Meet Carletto: The ‘Zebra’ Making Waves in the World of Dressage.

Source Image: Jolanda Adelaar/YouTube

At the Royal Dutch Equestrian Sport Center (KNHS) in Ermelo, a unique and inspiring dressage demonstration took place featuring Jolanda Adelaar and her Grand Prix horse, Carletto. Representing Hartog horse feed, Jolanda showcased her mastery of positive reinforcement techniques while riding Carletto, an 11-year-old Murgese stallion. In addition to the demonstration, she offered a dressage clinic focused on positive reinforcement and clicker training, captivating the audience with her humane and effective training methods.

Source Image: Jolanda Adelaar/YouTube

Carletto is not your typical dressage horse. While the dressage world is accustomed to seeing breeds like the Lusitano, Andalusian, and Friesian excel at elite levels, Carletto stands out as one of the few Murgese horses competing at Grand Prix level. Originating from the Puglia region in southern Italy, the Murgese breed has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when these horses were used by the Italian cavalry. However, the breed nearly faced extinction before being revived in modern times.

Source Image: Jolanda Adelaar/YouTube

What makes Carletto even more special is his striking blue roan coat and his journey to the top of the dressage world. Purchased by Jolanda as an unbacked youngster eight years ago, Carletto was trained at her home in Brabant, Netherlands, progressing through the levels until his Grand Prix debut. The pair made a strong impression at a national show in Velsen-Zuid, the Netherlands, where they scored 66.9% — an incredible achievement for a breed not typically seen in the upper echelons of dressage.

“Everything I imagined Carletto could do is now becoming reality,” Jolanda said. Known for excelling in collected movements like piaffe and passage, Carletto’s natural talent and intelligence have shone through as Jolanda has worked with him over the years. Despite competing in a field dominated by warmbloods, Carletto’s success shows that the Murgese breed is just as capable of excelling in advanced dressage movements.

Jolanda affectionately nicknamed Carletto “Rocky Balboa,” likening him to the famous underdog boxer who rose to success through hard work and determination. This nickname perfectly captures Carletto’s journey — from an unknown breed to a Grand Prix competitor. Jolanda’s approach to training, which focuses on positive reinforcement and a deep bond with her horse, has been key to their success. Her work with Carletto is not just a testament to the versatility of the Murgese breed but also a demonstration of how thoughtful and patient training can bring out the best in any horse.

Looking ahead, Jolanda hopes to take Carletto to international Grand Prix competitions, continuing to challenge the norms in the dressage world. Their story is one of persistence, breaking barriers, and showing that even less familiar breeds can rise to the highest levels with the right training and partnership. Carletto’s rise in the dressage world is not just a victory for him and Jolanda but for the Murgese breed itself, reminding equestrians everywhere that talent can be found in unexpected places.

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