Summary on Horses & Dreams 2025 in Hagen

During Horses & Dreams in Hagen H2R as usual did some running live comments from the different classes at Facebook, and looking back into one of the top outdoor shows there´s been a lot of excellent presentations. Not talking about the exact performances but more likely the overall impressions from some of the top presentations during the days.

The weather was typical Hagen weather starting with winter season and changing to summer season.

Wednesday - well balanced and top timing for young Semmieke Rothenberger with Farrington for the CDI3 Grand Prix

One of the main goals riding a Grand Prix or any other competition test is being able to performe without technical issues. This goal is very often succeeded by young and very experienced Semmieke Rothenberger. She is always super well prepared with her horses - a nice treat to watch.

For the CDI3 Grand Prix as was the opener of this years Horses and Dreams in Hagen Semmieke showed her 15 yr old gelding Farrington by Jazz / Samba Hit I. It was just their 3rd senior Grand Prix together and at the same time their 3rd Grand Prix victory.

New partnership

For the CDI3 some exciting new combinations showed. Isabell Werth with Special Blend, 10 yr old by Sezuan/Hotline, Patrik Kittel with 11 yr old Dante´s Herzchen by Dante Weltino / Hochadel and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with 10 yr old Diallo by Dancier / Floriscount.

All three riders with top experience bringing it all into the arena with best guidance for their horses.

Werth´s Special Blend brings a lot of talent, and as we know Werth is also using her time in the arena to educate and adjust in order to bring things together. For Special Blend the walk is at the moment not fully relaxed and balanced.

Kittel shows a very talented Dante Weltino daugther still with some insecure moments for the piaffe tours.

Jessica is showing Diallo without any weaknesses, walk, trot, canter, piaffe and passage. Steady contact, nice frame and sharp hindlegs.

Super interesting to follow the three new combinations and from H2R point view Diallo look like a clear successor for Dalera even though there´s no horses like Dalera for Jessica.

Thursday

Denoix PCH and Katharina Hemmer is a clear treat to watch. Sometimes a bit of a handful for Hemmer, but in Hagen they were really bringing everything together. At the same time the weather conditions were more than challenging for the entire day but they were both fully focused on the job all the way for the Grand Prix and for the freestyle. A treat becauce of the lightness, obedience, correctness, suppleness and harmony.

Friday with top analysis from Sönke Rothenberger about his own Grand Prix performance

Fendi and Sönke Rothenberger is back on track with their Hagen performances.

Listening to the analysis Sönke did at Clipmyhorse with Kim Kreling after his Grand Prix performance the overall goal was to make Fendi more comfortable and being able to “breeth” more during the entire performance which succeeded. Many super interesting comments from Sönke about his performance where he really takes us along for the exact feeling during the exercises.

Louisdor Preis qualifier

Here you have next generation of German top horses.

A look down the list of placed combinations it was pure nice presentations. Below the ranking from the preliminary test. For the final Juliane Brunkhorst with DSP Diamante Negro stood out with a clear victory with Charlott-Maria Schürmann with Dante´s Pearl OLD placed 2nd. Both now qualified for the Louisdor Preis final and both were also in the final for Nürnberger Burg Pokal final in December.

Nürnberger Burg Pokal qualifier

Winner of both preliminary and qualifier for the final was 2024 World Champion young horses Life Time FRH with Charlott-Maria Schürmann. The first day really shining with power and expression all the way while he looked a bit tired for the qualifier.

Other highlights were Majestic Taonga by Toto jr / Jazz, lots of potential for the future, like also Bombastik and Veuve Clicquot showed great potential.

Dante Weltino OLD offspring took the stage

Impressive “collection” of Dante Weltino offspring in Hagen. All with expression, power, super contact and showing great abilities.

CDI3 - Dante´s Herzchen with Patrik Kittel

CDI1 - Dancelli with Beatrice Hoffrogge

Louisdor - Dante´s Pearl OLD with Charlott Maria Schürmann and Deltana with Frederic Wandres

Webinar om OCD med Kira Madsen fra Højgaard Hestehospital

Som noget helt nyt afholdt dyrlæge og kirurg Kira Madsen fra Højgaard Hestehospital her til aften et webinar om OCD.

Der var knap 100 online som fulgte det interessante webinar, der varede ca 45 minutter og med efterfølgende mulighed for spørgsmål.

Et super aktuelt emne som blev detaljeret gennemgået, fra startstadiet hvordan hestenes led udvikles, helt frem til evt. operation og genoptræning.

CAN FRANCE SPRING A SURPRISE?

PRESS RELEASE

Having progressed hugely in recent years, France can hope to give a strong performance at the Internationaux de Dressage being held at Compiègne for the 14th time from the 1st to the 4th of May.  The prospect of a Nations Cup victory can even be conceivable, a scenario that was unthinkable just a very short time ago. However, the competition will remain very strong… as always at the Grand Parc Equestrian Stadium.

The french team, 3rd the 2024 FEI Nations Cup

From the 1st of May to the 4th, dressage enthusiasts will gather in the Oise region of France for Compiègne’s 14th ’’Internationaux de Dressage’’. In the CDIO 5*, the weekend's flagship competition, the battle for victory promises to be beautiful to watch, intense and, above all, unpredictable. Eight nations will compete for the prestigious Nations Cup, the only French stage of the FEI Nations Cup World circuit, which also has stopovers in Wellington (USA), Lier (BEL), Rotterdam (NL), Aachen (GER), and Falsterbo (SWE). As is often the case in post-Olympic years, the usual hierarchy could be shaken up with teams often made up of new horse and rider combinations competing at the highest level. With Denmark and Sweden, last year's first and second placed teams, absent, there is huge uncertainty... which could be favourable for France. “I'll be fielding a strong team because this is a very important competition for us,” announced the team selector Jean Morel at the start of the season. He has kept his promise.
 

Third last year at Compiègne and, more importantly, fifth at the Paris Olympic Games (the best result in its history), France can indeed hope for even better. In order to achieve this, they will be counting on Pauline Basquin and her 15-year-old Sertorius Rima Z IFCE, its star pair, ranked 15th in the World. “I'm really impatient because it's also the first time since the Games that we'll be competing as a team,” said the rider. ”I've missed it. I love the Nations Cup for its team spirit. And then Compiègne is special. It's the French Mecca of dressage.”
 

Second last year in the Grand Prix Libre behind Sweden's Patrick Kittel, the rider from the Cadre Noir de Saumur will be joined by two of her team mates from the Paris Olympics, Alexandre Ayache with Jolène and Anne-Sophie Serre with Jibraltar de Massa (the reserve in Paris), and also by Caroline Godin on Querida de Hus.
 

France's main competition is likely to come from across the Rhine. Winner of the first stage of the FEI circuit in Wellington, Germany, the reigning Olympic champions, will be represented by the young (26-year-old) Raphaël Netz (19th in the World) and Dieudonne, Mathias Alexander Rath and Destacado FRH, Carina Scholz (22nd) and Blue Horse Veneziano, and finally Frederic Wandres, a member of that team crowned in Versailles, who will be competing in the Oise with Joy Game, with whom he was second in the CDI 3* at Compiègne last year (the pairs last international outing).
 

Also worth watching are Great Britain, with a new-look team made up of pairs competing for the first time at 5-star level, the Netherlands, a historically successful nation, Belgium led by Larissa Pauluis, an Olympic rider (competing in Compiègne with First-Step Valentin), Spain and Portugal with Maria Caetano and Hit Plus, the pair selected for the Versailles Games. Finally, Poland will be counting on Suanne Khrohn and Titolas, a son of the legendary Totilas. All the teams will be taking advantage of the CDIO 5* in Compiègne to review their line-ups ahead of the European Championships (August 26-31, at Crozet, in France’s Ain region), the big international rendezvous of the season.

In the other categories

CDI3* and CDI1*: With nine entries in the CDI 3* and three others in the CDI 1*, the French team staff will have an excellent opportunity to judge the quality of its pool of riders in these competitions, which allow 5* level riders to bring-on their other horses and give up-and-coming riders international experience. French entries will include Alexandre Ayache, Marc Boblet, Stéphanie Brieussel, Alysée Roussel, Bertrand Liégard, and Pierre Volla, all experienced riders, as well as some new faces. The Netherlands will also be well represented in these two classes.
 

CDIU25: While the Dutch rider Daphne van Peperstraten, ranked 5th in the World in her age category, is the favorite, France will be counting mainly on Mado Pinto (ranked 16th) with Sirano de Luxe and Alexandre Cheret with Bamona to secure placings on the podium.
 

CDIYR, CDIJ, CDICh and CDIP: In the young riders, juniors, children and pony events, spectators will be able to enjoy watching Dutch riders Micky Schelstraete (Kavallo) and Floor Kulik (Bella Rosa), the World’s top-ranked pairs in the young riders (CDIYR) and children (CDICh) categories. In the pony class, Germany’s Leni-Sophie Gosman, ranked No. 2 in the World, will be the hot favorite with Diamantina EA WE. France will also be well represented, with notably Lou Eden Commenge, Ines de Koninck and Anna Dupuy Pelardy, members of the French Junior Team at the last European Championships and now Young Riders, Lucie Planchet in the Juniors,  Ninon Dupuy Pelardi in the Children’s and Charlotte Pons in the ponies.
 

The World-renowned Lorenzo for an exceptional show on Sunday, May the 4th.
 

International star Lorenzo will be presenting his show on Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. Throughout the World his shows are eagerly awaited, and are always greeted with the same enthusiasm and emotion. Impressive and, above all, unmissable.

Free Entry & Parking | On-Site Catering Available

Riders & horses entries: click here
Starting list & results: click here

FEI joins forces with China’s top media giants to boost equestrian sport

FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 28 April 2025

In a major step to elevate equestrian sport in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, the FEI has signed two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China’s leading media organisations, Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group (CMG).

The agreements were formalised during a high-level visit to China last week by FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez.

The MoU, signed by Xinhua President Fu Hua on behalf of China’s official state news agency, establishes a collective effort to advance equestrian sports, particularly in China. The FEI and Xinhua – which is one of the four official international news agencies recognised by the IOC – will join forces to enhance on-site reporting, produce in-depth coverage, and create integrated media content, all aimed at promoting equestrian sports and culture to a global audience.

This collaboration will place a special emphasis on Chinese equestrian athletes, following their journey to major upcoming events such as the National Games in November 2025, the FEI World Championships in 2026 in Germany, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Building on this momentum, the FEI also signed an MoU with China Media Group (CMG) for programming rights in mainland China and Macau for key FEI events, such as the Longines League of Nations™, the FEI World Championships and European Championships.

This ground breaking agreement, signed by CMG President and Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee Shen Haixiong, aims to significantly boost the visibility of equestrian sports in China through live broadcasts, highlights, and in-depth storytelling, with a particular focus on the preparation of Chinese athletes for international competitions.

“The media has played, and continues to play, a pivotal role in making equestrian sport more relatable and engaging, ensuring that audiences — young and old — are not only entertained, but also inspired by the journeys of our athletes,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

"As President of this global federation, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of equestrian sports in China. Our shared objective is clear: to deliver informative, compelling content that deepens the understanding of the sport and keeps people excited and invested in equestrian culture, driving even greater popularity in China and beyond.

“Over the years, we have seen remarkable progress of our sport in China, and we look forward to its continued development in the country.”

Chinese athletes have shown exceptional performance on the international stage.

In 2024, the Chinese Endurance team secured a silver medal at the FEI World Championships. At the 2023 Asian Games, Chinese Eventers won both team and individual medals. Additionally, China was represented in Jumping and Eventing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 and in Eventing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Significant investment has also been made in world-class equestrian venues, including purpose-built showgrounds, indoor arenas, and equestrian clubs, some of which host FEI events.

In 2025, China will host 13 international equestrian competitions, ranging from 1* to 5*, across several cities. These events include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ China League began on 26 April, marking the start of a highly anticipated season for equestrian sports in the region.

Photo caption: FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Xinhua President Fu Hua at the signing ceremony in Beijing.  (c) Xinhua Media Agency

Becky Moody in majestic form for the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France

The British rider Becky Moody, world number 4 in the dressage rankings, was in fine form again on Sunday in the Princes arena. The crowds turned out in numbers for the flagship class of the Printemps des Sports Équestres  CDI 5* competition: the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France.

And the best riders on the CDI 5* circuit put on a great show with a series of top-quality routines, combining technical precision and artistic expression, cheered on throughout by the enthusiastic audience. Having already impressed yesterday in the Grand Prix Devoucoux, Becky Moody confirmed her supremacy this weekend by winning the Freestyle event with Jagerbomb. Her masterful routine set to a lively Beatles soundtrack clearly won over the judges, who awarded her the winning score of 84.380%. The fact that this was the first time the British rider had presented this freestyle-to-music routine outdoors made the performance even more remarkable. Second place went to Belgium's Larissa Pauluis, who performed an incredibly elegant and smooth routine with her faithful Flambeau. Set to a soundtrack inspired by Jean-Jacques Goldman's greatest hits, she posted a final score of 78.375%, confirming her horse's steady progress in the Freestyle discipline.
Pauline Basquin, the Cadre Noir rider, finished third on the podium with Sertorius de Rima Z IFCE. Despite a small fault on her second line of tempi changes, she delivered a performance full of finesse, rewarded by a score of 77.265%. Sertorius was more relaxed than in yesterday's Grand Prix and totally in tune with his rider. With this wonderful finale to the week's dressage competition, the Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau once again confirmed its status as a major event in international equestrian sport.

Becky Moody (GBR), winner of the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"It's been a wonderful competition, with a fantastic team working behind the scenes. It's the first time we've been here, and my horse and I enjoyed it immensely. We performed two good routines, with some really positive aspects, although there were a few little mistakes, but overall he was great. I think the score we obtained today really reflects the quality of the routine. It was the first time we'd presented this freestyle routine outdoors.
I'd love to be at the next European Championships,but it's still a bit early in the season to be certain of anything. We'll see how things progress, but that's one of my goals.
Jagerbomb was born on my farm and I'm his owner. That makes it all the more special to have reached this level together. I'm incredibly lucky to have him with me, especially since we have worked hard to achieve what we did today, which is the fruit of all the experience I gained with all my previous horses.I intend to keep him with me right to the end, and then let him retire to the meadows at home when the time comes. I think my banker would rather I sold him... but no (laughs)." 

Larissa Pauluis (BEL), second in the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"Flambeau and I are continuing to improve. His movements are getting better all the time, and I'm convinced he still has plenty of room for improvement. We've already exceeded the 80% mark in Freestyle, so that's a major objective that we've already chalked off this year."

Pauline Basquin (FRA), third in the Grand Prix Freestyle Région Île-de-France:
"I'm really happy with our performance today, because I felt that I'd lost the connection with my horse a bit recently. Riding really teaches you to remain humble, and constantly ask yourself questions. Sometimes we improve certain things, but then lose in other areas. Lately, things have undoubtedly been a bit more difficult for us. Today, in the Freestyle,I felt that I had regained my horse's confidence, particularly in the piaffe and pirouettes.That's the most important thing for me, even if a few points were below par today."

Raphaël Saleh, President of the Ground Jury for the CDI 5* competition at the Printemps des Sports Équestres:
"What we saw today is very promising for the future of horse riding. I'm delighted that we have a competition of such high quality in Fontainebleau.It's important for French sport. The riding we saw is really going in the right direction, with the assessment criteria increasingly focused on harmony, good contact and horses that do the work on their own. That is how our sport is evolving, and today's freestyle routines were a reflection of that."

Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport:
"I would like to thank the French Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation, as well as all our public and private partners for their support. This is an extraordinary site that is being completely renovated. Everything is progressing nicely, which means we can really start planning to hold major competitions in Fontainebleau. We've had a fantastic line-up this year, and I'm delighted with the great performances we've seen.
In addition to the dressage events, I feel it is also important to continue to support the development of para-dressage. So, we will continue to develop dressage even more at the Printemps des Sports Équestres, while also including para-dressage on the programme. As always, our aim is to organise the very best events for horses and riders, and to keep improving every year. Together, we are all moving forwards, with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games firmly in our sights." 

Photo: PSV Photo / J Morel

Dutch young horses selected for 2nd round for WCYH in Verden (4-10 August)

Everest & Lottie Fry also ready for 2nd round of Dutch young horses for WCYH - photo: KWPN

This years selection commitee for the Dutch young horses are Johan Hamminga, Alex van Silfhout and Janine van Twist. Below the selected combinations from 1st selection ⬇️⬇️

Next selection is 20 & 21 May in Nunspeet and with final selection 10 June in Delft.

Normally “wild cards” are invited for 2nd selection, where we presumeably also will see Proud James and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen.

5 yr old

6 yr old

7 yr old

Le Printemps des Sports Équestres 2025 : CDI 5*: BECKY MOODY (GBR) WINS THE GRAND PRIX DEVOUCOUX IN FONTAINEBLEAU!

Jagerbomb & Becky Moody - © PSV Photo / J. Morel

PRESS RELEASE

The fifteen dressage riders taking part in the CDI 5* event got the competition underway in the Princes arena on Saturday morning with the Grand Prix Devoucoux. The class was won by Becky Moody on Jagerbomb, who particularly impressed the judges with her routine, scoring 76.870%. On her first visit to Fontainebleau, the British rider, who is 4th in the FEI rankings, finished ahead of Belgium's Larissa Pauluis, riding her faithful Flambeau (73.130%). The Cadre Noir rider Pauline Basquin and Sertorius de Rima IFCE took the final place on the podium with a score of 72.413%.

The dressage competition continues tomorrow, Sunday, with the Grand Prix Freestyle Prix de la Région Île-de-France, in the Princes arena.

Becky Moody (GBR), winner of the Grand Prix Devoucoux with Jagerbomb:
"He was very good. I made a little mistake in the zig-zag, which was a bit frustrating, but he showed plenty of energy. I’m really pleased with his attitude. This was his first outdoor event of the season, so I think he handled it extremely well. Last year, there were times when he was a bit too lively, notably in Compiègne and Rotterdam, but here, he seems much more relaxed.
He's a funny horse because he can go from being very lively to being very calm. Tomorrow will be the first time we have performed our freestyle routine outdoors, and only the fourth time we've performed it in competition. We're still working on this programme, but it's a routine that I really like, and he seems to like it too. We'll do our best tomorrow and see what happens. This is the first time I've come to Fontainebleau. It's a fantastic competition. We're extremely lucky to be here in the sunshine, at such a well organised event. I love France, and my horse seems to love it here too."