Taking to the arena on the biggest and youngest horse in the competition Belgian Grand Prix rider Mario van Orshaegen was "very happy" with his recent win in the World Dressage Masters Grand Prix Special at the 2012 CDI Mechelen. Aboard his 9-year old and 187 cm tall Dutch warmblood gelding Wilco, van Orshaegen scored a winning 66.844%.
"I was really surprised by the support from both the public and my friends, and it had such a warm and emotional effect on me," Mario told Eurodressage.
Mario claimed victory in the Grand Prix special on horse Wilco (by Rousseau x Centauer Z) and he feels this is just the beginning for this talented youngster.
"I was happy with my score because Wilco is quite inexperienced at the 5* level and I am certain he has the potential to produce much more. We are going to work hard on that for the future, and that is the benefit of competing on a horse at this young age, you still have plenty of time for improvement."
Describing Wilco as the gentle giant of the stable, the horse felt steady as a rock as he entered the arena in Mechelen and Mario was able to really enjoy the GP ride.
"Throughout the entire test Wilco just felt too nice for words," he said. "It was like walking on clouds, and I was able to indulge in the result of the hard work we have done together."
Wilco was discovered over the internet when Mario spotted him as an almost 5 years old with well known and reputable breeder Peter Verdellen in Someren, The Netherlands.
Continuing his future work on his young "long legged and big hearted" dressage partner, Mario dreams just to ride as well as he possibly can. A hair dresser by profession, van Orshaegen has several young horses and licensed stallions at home, including the Oldenburg licensed San Amour II.
Initially trained by Claudia Fassaert, Mario loved the instruction but unfortunately was deterred by distance and has since moved to train with Dutch Grand Prix rider Johan Rockx in Essen, Belgium.
"Johan's work is great also, and I believe it is so important to find a trainer that believes in your horse," Mario explained. "And hopefully be part of the Belgium team in two years."
by Sarah Warne for Eurodressage
Photos © Astrid Appels
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