2005 FEI European Dressage Championship

Nothing – not the heavy rain continuously falling on Hagen during the last day of the 2005 FEI European Championship and not the scary television cameras – dared stand on Anky van Grunsven (NED) and Keltec Salinero’s triumphant ride to victory. They danced their way to success on the sound of the fascinating L’Esprit Chanson scoring an unmatchable result of 83.000% for their Freestyle. This is the outcome of a masterfully managed performance even though, admittedly, it was not Anky’s best ever. The horse, who initially appeared to have overcome yesterday’s tensions, was not that relaxed after all. The rider kept him under control to the last avoiding unnecessary risks. With a total of 236.577, the pair are the new European champions. Anky had won a first European title in 1999 aboard Bonfire.

“The exercise felt well today even though Salinero was at its best on the first day,” Anky said. “I rode with long reins as I wanted him to settle down. I’m very happy with the Dutch fans, they make such a difference.”

Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt and the beautifully relaxed Wansuela Suerte are in runner up position. Schmidt’s superior quality of riding, admirable collection and skilful transitions from half-pass to piaffe earned them 80.525%. They win the silver with an overall result of 230.870%.

Jan Brink and Björsells Briar 899 of Sweden are in bronze with a total of 229.870%. With a brand news Kür performed for the very first time, the pair were a little ahead of the rhythm. But the music suits the horse beautifully and they scored an outstanding 81.000%, the second best result after Anky.

Anky’s pupil Edward Gal (NED) and Geldnet Lingh place 4th (223.127%). Their new music composed by famous DJ Jochen Miller brings the horse more from the ground and yet today the pair lacked to some extent their Las Vegas sparkle. Their tight half-passes and brave engaged canters were rewarded with a 76.500%.

Spain’s Juan Antonio Jimenez and Guizo tangoed at the sound of La Comparcita and waltzed to Shostakovitch to 5th place (221.942%). They presented a very elaborate exercise without making any mistakes. The difficult transitions, which went from half-pass to piaffe to canter, earned them 79.550%.

The performance of Laurens van Lieren and Hexagon’s Ollright of The Netherlands deserves a special notice for its creativity. Accompanied by the songs of Queen and Abba, the pair went for a bold and original test. It included interesting lines which, however, were met with a somewhat frosty 75.050%. In 13th position with an overall result of 216.163, they certainly are to be watched with attention in the future.

The full results are available on the event’s official website www.psi-events.de (direct link http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/115/115zeitplanENG.htm)


The 2005 FEI European Dressage Championship was a remarkable one from a sporting as well as organisational point of view. Put on in only 13 days by Ulrich Kasselmann, Paul Schockemoehle and their team, it boasted impeccable organisation providing ideal conditions for the unforgettable sports performances witnessed in Hagen. With such resources at hand the future of Dressage, looks bright indeed.