Euro-Feeling at Schafhof – for the Fifth Time
From July 9 to 13, it’s all about six sets of medals and a total of 18 medals at the Schafhof in Kronberg. The Young Riders (U21) and U25 riders will be celebrating their European Championships. Schafhof hosted a European Championship for up-and-coming riders for the first time in 1981, then again in 1984, 2010, and 2023. Now, for the fifth time in July, international young dressage riders will gather in Kronberg to crown their European champions. For the two German teams, the declared goal is to defend their titles! Both the Young Riders and the U25 riders won team gold last year in St. Margarethen, Austria. These riders are the German squads starting against the international competition in Kronberg:
The German Young Riders Team in Kronberg
Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel and ZINQ Emma FH – this pair has already experienced Kronberg as a very successful venue. In 2023, they were part of the junior European Championship team in Kronberg, winning team gold, individual bronze, and freestyle silver. For the 19-year-old, this will be her fourth European Championship in the youth division, but her first among the Young Riders.
Lucie-Anouk Baumgürtel and ZINQ Hugo FH – Lucie-Anouk, 21, is the older sister of Lana-Pinou. She’s already participated in pony European Championships four times. In 2021, as a junior, she celebrated a full haul with three gold medals. From 2022 to 2024, she was on the Young Riders European Championship team. This exceptional young rider has already brought home 17 gold, two silver, and one bronze medal from European Championships.
Celestine Kindler and Quotenkönig – At 21, Celestine is the only member of the Young Riders team making her European Championship debut in Kronberg. Since the beginning of 2023, Celestine has been riding Quotenkönig and has already celebrated plenty of international successes.
Rose Oatley and Don Domingo – Since 2019, Rose Oatley has been on the European Championship team for her age group every single year, from pony riders up to the Young Riders, and this year for the first time. With nine gold and two bronze medals to her name, the “team chick” already boasts an impressive record. At 18, Rose is the youngest member of the team.
The German U25 Team in Kronberg
Felicitas Hendricks and Drombusch – "Drömmel" and Felicitas are back again. In 2023, they won team and individual gold and freestyle silver at the U25 European Championship in Hungary, and in 2024 they already moved up to international senior competitions, achieving successes in World Cup tests and Nations Cups. In 2025, they’ll crown Felicitas’s final U25 year—she turned 25 in April—with another European Championship appearance.
Anna Schölermann and Springborgs Guardian – The rider from Hubertus Schmidt’s stables is on the U25 European Championship team for the second time. In 2024, she celebrated team gold with Bon Scolari, and this year she’s counting on the somewhat "greener" Springborgs Guardian.
Moritz Treffinger and Cadeau Noir – Last year, they were gold-winning teammates with Anna Schölermann and have claimed another spot on the team. In 2024, alongside team gold, they also secured individual bronze. Moritz, now 22, experienced total success in 2018: three golds at the Pony European Championship on Top Queen H.
Elisabeth von Wulffen and Triple A – With Fiesta Bonita, Elisabeth von Wulffen participated in the 2021 Young Riders European Championship in Oliva and came back with team silver. The business student took over Triple A from teammate Anna Schölermann at the beginning of 2024, and with him, she will be celebrating her U25 European Championship debut in Kronberg.
From Medals to Dancing Fun
During the Championship days at the picturesque Schafhof, it’s of course primarily about top-class international dressage sport for young riders! But anyone who knows the Schafhof and the host family Linsenhoff-Rath knows that there is much more to enjoy. Things kick off with the festive reception of nations on Tuesday evening. On Thursday, the team medals will be awarded for both age groups and later celebrated at the Nation’s Evening on the plaza around the fountain. Some who were at the Nation’s Evening at the 2023 European Championships will be prepared and wear a bikini or swimming trunks underneath…
The cheerful Kids’ Land is open for all visiting and sibling children from Friday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Various food stalls on the plaza offer a range of culinary delights, and local and national vendors invite shopping. And before the final sets of medals are awarded in the Young Riders and U25 freestyle events on Sunday, the DJ will get the party going again on the plaza Saturday evening, making for an international dance celebration.
*** European Championship Tip: Tickets will be available at the box office on site for all days starting Friday. Entry is free on Wednesday and Thursday.
(KiK/pe&pa)