In June, the 11-year-old Uricas of Kattevennen won the Longines Grand Prix of Sankt Gallen, and last weekend, the duo of Smolders and Uricas clinched the Longines GCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck. "It's just incredible how intelligent he is. Perhaps a bit slower than other horses, but now more than ever, Uricas proves his abilities," says Smolders.
Uricas was born at home with Germany's German Otto Boje Schoof and was purchased as a foal by the late Leon Spronken (BEL). Uricas' third dam, Wodka II (Lord), is also the mother of several 1.60m horses, such as UT Wodka (Cassini I), Chika's Way (Caretino), Carassina (Concerto II), and the approved stallion Conway (Caretino).
As a young horse, the stallion was trained by Belgium's Alexander Housen. As a seven-year-old stallion, the year Leon Spronken passed away, the pair competed in the final for seven-year-olds at the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Horses. At that time, the Belgian rider stated that he would have liked to win the gold as a tribute to Spronken. "I think nerves got the better of me, causing me to knock down the last rail," Housen explained in an interview afterwards. "But what a feeling, this is a horse we will hear a lot from. He wants to win and believes in it," he said.
Uricas and Smolders
As an eight-year-old, the stallion moved to Smolders' stables, who immediately described him as an intelligent horse. Patience is key... as evidenced by the results of the last few months. "I am not so focused on those records. I concentrate on my horses. If they feel good, and I ride well, then the results will come naturally. I just have to remain patient and seize my opportunities. If that leads to records, then that's great. Being on the podium is already amazing," Smolders said last weekend.
Since partnering with Smolders, the stallion has secured a remarkable 14 international podium places, earning 391,139 euros in prize money. Uricas' son recorded 25% clear rounds in 15 1.60m courses, and placed in the top ten in 17% of those rounds (data from Jumpr App).
In an interview with the KNHS, Smolders explains that he allows Uricas to guide him on his journey. "He is smart enough to tell me when he is ready for something. He understands the sport more and more, and I believe his career has only just begun!"