Helen Langehanenberg and Leatherdale Farms’ Damsey FRH Secure Spot on German European Championships Team

Aachen, Germany – Aug. 16, 2017 – After a stellar performance at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, in July, Helen Langehanenberg and Leatherdale Farms’ Hanoverian stallion, Damsey FRH, secured a position on the prestigious German team for the European Championships. The pair beat the world’s number one ranked rider, Isabell Werth, on Emilio to win the CDI4* Grand Prix with a harmonious ride that earned a score of 75.900 percent. They placed second in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special with a 76.686 percent.

“Winning in Aachen is always something very special!” Langehanenberg said. “Everyone wants to win, and Damsey participated well in the competition – that it worked out in Aachen was particularly exciting. Damsey was super motivated and did two super tests. I am very proud of him and how we have come together so well!”

Helen Langehanenberg and Damsey FRH in Aachen, Germany

“To beat the German champion was something I did not expect, but Damsey has no weaknesses and super gaits,” Langehanenberg continued. “It’s an honor to be a part of the German team again!”

The 15-year-old son of Dressage Royal has a history of international success and outstanding scores in the show ring, and Leatherdale Farms is thrilled that he is continuing to flourish with Langehanenberg.

“Watching Helen and Damsey in the beautiful Aachen show ring was breathtaking,” his owner, Louise Leatherdale, said. “What a dream come true for this pair after starting out together only a year and a half ago. Helen rode Damsey so beautifully and Damsey gives his all to her every time. They are on the road to success!

Susanne Meyer, Helen-Langehanenberg and Louise-Leatherdale

“Damsey’s heart and work ethic alone gives me such pleasure but to have them recognized for their talent and hard work by being named to the German team for the European Championships in Sweden is truly the icing on the cake!” Leatherdale said.

Langehanenberg and Damsey FRH will join fellow German teammates, Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD, Sönke Rothenberger on Cosmo and Dorothee Schneider on Sammy Davis Jr. in Gothenburg, Sweden, Aug. 22-27 for the European Championships.

“I want to give many thanks to the whole team including Hengststation Meyer, Jonny Hilbareth, who so wonderfully trained Damsey in past years, Damsey’s wonderful groom and the rest of the Leatherdale Farms team!” Leatherdale concluded.
 

Leatherdale Farms' Performance Horses Make Strides in European Dressage Ring

Uggerhalne, Denmark - June 17, 2017 - After a successful winter show season in Wellington, Florida, Leatherdale Farms' Louise Leatherdale offered Diane Creech and her daughter, Vanessa Creech-Terauds, a special opportunity to train and compete in Europe during the summer. At the end of May, Fleur de Lis L, Diana C and Chrevis Christo made the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to kickstart their first European competition at the Equitour Aalborg CDIO in Uggerhalne, Denmark.

"It is a pleasure to have Diane and Vanessa compete in Europe this summer," Louise Leatherdale said. "The shows are well run and offer both horse and rider a chance to experience international competition first hand. The fact that Chrevis Christo and Diana C returned to the region in Denmark where they were bred and raised offered their breeders a chance to connect once again and see that the horses are training properly and are loved! What a joy to hear their breeders praise for these exceptional horses! On to Germany next for further shows and training." 

Diane Creech and Chrevis Christo. Photo by Vivian Havbæk Thomasen.

Creech and the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Chrevis Christo (Chrevis Cavallo - Chrevis La VI, Matador) earned outstanding scores throughout the week in Denmark. In the large Grand Prix class, the pair placed fifth with a score of 68.72 percent and they placed third in the Grand Prix Special with a 71.118 percent. 
 
"Chrevis Christo was so amazing and it was incredible to be in the top three of such a competitive class in Europe," Creech said. "It was a very proud moment for our entire team!
 
"Thank you to my daughter, supporter and groom, Vanessa, and especially to Louise Leatherdale for giving us the chance of a lifetime to experience this!" Creech continued. "It makes it even more special that Vanessa and I can do it together and we know it will help in the development of the horses and make us become better riders and trainers."

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Creech-Terauds had a stellar season collecting many wins in Wellington aboard Fleur de Lis L (First Dance-EM De La Rosa, De Niro). The 8-year-old Hanoverian mare, stepped up to the Young Rider level this year and together they gained experience and confidence in their first Europe competition. After two solid rides in the Young Rider Team Test and Individual Test, the duo qualified for the Young Rider Freestyle where they earned a 66.275 percent. 

Vanessa Creech-Terauds and Fleur de Lis L

"It has been my first time competing overseas and it has been a wonderful experience!" Creech-Terauds said. "I was so proud to represent my country at such a competitive competition. Although Fleur reacted a little bit to the atmosphere, I was still so proud of how she managed in to settle in the end! 

"We are moving on to Hagen next," she continued. "I'm looking forward to making more memories and gaining more experience."

Creech and Creech-Terauds were pleased with their first European outing and they are looking forward to continuing their training. Their tentative competition schedule will be the CDI3* Hartpury, England, on July 5-9, and the CDI3* Deauville, France, on July 20-23.