Belgian Grand Prix rider Alexa Fairchild is expecting her first child with her boyfriend of one year, Xavier, a French banker. Alexa has been a long-time Belgian team member, having ridden at nine European youth championships before making the transition to Grand Prix level. She was Belgian team reserve for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. In 2024 she designed the activewear collection for Team Belgium at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Half a year ago Fairchild relocated from Brussels to Paris with her horses and at the start of the new year found her stride on her number one Grand Prix horse, Fairplay (by Delatio x Krack C) which she acquired in January 2024 from Ville Vaurio, who rode him with the name G-Star at the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck. Fairchild and Fairplay produced 70%+ scores at the CDI-W Neumunster and CDI Lier which put them in contention for Belgian team selection for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen. However with the baby due end of July new priorities have been set.
Dutch dressage horse breeder Jordy Andeweg and his girlfriend, dressage rider Esmee Janssen, are expecting their first child together. The couple announced the news on social media. They are expecting a baby boy in July. The couple has been together since February 2017.
Ludwig Heskamp lost his 6-year old licensed pony stallion Cosmo Royale II (by Cosmopolitan D x Casino Royale K) in a tragic accident while the pony was getting gelding. He broke his leg and shoulder trying to stand up. A full brother to Cosmo Royale I and Cascada Royale, Cosmo Royale II became a premium licensed stallion at the 2022 Westfalian pony licensing. He was bred by Danica Duen who first showed him in some local show in 2023 with scores between 7.5 and 8.0. He sold to the Heskamp family and Ludwig competed him in 2024 with results between 7.3 and 7.8. In 2025 Heskamp alternated the ride with Lynn Soddemann and Lennea Höfler. The German equestrian federation has registered three of his offspring for sport or breeding, all fillies born in 2024. "It was the hardest day today for me," a bereaved Ludwig to Eurodressage. "He was my best friend. We were partners in crime and truly had a different connection to each other."
Rolf Schettler has been elected the president of the German Professional Riders association (DRFV), succeeding Wolfgang Egbers. Carolin Lux will take over from Fabian Scholz as managing director and will now be responsible for the executive delegations at both the DRFV and the BBR. Fabian Scholz will serve as an advisor in the future. Dr. Ute Gräfin Rothkirch was re-elected as a board member.
Italian Grand Prix riders Valentina Truppa and Ester Soldi have now also passed the exam to become national dressage judges in Italy up to Grand Prix level.
Danish young horse professional riders Mette Sejbjerg Jensen and her husband Eric Guardia Martinez (ESP) welcomed their first child. Sejbjerg rode Proud James to the title at the 2026 World Championships for young dressage horses and then took a break from riding due to her pregnancy. The baby was born in February.