The 4* international dressage competition and Evelyn and Klaus Haim-Swarovski's Schindlhof in Fritzens, Austria, is not only a fabulous dressage extravaganza with a world class field of participants; the show also provides a fun filled program for the crowds and an auction for numerous charities. The generosity and hospitality of the Swarovski family are incomparable.
Six thousand guest attended the 2015 CDI Fritzens on the weekend of 26 - 28 June 2015. French showman Jean-François Pignon and his twelve horses in liberty gave two wonderful shows in the dressage arena at the Schindlhog. Even Peter Schröcksnadel, chair of the Austrian Ski Federation and Marlies Schild, former slalom champion, and Olympic champion Toni Innauer attended amongst others.
In the break in between the Grand Prix and Kur to Music on Sunday afternoon, famous Austrian tv-presenter Mirjam Weichselbraun hosted a hat contest, honouring the ladies with the best hats at the CDI Fritzens. There was a special prize for a class named "Women/Gentlemen with Hat and Dog" for which Marlies Schild, Elisabeth Max-Theuer, Marie Swarovski and show host Evelyn Haim-Swarovski served as judges. The victories went to the Innsbruck based Verena Trentini and Leonie Schmiderer from Tulfes. The special prizes were donated by Swarovski Optik, Brennerei Rochelt and the company Stillsegler.
The Swarovski family hosted a special auction for the benefit of several Austrian charities. A gorgeous horse painting by Klaus Philipp was auctioned by Sissy Max-Theurer. Sissy, who is the president of the Austrian equestrian federation, ended up buying the painting for herself for 10,000 euro. Numerous other items were auctioned and all money will be donated to foundations that support therapeutic riding and vaulting for people with a disability as well as to the Tirol Animal Rescue. Victoria Max-Theurer donated her prize money of 5,500 euro to these causes.
On Saturday evening a gala was held for over one hundred guests in the indoor arena. Guests were able to hear a concert by renowned soprano Eva Lind, supported by the Swarovski Musical Chapel of Wattens. Dancing star and entertainer Gregor Glanz welcomes prominent guests such as Olympic champion Olga Pall (1968 skiing), Elisabeth Max-Theurer (1980dressage ), Leonhard Stock (1980 skiing), Isabell Werth (5 x dressage gold at the Olympics 1992 Team, 1996 individual and Team, 2000 Team, 2008 Team) and Carl Hester (2012 dressage team). When the dancing started, guests could swing along to Flo’s Jazz Casino featuring Yvonne-Stefanie Moriel. German soccer super star Thomas Müller and his wife Lisa, who hopes to compete for Germany at Fritzens next year, were there. "Today I was here as a spectator just to learn from the best," said Lisa Müller.
For more information, visit www.schindlhof.at
Photos © Max Schreiner
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2015 CDI Fritzens
Scores 2015 CDI Fritzens