Getting to Sicily proved to be quite an adventure, but despite a last-minute cancellation of their outbound flight, our judges eventually managed to reach the island in time for the inspection. Gorrit Kuipers was rerouted via Paris and Milan, while Geertje van de Veen travelled via Vienna. In the end, both judges arrived safely, although Geertje’s luggage arrived two days late! However, as Silvia Ravanelli, chairwoman of the Italian daughter association, put it: “All’s well that ends well.” And so it was.
A total of 19 horses were presented for inspection. Even during an initial walk around the stables, the many beautiful horses with excellent breed type immediately caught the eye. This was reflected in the scores, with the average for breed type reaching almost 8 out of 10.
Below, we highlight some of the highlights of the day. You can find the complete results here.
The stallion N. Roland (Tabe x Ceasar ter Linden XX05), owned by G. Catania Monte, was approved with a score of 44 points. This impressive three year old stallion has lost of technique in his movements but may improve in strength.
In the XX category, the highest score of the day (48 points!) was awarded to the four-year-old stallion Encanto Papy, owned by J.B. Bonincontro. This is a truly outstanding, breed-typical piebald stallion standing at 1.70 m, with elegant, flowing lines, a beautiful forehand and a strong foundation. In movement, he demonstrates more than sufficient balance, although he still needs to develop greater strength. Unfortunately, as his pedigree is unknown, he was awarded Ster status.
The same applies to Oscar Pinto, a robust six-year-old piebald XX stallion owned by D.P. Privitelli. This friendly stallion scored 45 points, including an impressive 8 for his ground-covering, rhythmical walk.
The same was also true of the four-year-old XX stallion Paride. This baroque stallion, with a somewhat bold appearance, moved with sufficient quality and received 44 points.
Mr. Pablo (Florian x …), owned by P. Balsamo, was awarded Ster status with 43.5 points. This compact, very elegantly built four-year-old XX stallion particularly impressed with his attractive appearance and effortless canter. His trot, however, could benefit from greater quality.
The beautiful three-year-old BP stallion Nicholas (Florian BP59 x Fridse 423), owned by F. Dorata, was also awarded the Ster predicate. He has a very attractive forehand, a beautiful head and is already well developed in terms of musculature. His hind leg could be more correctly positioned, but he demonstrates three sufficiently good basic gaits.
For all the stallions mentioned above, the results of their DNA tests are still pending. Their breeding licences will therefore only be issued once the results have been received and approved.
The one-year-old Jonny, owned by M.I. Iacona, was awarded a first premium. This well-developed and well-mannered yearling stallion achieved a consistently good set of scores. Hopefully, he will grow into a beautiful stallion.
The energetic nine-year-old mare Hyacind van ’t Zandeken (Ceasar ter Linden x Onne 376), owned by G. Catania, was awarded a first premium. She is a strong mare with a solid, correct conformation and good breed expression. To achieve higher scores, her gaits would need to demonstrate greater quality.
Jackline Karlsangs (Emiel BP57 x Ceasar ter Linden XX05), owned by S. Sardo, was presented for an upgrade in grading. This tall, long-lined seven-year-old mare, with notably strong legs, achieved a total of 1.5 points more than she did four years ago. With a score of 44 points, she has now been awarded the provisional Elite predicate.
Jackline also demonstrated an above-average walk, showing plenty of power, good use of her back and a clear rhythm. Later in the day, this mare was crowned Champion of the Day!
Pictured below are the judges, the handler and Silvia, chairwoman of the Italian association.
There was also a mare named Andromeda, owned by C.G. Gallo, with a very unusual coat colour: silver dapple. This colour is rarely seen, making her particularly special. The mare was awarded a second premium.
Paola Pedrazzini, breeder of Florian BP59, was also honoured by the chairwoman in a special moment that was emotional for both of them. Florian was then presented under saddle, where he once again showed himself to great effect. He is a stallion with outstanding breed expression, an impressive front and great soundness!
It was a wonderful inspection at a beautiful venue, kindly made available by Francesco Dorata. The event was very well organised, and it was lovely to see more and more people arriving as the day progressed. Usually, the opposite happens, with visitors gradually leaving towards the end of an event.
The excellent quality of the horses, the warm welcome and the friendliness of everyone involved soon made us forget the long journey to Sicily.
Below is a lovely overview of the various day champions.
Pictures made by Pasquale Balsamo
