2024 PSI Awards for Christian & Franz Kukuk, Wandres Awarded

Dressage

Germany

The P.S.I. Gala Evening at the See & Sporthotel Ankum on Friday 6 December 2024 was a complete success. Under the motto ‘Fête de Paris’, numerous prominent guests from the equestrian world gathered to experience an unforgettable evening dedicated to equestrian sport and support for charitable causes.

Riding Against Hunger

The event was opened by hosts Ullrich Kasselmann and Paul Schockemöhle, who warmly welcomed the guests together with presenters Franca Lehfeldt and Frederik de Backer.

The highlight of the evening was the charity auction of the artwork ‘Olympic Dreams’ by the talented artist Simone Beckmann, which was worth 50,000 euro to a long-standing P.S.I. customer from Taiwan. The proceeds from this auction will go to ‘Riding Against Hunger’ charity initiative, which is committed to supporting people in need, particularly in Africa.

The charity is led by Gudrun Bauer and annually raises over 500,000 euro. Bauer is a publisher (Bauer Media Group) and honorary member of the board of trustees of Welthungerhilfe e.V.

PSI Awards for Two Kukuks and Wandres

The P.S.I. Awards were a special focus of the event. The individual Olympic champion in show jumping, Christian Kukuk, was honoured for his outstanding performance in Paris 2024 and received the prestigious award for sport. The well-known football player and co-owner of Olympic horse Checker, Thomas Müller, gave a refreshing laudatory speech via video message. In his acceptance speech, Christian Kukuk emphasised the importance of team spirit and the support he has received from his family and many others, adding: “It makes me incredibly proud to be here and to receive the award. This also closes a circle. Ulli Kasselmann will see it the same way: If my grandfather was still alive, he would be proud as punch.”

And so it was only fitting that Christian Kukuk's grandfather, Franz Kukuk, was subsequently also recognised. Kukuk senior was posthumously honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service and tireless commitment to equestrian sport. In his laudatory speech, Ulli Kasselmann spoke about the charismatic personality that made the former chief saddle master and legendary trainer so special: “He was a person who lived values such as happiness and discipline. He left every rider with a smile after training. A smile that was often passed on to the horses. With his attitude, our recipient had a significant influence on horsemanship at our stables.” Grandchildren Christian and Jenny Kukuk accepted the unique Swarovski crystal figurine on behalf of their grandfather.

FN Medal of Honour for Wandres

Ulli and Paul with Taiwanese Joseph Chu
who bought the artwork for Riding Against Hunger

Another accolade was presented to Frederic Wandres: the Olympic team dressage champion was awarded the FN-Medal of Honour in gold with Olympic rings by national coach Monica Theodorescu for his successful participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He now can carry a special pin on his lapel.

Numerous top athletes and supporters of equestrian sport took the opportunity to network, exchange experiences and celebrate the successes of the past season. The festive atmosphere was rounded off with musical performances and delicious culinary offerings.

The P.S.I. Gala Evening 2024 proved once again that equestrian sport not only embodies performance and competition, but also forms a strong community that is committed to social causes.