, both the two's and the one's, are ground covering and uphill and straighter than his one year younger lookalike.
Both pairs are a delight to watch and it would be thrilling to see them compete in Kentucky. The battle for silver and bronze will be tougher than ever!
Ulla Salzgeber and her sensitive, spooky Thuringian branded mare Wakana (by Wolkentanz II x Wanderbusch II) finished third with 72.458%. This muscled 10-year old chestnut diva is a handful to steer round the ring, but Salzgeber gets her on her wavelength some exciting dressage can be seen: strong engagement from behind in the trot extensions, lots of crossing in the half passes, beautiful pirouettes.
Isabell Werth and her 16-year old Hanoverian Satchmo (by Sao Paulo x Legat) were not in complete accord in the Special. The bay gelding twice broke into canter in the extended trot on the long side. The passage was nice and regular but quite forward and free. The trot half passes were once more a highlight and the extended walk was large and relaxed. However, the onset of the first piaffe was stressy with a swooshing tail and within seconds the gelding resisted and almost reared. The second piaffe was better; on the spot but treading on his own hind legs. The canter half passes were fantastic as well as the big tempi changes. The final trot extensions was one of the best movements of the test. They got 71.625% from the panel of judges.
See complete 2010 CDI Fritzens results here
Photos © Maximilian Schreiner
Video © Clip My Horse
Related Links
Beatriz Ferrer-Salat: Inspired by Her Family, Worked For Success
Balkenhol's Dablino Wins 2009 Otto Lörke Prize
