Sublime performance from MSJ Freestyle and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour in Gothenburg today

Personal Best with 83,369%

Personal best on the scoreboard is of course fantastic, but getting into the details today´s performance was more than a Personal best, it was hours and hours of work and refinement of details that all came together today.

Before today 16 yr old super mare Mount St. John Freestyle and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour already made headllines with super performances. The tack tick from Cathrine and Kyra could have been a kind of easy start for today´s Grand Prix, but from first step it definitely looked like a very determined Cathrine. 100% focus and sharpness from both rider and horse, nothing was left and at the same time still room for small improvements, but scoring massive 83,369% with 10 x 10 means exercises to perfection. From the harmony perspective this was a clear 10, lovely outline all the way, suppleness, soft contact, balanced, close mouth, steady tail, attentive and at the same time powerful.

Asking Cathrine after her performance how to improve like today: “Since Top 10 in Stockholm we´ve been working on the small details in order to try to improve, and as I already had the best freeling from the warm up I was smiling all the way. I think we all love when things really succeed and this was definitely my feeling today. Free is really starting to let go in there and dancing with me all the way in a supple obidident and smooth way which makes my job clearly much more like supporting and not asking for the next exercise.”

From the “sideline” this performance showed how a partnership between horse and rider can get into one unit.

When your passion and love goes in direcction dressage Cathrine and Free are definitely dressage hero´s.

Germany seeks three-peat as FEI dressage nations cup returns to Wellington

There has been a common theme for Germany over the course of the last two seasons of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™—both of which ended with season titles for the powerhouse nation: Each season has started with a victory in Wellington. 

The 2025 season kicks off Thursday at Wellington's Global Dressage Festival, which could be considered a home away from home for the German Dressage squad. Germany will be among four nations looking to start their seasons strongly in the FEI Grand Prix test.

But it will be a tall order for Australia, Canada, Sweden and the home nation United States to dethrone the two-time defending series champions, as their reign over Wellington has been even lengthier. Germany has won this event in each of the last four years.

Michael Klimke has been a pillar of Germany's Wellington squad, contributing to all four victories between 2021 and 2024, when he also doubled as the team's chef d'equipe. He returns in 2025, this time with the 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding Harmony's Fado. With just eight international starts, the beautiful black gelding will make his third start at Grand Prix in his team debut.  He said; "Yes, we won—not one time. We've won four times in a row. For me, it's an honour to be here and all of these years." 

Evelyn Eger, Felicitas Hendricks, and Lars Ligus complete the German team. The trio is a group brimming with young talent, as all three athletes are under the age of 30. Despite being the youngest of the group, Hendricks, 24, boasts the best recent form with her longtime partner, Drombusch OLD. The duo posted the leading score for Germany in last year's Wellington leg, and they kicked off the 2025 season with an FEI Dressage World Cup™ victory in January at the same venue.

"Every time, he just leaves his heart in the ring. I can tell he's very happy to be back."

Felicitas Hendricks 

(GER)

Family ties

The United States finished second in last year's season opener, with Kevin Kohmann (USA) coming closest to Hendrick's top score; he finished second individually in the Grand Prix test aboard his top mount Duenensee. Kohmann is one of three riders from last year's U.S. squad that return in 2025, as Erin Nichols and Jennifer Williams will also be back, but the notable addition is Devon Kane, Kohmann's wife. While Kohmann focuses on pursuing the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final with Duenensee, he will ride Kane's former mount in the Nations Cup—the 14-year-old KWPN mare Guilietta, with whom he partnered in December. 

Sweden and Canada are back to compete again in 2025 after finishing third and fourth, respectively, last year, while Australia is the newest addition to the lineup for the one-test competition. Teams will be classified based on their collective scores from the Grand Prix: Each team's top three scores are added up for a total score, with the winning team tallying the highest percentage. Teams may bring forward four athletes, with the lowest score dropped from the team total, but if a team brings forward three athletes, there is no drop score.

In 2025, five legs make up the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ season, which will span from Wellington to Europe, with the remaining legs taking place at Compiegne (FRA), Lier (BEL), Rotterdam (NED), and Falsterbo (SWE). Teams will earn points based on their placings at each event that will determine the series champion, with a maximum of four events to count toward the standings. 

Don't miss a hoofbeat!

SCHEDULE

Two years on: Skodborg Merrald (DEN) and Zepter shine again in Neumünster (GER)

Nanna Skodborg Merrald brought a sense of déjà vu to Neumünster (GER), clinching the FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier victory with Blue Hors Zepter, just as she did two years ago. It was a thrilling showdown with Isabel Freese (NOR) and Total Hope OLD. Freese narrowly won the Grand Prix, but Merrald had the final word in the Freestyle, with 81.465% she secured victory by a mere 0.2%. Completing the podium, Corentin Pottier (FRA) impressed with Gotilas du Feuillard to take third place.

With only two legs remaining in the Western European League before the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, the competition for points is heating up. This weekend’s results caused a shake-up in the standings, with only Gothenburg (SWE) and ’s-Hertogenbosch (NED) left on the calendar. Merrald’s triumph, earning her 20 points, propelled her to sixth place on the leaderboard. Valuable points were also gained by Larissa Pauluis (BEL), Isabel Freese, and Raphael Netz (GER), setting up for an exciting finale.

Zepter’s experience and power

Skodborg Merrald has campaigned three different horses this FEI Dressage World Cup™ season but aims to qualify with either Blue Hors Zepter or Blue Hors Don Olymbrio. Which one will go to the Final? “I’m not sure yet. We’ll decide in March when we see who’s in top form,” Skodborg Merrald explained. The Danish rider, runner-up at both the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Finals 2023 in Omaha (USA) and 2024 in Riyadh (KSA), is well-positioned for another shot at the title.

Seventeen-year-old Blue Hors Zepter (owned by Blue Hors Aps) showcased his experience and power, though minor mistakes crept into both tests. “He felt fantastic in the warm-up, so I’m still wondering where those mistakes came from,” Merrald admitted. She shares a deep bond with Zepter:

 

“He’s had several riders before me, and I have huge respect for his career. He’s extremely powerful, very honest and loyal, but also sensitive. Now that he’s older, we don’t want to push him too hard. It’s most important for us that he enjoys his work.”

 

Nanna Skodborg Merrald

(DEN)

 

Silva de Oliveira gets the crowd on their feet

Neumünster’s Holstenhalle, known for its electric atmosphere, was packed to the rafters from the very first combination. The crowd, close to the action, created an intense and unforgettable ambiance. 

One athlete who captured the audience’s hearts and put a smile on everyone’s face was Brazil’s Renderson Silva de Oliveira with Fogoso Campline. Riding a modern Freestyle set to rap and hip-hop, his vibrant performance had the crowd clapping along in the final centerline. He celebrated his 76.845% ninth-place finish with sheer joy, earning a roaring ovation from the crowd.

As the competition progressed, scores climbed steadily. Camille Judet Chéret (FRA) and Herelja Higgins produced an active, but sometimes a bit tensed, test featuring top-quality piaffe and passage, earning a new personal best of 77.905%. Ingrid Klimke (GER), a crowd favorite, followed with the elegant First Class 92 (owned by Gut Hülsen GmbH & Co.KG), scoring 77.100% with a harmonious performance, but the mare slightly struggled with the transitions out of the piaffe. Marieke van der Putten (NED) and Torveslettens Titanium RS2 N.O.P. (owned by Jacques and Saskia Lemmens) then raised the bar to 78.610%, finishing sixth overall. They showed great piaffe and passage, but overall the extensions had room for improvement.

Top 3 finish for Pottier

The final five pairs from the Grand Prix shook up the leaderboard. Corentin Pottier (FRA), aboard Gotilas du Feuillard (owned by Hervé Pottier), delivered a polished, error-free Freestyle showcasing Gotilas' remarkable collected work and scored 80.290%. The Paris 2024 Olympian found Neumünster equally thrilling: “The ambiance felt about the same. Riding this close to the audience is incredible. The crowd knows the sport, and you can feel it. A new personal best and a podium finish: I call it a good day,” he said with a broad smile.

Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD (owned by Paul Schockemöhle, Oivind Bache, and Lone Boegh-Hendriksen) followed. With three runner-up finishes -London (GBR), Basel (SUI), and Neumünster (GER)- Freese now sits eighth in the overall standings.

Pauluis on her way to her second final

Germany’s best-placed rider for the home crowd was Raphael Netz aboard Great Escape Camelot. Despite placing fifth with 78.665%, he dropped two spots from his Grand Prix top-three finish. Still, he was upbeat: “I am going home with a big smile, today showed everyone that our sport is alive.”

The penultimate rider, Merrald, delivered a compelling performance with Blue Hors Zepter, taking the lead. The suspense remained high until the final competitor: Belgium’s Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau (owned by Caroline Lepage). A finalist in Riyadh last season, Pauluis had scored over 80% twice this season and was eyeing a podium spot. However, a costly mistake in the one-tempi changes on her joker line dropped her to fourth place on 79.715%. Nonetheless, she now moves up to fourth in the overall standings.

With seven nationalities represented in the top 10, Neumünster showcased a wide variety of competitors. The Western European League now heads to Gothenburg (SWE) next week for the penultimate qualifier of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ season, so don’t miss a hoofbeat!

FULL RESULTS

Total Hope OLD and Isabel Freese with a strong World Cup Grand Prix performance in Neumünster today

Screenshot / Clipmyhorse

7th international Grand Prix victory

Total Hope and Isabel Freese are really showing good overall qualities and showing a great partnership. Super motivated showing good power and expression. Today with some tensions for the walk tour.

Very nice trot tour, huge crossing half passes, good halt with rein back, nice extensions, nice into passage, tiny backwards trend begin piaffe but well managed, bit unbalanced extended walk, bit tense collected walk, nice into passage, nice 2nd piaffe, good transitions, good into canter, super flow quality 2 times, super extended canter back and change at diagonal, supple zigzag, nice top 1 times, super pirouettes with control, balance and sit, super supple diagonal, good final centerline.

“Ein Traumritt” from Hess.

2nd placed Danish Nanna Merrald with Blue Hors Zepter

Again Nanna showed a well prepared performance, today with 17 yr old Blue Hors Zepter. Lot of quality, but unfortunately with an error for the one time series.

Super entering halt, nice diagonal, active nice crossing half passes, bit open hind for rein back, good diagonal, nice into passage, tiny tensions hind, good piaffe, nice transitions, could show bit more suppleness over the back for extended walk, nice collected walk, super into passage, good passage, good sit for piaffe, good transitions, good into canter, good 2 times, good extended canter, well balanced zigzag, error mid and unfortunately ignore the aides until end, super sit for both pirouettes, good into trot, good diagonal, tiny tension hind passage, top final piaffe, super transitions, good halt.

3rd Great Escape Camelot with Raphael Netz and 4th Flambeau with Larissa Pauluis both with strong performances.

Great Escape Camelot & Raphael Netz - Good halt, well balanced diagonal, nice half passes supple, super executed halt with rein back, nice diagonal, easy into good passage, tiny forward piaffe, good transitions, good walk tour, could show bit more let go for extended, could be a bit sharper at M for direct passage, nice piaffe with good transitions, good into canter, good 2 times, good extended canter, well balanced zigzag until final change, good 1 times, good pirouettes could be a bit smaller, nice diagonal, good final, missing tiny push out of piaffe.

Flambeau & Larissa Pauluis - Good supple trot tour, missing bit more bending half passes, bit forward lack tiny power 1st piaffe, super relaxed walk tour with good quality, tiny hind aides 2nd piaffe, big 2 times, good flow zigzag, nice 1 times, lack bit control 2nd pirouette, good power diagonal, good final.

Amanyara M FRH and Svenja Kämper-Meyer today´s highlight futher down the list

They Finished as no 7 with PB score 71,00%.

Active power mare with really nice qualities, nice piaffe and passage tours with nice balance and expression, bit unbalanced for zigzag canter, super nice contact and frame, super nice final.

Here you find link for full results.

Chere Celine OLD and Lena Hassmann winner of their international small tour debut in Neumünster

Screenshot Clipmyhorse

Neumünster 2025

This years Neumünster event started early Thursday morning at 8 am with CDI1 Prix St. Georg with very few spectators from the start of the class.

Successful at Young horse level

The 8 yr old mare Chere Celine OLD by Governor/San Amour with Lena Hassmann in the saddle has already showed themselves with great Young Horse results finishing as no 6 in the finals at WCYH in Ermelo as 5 yr old, 6 yr old and 7 yr old.

Chere Celine is an impressive mare with three really good basic gaits with super walk tour.

The reason why they never went into the very top as a youngster could be the fact that the mare most of the performances look a bit heavy in the contact, not that she is not uphill with closed foaming mouth, but that Lena always has to encourage her to be light and more independent of the contact (asking to carry head and neck more indepedent of the riders hands).

The mare shows a lovely swinging trot tour where her movements are of the ground and uphill, still lacking bit more forward go for extensions, super relaxation and quality of the walk, good quality of the canter with nice angle and balance for half pirouettes, still bit insecure for the series but well managed.

Link for full results here.

5 hour marathon stallion show from Schockemöhle & Helgstrand

Danish bred Daan G by Donkey Boss / Don Olymbrio / Don Schufro - screenshot - Clipmyhorse

Today´s five hour stallion show must be a new record in Vechta. A nice mix of dressage and jumping sections.

The list of stallions was very long and H2R picked the clear highlights ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Future full package stallions

6 yr old Viva Vitalis by Vitalis / Fürst Romancier with natural balance, uphill and supple body with three really nice basic gaits.

7 yr old Sebastino PS by Secret / Vivaldi with lovely long front legs, super supple body, natural uphill frame, the walk becomes a bit unbalanced, but does not look like a problem for the future.

5 yr old Proud James by Jameson RS2 / Johnson look like a pleasure to ride. Always uphill, supple with power for both trot and canter and at the same time with a very good walk.

6 yr old Extreme US by Escamillo / Vivaldi / Don Schufro. Lot of qualities but at the same time the stallion seems to be kind of a big mouthful for a smaller lady in the saddle.

The new 3 year old stallions

La Paix by La Vie / Sir Donnerhall a very complete young stallion in a nice natural frame.

Donation PS by Debutant PS / Totilas still very young body wise but nice natural for all three gaits.

Daan G by Donkey Boss / Don Olymbrio look like a horse lot of natural go, super frame and balance for all three gaits including very positive and confident overview.

PODCAST - Mette Assouline er flyttet tilbage til Danmark med ny base på Randbøl Dressage Academy

Mette Assouline i de nye omgivelser på Randbøl Dressage Academy - foto: H2R

Lær lidt mere om hvem Mette Assouline er, planerne for fremtiden, meritter i årenes løb og med et kig tilbage i tiden.

Mette fortæller bl.a. at den mest vindende parahest nogensinde er DV hoppen Athene Lindebjerg (født 2007) e. Gribaldi/Diamant, avlet af Ulla og Kristian Bech, og oprindelig solgt til England via Dennis Fisker gennem Mette Assouline.

Tilbage i august 2024 lavede FEI en artikel Horse of the Month: Athene Lindebjerg, som fortæller om bl.a. 9 individuelle guldmedaljer med to tidligere engelske ryttere, og til OL i Paris kunne Athene Lindebjerg tilføje endnu en imponerende individuel bronzemedalje.

Det engelske marked har ændret sig markant med Brexit. Det er eksempelvis blevet så dyrt at flytte hestene over landegrænsen, at mange springryttere i sæsonen vælger at lade deres heste blive i Europa. Samtidig med at Britisk dressurs absolutte topstar Charlotte Dujardin pt. er ude af sporten pga. karantæne, som jo også har efterladt dressursporten i en form for krise i England. Det engelske system er ikke bygget op omkring rideklubber og medlemsskab af rideforbund som vi kender det var Danmark. I England er man medlem af rideforbundet direkte, men kender ikke rigtig “klubkulturen”, som vi er opvokset med i Danmark.

Sum up on KWPN news Saturday

2025 CHAMPION stalion So Unique STH - photo credit: KWPN/Dirk Caremans

1 FEBRUARY 2025

Very complete So Unique STH shining dressage champion

In the high-quality Hippo Verzekeringen championship round, family Nekeman’s So Unique STH (by Vivino) was named champion. He faced strong competition from six other stallions. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Impressive show Kyton & Imposantos

Two well-known stallions under two well-known riders, but also two newly formed combinations: the KWPN stallion Kyton was presented this afternoon at the KWPN Stallion Show under Emmelie Scholtens, while the black KWPN stallion Imposantos was ridden by Dinja van Liere. The riders showed that we can expect a lot from these combinations in the future. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Dutch Dressage Future Plan: young talent on the road to the top

The young talents of the Dutch Dressage Future Plan gave a wonderful show on Saturday afternoon, showcasing an abundance of talent. The DDFP guides talents to the top with a clear goal in mind: happy riders and happy horses. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

A total of seven stallions for the championship round

The stallion selection committee has just invited three more dressage stallions to the championship round, bringing the total to seven. The champion will be announced around 16:00. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Sum up on KWPN news Friday

Photo credit: KWPN/Dirk Caremans

31 JANUARY 2025

Glamourdale and GLOCK’s Toto Jr. awarded keur status

Two black pearls were awarded keur status tonight at the KWPN Stallion Show in ’s-Hertogenbosch: Glamourdale and GLOCK’s Toto Jr. Two stallions who both competed at the Paris Olympic Games and have also proven themselves extensively in breeding. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Glamourdale shines as KWPN Horse of the Year 2024

During the Friday evening of the KWPN Stallion Show, Glamourdale showed why he was named KWPN Horse of the Year 2024. Under his regular rider Charlotte Fry, the reigning world champion and Olympic bronze medalist danced through the arena. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Van Uytert, Reesink Stallions, and Van Olst Horses showcase their star stallions

READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

World Championship contenders from the M generation steal the Show

Under the leadership of World Championship bronze medalist Massimo with Hans Peter Minderhoud, the World Championship horses from last summer put on a spectacular performance during the KWPN Stallion Show. The M generation had already presented strongly in Ermelo this summer and demonstrated tonight that they also possess significant Grand Prix potential. Totilas blood was prominently represented in this show. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Pavo Perfect Pair Prize for Lina Uzunhasan and Powerbank

During the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage, the Pavo Perfect Pair Prize was awarded tonight by Patrick van der Meer. Lina Uzunhasan won this prize for her presentation of the For Ferrero son Powerbank, whom she has recently taken under the saddle. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

World champion Red Viper honored

World Champion Red Viper was honored this evening at the KWPN Stallion Show for his achievements over the past year. Last autumn, Red Viper was approved by the KWPN. Tonight, he was presented in ’s-Hertogenbosch under his new rider, Dinja van Liere. The stallion, owned by Reesink Stallions B.V., showcased his best qualities once again under Van Liere. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Stallion competitions - sum up NEWS from KWPN

Photo: Everest & Lottie Fry. KWPN/Dirk Caremans

Diligent Everest wins Stallion Competition in class Z

Everest, the grey stallion by Especial, secured victory in the Z-class of the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition Dressage during the final at the KWPN Stallion Show, following a dominant performance that had already put him at the top of the standings. Under rider Charlotte Fry, Everest maintained his lead and finished with a total score of 339.8 points. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Obsession Taonga wins day prize, Secret Lover claims overall victory class M

The KWPN Stallion Show provided the stage for an incredibly exciting final in the Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition M-Class tonight. Vitalis son Obsession Taonga claimed the day’s victory with a top score of 90.6 points, but Secret Lover (by Secret) won the neck-and-neck race for the overall title. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

Complete Pina Colada honored as the winner of the Stallion Competition L-Class

The Anemone Horse Trucks Stallion Competition L-Class was won by the Governor son Pina Colada. The competition was already decided in the preliminaries, in which the stallion won two rounds under Bart Veeze. Tonight in Den Bosch, he was presented and honored. READ THE FULL NEWS HERE.

PODCAST - Hvem er Steen Steensen Blicher, historie, hverdag og drømme

Steen Steensen Blicher - foto: H2R

“Jeg kan godt lide at hjælpe folk, jeg er virkelig dårlig til at sige nej”

Rækken af hestefolk som alle har haft væsentlig betydning for Steen´s karriere: Helle og Jørgen K Hansen, Bo Kristoffersen og Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Oliver Luze, Rudy Leone, Jens Erik Marcussen, Esben Møller, Jørgen Ravn, Inger-Marie og Leif Andreasen og sidst men ikke mindst berider Karsten Pedersen og hans kone Britta.

Til spørgsmålet om fritid siger Steen klart og tydeligt: “Jeg har altid sagt til mig selv, den dag jeg triller ud af sengen og tænker nu skal jeg op på arbejde, så skal jeg stoppe. Det jeg laver er min hobby, det er måske en lidt avanceret hobby, men jeg elsker det jeg laver. Og hvis jeg skal på arbejde en dag, så skal jeg ikke lave det her mere, så skal det være en hobby.”

Kunde nr 1, 2 og 3 er stadig kunder hos Blicher Horses nu 10 år efter opstarten.

Lyt med og lær meget mere om Steen Steensen Blicher🎧⬇️

FEI announces new Working Group to develop Strategic Action Plan for Dressage

The FEI has created a dedicated Working Group tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic Action Plan for Dressage, aimed at establishing a clear vision, realigning objectives, and creating actionable plans to enhance Dressage at all levels.

Comprised of leading figures in the Discipline, the group brings together a wealth of expertise to address challenges and opportunities facing the sport today.

The Working Group which will be Chaired by George Williams (USA), former President of the United States Dressage Federation, US Equestrian Dressage Youth Coach and High Performance & Pathway Development Advisor, will also include the following key figures from across the Dressage community:

 

  • Monica Theodorescu (GER), an Olympic, World, and European champion, has had a remarkable career both in and out of the arena. She was part of gold medal-winning teams at the Olympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games™, claimed victory at the 1993 and 1994 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Finals, and secured the European Championship title in 1993. She also made history as the first woman appointed as German National Dressage Coach.

  • Raphael Saleh (FRA), President of the Dressage Ground Jury for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and a Level 4 Judge.

  • Gareth Hughes (GBR),renowned British Dressage rider with more than 60 national and international titles to his name.

  • Kyra Kyrklund (FIN) a six-time Olympian and former FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion, is the former President and now Vice-President of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC). She has also served as national trainer for Finland, Sweden, and Portugal.

  • Klaus Roeser (GER), Chairman of the German National Federation Dressage Committee, Board Member (Athlete Representative) of the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and Secretary General of the IDRC.

  • Lise Berg (DEN), DVM PhD. Associate Professor at University of Copenhagen's Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

 

“Dressage should be built on balanced, ethical training resulting in freedom of movement, ease in transitions, and harmony between horse and rider, with no place for tension or resistance,” FEI Dressage Director Ronan Murphy said.

“Our focus now is to embed these principles in the FEI Rule Book and ensure they are applied consistently in training and competition, always putting horse welfare first.

“The Working Group’s task is to turn these ideals into everyday practices, prioritising the wellbeing of horses as we move forward with future proposals and format changes.

"The Working Group was carefully selected not only for their expertise but also for their profound understanding of Dressage. This diverse group represents a cross-section of the community, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Their collective knowledge and vision will be instrumental in shaping a strategic plan that not only addresses the current challenges in the sport but also ensures the wellbeing of our horses, incorporates stakeholder feedback, and positions Dressage for long-term success." 

One of the first tasks of the Working Group will be to carry out a comprehensive review of the current state of Dressage. The Working Group will also evaluate feedback from stakeholders given in advance and during a stakeholder meeting on 1 October 2024, and will categorise suggestions into well-defined focus areas for targeted action. Central to their efforts will be prioritising equine ethics and wellbeing, with the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Action Plan serving as a guiding framework for key initiatives.

Additionally, the group will work on creating a repository of relevant scientific research, consulting with veterinary experts to create an accessible information resource for stakeholders. To further enhance the sport’s integrity, the Working Group will propose future rule revisions, with immediate attention on partial updates for 2025 and the 2026 full Rules Revision for Dressage. 

The Working Group will report regularly to the Dressage Technical Committee, the FEI Board, and relevant stakeholder groups to ensure transparency and collaboration throughout the process. The Working Group will make their first presentation to the FEI Sports Forum on 31 March.

Historic first for France: 32nd Edition of the FEI Dressage European Championship heads to Crozet

Photo credit: Jiva Hill Stables

For the first time in its history, and less than six months after hosting the iconic Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris, France will host the FEI Dressage European Championship, a landmark event scheduled to take place at Jiva Hill Stables in Crozet (FRA), from 27 to 31 August 2025. 

Located within the stunning Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park and only 15 minutes from Geneva Airport, Jiva Hill Stables combines world-class facilities with a breathtaking location. With Mont Blanc as its backdrop, the venue is set to provide an exceptional stage for Europe’s top Dressage athletes and their horses.

Built in 2006 as part of the luxurious Jiva Hill Resort, the stables span a 50-hectare estate designed to cater to the highest standards of Dressage competition. Recent upgrades include world-class footing across all training arenas, an indoor training facility with temperature regulation for year-round comfort, and ample grazing areas for the horses. 

Lariss Pauluis (BEL), winner of the CDI5* Freestyle to Music in 2024, says, “It's not often that you see places like this. It's super comfortable, it's very, very beautiful. They take great care of the riders. It's quite an exceptional place.”

Combined with the resort’s 5-star amenities, the venue is perfectly equipped to host Europe’s elite Dressage athletes. They have already played host to seven successful international Dressage competitions (CDIs), from 2017 up to 2024 (with the exception of 2020 due to CoVid) and CDI5* from 2023. 

The upcoming championship will further cement its reputation as a leading Dressage venue. With its proximity to Geneva (SUI) and the blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure, the site is expected to attract spectators from across Europe.

Photo credit: Cédric Stoecklin

The Organising Committee is eager to welcome the world to this spectacular venue, as its President, Etienne Zeller, commented: “We are thrilled to host the FEI Dressage European Championship and are fully committed to delivering an outstanding experience for riders, visitors, and partners. From our world-class facilities to the beautiful setting of Jiva Hill Stables, we aim to set a new benchmark for this event.”

Speaking about the event, FEI Dressage, Para Dressage & Vaulting Director, Ronan Murphy said: “The FEI Dressage European Championship is one of the pinnacles of our sport, and Jiva Hill Stables is an ideal venue to showcase this level of competition. With world-class facilities and a stunning location, we’re expecting exceptional performances from Europe’s top athletes and horses. This championship will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the 2025 Dressage calendar.”

The Team medals are decided after the Grand Prix. The 30 best individual combinations from the GP will proceed to the Grand Prix Special, to compete for medals. The best 18 combinations from the Grand Prix Special then proceed to the Grand Prix Freestyle, again to compete for medals.

Full details, including ticketing, travel, and hospitality packages, will be available from early March 2025 at crozet2025.com.  

God sport og god stemning i søndagens klasser til landsstævnet i Esbjerg

Podiet i Inter II klassen: Vinder Anna Toosbuy Rasch med Danciero, nr. 2 Laura Rohmann med Sugar Ray, nr. 3 Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen med Delizia og nr. 4 Laura Rasmussen med Sventeen JR. Foto: H2R

Stor tilslutning til årets første landsstævne

Traditionen tro lagde Esbjerg ud med årets første landsstævne, og igen i år var der stor tilslutning fra de danske ekvipager på alle niveauer. Derudover var en hel svensk delegation anført af Gunnalunda til start med flere heste i både Intermediare II og Grand Prix klasserne, hvor der kun var rosende ord fra Patricia Florin til stævnearrangørerne for gode forhold for hestene inklusiv gode konkurrencebaner.

Lille tur succes

Skovdals Dexter og Susanne Barnow sluttede stævnet af med endnu en pointmæssigt opadgående kurve og efter dagens konkurrence, kan man jo kun spå om, hvor det ville ende hvis stævnet først sluttede i ugen her.

Lyngbjergs St Paris og Victoria Vallentin steg ind på den nationale lille-turs scenen med et brag af en debut i fredagens Prix St. Georg (godt nok ikke helt reflekteret i pointene iflg. H2R).

Set fra “sidelinien” fredag red Susanne en fornuftig og velovervejet tur, hvor det lignede at hun både ville forsøge at give Dexter en god tur og samtidig føle ham lidt på tænderne, da han ved andre stævner tydeligt har gjort opmærksom på, hvis han ikke har følt sig helt tryg på banen. Allerede lørdag var det tydeligt at Susanne kunne lukke mere op, og set ud fra pointtavlen med en super skarp top tur søndag og med enigt dommerpanel med 75,175% i Intermediare I klassen.

“Runner up” over dagene var de skarpe super hopper Atterupgaards Delorean med Selina Vittinghus og Finest Alegra med Frederikke Gram Jacobsen. Begge hopper præsenteret i super flot form, balance og kontakt.

Søndagens Inter II

Inter II klassen søndag var med både rutinerede seniorer og U25 ryttere, hvor Anna Toosbuy Rasch og hendes UVM vinder Danciero har fået taget hul på det sværeste niveau med rigtig gode takter. Basis ridningen er plads og Danciero har allerede bevist han har tre gangarter, og ligner også at de næste “to gangarter” piaffe og passage er rigtig godt på vej.

Ny ekvipage på det her niveau er Stutteri EVO´s nye første rytter Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen med den ultra smarte og velgående 12-årige hoppe Delizia e. Fürstenball/De Noir. Det er tydeligt at der er meget mere “i kassen”, men Anne-Mette får vist en rigtig fin debut tur, hvor tingene flyder godt, også selvom der indløber lidt spændinger i serierne, så er alle ingredienserne der til fremtiden. Udover Delizia som Anne-Mette har dannet par med de seneste 1,5 år, så satte hun fornylig foden i bøjlen hos Stutteri EVO og havde medbragt den 8-årige hoppe Myou de Jeu e. Revolution/Florencio, som gik to rigtig gode ture. Den første dag som 1. uplaceret i Prix St. Georg og søndagen som nr. 2 efter den unge fremstormende ekvipage Sparaday og Anna Raben.

Et kig på U25 med Sugar Ray og Laura Rohmann som bedst placeret som nr. 3, og hvor Laura Rasmussen og Seventeen bliver placeret som nr. 4. Her var ny ekvipage Sophia Obel med den nu 21-årige Delatio, som lignede en aldrende herre som nød rampelyset, og hvor Sophia høster endnu mere erfaring på det niveau, idet hun jo allerede har redet en del Grand Prix klasser på hoppen Foldagers Chablis med god succes. Karoline Rohmann ser også ud til at være klar med den næste hest godt på vej mod Grand Prix med den 9-årige hoppe Nice Melody e. Sezuan/Schwadroneur.

Søndagens Grand Prix Special

Anna Toosbuy Rasch har med Everian L e. Everdale/Hochadel en hest som kan og vil være med på legen hele vejen, og ligner ikke en der går død for hverken motivation eller gas under vejs. Rigtig mange gode ting under vejs, og stadig også nogle grønne momenter, men ligner et par som vi også kunne have forhåbninger om at se international i løbet af 2025.

Anne Sofie Aaen er virkelig garant for den fine ridning, og selvom Fürsten-Flame ikke brillierer i hverken piaffe eller passage, så er det ordentlig ridning præcis med det tryk som bevarer balance, udtryk, form og kontakt hele vejen. Galopturen i både Grand Prix klassen og Specialen med klart højdepunkt for serier og pirouetter.

Rikke Dupont og Grand Galiano kommer fint rundt i begge klasser, momentvis kommer Grand Galiano lidt bag lod i traven, flotte øgninger, super lige serier, piaffe bliver mere og mere stabilt og aktivt på stedet, selvom tyngdepunktet stadig godt kunne være lidt mere på bagbenene, hvilket også gør sig gældende i pirouetterne.

Rune Willum og Dalaya er ikke nye på Grand Prix niveauet, men ser lige nu ud til at være på vej i en lidt ny retning. Rune har søgt hjælp og vejledning hos sin tidligere elev Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, som efterhånden har fået en stor værktøjskasse i forhold til “de varme damer”, som Rune udtrykker det. Og det ser ud til at give bonus, måske ikke umiddelbart her og nu på pointtavlen, men “overblikket” og afspændtheden på banen er tydelig forbedret.

Nadja Aaboe Sloth og den 10-årige Holsteins Marikka er kommet godt fra start i GP, og bestemt endnu en spændende hest til de store baner for Nadja. Lige nu har Nadja nemlig fået mulighed for at kombinere det civile erhverv som fængselsbjent med ridekarrieren, idet hun har fået bevilget nedsat tid, samtidig med team Danmark støtte for at fremme sportskarrieren.

Fang lidt indtryk fra søndagen her ⬇️ (alle klasser findes på arkivet på Clipmyhorse).

©Horse2rider.com • horse2rider.com@gmail.com