4 Aces 5 YO Young
Dressage Horse Class
Round 1 Part 4

Flowervale Metallic did not do much for the cause by running and working above the bit.  His rider needs to have him really listening to achieve his best and today he was not always as loose and accepting as he needed to be in order to score the highest marks.  It is hard for smaller horses to be in a group with much taller horses … as they cannot help but look less impressive in their movement (unless of course they are positively outstanding) At just 5 I am sure that the next stage in his training will look to develop the quality behind his bloodlines.  Good Luck.
 

Bon Bon was well ridden but is probably a little small for Michael Baker.  The horse appeared to lack some suppleness today and in this company it will be costly. The overall balance of horse and rider is important, but I am sure the owners considered that the sacrifice was ‘worth it’ as Michael is such an experienced jockey with the young horses and rode Bon Bon to best advantage. 

Friden Franziska a very petite mare.  It is difficult to compete with big horses in a class of three, but her loose and soft movement impressed most.  She has improved considerably since she stared to prepare for this competition. Well done to her owner/trainer Mandy Etherton.

The young imported stallion Allesandro was presented by Warwick McLean.  He is a lovely type and well ridden by the son of legendary equine behaviourist Andrew.  The horse has very expressive paces and a particularly ground covering canter.  They did a nice test and the highlight was the final medium trot which was beautifully relaxed and swinging. I did not get a fantastic picture which is a real pity.

Belcam JK Andre and Linda Goller are last out in the 5 YO’s.  The big loose mover is a little less experienced than some in this class and there are a few difficult moments.  Linda is a very experienced competitor and was able to give Andre confidence and get the best out of the talented youngster.  He needs some more of Linda’s good basic training and he could go on to great things.

Next to go was the ‘glamour’ South Australian combination - Heather Currie and her powerful Donnerhall stallion, Donnerblitz.  A beautifully bred PSI graduate and a gorgeous type, he was a 5 YO that many had come to see.  He just did not work up to promise and I was at a loss to understand how a stallion who had won many qualifying competition with scores consistently in the 80% could be so disappointing.  Heather seemed to struggle to keep him light and forward.  I discovered later that he had not travelled well and Heather was of ‘two minds’ about starting him.  “It is a long way to come and scratch on the day, and as he was not obviously sick …just not himself, I thought that I should take part at the competition.  As soon as we got into the ring, I knew I had made the wrong decision” explained a very disappointed Heather.  “When he is right again, we will get back to our training. I have the utmost confidence in Donnerblitz he is wonderful to ride and I am confident he will train on to reach the top."

Jaybee Calliope another good type by Carbine.  Calliope is a lovely mare but lacked the loosness and balance that Colleen was able to show and in a group of three it is hard not to compare!  This is the luck of the draw and of course it affects the way the scores evolve.  This mare will be likely to train on well and be successful in open dressage competitions and show classes.

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E-mail Berni, bernis@cyberhorse.net.au for proofs