At the beginning of October, the annual inspection took place in the Czech Republic. Judges Geertje van de Veen and Arie van Heeswijk were present to assess the horses. This year, the inspection was held at a single location, with 19 horses entered, including several stallions.
The four-year-old Friesian stallion Thor van Gilde (Hessel 480 x Time 398), owned by K. Mareckova, was approved with a score of 44.5 points. This young stallion has a friendly expression and an attractive forehand. He could benefit from further growth and more muscling over the loin, and he has a slightly sloping croup. Thor has strong, sound limbs, although his pasterns could be slightly longer.
He showed a very good walk, with plenty of rhythm and ground cover. In trot, he demonstrated sufficient balance and an active hind leg. Both in trot and canter, he could show slightly more uphill movement in the forehand. His canter displayed sufficient ground cover and suppleness. Later in the day, Thor was also named ‘Best of Class FB’.
The twelve-year-old Georgianna Bernstein (Berstein x Papilion), owned by L. Dostalova, was named ‘Best of XX’ with a score of 43 points. This feminine horse has a long neck and plenty of wither. She could have been built slightly more uphill, but she moved with sufficient suppleness and showed an easy trot.
The overall champion of the day, with 43 points, was Ristretto to the Ponds (Epke 474 x Last Minute), owned by J. Knicka. This well-developed, breed-typical foal had already been weaned. He was very well-behaved when being led and showed a correct walk and trot. His canter was still somewhat tense.
The reserve champion title went to the attractive Merlot van de Juude (Erick BP36 x Knaap van de Pluum), owned by N. Groteke. Merlot scored 42.5 points and also impressed with his remarkable height of no less than 1.71 metres!
It was a lovely day with a large audience in attendance. Unfortunately, chairwoman Gabriela Mikutová was unable to attend for the first since many years. Fortunately, a new group of enthusiastic people had taken on part of the organisation and ensured that everything was well arranged. A friendly and helpful interpreter was also present, which was greatly appreciated, as not everyone speaks English.
The full inspection results will be published here shortly.
pictures made by Vera Marková
