2004 Dressage at Devon - Performance Division

Rockefeller and Jensen, Fourth Level High Point Champions

October 03 , 2004

Bent Jensen and the Oldenburg stallion Rockefeller became the Fourth Level High Point Champions at 2004 Dressage at Devon. Winning class 1 A, Fourth Level Test 2, Jensen scored an impressive 72.326 % and was the undisputed winner of his group which was filled with very promising horses.

The Fourth level test 2 was divided into two groups, A and B. Bent Jensen won class A, the Canadian Tom Dvorak class B. Riding the dark bay German bred gelding Fortissimo (by Fabriano), Dvorak scored 70.116% and topped the leader board in class B. Jensen, however, was the high point champion of Fourth Level Test 2 (and the day) and was honored for this achievement with a special trophy.

Jensen, who is a former Danish Olympic team rider, rode a solid, correct test with a very consistent connection with the bit and overall engagement in the movements. "He did the best he could," Jensen said. "He was perfect in the ring, very concentrated." Rockefeller's strengths are "his concentration and willingness to try to do everything."

Rockefeller is six year old Oldenburg licensed breeding stallion by Rubinstein x Donnerhall. Bent bought the liver chestnut stallion as a foal at Jytte Holster's in Denmark. He chose this foal out of the herd based on the colt's pedigree and movements.

Even though Rockefeller is only six years old, he is Prix St Georges ready. "He's licensed for the GOV Oldenburg Verband and the ISR Oldenburg verband I chose not to do the 100 day test, but the Sport Test because he was so talented," Jensen explained. Rockefeller has competed in five Prix St Georges classes so far and consistently placed in the top three, winning even one CDI class with 67%.

For 2004 Dressage at Devon, Jensen entered Rockefeller in the fourth level tests. "It's his first show since his approval. Devon is so cool. Rockefeller did not look at anything and just did his job. Even at the presentation he showed perfect behavior."

Jensen confessed that winning at Devon with Rockefeller was an unexpected pleasure. "It's always exciting to win at Devon. I first came here in 1981 and have been riding horses at all levels. It's a very special feeling to show here," Jensen stated.

Bent Jensen, who is located in Florida in the winters and in Maryland in the summer, also has the full brother of Rockefeller. "Rushcutter is three years old and has the same character. He's very similar to Rockefeller, smart and is learning really fast. He already does more than other five-years olds I have. He's a real brat on the ground, but when I am on him, he's really good."

For the 2005 show season Bent Jensen has planned to compete two horses. He has started schooling Rockefeller the piaffe and passage, but will be mainly working on building up strength and improving his general condition. "I will show Rockefeller the Prix St Georges and with Colombo, who just recovered from an injury, I will go for the Grand Prix."

Text and Photos by Astrid Appels for Phelpsphotos.com

Related Link: Rockefeller Up for Stud

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