The first Bundeschampions have been crowned in Warendorf. Germany’s best three-year-old stallion is Flacon by For Fontane/Floris Prince (breeder: Michael Schenk, Niendorf), who completed his lap of honour with Jacob Schenk in the saddle and the black-red-and-gold winner’s sash across his chest. This was not the first Bundeschampion Jacob Schenk has presented at the Bundeschampionate. However, the black bay Flacon is the first one bred by the family themselves. His sire For Fontane, who is also owned by the family, has won at advanced level with Jacob Schenk on several occasions and likewise competed at the Bundeschampionate. Flacon impressed with top marks for his basic gaits – 8.50 for the trot, 9.0 for the canter and 8.0 for the walk – as well as with his natural rideability (8.4), conformation (8.1) and functionality under saddle. With a final score of 8.46, victory was never in doubt for this closely bonded partnership.
“I have known Flacon since the day he was born, and he has always been a striking horse in some way. I backed him myself; no one else had ever sat on him. Winning here with him makes it even more special,” Jacob Schenk said after his victory, highlighting the qualities of his approximately 1.78-metre Hanoverian. “He is very people-oriented, always keen to do everything right in his work, and consistently willing and motivated.”
Among the three-year-old mares and geldings, Sixpack by Secret/Sir Donnerhall (breeder: Mathias Schulze, Hankensbüttel) was named reserve Bundeschampion with Sina Aringer. The chestnut, who had been part of the collection offered at the 2023 Elite Foal and Broodmare Auction, impressed with three good basic gaits, particularly his even, well-sprung uphill canter, which was the highlight: 9.0 (trot 8.8, walk 8.7). He also displayed good natural rideability (8.8), while his conformation was awarded 7.8 and his harmony and functionality under saddle 8.8. With a final score of 8.72, he finished second.
