18 days to go until the FEI European Dressage and Para Dressage Championships start in Riesenbeck, Germany.
Show director Lütteken: Creme de la creme of the Dressage sport at the start
Riesenbeck International is decked out for illustrious guests: 153 riders and their horses, trainers, officials, exhibitors, media representatives and of course the public from all parts of the globe are ready for the FEI European Dressage and Para Dressage Championships from September 5 to 10.
Show Director Karsten Lütteken and his team had to switch very quickly from Jumping to Dressage, and he hopes that the euphoria will carry over. "We are still hovering a bit above the ground after the great Global Champions Tour leg that was with us a few weeks ago and are looking forward to hosting a great show at the upcoming European Championships as well," he says.
He is sure that after the nomination of the athletes by their federations, the excitement and anticipation among the fans has increased once again, because the crème de la crème of international Dressage sport is expected at the equestrian facility in Münsterland. Great Britain is coming with world-class riders. Their committee chairman rightly speaks of a "dream team" and says: "We have perhaps the strongest team we have ever sent to a European Championship."
The Danes won the gold medal at the World Championships in their own country last year, and they want to repeat that at the European Championships. And the German riders, including defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl are always among the medal contenders. In their own country, they have the spectators behind them. "We expect a great sporting festival," says Karsten Lütteken.
Now, a good two weeks before the first Para Dressage rider enters the arena on Tuesday morning (Sept. 5) at 8:30 a.m., almost everything is ready. The grandstands are in place, the squares are prepared. In the grass stadium, the grass had to give way to the sandy ground that is customary in Dressage.
The program of the six-day tournament offers not only sporting highlights but also entertainment. On Saturday at 5 p.m. there will be a Dressage Master Class under the guidance of the "FN Training Ambassador" Christoph Hess. This much can be revealed: two female para-riders, an internationally successful Dressage rider and a surprise guest will demonstrate what correct training of a horse should look like - across all disciplines.
Afterwards, the Westphalian Stud Book will show a collection of first-class foals, which will be auctioned off under floodlight later that evening.
On the opening day, Tuesday, September 5, the visit of the European Championships is free of charge for all those interested. Then the Para Dressage competitions begin.
For Sunday, the tickets are completely sold out. Remaining tickets are still available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Karsten Lütteken considers Saturday to be very attractive for families as well. Because on this day the Piaff Förderpreis, the Dressage Master Class and a foal auction are on the program. Everything can be visited with a day ticket or a season ticket. In addition to top sport in two stadiums, the exhibition area offers entertainment, enjoyment and lifestyle.
Extensive TV coverage:
WDR will report live on Thursday (Sept. 7) from 3 to 5 p.m., on Friday (Sept. 8) from 3 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday (Sept. 10) live from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.). So all the medal decisions of the Dressage will be live.
Clipmyhorse.tv and FEITV will cover Para- Dressage and Dressage live in their streaming services from the first to the last minute.
Tickets: https://tickets.riesenbeck2023.com/de/
Program: https://download.riesenbeck-international.com/Timetable_EC23.pdf