Thirty-eight international junior and young riders came into action at the 2012 CDI Leudelange in Luxembourg on 12 - 15 September 2012. In the junior riders' division Belgian Michel Muyters and his Hanoverian stallion Riverdance ruled the roost. In the Young Riders category a trio of riders fought for top honours.
Belgian Michel Muyters and the 14-year old Hanoverian stallion Riverdance (by Wolkentanz II x Hill Hawk xx) reigned in the team championship test (71.036%) as well as the kur to music (74.708%). The dark bay stallion moves with good energy and is expressive in trot and canter, but the contact with the bit should be lighter as the horse's mouth is often open. Muyters faced tough competition from Dutch Jeanine Nieuwenhuis on the 6-year old Dutch warmblood Baldacci (by Havidoff x Rubiquil). The experienced duo, which was a member of the Dutch team at the 2012 European Junior Riders Championships, finished second in the team test (70.225%) and won the individual (71.096%).
In the three young riders classes held in Leudelange three different riders moved to the fore and took home the trophy. The team championship test was won by German Nicola Krause on the 14-year old Dutch warmblood mare Rhythm Dance (by Goodtimes x Pretendent). The combination scored 68.904%. Dutch Sanne van Grotel and her 18-year old KWPN gelding Mevin B (by Flemmingh x Amor x Apalatin) topped the leader board in the individual test with 69.386%.
Swiss Estelle Wettstein and the 19-year old Hanoverian Le Primeur (by Lauries Crusador xx x Golfstrom I) aced the kur to music with 70.375%. Spanish Olympic team rider Morgan Barbancon made her come back to the youth riders' division and rode a Young Riders' test for the first time on her former junior rider's horse Dankeschon (by Douceur). The pair finished second in the Kur with 69.333%. Dankeschoen stayed nicely up in the bridle and was very expressive in the trot, but in canter the dark bay struggled with the collection in the pirouettes.
Photos © Astrid Appels - NO REPRODUCTION ALLOWED (NO FACEBOOK !!)
Show Photography - Eurodressage's Astrid Appels was on the scene and took photos of ALL pony riders competing at the CDI Leudelange. if you are interested in ordering photos, send us an email with the name of the rider/horse you are interested in. Serious request only please.
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI Leudelange
Photo Report: Lavinia Arl Aces Pony Classes at 2012 CDI Leudelange