Making a winning debut at the 2013 Arctic Equestrian Games in Vestfold, Norway, on 18 - 20 February 2013, Danish rider Allan Skov was proud of his mare Volstrupgaards Cassiopeia, whose first ever Inter II performance earned her a winning score of 69.316 %. The pair went on to place second twice in the Grand Prix and Kur to Music the same weekend.
"The CDI in Vestfold went very well," Allan told Eurodressage. "I decided to debut Volstrupgaards Cassiopeia in the big tour and was very pleased to win not only the Inter II with 69.316%, but also place second in the GP and the GP Kur with 66.404% and 72.3%."
Bred by the Kløve-Mogensen family in Denmark, Volstrupgaards Cassiopeia is a Danish warmblood elite mare by Come Back II x Caletto III. The dark bay mare has two foals on the ground (2005 born filly by Carson Ask and a 2006 born filly by Quidam's Rubin) but is now being focused on her dressage career.
In addition to his big tour win Allan also claimed victory in the small tour classes on his younger horse Walk Of Life, which also made its international show debut. The 13-year old Hanoverian stallion (by Wolkentanz II x Picard) scored 70,158% in the Prix St Georges, 70,474% in the Intermediaire I and 71,675% in the Inter I Kur to Music.
"The Vestfold highlights for me were the three victories in the small tour and my Grand Prix Kur," he stated. "I am very pleased not only that my horses did so well, but also with the setting. It was a very intimate arena with a good atmosphere and I can only be happy with these results."
Besides having two strong international FEI level irons in the fire, Skov has some other talent waiting in the wings. In his barn Remmevad Equestrian Centre in Herning Demark, Skow has a second small tour horse, Don Juan (by Donnerhall) waiting alongside youngsters by Sunset Hit, Zack and Quarterback.
Trained by Rudolf Zellinger, Allan is very grateful to his sponsors and hopes to continue enjoying a happy balance between riding and family.
"In everyday life I have the help and support of my wife Elisa Kloster. Without her and our 2 lovely kids none of this would be possible. Plus I have a good groom with great attitude, which helps a lot in this sport," he stated.
Training each of his horses individually based on the basic principles of good horsemanship, Allan aims to compete at the 2013 Danish championship and some national/CDI Events throughout 2013.
"And then we see what the future holds," he said.
by Sarah Warne for Eurodressage
Photos © Ridehesten - Dressur Sa Klart
Related Links
Scores: 2013 CDI Vestfold
Scores: 2010 Danish Dressage Championships
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