Successful Kick-Off at the Sunshine Tour: Week 1 Was Outstanding

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The first week at the Sunshine Tour is behind us and it truly had everything to offer: from rainy days and strong gusts of wind to beautiful sunshine over the weekend.

Our horses presented themselves in outstanding form. They jumped consistently with great quality and confidence, were showcased exemplary by their riders, and truly shone thanks to the excellent care provided by our team. It felt as if there was a start every 30 minutes in one of the many arenas, there was certainly no time for boredom. The classes were demanding, with huge and highly competitive fields throughout the week.

All the more reason to be proud that Laura and Laurens finished in the placings in more than 50% of their starts. Altogether, our team recorded nearly 50 starts, producing numerous clear rounds and top results.

 

Angel D’Or (14-year-old by Askari) and Laura delivered a beautiful round to win a 1.45m class of the CSI4*.

Flaubert du Busson (11-year-old by Eldorado de Hus) and Laurens earned fifth place in a 1.45m class and also secured a placing in a 1.50m Longines Ranking class.

Emidor Z (9-year-old by Emerald van’t Ruytershof) collected ribbons in all three of his starts. The black stallion finished seventh in a 1.30m class, third in a 1.35m class, and twelfth in another 1.35m competition.

Nabelesta GE (8-year-old by Grand Slam) placed fifth in a 1.30m CSI4* class and earned another placing in a second 1.30m competition.

Metropolitan (9-year-old by Bacardi) finished fifth in a 1.35m CSI4* class.

Harley EP (6-year-old by Harley VDL) produced very promising clear rounds in the international Youngster Tour for six-year-old horses.

Capoen Blue (7-year-old by Conthargos), ridden by Laurens, delivered exemplary rounds and finished third and ninth in 1.35m classes for seven-year-olds. In the final – a 1.40m class – the gelding secured an excellent second place.

Emerite de Kergoet Z (9-year-old by Emerald) and Laura earned a placing in a 1.35m class and finished tenth in a demanding 1.45m competition.

It Girl de la Rose (8-year-old by Candy de Nantuel) placed seventh in a 1.40m class for eight-year-old horses.

Chaletto Cool (8-year-old by Chacoon Blue) was presented beautifully by Laura and achieved fourth and sixth place finishes in 1.40m classes for eight-year-olds.

 

  • Our student Ronnie Healy from South Africa achieved an excellent placing with Cornet’s Mandarino in a 1.50m Longines Ranking class of the CSI4*, and also remained faultless in major classes with Capital Magic Boy.
  • Jenna Gilchrist from Namibia celebrated clear rounds and an international placing with her Negroni (Auction Horse 2025), continuing a very promising partnership.
  • The young rider Johanna Hell also delivered impressive performances and collected valuable international results. Riding Design du Mas Garnier, she finished ninth in a 1.30m CSI4* class and also placed in a 1.35m competition. With her Higgi, she produced confident clear rounds in her international debut, and aboard Most Wanted, she demonstrated excellent form in demanding courses.

 

A huge compliment to our entire team: organization, preparation, horse care, atmosphere, it was truly impressive. Today, Monday, is all about taking a deep breath before the action continues tomorrow with the vet check for the young horses.

We are looking forward to week two!