The KWPN bred gelding Sichi Roca looked like hunter horse presented in a D-bit bridle, but the black 1999 born gelding had the presence of a great dressage horse. Sichi Roca is bred by J. Seigers and owned by Susan Neilson-Smith. He is by Ferro out of Inti (by Darwin).

Sichi Roca is a very nicely uphill horse but his top line could have been a bit more streamlined. He has a very active, engaged hind leg in his three basic gaits but especially in the canter. The horse was presented in a very nice frame with the head right at the vertical.

Dutch KWPN judge Cor Loeffen, who judged the 5-year old Suitability for a Dressage Horse class, decided to place Sichi Rocha first based on his quality gaits. "His conformation is functional for riding," Loeffen said. "He has a correct walk, but could have show more overtrack. The trot is sufficiently large and shows good suppleness. His canter, which scored an 8, showed a good hind leg usage and good balance. He was well presented and showed a good willingness to work."

Placing second in the class was Beth Sproule-Hansen's Rose Diamant, a Rohdiamant x Feiner Stern mare bred and ridden by Angela Barilar. Loeffen placed her second because of her lightfootedness. "She's a bit limited in the top line, but she has a large, clear walk. Her trot is very lightfooted and shows sufficient suppleness. The canter showed sufficient self-carriage."

In third position was the beautiful Redson, an American warmblood gelding by Liberty out of Ruth. The bay gelding is bred by Robert Oury, owned by Diane Redlich and presented under saddle by Yvonne Barteau. "He scored 8.5 on conformation and was the most impressing on that point," Cor Loeffen said, "his gaits were a bit limited, but he was very well presented." Redson showed good rhythm in all three gaits, but overall he should have had more suspension and loftiness.

Text and Photos by Astrid Appels