Acute injury: No German Championships in Balve for Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH

Katharina Hammer and Denoix PCH were among the medal favorites at this year’s German Dressage Championships in Balve. The Oldenburg chestnut, a member of last year’s winning team at the European Championships in Crozet, was actually a sure-fire podium contender.

The truck to Balve was already packed

But then came the bad news on the day of loading to Balve: Denoix was standing in the box with a fat leg. The dream of the 2026 German Championships was over. It remains to be seen what the situation is now with regard to a World Championship nomination. Balve is actually a mandatory inspection for all potential World Championship horses. However, as the past has shown, this “mandatory” is not treated too strictly.

A press release from the German Equestrian Federation (FN) quotes national coach Monica Theodorescu: According to this, she does not believe that the Destano son will be out for longer. “The health of the horse always has top priority, which is why Katharina canceled her participation immediately. It’s a great pity, as they are both in top training”.

Ingrid Klimke had already had to cancel her participation with Vayron a week ago.

Katharina Hemmer and Denoix – important for the team

Katharina Hemmer last competed with Denoix at Horses & Dreams in Hagen. There she had ridden a personal best in the Grand Prix with 77.261 percent. In the freestyle, she came second with 77.71 percent behind Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Andersen. The pair Katharina Hemmer and Denoix had put in a dream ride in the Grand Prix Special at the 2025 European Championships in Crozet. They are a permanent fixture for the German dressage team.

German Championships Balve 2026

The German Championships start today with the vet check of the horses. The para-riders and of course show jumpers will also be looking for their new champions this weekend in Balve in the Sauerland region around Wocklum Castle.

The first competition for the dressage riders is the Grand Prix. It takes place on Thursday from 12.45 pm. The morning will be devoted to para-dressage, after the Grand Prix the first competition for the U25-DM will take place at 5.30 pm.

The Grand Prix Special is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am. The freestyle concludes the German Championships in Balve on Sunday from 10.45 am.

In addition to Clipmyhorse, Funke Mediengruppe will also be offering a live stream: