A very clear road: title defence
The starting signal has been given for the FEI Dressage European Championships for Young Riders and U25 riders at the Schafhof in Kronberg. "We are really looking forward to these European Championships as a whole family and as a team," explains Matthias Alexander Rath, Managing Director of the event agency Schafhof Connects and also a member of the host family Linsenhoff-Rath. "Two years ago we hosted the European Championships for children and juniors, in 2010 we hosted the juniors and young riders and now the young riders and U25s. So the U25 teams are here for the first time. I think we're going to see some really cool sport."
Today we started with the vet check, the veterinary examination of all 100 candidates, 99 horses passed this test immediately, one horse will have to present itself again tomorrow to the specialist panel. The teams were also allowed to train in the test arena for the first time today - there is a wonderful buzz of positive expectations in the air.
Parents are standing on the sidelines, helping where they can, _ perhaps - more excited than the participants themselves. And some of them already have a lucky charm in their hand or are wearing a jumper with the words 'Optimist' printed in bold letters.
The clear goal: defending the title with both teams
"There is only one very clear road and that is straight towards defending the title - there is no other option." A clear objective for national coach Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen. "The first training session with the young riders was very happy and enjoyable, and the same goes for the U25 riders," said the national coach of both teams, Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen. "We have worked individually, we are on the right track with the level of permeability, the whole team is in a good overall condition.
Of course, strong competition has also travelled to Kronberg. The national coach does not want to commit himself completely in this respect, but does mention the teams from England, Denmark and Sweden.
The starting order of the teams is drawn by lot, the order within the teams is determined by the team management. The national coach explains: "The first rider must be very stable. He must also have the mental aspects under control so that he can then make a clear start for the team. That is incredibly important." This is crucial for all those who compete afterwards. "They then want to do the same or perhaps even a little better. But the stability of the first rider is very important."
Feed expert iWEST is a partner of the FEI European Young Riders Championships for the first time and the title sponsor of the team competition at Schafhof. "With Schafhof Connects, we have a great partner who shares our convictions," explains Managing Director Matthias Meyer. "We are delighted to be working with them again this year and are particularly pleased about their patronage of the European Young Riders Championships, with which we are specifically supporting young riders, because the future belongs to them."
“...more than optimal”
Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen knows the European junior scene like no other. He has been the national coach for the U18 riders since 2001, the U21 riders since 2006 and since the beginning of this year he has also had the U25 riders under his wing. He emphasizes: "The big difference at this European Championships here in Kronberg is that it is being held by horse people. We have an excellent facility here with fantastic conditions. The horses are well accommodated and - what is incredibly important for us - the ground conditions. The ground conditions are more than optimal." This should not be underestimated in terms of external impact. "The fact that other countries also share our fascination. We are very happy to be here."
On Wednesday, the first part of the young riders' team competition starts at 9.00 am, with the U25 riders competing from 2.00 pm. The second part of both age groups will take place on Thursday, so that the European Team Champions of the young riders and the U25 riders can be celebrated on Thursday evening.