Sonke and Sanneke Rothenberger became the brother and sister stars of the Grand Prix division at the 2015 CDI Darmstadt on 9 - 23 August 2015. The siblings proved again that dressage talent certainly runs in this family, with 20-year old Sonke taking out the kur on 73.647%, and elder sister Sanneke winning the Special on 73.647%.
The Bad Homburg based duo also came in second and third in the Grand Prix behind 2012 German Olympian Dorothee Schneider who stole the win with 75.580%.
"In the Grand Prix I really had a great feeling and Favourit showed his best side,” Sonke told Eurodressage. “I had a few minor mistakes but overall I was really happy. For the Kür I managed to ride Favo really nicely to the music, however I had a mistake in my two tempis. Darmstadt was a fun and successful show for my sister and I.”
Favourit, a 16 year old gelding by Fidermark x Worldchamp, was purchased from Tinne Vilhelmson-Silven a few years ago, and Sonke’s sister Sanneke first competed him successfully until last year when Sonke was given the chance to ride him.
“I competed Favourit for the very first time last year in Darmstadt when it was still a national show. This year was their first International show and it was really nice. The footing in all arenas was outstanding and the people where really friendly and professional. Top judges from right around Europe where there, and all in all it was a super show," Sönke expmained.
Based at the family's Gestut Erlenhof near Frankfurt, Germany, Sonke says that since he started riding, his parents have really supported him and trained him up to the level he is today.
“I study International Business Administration in Frankfurt and now I'm currently in the middle of my year abroad where I study in Nijmeghen," Sönke explained. "I brought my horses with me and I am currently learning a lot from Anky van Grunsven who is located only 30 minutes from my university in The Netherlands.”
Sonke added that riding and competition with his sister is fun and that seeing each other during the training and towards the competition is great, as they can share their thoughts and give each other advice.
"Of course in the ring we both concentrate on our own best performance. Whenever we need help from the other we help of course. The whole family discusses during dinner how to become better and we take input from each family member into consideration and use it the following day during training when needed. It's always good to have a lot of people around who know what they are talking about. We all want to compete in the best way possible, however I would say we are very realistic and know when the other did a better job or not."
With a dream to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Cosmo next year, Sonke knows his younger Grand Prix horse has the potential, which he believes the horse has shown that this season.
“I’m really looking forward to what the future will bring. Cosmo is only 8 years and I'm only 20 years old so I think there is a lot to come for us. I have three dressage horses in work at the moment; Favourit, Cosmo and Zgander. Cosmo is an 8-year old gelding by Van Gogh with whom I won the Louisdor qualifier in Hagen with over 76% in the short GP and won the U25 GP Kür in Rotterdam with 79,9%. Zgander is a 6-year old Stallion by Zack. He is an amazing horse with a lot of potential and talent towards GP. He still needs some time to develop however I think it's a fun project for the future."
When decided amongst his siblings who gets what horse, Sonke replied, "my parents don't really say this horse is for you and this one for you, as not every horse fits to every rider. We just see what fits well and that's normally how we end up riding the horses we do. Sometimes we see a horse and fall in love with it at first sight or it clicks from the first moment you ride it and then it's just clear who gets to ride that horse. For example with Semmieke and Geisha, Sanneke and Deveraux, or me and Cosmo.”
Sönke is not yet sure whether he will pursue a career in riding after he graduates. “I love riding and it will always be part of my life, however I don't want to sell my best horses because it's my job and therefore it might be easier for me if I keep it as a hobby. We will see," he said.
Also pleased with her results in Darmstadt, Sanneke is particularly happy that she and her 13-year old Deveraux (by De Niro x Rohdiamant) were able to keep their level over the 70% mark even with some minor mistakes.
“Deveraux OLD came to us a 6 year old, after he won the World Championship in Verden," said Sanneke. "Together with my parents I have trained him, and we began in the Junior classes, all the way up to the Grand Prix. Together we won 7 gold medals, triple gold in Ermelo / Juniors, four gold medals at the young riders, and in 2011 we were able to win the World Cup for Young Riders in Frankfurt. In Darmstadt it was the perfect weather to ride and as we have been part of this show for a long time we know it is always a very well organised show, with very friendly people."
Trained at home with the rest of the riding family, Sanneke is used to competing against a sibling. Since Sönke was able to ride at FEI pony level, the two have ridden against each other along side their other sister Semmie.
“When we are against each other sometimes he's better, sometimes I'm better," she said. "I was glad he chose to ride the freestyle!”
Now at a level beyond what she thought was possible, Sanneke was on the long list for the Europeans Championships in Aachen, and hopes to keep this level going next year.
“Due to my studies, I'm only able to ride two horses a day; Deveraux OLD and Wolke Sieben. My dad has a very good eye for good horses, irrelevant of its age. Sönke wants to decide for himself. He always watches our youngsters on the field, and when he likes one, he comes to my parents and asks whether he can train this horse. My dad sometimes puts Semmie on a young horse, so he can see which type of horse fits to her. I see the horses in training, and then I ask whether I can try.”
Currently doing her Master in Real Estate, Sanneke is now in Copenhagen for her exchange semester and hopes to finish her masters next year. She wants to find a job that allows her to carry on with her greatest passion, and most favorite hobby, horse back riding.
by Sarah Warne - Photos © Astrid Appels - Barbara Schnell
Related Links
Scores: 2015 CDI Darmstadt
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