Ermelo, The Netherlands – Endel Ots and David Wightman concluded the Longines FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses on Saturday with the Small Final for 6-year-old-horses. They each tied for 12th place with a score of 7.560. Over the two days of competition, each of their mounts performed with great confidence and obedience. The growing partnerships presented respectable tests in an atmosphere made up of top-notch progressing dressage talent. Yesterday, Spain’s Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez and Fiontini captured the overall Longines Final for 6-year-old-horses with a score of 9.580. 

“I was really happy with the way both riders presented their horses. They were well-ridden, and they conducted themselves with a lot of class and style,” said Christine Traurig, U.S. Dressage Young Horse Coach.

The competition began on Friday with the Qualification for 6-year-old-horses. Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and his and Max Ots’ Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie x Heidi/His Highness) had a satisfactory test. He and the 2010 Hanoverian gelding were a beautiful picture of harmony; they finished 24th with a score of 7.440.

“The horse [Lucky Strike] is very in-tune with Endel, he comes with lovely expression especially when entering the arena. They had a very consistent test as far as being on the aids for the pattern of the test and the exercises involved,” said Traurig.

Wightman (Murrieta, Calif.) made his first appearance at the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses with his and Kathleen Raine's Silberpfeil (Silberschmied x Barcelona/Boss), a 2010 Hanoverian gelding. The partnership is relatively new, but they presented a plausible test highlighted by nice canter work. They finished 35th with a score of 6.720. 

“When you put yourself in the company of horses and riders who do this year after year and get better and better, it is very important for all of us in our country to realize which direction the quality of the horses are developing. It is absolutely amazing and mesmerizing that the top horses are so good that it is really raises the bar all the time,” added Traurig.

Complete Results