Former Dutch team young rider Robin Beekink has lost the ride on her number one horse Pablo. The 13-year old dark bay gelding will be ridden in the future by his owner Jacqueline van Grunsven.
Pablo is bred by Paul Schockemohle at Gestut Lewitz and became Beekink's horse in 2007. She initially competed him at Z2 level an then in the junior riders classes. As a young rider, Beekink made it onto the Dutch team and earned team silver and an individual fifth place at the 2010 European Young Riders Championships in Kronberg, Germany.
Last week Thursday, Beekink rode her first international competition as a senior rider with Pablo at the 2011 CDI Zwolle. The decision for Pablo to return to Van Grunsven was in mutual and amicable agreement between rider and owner.
"Pablo will always be a very special horse to me," Beekink said. "He's an incredibly sweet horse who always tries his best. Our highlight was the European Championships last year. We worked so hard at getting a spot on the team. I hope Jacqueline will have as much fun with him as I had."
Beekink still has five more horses to ride, including her 7-year old Zaragossa (by San Remo x Democraat) with whom she qualified for the 2009 World Young Horse Championships.
Photo © Astrid Appels - No Reproduction Allowed
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