Dulcia, Bundeschampion and European Pony Champion, Passed Away

Dressage

Germany

Dulcia, one of Germany's all-time most successful FEI dressage ponies, has passed away on Monday 14 November 2022. She was 25 years old.

Dulcia was born in 1997 and registered with the Rhinelander riding pony society. She was by Arts Dancer Boy out Arts Demara (by Derbino x Kavalier x Weston Cuff Link) and bred by Hermann Arts.

Quadruple Bundeschampion and 2006 European Champion

The pony was discovered as a foal at a local show and purchased on the spot by the Camp family. Dulcia stayed under their watchful eye her entire life.

The very elegant and noble looking Dulcia was first competed by mom Katja Camp and won the 2000 Bundeschampionate before daughter Lydia took over the ride and went on to win the 2001, 2002, and 2003 Bundeschampionate.

As Dulcia was 6-years old in 2003 she was eligible to compete at international FEI level and the pair was selected on the German team for the 2003 European Pony Championships at Necarne Castle in Ireland, where they won team gold and individual bronze. The pair trained with Hans-Werner Rix at the time.

At the 2004 European Championships in Jaszkowo (POL) it was another team gold and individual fifth place as well as gold at the 2004 German Pony Championships in Steinfeld. In 2005 the pair did not make it on the team, but scored a bronze at the 2005 German Pony Championships.

They returned as Europe's best in 2006 in Lydia's last year on ponies. 2006 became the icing on the cake. They won all three tests and picked up team and individual gold at the 2006 European Pony Championships in Saumur (FRA) and finished their year with another gold medal at the 2006 German Pony Championships in Freudenberg.

Carlotta Hassenburger

In 2007 Carlotta Hassenbürger took over the ride on Dulcia and immediately claimed a spot on the German team for the 2007 European Pony Championships in Freudenberg (GER), where they scored team gold and individual silver. They also got bronze at the 2007 German Pony Championships in Steinfeld.

At the 2008 European Pony Championships in Avenches (SUI) it was another team gold and were fifth in the individual finals.

Carlotta competed Dulcia also through 2009 with a CDI start in Stadl Paura. They placed third at the 2009 Preis der Besten but were not picked for the German team for the 2009 European Pony Championships after placing fifth and sixth at the CDI Freundenberg in June.

Schoolmaster

In 2009 Dulcia last competed at a major international championship, but she continued onwards as a schoolmaster for several more riders.

In 2010 it was Jolene Thüning's turn to learn from Dulcia. The pair competed mainly at national level, finished 8th in the 2010 Preis der Besten, and rode in one CDI in Saumur (FRA). At the end of 2010 they were German Pony squad listed, but they did not show in 2011.

Only four years later, Dulcia made one last come back to the local show ring under Amelie Bercker. She rode Dulcia in the pony talent search in Hünxe. It was Dulcia's last competition

Broodmare

Dulcia was retired from sport and continued as a broodmare for the Camp family.

Her first foal was Vacarlos (by Voyager) born in 2012, followed by Dulcio (by Dornik B) born in 2013 and licensed as a breeding stallion. Then Darya (by Dornik) and Dulaica (by Dornier) followed, and finally there was Dynoro (by Dornier) born in 2017.

Dulcia was Lydia Camp's career making horses. Lydia continued onwards as a professional rider, but disappeared from the international show scene. Her last CDI start dates back to 2011. She rode in two more internationals, once with young horse Finnya at the 2010 CDI Biarritz and once with young rider's horse Ronin at the 2011 CDI Achleiten. Camp and her parents focus mainly on national showing and are often found on the Trakehner show scene.

Dulcia spent her last years in the field, but her health started to decline rapidly last week. She developed a fever on Thursday but they were able to stabilize her. However on Sunday she stopped eating and drinking and her health declined rapidly despite veterinary care. It was decided to put her to sleep.