Saturday July 2, 2005

Damon Hill and Florencio In the Lead at the 2005 World Young Horse Championships in Verden

Anti-climax for Susanne Hassler

Susanne Hassler and Royal Prince (Rohdiamant x Prince Thatch xx) were the only American combination in the 6-year old division. Last year, the duo was one of the big revellations of the show. This year, Verden was a very anti-climactic experience for the gifted pair.

Hassler started her test with a very pretty, flowing trot tour. However, when she halted for the rein back, Royal Prince didn't understand the message and showed some resistence. This disobedience shooked up Hassler and she seemed to have lost confidence in her horse. The walk was tense as Royal Prince broke into trot in the extended walk. Hassler could not settle him down in the canter and lost her own concentration. Her horse fell out of the canter at the end of her right extended canter. Because the canter tour was tension frought, the second flying change was late on the aids.

The judges showed no mercy and scored the ride 6.76 (21st place). Hassler has to ride the consolation finals on Saturday afternoon and can redeem herself in that class. If she ranks in the top three, she can earn a berth in the big finals on Sunday.