2016 World Young Horse Championships wrap-up

The Longines FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses took place this year in Ermelo (NED) from 28-31 July 2016.

The event, which attracted over 20,000 spectators, is designed to highlight new and developing talent, and the progress being made by last year’s five-year-old champion, Fiontini, and the 2015 six-year-old winner Sezuan reinforced the very essence of this popular fixture.

The five-year-old Victoria’s Secret, the six-year-old Fiontini and the seven-year-old Sezuan were the shining stars during the championship weekend that took place at the headquarters of the Dutch Equestrian Federation.

The Dressage Selectors had selected two combinations to represent Australia. Simone Pearce and Fine Time in the 5 years old and and Australian based rider Maree Tomkinson and Donna Elena in the 6 years old.

Simone, who is based in Europe, went through to the final and placed eleventh with her 5-year-old. "I was very happy with this year's championship. I was very happy and proud to make it to the final"

After competing at the world championships for the first time last year Simone had made it her goal to come back again this year and get into the final. "I have only been riding Fine Time for a very short time and she performed very well! Whilst she was a little nervous in the some what daunting surroundings of her first international competition she stayed with me every step of the way and ended up giving me a wonderful, confident and fluent ride in the final on Saturday!"

Fine Time is owned by Bolette Lyngby Wandt. "For the moment, I plan to continue training and competing her here in Denmark and on the international stage."

The young mare is currently qualified for the final of the Danish young horse championships which will take place at JBK Odense in October. "I will aim to have her at the world championships again next year. My goal for next year is to represent Australia and this time take a place in the medals. I have to say a special thank you to andreas and the team at Helgstrand dressage who have supported me and given me the amazing opportunity to ride such a lovely mare!!!"

Simone will not stop here."I have my sights firmly set on finding a horse for WEG 2018. I will endeavour to find some investors to purchase a horse now and train it towards this amazing goal. I think Australian dressage has developed so much in the last few years and I'm so proud and excited to see where the future can take us."

Event Page

Check the FEI website.