When and Where GUIDE for all DRESSAGE at Danish Warmblood event in Herning

DRESSAGE SCHEDULE - WHERE AND WHEn for herning days

Wednesday

  • 15.00 - 1st part of Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship - own rider (Boxen)

  • 18.30 - Stallion licensing, 1 day voluntary test of 3 yr old stallions for the licensing, own rider (Arena E)

Thursday

  • 08.00 - CDI1* Prix St. Georg (Arena M)

  • 08.00 - Stallion licensing - hard surface (Arena E)

  • 11.15 - 2nd part of Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship - own rider (Boxen)

  • 17.20 - Stallion presentation 4 yr old and older under saddle (Arena M)

  • 18.40 - Stallion licensing - selection and licensing (Arena M)

Friday

  • 08.00 - B-final Young Horse Championship (Arena M)

  • 10.45 - Stallion licensing - lunging (Arena M)

  • 12.00 - Clinic - Dennis Fisker (Arena E)

  • 12.45 - CDI3 Grand Prix (Boxen)

  • 14.00 - Stallion presentation (Arena M)

  • 15.30 - CDI5 Grand Prix (Boxen)

Saturday

  • 08.00 - Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship - test rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen 1st part (Boxen)

  • 11.00 - Stallion presentation under saddle (Arena E)

  • 12.15 - CDI1 Inter I (Arena M)

  • 14.15 - Stallion of the year (Boxen)

  • 15.30 - CDI5 Grand Prix freestyle (Boxen)

Sunday

  • 08.30 - Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championship - test rider Daniel Bachmann Andersen 2nd part (Boxen)

  • 10.00 - Presentation of approved stallions with accepted performance test and premium stallions (Arena M)

  • 11.30 - CDI3 Grand Prix Special (Boxen)

  • 13.00 - stallion licensing - free presentation (Arena M)

  • 16.00 - stallion licensing - 3 yr old premium stallions (Arena M)

LINK FOR START AND RESULTS.

The entire event will be available to watch at Clipmyhorse. (Some of it might only be available for Premium members),

If you want to have this schedule as all your other APPs, you can easily share this news for you home screen in order to have quick access.

First click at the link here below to open this news at your Iphone, and then follow the guide below. https://www.horse2rider.com/seneste/latest/2025/3/3/danish-top-event-in-herning-comes-up-this-week-here-you-find-the-dressage-schedule-gdbba

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PRESS RELEASE - Stallion licensing and more in Danish Warmblood

The Danish Warmblood stallion licensing in Herning taking place from March 5-9, features five days of stallion licensing, international dressage and jumping competitions alongside a massive fair and two spectacular Galla Shows

Danish Warmblood Stallion Show in Herning. Copyright free photo: Ridehesten.com

Every exhibition hall and stable at the impressive MCH Exhibition Center Herning is utilized when the breeding federation, Danish Warmblood, hosts its stallion licensing. This year marks the 45th year of the Danish Warmblood Stallion Show in Herning, which has evolved into a well-oiled event, supported by 350 indispensable volunteers.

The event includes the licensing of 3- and 4-year-old stallions, as well as older stallions, combined with international CDI5*, 3*, and 1* dressage competitions and CSI3* + 1* jumping. The event also features the DWB Young Horse Championship final for 5-year-old horses and two breathtaking Galla Shows on Friday and Saturday evenings, all complemented by a fair with over 235 vendors. Last year, more than 62,000 spectators attended this spectacular event, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere across the three arenas.

As always, this year’s collection from Danish breeders is eagerly awaited, with foreign young stallions supplementing the Danish-bred participants. In the Danish Warmblood selection system, stallions are categorized by age. While the 3-year-olds are undergoing their selection process culminating on Sunday, some of the 4- and 5-year-old dressage stallions will receive their licensing on Tuesday and can participate in show classes during the event.

Danish Warmblood stallion grading. Copyright free photo: Ridehesten.com

Stallion grading
The Stallion Licencing presented by Future Dressage opens Wednesday, March 5, with a voluntary test under saddle for the 3-year-old dressage and jumping stallions. Stallions that pass this rideability test and are approved on Sunday will be granted a one-year covering license.
All stallions will be shown by hand on a hard surface before the breeding committee on Thursday in the Dansk Hesteforsikring Arena E. Twelve dressage stallions that are 4 years or older and have approved performance tests will be graded Thursday afternoon. If licensed, they will be eligible to enter the various show classes during the event.

Performance testing system in jumping
In 2023, the testing system for young jumping stallions was modified. Approved 3-year-old stallions return as 4-year-olds and must participate in two under-saddle observation classes in jumping during the Stallion Licensing. If they perform satisfactorily, they will be granted an additional one-year covering permit. Following this, they must complete a 20-day performance test (a shortened version of the current 35-day test) in the fall, and the following year, at 5 years old, they can obtain their final licensing at the Stallion Licensing in Herning.
This year, six 5-year-old stallions will be presented for final grading before the jumping licensing committee, comprised of Johnny Hansen, Signe Wiese, Bo K. Møller, and Allan Blomgreen, on Thursday afternoon. Additionally, the jumping licensing committee will evaluate 13 preselected 3-year-old stallions in loose jumping on Saturday and Sunday, along with three preselected older stallions.

29 preselected 3-year-olds
The licensing committee for dressage, consisting of Vicky Nortvig, Bjarne Nielsen, Rune Willum and Johnny Sørensen will be judging 29 3-year-old stallions in Hering. They will be lounged on Friday in Krafft Arena M and shown loose on Sunday before sorting and awarding.

DWB Young Horse Championship & international sport
In the fall, 4-year-old Danish Warmblood horses can compete in suitability tests in either jumping or dressage. The highest-scoring young horses qualify for the DWB Young Horse Championship in Herning, where they are evaluated twice under their own riders, with the best participants moving on to be tested by a test rider. Two members of the Danish National Team—Daniel Bachmann Andersen for dressage and Lars Bak Andersen for jumping—will serve as test riders in the final of the DWB Young Horse Championship.

The international classes in dressage and jumping are eagerly awaited. In dressage the main attraction is the ECCO Five Star Dressage in Grand Prix (Friday) and Freestyle (Saturday) riders participate in CDI5*, CDI3* and CDI1*.
In jumping a strong field of international riders are heading for Herning competing in: CSI3* and CSI1* and a youngster tour (CSIYH1*), competitions for younger riders CSIYJ-A and European Youngster Cup (CSIU25-A).

More than 60,000 spectators from Denmark and abroad are expected at the Danish Warmblood Stallion Show, many of whom look forward to the spectacular gala shows on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Ole Jørgen Jørgentvedt Appointed as General Manager of Andresen Dressage

PRESS RELEASE

Andresen Dressage, Oslo, Norway – March 2, 2025

Andresen Dressage is pleased to announce the appointment of Ole Jørgen Jørgentvedt as its new General Manager. A respected figure in the dressage world, Jørgentvedt is the owner of the Norwegian breeding station JJ Horses and brings over 20 years of experience in breeding, training, and equine care to the role.

“We are delighted to welcome Ole Jørgen to Andresen Dressage,” says Alexandra Andresen, owner of Andresen Dressage. “His deep expertise in breeding, equine health, and performance will be invaluable as we continue to grow and refine our operations.”

In addition to his extensive experience in breeding and selling dressage horses, Jørgentvedt is a qualified veterinarian, ensuring a comprehensive approach to horse development and care.

“I am honored to join Andresen Dressage and contribute to its continued success,” says Ole Jørgen Jørgentvedt. “Alexandra has built an outstanding program with a clear vision for the future, and I look forward to working alongside her and the team to further enhance our breeding and training efforts.”

For further information,

please contact: post@andresendressage.no

________________________

About Andresen Dressage

Founded and managed by Alexandra Andresen, Andresen Dressage has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to excellence in breeding, training, and sales. With a focus on developing healthy and happy dressage horses from foal to Grand Prix level, Andresen Dressage has positioned itself as one of Norway’s most dynamic equestrian enterprises.

Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen reign supreme in Belgium

PRESS RELEASE

Silence fell over the Azelhof Equestrian Centre as Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus performed their test. After their world-class performance at Jumping Mechelen, all eyes were on this fantastic duo, and expectations were high. With great harmony and an incredibly friendly and elegant presentation, Justin guided Zonik Plus to an impressive 75.761%. This narrowly put them ahead of the other black pearl of the 4* Grand Prix, Maxima Bella, ridden by Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva.

“I’m really proud of my horse; he gave me such a great feeling. Compared to Mechelen, he was even better to ride—more focused on me,” Justin praised his nine-year-old stallion. “Zonik Plus is always so cheerful and always wants to give his best. He’s such a joy to be around.”

Feels like home
The arenas in Lier seem to suit the stallion well. Last summer, the duo became Belgian champions in the Small Tour, and since then, they have been stacking up top results. “The Belgian Championships were an incredible experience for us. It wasn’t even planned, we only decided to go a few weeks in advance. I was really impressed by the arenas and the organization; everything was just perfect. And now, once again, it feels like home. The stables are so comfortable for the horses, which is especially great for a stallion.”

“It’s a feeling I can’t put int words”
Justin Verboomen bought the stallion as a two-year-old from the breeder. “The first time I saw him, I thought, ‘Oh my god, this horse is from another planet.’ I couldn’t believe the breeder was willing to sell him, so I quickly shook his hand,” Justin laughs. “From the start, I had complete trust and belief in this horse. Zonik Plus gives me a feeling that I simply can’t put into words.”

Fantastic home crowd
After his test, Justin was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that had clearly enjoyed his performance. How does it feel to compete in front of a home crowd at events like this? “It’s an amazing feeling, and I’m really proud of the way we rode today. Zonik Plus has so much talent, both mentally and physically. Performing these exercises comes so naturally to him.” And that’s exactly how it looked.

European Championships as the Goal
“As a child, I dreamed of riding at this level. But in the past two years, my perspective has changed. As long as I can keep doing this, it’s amazing. If not, it’s not the end of the world. Right now, I’m fully enjoying it, and I hope to continue for a long time with Zonik Plus. But nothing in life is certain. This year, the European Championships are our goal.” First, we get to enjoy this pair once more in tomorrow’s freestyle to music.

Top 3
Right now, two incredible young dressage horses are making waves in the sport. One is Zonik Plus, and the other is the mare Maxima Bella (by Millenium). Today, they faced off for the first time in the arena, and the competition was tight. Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva, who won the 5* Grand Prix in Doha last week, finished second today with Maxima Bella, scoring 75.413%, just 0.348% behind Zonik Plus and Justin Verboomen. In third place was Germany’s Katharina Hemmer, who scored 72.587% with Denoix, a son of Destano.

Results

Laudrup-Dufour dominates Gothenburg with season’s top score

With an outstanding score of 91.140%, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and the highly talented Mount St John Freestyle delivered the highest mark of this FEI Dressage World Cup™ season so far. Their brilliant ride secured an overwhelming victory in Gothenburg, in the vast Scandinavium arena. The entire top three achieved personal bests, with Maria von Essen (SWE) claiming second place on home soil with Invoice, and Corentin Pottier (FRA) taking third with Gotilas Du Feuillard.

Laudrup-Dufour left no doubt as to who ruled the weekend, leading by over 10% in the Grand Prix and maintaining an 8% margin in the Freestyle. Her scores with Mount St John Freestyle (owned by Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen Aps and Mount St John Equestrian Llp) are unmatched throughout this FEI Dressage World Cup™ season. However, the Danish athlete has no plans to compete in the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final: “This was only our second World Cup competition this season, and the next one in ’s-Hertogenbosch comes too soon. Maybe we could go via a Wild Card, but our focus is on the European Championships this summer,” she explained.

Entering the arena as the final combination and the clear favourite for victory, Laudrup-Dufour showed breathtaking piaffe and passage work, and both power and relaxation to secure a top score. The enthusiastic crowd was already cheering before she even began her Freestyle, which, according to Laudrup-Dufour, caused some extra tension in her mare. “It’s wonderful to have the crowd cheering for us; it brings a lot of positivity. But we do need to go in and deliver a high-focused performance.

"Freestyle is absolutely wonderful. A true show woman. I feel we are getting more and more comfortable together; she really starts to trust me.”

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour

(DEN)

Wonderful End, Tense Start

With personal bests being broken and four combinations scoring over 80%, the competition in Gothenburg concluded on a high note. However, the start of the event was somewhat challenging, as several horses found the Scandinavium’s vibrant atmosphere difficult to handle. The competition truly gained momentum with start number six: Domien Michiels and Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof (owned by Marc Steeno), the pair that won the FEI Dressage World Cup™ leg in Gothenburg last year. This time, they delivered a technically strong Freestyle to place seventh with 77.430%.

A Family Affair: Husband and Wife Shine in Gothenburg

Camille Judet Cheret (FRA) with Herelja Higgins (owned by Francoise Bourgeois and S.A.S. Pamfou Dressage) and her husband Corentin Pottier (FRA) with Gotilas du Feuillard (owned by Maryse Pottier, Herve Pottier, and Camille Judet Cheret) experienced a special weekend in Gothenburg. Having competed in Neumünster last week, both athletes travelled straight to Sweden. Judet Cheret and the diligent Herelja Higgins showcased excellent collected work, finishing ninth, after their eighth place in Neumünster. Pottier, starting later in the field, once again secured third place, just as he had in Neumünster, with the ever-willing and sympathetic Gotilas du Feuillard.
There was even more to celebrate, as Pottier shared: “Two personal bests in a row; I could have never imagined doing this. It is wonderful to compete here together with my wife. We share all our adventures. We live together, we work together, we do everything together, and now with a baby on the way, it makes it even more special.”

Close Competition at the Top

Just before the break, Nanna Skodborg Merrald (DEN) and Blue Hors Znickers (owned by Blue Hors Aps) raised the stakes. After difficulties in the piaffe during the Grand Prix, the duo delivered a much better Freestyle, with the talented, long-legged chestnut moving energetically through the test to earn 79.270%, securing fifth place. Merrald, who won in Neumünster last week with Blue Hors Zepter, appears well on track for her fourth consecutive FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.

Immediately after the break, the experienced Dorothee Schneider (GER) and First Romance 2 (owned by Gabrielle Kippert) performed a Freestyle with a strong trot tour, although the piaffes could be more secure. A minor mistake in the two-tempi changes on the joker line left them just short of Merrald’s score, finishing with 79.095%.
The third-place finisher from the Grand Prix, Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock, rode the always cheerful mare Florine OLD (owned by Elisabeth von Wulffen) with harmony and an excellent contact throughout the test. While the mare appeared somewhat hurried in the extended gaits, their lovely and soft overall picture earned them high marks. With 80.450%, Nowag-Aulenbrock achieved a personal best, but it was just shy of a podium finish.

Scoring High on Double-Counting Movements

As the penultimate competitor, home favourite Maria von Essen entered the arena with Invoice (owned by Alexanders Hovslageri & Häst Ab). While the compact Invoice could still show more length in the frame, his true strengths lie in the highly collected movements. His effortless piaffe and pirouettes, both double-counting elements, helped secure a high score. “It is just amazing to ride in front of your home audience. With my trainers and family watching, setting this result feels unreal,” von Essen said.

But the best was saved for last. When Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle entered the arena, they brought an unforgettable close to this day filled with personal bests. The FEI Dressage World Cup™ season is now approaching its final leg. On 14 and 15 March, the last leg will take place at The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch. 
Who will secure their ticket to the Final?

Don’t miss a hoofbeat…

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.

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