A fantastic performance during the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Lier this past weekend. The winning Portuguese team featured no less than two offspring of our stallions: Karonia L (by Harley VDL) and Krachtpatser (by Carrera VDL).

Under the saddle of Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida, Karonia L, bred by Th. Lemmers from Baexem, delivered a strong performance with just four penalties in the first round and a clear second round. Krachtpatser, ridden by Mario Wilson Fernandes and bred by E. Enzerink from Asten-Heusden, jumped two faultless rounds — both horses played a crucial role in the Portuguese team’s victory.

Other offspring of VDL stallions also made their mark during the show in Lier:

• Wadro’s Maggie May (by Zirocco Blue VDL, breeder: family Henstra) and Marriet Smit-Hoekstra claimed victory in the 1.35m class for 8-year-olds.

• HK Carrera (by Carrera VDL, breeder: K. Muys), ridden by Torben Köhlbrandt, won the 1.35m Two Phases Special with a lightning-fast clear round.

• Lilesta GE (by Arezzo VDL, breeder: Th. Gelink) took first place in the 1.40m class with João Victor Castro Aguiar Gomes de Lima.

Linked horses

• Arezzo 'Preferent'
• Zirocco Blue 'Preferent'
• Carrera
• Harley 'Preferent'