The opinions were divided ...
We are actually quite proud. Proud that Cadjanine makes it to the Olympic Games. It is certainly also the merit of Gregory Wathelet. But yet we are very proud of the way that Cadjanine has traveled, which we have travelled together for a great piece.It was a regrettable moment, when she left our stables. But we did not stay behind with empty hands.
When Cadjanine jumped the final of the 2009 World Championships in Zangersheide she was carrying a foal. That would be a very particular foal for us.
The intention was that it should be rinsed with embryo transfer. From the rinse nothing came out, but afterwards it turned out so that the embryo had nestled itself and that Cadjanine herself was expecting.
She was born in May of 2010; our Ultra Precious, named after her father Ultra Boy. The stallion of Heartbreaker and Jus de Pomme was Belgian champion of the 5-year-old horses, and afterwards he moved to the stables of Eric Lamaze. However, an injury decided to make an early end to his sport-career.
Ultra Boy was also very special for us.
A few weeks after her birth, we wanted to make another mare ready to take Ultra Precious and bring her up. That way Cadjanine would be faster back in the sport.
But the health of Ultra Precious decided otherwise. As a foal she wasn't strong and she had little resistance. In the interest of the foal, Cadjanine had to remain on rest for a longer time. When she was 3 months, it was really critical and Cadjanine and Ultra Precious had to be included in a clinic. It all came good. I found her back then already very beautiful, while someone with a sober look had reservations.
The opinions were divided. Now we're 2 years later, and our "ugly duckling" is gradually becoming a beautiful mare. We are also proud that we can show her now with a photo.
Probably Ultra Precious will not have the force of her mother, because that is special. Anyhow she continues where she now is, with us.
If she can't jump the biggest courses, then our children are already candidate to ride her. If you like to see one of our twin daughters in action this week, this weekend she makes her first public appearance.
On Thursday night Lauranne Spits will be the mascot for the team of Euphony at the "Battle of the Clubs". It is perhaps but a side competition in Beervelde, but Lauranne is very proud that she can participate on such a beautiful show.
In addition to show competitions, there is also a lot top-level sport. More info via the link.
Patrik and Withney DH won the GP in 2009 in Beervelde The last weeks Withney seems to be back in good shape, and they will definitely start from Thursday on.
The Flanders Horse Event is still used for some riders as final preparation for the Olympics. Cadjanine has had a preparation last week in Moorsele. The real big work starts next week in London, on Saturday 4 August.
The Belgian riders will be Friday in London to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The horses depart on Wednesday August, 1. For us there is only 1 thing that we can do. That is to get behind the team, and cheer hard on a good ending and Belgian success.
Copyright photo: Kris Van Steen
