Sixteen riders competed in the medal deciding Grand Prix Special at the 2023 German Championships and only 11 pairs remain for the battle for the second set of medals in the Kur to Music on Sunday 11 June 2023.
Three big names decided to spare their horses from a third test, three days in a row, in 30° C, especially considering that the CHIO Aachen is only two weeks away, where another set of three tests have to be ridden in the 5* tour.
German Team Selection for Riesenbeck
Germany always flags Balve as first of two team selection trials for the major championship of the summer. This year Balve and Aachen are only two weeks apart, a schedule considered too tight by some riders to strain their horses in three tests, back to back, without off day, at two shows.
In order to be considered for the German Nations Cup team for the CDIO 5* Aachen, riders are obliged to compete in all three rounds in Balve. The only rule for dispensation that exists is that combinations who rode in the World Cup Finals can choose not to do the freestyle in Balve.
Fendi, Quantaz, Duke of Britain
Isabell Werth decided to invoke that rule and has pulled Quantaz out of the freestyle in Balve
Frederic Wandres brought two horses to Balve - Duke of Britain and Bluetooth - and got to choose one. He decided to spare the older Duke of Britain, who was his 2022 World Championship ride, and competed second choice Bluetooth instead. This means that Duke will not be eligible to do the CDIO 5* tour in Aachen and will have to compete in the 4* tour for team consideration.
Sönke Rothenberger also decided not to show Fendi in the Balve freestyle. His 9-year old Danish gelding is the youngest in the pack and will be spared. He is riding Matchball instead. Sönke will also go into the 4* tour in Aachen.
Matthias Rath opted for Destacado in the freestyle, even though Thiago was his better scoring horse in the Special. Fabienne Lütkemeier picked Valesco over Valencia As.
2023 German champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is riding the freestyle as she said she felt her mare is super fit and fresh and up for the task.
Photo © Stefan Lafrentz
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