Viva las Vegas by Viva Gold/Foundation (breeder: Reinhard Baumgartner, Wulkau) and Charlott-Maria Schürmann won the Bundeschampionat for six-year-old dressage horses with a brilliant performance. The new Bundeschampion was first discovered at the Verden Online Foal Auction in May 2020.
Already awarded top marks in the qualifying round, the performance in the final prompted the commentator to exclaim, “Wow!” With his dynamism and energy, the dark bay captivated both the judges and the crowd. After receiving 9.3 for his trot, Viva las Vegas scored 9.5 for his canter, which revealed an exceptional degree of elasticity. He also produced four very good flying changes. The overall impression made by this top-class prospect was rated a “very good”. After finishing ninth at last year’s FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, the stallion now claimed the Bundeschampion’s crown.
The black gelding Sparky by Secret/Dr. Watson (breeder: Sabrina Redelmann, Oerel) and Zoe Marie Hachmeier had to take the longer route through the Small Final, which they won. In the final, the pair once again produced a performance of the highest quality, earning the bronze medal. His powerful yet light-footed trot was particularly impressive, as was his relaxed canter combined with exceptional attentiveness and willingness to perform. Zoe Marie Hachmeier was then presented with a special honour: she received the BMLEH Animal Welfare Prize, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Homeland’s special award for particularly horse-friendly riding.
