Danish Grand Prix rider Andreas Helgstrand has secured the ride on the 2010 World Young Horse Champion UNO Donna Unique by buying a 50% share in the ownership.
The Danish warmblood mare attracted much interest from buyers after she became a silver medallist at the 2009 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, but the owners said no to the offers. However, in 2010 the mare was the World Champion and the offers increased.
"We weren't ready to sell her before the World Championship this year even though the interest had been enormous from both home parties and abroad," said Joan Andreasen and Søren Melgaard of Stuteri UNO, who are Donna Unique's breeders and owners.
Before taking a final decision on the sale, the owners asked Helgstrand if he was interested in buying half. "I didn't doubt my decision for a second and I'm very happy about that," said Andreas.
Helgstrand and the owners confirmed that they are considering flushing eggs from the mare to breed with her via embryotransfer.
The Don Schufro x Falkland mare is currently having a show break. She is completely ready for the 7-year old horse tests and will get a break from competition till the end of the year.
"It's unbelievable how much this horse has developed the past year and I think she has it all to become a top horse," Helgstrand added. In an interview with Ridehesten.com he admitted that he believes she might be a future Olympic Games' horse or one for the European Championships.
Source: Ridehesten.com
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