In an interview, the four-time Olympic show jumping champion talks about his preparations for the upcoming European Championships.Mr. Beerbaum, shortly after the successful European Show Jumping Championships in 2021, the experts were amazed when it was announced that Riesenbeck International would once again apply to host a European Championship - but this time for dressage. For the host, who after all is a four-time Olympic show jumping champion, it is an unusual decision to be awarded the FEI European Dressage and Para-Dressage Championships, isn't it?
Ludger Beerbaum: "We have courageously thrown our hat into the ring for this".
Riesenbeck International has gained a very good reputation among show jumpers. What made you decide to now also organize an international championship for dressage riders?
LB: The impulse to host the championship here in Münsterland clearly came from our partner Andreas Helgstrand from Denmark. Together we are part of the Global Equestrian Group.
You always hear that the dressage riders are a bit more sensitive than their show jumping colleagues when it comes to the conditions on their show grounds. Sometimes waving flags are a nuisance, sometimes photographers are in the way or the paths from the stables to the competition arenas are not convenient. How will you deal with the dressage riders?
LB: Honestly, I haven't asked myself that question yet, and I don't think I need to. It's not as bad as it's always made out to be from the outside. I also assume that the conditions in Riesenbeck are very good and that this issue will not arise.
What will change compared to the 2021 European Championship?
LB: The grass stadium will be subdivided, so to speak, and the dressage quadrangle made of sand will be placed in the middle of it. This means that grandstands can be set up in the stadium and the spectators will be very close to the sporting action from all seats. The Para riders have their own show arena in front of the large event hall and can ride their tests there in a completely concentrated and undisturbed manner. Nevertheless, everything is compact and within easy reach.
What role do you personally play in this?
LB: I have no special function and will support my team from Riesenbeck International and the show director Karsten Lütteken. Of course I will be on site and watch the competitions.
After all, there will be two European Championships in Riesenbeck in the week from September 5 to 10. The Para-Dressage, in which riders with physical disabilities compete in five degrees, are also hosting their championships. What experience do you have with this discipline?
LB: Until a year ago, I had no experience with para-dressage. At our test event, I was able to gather impressions. After that, it was clear to us that we could integrate this championship well into our infrastructure at the facility. Before that, we had thought about whether we could meet the requirements of the Para riders.
You are also connected to Isabell Werth through your great benefactor and patron Madeleine Winter-Schulze, who has supported her for decades. Because Isabell Werth has also been supported for many years by this great grande dame of German equestrianism.
Have you already asked Isabell in a quiet hour for advice, what tips she can give you to organize a good European Championships in the heart of show jumping?
LB: Yes, of course. I have already talked to Isabell about it a few times. I get support from her, for example, in terms of finding sponsors and partners. Isabell is very positive about our plans and is looking forward to the event in Riesenbeck.
What are you most looking forward to in the run-up to the European Championships?
LB: I am positively looking forward to seeing how all of us in the team master this new experience of hosting a dressage championship. Of course, I am looking forward to finally having the time to watch the best dressage riders in the world in a concentrated way.
What are you worried about?
LB: I wouldn't really call it "worrying" now, but I don't want it to be said afterwards: "They can only organize show jumping".
Source: Riesenbeck International
Photo©: Riesenbeck International