Tuesday July 13, 2004

Florencio and FBW French Kiss Win 2004 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses

FBW French Kiss Wins, American owned Bugatti Hilltop 12th

As usual, the quality of horses in the six-year old division was a bit lower due to the high technical level of the tests. Nevertheless, the winner amongst the 6-year olds was last year's bronze medallist, the top quality dressage horse and licensed breeding stallion FBW French Kiss.

Ridden by his owner Katrin Burger of Gestut Schlossäcker, FBW French Kiss (Florestan x Donnerhall) had no problem convincing the judges of his beauty, grace and wonderful rideability. Though in the first round, FBW French Kiss ranked only 12th with 8.24 points. His score was understated because the black pearl showed superb fluent transitions and a breath taking walk.

The matter was corrected in the Finals, in which FBW French Kiss reigned supreme. "His walk is the highlight. We give it a 9.7 because you rarely see one like that. If it was a bit more active, we would have given it a 10," the judges commented. FBW French Kiss scored high for all three gaits, but it was his rideability and correctness which led him to victory. An overall 9.16 made them win the 6-year old Championship with great distinction.

The American 6-year old combination was Bugatti Hilltop, a Hanoverian branded stallion by Bergamon x Rubinstein I, owned by Hilltop Farm and ridden by German Michael Klimke. In the first round, Bugatti had to go in the worst footing possible after a whole day of torrential rain showers. He still finished 11th with 8,32 points. In his Finals' ride, showed a very good canter that was uphill and with much rhythm, and a good trot that could have been a bit more engaged. Because of some tension and a high croup in the flying changes, Bugatti lost a few points on submissiveness. The pair finished 12th overall with 7.72

Text and Photos copyrighted Astrid Appels - No Reproduction Allowed

Related Links
Horsesdaily Coverage of the 2004 World Young Horse Championships
Eurodressage Extensive "On the Scene" Coverage of the Championships with photos, articles and complete scores.
Video Clips of the Winners in Verden