Warsaw, Poland – September 08, 2024 – As the 2024 Longines EEF Series closed out in Warsaw last weekend, Chuck Marienshof Z was honoured with the Longines EEF Series Horse of the Year Award in association with the Jumping Owners Club. This accolade recognizes the exceptional performance and dedication of this outstanding equine athlete throughout the season.
Chuck was bred and is owned by Sandra Eckers of Stal Marienshof, ridden by Lars Kersten (NED) and cared for by grooms Marie-Jose van der Weijden and Giuseppe Ciardulli.
Seven horses were nominated for the award, and all demonstrated the ethos of the Longines EEF Series; to develop horses, riders and nations to move towards to the top level of the sport.
Chuck started his campaign in Mannheim, with 0/4 and a team win, which set up a hugely successful early season for the Dutch team. Heading next to their home show in Peelbergen, Chuck and Lars lowered just one pole in each round to help the team towards another overall victory. This led the Netherlands towards the semi-final in Budapest, where the entire team excelled without a single fault recorded. Chuck’s double-clear demonstrated his scope and talent, while adding yet another victory to his palmarès.
The 9-year-old by Colestus is a true labour of love. His owner and breeder, Sandra, bred his dam (Mamzelle vh Marienshof) and grand-dam (Desiree Van Het Marienshof) and remembers his early years fondly.
“He was a really nice foal. I’ve always been in love with him from the first day he was born because he had so much character. He jumped really well as a 3-year-old and then we gave him all the time, and he has developed very well” Sandra told us.
“It’s a special feeling when you bred them, and you still own them, and then they are doing so well. It’s really, really nice”.
The partnership with Lars is just a few years old, and the two have formed a strong bond while carefully developing Chucks’ obvious talent.
“I got him as a 7year old, and now to see the steps he has made as a 9year old and to live together through those moment, I think its one of the nicest things you can do.”
“I think the [Longines] EEF Series really helped us to make the next step. To do the nations cup, two rounds, as a 9year old I think that has been a very good experience and helped us to make the next step now to be jumping in the 4* grand prix and the 5* classes” added Lars.
In recent weeks, the pair stepped up to jump in more 1.50 and 1.55 classes, including notable success at the 4* Valkenswaard Grand Prix (0/0) and the 5* ranking class in Brussels. A progression the whole team is enjoying watching.
“It’s really nice to see with Lars; the combination is really stepping up. It’s always nice when you see that your horse is performing well and he feels happy because it’s also if he doesn’t feel happy, then he also won’t jump it. So that’s always the main thing, to keep him happy” added groom Marie.
The Longines EEF Series Horse of the Year award is supported by the Jumping Owners Club. Formed in 2004, they represent the views and opinions of the owners, and work closely alongside the FEI and EEF in building the profile and inclusiveness of Jumping. The Jumping Owners Club provides a platform for owners worldwide to share their common passion of equestrianism.
Source: Press Release from the EEF – European Equestrian Federation & Longines EEF Series
Photos: © EEF / Lukasz Kowalski / Dava Pala / Mikołaj Samborek
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