SpectraVET Classic Performance of the Week

Each week we spotlight a history-making moment by an equine legend–like Andreas Helgstrand and Blue Hors Matiné’s game-changing freestyle at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, Germany.

The video of their test is one of the most-watched YouTube equestrian videos of all time, with well over 12 million views.

Why was the test a game-changer? Perhaps because its coupling of spectacular technical ability with popular music truly modernized the notion of what a contemporary freestyle performance could be.

Andreas, of Denmark, and the electrifying 9-year-old mare had the sold-out audience of 40,000 people on their feet and clapping in time with their passage as they went down their final center-line. Truly, both horse and rider seemed to be dancing. Eurodressage’s report of the Games called them “the favourite of the crowd” and said they “seemed to have redefined piaffe and passage.” Their performance earned them a silver in the Individual Freestyle, in addition to a bronze in the Individual Special.

Tragically, the Games would prove to be Andreas and Matiné’s last major championship together. The mare was withdrawn from the 2007 Dressage World Cup Finals in Las Vegas after suffering a tendon injury on arrival. She was retired from competition in 2009 and euthanized in 2010 following a pasture accident.

In Matiné’s honor, let’s relive her famous 2006 freestyle once more.

Presented by:

Go Andreas and Matiné.

———–

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Horse Nation Tip: Be sure to “like” SpectraVET on Facebook as well!