The German pony dressage world has been struck by two unfortunate news items. Paulina Holzknecht's Carrie WE has sadly passed away following a colic attack and Leonie Laier's Duty Free sustained a career ending injury.
Paulina Holzknecht was forced to say a very sad goodbye to her pony Carrie WEG. A few days ago the bay German Riding Pony mare suffered from a bout of colic and could not be saved. The 11-year old Weser Ems branded pony (by Constantin x Granulit) made her first claim to fame by winning the 2008 Bundeschampionate as a 6-year old under Leonie Richter. The pony was then competed at FEI pony level by current owner Ruben Schmitz-Heinen from 2010 to 2011. In 2012 Holzknecht took over the ride and finished 10th at the 2012 German Pony Championships.
The competition career of Leonie Laier's 16-year old grey German Riding Pony Duty Free (by Dressman II x Night Star I) has been derailed by injury. Duty Free took a wrong step and got injured so severely that a return to competition is unlikely.
As a youngster Duty Free qualified for the 2003 Bundeschampionate under Vanessa Schmitz. The pony moved to FEI level under Leonie Laier in 2009. The duo has formed a strong combination that competed at German national events and a few internationals for years. Laier and Duty Free won the "Pony Masters Baden Wurttemberg" held at the 2012 CDI Donaueschingen and placed 9th at the 2012 German Pony Championships
Photos © Barbara Schnell - Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Carrie - Duty Free
Pony Riders Selected for 2013 Preis der Besten Qualifiers
Scores: 2012 German Youth Riders Championships