During the winter period, driving association the Sterruiters in Haaksbergen organises a winter dressage and agility competition consisting of four outdoor competitions, with an awards ceremony and buffet for the entire competition on the last day of competition.
Gerard Horst and Lynley Benneker took part in the first competition of this winter season 2025-2026 on 12 October, Lynley with her now familiar pony Stapleford Joint Venture and Gerard with his new star Now Or Never (nickname Brammetje).
Gerard was the first of the two to drive, his first competition with Brammetje. Brammetje, already accustomed to driving, was quite nervous in the first dressage test, which led to some sloppiness. Relaxed walking, trotting with a stretched neck, and nice round figures were difficult or impossible. The test was therefore rightly scored at 171 points. In the second test, Brammetje was a little more relaxed, which benefited the test. It was therefore awarded 188.5 points. Brammetje thus achieved his first profit point in dressage.
The first cones test test was then completed without faults and within the time limit (resulting in 2 profit points and the 2nd place). Unfortunately, one ball was knocked down in the jump-off.
The second agility test was also completed within the time limit. Unfortunately, two balls were knocked down.
All in all, however, the combination returned home satisfied with their first performance at the competition.
Next up was Lynley Benneker with Stapleford Joint Venture, call name Johnny. Johnny was also tense in the first test, but despite this, the combination showed some beautiful moments in the test. This ultimately resulted in a score of 195 points, earning them 2 profit points and the 4th place in the day's competition.
Johnny also relaxed a little more in the second test and showed even more beautiful moments. This test was ultimately awarded with 200.5 points! And so again 2 winning points and now the 3rd place in the day competition.
With a score of 200+ points in the dressage tests for the first time, Lynley was very satisfied, especially with the necessary improvements still to be made.
Johnny was eager to take on the cones tests. He raced through the course like a tornado with Lynley in his wake. Both tests were completed well within the time limit, but unfortunately there was no jump-off because one ball was knocked down both times. Still, it was good for two profit points and second place in the day's rankings.
Now on to the second competition of the winter series.