The American owned Hanoverian stallion Bailador De Amor became Reserve Champion in the 4-year old stallion class at the 2010 Hanoverian Riding Horse Championships in Verden and is selected to go to the 2010 Bunddeschampionate with Johannes Westendarp.
"Wow! A dream come true," confessed Bailador's owner Cheryl Wyllie. After being inspired over two decades ago private American breeder, Wyllie has experienced the success of a life time.
"I will dedicate this long journey to Werner Schockemohle whom I met in 1986. I had the privilege of spending time with him and to learn about selecting young stallions. He inspired me to follow this dream”
On 11 May 2002 and only 12 hours old the stunning filly "Donna Lione" (by Dimaggio x Pik Bube x Der Loewe xx) was purchased by Cheryl Wyllie from Christian Heinrich, Sulingen, DE. "At first sight I new she was and is a Prima Ballerina," said Wyllie. Three years later, with the advice of Christian Heinrich, Donna Lione was bred to Breitling W. And, on 11 April 2006 a star was born: Bailador De Amor.
At the beginning of 2009 the young stallion went to Felix Thieman to be started under saddle. Mr. Thiemann and his team did a superb job! “I want to emphasize ‘team’ because Mr. Thiemann made it clear that every one has a hand in the outcome of the young stallions." Mr. Thiemann had also made it clear that he does not take horses to dressage shows.
Johannes Westendarp, on the other hand, has an impeccable reputation both in the US and in Germany. When asked about Johannes, like everyone else, Mr. Thiemann could only say wonderful things. Bailador De Amor AKA “BOB” was moved to Johannes's in March 2010. At the beginning of the year there were no solid plans to go to Verden. After only a few preliminary shows where Bob consistantly scored very high marks and won his first dressage class did the plan quickly surface. The goal was to have a 'positve' experience.Thus the competition proved a great success.
"I am so proud of Bailador De Amor and Johannes Westendarp," the owner expressed. "To be selected to go to the Bundeschampionate is an honour and a privilege as well as a dream many breeders never realize."
And sometimes it takes a village! Challenged by economics, team BOB2010 was formulated only a few weeks before Verden and was able to sponsor the trip to the Hanoverian Riding Horse Championships, hosted coincidingly with the World Young Horse Championships in Verden. In return the Team experienced a ‘behind the scenes’ education otherwise not normally open to the public.
As a result, Cheryl Wyllie and her team mates were there to assist and be a strong contributing factor to the successful outcome. “It has been decades in the making and an eight year journey that was by far not always easy." Bob has taught all of us "you have to believe in order to receive!"
Photos © Kiki Beelitz - Private
Related Links
Sir Donnerhall Offspring Exels at 2010 Hanoverian Riding Horse Championship
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2010 Bundeschampionate
