Germany's number one Grand Prix horse Damon Hill will return to the show ring this year, but not in the senior division. Owner Christian Becks has given the ride on Damon Hill to his 17-year old daughter Jil-Marielle and show will be campaigning the 15-year old stallion in the Young Riders classes.
In principle Jil-Marielle is eligible to ride in the M-level Junior Riders' division but as the horse is so experienced, she will tackle young riders' straight away. The pair is entered to compete in the Vechta qualifier for the 2015 Preis der Besten on 18 - 19 April 2015.
The Preis der Besten, which takes place on 8 - 10 May 2015, is the first official German team selection trial for the 2015 European Pony, Junior and Young Riders Championships. It is a mandatory show for riders aiming for a spot on the team.
The next two German team qualifiers for junior and young riders will be at the CDI Wiesbaden and at the 2015 German Dressage Championships in Balve. The 2015 European Young Riders Championships will take place at Bernadette Brune's Domaine Equestre des Grands Pins in Vidauban, France, the first week of July.
Although Vechta will be the first official show of the brand new duo, which is trained by Heiner Schiergen, it will not be their first public appearance. Jil-Marielle impressed the crowds with a lovely presentation of the breeding stallion (by Donnerhall x Rubinstein) at the 2015 Equitana fair in Essen, Germany, one month ago.
Related Links
Damon Hill Returns to Public Eye under Jil Becks
Damon Hill to Make Public Appearance at Equitana
Damon Hill - Helen Langehanenberg Partnership Ends, Horse Off the Market