Video Review

By Sue Wingate

Anky van Grunsven "Dancing with Bonfire"
Narrator: Alistair Down
Running Time: 70 minutes

For anyone who enjoys dressage, this video is a must. It follows the career of renowned Dutch rider Anky van Grunsven and her amazing horse, Gestion Bonfire. The opening shots really bring a lump to the throat, such is the expressiveness, lightness and grace of this special horse.

This is a partnership made in heaven and the Kür could have been created especially for them - the music and Anky's use of it enable them to show the sport of dressage at quite another level. The duo's progress at the highest level of International competition is well covered - resulting in their incredible tally of four World Cup victories. So too, the deep rivalry between them and the German pair of Isabel Werth and Gigolo. There is clearly a sense of probable injustice in some of the results have left Anky filling the role of 'bridesmaid' to Isabel's 'bride' on some notable occasions, nevertheless, Anky and her trainer (and partner) Sjef Janssen, are always philosophical and Anky wisely accepts reversals as 'character building'.

This is a well-produced video with commentary by Alistair Down (more familiar to those with racing interests) that is well expressed and never superfluous. It is full of unedited performances by Bonfire on the International circuit and is well worth having for these alone - something to lift the spirits on a dull day perhaps? This video will be a valuable part of any horseman's video collection and in years to come will serve as a reminder of a supremely talented horse - one that performed consistently with lightness, elegance, enthusiasm and athleticism.

As his devoted owner says at the end, "Bonfire will be remembered in 10 or 15 years from now because he brought emotion into the sport … … he makes dressage look very easy, which is what it is really about and that is why he is so special." Recommended