G I’M SPECIAL WITH CHATAN HENDRIKS – A FOCUS ON DAMLINES

Photography: Merlynn Trichardt

Breeders always emphasise the importance of a strong damline in getting the best offspring, and G I’m Special embodies this principle; she is derived from a true powerhouse damline.

Firstly, her mother, Biogen’s Greta G, needs no introduction. Biogen’s Greta G is currently on top form, either winning or having podium finishes in nearly every 1.40m class she and Chatan Hendriks compete in. The two are a dream team and always a pleasure to watch. Greta G’s father, Graf Top, is again a testament to the importance of having a good damline, as he himself was the product of a state premium damline.

I’m Special de Muze, G I’m Special’s sire, is becoming more and more popular in South African breeding programmes. He is sired by the Olympic stallion Emerald van’t Ruytershof, but his damline is exceptional. I’m Special’s mother, Walnut de Muze, won numerous Grand Prixs and Nation Cups under Harrie Smolders and she, herself, is the product of one of Belgium’s best ever broodmares, none other than Qerly Chin.

G I’m Special has recently started her competitive career under Chatan Hendriks. We’re very excited to see what the road ahead holds for these two – and we’re looking forward to hearing from Chatan about what it’s like to compete both mother AND daughter!