The atmosphere at the first press conference already hinted at what the FEI Dressage European Championships at Hof Kasselmann will be like: informal, exciting and with a top line-up. Isabell Werth, Monica Theodorescu, President of Honour Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Klaus Roeser, Patrick Stühlmeyer, sponsor Stefan Fundis and of course the organisers faced the questions of the international press today.
The three highlights, the European Senior and U25 Championships and the BEMER Riders Tour are already causing excitement and anticipation in the equestrian world. A total of 16 teams are nominated for the Senior Championships, 72 athletes from 24 nations. This is an even bigger starting field than at the Olympic Games and proves that it was the right decision to schedule a Championship this year. In addition there will be 12 teams and 55 athletes in the U25 Tour and of course the international jumping riders of the CSI Tour, which culminates in the BEMER Riders Tour classification.
For Isabell Werth these will be her 15th European Championships, but her motivation and commitment are undiminished, especially when it comes to her championship horse Weihegold OLD: "It is a bit of a Thank you to this horse, which kept me on top in Rio and has gone on to compete in many, many great events. She is incredibly focused, extremely honest, it's almost as if a switch goes off and she knows when it's time. She has improved very, very much in all movements, at 17 or 18 years she'll be trotting for a 9!" (Laughs)
Werth is also full of praise for the organisers, "I've already had a wide-eyed look here at all the new things being built and planned, it's extremely impressive. When you see the field of starters competing here, also the variety, the depth — chapeau — we are looking forward to it."
German team trainer Monica Theodorescu also points out the quality of the German U25 team, "This will be a very strong team and we are all the more grateful that the Championships can also take place here. I think that the U25 athletes should definitely compete alongside the Senior Championships. That way, they benefit from the experience of the so-called big names. I think that is very, very good!"
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is taking over the office of President of Honour for the first time, an important arbitration and mediation position in the event's organigram. As a passionate rider and horse lover since childhood, he looks forward to his role with anticipation, but is also aware of the responsibility, "In a year where we have real challenges, not only in equestrian sport, a President of Honour is there to intervene and help if necessary in case of unexpected surprises. The European Championships could not be in better hands. The Kasselmann family has something that is relatively rare to find, namely a combination of professionalism, a wealth of experience and the necessary composure. If there is one team that can smooth out any surprises, it is Hof Kasselmann and this family."
The leading rider of the BEMER Riders Tour Ranking, Patrick Stühlmeyer, who is also planning compete his best horse, Varihoka du Temple, spoke on behalf of the jumping sport: “My horse feels very comfortable here and I hope that I can perhaps close the bag early (before the final at the VR Classics Neumünster)!"
For the team around Francois and Ullrich Kasselmann it will be two busy weeks, before the dressage the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship in Riesenbeck is also on the agenda, where Horses & Dreams Entertainment GmbH as the event agency will take over the organisation of the show.
Events at this level can only be held with the appropriate partners and so the Kasselmann family's special thanks go above all to the many long-standing loyal sponsors.
About the FEI Dressage European Championships Hagen 2021
Hof Kasselmann in Hagen a.T.W. will host the FEI Dressage European Championships for senior and U25 athletes from 7 to 12 September. For the first time in the history of the European Championships, both championships will take place at one location. International jumping competitions and the fifth stage of the BEMER Riders Tour add to the exciting competition schedule in the main arena. An exhibition covering all aspects of equestrian sport, lifestyle, home and hospitality complete the diverse offer. More information, https://hagenatw2021.de
---- EDC press release
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2021 European Dressage Championships - U25/Seniors