At the performance test in Münster-Handorf, the Holsteiner Association stallions Charaktervoll, Corfu de la Vie, Chezarro and Keaton made a name for themselves with very good performances. Leading the way was the Casall-Conteur son Chezarro (Gabriele Kowalski, Stadum), line 1298, who finished top of the class with an outstanding final mark of 9.79.
The Casall son Chezarro repeatedly impressed the examiners throughout the test: “He is the spitting image of his sire and impresses with his outstanding rideability,” they said. “He has already shown such good form under Maximilian Gräfe that the test under an outside rider was simply a matter of confirming the very good performance he has demonstrated.” Following his performance under guest rider Richard Hannöver, his high rideability scores, his confident demeanour and the correct training he had received from Maximilian Gräfe were once again highlighted. With component marks of 9.5 for the canter, 9.8 for ability and 9.7 for style, he came very close to perfection. The 10.0s for both rideability and overall impression rounded off the result of this test, which Chezarro completed with a weighted final mark of 9.78.
Corfu de la Vie by Cumano-Lord (Haras de la Vie, Köwacht), line 741, proved to be a “relaxed and confident jumper who handled the obstacles with ease”. He received a weighted final mark of 8.36, comprising sub-scores of 7.8 for canter, 8.7 for ability, 7.9 for manner, 9.0 for rideability and 8.5 for overall impression.
Keaton by Kannan-Contendro I (Rudolf Schmitt, Wörden), line 4847, impressed with his playful handling of the dimensions and his willingness to perform. “The stallion has a powerful canter and knows how to use his body. He has consistently shown himself to be confident and relaxed here, has good bascule, opens up well and has great potential,” praised the judges. Keaton received an 8.8 for his canter, a 9.5 for his ability and an 8.8 for his style. Rideability was rated 9.2, and the jury awarded a 9.2 for overall impression, resulting in a weighted final mark of 9.06 for the Kannan son – the third-best result in the test for five-year-olds.
In the case of Charaktervoll by Comme il faut-Contendro I (Manfred von Allwörden, Grönwohld), line 474A, the judges highlighted his good attitude to the sport: “He is careful, has excellent reflexes, good foreleg technique and jumps with great awareness.” He received an 8.6 for his canter, his ability was rated 9.2 and his manner 8.7. He was awarded a 9.3 for rideability and a 9.0 for overall impression. This resulted in a weighted final mark of 8.96.
The judges paid tribute to rider Maximilian Gräfe, who presented all four association stallions in Münster-Handorf: “Very well-prepared horses, responsive to the aids and presenting themselves with confidence,” was their summary. Keaton and Charaktervoll had previously been ridden by Minou Eggers, who is currently sidelined due to injury. “Thanks to Minou’s excellent groundwork and her careful training, it was easy for me to step in,” said Max Gräfe. “I am pleased and relieved that we were able to achieve these results. ” Norbert Boley, managing director of Hengsthaltungs GmbH, is also pleased: “The stallions put in an impressive performance in this test, which is so important for them.”
Video 1: Chezarro with Maximilian Gräfe
Video 2: Keaton ridden by Maximilian Gräfe
Photo above: Stallion Charaktervoll (Kiki Beelitz)
