They were the last pair to enter the arena; the pressure of expectation was palpable, but Bettina Jaeger was full of confidence in her Faustino G. “He loves to work, sometimes a little too much, but we’ve got that under control now, and he’s so incredibly supple and – really – he just gets better and better every day.” Last year, Faustino G had already placed fourth in the World Championship final for five-year-olds; this year, he claimed victory, and breeder and owner Helene Geervliet of Stutteri G. knows why: “You have to breed with all your heart and listen to good advisors,” she emphasizes. “And for the best horses, you also need the best riders.” Faustino G is a horse from her own breeding program in the fourth generation, which makes the breeder particularly proud. Even a little prouder than winning the title last year with Quinn G, who became a three-time world champion. Quinn G, however, was “only” from her second generation of her own breeding.

With a final score of 9.1, the impressive dark bay took the lead in the World Championship field. His individual scores: 9.7 for the trot, 8.7 for the walk, 8.8 for the canter and submission, and 9.5 for potential. Commenting judge Knut Danzberg raved: “The horse is so well-balanced in his trot work; we saw a great deal of elasticity and engagement.” Danzberg highlighted the flow of movement, the propulsive power, and the willingness to carry weight in the trot. He praised the walk and the canter and was thrilled by the horse’s submission; grinning, the judge added: “There was only one brief moment when we had to deduct a little for submission – that was the slight kick during that one flying change.” With a score of 9.5, the entire judging panel affirmed that the new world champion has first-class prospects for the future.

Vice World Championship Dizzy is a daughter of Hesselhøj Donkey Boy, out of a Blue Hors Zack dam bred by Hesselhøj.dk ApS and owned by Helgstrand Dressage. Merita Hagren has been riding at the Helgstrand stable for a good six years and knows Dizzy very well. “She’s so honest and gives her best every day – not just at home, but also in the competition. She shines every day; she’s my absolute best friend. It’s as if she just takes me by the hand and says, ‘Mommy, let’s do this!’ She’s a YES-girl.” The rider was brimming with enthusiasm as she spoke about the inner qualities of her chestnut mare, noting that her “enormous Donkey Boy walk” was fantastic, as was her completely natural trot. For her walk, the World Championship silver medalist received an excellent 9.5; 9.0 for prospect; 8.8 for submission; 8.5 for her trot; and 8.3 for her canter, giving Dizzy a final score of 8.82.

The final score of 8.64 earned the Hanoverian stallion Sir Gribaldi the bronze medal. Beatrice Arturi has been riding the Secret son since he was three years old. “He may be a stud, but he’s so sweet. He has a heart of gold.” Bred from an All Inclusive dam by the Aronis and Janßen breeding partnership and owned by Gestüt Sprehe.

“The FEI WBFHS Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses have been held here in Verden for many years,” emphasizes Jan Pedersen, president of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). “This event has developed and grown right here in Verden. That’s why I have a special soft spot for Verden. It’s really nice to be here. The organization has always been good, but I feel like it gets just a little bit better every year.”