Fifteen years ago no-one in the sport horse business had ever heard the name of this Danish stallion owner, who has bought, within the past five years, some of EuropeÕs top names, like Quidam de Revel, who keeps on winning (Grand Prix of Hannover on the 2 February last) at the age of 15.
VelinÕs opinions are not mainstream, but interesting to hear. His main goal is not only to make money, as he already owns a wealthy business (Scanvet) but is what he calls Ôa family affairÕ. LetÕs discover it.
... Q First of all, do you consider yourself as the biggest breeder in Denmark - how would you define yourself?
No, I am not the biggest breeder. I have two children who are interested in showjumping. I myself, come from racing. I have ridden race horses all my life - even with my size. Training every morning and flat racing on the track. My last race was when I was 45, eight years ago, and I have been training race horses for 17 years.
Q Why do you disagree with the Danish system?
Well I disagree with a lot of systems. I also think the systems in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Denmark are not good for approving stallions. First of all I think they are taking these two-and-a-half year olds and before they are being presented they are trained, beginning when they are, maybe, one-and-a-half, two-years old. For instance, the beautiful son of Quidam which was reserve vice-champion in Holstein at NeŸmunster, was trained for one year before he came, in November, to be approved. This means two hours training every day. ThatÕs maybe the maximum but, still, I think itÕs wrong to put so much work into such young horses. After they have been approved, at three-years old, they send them to the 100-day test where they are ridden by both good riders and less good riders. Some horses can take it and some horses cannot take it. Then they are approved for life which I think is wrong. ...