Kynona, Elite/Sport/PROK, is a 2015 mare by Cum Laude and out of Fynona, Elite/Pref/Sport, by Ampere. Kynona is owned and was bred by Stal 104, one of the most prominent Dutch breeders and the 2022 KWPN Breeder of the Year.
Eighteen-year-old Vicki Sanders rides this special mare. They successfully competed in the Young Horse division and are now showing Z2/Junior Level, with plans to move to the Young Rider division. Vicki lives outside of Amsterdam with Kynona close by in the village of Vijfhuizen. Here Vicki shares all the details about making the move from pony to horse and what it’s like to move up the levels with a talented, big moving horse.
What were your first impressions of Kynona?
The first time I sat on Kynona was on October 10, 2020. Before that I never sat on a horse; I came right from a pony. So a big change. Though Kynona was quite green, she gave me a safe feeling from moment one. I immediately fell in love with this beautiful black mare, and of course Kynona has the looks!
What is she like to ride?
Now almost three years later, Kynona and I are still a combination. We have grown up together and are still getting to know each other better every day.
Kynona always likes to be ridden–all the attention is nice. She always has a desire to work and is not scared.
Learning the flying changes was quite tough. We were both inexperienced and she is a mare. She let us know this from time to time. This didn't make it always easy, but it did make our bond strong.
We can now do everything together and she is the sweetest mare I know. She knows me better than anyone. She immediately knows when I have tension. We are a mirror of each other.
What was it like riding Kynona in the Young Horse classes?
When she was six years old, Kynona and I competed in Young Horse classes. Riding a young horse means getting new experiences together for the both of us. I had never participated in a Young Horse competition before. Making up my own test was a lot of fun. This way I could get the best out of Kynona.
Despite some tension from both of us during our first competitions, it went really well. The comments from the judges and the opportunity to grow motivated me. Kynona had high marks for the paces– her best gait is canter.
What level are you showing now?
Kynona and I are now showing Z2/Junior level and at home we're training for Young Riders level.
Luckily the changes are now confirmed and riding them gives a great feeling. The same goes for the trot. It’s the first time I get to experience a trot like that. From a pony to a big horse is very different. It feels wonderful and is therefore very nice to ride. This summer we'll do several Z2 competitions and the plan is to start Young Riders after.
Does Kynona have a favorite treat?
Kynona loves celery! Kynona eats really neatly and waits for the food to be served and then eats quietly. She is a real lady–she really prefers hot water when she is washed.
What is Kynona’s daily routine?
During the week I go to school and then Kynona is ridden at the end of the afternoon. In the morning, her stable is mucked out and, depending on the weather, she goes out on the land or on the walker. In the afternoon, she comes to the walker again.
Would you like to see more Cum Laude offspring? Visit his offspring gallery here.
Photo of Kynona by Focussed Fotografie
