World-Class Equestrian Sports in Pfalzdorf

Just before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, an international equestrian event is taking place. It will be held in the quaint village of Pfalzdorf, near Goch. The equestrian center of Holger Hetzel on Buschstraße 21 will host the "Tiemeyer and Hetzel Young Horse Masters" for four days starting Thursday. The third edition of this competition for five- to eight-year-old horses attracts top riders from both domestic and international circles, making it the most competitive field yet.

The Competitions

Around 80 riders are using the opportunity in Pfalzdorf to showcase their young horses. "Many of the horses you see here will go on to compete in World and European Championships and the Olympic Games," assures Holger Hetzel. The jumping competitions are divided into events for five-, six-, seven-, and eight-year-old horses, each featuring two qualification rounds, a consolation round, and a final.

The Stars

Richard Vogel recently won over the audience at the CHIO in Aachen. The 27-year-old is currently the only German show jumper in the top ten of the world rankings and is a strong medal contender in Paris with his top horse, the Westphalian stallion United Touch. In Pfalzdorf, he will present six of his young horses. Vogel, originally from Swabia and now living in Hesse, is also known as an excellent trainer of young horses. Maurice Tebbel, a member of the German team at the Tokyo Olympics and a bronze medalist at the 2018 World Championships in the USA, will also compete, as will Alain Jufer, the Swiss Champion of 2023.

The Amazons

Katrin Eckermann from Kranenburg and Sophie Hinners are currently among the most successful German female show jumpers. Both recently had significant wins at "Riesenbeck International." The two "Iron Dames" won the Global Champions League with four clear rounds and aim to challenge the male competitors in Pfalzdorf. Sophie Hinners, incidentally, is the partner of Richard Vogel and is also considered a highly successful trainer.

The Prize Money

A total of 150,000 euros will be awarded in Pfalzdorf: 25,000 euros in the final for five-year-old horses, 50,000 euros in the final for six-year-olds, and 75,000 euros in the showdown for seven- and eight-year-olds. This makes the "Tiemeyer and Hetzel Young Horse Masters" one of the world's most highly endowed tournaments for young show jumping horses, with a special standing in Europe.

The Mascot

"Holli" is the newest member of the "Hetzel Horses" family. It’s a giant horse that, unusually, walks on two legs and is sure to spread cheer, especially among the youngest visitors. "Holli" is making its debut and will likely appear in Kleve and Goch in the future to promote show jumping.

The Side Program

The Hetzel Equestrian Center aims to ensure that even the youngest visitors have a great time, with a bouncy castle, children's course, and more. On Friday evening, following the S-jumping competition for seven- and eight-year-old horses, the "Tiemeyer Welcome Night" will take place, including a group viewing of the Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Reward for Grooms

"No rider can be successful without their grooms. That's why we want to highlight the grooms this time. As a reward, 500 euros will be given to each of the five grooms selected by a jury for their particularly good handling of the horses," says internationally experienced show jumper Uwe Schmitz, whose idea tournament director Holger Hetzel found inspiring. The staff has plenty of work to do behind the scenes, as for the first time, all horses will be stabled at the Buschstraße facility.

The Auction

On Saturday at 7 PM, the "Flanders Foal Auction" will begin. "This is the best collection of show jumping foals we have ever presented in Germany. The level at Holger Hetzel's auctions is always very high, so we have to come up with something very special," say Belgian horse breeders Luk van Puymbroeck and Gerald Lenaerts, who are participating in Pfalzdorf for the third time. A total of 29 foals, sired by 18 different stallions with impressive pedigrees, will be auctioned. The excitement is also worth it for visitors who might prefer to buy a hamster from the local pet store.