The German Equestrian Federation has announced the long list of riders who are invited to participate in three team selection trials for the 2018 European Children Championships this summer.
Fifteen combinations have been invited to participate following a 3-day training seminar with Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen in Warendorf at the beginning of May. Thirty-one riders from all over the country participated in this seminar.
"We saw many kids with good seats and effective aids and they rode with much feeling and overview," said Caroline Roost, who is the pony and children's youth selector for the DOKR. "The level was clearly better" than at the pilot training sessions last year in spring in preparation of the Children Nations' Cup at the 2017 CDIO-PJYR Hagen.
Roost added that the training seminar in Warendorf was very insightful and that the development of the riders differed much in the children's category, with really small children round the ages of 12 and already more mature, taller young girls aged 14. "All of them were on the same level though: they were on the ball with enthusiasm," Roost added.
During the training session, the coach looked at how fast the kids were able to process tips and tricks. They also met with sport psychologist Gaby Bussmann and there was a vet check of the horses.
Fifteen combinations have been invited to participate in the children's competition as team selection trial for the 2018 European Children Championships in Fontainebleau, France (10 - 15 July). The qualifiers are held at the 2018 CDI Wiesbaden (17 - 21 May), the Preis der Besten (25 - 27 May) and at the CDIO-CH Hagen (12 - 17 June).
The fifteen combinations are:
- Shona Benner - Fräulein Sonnenschein
- Jona Bomberg - Sinatra M
- Linn Bretfeld - Hajanika
- Isabelle Dülffer - Ben Kingsley
- Alina Hahn - Riana
- Philippa Hodes - Barolo
- Marie Holtfreter - Desert Inn
- Anabel Huther - Fürst Fidell
- Tanja Kiesewetter - His little son
- Lina Krüger - Desmond Tutu
- Antonia Müller - Wilandra
- Olivia Schmitz Morkramer - Tropensonne
- Mette Schön - Weisel
- Kenya Schwierking - Dinos Boy
- Lisa Steisslinger - Havanna Negra
The reserve riders are: Hanna Schmidt (Solaia), Charleen Blome (Hannes U.J.), and Verena Freudenhammer (Status Son Shido).
The European Children's Championships have been taking place since 2015, but it will be the first time that Germany participates in them this year.
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