Dressage Stallion

HGF's Encanto XI Debuts in the Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour

Last weekend, HGF-bred Encanto XI did his first Grand Prix test in the Sunshine Tour CDI*** in Vejer, Spain. Rider Daniel Martin Dockx brought Encanto to Vejer for the purpose of schooling with Spanish Team Coach Jan Bemelmens, and the decision was made to enter the horse in the Inter II and Grand Prix the first weekend of the three week series. Due to the horse's young age, Dani Martin was given permission by the Ground Jury to only do the two tests.

In the Inter II, Dani got his feet wet at International Big Tour competition, and the pair scored 64.45 with errors in a few of the movements. On Saturday, horse and rider appeared more comfortable in the Grand Prix. Opening the class as the first ride, they received 67.02% and finished 7th in a class of 27 horses.

Encanto XI is a 2002 PRE stallion, son of Evento out of Cantora XVI. At four years old, Encanto was sent to Spain to begin his dressage training with Dani Martin, and the pair went on to 2009 Reserve National Developing Horse Champion, and 2010 Inter I Champion of Andalucia.

Astrid Appels of www.eurodressage.com was there and said of the ride:

Jose Daniel Martin Dockx brought five horses to the Sunshine Tour, four of them to compete. Aboard Kim Boyer's 9-year old PRE stallion Encanto XI (by Evento out of the late Cantora XVI) the charming pair placed seventh with 67.021%. The duo is one of the rising stars in Spain having became regional small tour champion and national reserve champion in the developing horse class in 2010. Encanto's youth and inexperience at Grand Prix level were still obvious in the test as he needed to have more strength to stay balanced in the piaffe. Nevertheless the lovely sit and expression were there.

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2011/03/08/garcia-mena-and-norte-bring-dash-arena-2011-sunshine-tour

PRE horses, Pure Spanish Horse, Purebred Spanish

HGF's Encanto XI Debuts in the Grand Prix at Sunshine Tour