She is a five years old chestnut and descends from Fürst Heinrich out of a Dimaggio-dam.
The horse lady is a Hanoverian mare, but yet British, as Woodlander Farouche was born in Great Britain on the farm of breeder Lynne Crowden in Monmouthshire. The fascinating mare won the qualifier for the World Championships of five-year-old dressage horses under her rider Michael George Eilberg at the International Dressage and Show Jumping Festival in Verden. And the way she won became the number one topic of conversation. Farouche earned scores of nine in a row. The judges awarded scores of 9.5 – 9.2 – 9.7 for trot, canter and walk, resulting in an overall score of 9.28 for the British duo. Michael Eilberg was completely fascinated by his sport partner: “She is an incredible horse, I have been riding her since she was three years old,” said the 25 years old Eilberg who tried to regain his composure after his presentation in the Championship arena. “I am also delighted for the breeder and owner. It was Lynne’s wish to travel to the World Championships with Farouche.”
The mare already won the British dressage finals with more than 90%, but she also convinced in the development classes. Eilberg travelled to Verden in 2010 as a spectator, and it is the first time that he participates at the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses. He stays relaxed when looking forward to the Final on Sunday: “There is of course some more pressure. But it is a good feeling that the mare already presented such outstanding performances in the qualifier. This strengthens self-confidence for both of us.”
Second placed Damon’s Divene, the two-times Federal Champion and daughter by the double World Champion Damon Hill out of a Rubin Royal-dam, bred by Christian Becks (Senden). Helen Langehanenberg rode the chestnut mare to a final score of 8.76.. Third became the Dutch stallion IPS Bon Bravour with Tom Franckx-Goen (Belgium) with an overall score of 8.64. The stallion is a son by Anky van Grunsven’s former top dressage horse Painted Black out of a Chronos-daughter. Equal on points on the third place finished the Hanoverian stallion Swing de Hus by San Remo – Wonderland, presented in Verden by Jessica Michel from France.
Results international dressage test, 1st qualifier for the World Championships:
1. Michael George Eilberg (Grossbritannien), Woodlander Farouche (Hann.), 9,28;
2. Helen Langehanenberg (Havixbeck), Damon`s Divene (Westf.) 8,76;
3. Tom Franckx-Goen (Belgien) IPS Bon Bravour (KWPN) and Jessica Michel (Frankreich), Swing de Hus (Hann.) 8,64;
5. Sanne Henningsen (Dänemark) mit Aterupgaard`s Final Kiss (DK) 8,62.