This month’s Holsteiner of the Month is Camilla van de Helle. The daughter of Crumble and Casall was born eleven years ago at Klaus Thiedemann’s stud in Oesterwurth and has been attracting increasing attention on the international competition circuit since last year.
As a foal, the grey mare was purchased by Stoeterij Van de Helle in Belgium. Renee de Wert (NED) initially introduced her to the sport and is now preparing the Holsteiner for more challenging competitions. In 2022, Kevin Jochems took over her training. Since then, Camilla and the 30-year-old Dutch rider have developed into a world-class partnership. Top placings in the Grand Prix events at Valkenswaard, Salzburg and Basel were followed by her selection for the Dutch team for the CHIO in Aachen and, finally, her nomination as an individual pair at the most recent European Championships in A Coruña. They reached the highlight of their career to date at the historic Dublin Horse Show (IRL), where they played a key role in the Dutch team’s victory in the Nations Cup with two clear rounds.
As is so often the case, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree for Camilla van de Helle either. In this instance, the tree is No. 2543 – nurtured for generations by the Thiedemann family in Dithmarschen. Camilla’s third dam, Borana, is a full sister to Loreana, the unforgettable Lord mare owned by Achaz von Buchwaldt and Lars Nieberg. Camilla’s dam also has a half-sister, Cassina Dior by Diarado, who is successful at 1.60 m under Mathijs van Asten (NED). And at Stoeterij Van de Helle, two of Camilla’s half-siblings are also being developed for international competition: Saratoga by Chin Champ and Claus van de Helle by Colman.
“Without our successful collaboration with Paul Mais and Edith de Reys, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today as breeders. The two of them have repeatedly purchased horses from our stud and successfully introduced them to international competition. During a recent visit to Belgium, it was a great pleasure for my wife and me to discover several large portraits of our Camilla in their home. This mare holds a very special place in our hearts, both in Belgium and here at home. We are very proud and grateful to be able to continue her valuable dam line through two of her half-sisters,” said her proud breeder, Klaus Thiedemann.
Photo: Stefan Lafrentz
