Welcome Home! The first horses have arrived at the Allianz Park

The first horses (🇩🇰Favour Gersdorf) have arrived in Aachen and were given the chance to be the first to use the new stables. (Photo: ALRV/Jasmin Metzner).

Press release

Welcome Home! The first horses have arrived at the Allianz Park

Now things are getting serious: The top dressage stars from around the globe have travelled to the Aachen Soers, where they can now complete their final preparations for the FEI World Championships. Freestyle, Zonik Plus, Wendy de Fontaine – they are all here.

Standing with her ears pricked forward, she is inspecting her surroundings attentively: Mount St John Freestyle seems positively impressed by her new home for the coming week. The outstanding mare ridden by the number one in the world rankings, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, was among the first horses to arrive at the Allianz Park on Saturday morning – and was able to move into the brand-new stable complex straightaway. A historic milestone in the horse arrival, presented by HAVENS.

However, the very first to enter the 3 x 4 metre stalls in their light-flooded setting were Ecuador’s Julio Mendoza and his “handsome boy,” Jewel’s Goldstrike – alias Goldie. “It was really exciting. We were here in 2024, just before the Olympic Games and moving into these new stables with him now is something very special,” the dressage rider beamed. “The stable is beautiful; there is so much space for the horses to move around and everything is simply wonderful.”

With the horses and riders moving in, the stables come to life: Flags and banners quickly reveal the international atmosphere of the setting. The area is buzzing with activity. The German dressage team is right in the midst of it all, personally lending a hand with the unloading process. Frederic Wandres describes the arrival day with a smile as “a bit hectic and bustling,” nevertheless his gelding, Bluetooth, remains totally unruffled by the commotion. “He is already standing relaxed in his stall,” he reports.

German squad with strengthened team spirit

The German dressage team is accommodated in the familiar surroundings of Stable 2 – a setting they have felt at home in at Aachen for years. Radiant faces can be seen everywhere, including Katharina Hemmer and Raphael Netz, who are chatting cheerfully. “We really bonded as a team during the training camp over the past few days and have found the right focus together,” says Hemmer, while Denoix contentedly munches on his hay.

Shortly afterwards, the individual silver medallist at the 2024 Olympic Games, Wendy de Fontaine, also found her way into Allianz Park. The mare of the most successful rider of all time, Isabell Werth, stepped onto the Aachen arena just ahead of one of her main rivals, top star Zonik Plus. His rider, double European champion Justin Verboomen, currently second in the world rankings, is looking forward to the FEI World Championships with joyful anticipation – albeit in his characteristically modest manner: “We’re very happy to be here. Aachen is definitely a special place for us.”

Would you like to experience the best riders and horses delivering top-class performances live? Then, secure your tickets now: from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(241)-9171111 or from the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein office.

Einfach Imposant B, Faustino G and Odi Murona crowned new young horse World Champions

Three age categories produced three new World Champions from three different nations at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Verden (GER). Einfach Imposant B and Kira Laura Soddemann (GER), Faustino G and Betina Jæger (DEN), and Odi Murona and Tessa Kole (NED) claimed the titles after five days of competition.

After several world titles were successfully defended at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in recent years, three new horses were crowned World Champions this year.

Einfach Imposant B crowned five-year-old World Champion

With all the horses still new and inexperienced on the international stage, the five-year-old class is one of the most exciting and unpredictable to watch. This year the bay gelding Einfach Imposant B comfortably claimed the world title under Kira Laura Soddemann (GER).

The name Einfach Imposant means ‘Simply Impressive’, and that was exactly what the gelding’s performance proved to be. Einfach Imposant B (sired by Escolar and owned by Dr Peter Brenske) remained fully focused in both tests, performing without mistakes and in harmony with his Athlete. The pair were crowned champions with 92.600%.

Silver went to Global Amour OLD, who competed under the German quota with Alexander Yde Helgstrand (DEN), while Weihe’s Happiness OLD and Alina Schneider (GER) took bronze.

Soddemann was full of praise for Einfach Imposant B. “He piloted me to this medal, he did everything for me and the feeling in the arena was just amazing.”

Global Amour OLD (sired by Global Power OLD and owned by Helgstrand Dressage and A. Helgstrand) scored 89.400% under Alexander Yde Helgstrand to claim silver. The Athlete has only been riding the licensed stallion since April.

“The World Championship was always our goal. Global Amour has all the foundations you need for a Young Horse World Championship. He is very powerful, always focused and gives an amazing feeling.”

While an imposing stallion took silver, bronze went to an elegant mare. Weihe’s Happiness (sired by Dynamic Dream, bred and owned by Christine Arns-Krogmann) is a granddaughter of the legendary mare Weihegold OLD and scored 85.800%.

“She gives the same feeling as her mother, which is amazing. She is very intelligent and knows the test inside out,” said Alina Schneider, who has also ridden Weihegold, the mare’s granddam.

Six-year-old gold for Faustino G

The first final contested in Verden was that of the six-year-olds. After taking the lead in Wednesday’s qualification, the DWB-registered Faustino G and Betina Jæger (DEN) held on to that position in the final.

It meant another horse bred by Denmark’s Helene Geervliet of Stutteri G finished at the top of the podium, after the Stutteri G-bred Quinn G became World Champion in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Following a high-quality final, Jæger and Faustino G. (sired by Farrell and owned by Stutteri G) entered the arena last and as the favourites, meaning the pressure was high. They convincingly claimed the world title with 91.000%, having already finished fourth last year.

“He loves to work, sometimes a little too much, but we’ve got that under control now, and he’s so incredibly supple and, really, he just gets better and better every day.”

Commentating Judge Knut Danzberg (GER) praised Faustino G for his elasticity, engagement and consistently good rhythm. “This is a high-quality horse with excellent prospects for the future.”

Runner-up was Merita Hagren (FIN), who also competed under the Danish quota with the long-legged DWB mare Dizzy (sired by Hesselhoej Donkey Boy, bred and owned by Hesselhoej.dk ApS).

“She’s so honest and gives her best every day, not just at home but also in competition,” Hagren said of the willing chestnut mare, who scored 88.200%.

Bronze went to the German-bred Sir Gribaldi (sired by Secret and owned by Gestüt Sprehe), with German-based Italian Athlete Beatrice Arturi in the saddle. The powerful bay stallion showed an attractive front and produced a very well-balanced test to score 86.400%.

Seven-year-olds: Odi Murona prevails after exciting battle

The seven-year-old competition produced a particularly exciting battle, with several changes at the top of the leaderboard in the final. Tessa Kole guided the bay mare Odi Murona to the world title with great feel and harmony.

Friday’s qualification was won by Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and her own Secret Agent, but in the final she and the black stallion were narrowly beaten by Kole and Odi Murona, who scored 83.429%.

Kole, who is only 21 years old herself, has ridden Odi Murona since the mare was three. “She’s incredible. She has a wonderful attitude. This week was her first time in such a big arena, but she was completely focused.”

Owner Ko van Belois originally bought the mare for breeding but decided to let Kole ride her instead.

“Tessa started training her and she won practically everywhere she competed. Some people told me I’d be wise to put her into competition first. So we changed our plans and now we’re World Champions,” Van Belois smiled.

The Judges also had high praise for the combination. Commentating Judge Monique Peutz said: “Wow, Tessa. We really loved your ride! This is how we want to see a horse presented. Odi Murona wants to work with you. Her paces are light-footed and active, and your horse shows great potential for collection. This really is a happy horse.”

Charlotte Dujardin and her black stallion Secret Agent fell just short of gold with 83.115%, with the slightly tense walk in particular costing them some marks.

The bronze medal went to the 2025 silver medallist, Brandtbjerg’s Divya (sired by Hesselhoej Donkey Boy and owned by Maibritt Rosenkilde). The Rosenkilde family acquired Divya after last year’s World Championship, and their 20-year-old daughter Theresa Rosenkilde skillfully guided her to bronze.

“We already have such a great partnership,” said the delighted bronze medallist.   

 

FULL RESULTS

Einfach Imposant B FRH – the World Champion (5 yr old)

World Champion Einfach Imposant B FRH and Kira-Laura Soddemann. (Photo: Lafrentz)

Verden. 92.60 – that was unbeatable! With a score of 92.60 per cent, the Hanoverian Einfach Imposant B FRH was crowned World Champion of the five-year-old dressage horses at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. Silver went to the Oldenburg stallion Global Amour OLD in the HORSE24 Arena, whilst bronze went to Weihe’s Happiness OLD.

 

World Champion Einfach Imposant B FRH did not receive a single mark below 9.0 in the Almased Prize – 9.0 for walk and canter, 9.3 for submission, and 9.5 for trot and future prospects. Rider Kira-Laura Soddemann was thrilled: “He made the difference today. He entered the arena determined to be even better than in the qualifier, and I was privileged to ride him.” She believes this horse’s true strength lies within him; that is what makes him special.

 

The son of Escolar, out of a Westernhagen dam, was bred by Daniela Burkhardt-Robert: “Good horses don’t just need top-class basic gaits; they must have excellent character – that’s the be-all and end-all – and they must be healthy.” That’s how she came to focus on the E line. “They seem robust. The horses are clear-headed, hardy, have good basic gaits and are a joy to train.” Carlin Brenske, the daughter of the owner Dr Peter Brenske who had purchased Einfach Imposant B FRH at the Verden Elite Auction admitted frankly: “When I first saw a video of Einfach Imposant B FRH, I thought – well, sort of. By the time of his first competition appearance, the video already looked better, and here he was simply superb.” Owing to his success at the World Championships, World Champion Einfach Imposant as well as the World Championship runner-up among the seven-year-olds, Secret Agent was honoured by the Supporter’s Club for Hanoverian Sport Horses with the suffix FRH.

 

Silver for Global Amour OLD

With a score of 89.40 per cent, the Oldenburg stallion Global Amour OLD secured World Championship silver. Alexander Yde Helgstrand has been riding the stud stallion since April and is delighted: “Global Amour can tell exactly whether he’s being used for breeding or competing under saddle. He has so much energy, yet he’s so focused in the arena. He gave me a brilliant feeling.” Just a month ago, the 22-year-old was competing at the European Championships for U25 riders and came home with three medals; he admitted without hesitation: “Riding at the World Championships here was definitely much more exciting. With five-year-old horses, you’re already grateful if you can get them to go round a circle properly. Grand Prix horses are much more predictable,” he smiles. The runner-up’s individual scores were: 8.8 for the trot, 9.2 for the walk, 8.7 for the canter, and 9.0 each for submission and future potential. The son of Global Player OLD out of a Fürstenball dam was bred by Britta Budeus-Wiegert; the World Championship runner-up is owned by Helgstrand Dressage.

 

Bronze for Weihe’s Happiness OLD

“The modern version of ‘Oma Weihegold’,” is how breeder and owner Christine Arns-Krogmann describes Weihe’s Happiness. With a score of 85.80 per cent, the highly elegant mare took the bronze medal, ridden by Alina Schneider. The highest mark went to the graceful Dynamic Dream for her incredibly light-footed and rhythmically precise trot: 9.4. “I’ve actually had the chance to ride Weihegold before,” explains the rider, “she feels incredibly similar. She also has that hind leg action and that passion for the work. It’s a dream to be able to learn from a horse like this.”

 

Judge Dr Sven-Günter Rothenberger’s conclusion following the final for the five-year-olds: “Judging today was no easy task. The horses were fantastic, but completely different – you only have to look at the three medallists. From the very elegant Weihe’s Happiness to the rather solid winner Einfach Imposant, and in between the modern stallion Global Amour. And many of the young horses had their little issues, and then the winner came along and already showed us such a mature, flowing performance. We had to strike a balance between really good quality, rideability and precision. And then there’s the big question of exactly how to assess the horse’s potential. The rules don’t state that potential must include whether we can recognise a future Grand Prix horse. The rules state: Is it a good horse? Is it well trained? You have to keep all that in mind – so, it was difficult today, but fantastic.”

 

Concluding remarks from tournament director Wilken Treu: “We’ve already got a few ideas for next year, but overall we’ve received very good feedback from the riders, trainers and officials, as well as from our spectators. That’s the most important thing for us.”

 

Salvino for Charity

4,150 euros for Familienhafen Hamburg, an outpatient children’s hospice service in Hamburg and the surrounding area. On the final Sunday of the World Championships, the hammer was swung in Verden for a charity campaign. This initiative supports Familienhafen Hamburg. A Breyer® model of the Hanoverian Olympic horse Salvino, bearing the original signatures of German championship riders, was auctioned off. The event took place directly in the HORSE24 World Championships Arena.

 

Four new Hanoverian champions celebrated

Four horses secured the coveted white-and-yellow winner’s sashes at the Hanoverian Riding Horse Championships, held as part of the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. Among the three-year-old fillies and geldings, Be Gold by Bon Vivaldi NRW/Best of Gold, ridden by Eike Bewerungen, shone with a final score of 8.80. Varido by Von Und Zu/For Romance took the top spot in the three-year-old stallions’ class with Janina Tietze, scoring 9.30 and receiving the perfect mark of 10.0 for his walk. In the four-year-old mares and geldings’ class, Iva Bella R by Asgard’s Ibiza/Bonifatius triumphed with Kira Goerens-Ripphoff (8.72). The title in the four-year-old stallions’ class was claimed by Daan G. by Donkey Boss/Don Olymbrio L with Vanessa Crnadak (8.92), who received the day’s highest mark of 9.5 for his canter. Hannover thus once again presented four top-class young horses with brilliant prospects for the future in Verden.

Isabell Werth: About emotional history and an expectant future

Nine-time World Champion Isabell Werth is hoping to be in contention for the gold medals again this year. (Photo: ALRV/Arnd Bronkhorst)

At the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, her ride created a moment that made equestrian history – carried by an atmosphere that still captivates her today. Since then, the world elite has grown even closer together and her own career as the most successful rider of all time has been enriched by further chapters. An interview with Isabell Werth about the intensity of 2006, the dynamics of recent years and the joyful anticipation of a World Championships where anything could be possible again.

You competed at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen. What memories spring to mind immediately when you think about that championship? 

Isabell Werth: Several, but predominantly, I think about the atmosphere – it was simply extraordinary. The whole city, the entire region was buzzing and the stadium was sold-out. I will never forget how we rode into that arena for the Special: full to the brim, an incredible atmosphere. You could practically feel the murmur and enthusiasm of the spectators, even though you were down there in that small "enclave" in the dressage ring. It was truly something special. To this very day, it has been the occurrence that has touched me most deeply. I have never experienced anything comparable with so many spectators, either before or since. There was even a kind of public viewing area on the grounds because there simply wasn't enough room to fit everyone in the stadium – something like that had never happened in equestrian sport previously. It was unique, the atmosphere overwhelming. And of course, we all hope that it will be almost the same again this time.

In what way did Aachen 2006 shape you as a rider? Was there a moment that is particularly etched in your memory?

Isabell Werth: Yes, there was a very special moment. I didn't travel to Aachen as the favourite, I was more like a wild card. I was initially nominated with Warum Nicht FRH, but he sustained an injury during the training camp. And Satchmo, the horse I ultimately competed with, had also had a difficult path behind him. To ride in there – finally with my soul-mate horse, who has proven himself in this stadium, repeatedly overcome setbacks and fought his way forward – that truly was something special. These emotions were actually palpable in the arena, even among the spectators. I was completely focused, but at the same time, I sensed that there was something in the air that went far beyond the pure sporting aspect. I will never forget that moment.

In 2026, the world of equestrian sport is returning to Aachen with the FEI World Championships. What are your expectations and feelings as you look ahead to this major event?

Isabell Werth: First and foremost, the clear expectation that we deliver a top team performance. It is similar to back then: Back in 2006, we travelled to Aachen with a team that wasn't exactly the clear favourite for gold. These days, hardly anyone is, because the level of competition worldwide has changed completely. We really have to make sure that we don't lose a single point – that is our objective. Anything else would be false modesty if we were to say, "We're going to Aachen and we will be happy to finish third." In the individual competition, anything is possible anyway. There is a group of favourites including Justin Verboomen, Cathrine Dufour, Lottie Fry – I think we are among them too – and a few others. A lot can happen, and in the end, form on the day, composure and how we handle the unique atmosphere will be decisive.

Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to – the event as a whole or specific competitions?

Isabell Werth: I'm actually looking forward to the entire event, because Aachen has developed enormously since 2006. The facilities have grown and many things have been modernised and expanded. The para events add further dimensions – there is a lot happening overall. This makes the whole event even more challenging, for the people of Aachen and the organisers, but of course, it also makes it more exciting for us athletes.

When you think about the young riders, who might be experiencing their first major championships in Aachen in 2026: What advice would you give them based on your experience from 2006? 

Isabell Werth: Enjoy it. Soak it all in. Realise that something like this probably won't happen again anytime soon – perhaps not for another 20 years. Unless we succeed in bringing the Olympic Games to the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr region and the grand finale of equestrian sport then takes place in Aachen once again.

In terms of performance, the top dressage riders in the world have grown much closer together in recent years. To what extent is this development stimulating the discipline – and how much does it motivate you personally?

Isabell Werth: It has always motivated me to compete against the best of the best, to seek out the direct competition and measure myself against the world elite – and learn from them. I consciously observe things where I know I still have shortcomings and which we need to continue working on. This is precisely what makes the sport so exciting and, to a certain extent, thrilling. This constant challenge to further develop and keep pace with an increasingly competitive world elite is great motivation for me.

You would like to experience the special atmosphere at the dressage live? Then, secure your tickets now from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.

Defending champions and leading contenders ready for Aachen

Twenty years after Aachen (GER) last hosted the World Championships, the FEI Dressage World Championship returns to one of the sport’s most iconic venues. From 11 to 15 August, 91 horse-and-Athlete combinations from 34 nations will contest the team and individual titles.

Nineteen nations will field teams, while 17 individual Athletes representing 15 nations will also take part. With defending team World Champions Denmark, record 12-time team World Champions Germany, and defending individual World Champions Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale among the entries, the stage is set for a highly competitive Championship.

The team medals will be decided in the Grand Prix on 11 and 12 August. The individual titles will be contested in the Grand Prix Special on 14 August and the Grand Prix Freestyle on the evening of 15 August.

Nations and defending champions

The Championship will be the first opportunity for nations to secure qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The six highest-ranked eligible teams in Aachen will earn an Olympic team quota place, except for Team USA, already qualified as host country.

Denmark arrive as defending World Champions, having claimed their first team title on home soil at the ECCO FEI World Championships 2022 in Herning. Three Athletes from that winning team return for Aachen: Carina Cassøe Krüth with Heiline’s Danciera, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour with Mount St John Freestyle and Daniel Bachmann Andersen with Flash Gordon 37. Nadja Aaboe Sloth and Favour Gersdorf complete the quartet.

Laudrup-Dufour has produced some of the highest scores of the 2026 season so far with Mount St John Freestyle, including a Grand Prix score of 84.174% at CDI5* Herning (DEN). She also won individual silver in both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2022 World Championship, where she rode Vamos Amigos.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and the United States of America will compete in the team competition.

Individual representatives will come from Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and Türkiye.

Germany aiming to reclaim the title

Germany, bronze medallists in Herning, remain one of the leading favourites for a team medal in Aachen. Having won a record 12 World Championship team titles, they will be eager to return to the top of the podium on home soil, although strong opposition can be expected from Great Britain, Denmark and Belgium.

Their team consists of Katharina Hemmer with Denoix PCH, Raphael Netz with Great Escape Camelot, Frederic Wandres with Bluetooth OLD and Isabell Werth with Wendy de Fontaine.

Werth is the most decorated Athlete in the history of equestrian sport and currently has 12 World Championship medals to her name, nine of them gold.

British title defenders and Belgian ambitions

Team silver medallists in Herning, Great Britain will again be among the main contenders for a team medal in Aachen. Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale won gold in the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle in 2022 and return to defend both titles. They are joined by Fiona Bigwood with Donna Bella, the vastly experienced Carl Hester with Fame and 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final winner Becky Moody with Jagerbomb. Fry, Hester and Moody were also part of the British team that won Olympic bronze in Paris 2024.

Belgium will be aiming for a first World Championship team medal. The team is headed by World No. 2 Justin Verboomen and his championship partner Zonik Plus, who won gold in both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle at the FEI Dressage European Championships in Crozet (FRA) in 2025. Jeroen Devroe with Lestor, Larissa Pauluis with Flambeau and Wim Verwimp with Jedai de Massa complete the Belgian line-up.

In Herning, Dinja van Liere (NED) was one of the individual stars of the 2022 World Championship, winning bronze in both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle with Hermès. In Aachen, she will compete with the nine-year-old Mauro Turfhorst N.O.P., who will make his first appearance at a senior Championship.

Indonesia and Thailand make history, Mexico returns

Aachen will mark an important milestone for Indonesia. Dara Ninggar Prameswari will become the first Indonesian Athlete to compete at an FEI Dressage World Championship. She will ride Miestral d’Ferraria.
Thailand will also make history by fielding its first team at an FEI Dressage World Championship. Pakjira Thongpakdi with Definitely, and sisters Suphakamol Vuntanadit with Dreamboat BCN and Suphajit Vuntanadit with Wall Street JV, will form the three-member team.

Mexico will return to the FEI Dressage World Championship for the first time in 20 years and will be represented by Carolina Cordoba Wolf with Isabella and Marcos Santiago Ortiz Diez with Waitoni.

Experience and Championship debuts for Spain and the USA

Spain’s line-up combines familiar names with a senior Championship debutant. Severo Jurado López returns to the Spanish team following a three-year break from team selection and will compete with Flaconi W. He is joined by Borja Carrascosa with Frizzantino FRH and José Antonio García Mena with Gladiador do Lis, while Lucía Gallardo will make her senior Championship team debut with Hip By Johnson.

The United States bring a mix of World Championship experience and new faces to Aachen. Ashley Holzer, who previously represented Canada at World Championship level, will compete with Hawtins San Floriana. Kasey Perry-Glass also brings valuable experience with Heartbeat W.P., having helped the U.S. team secure silver at the FEI Dressage World Championship in Tryon (USA) in 2018. Christian Simonson with Fleau de Baian and Meagan Davis with Toronto Lightfoot will both make their World Championship debuts.

Fifty years between youngest and oldest

At 71, Mary Hanna (AUS) will be the oldest Athlete in the field. Aachen will mark her seventh World Championship appearance and she will compete with Ivanhoe.

The youngest Athlete will be Rowena Weggelaar (NED), who will be 21 when she enters the arena with Don Quichot. Felicita Simoncic (AUT) will also be among the youngest Athletes in the Championship at 22.

World titles under floodlights

All 92 combinations will start in the Grand Prix, which takes place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 August. The three best scores from each team will count towards the final team result, with the medals decided on Wednesday.

The best 30 combinations from the Grand Prix will qualify for the Grand Prix Special on Friday 14 August, where the first set of individual medals will be awarded.

The best 18 combinations from the Grand Prix Special will then qualify for the Grand Prix Freestyle, with a maximum of three Athletes per nation. The Freestyle begins at 19:00 on Saturday 15 August and will take place under floodlights in the sold-out Main Stadium, providing a spectacular conclusion to the FEI Dressage World Championship.

 

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The New World Champion: 🇩🇰Faustino G (6 year old)

World Champion Faustino G and Betina Jaeger. (Photo: Lafrentz)

FEI WBFSH Dresage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses

 

Verden. In the final for six-year-old dressage horses, the Kreissparkasse Verden Prize, the Danish Farrell/Sezuan son Faustino G secured the gold medal. Silver went to the Danish mare Dizzy, and bronze was awarded to the Hanoverian stallion Sir Gribaldi.

 

They were the last pair to enter the arena; the pressure of expectation was palpable, but Bettina Jaeger was full of confidence in her Faustino G. “He loves to work, sometimes a little too much, but we’ve got that under control now, and he’s so incredibly supple and – really – he just gets better and better every day.” Last year, Faustino G had already placed fourth in the World Championship final for five-year-olds; this year, he claimed victory, and breeder and owner Helene Geervliet of Stutteri G. knows why: “You have to breed with all your heart and listen to good advisors,” she emphasizes. “And for the best horses, you also need the best riders.” Faustino G is a horse from her own breeding program in the fourth generation, which makes the breeder particularly proud. Even a little prouder than winning the title last year with Quinn G, who became a three-time world champion. Quinn G, however, was “only” from her second generation of her own breeding.

 

With a final score of 9.1, the impressive dark bay took the lead in the World Championship field. His individual scores: 9.7 for the trot, 8.7 for the walk, 8.8 for the canter and submission, and 9.5 for potential. Commenting judge Knut Danzberg raved: “The horse is so well-balanced in his trot work; we saw a great deal of elasticity and engagement.” Danzberg highlighted the flow of movement, the propulsive power, and the willingness to carry weight in the trot. He praised the walk and the canter and was thrilled by the horse’s submission; grinning, the judge added: “There was only one brief moment when we had to deduct a little for submission – that was the slight kick during that one flying change.” With a score of 9.5, the entire judging panel affirmed that the new world champion has first-class prospects for the future.

 

Vice World Championship Dizzy is a daughter of Hesselhøj Donkey Boy, out of a Blue Hors Zack dam bred by Hesselhøj ApS and owned by Helgstrand Dressage. Merita Hagren has been riding at the Helgstrand stable for a good six years and knows Dizzy very well. “She’s so honest and gives her best every day – not just at home, but also in the competition. She shines every day; she’s my absolute best friend. It’s as if she just takes me by the hand and says, ‘Mommy, let’s do this!’ She’s a YES-girl.” The rider was brimming with enthusiasm as she spoke about the inner qualities of her chestnut mare, noting that her “enormous Donkey Boy walk” was fantastic, as was her completely natural trot. For her walk, the World Championship silver medalist received an excellent 9.5; 9.0 for prospect; 8.8 for submission; 8.5 for her trot; and 8.3 for her canter, giving Dizzy a final score of 8.82.

 

The final score of 8.64 earned the Hanoverian stallion Sir Gribaldi the bronze medal. Beatrice Arturi has been riding the Secret son since he was three years old. “He may be a stud, but he’s so sweet. He has a heart of gold.” Bred from an All Inclusive dam by the Aronis and Janßen breeding partnership and owned by Gestüt Sprehe.

 

“The FEI WBFHS Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses have been held here in Verden for many years,” emphasizes Jan Pedersen, president of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). “This event has developed and grown right here in Verden. That’s why I have a special soft spot for Verden. It’s really nice to be here. The organization has always been good, but I feel like it gets just a little bit better every year.”

 

“Like kids in a candy store”

Judge Knut Danzberg’s conclusion after the World Championship final for six-year-olds: “Even last year, one of my colleagues said that judging the finals at World Championships is a bit like children walking into a candy store. You just love every horse. And then it’s really fun to evaluate this high level of quality. In the six-year-old age group, we see significant differences in the tests. In the qualifier, there are only two flying changes. So if one doesn’t go well, you think, ‘Okay, that’s just how it went today.’ But if two changes in one direction don’t work out in the final, there might be a problem. Additionally, in the final test, we have walk pirouettes, and we required a collection before the walk pirouettes. This is also a change from the previous test, in which only medium and strong walk were required. I’m therefore quite surprised that the same horses as in the first test are on the podium today. Especially with the six-year-olds, things can change slightly from the first to the second test. And every test is different every day for every horse, but especially for the young horses.”

 

Three-Year-Old Champions

Today in the Co-Lo Trans-Arena, the three-year-old Hanoverian champions were crowned in the DEKRA Prize. Be Gold by Bon Vivaldi, bred by Günter Wellmann from a Best of Gold dam and owned by Heinz Ahlers, secured victory among the fillies and geldings with a final score of 8.8. Eike Bewerungen presented the new champion, who scored particularly high in the trot with a 9.5.

 

Among the colts, Varido wowed the judges and spectators. The son of Von Und Zu received the top score of 10 for his walk – an extraordinary achievement. Overall, the colt was rated 9.3. Janina Tietze presented the champion; the breeder is Friederike Pelzer, and the owner is IB Berger Reit- und Turnierpferde GmbH.

 

Final Day in Verden

Tomorrow is the big final day in Verden, featuring the World Championship final for seven-year-old dressage horses starting at 9:30 a.m. and the final for five-year-old dressage horses starting at 1:30 p.m.

Immediately before the five-year-old final, a charity auction will take place in the HORSE24 Arena. Up for auction is a Breyer® model of the Hanoverian Olympic horse Salvino, autographed by German championship riders. Proceeds from this auction will support Familienhafen Hamburg, an outpatient children’s hospice service for Hamburg and the surrounding area.

“It seems we need a bit of pressure” - 7 year old semi final

The winner, La Jolie SW OLD, and Carina Scholz. (Photo: Lafrentz)

PRESS RELEASE

FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses

 

Verden. In the Small Final of seven-year-olds at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Verden, La Jolie SW OLD took the victory, with second place going to Sullivan ABN ahead of Felice FRH.

 

“It seems we need a bit of pressure,” smiles Carina Scholz as she dismounts the elegant Escamillo daughter, La Jolie. Just like last year, day one did not go optimally for the pair, but the Small Final went all the better, yielding a score of 76.411 percent. The Oldenburg mare received 83.00 percent in the quality score, with her walk being the absolute highlight (8.5), while receiving 68.036 and 71.607 percent for the technical execution. Thus, just as she did last year, La Jolie secured her ticket to Sunday's World Championship Final by winning the Small Final, contested today as the Prize of Madeleine Winter-Schulze.

 

“She was completely different today right from the start compared to yesterday,” Carina Scholz explains. “Relaxed, easygoing, simply wonderful. I arrived a day earlier this year because she was also a bit tense in the first round last year. But still... she tends to tense up inwardly, even though she is actually a horse that loves to showcase herself.” Overall, the mare is a very special horse, Scholz adds. “She is on the smaller side, but she has such a presence in the arena. In the trot tour, I really only have to steer and enjoy, which is a fantastic feeling. The canter is still a bit more difficult for her because she has a big, quite power-consuming stride, but it keeps getting better. She just needs another six months.”

 

La Jolie was bred by hobby breeder Sabine Wehle, who still owns the mare. Out of the Hanoverian dam Laissez-Fair by Londonderry, Wehle has bred several foals, all of them successful, but La Jolie is the first to compete at a World Championship – and now for the second time.

 

Second place, with 74.729 percent, went to the Holsteiner Sullivan ABN, a son of Secret out of a Carpaccio dam bred by Anja Nygaard. The runner-up is owned by Michael Kramarsch and was presented by Nina Verina Braun. Felice FRH followed in third place with 74.242 percent (B.: Rene Janzen, Owner: Ingo Pape and Ken Steele). With a score of 9.0, the Fürst Samarant daughter received the highest trot score of the entire field. As was the case last year, Greta Heemsoth was in the saddle. She had previously ridden the Hanoverian mare to the title at the 2024 Bundeschampionate and also guided her into the final for six-year-old dressage horses at the World Championships in Verden last year.

 

These top three from the Small Final have successfully secured their tickets for Sunday. The World Championship Final for seven-year-old dressage horses begins on Sunday at 09:30 AM in the HORSE24 Arena.

 

Salvino for Charity

On the final Sunday of the World Championships, the hammer will fall in Verden for a charity campaign. This initiative supports the Hamburg Familienhafen, an outpatient children's hospice service for Hamburg and the surrounding region. The item up for auction is a Breyer® model horse of the Hanoverian Olympic mount Salvino, signed with the original autographs of German championship riders. The auction will take place directly before the five-year-old dressage horse final in the Horse24 Arena.

 

Miesner’s World Championship Message

Dr. Klaus Miesner, Managing Director of Breeding at Pferdesport Deutschland (German Equestrian Federation): “The Verden concept introduced last year, splitting the venues into a dedicated World Championship Arena and the young horse event on the other arena, has been extremely well received. It is truly outstanding. The feedback from so many different groups is exceptionally positive. Everyone is completely satisfied with the event, the arenas, the hospitality, the stabling area, etc.—it is really wonderful all around. Personally, I would also like to pay great respect to the Technical Delegate and the veterinarians; they handle the processes on-site in a highly professional manner that fully supports the sport. For next year, I hope for good weather again, the same wonderful, highly dedicated team, and even more spectators. You feel genuinely welcome here. Thus, the message we can share with all horse enthusiasts is: come here, it is absolutely worth it.”

 

World Championship Tip:

Tonight, Saturday (August 8), starting at 6:00 PM, the food court will feature upbeat music from the band “that plays wherever there is fun to be had”: The Speedos. Admission to the World Championship grounds is free starting at 5:00 PM!

Like James Bond Emerging from the Sea (7 yr old qualifier)

The winner, Secret Agent, and Charlotte Dujardin. (Photo: Lafrentz)

Press Release

Verden. “If he were a person, he would definitely be James Bond,” smiles rider and owner Charlotte Dujardin. “He’s so good-looking. He’d be the one emerging from the sea at the end of the film, impressing everyone with his muscles – just like James Bond.” The British Olympic champion raves about the Hanoverian Secret/De Niro son Secret Agent, winner of the qualifier for seven-year-old dressage horses at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Verden, the “Iwiccy Dressage Prize”.

 

On a quality score of 86.20 per cent, the winner bred by ZG Nicole and Friedrich Sievers was not the horse with the highest marks for quality; those in second, third, and fourth place scored slightly higher. This was due to a lower mark for the walk. Secret Agent received a 9.2 for the trot, a 9.0 for both the canter and submission, and an 8.9 for perspective, but only a 7.0 for the walk. In the seven-year-old class, however, the judges' marks at H and B for the technical execution are also factored in. In the technical evaluation, Charlotte Dujardin and Secret Agent scored the highest with 76.607 per cent and 73.571 per cent, averaging 75.089 per cent, which secured them the top spot in the field with an overall score of 80.645 per cent.

“I bought Secret Agent when he was two, and I’ve been riding him since he was three,” Charlotte Dujardin says. Secret Agent is a stallion, but he is not standing at stud. Charlotte has only frozen a few straws of semen from the Secret son; otherwise, his focus is entirely on sport. “I really love this horse, his potential, his incredible character, and the way he is to train. I’ve never ridden a horse that is naturally so supple and elastic. He makes me smile every single day.” The stallion has only competed at a very few shows so far, including this year’s British Championship for seven-year-old horses, which he won, and has certainly never experienced an arena or atmosphere like the one in Verden. “The great thing is, we have such an immense partnership. I trust him 100 per cent and I knew he would go in there and do his best.” There were still some slightly ‘green’ moments in the test, but considering his lack of experience, he proved himself wonderfully. “I’m delighted with his test today, but the ultimate goal with this horse is different – the goal is Grand Prix sport.”

 

Second place went to the Danish Vice Champion from last year's World Championship: Brandtbjergs Divya by Hesselhoej Donkey Boy, out of a Don Olymbrio dam, bred by Brandtbjerggaard/the Buhl family. Maibritt Rosenkilde purchased the mare after her success at the World Championships last year, and since then, 20-year-old Theresa Rosenkilde has been in the saddle, presenting her here at the World Championships as well. “She is such an amazing horse, and she was completely focused on me in the arena. I’m so happy.” The goal had simply been to compete at the World Championships, making second place in the qualifier absolutely unbelievable. The mare’s quality was judged with great consistency: she was awarded four marks of 8.8, with only the canter receiving an 8.6. In the technical evaluation, the average was 72.68 per cent, bringing the final score to 80.140 per cent.

 

In third place, on 79.593 per cent, was the KWPN mare Odi Murona, ridden by Tessa Kole. The daughter of Blue Hors Farrell, out of a Johnson dam and bred by J.J.M. van de Broek, received a quality score of 87.40 per cent – the second-highest in the entire class. “I’ve ridden her since she was three,” Tessa says. “I’ve already competed her in several young horse classes, and she is simply always fantastic. She has a wonderful attitude. It was her first time in such a big arena, but she was completely focused.”

 

Secret x De Niro was a winning formula for the seven-year-old dressage horses in Verden, with both the winner and the fourth-placed horse sharing this breeding. Fourth place went to Schatzmeister MZ OLD (breeder: Ewald Grotelüschen, owner: Mandy Zimmer) under Ann-Christin Wienkamp – a combination that had already caught the eye at last year’s World Championships with a fifth-place finish in the six-year-old final. Double World Champion Red Viper had to settle for eighth place in the qualifier under Dinja van Liere, but also secured direct qualification for the final.

Forty-one seven-year-olds competed in the qualifier for a spot in the final. The top twelve qualified directly for Sunday’s final. Three further tickets will be awarded in the small final on Saturday, meaning that the top 15 seven-year-old dressage horses will meet in Sunday’s final to contest the world title.

Do It Again, Roman Empire (6 yr old semifinal)

Winner Roman Empire with Bart Veeze. (Photo: Lafrentz)

PRESS RELEASE - SEMIFINAL 6 yr old

Verden. The Small Final for six-year-old dressage horses, presented by Gestüt von Bellin, was on the program at the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, and the winner was – just like last year – the Dutch stallion Roman Empire.

Back in 2025, the son of Romanov out of a Sir Sinclair dam, bred by Stal Zogland and owned by Rom Vermunt and Stephanie Scheerder had already qualified for the Final by winning the Small Final. Even then, he was under the saddle of his trainer Bart Veeze, who knows exactly what made the difference: “On the first day, things were a bit chaotic for us,” the rider admits. “We had mistakes in both changes, and he went against the rein once – those were real rider errors. Today, everything was a bit more relaxed, and I was more focused mentally.” The stallion was so much more relaxed today, and he’s always absolutely well-behaved. “And that’s despite the fact that he has a dual role – he’s also serving as a stud.” With a final score of 8.62, the tall dark bay secured the victory. The individual scores: 8.8 for the trot, 8.6 for the walk and canter, 8.2 for submission, and 8.9 for prospects.

Second place in this Small Final went to the Swedish stallion Sundown by Suarez, ridden by Sofie Lexner, with an overall score of 8.48 (breeders: Per Grönkvist and Johan Svensson; owner: Christinelund Dressage).

Third place went to Pina Colada, a son of Governor bred in the Netherlands, presented by Kirsten Bouwer (breeder: J. Mol). His final score: 8.20. Stephanie Scheerder and Rom Vermunt thus had double reason to celebrate: they are the owners of both the winning horse and the third-place finisher, Pina Colada. This means they’ll get to cheer on two horses in the Final. The top three finishers from the Small Final have secured their spots in Saturday’s final. The World Championship final for six-year-old dressage horses begins Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the HORSE24 Arena.

Spanish Spotlight

The Spanish contingent has never been this “large” at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses: They arrived with twelve horses – four in the five-year-old class, three in the six-year-old class, and five in the seven-year-old class. And their fan club is definitely the largest on the entire World Championships grounds. With a group of 50 people, the Spanish horse fans – in their bright red team outfits – are everywhere on the World Championships grounds and are spreading great cheer. The goal is clear: “In a few years, we want to be right up there competing at the top of the World Championships!” reveals a member of the fan club, beaming.

World Championship Tip:

On Friday and Saturday (August 7 and 8), upbeat music will be playing at the Food Court starting at 6:00 p.m., featuring event saxophonist Chris Kawa and “the band that plays wherever the fun is,” The Speedos. And admission to the World Championship grounds is free starting at 5:00 p.m.!

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster athttps://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/verden-international-tickets/981934?camefrom=de_va_pverd

For more information, visit: www.verdenyh.com

Winner with Superpower (5 yr old qualifier)

The winner, Einfach Imposant B, and Kira Laura Soddemann. (Photo: Lafrentz)

PRESS RELEASE 5 YEAR OLD QUALIFIER

FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships

 

Verden. The Hanoverian Einfach Imposant B, ridden by Kira Laura Soddemann, won the qualifying competition for five-year-old dressage horses, the HBA Gebrüder Ehrengut Prize. With an overall score of 8.9, the Escolar son took the lead in the HORSE24 Arena among the 48-horse field at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden. Second place went to DSP Lord Löwenherz von Bellin, followed by Weihe’s Happiness OLD in third.

 

The winner, Einfach Imposant B, was bred from a Westernhagen dam by Daniela Burkhardt-Robert; his owner is Dr. Peter Brenske – and he became the owner “a bit by accident.” “At the Verden Elite Auction last autumn, my husband and I were supposed to try out a completely different horse for one of our clients. We did that, and then we looked at a few other horses as well. ‘Impi’ came up pretty late in the lineup, but I liked him right away,” says Kira Laura Soddemann. She rode him and had a really great feeling about him. “Then, luckily, it turned out that our client didn’t get the horse we’d originally had in mind, and so – almost by accident, because he was determined to buy a horse – he ended up buying Impi.” Since then, Einfach Imposant B has won every class; the owner is thrilled with him, and Kira gushes: “He’s got a great walk, trot, and canter – and on top of that, he has really, really, really great inner qualities. That’s his superpower. He’s relaxed, yet still engaged and ambitious.” 

 

The score sheet for the winner features a 9.0 no fewer than three times: for walk, suppleness, and perspective. “The feeling he gave me in the arena was just amazing. If he does everything exactly the same way in Sunday’s final as he did today, then I’ll be really happy. If the final salute goes even better, I’ll be even happier. But if he trots into the arena just as motivated again and feels like celebrating those 60-meter extensions all on his own – so that all I have to do is sit back – then I’ll be very happy.”

 

9.8 for the trot

With a score of 8.78, DSP Lord Löwenherz von Bellin, a German sport horse, took second place. “His fundamental quality is incredible, and I’m very glad that I was able to show that today and that so many people got to see what I’ve felt for a long time,” beams rider Leonie Richter. “He’s a spirited horse and has a strong will, but he’s actually very well-behaved – though sometimes still a bit timid, which causes him to get in his own way. That’s why I was all the happier today that he presented himself so well.” With a 9.8 for the trot, this basic gait stood out for the runner-up. The other individual scores were: 7.7 for the walk, 8.7 for the canter and suppleness, and 9.0 for prospect. Lord Löwenherz is a son of Lord Europe, who in turn is successful in international Grand Prix competition with Ellen’s twin sister, Leonie Richter. The dam is by United. The MJS Gestüt von Bellin is the breeder and owner of the brown horse. Last year, Lord Löwenherz already earned the bronze medal at the Bundeschampionat, and on Day One in Verden, he once again demonstrated that he is a special horse.

 

Update on Weihe

Alina Schneider presented last year’s Bundeschampion among four-year-old riding horses: Weihe’s Happiness OLD, a granddaughter of the legendary Weihegold, bred and owned by Christine Arns-Krogmann. “Happiness is my favorite because she reminds me so much of Weihegold,” explains the breeder and owner. “I just think this horse is fantastic because she’s like an updated version of Weihegold and has even more front, more foreleg. What Weihe was missing a bit, this horse has. More foreleg, yet the same gigantic hind leg and the same attitude – that willingness to do whatever the rider asks.” The Dynamic Dream daughter scored highest in the trot with a 9.3; she also received individual scores between 8.2 and 8.8 and ultimately finished third in the qualifier with an average of 8.72.

 

The top twelve from today’s qualifier have qualified directly for Sunday’s final. Three additional spots in the final will be awarded in Friday’s Small Final, meaning the top 15 five-year-old dressage horses will face off in Sunday’s final to compete for the world championship title.

 

OnLive Championship Auction

Seven riding horses and eleven foals are part of the lot for the OnLive Championship Auction in Verden. “We already integrated an auction into the World Championships last year,” explains auction director Wilken Treu, “but only with foals; this year we’ve added three- and four-year-old riding horses because trainers and riders of young dressage horses from all over the world gather here.” What was the main focus when selecting the riding horses? “They had to be good – very good!” emphasizes Treu. The auction begins Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the HORSE24 Arena.

 

 

Tickets available from Ticketmaster athttps://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/verden-international-tickets/981934?camefrom=de_va_pverd

For more information, visit: www.verdenyh.com

The winner squeals with delight (6 yr old qualifier)

The winner, Faustino G., with Betina Jaeger. (Photo: Lafrentz)

PRESS RELEASE

FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses

Verden. 45 six-year-old dressage horses competed in the final qualifier at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden. Victory in the Andrea Vest Prize went to the Danish gelding Faustino G with a score of 9.26, ahead of Dizzy (score 8.92), also bred in Denmark, and the Hanoverian Sir Gribaldi (8.82).

 

Faustino G, bred in Denmark by Blue Hors Farrell – with the triple World Champion Sezuan as his maternal grandsire – triumphed in the six-year-old qualifier with a score of 9.26. In individual marks, the elegant gelding received 9.7 for his trot, 8.5 for his walk, 9.3 for his canter, 9.5 for suppleness and 9.3 for future potential. The Farrell son had already made a name for himself last year, finishing fourth in the five-year-old class at the World Championships in Verden. Breeder Helene Geervliet, of Stutteri G., is also the owner of the winner and knows what it feels like to win World Championship titles. Quinn G, who secured her third World Championship title last year, also comes from her stud. There is great anticipation for Saturday’s final, not least amongst rider Bettina Jaeger. Her daughter, Filippa Jaeger Jensen, won freestyle gold and individual silver at the European Pony Dressage Championships in Le Mans last weekend. As a result, Bettina was away from home for nine days, during which time a trainer took Faustino for a gentle jog. “We did exactly the same thing last year,” says the rider, beaming. “It seems to do him good and works a treat.” Since last year, Faustino has gained even more strength. “That’s why his trot and canter have gained even more expression and balance. He just needed a bit more time, partly because he’s a big horse with long legs,” explains Jeager. “This horse has so much energy, is always motivated and is simply a happy horse. You can even hear it,” laughs the rider. He often squeals with delight. “And he’s clever; he learns so easily.”

 

Second place went to Dizzy, a daughter of Hesselhøj Donkey Boy out of a Blue Hors Zack dam, bred by Hesselhøj.dk ApS and owned by Helgstrand Dressage. Merita Hagren presented the mare, who received a 9.0 for her trot, walk and perspective. The “race” for third and fourth place was incredibly close. Both horses finished the test with an overall score of 8.82, so the higher mark for obedience determined the final ranking. Beatrice Arturi presented Sir Gribaldi, a son of Secret, out of an All Inclusive dam from the Aronis and Janßen breeding partnership and owned by Gestüt Sprehe.

 

The Hanoverian came third, whilst fourth place went to V-Power, ridden by Isabell Werth. V-Power is a son of Werth’s Grand Prix winner Viva Gold and is out of a Fidertanz dam; Bernd Goeke bred the dark bay, who is owned by Helgstrand Dressage. For Werth, competing in Verden was also a logistical challenge of a special kind. She travelled from the World Championships training camp in Warendorf, presented V-Power in the arena, drove the nearly three-hour journey back to Warendorf, mounted Wendy de Fontaine there, and then drove the three hours back to Verden to take part in the prize-giving ceremony with V-Power. “Extraordinary horses require extraordinary measures,” emphasises Isabell Werth with absolute conviction. “We had two minor issues in the transitions during the test, but the overall picture – the horse’s immense potential – is truly superb. The horse combines just about everything one could wish for.”

 

The top twelve from today’s qualifier have qualified directly for Saturday’s final. Three further places in the final will be awarded in Thursday’s Small Final, meaning the top 15 six-year-old dressage horses will compete against one another in Saturday’s final for the world championship title.

 

“The horses are even more well-rounded.”

Monique Peutz-Vegter from the Netherlands was part of the judging panel for the six-year-olds’ qualifier and was impressed: “That was really great today. We saw some very good horses that were presented very well. The emphasis was on harmony; the horses were enjoying showing themselves off here. We want to see the horses moving in balance. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an enormous amount of forehand action; it should be balanced between front and hind. That’s the most important thing.” This is the third time the judge has sat at the judges’ table at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, and she emphasises: “The quality of the horses has always been there, but the training and presentation have changed enormously. As a result, the horses are more well-rounded: they don’t ‘just’ trot spectacularly; they trot evenly, over their backs, with good contact; their walk is also good, and their canter is well-struck – the horses have improved even further in every respect.”

 

Tomorrow, Thursday, the qualifiers for the five-year-old dressage horses begin at 7.30 am. From 2.30 pm, the Small Final for the six-year-old contenders is on the programme in the Horse24 Arena. 

 

Championship Auction OnLive

Seven riding horses and eleven foals make up the lot for the OnLive Championship Auction in Verden. The riding horses were presented to the World Championships audience in the HORSE24 Arena for the first time today, Wednesday. “We already integrated an auction into the World Championships last year,” explains auctioneer Wilken Treu, “though only with foals; this year we’ve added three- and four-year-old riding horses because trainers and riders of young dressage horses from all over the world come together here.” The riding horses will be presented every day of the World Championships week, each time before the first prize-giving ceremony for the first competition. What was the main focus when selecting the riding horses? “They had to be good – very good!” emphasises Treu. The auction begins on Saturday evening at 7.30 pm in the HORSE24 Arena.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster athttps://www.ticketmaster.de/artist/verden-international-tickets/981934?camefrom=de_va_pverd

Further information can be found at:www.verdenyh.com

6 year old qualifier WCYH in Verden with full house for Danish combinations

Pricegiving 6 yr old - photo: screenshot:Clipmyhorse

Danes & Germans

All four Danish combinations directly qualified into the final Saturday. A total of six German combinations leaves only two spots for Belgium and 2 x Holland (equally placed).

Super strong performance from Danish Betina Jæger with Faustino G by Farrell / Sezuan bred and owned by successful breeder Stutteri G/Helene Geervliet.

TOP

1 - 🇩🇰Faustino G & Betina Jæger

Supple uphill, power and well balanced trot tour, good halt bit hurried rein back, good active walk in a clear rhythm all the way, power canter tour, bit tense changes but well managed without error.

Obedient, want to work, in front of aides, expressive, super frame and contact.

2 - 🇩🇰Dizzy & Merita Hagren

Supple easygoing trot tour, bit unbalanced into halt with bit hurried rein back, TOP WALK tour, good canter tour, unfortunately not on aides for 1st change and not clear, 2nd nicely balanced.

Nice frame and contact all the way.

4 - 🇩🇪V-Power & Isabell Werth

Expressive trot tour, well balanced, could show bit more crossing/reach for half passes, walk tour unfortunately with short left hind, good uphill canter, full risk extended canter, nice changes, missing bit more clear transitions into canter and final transition to trot.

Placed no 6

🇩🇰Straight Horse Leonardo & Mette Sejbjerg Martinez

Nice expression and power for trot tour, nice shoulder in, good swing and balance for half passes, tiny hind aides into halt with rein back, good walk tour, nice uphill canter, bit swing 1st change, 2nd clear but looked one after the aides.

Placed no 9

🇩🇰Atterupgaards Bernachi & Selina Vittinghus

Supple trot tour with nice balance, nice halt bit hurried rein back, good walk tour, nice into canter, lack bit more straightness into first good change, unfortunately lost canter towards 2nd change, but well executed afterwards. Look a bit like taking the balance in the contact throughout the test.

FEI World Championships Aachen 2026: The world equestrian elite gathers at the Allianz Park

Two-time World Champion of 2022 Charlotte Fry is once again among the favourites in dressage this year. Can she defend her titles? (Photo: ALRV/Arnd Bronkhorst)

PRESS RELEASE

There is only one week to go: When the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 commence on 11 August, the Allianz Park will become the meeting place for the international equestrian elite for 13 days. 799 athletes from 67 nations – from Argentina and Indonesia, through to Uzbekistan – will travel to Aachen to compete for medals in six disciplines. The spectrum ranges from the eleven-year-old vaulting prodigy, Lotte Berghman-Pukova from Belgium, to the 74-year-old Canadian para dressage rider, Eleonore Elstone. Experienced championship riders and newcomers, athletes from classic equestrian strongholds and from seemingly exotic countries: They will all turn Aachen 2026 into an impressive reflection of the fascination and global diversity of the equestrian sport.

“The fields of competitors promise world-class equestrian sport in all six disciplines. We can hardly wait for it to finally begin,” said Birgit Rosenberg, Board Member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, the event organisers. The FEI Dressage World Championships kick off in the Main Stadium – with the dressage, a discipline where the sporting performances of the world’s top riders have got closer than ever in recent years: The defending champions from Denmark are heading to Aachen with the top favourite rider, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St. John Freestyle, while Germany, the Olympic Champions, will be competing on home turf led by Isabell Werth – the most successful rider of all time – and Wendy de Fontaine. Great Britain is bringing two pairs with them, who are currently among the leaders in the world rankings: Double World Champions Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale, and the World Cup winner, Becky Moody and Jagerbomb. Belgium, on the other hand, can count on the 2025 two-time European champions: Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus. As exciting as the team medals in the Lambertz-Prize are expected to be, the individual competitions are equally open. In particular, the Grand Prix Freestyle, the Lindt-Prize, under floodlights is guaranteed to deliver goosebump moments on the evening of 15 August, just like it did at the same venue during the FEI 2006 World Equestrian Games.

The finals of the FEI Eventing World Championship will also take place in the first week. The 2024 Olympic Team Champions from Great Britain, Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Rosalind Canter, will, among others, be up against top German riders, such as the three-time Olympic Champion, Michael Jung, and Julia Krajewski in the DHL-Prize. The field is rounded off by experienced veterans such as Andrew Hoy (Australia) and Tim Price (New Zealand) – a line-up that includes virtually all the big names in the sport. Simultaneously, the FEI Vaulting World Championship in Stadium 3 will provide equally thrilling, top-class sport: After winning two individual silver medals at the World Championships, the Double European Champion, Quentin Jabet from France, is now determined to take the title in the Prize of Sparkasse. The Italian Pas de Deux pair, Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella, are two of the world’s best athletes in their discipline, while in her final championship appearance, Kathrin Meyer from Germany, aims to make use of the home advantage to assert herself in an exceptionally strong international field.

Highly-decorated participants in the jumping, driving and para dressage

In the second week, the show-jumpers will reclaim the Main Stadium to battle it out in the FEI Jumping World Championship. Almost all of the current top names from the top jumping scene will compete in the famous arena: The double World Champion, Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden, the Swiss riders, Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs, both of whom are in top form, as well as the entire British Olympic gold medal-winning team from Paris 2024, including Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles. The German team will compete in the Mercedes-Benz Prize with the European Champion, Richard Vogel, heading their team. Nations such as Ireland, the USA, Belgium and the Netherlands are also travelling to Aachen with star-studded teams. Only those who deliver consistently good performances throughout the week will have a chance of claiming a medal in the individual final, the LONGINES Prize, which will provide a thrilling conclusion to the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 on the afternoon of 23 August.

The FEI Driving World Championship Four-in-hand will also get underway prior to that. The seven-time World Champion, Boyd Exell (Australia), the undisputed number one in the world rankings for years, is travelling to Aachen with his sights set on clinching the only title that is missing from his collection: A world championship victory in Aachen. The driving legend was injured shortly before the championships in 2006 – 20 years later, he hopes to finally rewrite that chapter. His toughest rivals for the gold medal include the European Champion and World Cup winner Bram Chardon (The Netherlands) and Dries Degrieck (Belgium), who is considered to be one of the most promising four-in-hand drivers in the world as well as being a key member of the Belgian team. The FEI Para Dressage World Championship competitions are also part of the programme in the second week – featuring once again a field that represents almost the entire current elite of the sport. Among others, the multiple Paralympic medallist, Regine Mispelkamp and the three-time European Champion, Heidemarie Dresing, will be representing Germany in the Allianz-Prize. From abroad, the world number one, Kate Shoemaker (USA), the three-time Olympic Champion Fiona Howard (USA), and the double Olympic Champion, Rihards Snikus from Latvia, will ensure that the most successful para dressage riders in the world will be battling it out for gold, silver and bronze in Aachen.

You would like to see the world equestrian elite live in action? Then, secure your tickets for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 now from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.

Hanover‘s First Ladys - Herwart von der Decken Show

Verden. The best young mares from the Hanoverian breeding region competed at the Herwart von der Decken Show. Hann.Pr.A. Dieke was crowned the show jumping champion mare. Hann.Pr.A. Beautiful Vibe won the yellow-and-white sash for the dressage mares. “The Herwart von der Decken Show is an event with a long tradition and great significance for Hanoverian breeding,” said guest judge Martin Klavsen from Denmark.

The winning mare in the jumping class comes from the very best Hanoverian dam line. Hann.Pr.A. Dieke by Diacontinus/Lincolm L (breeder: Christa Westermann, Dannenberg; exhibitor: ZG Steffen & Hermanski, Dannenberg) impressed Executive Committee member Hergen Forkert and Breeding Director Ulrich Hahne with her performance. The athletic bay mare impressed with her outstanding elasticity, not only over the jump but also in her movement. Added to this was her flawless conformation. On the impressive final ring came the Nevados S/Diamant de Plaisir daughter Hann.Pr.A. Noblesse S (breeder and exhibitor: Ernst Stahlhut, Stadthagen) second. She impressed with her ambition and quick reflexes. The grey mare is no stranger to the top; in April this year, she won the free-jumping competition of the Hanoverian Show Jumping Breeding Programme and was the champion mare at the mare show in Bisperode. “The show jumping mares stood out across the board for their excellent scope. Each one was rightly included in the Herwart von der Decken Show thanks to her high quality,” said Ulrich Hahne, praising the 23 participants.

The winner of the dressage class was greeted with loud applause as she entered the arena. Hann.Pr.A. Beautiful Vibe by Bonds/Christ (breeder: Sebastian Kopp, Röhr,  exhibitor: Gestüt Allerhop, Hambühren) lived up to her name. The picture-perfect, uphill-built black mare left nothing to be desired in terms of rhythm and push-off. She has already proven that she is also an outstanding riding horse by winning a riding horse class. The judges Heike Kemmer, Martin Klavsen and Ulrich Hahne rated the reserve winner, Hann.Pr.A. Escalita (breeder and exhibitor: Tobias Schult, Hünxe), as only slightly behind. The Escanto PS/Damon Hill daughter impressed with her expression, distinctiveness, great diligence and reach in her movement. Her dam line of Jucking has been synonymous with success at the Herwart von der Decken Show for years. Her great-granddam, St.Pr.St. Reine Freude, produced the winning family in 2021 and the reserve-winning family in 2025.

“Today we saw a large collection of exceptionally high quality,” said Martin Klavsen. The breeding expert from Denmark assessed the 50 mares alongside Heike Kemmer and Ulrich Hahne. “It was clear to see just how much work, expertise and passion goes into every single mare. It is inspiring to see how the Hanoverian Society continues to set standards in sport horse breeding.”

A particular highlight of the Herwart von der Decken Show is the presentation of the Friedrich Jahncke Prize for the highest-rated family of the year. This prestigious award was presented to the family of the St.Pr.St. Sammy Jo by Silvio/Escudo II. She and her two Cador daughters, Hann.Pr.St. Confetti M and Hann.Pr.A. Catch Me M – the former being a Hanoverian show jumping champion – had already left Dobrock as a Gold Family. This marked a special success for the Mahler breeding family from Neuhaus. Last year, the family of Coco M by Comte/Escudo II won the Herwart von der Decken Prize at the same venue.

Full list of results: https://www.hannoveraner.com/app/uploads/2026/08/2026_Herwart-von-der-Decken-Schau_Dressurstuten.pdf

Photo: Champion Mare Dressage Hann.Pr.A. Beautiful Vibe with Carsten Leopold, Thomas Berger, Dr. Frederic Bünger, Heike Kemmer und Martin Klavsen. (Photo: Hanoverian Society).

Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle reclaim world number one

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Mount St John Freestyle at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ 2026 in Falsterbo (SWE) ©FEI/Kim Lundin

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and the beautiful mare Mount St John Freestyle have returned to the top of their respective world rankings in the very final countdown to this month’s FEI World Championships, which kick off in Aachen (GER) next week and when teams will have the first chance to earn a quota place for their nation at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

For horse-athlete combinations that never leave the ground in the competition arena except with their front feet in the pirouette, the Danish pair have made a record-breaking jump up from 31st to number one. Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle were a massive 634 points behind former world number ones Justin Verboomen (BEL) and Zonik Plus in the end-June rankings, but the Danish duo has now turned that substantial deficit into a 37-point advantage – another new record.

The record turnaround comes on the back of a 100% strike-rate this year, with the pair scoring six wins from six starts – two at the Danish 5* in Herning, where they posted a whopping 90.465% to the music, a double at the German 4* in Hagen and again at the Swedish 5* in Falsterbo, where they led Denmark to victory in the final Nations Cup of the season.

This is the seventh time that Laudrup-Dufour has topped the Dressage world rankings. Her first promotion to world number one – and the first-ever for a Danish Dressage athlete – came at the end of February last year. Her reign lasted four months before she ceded her throne to the 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup™ champions Charlotte Fry (GBR). Fast-track to the end of April this year, and the Danish pair created what was then a new world-record ascent up from 25th with a 512-point deficit to go back into pole position in the end-March rankings and hung on until the end of April, before relinquishing the top spot to Verboomen.

“It’s a great honour to enter the World Championship in Aachen placed as number one on the world ranking”, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour said. “Freestyle has performed outstanding the whole year and she feels top fit to show amazing sport in the iconic Aachen. I am beyond proud to represent my country and I can’t wait to join all the other nations with our Danish team. Freestyle did her first WEG in 2018 in Tryon, I did my first WEG in 2022 in Denmark and now we go together this year. It humbles me how lucky I am to go to another championship with my amazing ‘Free’.”
 
Laudrup-Dufour and the 17-year-old Hannoverian made their debut international outing together in December 2023 and have either won or finished in the top-three in every test since, including taking the Germans to a photo-finish for team gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they also won the Grand Prix Special but then finished off the Freestyle podium. The pair also gave a more than good account of themselves at last year’s Europeans in Crozet (FRA), winning the Grand Prix and helping Denmark to team bronze, before coming to within 0.143% of Verboomen and Zonik Plus in the Belgians’ dance to Freestyle gold. Just to add another accolade to her multi-layered CV, 34-year-old Laudrup-Dufour also goes into Aachen as part of the Danish team bidding to defend their 2022 world title won on home footing in Herning.

Headed by Laudrup-Dufour on 2,019 points and with Justin Verboomen close behind on 1,982, the top-five is rounded out by Charlotte Fry (GBR) in third with 1,971, Germany’s Isabell Werth (1,939) fourth and this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup™ champion Becky Moody (GBR) fifth on 1,764, and no-one has any doubts that it will be this quintet that will be featuring in the battle for the podiums in Aachen.

And their incredible equine partners mirror that order and the points, with Mount St John Freestyle out in front ahead of Zonik Plus, Glamourdale (Fry), Wendy de Fontaine (Werth) and Jagerbomb (Moody).

 

Quick links:

Full FEI Dressage World Ranking – Athletes

Full Dressage World Ranking - Horses

Germany completes team gold sweep, Denmark takes Freestyle

Germany completed a clean sweep of the team titles at this year’s FEI Dressage European Championships for youth categories by claiming Pony gold in Le Mans (FRA). Individual Test gold also went to Germany, with Leni-Sophie Gosmann and Diamantini EA WE taking the victory. Denmark’s Filippa Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar secured Freestyle gold, continuing the country’s success in this competition after Denmark also won the title last year.

The German team won gold with a margin of more than four percentage points, with all four combinations scoring above 73%. The level was also high among the Danish team, whose four combinations all scored above 72% to secure silver. Sweden completed the podium with team bronze.

No pressure for German team

The German Pony Dressage team consisted of Leni-Sophie Gosmann with Diamantini EA WE, Lilly Kasselmann with Nasdaq FH, Lilli von Helldorff with Nabucco HW and Victoria Winkmann with Peach.

Chef d’Equipe Marion Fohrer was proud of her team’s performance.

“We have a mix of newcomers and more experienced combinations in our team. The most important thing for us is always to show fine riding and harmony. That is what we strive for, and it is how we achieve our success.”

Leni-Sophie Gosmann was Germany’s highest-scoring athlete in the Team Test, achieving 75.600% with Diamantini EA WE. She smiled when asked about the secret behind Germany’s continued success.

“I don’t think there is a secret. We are a large country, but we always work as a team. Most of all, we are very grateful for the good ponies and horses we have.”

Despite the high expectations surrounding the German team, the young athletes felt little pressure during the competition.

“My teammates had already ridden well, so I was able to relax during my test,” Gosmann explained.

Lilly Kasselmann felt much the same, while Lilli von Helldorff was delighted with the performance of Nabucco HW.

“My pony felt amazing and he is always so focused. Being able to ride him is a dream come true.”

Victoria Winkmann was the first German combination to enter the arena, but she also remained calm.

“Even so, I didn’t feel any pressure because we were both very relaxed.”

Gosmann progresses from bronze and silver to gold

Leni-Sophie Gosmann has steadily worked her way up the individual podium at the FEI Dressage European Championships for Ponies. She claimed individual bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025 before securing the gold medal in Le Mans this year.

“I’m overwhelmed. This is an incredible feeling, and I’m so grateful to have this pony and a super team by my side. Diamantini is a sweetheart. At home, we also do a lot of fun things, like cantering in the field without a saddle or sometimes even without a bridle.”

Silver went to Filippa Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar. The Danish athlete was contesting her third FEI Dressage European Championship for Ponies, each time with a different pony.

“Sir Sansibar and I have only been a combination for a short time. This European Championship was only our third competition together. He gave me an amazing feeling,” she said.

Germany secured another place on the podium through Lilly Kasselmann and Nasdaq FH, an experienced pony who has already competed at European Championships with several athletes. 

“I’m very happy, even though we had a small mistake,” Kasselmann said after claiming bronze.

Jaeger Jensen takes Freestyle gold

The positions were reversed in the Freestyle, where Denmark’s Filippa Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar took the gold medal ahead of Individual Test winners Gosmann and Diamantini EA WE.

Jaeger Jensen and Sir Sansibar scored just shy of 80% with their Einaudi-themed Freestyle, producing a beautiful and fault-free performance. It earned the Danish athlete the first gold medal of her career.

“This is truly amazing. I’m so grateful for my pony and for our performance today. He’s my heart pony.”

Jaeger Jensen also revealed that Sir Sansibar will return to his owners after the European Championship.

Silver went to Leni-Sophie Gosmann and Diamantini EA WE with a score of 78.845%. Their appealing Freestyle was set to cheerful music and included ten-metre circles in canter ridden with one hand.

Gosmann, who is competing in her final year at Pony level, said she was very grateful and also extremely pleased with the silver medal, which brought her successful Championship in Le Mans to a close.

There was a new name on the podium in third place. Denmark’s Steffanie Victoria Horsted Dyrlund and Cosmo Callidus NRW scored 76.215% to claim the bronze medal.

The elegant dark pony showed an expressive frame and produced an energetic Freestyle performance. Horsted Dyrlund could hardly believe the result afterwards.

“I really didn’t expect this. It is absolutely amazing.”

FULL RESULTS

Herwart von der Decken Show

HANN Press Release

Welcome to the Herwart von der Decken Show in Verden. Photo: Hanoverian Society

Hanover’s Young Mares in the Spotlight

Herwart von der Decken Show

Verden. On Monday, August 3, the Herwart von der Decken Show will bring the Hanoverian Society’s breeding highlights directly to Verden. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the Verden show grounds will be transformed into a stage for the best three- and four-year-old dressage and show jumping mares of the year.

To make the event even more compact and spectator-friendly, all program items will take place on the main arena this year. The traditional open-air free jumping session kicks off a day full of breeding highlights. A total of 76 mares, nominated for Verden by the Hanoverian regional associations, are expected to participate. Breeding Director Ulrich Hahne and Executive Committee member Hergen Forkert will be joined by top-tier judges: Heike Kemmer and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, as well as Danish breeding expert Martin Klavsen.

A special highlight of the program is the ceremonial presentation of the prestigious Friedrich Jahncke Prize, which honors the highest-rated mare family from the past show season. Traditionally, the Herwart von der Decken Show serves as the magnificent opening event for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses and the Hanoverian Riding Horse Championships.

For all breeding enthusiasts who cannot be in Verden in person, the entire show will be livestreamed online. Admission is free.

Further information: www.hannoveraner.com.

Werth’s World Championship debut in Verden

Last year, Isabell Werth coached Lisa Wernitznig at the the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. (Photo: Lafrentz)

Press Release

Verden. Isabell Werth is competing at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden for the very first time! And she’s bringing her ‘lion’ with her…

If everything goes to plan, she will compete in five World Championship classes within eleven days: Isabell Werth is a member of the World Championship team in Aachen and will also be in the saddle shortly before that at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden. This is made possible by the manageable distance between Warendorf and Verden – around 200 kilometres. The Aachen World Championships team will be holding a training camp in Warendorf in early August, where Werth and Wendy de Fontaine intend to fine-tune the last details for their World Championships performance. At the same time, Werth can prepare the six-year-old V-Power for his World Championships appearance in Verden, travel from Warendorf to Verden and present V-Power in the Horse24 Arena.

This is only the third time in her career that the eight-time Olympic champion has presented a horse at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. The first time was in 2000, when she rode the then six-year-old Westphalian by Ribbeck, Richard Kimble, into the World Championships arena in Arnhem. In 2023, she presented the seven-year-old Valdiviani in Ermelo and finished fifth in the final. With V-Power, the son of her great hope for the future, Viva Gold, Werth is therefore competing at the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden for the first time – and she’s delighted! “I have a long-standing connection to Verden,” emphasises Werth. “I used to go to Verden three or four times a year with the Doctor (Dr Uwe Schulten-Baumer) to look at young horses. Verden was our main port of call. The Doctor always took me along; we attended the licensings, watched the auction horses during selection and in training, and the Doctor taught me everything. I found it absolutely fascinating.” Verden is simply one of the most important breeding and equestrian centres in the world.

Werth thinks the world of her World Championships contender, the 2022 NRW Champion Stallion V-Power. “The horse is simply magnificent and I have a right old time with him,” Werth enthuses. “With a Satchmo or a Bella Rose, it would never have occurred to me to ride in the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. Bella was simply far too hot-headed and Satchmo was still too frantic in his changes at that age – the World Championships test just wasn’t suitable for either horse. V-Power is such a confident and self-assured chap, and everything comes easily to him. He has an incredibly strong personality, which is why I always say he’s my lion. And at six years old, he already has the necessary composure.” That composure you need to ride through the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. To take a walk where you need to take a walk, and to make the changes where you need to make them. “Of course he might make a mistake now and then, but basically I set off from home knowing: he can complete everything with the necessary composure, and that’s simply vital for this class.”

Last year, Isabell Werth was also seen at the the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Verden; in 2025, she coached her rider, Lisa Wernitznig, in the saddle of Birkhof’s Viva Diamond DSP. “That was truly a very well-organised World Championships,” Werth emphasises. “The spacious grounds offer everything you need, and the focus was beautifully centred on the young horses. The people who were there enjoyed it, and they didn’t come to be seen, but to watch the horses. It was marvellous.”

If you don’t want to miss “IW’s” first World Championship appearance in Verden and want to enjoy exceptional horses and the World Championship atmosphere: secure your tickets now for the 19th edition of the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Verden, taking place from 5 to 9 August at Verden’s Horse24 Arena.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at

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

Further information can be found at:www.verdenyh.com

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