“Of course, it’s primarily about the world’s best young dressage horses, but it’s also about the atmosphere among horse lovers from Germany, abroad, and the region,” emphasizes Dr. Frederic Bünger, Chairman of the Hanoverian Society. “Sharing the joy of horses should also be an essential part of this World Championship.” According to Bünger, this was already clearly evident last year at the World Championship in Verden. “Everyone you met was in good spirits and enthusiastic about the atmosphere, the setup, and the excellent organization.” This year, the organizing team is taking things up a notch, especially when it comes to the atmosphere and mood of the supporting program. On Friday and Saturday (August 7 and 8), upbeat music will be playing at the Food Court starting at 6:00 p.m., featuring event saxophonist Chris Kawa and “the band that plays wherever the fun is,” The Speedos.
Looking ahead to the World Championship finals in the Horse24 Arena, Bünger, who comes from a family of breeders, explains: “The horses have, of course, changed enormously over the past few decades. That’s quite clear. They’ve become much more elegant, longer-legged, and perhaps a bit more delicate. But for me, the central concept we need in dressage is still the hindquarters. The hindquarters that actively generate movement with powerful push-off under the center of gravity, carrying more weight, and when we’re talking about the difficult movements can also maintain their strength. That’s what it’s always been about; it’s still true today and will remain the central task in the future.” This applies not only to the Hanoverian or other German breeds, but worldwide. “In the end, everyone at the Championships wants to present the same tasks and the same movements as easily and harmoniously as possible. So this applies to everyone.”
Horses and riders are responsible for the presentation; judging what is presented is the task of the judges. Fourteen international dressage judges from twelve nations will be on duty during the five days of the World Championships in Verden, including five Level 4 and nine Level 3 judges. The small and grand final competitions are particularly exciting not only because that’s where the medals are decided, but also because they are commented on live by an international judge on site. Why was this or that score given? What was particularly well-received? Where would the judges have liked to see things done a little differently? With live commentary following each ride, spectators as well as riders and trainers receive direct, transparent, and valuable feedback. “I have the deepest respect for everyone who takes on this challenge with their horses,” emphasizes Bünger. “And if you view the whole experience as a path of training, then I hope everyone can take the step on that path that they’ve set out to take.”
Exciting moments for young dressage horses, combined with an extraordinary atmosphere and joy both in and around the World Championship arena – that’s what awaits all participants and visitors at the 19th edition of the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, taking place August 5 to 9 at the Horse24 Arena in Verden.
Text: Kim Kreling