
Ingrid Klimke's internationally competed small tour ride Firlefranz has been sold to the U.S.A. The chestnut found a new home across the Atlantic.
Firlefranz is an 11-year old Westfalian gelding by Franziskus out of Ramona (by Rapallo x Charmant AA x Weinberg). He is bred by Heinrich Leuschner.
Klimke and Busacker
The chestnut was licensed at the 2015 Westfalian Stallion Licensing in Munster-Handorf, but did not do the performance test, nor stood up for stud.
He was allocated to Ingrid Klimke from a young age and she premiered him in April 2017 in a A-level suitability test for eventers. She also rode him in A-level dressage and show jumping tests to assess his versatility.
The horse was owned by Klimke in partnership with Wellington winter based Canadians Joanna Crilly and Joan Johnston.
In 2022 Greta rode him at the German Young Riders Championships in Verden and placed fourth. In March 2023 Firlefranz did his first Inter II test with Ingrid, but was brought back down to small tour level for Greta, who competed Firlefranz at two international young riders level CDI's in Hagen and Aachen. At the end of that year Ingrid was back on board and rode him in a few developing Grand Prix horse classes.
In 2024 he was shown once in Balve at medium tour level.
U.S. Bound
Firlefranz has now been sold to the U.S.A.
Ingrid explained that, "Firlefranz has found a new home in the USA with a young talented rider. His unique charm and endearing nature have delighted us every day and it connects us with many unforgettable moments! We wish the new team a wonderful and successful time together."
Sydney Lipar's international career started at junior level in 2019 aboard Sandroletto (by Sandro Hit x Rouletto) and Herzkonig (by His Highness x Weltmeyer). Coached by Ben Winger she competed at the 2019 North American Junior Riders Championships and moved up to Young Riders level in 2021. She returned to three more North American Young Riders Championships: in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Her YR horse is Zerragamo (by Zonik x Ferragamo). She last competed internationally in August 2023. She trained with U.S. Olympian Kasey Perry-Glass at the time, but is now working with Dawn White - O Connor.
Photos © Astrid Appels - Silke Rottermann
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Firlefranz
Ingrid Klimke: "Correct Riding Is Enough!"
Firlefranz and Finley Drop Out, Salvina and Caracciola MT Step in for 2021 Nurnberger Burgpokal Finals
Langehanenberg and Schöne Scarlett Win Opening Class at 2021 CDIO Aachen Post Corona Edition
Photo Report: German Dressage Celebrated at 2018 Balve Nationals