First CDI Victory for Manuel Dominguez and Danciano de Malleret at 2024 CDI Le Mans

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2024 CDI Le Mans

Spaniard Manuel Dominguez booked his first international victory aboard the Hanoverian licensed stallion Danciano de Malleret at the 2024 CDI Le Mans on 9 - 11 November 2024.

After a 1.5 year break from CDI showing, the duo delivered two confidence building rounds in the 3* big tour at the indoor competition at Pole Europeen du Cheval in Le Mans, France. They placed third in the Grand Prix and won the Grand Prix Special with 67.787%

Chief of the Barn

The 14-year old Hanoverian stallion Danciano (by Dancier x Rotspon) is the "chief of the barn" for owner Gérald Martinez of Haras de Malleret. Purchased as a 4-year old, Danciano stayed in Germany to breed and show until July 2016 after which he moved to France where he continued his stud duties.

Fitting the philosophy of Haras de Malleret where all horses are given plenty of time to be produced up the levels, Danciano has low ring mileage. He was never overasked in sport with his breeding career taking flight when his offspring started making a name for him.

"He's the chief of our barn and the foundation stallion of our breeding programme," said Martinez. "There aren't many breeding stallions who can successfully combine busy stud duties with high performance Grand Prix sport."

Martinez added, "Danciano's sport career was only started rather late in his life as we want to respect him and his health."

Match Made with Manuel

In 2022 the black stallion was paired with Manuel Dominguez who works under the supervision of Helen Langehanenberg. He solidified the Grand Prix work on the stallion and took him into his first national GP test in April 2023. Their CDI debut was in Hagen in June two months later.

An injury sidelined the stallion for a year and Danciano was brought back home to France, where he could recover and enjoy a tailored rehabilitation programme at Malleret's Balneotherapy centre. He continued to breed as the demand increased due to the many successes of his offspring (Danny Cool, Dolciario, Deep Infinity, Dancielle de Malleret, etc).

Danciano returned to Germany in 2024 and has been standing at stud through Paul Schockemöhle because the requests from German breeders kept piling up. Manuel and Danciano made their come back to the national show ring in August 2024 and they competed in Dorsten and Ankum with 70% scores in preparation of the CDI Le Mans.

"He was third in the Grand Prix in a field of 21 competitors in Le Mans. The future looks bright," said Manuel. "Danciano de Malleret is developing better and better and getting in shape. We are on the right track."

Fair to the Horse

For Martinez the 14-year old Danciano is allowed to signal his rider how much can be expected of him in sport. Dominguez will continue to mould him into the Grand Prix horse he is destined to be, while respecting the horse's health.

"Danciano will only do what he offers and he will never be pushed," said Martinez who wants horses to be treated fairly. "We carefully manage his health, like all horses at Malleret, and we hope he'll continue his way in the big sport with Manuel. We'll see where this path takes us."

Gérald is thrilled to see more Danciano "babies" thrive in the competition ring.

"Danciano has a very good mind, he is willing to work and passes this temperament and rideability on to his offspring. He doesn't breed spectacular youngsters, but has offspring that is very trainable," said Martinez. "We believe he's a good choice for breeders who want a rideable, athletic sport horse that is fun to work with and lasts through the years."