And in the end, Germany wins again!

Podium team competition - Photo © one_photographiefrance

Press release - Crozet

Tension rose today in the arena of the European Championship as the second half of the competitors set off at the foot of the Jura Mountains. The much-anticipated battle between Germany – the reigning Olympic champions – England – defending titleholders and present with their three Olympic pairs – and Denmark – current World Champions – definitely took place!

This morning, Andreas Helgstrand and Jovian, the third Danish pair to compete, scored a solid 71.335%, confirming the strength of a nation now accustomed to podium in major championships. Shortly after, Frederic Wandres representing Germany delivered a solid test with Bluetooth OLD, scoring 74.721% despite a few small inaccuracies. This left Germany with only a slight advantage before Carl Hester entered the arena. And even less of a lead once the British rider concluded his performance with 76.087% and a beautiful ride on Fame. By midday, it looked as if the Brits were gaining the upper hand.

But the afternoon brought its fair share of drama! The fate of the Danish team seemed sealed with an excellent performance by Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle, earning an impressive 80.823%. However, despite a beautiful test, Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine scored 79.224% and still left strong hopes for Great Britain. Germany finished with a total of 229.644 points, while Great Britain had 150.916 before their final rider. Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale needed at least 78.728% to claim the gold medal – a score seemingly within reach for the highly decorated pair, often known to flirt with the 80% mark in this test. But sport had other plans today. Despite a very strong start, a costly mistake in the pirouette and a few small hiccups in the canter work took their toll. Ending with a disappointing 75.869%, Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale left their team on the second step of the podium.

"We are very happy and satisfied to win today! We were really excited about this very open championship. There were three teams really neck to neck, and Sweden was also very close. We had to wait for the last riders to go, and of course we’re happy it went our way in the end – but it was close, and we can say it was a lucky day!" said Isabell Werth, the most experienced German rider, during the press conference.

“I think one of the most wonderful things for us is the way that the team has supported one another throughout the competition and that's been really wonderful for us to see and to be part of, so that's a great emotion to feel,” commented British team leader Darrell Scaiffe.

“We're happy to show that Danish dressage is something serious and to introduce new pairs looking ahead to the next major events. This is my last championship with the Danish team, and I’m proud to have supported them over the past five years. It’s been a great adventure, and I can assure you they’re heading in the right direction,” confirmed Anne-Mette Binder, Danish team leader.

Tomorrow marks the start of the individual competition with the Grand Prix Special, in which the top thirty pairs from the Grand Prix are invited to compete. To qualify for the Special, today’s riders needed a minimum score of 68.882%. Unfortunately, this benchmark was not reached by the last two French riders today. With his young mare Ruling Olivia, Alexandre Ayache earned an encouraging 68.152%, while Sertorius de Rima Z*IFCE fell short of his usual form, scoring just 68.587% – a disappointing result for rider Pauline Basquin and the entire French team, who had hoped to see this pair represent the host nation in tomorrow’s competition, and even in Sunday’s Freestyle.

On the other hand, we will see Norway’s Isabel Freese, who scored 74.146% this morning, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen, currently third in the individual ranking with 79.084%, and the Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere, fourth in this first test with 76.941%. Judging by the scores given since yesterday, tomorrow promises to be full of suspense once again!

See you tomorrow from 10 a.m. for the continuation of this thrilling competition. The medal ceremony will take place following the Grand Prix Special. Find the start lists and live results at www.worldsporttiming.com

FEI PRESS RELEASE - Germany snatch 26th team gold in Crozet thriller

Team Germany, winners of the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA)
© FEI / Leanjo de koster

The team competition at the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) went right down to the wire. Already on the opening day it was clear that Germany and Great Britain would be battling for the title, and until their final two team athletes it remained a neck-and-neck race. In the end, it was Isabell Werth (GER) with Wendy de Fontaine who clinched the gold for Germany.

Werth delivers under pressure

Everything came down to the last two starters for Germany and Great Britain: would it be Werth with Wendy de Fontaine, or Charlotte Fry (GBR) with Glamourdale (GBR), to secure gold for their nation?

Werth was first to go with Wendy de Fontaine (owned by Chateau de Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze). Riding with all her trademark professionalism, she produced a fault-free performance. Without taking the very last risks, but with a mare of such outstanding quality, Werth could afford to play it safe. The scoreboard showed 79.224%, the second-highest score of the team competition.

That left Fry, who needed 78.728% with Glamourdale (owned by the rider and Van Olst Horses) to put Great Britain ahead. They entered the arena boldly, with Fry riding full of risk in the extensions. But the daring strategy also brought mistakes: Glamourdale spooked after the canter strike-off, the piaffes lacked a little conviction, and balance was lost in the first pirouette. The final mark of 75.869% was still an excellent result, but left the defending champions with silver.

Fry admitted afterwards: “It was quite some pressure going in, and in the end we still did a good job with silver. It was very exciting, but I didn’t check the scoreboard before our test. It just wasn’t our day today, that can happen. I’m really looking forward to the next days, because Glamourdale always settles in, and usually improves day by day.”

Germany back on top

The German victory marked their 26th team gold in the history of the European Championships. Chef d’Equipe Klaus Roeser was delighted: “They all did a marvellous job, and we’re happy to bring the title back to Germany.”

Werth too expressed relief and joy: 

“The competition was completely open, anything could happen. So we’re very happy and satisfied with the result. It was fun, tense and a really good mix of everything! I’m glad we made it, but it was also just a lucky day.”

 

Isabell Werth
(GER) 

The gold-winning team consisted of Werth and Wendy de Fontaine, Katharina Hemmer with Denoix PCH, Frederic Wandres with Bluetooth OLD and Ingrid Klimke with Vayron NRW. Their combined score of 229.644% put them at the top of the leaderboard.

Klimke, first to go yesterday with Vayron NRW (owned by Rudolf Spiekermann), did not have her dream performance but will have another chance in the Grand Prix Special: “It is really thanks to my teammates that I am standing here with gold,” she said modestly.

Wandres, with Bluetooth OLD (owned by Hof Kasselmann), added another team gold medal to his Olympic team title from Paris: “I’m super happy with the gold and with my test, but if we hadn’t had the mistakes in the canter tour I would have been even happier,” he said.

For Hemmer, who led overnight and finished seventh on her Championship debut, it was also a week to remember.

Great Britain earn silver after tense finale

For Great Britain, the day was especially nerve-wracking, having already lost Andrew Gould to elimination on the first day. It was their veteran Carl Hester who produced the team’s best score in his 13th European Championship appearance. With Fame (owned by Fiona Bigwood, Mette Dahl and the rider) he posted 76.087%. Together with Fry’s 75.869% and Becky Moody’s 74.829%, the team ended on 226.785% for silver.

Laudrup-Dufour shines for Denmark

The highest score of the entire Grand Prix came from Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN) and Mount St. John Freestyle (owned by Mount St. John Equestrian and Laudrup-Dufour & Zinglersen ApS). Their 80.823% was untouchable, securing bronze for Denmark.

 

“Freestyle was fresh and relaxed, her qualities together with our growing partnership are really turning into something special” 

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour
(DEN) 

Denmark thus repeated their team bronze from Hagen (2021) and Riesenbeck (2023), this time on 223.385%. After silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, they once again showed their depth.

“We came here with quite a green team, and maybe weren’t yet in a position to chase the Germans and Brits, but we made it to the podium,” Dufour explained. Teammates Andreas Helgstrand (Jovian), Nadja Aaboe Sloth (Favour Gersdorf) and Dikke Dupont (Grand Galliano) all contributed to the medal.

Belgium make history in fourth

A historic fourth place went to Belgium, thanks in large part to rising star Justin Verboomen with his striking black stallion Zonik Plus. Despite two costly mistakes, including an error in the double-counted one-tempi, they still earned 79.084%, the third-highest score of the day.

With strong tests also from Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), Domien Michiels (Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof) and Charlotte Defalque, the team finished just 3% off the podium.

Strong results for the Netherlands and Sweden

The Netherlands took fifth place, led by Dinja van Liere and Hermes (owned by Joop van Uytert). Their 76.941% placed them fourth individually, once again showing the excellent piaffe and passage work that had already brought them double bronze at the FEI Dressage World Championship 2022 in Herning (DEN).

Sweden finished just 0.2% behind The Netherlands in sixth. Their top combination was Maria von Essen with Invoice (owned by Alexanders Hovslageri and Häst AB) on 73.804%, closely followed by Patrik Kittel with Touchdown (owned by Sommarkvan AB).

Top individuals and the road ahead

The best of the individual starters was Isabel Freese (NOR) with Total Hope OLD (owned by Oivind Bache, Lone Boegh-Hendriksen and Paul Schockemöhle), who scored 74.146% with the powerful stallion.
The top 30 combinations from the Grand Prix now qualify for the Grand Prix Special, which begins on Friday morning at 10:00.

FULL RESULTS

FEI PRESS RELEASE - Hemmer tops the leaderboard after opening Grand Prix day in Crozet

The first day of the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet (FRA) delivered its share of surprises. In the end it was Katharina Hemmer (GER) who secured the lead for Germany with Denoix PCH, posting 75.699%. Britain’s Becky Moody sits close behind with Jagerbomb on 74.829%. Germany, Great Britain and Denmark currently occupy the top three spots in the team competition.

Strong start from Denmark

Early in the first group, Nadja Aaboe Sloth (DEN) with her own Favour Gersdorf produced a score of 71.227%, good enough to remain at the top of the leaderboard through 20 further starters, and to eventually finish the day in provisional third. The black gelding delivered a very solid test. Aaboe Sloth may not have taken every possible risk, but the result was a fault-free performance with a strong score for her team.

Early pressure for Germany and Britain

The first athlete who looked set to challenge that mark was Ingrid Klimke (GER) with Vayron FRH, but as the test progressed, tension began to creep in. The enormous Vayron (owned by Rudolf Spiekermann) impressed with huge lateral work and clean tempi changes, but stumbled in the second extended trot, showed tension in the rein-back and the second canter pirouette. Her 69.348% was not the start the German side – one of the leading favourites for the title – had been hoping for.

A setback also struck another medal contender, Great Britain. The test of Indigro, the horse of their first starter Andrew Gould, was halted by the judges. This puts considerable pressure on the remaining three British athletes, as all their results will now count towards the team classification.

Scandinavians impress with consistency

Both Sweden and Denmark made a strong impression on the opening day in Crozet, becoming the only two nations with both members breaking the 70% mark. Sweden’s Sofie Lexner partnered the diligent mare Inoraline W (owned by Christinelund Dressage) to 70.000%, while her vastly experienced teammate Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén steered Hyatt (owned by Lövsta Stuteri AB) to 70.373%.

Alongside Aaboe Sloth, Denmark also fielded Rikke Dupont, who made her Championship debut with Grand Galiano (owned by Gert Buchhave and Allan Hansen) and posted 70.000%. “I am very happy, I wanted to ride mistake-free, but did have one mistake at the end. Still, I am very pleased with this good start for the team,” Dupont said afterwards.

Dutch combination in the mix

Just six athletes managed to break the 70% barrier today. Among them was Thamar Zweistra (NED), who guided the talented chestnut Hexagon’s Luxuriouzz N.O.P.T. (owned by Stal Hexagon BV) into provisional fourth with 70.932%. That result also places the Dutch side in fourth in the team standings.

Hemmer delivers season’s best

It was only in the final group of the day that the tension really mounted, with Katharina Hemmer for Germany and Becky Moody for Great Britain carrying the weight of expectation. Hemmer was first of the two to enter with Denoix PCH (owned by Nancy Gooding and Hubertus Schmidt). Their convincing performance lit up the scoreboard with 75.699%, a clear lead. It was also her highest mark of the entire season, demonstrating peak form at exactly the right moment. The score remained unbeaten, putting Germany – the nation with the most team golds in the history of the European Championships – firmly on course.

“I am totally happy. There are always little things that can be better, today it was the rein-back and the one-tempi series. The first piaffe was also not yet optimal, but maybe that is nit-picking at the highest level,” Hemmer laughed. “He was super focused, gave me a great feeling, and I am very happy we could ride our Championship debut like this.”

 

Katharina Hemmer
(GER) 

 

Moody keeps it close

Britain’s Becky Moody came very close with her home-bred Jagerbomb (owned by herself and Jo Cooper). At the beginning of her test she was trending well ahead of Hemmer, but two errors in the canter tour dropped the score slightly: Jagerbomb changed in the extended canter and there was a small hiccup in the canter zigzag. Gold still to be decided.

Defending team champions Great Britain and Germany now appear set for the closest battle for gold. But with only one score from each side counting so far, much can still change on the second day.

The Grand Prix resumes tomorrow morning at 10:00, with the final athlete entering the arena at 16:36. By the end of the afternoon, the destination of the team medals will be decided.

FULL RESULTS

 

At the end of the first day of competition, Germany leads, with Great Britain close behind

Denoix PCH & Katharina Hemmer - Photo © one_photographiefrance

PRESS RELEASE

The FEI European Dressage Championship kicked off this morning in the stunning setting of the Jiva Hill Stables. Under the watchful eye of Frenchman Raphael Saleh, President of the Ground Jury, the first twenty-nine horse-and-rider combinations entered the arena. And already, this opening day brought its share of drama and excitement.

Fourth into the ring, Danish rider Nadja Aaboe Sloth, aboard Favour Gersdorf, led the competition at midday with a score of 71.227%. By the end of the day, she holds an honorable provisional third place, securing a spot on the virtual podium for Denmark.

Currently in second place is British rider Becky Moody. A top contender for the title this week, Moody and Jagerbomb made two significant errors — an unplanned flying change during the canter and a miscount in the zigzag — which limited their score to 74.829%, falling short of the rider’s expectations. Nevertheless, Great Britain remains in second place provisionally, with Carl Hester and Charlotte Fry still to come tomorrow. With all three of its Paris 2024 Olympic pairs entered, Team GB still has strong chances, despite the unfortunate elimination of Andrew Gould earlier today.

For Germany, the day began with disappointment following Ingrid Klimke’s test. The multimedaled eventing rider, making only her second appearance on the national dressage team, had to manage a rather tense Vayron NRW and reached a modest 69.348% — well below her usual standards. But things turned around in the afternoon for the Mannschaft thanks to Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH. At just 31 and in her first championship appearance, the young rider earned an impressive 75.699%, placing her at the top of the provisional rankings. Tomorrow, it will be Frédéric Wandres and Isabell Werth’s turn to compete. The final showdown in the team competition promises to be intense!

On the French side, the day offered encouraging performances from Anne-Sophie Serre and Bertrand Liegard. Anne-Sophie Serre, riding her fiery Jibraltar de Massa, exited the arena with a score of 67.407%. Bertrand Liegard’s partner, Ginger, appeared a bit overwhelmed and concluded her test with a score of 66.227%. The French team will count on Pauline Basquin and Alexandre Ayache tomorrow to raise the teams rankings and secure spots for Friday’s Grand Prix Special.

Stay tuned tomorrow from 10 a.m. for the continuation of this thrilling competition. The team medal ceremony will take place following the event. Find the start lists and live results at www.worldsporttiming.com

Spain kicks off the FEI dressage European Championship in Crozet (FRA)

The Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship 2025 in Crozet (FRA) will get underway on Wednesday morning at 10:00 with Francisco Benitez Sanchez first into the arena for Spain. During Tuesday’s draw, the Spanish team picked the very first starting slot, while Sweden drew the final position on the team starting list.

Earlier today, all horses passed the veterinary inspection, clearing the way for the afternoon’s draw that determined the running order of the 14 national teams. In a ceremonial procedure, team names and starting numbers were drawn from large wine coolers, first selecting the nation, and then the number.

The sequence for the teams is as follows: Spain, Hungary, Poland, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Sweden. Three nations, Hungary, Finland and Austria, will field only three combinations, meaning their first athletes will not appear until later on the opening day.

Final starting order

The draw began with the nine individual combinations. According to their positions on the FEI Dressage World Ranking, the highest-ranked riders secured starting slots on the second day, while the others will compete on Wednesday.

Rotem Jale Ibrahimzadeh (TUR) will be the first individual combination to appear, sixth to go on the opening day. She will be joined in Wednesday’s line-up by Nicolas Wagner-Ehlinger (LUX), Gabriele H.-Kiefer (CYP), and Dalia Katinaite-Pranckeviciene (LTU).

On Thursday, Maria Klementieva (CYP) will lead the action at 10:00, followed by Grete Ayache (EST), Isabel Freese (NOR), Nathalie Wahlund (ITA), and finally Luxembourg’s Fie Christine Skarsoe, who will enter the arena as the final combination, immediately after Sweden closes the team competition.

The team draw followed a similar system, with placements allocated depending on the collective ranking points of the riders entered.

Two days of Grand Prix

The team medals will be decided across two days of Grand Prix, Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 August, with the first combination entering at 10:00 each morning. The final athlete is due in the arena at 16:36 on Thursday, after which the medal ceremony will crown the 2025 European team champions.

Defending champions Great Britain return with a powerful team. Their line-up includes reigning World Champion and Dressage World Cup™ winner Charlotte Fry with Glamourdale, also her Olympic bronze medal partner. The ever-experienced Carl Hester returns with Fame, Olympian Becky Moody brings Jagerbomb, and Andrew Gould completes the quartet with Indigro.

Germany also field a full-strength team, with Olympic silver medallist Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine, contesting her 17th European Championship. Olympic Team gold medallist Frederic Wandres (Bluetooth OLD), Ingrid Klimke (Vayron) and Katharina Hemmer (Denoix PCH) complete the line-up.

Denmark, bronze medallists in Riesenbeck, once again look strong with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (Mount St John Freestyle), Andreas Helgstrand (Jovian), Nadja Aaboe Sloth (Favour Gersdorf) and Rikke Dupont (Grand Galliano). Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands also bring firepower, with Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus), Patrik Kittel (Touchdown) and Dinja van Liere (Hermes) among the top names to watch.

Crozet set to shine

The boutique-style Jiva Hill Stables offers a stunning backdrop to this year’s Championship. Located in the French countryside, with the mountains beyond, the venue pairs five-star hospitality with first-class facilities for horses, riders and spectators.

The stables are extra spacious, they offer plenty of wash-down areas for the horses, cooling zones are in place, and grazing paddocks have even been provided – all underscoring the Organising Committee’s commitment to horse welfare. The main arena has been beautifully prepared, supported by a 10-minute ring for pre-test work and a cool indoor arena for warm-up.

Ones to watch

Justin Verboomen (BEL) is one of the new names making an impact. With the nine-year-old Zonik Plus, he already claimed victories in both the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle in Aachen, defeating established stars. “That is my biggest goal, to have Zonik as relaxed every day as he was during the Freestyle in Aachen, and for us to have that good connection. The feeling is the most important thing for me,” he explained.

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN), meanwhile, will be aiming for another individual medal with Mount St John Freestyle. The pair helped Denmark to team silver at the Paris Olympic Games and carry seven European medals already between them. “Freestyle has all the qualities: she’s reliable, and honestly, it’s just up to me to ride clean tests. My goal is to present her in the best way that I can,” Laudrup-Dufour said.

The Grand Prix begins tomorrow at 10:00, and by Thursday afternoon the team medals will be decided. The top 30 combinations will qualify for Friday’s Grand Prix Special, before the best 18 return for Sunday’s Freestyle finale.

Starting lists and results: https://results.worldsporttiming.com/event/284 

PRESS RELEASE - Everybody’s ready to start the competition tomorrow

This morning, at the foot of the Jura Mountains, the sixty-two horses entered in the FEI

European Dressage Championship were presented by their riders for the veterinary inspection. This is a mandatory step in any international competition, allowing the veterinarian appointed by the International Equestrian Federation and the President of the Ground Jury to confirm the horses’ good health and fitness to compete.

All horses presented today were declared “fit to compete” and will therefore be able to start tomorrow at 10:00am for the Grand Prix test, which counts towards both individualand team rankings.

The starting order for this class will be determined by a draw, held later this afternoon.

You will then be able to find the starting list and live results on www.worldsporttiming.com.

Crozet (FRA) ready to host Europe’s best in thrilling Dressage title race

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) and Charlotte Fry (GBR) during the award ceremony from the Grand Prix Freestyle at the FEI Dressage European Championship 2023 in Riesenbeck (GER)
Copyright ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

For the very first time in history, the Jiva Hill Stables FEI Dressage European Championship will take place on French soil. From 27 to 31 August, Crozet (FRA) will welcome 63 horses and athletes ready to contest the European titles. With several strong teams entered and a highly competitive field of individuals, the medals are well and truly up for grabs.

All participating combinations and teams have now been confirmed, meaning the battle for the nine medals on offer can commence when the team competition in Crozet unfolds on 27 and 28 August, followed by the individual competition in the Grand Prix Special on 29 August and the Grand Prix Freestyle on 31 August.

Nations and defending champions

Fourteen countries will field teams, including reigning European Champions Great Britain, who took gold in Riesenbeck (GER) in 2023. Two members of that winning team return this year: Carl Hester with Fame, and Charlotte Fry with the black stallion Glamourdale – the current world number ones in the FEI Dressage World Ranking. They are joined by Becky Moody with Jagerbomb and Andrew Gould with Indigro.

The silver and bronze medallists from Riesenbeck 2023 - Germany and Denmark - will also be lining up in Crozet. Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland complete the list of team nations.

Individual representatives will compete from Cyprus, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway and Türkiye.

Experience and fresh names

With no qualification slots for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games at stake, many nations have opted to send a blend of experienced combinations alongside new names and talented younger athletes. For those debutants, Crozet provides the perfect stage to gain valuable championship experience, and perhaps even deliver a breakthrough performance.

The key question remains: will Great Britain again claim team gold, or will Germany reaffirm its long history of dominance at European, World and Olympic level events?

German strength

Germany brings exceptional depth to Crozet. Isabell Werth, the most decorated athlete in the history of the sport, will compete with Wendy de Fontaine, the Olympic silver medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Frederic Wandres with Bluetooth OLD adds further experience, having already collected team medals at the Paris Olympics and at Riesenbeck 2023. Ingrid Klimke, an experienced rider with Championship appearances in both Dressage and Eventing, brings forward the imposing Vayron NRW. The horse already competed at the FEI Dressage European Championships 2023 and at the Paris Olympic Games under Daniel Bachmann Andersen (DEN). The fourth member of the German squad is newcomer Katharina Hemmer, with the eye-catching chestnut Denoix PCH.

Danish mix of experience and debutants

Denmark’s team includes Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour with her partner Mount St John Freestyle. Although the duo has only competed sparingly this season, their Grand Prix scores over 80 percent and Freestyle marks beyond 90 establish them as serious contenders for both team and individual medals. The team includes Andreas Helgstrand with Jovian, while making their debuts are Nadja Aaboe Sloth with Favour Gersdorf and Rikke Dupont with Grand Galliano

Belgium on the rise

Belgium’s squad is certainly one to watch. Having shown strong form this year in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ series, they arrive in Crozet as an ambitious team. Championship experience comes from Charlotte Defalque, Domien Michiels and Larissa Pauluis, while the biggest sensation is newcomer Justin Verboomen with Zonik Plus. Their victory over Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine at CHIO Aachen confirmed their place among the ones to beat.

The Netherlands, a medal-winning nation in past championships, will be represented by Dinja van Liere with Hermès, a combination that took double bronze at the FEI Dressage World Championships 2022 in Herning (DEN). Marieke van der Putten and Thamar Zweistra bring younger, less experienced horses, while the fourth team member is the 20-year-old Rowena Weggelaar, making her Championship debut.

Sweden will also present a blend of experience and fresh faces. Patrik Kittel and his FEI Dressage World Cup-winning Touchdown are joined by Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén with Hyatt, Sofie Lexner and Maria von Essen. For host nation France, Alexandre Ayache, Pauline Basquin, Bertrand Liegard and Anne-Sophie Serre will carry the tricolour in front of their home crowd.

A new champion to be crowned

One thing is certain: Crozet will see the crowning of a new European Champion, as Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s TSF Dalera BB, the winner of the 2021 and 2023 Championships, has been retired. This leaves the individual contest wide open.

Past championship individual medallists such as Werth with Wendy de Fontaine, Fry with Glamourdale and Van Liere with Hermès could likely be among the frontrunners, but challengers include Laudrup-Dufour with Freestyle, Belgium’s rising star Verboomen with Zonik Plus, Isabel Freese (NOR) with Total Hope OLD – third in this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final in Basel (SUI) – and FEI Dressage World Cup Final 2023 winner Patrik Kittel (SWE) with Touchdown.
This post-Olympic year provides the perfect mix of established stars and new challengers, ensuring that the competition for the European crown remains as unpredictable as ever.

A stage set in Crozet

The stunning Jiva Hill Stables in Crozet (FRA) will serve as host venue. Just 15 minutes from Geneva Airport, surrounded by French countryside and framed by the mountains, it offers a truly spectacular setting for the Championship. After staging two CDI5* events in recent years, Crozet will welcome its first FEI Dressage European Championship. Tickets are available via www.crozet2025.com.

Catch all the action on FEI TV

What, when and where - Wednesday, Thurday, Friday and Sunday for next weeks European Championship

  • 🥇🥈🥉Wednesday and Thursday TEAM Grand Prix - starts at 10.00 am both days

  • 🥇🥈🥉Friday INDIVIDUAL Grand Prix Special - starts at 10.00 am

  • 🥇🥈🥉Sunday INDIVIDUAL Grand Prix Freestyle - starts at 11.30 am

TEAM COMPETITION

4 combinations in each team, 3 best scores counts and 1 drop score. Team medals decided Thursday.

GRAND PRIX SPECIAL

30 best individual combinations from Grand Prix are qualified, if all 4 from same country are among top 30 from Grand Prix they may all participate.

GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE

18 best from Grand Prix Special, but maximum 3 combinations from each nation are allowed to participate.

The entire championship will be available at both Clipmyhorse and Youtube.

LINK for start & results

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Program for KRAFFT Eliteskue 28. - 31. august 2025 samt B-stævne

Torsdag 28. august:

  • B-stævne i Dressur, ved Dansk Varmblod Rideklub

Fredag 29. august:

  • Præsentation og udtagelse til finalen for 2-års springhopper

  • Præsentation af RDH-hopper i løsspringning

  • Lando Prisen

  • Udnævnelse af årets 2-års og årets Springbetonde hopper 2025

  • Clinic Springning

  • B-stævne i Dressur, ved Dansk Varmblod Rideklub 

Lørdag 30. august:

  • Præsentation og udtagelsen til finalen for alle føl

  • Udnævnelse af årets føl

  • Auktionsføl - Præsentation

  • Præsentation og udtagelse til finalen for 2-års gangartshopper

  • Udnævnelse af årets 2-års hopper

  • Afkomssamling 

  • B-stævne i Dressur, ved Dansk Varmblod Rideklub

  • Elitefølauktion

  • Den store Avler og Rytterfest - køb billet HER

  • Dansk Hesteforsikring Elitefølauktion

 Søndag 31. august:

  • Præsentation af RDH-hopper i gangarter med rytter

  • Clinic med Daniel Bachmann Andersen

  • Uddeling af opdrættermedaljer

  • Matine Prisen

  • Gladeste Hest

  • Udnævnelse af årets hopper

  • B-stævne i Dressur, ved Dansk Varmblod Rideklub

Detaljer omkring startlister og resultater følger via Equipe.

Dansk Varmblod viste ekstra klasse til UVM i Verden (VIDEO interviews og presse konferencer)

Proud of World Championship gold – Proud James

Caption: Proud James and Mette Sejbjerg Jensen. Photo: Sportfoto Lafrentz

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Verden. At the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden, KWPN stallion Proud James earned the gold medal in the five-year-old class. Silver went to the Oldenburg mare Viva Diamond OLD, while bronze was won by the Danish horse Straight Horse Leornardo.

In the final of the five-year-olds, presented by Madeleine Winter-Schulze, a Danish rider rode two horses onto the podium: Mette Sejbjerg Jensen. Tears flowed, emotions ran high and the winner said almost shyly: ‘It was also a bit easy!’ She rode the Jameson RS2 son Proud James to World Championship gold and the Lord Europe son Leonardo to World Championship bronze and said: ‘I am incredibly grateful to be able to ride two such high-quality horses. We prepared very carefully for this World Championships – and both the quality of the horses and the preparation really make it almost easy to ride to a medal. But I enjoyed both horses so much here.‘ Both are great to ride, intelligent and both are ‘showmen‘. ’They come into the arena, grow five centimetres and rock it!"

Commenting judge Maria Colliander from Finland raved: ‘The trot is very active, very elastic, very well balanced and with a good swinging back.’ The judges' enthusiasm was reflected in the score of 9.3. The judges were also impressed by the new world champion's ground-covering walk and active uphill canter, awarding him 8.3 and 9.0 respectively. ‘Even contact, swinging back, listening well to the rider’ were the Finnish commentator's keywords for the horse's submission, which was awarded a score of 9.2. The charming grey also received a 9.5 for his prospects. With a final score of 90.60 percentage points, it was clear: this was the gold medal.

Silver for Viva Diamond

‘She was even a little better today than in the qualifiers,’ explained World Championship newcomer Linda Weiß. ‘She had a little more of that “go” of a final today.’ With 89.20 percentage points, Viva Diamond OLD became vice world champion of the five-year-old dressage horses in the Horse24 Arena in Verden. The mare's walk was outstanding, receiving a score of 9.3, by far the best walk score of the five-year-old finalists. ‘The walk was very sure-footed,’ praised Colliander, ‘very relaxed and with good overreach.’ The Vitalis daughter received 8.8 and 9.1 for her trot and canter, and twice 9.0 for her submission and perspective. The commenting judge Colliander described the trot as light-footed, rhythmic and with good self-carriage, while the mare could have jumped a little more in the canter. ‘And for the future, we are certain that this horse has a lot of potential: the horse has a good attitude and very good basic gaits.’

The owner of Viva Diamond OLD is Judith Köppel from 360° Sportpferde, and breeder Anne Alberding bred the impressive mare out of Birkhof's Don Diamond daughter Zauberhaft. The fan club behind the pair Weiß-Viva Diamond was also enchanting and impressive. With printed T-shirts, a fan garland, flags and loud cheers, they turned the Horse24 arena into a fan zone for the vice world champion and her rider.

Bronze for Leonardo

Mette emphasised that Leonardo's rideability is his big plus point. ‘He is great to ride, very intelligent and very similar to James – except for his colour,’ said the double medallist with a grin, referring to the bronze medallist, who is a black horse. Mette Sejbjerg Jensen has been a stable rider at Helgstrand for ten years, has already presented five horses at the World Championships, has been in the final twice, but has never ridden a horse to a medal position. ‘Proud James and Leonardo are my best friends!’

Straight Horse Leornardo is a son of Lord Europe, the stallion that finished second in the 2023 Nuremberg Burg Cup final under Leonie Richter. The Hanoverian star sire De Niro is the dam's sire of the Danish horse, which was bred and is owned by Straight Horse ApS. The judges awarded 8.8 (trot), 7.8 (walk) and 9.1 (canter) for the basic gaits, with 9.0 for both submission and perspective. The bronze medal result was 87.40 percent.

At a glance:

The final field of five-year-olds consisted of nine stallions, four mares and two geldings. Four horses in this final came from Dutch and Danish breeding, three Oldenburgers, two horses from the German Sport Horse Breeders' Association and one Hanoverian and one Westphalian completed the field.

Very high-quality starting field

Patricia Wolters, chief judge from the Netherlands, summed up: ‘The most important things for us when judging are good natural gaits, natural balance, a good attitude and a harmonious presentation. We saw a few horses that were a little tired, mostly those that qualified via the small final and had one more test to go, but all in all we had a very high-quality field of starters among the five-year-olds. ‘

The conclusion of tournament director Wilken Treu:

‘We had five really great days, the feedback from the riders is really good, but of course we already have some ideas on what we can do even better next year. We want to develop the World Championships even more into an event for spectators and visitors, make it even more diverse. The auction and our charity campaign were the first building blocks on the way. We are really proud to be able to host the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses again and we will do everything we can to keep them here in Verden for as long as possible. ‘

‘A world champion in every respect’ – Red Viper

Red Viper and Dinja van Liere. Photo: Sportfoto Lafrentz

FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses

Verden. The FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for six-year-old horses, presented by Kreissparkasse Verden, has been decided: Red Viper repeated his World Championship success from last year and was crowned World Champion once again! The silver medal went to the Danish mare Brandtbjergs Divya, while the Hanoverian stallion Endorphin FRH secured bronze.

‘He is incredible, he is simply incredible in every way!’ Dinja van Liere has been riding the enormous chestnut stallion Red Viper for eight months, previously ridden by Bart Veeze, and the Dutch Olympic rider is already completely thrilled. ‘It's not just his great basic gaits, his presence and how he presents himself in the arena, but also in the box, when out walking and in general – he's the sweetest horse I know. He really is a world champion in every respect.’ In today's test, the pair made a small mistake in the walk, with Red Viper briefly showing his piaffe potential. ‘That wasn't required today,’ admitted the rider with a smile, ’but I can definitely feel the Grand Prix horse in him. He has a lot of talent, but I think the most important thing is his attitude: He wants to work, he wants to understand, and he is very easy to ride with subtle aids. I am 100 percent sure that he will become a Grand Prix horse one day.’

Red Viper is a son of the Grand Prix stallion Romanov Blue Hors, but his dam Zolena (Sir Sinclair x Cabochon) was also highly successful. In 2009 and 2010, Zolena herself was a finalist at the World Championships for young dressage horses, reports breeder Coen Kerbert. The successful parents were one reason why Eugen Reesink from Reesink Hengsthaltung decided to buy Red Viper at the time, the other reason was... ‘The colour,’ beams Reesink. ‘I love liver chestnuts. We bought him at the foal auction when he was three months old and fell in love with him immediately. And of course we knew that he would one day become a double world champion,’ adds the proud owner with a grin.

And these are the individual scores of the world champion: 9.5 for trot, 8.5 for walk, 9.0 for canter, 8.4 for submission and 9.5 for perspective – giving the defending champion a total of 90.40 percentage points. ‘What a horse!’ were the first words of the commenting judge Knut Danzberg. ‘This horse shows everything we want to see!’

Vice World Champion Divya

Silver medallist Brandtbjergs Divya is by Hesselhøj Donkey Boy, goes back to Blue Hors Don Olymbrio on her dam's side and was bred by the Buhl family, Brandtbjerggaard. Divya is owned by Søbakkehus Stud and was presented by Anders Sjöbeck Hoeck. ‘She really is a superb mare,’ the rider explains emphatically. She has great basic gaits and learns incredibly easily. She has no weaknesses!" He presented Divya in the mare test when she was just three years old, where she finished as the second-best mare in Denmark. Divya was then used for breeding, had a foal and has been back in training since May 2024. ‘Last year she was the second-best five-year-old mare in Denmark and now here we are.’ His favourite moment in the test? ‘It was just a great feeling to turn towards the finish line and not have made a single mistake.’ The vice world champion received the best score of the day for her walk by a wide margin: 9.2! ‘The walk was very relaxed, with good overreach, and she also kept her rhythm very well in collection,’ praised Danzberg. The trot was awarded a 9.6, the canter and perspective received a 9.0, and the submission was scored 8.2. Divya's final score was therefore a smooth 90 percent – the silver medal!

 Great, Greater, Greta – Endorphin FRH rode to bronze

The fan club of Greta Heemsoth, a true ‘Verden girl’, could not have been more spectacular and louder. With a huge fan banner reading ‘Great, Greater, Greta’, they provided the final burst of energy, and Greta and the Hanoverian stallion Endorphin FRH put in a great performance. The Escolar son is not only the first horse bred by Ingo Pape to compete in a World Championship for Young Horses – he also brought home a medal. ‘Endorphin FRH was still a little tense in the first test, but today I felt he was super focused and really enjoyed his performance,’ enthused the rider. From Vice-Champion of Germany in 2024 to bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships – with the following individual scores: 9.4 (trot), 7.9 (walk), 9.3 (canter), 8.5 (submission) and 9.2 (perspective). Endorphin was bred by Ingo Pape out of Harmony's Don Nobless daughter Donna Musica and remains in the ownership of the breeder.

Knut Danzberg from the judging panel spoke for himself and his colleagues when he said: ‘It was really fun to judge this competition. With every horse that entered the arena, we said: “Wow, he can move!” But the task is really technically demanding compared to the qualifying task.’ In the final, four flying changes are required instead of two, and there is also the collected walk, which does not feature in the qualifying test. "It was difficult, but the riders did well. We all had the impression that the riding had improved significantly. The horses are presented in a much more natural way than a few years ago. We also focus more on lightness and soft contact when judging, and that was good all round."

At a glance:

Of the 15 World Championship finalists in the six-year-old dressage horses, nine were stallions, five were mares and one was a gelding. Five horses came from the Royal Warmblood Breeding Programme of the Netherlands, three were Hanoverians, three were Oldenburgers and three were Danes, and one horse was bred in Sweden. The stallions Escamillo, Secret and Hesselhøj Donkey Boy were each represented by two offspring in the final, while Escolar had one direct son and three grandsons in the final field. 

World Championships highlights

Royal visit

The patron of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH), Princess Benedikte of Denmark, took the opportunity to stroll around the World Championships grounds in Verden today and watch the finals of the six-year-old dressage horses. Princess Benedikte personally presented the medal winners with an honorary prize and congratulated them. She is a horsewoman through and through and has bred several highly successful dressage horses, including Digby, the two-time Olympic and World Championship partner of her daughter Nathalie.

The World Championships quote: ‘It's good to be back!’

Jan Pedersen, President of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH): "It's really nice to be back in Verden. This is the home of the World Championships for young dressage horses, this is where it all began, and everything looks even better than last time. It's good to be back."

Quinn G – On her way to triple gold?

Quinn G and Fiona Bigwood won the qualifier for seven-year-olds. Photo: Sportfoto Lafrentz

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FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses

Verden. In 2023, she became World Champion of five-year-old dressage horses with 94.80 percentage points, at that time still under the saddle of Danish rider Betina Jäger. In 2024, she became World Champion of six-year-old dressage horses with an incredible 95 percent, now under the saddle of Fiona Bigwood. Today, she won in the seven-year-old qualifier at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, presented by Matthias Schlamminger GmbH, with 80.177 percent: Exceptional mare and double world champion Quinn G. Will she win her third title on Sunday? Ilegro took second place in the qualifier with 77.634 percentage points, while TSF Gaspard ND came third with 77.075 percent.

“I've been dealing with the pressure for two months,” laughs Fiona Bigwood. The pressure of bringing a double world champion to the start of a World Championships for the third time. The British Olympic rider bought the mare before her first World Championship title, she says: “Hardly anyone knows that.” But the first time she sat on her, she immediately thought: “Wow, what a horse!” Through working with her every day, she has built up a very intense relationship with the mare. “I know her inside out! And she has such a great character. I could send my mother out cross-country with her, it wouldn't be a problem.”

In preparation for the World Championships in Verden, she rode the mare three to four times a week, spent a lot of time outside with her, kept her busy in a playful way and improved her fitness. “They have to deliver two top rounds here at the World Championships, so you can't start preparing three weeks beforehand, you have to start much earlier.” Quinn only competed in one tournament before the World Championships this year. “She doesn't need it more often. Of course, she's seven and there can always be something that distracts young horses, but she was so good to my aids today and the flying changes were all really good. I rode a bit on the safe side, but it was great fun. And afterwards she leaves the arena completely relaxed on a long rein – that's how she is. You can only enjoy that.”

The Quaterhit daughter is also a very complete horse with remarkably consistent scores. 8.4 for trot and canter, 8.7 for walk, 8.6 for submission and 8.8 for perspective. In the technical score, which is awarded by the judges at H and B, Quinn and Fiona Bigwood received 73.214 and 75.893 percentage points. The all-round talent was bred by the Geervliet breeding community from a Fassbinder dam.

“...he has a lot in common with Valegro.”

Charlotte Fry rode his sire Inclusive in Grand Prix sport, she has ridden several of his “relatives”, offspring of his dam's sire Negro, and his dam Jalegrofleur is a full sister to Olympic champion Valegro: Ilegro. The dark bay was bred by Mr and Mrs van Olst and also grew up at the van Olst stable in the Netherlands. However, head rider Charlotte Fry has only been in the saddle of Ilegro since January; until then, a stable colleague had taken over the training of the stallion. “We have already built up a great partnership in a short space of time and I think he has a lot in common with Valegro – that's fantastic. Ilegro took a little longer to develop, but we always knew he was something special,” explains “Lottie” Fry. "He is probably a little greener than most of the other seven-year-olds here, he hasn't seen much yet. So I had no idea how he would cope with the World Championships arena (Horse24 Arena) and the atmosphere here, but he gave me an incredible feeling.” He has so much power and energy, such a great character and he loves to work. “The most important thing for me is that the horses love their job.” And when she wants to give him a special treat, ...I kiss him on the nose – he absolutely loves it. It's really sweet." With a 9.7 for his trot, Ilegro achieved by far the highest score of the day. Overall, the individual scores for the quality assessment were 7.0 for walk, 8.8 for canter, 8.2 for submission and another 8.8 for perspective. The technical score for the runner-up was 68.036 and 72.50 percentage points. 

The quick learner – Gaspard

He is the first Trakehner since 2017 to catapult himself directly into a World Championship final: TSF Gaspard ND. The His Moment son did not manage a completely faultless round today under Cecilie Hedegaard, resulting in a technical score of 67.321 and 70.179 percentage points. In the quality assessment, the Trakehner stallion was even just ahead of Ilegro with 85.40 percent, compared to 85 percent. Like Charlotte, Cecilie has only been in the saddle of her World Championship partner since January: “In January, he couldn't even do flying changes,” the rider smiles. “He has developed so quickly and now here we are – it's unbelievable. He is very intelligent, really enjoys the sport and loves to perform.” She said she felt very good in the arena, but that there is still room for improvement. “I was really excited, it's my first World Championships,” admits the 24-year-old Dane. “For example, I rode really big circles. There's always something to improve.” The World Championship finalist was ridden by Dr Angelica Lauritzen, is owned by Nicole Derlin and had brought an extremely large cheering crowd with him to Verden. Gaspard's dam's sire Imperio showed how it could be done: in 2008, he won the silver medal at the World Championships for five-year-olds under Anna-Sophie Fiebelkorn, followed by the bronze medal a year later, and seven years later he travelled to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with Hubertus Schmidt as a replacement horse. But before Cecilie and Gaspard start thinking about the Olympics, they first have the World Championship final in the Horse24 Arena in Verden on Sunday at 11 a.m.

World Championship highlights

Exciting Sunday

“We saw a lot of good horses at a high level today,” summed up the chief judge of the competition, Henning Lehrmann. “What will make Sunday very exciting is that there weren't two or three horses that stood out from the rest. In that respect, small details could decide the outcome on Sunday. Many horses are at a very good level, but none of them stand out clearly.” 

Real World Championships flair

“It's just great fun to accompany the horses on their training journey,” emphasises riding master Dorothee Schneider. “Positive feedback from above is very important so that the horse realises: ‘Wow, I did that well.’ Then they are even more motivated.” Training horses is the passion of the two-time Olympic team champion, and the World Championships for young horses have a very special charm for her. “I've competed here in Verden many times.” Among other things, she won two of her three World Championship titles here with Sezuan. "A lot has been rebuilt here, the conditions are excellent, the World Championship arena is great and the spectators are enthusiastic. It has real World Championships flair."

“Stolzer James” tops the five-year-olds

Mette Sejbjerg Jensen wins the first qualifier for five-year-old dressage horses in Verden with Proud James. Photo: Sportfoto Lafrentz

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FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses

Verden. In the qualifying round for five-year-old dressage horses at the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, presented by Gestüt Vorwerk, the KWPN stallion Proud James took the lead with 89.60 percentage points. Two Oldenburgian horses followed in second and third place in Verden's Horse24 Arena: Viva Diamond OLD (87 percent) and Ferdinand de Fontaine (86.80 percent).

The best friend with the ‘wow factor’

Tears glistened in Mette Sejbjerg Jensen's eyes: “‘He is simply fantastic! He is talented, beautiful and, at the moment, the best friend I have. FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses”. “He” is the Jameson RS2 son Proud James. This fantastic horse was bred by Dutchman M. van Maasacker out of a Glock's Johnson dam and is owned by Helgstrand Dressage. The grey stallion had already made a big impression last year, securing victory in the final of the four-year-olds in the show programme of FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses. At that time, he was still under the saddle of Maxi-Kira von Platen, but Mette has since taken over his training. “He's just incredible when you ride him into the arena,” enthuses the 36-year-old Dane. "He just seems to ask, 'Where do you want to go? Relax, I'll take you there.'‘ Even when she rode him for the first time, she thought: “Wow!” “He always gives me that wow feeling, the feeling that I could ride him to the moon if I wanted to." He is always very focused in the test, even today, and he has that certain show factor. “He enters the arena, grows five centimetres and thinks to himself: ‘Hey, look at me!’ He has incredible self-confidence and I love that.” Her conclusion after the first World Championship test in Verden with Proud James: “It was incredible! The weather, the arena and the horse!” 

The winner received very consistent high marks in all five individual categories: 9.0 for trot, 8.8 for walk, 9.0 for canter, 8.8 for obedience and 9.2 for prospects. For his behaviour outside the arena, which the judges cannot evaluate, he would probably get a 12 from Mette. “He's like a puppy. He's the kind of horse that's never in a hurry, always relaxed.”

“Simply overwhelmed”

This is not quite how second-placed Linda Weiß describes the Vitalis daughter Viva Diamond OLD: “Everyone always thinks that Viva Diamond is very relaxed, but she's not as relaxed as she looks,” admits the 30-year-old professional rider with a smile. "I always have to make sure that she stays in her ‘own world’, so to speak, and that she feels comfortable there. But that worked very well today and she felt incredible in the arena.” Linda also took over training her successful partner a good year ago and has won every competition with her since then. When asked if she was a little disappointed about coming second in the World Championship qualifier, she replied, not entirely seriously, “Oh no, not at all, she laughs. “I never expected this success. It's my first start at a World Championships, it's so much more important than any normal tournament – I'm just overwhelmed.” Not least with the day's best score of 9.2 for the walk, Viva Diamond secured second place in the qualifiers. Her other individual scores were: 8.5 for trot, 8.4 for canter, 8.8 for obedience and 8.6 for perspective. The owner, Judith Köppel from 360° Sportpferde, was there, as was the breeder, Anne Alberding, who had ridden Zauberhaft, a daughter of Birkhof's Don Diamond, to second place in the qualifiers.

Wendy's son – through and through

Ferdinand de Fontaine, ridden by Finland's Merita Hagren, is a son of Olympic team champion Wendy de Fontaine (Isabell Werth). Ferdinand's sire is Franklin, his dam's sire is Sezuan, and he was bred by the French stud farm Chateau de Fontaine. The black horse is owned by River Oak Equine Sports GmbH. He is not only the son, emphasised the rider, he is also very similar to his dam Wendy. ‘Isabell (Werth) visited us once, sat on Ferdinand and said: “He's just like Wendy.”’ As Wendy's son, Ferdinand has a special place in her heart, explains the Finnish rider from the Helgstrand stable, which co-owns the bronze medallist through River Oak Equine Sports GmbH. “What's more, his sire Franklin is also with us. It's very special to see them grow up and follow their progress so closely.” Merita took over Ferdinand's training at the age of four, knows him inside out and explains: “It's so nice to ride a horse you trust completely in the World Championships. He would love to be stroked all day, then ridden briefly, do a great job and be stroked some more.” Ferdinand's individual scores ranged from 8.2 for his walk to 9.0 for his canter and prospects.

All three of the top-placed ladies agreed: if things went the same way on Sunday and they could award the medals among themselves in exactly the same way, they would be over the moon. Among the five-year-old candidates was the Hanoverian Secret son So Special, who secured the silver ribbon in the four-year-old class in the supporting programme of the 2024 World Championships under Jessica Lynn Thomas. A year earlier, the stallion had excelled as Vice-Champion at the Bundeschampionat in Warendorf. The five-year-olds also included the third-placed horse in the Bundeschampionat for four-year-old riding horses, Because of You OLD, ridden by Beatrice Hoffrogge. Both narrowly missed out on a place in the final, finishing 13th and 14th. Only the best twelve horses from the qualifiers qualified directly for Sunday's final. All the others still have the chance to earn a ticket for Sunday via the small final, with the best three receiving one of the coveted final tickets.

The small final for the five-year-old dressage horses is scheduled for Friday at 2.30 pm in Verden's Horse24 Arena.

World Championship highlights 

“I'm becoming more and more relaxed”

“Our main focus is on ensuring that the riders and horses feel comfortable here, that the conditions and, above all, the ground are so good that the riders can present their horses in the best possible light,” emphasises Wilken Treu from the Verden tournament management. “I admit that I am becoming more and more relaxed because the feedback I am receiving confirms that we are succeeding. That is the most important thing.” He is very much looking forward to the coming days – including the foal auction on Saturday evening and the charity event on Sunday. "There are only eleven foals that we are putting up for auction on Saturday, but I think they are of promising quality. Five of the sires, for example, competed in World Championships themselves, and one dam is the full sister of double World Champion Gut Wettlkam's D'avie FRH. So the World Championships are very clearly reflected in our foal lot. And on Sunday, we will be looking for a new owner for a special foal through a bidding process for a good cause, in aid of German Cancer Aid, and hope that we can raise a nice sum for cancer research."

Seven at one stroke

45 horses competed in the five-year-old qualifiers in Verden, seven of which are trained by the same trainer: Sebastian Heinze. Dutchman Bart Veeze was represented with two horses, Roman Empire and Pina Colada, Linda Weiß with Viva Diamond OLD, Charlott-Maria Schürmann with Viva las Vegas RS, Beatrice Hoffrogge with Because of You OLD, Lena Haßmann with Estelle PS NRW and the Australian Tayla Desmet with Dark Diamond. The former U25 national coach of the German dressage riders has become one of the most sought-after trainers around. His philosophy for the World Championships for five-year-olds: "At a World Championships, only horses of good quality compete, that's clear. It's about really good basic training, correct riding, very good contact and, of course, the form on the day. And then you also need riders who can support the good quality of the horses."

Danish double lead among the six-year-olds

Photo: Anne Troensegaard and Slangerupgaards Saffron win the first qualifier for six-year-old dressage horses

FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Dressage Horses

Verden. The six-year-old dressage horses have made their debut at the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden. Two horses bred in Denmark secured the double lead in the qualification in the Horse24 Arena. The Secret-daughter Slangerupgaards Saffron took the lead with 92.20 percentage points, followed by Brandtbjergs Divya with a smooth 92 percent. Last year's world champion, Red Viper, took third place with 90 percent.

“…but I had a great feeling right away.”

Saffron was bred by the Slangerupgaard breeding farm from a Scolari dam, is still owned by the breeders and has been ridden by Anne Troensegaard for two years. Today, the elegant brown mare impressed the judges most in the trot test, scoring 9.7. She received an 8.9 for her walk, 9.0 for her canter, 8.9 for her rideability and 9.6 for her prospects.

Troensegaard, a former nurse, has been riding all her life. For the past 15 years, she has devoted herself entirely to training horses and is participating in the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses for the fifth time this year: “When I rode Saffron for the first time, I liked her right away, even though she was like a ‘long, thin spider’. But I had a great feeling about her right away.” As a five-year-old, the mare won the young horse competition in Herning, Denmark, and was awarded a 10 by both test riders. In the same year, she also qualified for the World Championships, but then broke her pastern bone. “I had to walk her for three months, then started riding her very slowly, and now here we are.” The mare held her breath a little in the arena today, but she was very relaxed in canter. The Danish championship rider knows how to win a World Championship medal. She celebrated the bronze medal in the seven-year-old class with the Trakehner Kipling in 2017. Anne Troensegaard is also familiar with the World Championships venue in Verden, having competed here in 2014 with Litvinenko Sjaelstofte. The stage is set for the final. Is she excited? “No, not really. All I have to do is ride.” Saffron will be given a light workout over the next two days leading up to the final, enjoy some massages, and go out to graze. “Everything is very relaxed,” emphasizes Troensegaard, who is looking forward to the final.

The second-placed Brandtbjergs Divya is by Hesselhoj Donkey Boy, goes back to Blue Hors Don Olymbrio on her dam's side and was bred by the Buhl family, Brandtbjerggaard. Divya is owned by Gestüt Søbakkehus and was presented by Anders Sjöbeck Hoeck. Her individual scores were: trot 9.5, walk 9.0, canter 9.2, rideability 8.7 and prospects 9.6.

Two Danes at the top – what is the ‘secret’ of Danish horse breeding in the eyes of winner Anne Troensegaard? “I think the success is due in no small part to the fact that Danish breeding has become very open and also uses a lot of stallions from Germany and Holland. They work a lot with German bloodlines.”

Last year, he secured the World Championship title for five-year-olds, at that time still under the saddle of Bart Veeze. Now Olympic rider Dinja van Liere is in the saddle: Red Viper by Blue Hors Romanov out of a Sir Sinclair dam, bred by Coen Kerbert and owned by Reesink Hengsthaltung. The impressive chestnut scored particularly well in the canter with a 9.5, the highest score of the day for this gait.

Best German duo: Greta Heemsoth and Endorphin FRH in fourth place. Photo: Stefan Lafrentz

Double pack for the final

Only one rider managed to qualify two horses for the final of the six-year-olds on Saturday: Greta Heemsoth. Riding Endorphin FRH, a son of Escolar, the rider from the Pape stable took fourth place with 87.80 percent, and with Felice FRH she took eighth place with 84.60 percent. Both horses already attracted attention at last year's Bundeschampionat. The Hannoveraner mare by Fürst Samarant earned the title of Bundeschampioness, while her stablemate Endorphin became Vice Bundeschampion. This is Greta Heemsoth's first time participating in a World Championships, and she was thrilled: “I am very happy with both horses. They are so different, but both performed very well today. Although, one or two things could be a little better,” she added with a smile. Neither horse managed the first flying change in the test today. "Endorphin likes to draw attention to himself, he has a lot of presence, but on the other hand he is very easy and refined to ride. Felice is very shy and very sensitive. She always needs someone she can really trust, who takes her by the hand and tells her, ‘You can do it.’“ The 32-year-old grew up in Verden and is looking forward to the final in the Horse24 Arena on Saturday. ”I'm sure some friends and my family will be there to cheer me on."

These World Championships are also a special experience for Greta's employer, the breeder and owner of Endorphin and co-owner of Felice, Ingo Pape: “I am a horse breeder with all my heart and am already proud that Endorphin is the first horse I have bred myself to compete in a World Championship.” He emphasizes that you always have a special relationship with a horse you have bred yourself, and then to ride that horse in a World Championships is something very special. Pape also has a relationship with Felice that spans generations: “I bred Felice's mother, her father, her grandmother, and her great-grandmother.”

Very good riding

The equestrian town of Verden is hosting the World Championships for the 18th time this year. Kurt Christensen, international dressage judge from Denmark and chief judge for the six-year-old qualifiers, summed up day one: “The arena here in Verden has improved significantly. There is a lot of space around the arena, which is very good for the young horses.” Christensen added about the quality of the six-year-olds: “We had some really good, high-quality horses at the start. It's also very close at the top, so there could be some changes in the final. And what we were very happy about in the judging panel was the good riding.”

World Championship highlights

Graf Rantzau Trophy for Verden

On the sidelines of the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, the competition venue Verden was honored with the Graf Rantzau Trophy for show organizers. With this award, named after Breido Graf zu Rantzau, Honorary President of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) who died in 2022, the FN honors show organizers from all over Germany for their commitment and their exemplary role model function. German Equestrian Federation (FN) chairman Prof. Dr. Martin Richenhagen traveled to Verden especially to present the trophy to the show directors, Ulrike Kubelke and Wilken Treu.

Australian euphoria

At the age of three, Alexandra Vordermair bought Exact, son of Escamillo, right here in Verden and took him with her to her new home in Australia. Two years later, Exact became Australian Young Horse Vice Champion of the five-year-olds, and in 2025 he secured the Champion title among the six-year-olds. Shortly afterwards, in March this year, Vordermair, who now rides for Australia and has taken Australian citizenship, moved back to Germany. Since then, Exact and she have been at home at the Fichtenhof farm of her twin sister Andrea and her husband Arnaud Petit, where they train with Ferdinand Csaki. “We have worked towards this goal, this dream, for the past three years to be here today,” beamed the rider. “And it was magnificent!” At the final salute, the joy was unstoppable, Alexandra Vordermair threw her arms in the air, cheered euphorically, and showered Exact with countless kisses. With 15th place and 81 percent, it wasn't quite enough to qualify directly for the final. The best twelve horses from the qualification round will advance. But on Thursday, the six-year-olds who didn't make it directly to the final will compete in the so-called small final. The best three in the small final will also secure a ticket for Saturday, when the World Championship medals and titles will be up for grabs. 

Tickets for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses from August 6 to 10 at the tournament grounds on Lindhooper Straße in Verden are available from Ticketmaster at:

https://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/verden-international-tickets/981934?camefrom=de_va_pverd.

FEI Tribunal imposes 15-year suspension on Cesar Parra

FEI Press Release
Lausanne (SUI), 6 August 2025

In an outcome marking one of the most significant sanctions issued by the FEI Tribunal, a 15-year suspension has today been imposed against Dressage athlete Cesar Parra (USA) (FEI ID: 10000031), for actions violating the principles of horse welfare. Parra has also been fined CHF 15,000 and ordered to pay CHF 10,000 in legal costs.

A prominent figure in international equestrian sport, Parra has competed at the top level since 1998. He represented his native Colombia at the Pan American Games in 1999, the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2002 and 2006, and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2005. After switching nationalities in 2008, Parra went on to compete for the United States at the Pan American Games in 2011 and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2014.

Parra has been provisionally suspended since 2 February 2024, when he was notified that he was under FEI investigation following reports of horse abuse submitted to US Equestrian.  

US Equestrian had received multiple allegations along with numerous videos and photographs showing Parra engaging in abusive behaviour and training methods involving several horses.

The FEI, in coordination with US Equestrian, launched an immediate investigation into the allegations that Parra had repeatedly and deliberately subjected the majority, if not all, of the horses he owned and trained to recurring and serious abuse over a number of years.

The investigation involved a thorough review of extensive video and photographic material, as well as multiple witness statements.

On 22 May 2024, the FEI initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Parra, bringing forward three charges: i) abuse of horse; ii) conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute; iii) breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.

“This case is deeply unsettling, not only because of the recurring nature of the abuse, but also because of the number of horses affected,” FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch said.

“That such behaviour came from a top-level athlete makes it all the more troubling. Our athletes are expected to represent and uphold the highest standards of horsemanship. Horse welfare is the foundation, not an add-on, of equestrian sport.

“The investigation demanded significant time and resources due to the volume and complexity of the evidence, which had to be meticulously verified. The 15-year suspension sends a clear message that regardless of profile or position, those who violate the principles of horse welfare will face serious consequences.”

Parra is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any National Federation. He is also prohibited from training any FEI registered Athletes and/or FEI registered Horses. The provisional suspension already served will count towards the 15-year sanction, which will end on 1 February 2039.

The full reasoned decision will be published here in due course. Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.

Sportiness in focus - Herwart von der Decken-Show

Photo: Champion Mare dressage Hann.Pr.A. Joyride (right) and reserve Champion MareHann.Pr.A. Ext.+ Embella Rose (photo: Hannoveraner Verband)

PART OF PRESS RELEASE

Verden. It is only awarded every four years: the Herwart von der Decken Prize. The family of Hann.Pr.St. Coco M was honoured with the most prestigious trophy awarded by the Hannoveraner Verband. The winner of the jumping mares was Hann.Pr.A. Unica, while Hann.Pr.A. Joyride took the dressage title. “All the mares had one thing in common: they came from extremely athletic dam lines,” summarised breeding director Ulrich Hahne.

The highlight of the Herwart von der Decken Show was the family competition. For the first time, a family with a show jumping pedigree was honoured. Hann.Pr.St. Coco M by Comte/Escudo II (breeder and exhibitor: Peter Mahler, Neuhaus/Oste) won with her two Grey Top daughters Hann.Pr.A. Golden Hour M and Hann.Pr.A. Golden Moment M. Almost exactly ten years ago to the day, the liver chestnut mare was celebrated as the champion jumping mare in Verden. The reserve champion family was the family of St.Pr.St. Fantastica by Fürst Nymphenburg/Wolkentanz (breeder: Koelmann GbR, Bad Bentheim, exhibitor: Anneli Brunckhorst, Hollenstedt), which presented her two daughters Hann.Pr.St. Brasilia by Bon Coeur and Hann.Pr.A. Soleil d'Amour by Secret (breeder and exhibitor: Anneli Brunckhorst, Hollenstedt). “The tradition of family competitions must be upheld. The mares are the most valuable asset in breeding,” said Dr Norbert Camp. The Managing Chairman of the Trakehner Association assessed the seven families together with State Stud Manager Dr Axel Brockmann and deputy breeding director Maren Schlender.

54 mares competed in the dressage competition. The trio of judges included Arend Garrn and breeding director Ulrich Hahne, as well as Dutch stallion owner and dressage expert Gertjan van Olst. The decision in the top-class final ring was exciting. Her powerful movements and presence on the triangle track were a real “joyride”. The Jovian/San Amour daughter Joyride (breeder and exhibitor: Heinrich Gießelmann, Barver) thrilled the audience and won the coveted white and yellow sash of the winning dressage mare. She thus surpassed her dam Suri, who was reserve champion mare at the same venue in 2016. This year, this title went to Hann.Pr.A. Ext.+ Embella Rose by Escolar/Rubin-Royal (breeder and exhibitor: Johannes zur Lage, Bersenbrück), who not only displayed spectacular movements but also had a flawless conformation. “The overall quality of the dressage mares was very good, but that's no surprise. The mares were very modern and moved well,” said Gertjan van Olst.

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