Thursday September 27, 2001

Hattrick for Hilltop Farm at 2001 Dressage at Devon

For a second day in a row, Hilltop Farm has dominated the breed division at 2001 Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania. Managed by Scott and Susanne Hassler, Hilltop Farm brought Capricia to Devon and scored beyond their wildest dreams with this mare. Capricia came to win the Mare Championship, Mature Horse Championship and the Grand Championship; a true hattrick for Hilltop Farm

The chestnut Hanoverian is by Caprimond out of Laureen (by Lungau) and defeated Iron Spring Farm's Persimmon (Contango out of Hidden Road (by Road at Sea) in the Grand Championship.

The win of Rodioso in the Stallion Championship was a suprise to some spectators. The Oldenburg bred Rodioso (by Rohdiamant x Furioso II) had also led in the in-hand class with 76.3%, but in the Stallion Championship the black had to face the powerful grey stallion Neptune. Rodioso has a superb walk but was a bit tender in the trot and only showed a few spectacular paces at the end of his run.

Nevertheless, did the judges grant him the Champion's title. Judge Dietrich Felgendreher explained that his conformation made him win. "Rodioso has the best conformation for a breeding stallion, but Neptune has a better trot. Neptune will be able to show an exceptional piaffe and passage later on," Felgendreher said. As it concerned a "breeding" stallion class, the judges took breeding potential and qualities as main criteria for their judging; and it was fair. Rodioso shimmered and shone as champion and owner Jan Williams could not be but thrilled.

Text by Astrid Appels

Related Devon News:
HorsesDaily "On the Scene" at 2001 Dressage at Devon
View Breeding Scores of Day 2 of Dressage at Devon
Riverman Is The Man! Hilltop Farm Builds Up Ribbons' Collection
Sharon Hardy and Lover Boy Lagoheider