La Jolie SW and Carina Scholz Win the Third-Place Match at the World Championships in Verden

It was already becoming clear during the qualifiers—Carina Scholz and La Jolie SW OLD, Greta Heemsoth with Felice FRH, and Nina Verina Braun on Sullivan ABN had placed 13th through 15th here, so they were essentially already the alternates for a spot in the final for seven-year-olds at the 2026 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. They confirmed this status today in the small final.

As in previous years, La Jolie SW—an Escamillo daughter from Oldenburg, bred and owned by Sabine Wehle—won the “Zweiter Bildungsweg” competition with an impressive 76.411 percent, including exactly 83 percent for the quality of her basic gaits, responsiveness, and perspective, 71.607 and 68.036 percent for the technical execution of the exercises.

Rider Carina Scholz had a simple explanation for why they always make it so exciting: “Apparently, we need a little pressure!”

Holsteiner Heads to the World Dressage Championships

Tomorrow, Sullivan ABN by Secret-Carpaccio (breeder: Anja Nygaard) will demonstrate that Holsteiners know no limits—and not just on the show jumping course. Sullivan will be ridden by Nina Verina Braun for owner Michael Kramarsch. The Sullivan team was delighted with a score of 74.729 percent, including 81.6 for quality, 70.179 percent for presentation, and 65.536 percent for performance.

Right behind her was last year’s finalist and 2024 National Champion Felice FRH by Fürst Samarant-Riverside (breeder: Rene Janzen; owners: Ingo Pape and Ken Steele), ridden by Greta Heemsoth. She scored 74.242 percent, with 80 percent for quality and 68.929 and 68.036 for presentation.

The World Championship final for seven-year-old dressage horses begins on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.