Before heading to Chicago for the USEF National Dressage Championships (AKA The Festival of Champions), Tokyo 2021 Olympian Dressage Team Medalist Sabine Schut-Kery and her two KWPN Stallions put the finishing touches on their preparation at HITS Del Mar Dressage, securing their #1 position in the USEF Dressage Final Standings for the National Championships.

Photos by Terri Miller-Steiner

Gina Rüdigers Sonnenberg’s Jersey debuted their I-1 Freestyle, earning 75.8% and 78.2%. The Freestyle created by RaveHorse Productions promises to be a highlight at Lamplight for the USEF Intermediaire 1 Championships held August 20-25 in Wayne, Illinois.

“I really love the music,” said Sabine. “It fits Jersey perfectly. I am excited to share it with everyone who will watch the live streaming at the Festival.”

The approved KWPN stallion, Jersey (Vivaldi x Ferro x Exkurs xx), was imported by Sonnenberg Farm, LLC, owned by Dan & Gina Ruediger, in May 2023. It was clear from the start this was a horse for Sabine, the highest-placed individual US Rider in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, placing fifth individually with the now-retired Salvino owned by Alice Womble.

After just a few short months together, Jersey traveled with his stablemate, Gorgeous Latino, to Lamplight to win the 2023 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Championships.

Gorgeous Latino’s Sire an Olympian in Paris

The handsome, Gorgeous Latino’s sire Glock’s Toto Jr. is at the 2024 Paris Olympics, about to compete for the Netherlands with Hans Peter Minderhoud. Sabine and the KWPN Stallion (by Toto Jr x Rubiquil x Sultan) won the Open Prix St Georges test in Del Mar, scoring 75.8%.

Sandy Mancini’s 2016 Dutch Warmblood stallion was the Markel/USEF Seven-Year-Old Champion and, in 2022, won the Six-Year-Old Division. He also represented the USA in Ermelo, for the FEI World Championships for Young Horses.

Jojoba de Massa Debut’s In Del Mar with Sabine

Akiko Yamazaki’s Jojoba de Massa just had three months together with Sabine Schut-Kery before Del Mar, but the powerful 10-year-old Portuguese Sport Horse bred stallion by Bon Bravour out of Tulipe de Massa produced  a mistake-free Prix St Georges nailing the FEI high point of the show with a 77.2%

“I was not only so proud of him but also very touched by the trust he put into our partnership during the last two competitions,” said Sabine. “He has a lot of power. He totally let me take over the reins and guide him through his paces.”

Giving Thanks – It Takes A Team

“I am grateful to Gina Rüdiger, Sandy Mancini, and Akiko Yamazaki for trusting me with their horses. I have always appreciated Christine Traurig; I love and enjoy developing all the horses with you!

And to my team, Sophia Chavonelle, you crushed it with your boy George Jetson winning the I-1 with a whopping 74.5%. Chloe Bell and Korie Hanset, your support is everything to me.

Thank you to everyone at The Palms Equestrian Center, Monica Garner, and Marie Francesca Medosi, for all of your support!

I have so much joy developing and building strong partnerships with these beautiful souls!”

Photos by Terri Miller-Steiner