At the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, the seven-year-old Holsteiner Sullivan ABN by Secret-Carpaccio (Anja Nygaard, Denmark), line 2290, put in a strong performance alongside his rider Nina Verina Braun (GER). In the Small Final, the pair secured an outstanding second place with a score of 74.729 per cent – earning them the title of Holsteiner of the Month.
For Nina Verina Braun, this success marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey they have undertaken together. Around two and a half years ago, the gelding – nicknamed ‘Sully’ – came into her life under rather sad circumstances. Following the unexpected loss of her then-successful horse, the owners offered her the chance to ride Sullivan, who was five years old at the time. “Back then, Sully was a rather unassuming and shy horse who didn’t quite know what he was capable of,” recalls Braun.

With patience, trust and consistent training, the gelding developed into a confident and reliable partner in the arena. His development earned him the nickname ‘Wundertüte’ (surprise package) from Braun. It was by no means a foregone conclusion that the reserved five-year-old would be competing at a World Championships just two years later. What was particularly remarkable was that Braun, as an amateur, took to the arena alongside international professionals on a horse she had trained herself.
Following his successful World Championships performance, Sullivan ABN is now set to enjoy a break from competition. “Our overriding aim is for Sully to stay healthy and happy,” says Braun. Whilst competing in the Nuremberg Burg-Pokal next season would certainly be a welcome prospect, the pair are taking a relaxed approach to what lies ahead. True to their recipe for success so far: step by step, without pressure and with plenty of trust. Because Sullivan’s “surprise package” clearly still has plenty more to offer.

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz