One of the more nicer national shows is definitely the one at stable Allius in Alken. Arenas in order, nice cafeteria, great riders and a good atmosphere. I went on Sunday to see some riders of our own barn perform, but in the meanwhile I watched some Intermediaire I tests and the M9 (Fifth level test 4). I actually hoped to see the Belgian youth riding but I found out that they already showed on Saturday: bummer!  
 The M9 was won by Sarah Schraepen with Mioche van het Goorhof. A nice dark bay stallion with very lightfeeted gaits. This combination shows a lot of potential for the PSG tests. In the Intermediaire I, five  riders started off and routine Phillipe Jorissen won the test with 65%. His 
liver chestnut gelding Dwinger Pia (by Flugel van Laroche) runs smooth correct tests with a nice extended trot and great traversal movements. Although you can see that the horse's age (18 years old) has taken away some brilliance in the gaits, Dwinger still is the leader at that level. Kristel van Hemelrijck placed second with her rather 'classical built' Marco. She has the ability to ride proper, fluent tests which make her score high. With the nice score of 63% she got the red ribbon. Third placed was former Belgian Champion Wim Verwimp who now 
saddled the chestnut stallion of Rene Vets from the Zuuthoeve. Weltmeyer II excels in his conformation and shows an incredible trot. Even though his walk has improved, it's still not good enough. Wim rode many mistakes in his tests which we aren't used of him, but such things happen. He became third with 59.56%. Young Rider Frederik Van de Keere started his two horses Heraldo and Heino (both Dutch warmbloods). Heraldo ran a more correct test, but some irregularity in his traversal movements was spotted. Also concerning the extended trot, Heraldo could show some more shoulder freedom. Heino is a horse with a lot of suppleness in his gaits, but he held his back a bit stiff and showed some resistance during the tempi changes. With this horse Frederik scored 55%.  

Pony Preliminary test   

 1. Delphine Meiresonne - Casper - 67.04%   
 2. Simon Missiaen - De Merel's Dennis - 66.30%   
 3. Kelly De Belder - Beverdonck's Baston - 61.48%   
 4. Gwen Van Meenen - Amedijks Orin - 61.11%   
 5. Aline Driessen - Hogewalds Ilka - 60.37%   
 6. Julie De Deken - Hayness - 59.63%   
 7. Wim Dries - Polo - 57.78 
                                                  
Pony Par Equipe   

1. Delphine Meiresonne - Casper - 65.00%   
2. Kelly De Belder - Beverdoncks Baston - 61.67%   
3. Julie De Deken - Hayness - 59.33%   
4. Aline Driessen - Hogewalds Ilka - 56.00%   
5. Wim Dries - Polo - 53.33%   
                                                    
                                                   
Junior Preliminary Test   

 1. Larissa Paulius - Iban - 60.67%   
 2. Nele Gijbels - Erco - 54.67% 
                                                  
Junior Par Equipe   

1. Larissa Paulius - Iban - 61.71%   
2. Nele Gijbels - Erco - 56.00% 

 Young Riders Preliminary test   

 1. Ellen Martens - Parchemin - 62.50%   
 2. Marleen Smeets - Limpido - 57.78% 
                                                  
Young Riders Par Equipe   

1. Ellen Martens - Parchemin - 53.85%   
2. Marleen Smeets - Limpido - 53.33%