In eight days the first combination sets foot in the arena in Ermelo, thereby marking the start of the World Championship. An entry list brimming with big names ensures dressage enthusiasts may look forward to an awe-inspiring weekend.
Top riders
A total of 45 five-year-old, 46 six-year-old and 40 seven-year-old dressage horses will vie for the coveted medals. The list of participants features several notable names. Isabell Werth is bringing her future star Valdiviani to Ermelo. According to Werth, the stallion possesses all the required traits to reach the highest level. “If he remains healthy, I am 100 per cent convinced he will play a big role in the ring.” Fans of the Swedish rider Carl Hedin may also look forward to admiring his performances firsthand. He will make his world championship debut aboard his own stallion Skyline To B in the five-year-old class. They are up against some fierce competitors, including top riders Simone Pearce, Dinja van Liere, Charlotte Fry and Kirsten Brouwer.
Exciting CDI3* class
The entry list for the CDI3* is also adorned with headliners. Total Hope OLD, former strong contender at the World Championship with Isabel Freese, makes his appearance in the Grand Prix. The sensational mare Haute Couture (previously ridden by Dinja van Liere) is also present in Ermelo with her American rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler. Marc Peter Spahn and his Friesian stallion Elias 494 never fail to be anything less than spectacular. Talk about a highly competitive field!
World-class dressage festival
Hidde Frankena, chairman of the Organising Committee, is eagerly anticipating the WC: “It’s already the sixth time since 2016 that we organise this fantastic world championship on Dutch soil. It’s the perfect opportunity to follow the careers of the dressage stars of the future. Several years ago, we expanded the programme with classes for four- and seven-year-old horses. There is no place like this World Championship to witness the evolution of young dressage horses into the winners of tomorrow. It is a conscious decision to offer exclusively dressage classes, which has turned this event into a world-class dressage festival.”
Curious about the programme? It can be viewed here. No tickets yet? Order them quickly here.
Photo: Hippofoto
