Isabell Werth and Frederic Wandres concluded the 2026 CDIO Hagen in a winning way, claiming the trophies in the CDIO 4* Grand Prix Special and Kur to Music.
The German FEI Nations Cup leg was held in Hagen for the first time in ten years, premiering at Hof Kasselmann in 2015 when Aachen decided to host the European Championships instead of a CHIO. This year the same scenario took place as Aachen will welcome riders to the World Championships in August.
Wandres Wins the Freestyle
After Germany claimed the win in the FEI Nations Cup which was based on the Grand Prix scores tallied, the riders had to choose whether to show in the Special or the Freestyle.
Homeside hero Frederic Wandres opted for the freestyle on Saturday evening 4 July 2026 and his choice paid off with the win. It was a clear victory for the 39-year-old dressage rider and his 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding Bluetooth OLD (by Bordeaux x Samarant). The pair have been a consistent force in the German team for years and once again underlined their excellent form earning 80.735%.
“Best right pirouette,” commented national coach Monica Theodorescu with a wink immediately after her protégé's ride. Indeed, Wandres had deliberately ridden the demanding movement with only one hand on the rein – an idea from training. “Yes, that was very good,” confirmed Wandres. “We tried the right pirouette one-handed in training because the constant rein contact worked better that way. Bluetooth liked it, so we said: We can do that in the freestyle too – after all, it’s allowed.”
Wandres further explained that, "I had a few small issues with the changes, which I repeated once, but I think it was fine after that. Bluetooth was still nice and fresh until the end. To conclude our tournament – happy, happy. I was a touch behind the music. I should have added another piece, which was missing at the end. I couldn't make up for it, but at least I know for next time."
Sunday's Special for Werth
"The more lightness and naturalness come into our performance, the more beautiful she can become, of course. I think we're on a very good path." She was especially impressed by her mare's energy: "She still had real speed today, but she paced herself very well. That was really, really good today."
Duel for Fourth Spot
The CDIO Hagen was the final German team selection trial and with Werth, Wandres and Hemmer proving form on the first competition days, the fourth team spot for Germany became a duel between Raphael Netz and Semmieke Rothenberger.
The latter chose to ride the Kur and finished second with 78.93% on the 16-year old Dutch warmblood Farrington (by Jazz x Samba Hit). Netz rode the Special on Sunday and piloted the 15-year old KWPN gelding Great Escape Camelot (by Johnson x Turbo Magic) to a second place with 74.255%.
The German equestrian federation will announce the team for the 2026 World Championships shortly.
Four Days of Top Sport
Four days of top-level sport, more than 130 riders with over 150 horses from 29 nations, and international dressage and para-dressage up to four-star level characterized the Covalliero Dressage Days 2026 at Hof Kasselmann. The event once again sent a strong message of inclusion, international sport, and the unifying power of equestrian sport.
Photos © Astrid Appels - NO REPRODUCTION ALLOWED (no screenshots for social media!)
Eurodressage took photos of all CDI riders and Grade III para riders
Related Links
Scores: 2026 CDIO Hagen
Isabell Werth Leads Germany to Massive FEI Nations Cup Win at 2026 CDIO Hagen
Hemmer and Denoix Back to Business, Win 4* Grand Prix at 2026 CDIO Hagen