Moritz Treffinger Going into the Senior Grand Prix Ranks Self-Critically

Focus

F.O.C.U.S.

The 23-year old Moritz Treffinger has been climbing the ladder of international dressage sport. After winning the kur gold medal at the 2025 European Under 25 Championships, Moritz has made his break through at senior level in 2026.

Aboard Gestüt Bonhomme's breeding stallions Cadeau Noir and Fiderdance, both trained to Grand Prix level by Lena Hassmann (née Waldmann), the young Grand Prix rider has the perfect springboard to launch his career in the big league. With third stallion Morricone added to the mix the Berlin based rider has plenty of irons in the fire.

Least Complicated

In 2026 he campaigned these stallions, as well as small tour horse Vinero and Grand Prix horse Florida Keys at CDI's across Europe. He went frm Amsterdam, to Neumunster and Den Bosch to ride Fiderdance to an 8th place at the 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. For the outdoor season he headed to Hagen, Mannheim, Hamburg, Falsterbo, Neustadt-Dosse, Bialy Las and most recently the CDI Vienna, set in front of the legendary Schönbrunn castle.

Kur Gold at the 2025 European U25 Championships

When asked on which stallion he feels best, Moritz replied that he would like to phrase it differently. "Cadeau is the least complicated of the stallions and because of that I feel best on him, because there aren't difficulties when I ride him," he said.

Self-Critical

In an interview with Kim Kreling, Treffinger admitted that the gap between Under 25 and Senior Grand Prix is a big one.

"In senior competitions there's so much more attention paid to detail," he explained. "You come out of the under-25s and think it'll just continue the same way in the senior ranks, but then it turns out completely different. I've often come out of the arena thinking: Wow, you really nailed that pirouette today."

However, then Moritz watches the ride on video and becomes very self critical. "Nope, it can be even smaller. You have to be much more self-critical in the senior ranks. You have to ride the piaffe completely differently, now I think: 'even more on the spot, even lower the croup, open the front even more with the hand, don't lean back in the upper body, but stay forward, my legs too, so that they stay forward at the girth, my hands stay low."

Follow Your Instincts

On Vincero at the 2026 CDI-W 's Hertogenbosch

Although he's still at the start of his major league career, Moritz shared on his Instagram account a piece of advice to younger riders: "do not to compare yourself to others."

He explained. "I can say from my own experience that this was exactly my mistake. I wanted to be just as good as everyone else, but I didn't realize that everyone has to find or follow their own way. It doesn't always to be the way tat others choose for you. Trust your instincts, your talent, and most importantly, believe in your dreams."