The Dutch KWPN studbook took gold in the five-year-old class with Proud James competing with Mette Sejbjerg Jensen for Denmark, and in the six-year-old class with Red Viper under Dinja van Liere for The Netherlands. In the seven-year-old class it was the Danish Warmblood mare Quinn G who claimed her third consecutive world title, this time with Great Britain’s Fiona Bigwood. Alongside KWPN’s five medals, the Danish Warmblood studbook also celebrated three podium places, including the gold for Quinn G. After several years in Ermelo, The Netherlands, the Championships returned to Verden this year, the most frequent host in the history of the event, marking the first of a three-year run.
Five-year-olds: Proud James delivers in style
Mette Sejbjerg Jensen produced a gold and a bronze medal in the five-year-old class, competing with two outstanding stallions. Gold went to the KWPN grey stallion Proud James, presented by the Danish athlete under the quota of the Netherlands. The bronze was also hers, with the Danish Warmblood stallion Straight Horse Leonardo.
Proud James (sired by Jameson RS2) impressed with his uphill way of going and powerful expression. He was the only horse to break the 90% barrier with a winning score of 90.60%. The jet-black Straight Horse Leonardo, scoring 87.40%, showed natural balance and made every movement look easy.
Sejbjerg Jensen was full of gratitude for the opportunity to ride two horses of such quality, smiling throughout both tests. “I’m overwhelmed. But riding such amazing horses makes it easier. We practised every detail in preparation, so I could relax here and enjoy my rides. These medals are really a team effort. Proud James is stunning and has the perfect colour, and Leonardo has a super rideability and is really smart. They are both showmen. In the arena they grow five centimetres and say: ‘watch me!’ They make things easy for me, and they are truly my best friends.”
Between these two stallions, the charming Oldenburg mare Viva Diamond OLD, presented for Germany by Linda Weiß, claimed silver with 89.20%. She impressed with her rideability and focus, particularly in the walk which earned a 9.3.
“She did great, even better than in the qualifier. She had such a good attitude today,” said Weiß.
Six-year-olds: Mighty Red Viper retains his crown
The six-year-old title was decided in a closely matched field where even the smallest mistake could tip the balance. Reigning five-year-old World Champion Red Viper, now under the saddle of Dinja van Liere, rose from third in the qualifier to take gold for the Netherlands in the final.
In the qualifier it was Denmark’s Anne Troensegaard who led with Slangerupgaards Saffon, but tension in the flying changes dropped them to fourth in the final. Germany’s Greta Heemsoth climbed from fourth to bronze with the Hanoverian stallion Endorphin NRW, while silver went to Anders Sjöbeck Hoeck of Denmark with the DWB-mare Brandtbjergs Divya, who was consistently elegant, uphill and correct over both days.
It was a contrast of styles between the gold and silver medallists: the powerful and huge dark-chestnut stallion Red Viper versus the light-footed ballerina Brandtbjergs Divya. Their scores reflected the close battle, 90.40% for Red Viper and 90.00% for Divya.
Van Liere took over the ride on Red Viper (sired by Romanov) last year from Bart Veeze of The Netherlands, who had won the five-year-old title with him in 2024. “What a horse! This is really a horse for the big championships in the future,” the judges praised him.
“Red Viper is amazing in every way. Not only in his paces and overall presence, but also in the stable and the field. He is the kindest and easiest horse I know, which is lucky because he is very big! He is a champion with a lot of potential for Grand Prix, but his wonderful character is the most important thing to me,” said Van Liere.
Brandtbjergs Divya charmed the crowd with her elasticity and extensions. “A lovely, swinging horse. This light-footed mare has a great future ahead of her,” said commentating judge Knut Danzberg. Hoeck added: “She has no weaknesses and learns so quickly. She has her own magic; I don’t even need to create it when riding her.”
Bronze medallist Endorphin NRW impressed with his suppleness and ease of transitions. “It felt like he really enjoyed himself today. I am very happy, he was even more relaxed than in the first test,” said Heemsoth.
Seven-year-olds: Hattrick for Quinn G
After winning as a five-year-old in 2023 – back then with Betina Jaeger – and as a six-year-old in 2024, the Danish Warmblood mare Quinn G (sired by Quaterhit) once again reigned supreme in Verden. The long-legged chestnut, owned and ridden by Great Britain’s Fiona Bigwood under the Danish quota, scored 81.65% for her third consecutive title.
The pressure was high for Bigwood, with expectations surrounding a two-time World Champion.
“I hardly slept last night. I know her basics are good, she does pirouettes and changes with ease. I really wanted to show her off today because she is such a good horse and has so much quality in all three gaits,” said Bigwood.
Silver went to Leonie Richter of Germany with KWPN’s Most Wanted Nero von Bellin, riding under the Netherlands’ quota. Initially first reserve, the pair made the most of their chance. “He still had a lot to learn this winter and was still quite green during the Dutch selection trials. I was already happy to be reserve, so to compete here and take silver is fantastic. He has grown in confidence and relaxation during this championship.”
Bronze was claimed by British Charlotte Fry with the KWPN stallion Ilegro, another powerhouse competing for the Netherlands and a nephew to world-record holder Valegro. “I knew I was riding an amazing horse with talent for the Grand Prix, but I thought this might have been a little too soon for him. I’m so proud of how he coped in that arena. He never misses a beat and gives the most incredible feeling,” said Fry.
Henning Lehrmann of Germany, president of the ground jury for the seven-year-olds, summed up the division in words that could apply to the whole event: “We saw so many different horses: from powerful stallions to elegant ballerinas. It was fascinating to see such variety, with each horse showing great talent in its own way.”
Source: FEI press release by Bettine van Harselaar
