Confused about the title? Let me explain: Chacamo was an absolutely brilliant horse, ridden by Alexandra Simmons De Ridder of Germany. He was equal fourth in the dressage at the Sydney Olympics after the Grand Prix Special, but due to the fact tha teams are only allowed 3 riders in the Kur, He was dropped in favour of Ulla Salgeber and Rusty, who went on to win the Bronze medal. Sadly a couple of years later he passed away. I am not sure if he won a major competition or not, but I remember him for his amazing ability in his extended work and potential in the Passage and Piaffe. The reason I am mentioning this?
I have just seen a horse who, in my mind should be up there at this years European Championships with Warum Nicht. Not Salinero. He is a good horse, but I am still not convinced that his extravagance in Passage and Piaffe is totally natural. No the horse in question, is currently ridden by Andreas Helgstrand of Denmark, and her name is Blue Hors Matine. Grey mare, very hard to miss given the fact that her extended trot resembles Chacamo, and she has the most amazingly naturally cadent piaffe and passage. I watched her WEG Kur for the first time today and am actually sorry that I walked out of the Aachen showground in disgust at their lack of ability to cope with the number of people wanting to watch the class. Yes, there was some youthfull inexperience in places, but for heavens sake, she was only 9 at the time! This year she will be a year older and wiser and as such will be a very formidable opponent. Warum Nicht will also have improved in Anky and Salinero's abscence.
Be very afraid Anky, your time at the top is coming to an end. Warum Nicht and Matine will be very difficult to beat at the European championships.