Stephanie Böhe wins the opening jumping competition of the CSI3* Tour
A tour of the spacious Riesenbeck International grounds immediately reveals why participants appreciate the Surenburg site so much. Here, in the heart of the idyllic horse-riding region of Münsterland, riders work calmly and with focus on their horses on the extensive grass and sand arenas. The relaxed atmosphere not only promotes concentration, but also creates space for short breaks and stimulating conversations with fellow athletes. This harmonious combination of horse-friendly conditions, focused competition, and convivial exchanges makes Riesenbeck International a popular destination for active riders and horse enthusiasts from near and far.
A retreat for equestrians between Global Champions Tour stages
Riesenbeck offers a welcome “green” change from the Global Champions Tour stages in the big cities. “It's great to be here,” confirms Swedish rider and Olympic medalist Peder Fredricson, who rides his 11-year-old chestnut gelding Vroom de la Pomme at a relaxed gallop across the lawn. "Firstly, I have fond memories of the 2021 European Championships here. And secondly, I think it's a fantastic place – the stables and facilities are great. You can warm up on the grass, the sand, or in the indoor arena." While Vroom de la Pomme will be Fredricson's horse for the Global Champions League on Saturday (he rides for the Rome Gladiators team), he plans to compete in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck on Sunday with the Selle Francais Alcapone Des Carmille.
Earning points for the team
“It always feels good to be at home,” says Olympic champion and local hero Christian Kukuk, who will be representing his country alongside Italy's Emanuele Camilli for Team Riesenbeck International and is looking forward to the weekend. The goal is clear: earn points and improve on their top-six position in the Global Champions League rankings. “Hopefully we'll have lots of people here to support us as a team. The weather gods need to play along a bit, but even if they don't, we'll still have the best conditions. Let's get started.”
German victory at the start
While the participants in the five-star tour will not enter the course until Friday, an international three-star level speed jumping competition provided a successful sporting start on Thursday. The victory went to Stephanie Böhe and DSP Granada P, who were the last of 50 pairs to complete the 1.40 m course in the fastest time of 59.14 seconds. The 33-year-old brought her two best horses to Riesenbeck and is determined to “have a great weekend.” In addition to her own starts in the three-star tour, she wants to follow the five-star jumping in particular: "It's just a completely different league and it's great to see the best riders and horses in the world live. You can always learn something from watching — whether in the warm-up arena or in the competition — and try to incorporate that into your own performance. It's very special that we have the opportunity to experience sport at this level in Germany again at the end of the season.“ Her top tip for visitors: ”It's definitely worth being there in person!"
