PRESS RELEASE
Ludwigsburg — It's all go this week: On Thursday, 22 September the second International Ludwigsburg Dressage Festival gets underway on the picturesque grounds of the lakeside castle of Monrepos in Baden-Württemberg. Visitors can look forward to a star-studded line-up at one of the last outdoor shows in Germany.
The complete German WEG team, which secured bronze in Herning - Ingrid Klimke (Münster), Isabell Werth (Rheinberg), Benjamin Werndl (Aubenhausen) and Frederic Wandres (Hagen a.T.W.) - have confirmed their attendance. They will be competing against the German Champion Dorothee Schneider (Framersheim) and the Swedish Olympian Patrik Kittel - both have already celebrated victories in the CDI4* Tour at the premiere of the Dressage Festival in 2021. A total of 130 riders from 17 nations will be represented.
Frederic Wandres is also happy to return to Ludwigsburg and he is bringing one of his best horses, Bluetooth OLD. "What a great year in dressage sport lies behind us! From a German point of view, we opened the outdoor season in Hagen a.T.W. in April and now we are finishing it in Ludwigsburg. To be able to ride once more in front of Monrepos castle is a wonderful opportunity and end to the season. The fact that it's going to my homeland, the Ländle, is even better," enthuses the native of Baden-Württemberg.
Offer leaves nothing to be desired
The International Ludwigsburg Dressage Festival offers a wide range of competitions and entertainment that leaves nothing to be desired by participants and spectators. In addition to the international tours up to four-star level, the programme also includes the final qualifications of the Nürnberger BURG-POKAL and Piaff-Förderpreis series for dressage riders up to 25 years of age. From the state's point of view, the competition is particularly relevant because the finals of the Nürnberger BURG-POKAL for juniors and the Pony-Master Baden-Württemberg will be held. Saturday evening will be a highlight for the spectators: there's the Grand Prix Freestyle under floodlight, followed by the exciting DSP Foal Auction, "Her Majesties". Free admission, a catering and children's area and an exhibition all about equestrian sport and lifestyle under the chestnut trees of the estate provide the perfect festival atmosphere for the whole family.
Enthusiasm among the Ludwigsburg audience
The host RFV Ludwigsburg-Monrepos and its members are looking forward to four days of equestrian sport at its best and to the Ludwigsburg audience. The 1st Chairman, Dr. Werner Hildenbrand, speaks for his team: "The flair in Ludwigsburg is unparalleled, there is the closeness to the riders and the personal contact. We are proud to be able to be hosts again and also to inspire curious onlookers, who otherwise have nothing to do with equestrian sport, to become excited about dressage!"
Organiser and Managing Director of Horses and Dreams Entertainment GmbH, Francois Kasselmann, praises the commitment of the 140 helpers and the support of the strong partners of the Dressage Festival: "Even though we are only in our second year, it is already impossible to imagine the international calendar without Ludwigsburg. Something really unique has been created here and from the organisers' point of view we couldn't wish for a more beautiful setting. We wish all participants and guests good luck and enjoyment at this event."
Admission to the International Ludwigsburg Dressage Festival is free. The sporting programme begins on Thursday at 8:00 am with the Intermediaire II, preliminary test in the Piaff Förderpreis. Online portal ClipMyHorse.TV will broadcast all competitions live.