Animal Welfare Awards Presented at the National Championship

That was Linus Keller riding the Westphalian stallion Danubio (by Damaschino-Dimaggio, bred by August Schulte-Varendorff) from the Marbach State Stud in the class for four-year-old riding horse stallions. The still-young chestnut was not the kind to kick up a fuss, but rather a quiet, unassuming rider. Yet it was precisely that quality that set him apart in a positive way. Even the competitors who placed behind him openly admitted that this ride in the Class A dressage test was textbook-perfect from start to finish.

In all three basic gaits, rhythm and suppleness were maintained at all times. The stallion approached the bit confidently over his supple back with natural momentum. He chewed on the bit with his mouth closed, maintaining a very light yet stable contact, foamed slightly, and appeared overall content and confident. He was fully up to the tasks of the Class A dressage test, sufficiently well-balanced and focused enough—despite less-than-ideal conditions that would have overwhelmed many other horses. It was clear: This was not a one-time moment of brilliance, but the result of systematic, well-planned training.

Preparation for the final was also systematic and well-planned, and so, in addition to the bronze medal in the championship, she also received the BMLEH Animal Welfare Award—a special honorary award for riding in a manner particularly respectful of the horse—from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs, together with Xenophon.

Overview of Animal Welfare Awards at the National Championship

Riding Horses and Ponies

• Julia Große-Geldermann (3-year-old riding horses: mares and geldings)


• Jakob Reglauer (three-year-old riding horses—stallions)


• Alina Schneider (four-year-old riding horses—mares and geldings)


• Lucia Burlage (3-year-old riding ponies—stallions)


• Linda Weiß (3-year-old riding ponies—mares and geldings)


• Jana Greune (four-year-old riding pony stallions)


• Mailin Quast (four-year-old riding ponies—mares and geldings)

Show Jumping Horses and Ponies

• Matthias Reins (five-year-old show jumpers)


• Charlotte Höing (six-year-old show jumpers)


• Katharina von Essen, seven-year-old show jumpers


• Lina Benninghof (five-year-old show jumping ponies)


• Ann Christina Gierlich and Madita Bruhn (six-year-old show jumping ponies)

Dressage horses and ponies

• Sophie Jamar (five-year-old dressage horses)


• Zoe Marie Hachmeier (six-year-old dressage horses)


• Greta Busacker (7-year-old dressage horses)


• Amy Carlotta Reinfandt (five-year-old dressage ponies)


• Lilli von Helldorff (six-year-old dressage ponies)

Eventing horses and ponies

• Malin Hansen-Hotopp (five-year-old eventing horses)


• Sina Brügger (six-year-old eventing horses)


• Anja Schöniger (five- and six-year-old eventing ponies)