Carl Hester and his 2009 European Championship mount Liebling II have been reunited in an attempt to qualify again on the British team for the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, 27 September - 1 October 2010. Canadian owner John Risley graciously offered Hester the ride on Liebling with whom the Brit won team silver at the 2009 European Championships in Windsor, Great Britain.
In March 2010 the 13-year old Holsteiner gelding Liebling II (by Lorentin x Königspark xx) sold to Risley who sponsors Cheryl Meisner in her quest to represent Canada at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Meisner has been based with Bert Ruttern in Hunsel, The Netherlands, since this spring and competed "Lenny" at a few international dressage competitions but has been unable to achieve high enough scores to be considered for the Canadian Team. The dark bay gelding has now returned to Hester's stable in Hartpury, where Carl will give it another try at British team qualification
"Cheryl and her sponsor felt time was running out to qualify Lenny due to a lack of time she has had to get to know him," Hester told Eurodressage. "So they very generously offered him to me for WEG. Obviously am excited to have him back."
Meisner will continue her focus on Paganini, her number one Grand Prix horse by Havidoff x Statuar. The pair is currently ranked fifth on the Canadian WEG short list with a score average of 66.500%.
Hester started the season campaigning Sasha Stewart's 9-year old Grand Prix horse Uthopia, a KWPN licensed stallion by Metall x Inspekteur, and achieved high scores with him at the 2010 Sunshine Tour in Spain. Since April the stallion has not been out in the show ring.
"Uthopia is sound and well but I felt due to his age and the fact I have little time after his stud duties to prepare him for British team criteria, we decided to aim him for the 2012 London Olympics," said Hester
Text & Photo © Astrid Appels - No reproduction without permission
Related Links
British Team Horse Liebling II Sold to Canada
DGH Utopia to Carl Hester