The world’s finest young Dressage horses gathered in a well-attended Verden (GER) to contest the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses across three age divisions. The event was dominated by the Dutch KWPN studbook, which collected five of the nine medals on offer.

6-year-olds: Mighty Red Viper retains his crown

The 6-year-old title was decided in a closely matched field where even the smallest mistake could tip the balance. Reigning five-year-old World Champion Red Viper, now under the saddle of Dinja van Liere, rose from third in the qualifier to take gold for the Netherlands in the final.

In the qualifier it was Denmark’s Anne Troensegaard who led with Slangerupgaards Saffon, but tension in the flying changes dropped them to fourth in the final. Germany’s Greta Heemsoth climbed from fourth to bronze with the Hanoverian stallion Endorphin NRW, while silver went to Anders Sjöbeck Hoeck (DEN) with the DWB-mare Brandtbjergs Divya, who was consistently elegant, uphill and correct over both days.

It was a contrast of styles between the gold and silver medallists: the powerful and huge dark-chestnut stallion Red Viper versus the light-footed ballerina Brandtbjergs Divya. Their scores reflected the close battle, 90.40% for Red Viper and 90.00% for Divya.

What a Horse!

Van Liere took over the ride on Red Viper (sired by Romanov) last year from Bart Veeze (NED), who had won the five-year-old title with him in 2024. “What a horse! This is really a horse for the big championships in the future,” the judges praised him.

“Red Viper is amazing in every way. Not only in his paces and overall presence, but also in the stable and the field. He is the kindest and easiest horse I know, which is lucky because he is very big! He is a champion with a lot of potential for Grand Prix, but his wonderful character is the most important thing to me.” – Dinja Van Liere – (NED)

Brandtbjergs Divya charmed the crowd with her elasticity and extensions. “A lovely, swinging horse. This light-footed mare has a great future ahead of her,” commentating judge Knut Danzberg. Hoeck added: “She has no weaknesses and learns so quickly. She has her own magic; I don’t even need to create it when riding her.”

Bronze medallist Endorphin NRW impressed with his suppleness and ease of transitions. “It felt like he really enjoyed himself today. I am very happy, he was even more relaxed than in the first test,” said Heemsoth.