The Dutch team pony Prince Z has been sold to Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff, who has acquired the 7-year old New Forest Pony for her daughter Marie. The black Make My Day offspring left The Netherlands on Friday for his new home in Kronberg.
Febe van Zwambagt and Prince Z were one of several shooting stars in Holland at FEI Pony level. The pair won the Imperial Riding Cup show circuit and made it on the Dutch team for the 2011 European Pony Championships in Jaszkowo, Poland. Their the combination earned team silver and finished fifth in the Kur to Music Finals. At the 2011 Dutch Pony Championships the pair had to retire in the freestyle finals as Prince Z got spooky and the rider couldn't finish the test.
The 13-year old Febe was growing too tall for Prince Z and with the bay pony stallion Watson as the successor at hand, it was no secret that the Van Zwambagt family could sell the pony if the right offer came along.
Through the mediation of German chef d'equipe Cornelia Endres Prince Z was brought to Germany for a try-out for a client whose identity was not yet revealed. Because the match with Marie was a succesful one the pony got sold.
"We were dreading selling Prince," Febe's mother Hennie van Zwambagt told Horses.nl. "We've had Prince for more than four years and went to the European Championships as normal people. We are eternally grateful to this pony."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Prince Z
Febe van Zwambagt and Prince Z Win 2011 Imperial Riding Cup Finals
Sanne Vos and Champ of Class Win 2011 Dutch Pony Championships
Dutch Team Selected for 2011 European Pony Championships