Rose Oatley had established herself as a favorite yesterday. Two horses on the podium, Two rides that were virtually flawless—the benchmark had been set. Debutant PS, with whom she had already won the preliminary test yesterday, was the first horse the rider from Schleswig-Holstein presented today. And he performed just as well as yesterday. The eight-year-old Oldenburg stallion, bred by Paul Schockemöhle, impressed with his side profile, the quality of his basic gaits, and his consistently light, refined contact. However, “Debbie” made two technical errors. First, the Deparon son briefly broke into a canter as he initiated the left-hand trot half-pass, coming from the center line. The rider quickly regained control of this issue, but naturally, this brief canter stride had to be reflected in the judges’ scores.

Two minor issues, but a great overall impression

During the flying changes leading up to three jumps, the stallion briefly stumbled in the hind legs before the first flying change. However, only two of the five judges noticed this. Heike Kemmer, who—as she had done in the final qualifier for the Louisdor Prize —also provided commentary on the riders in this qualifier for the Nürnberger Burg-Pokal, praised the walk pirouettes as exemplary.

After Fernando Esteban Ruiz, who placed second yesterday in the preliminary class, scored 73.854 percent with Bombastik, it was clear—based on yesterday’s performance—that Rose Oatley could really only be beaten by herself. Bombastik had scored points in the canter sequence, the trot traverses, and all the strong tempos—including the walk (a 9.0)!

Ferdades – Finalist in the Nuremberg Burg-Pokal on his third S-level start

Riding Ferdades, the horse owned by Ava Osinger on which she had placed at the “Preis der Besten,” Oatley was the last rider to compete. The stately bay Oldenburg impressed with his light-footedness and precision in the dressage movements. It was hard to believe that this was only the third S-level dressage test this nine-year-old horse had ever competed in. However, the Frascino son had excellent riders in the saddle from the very beginning. Henriette Hachmeister had ridden him all the way to the Bundeschampionat final for five-year-olds.

Kemmer: “Absolutely spectacular”

The first gallop pirouette was a masterpiece, according to Olympic champion Kemmer: “If you look at the first pirouette—it was absolutely spectacular, the way he settles into it and carries himself. And he was also incredibly light on his feet in the trot sequence. So he’s able to showcase his rather sturdy body in an incredibly beautiful way.” A score of 74.707 percent secured the victory and a spot in the final.

“That wasn’t planned at all,” Rose Oatley revealed: “I actually just came here to get some practice in for both of us. That it went so great yesterday with my own horse, Debutant, and now with Ferdades too—his second competition and also only his second and third S-level classes this weekend… I’m a little at a loss for words. Mom is, too. We’re incredibly proud—and so is Mr. Meyer zu Strohen,” said the winner, thanking those responsible for her training.

Franz Trischberger took fourth place with Zewano OLD by Zackerey (71.39), ahead of Lena Haßmann and Bacchabundus OLD by Baron (71.341).

Results from Guxhagen

Finals on the Fourth Sunday of Advent

The finals of the Nuremberg Burg Cup will take place as part of the Frankfurt International Festhalle Horse Show from December 16–20, 2026. Twelve pairs are expected to compete in the arena.

The winners of the series are as follows:

Horses & Dreams Hagen a.T.W.

, Patrik Kittel, and J’Adore Dior H with 75.512 percent

Pferd International Munich-Riem

: Sabina Schrödter and Feine Bella NRW with 74.732 percent

Longines Balve Optimum / German Championships

: Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock and Sky with 74.463 percent (who, by the way, won the St. Georges freestyle yesterday in Guxhagen with just under 79 percent!)

Görlitz Summer Weeks, Rosenhof Görlitz,

: Dorothee Schneider and Valerie with 74.293 percent

Elmloher Equestrian Days

, Bernadette Brune, and San to Alati FRH with 74.415 percent

Schäftlarn / Fichtenhof Classic

: Sina Aringer and Dalma Sia Bellante, 76.0 percent

Darmstadt-Kranichstein

Charlotta Rogerson and Nice Touch W with 76.537 percent

Guxhagen-Dörnhagen

Rose Oatley and Ferdades with 74.707 percent

The four runners-up with the highest scores advance to the finals

In addition to the eight winners of the individual stages, the four runners-up with the most points also qualify. This season, they are

• Raphael Netz and Glamourdoc with 74.68 percent, Schäflarn


• Frederic Wandres and Fänomen de Malleret with 74.463 percent, Horses & Dreams Hagen a.T.W.


• Rose Oatley and Debutant PS with 74.463 percent, Guxhagen-Dörnhagen


• Nicole Grosch and Visser’s Hit Valeria VEC OLD with 74.049 percent, Pferd International Munich-Riem

The following pairs are also on standby as alternates in case any of the pairs are unable to compete:

• Franziska Haase and Alissimo with 73.951 percent, Elmloher Reitertage


• Carina Scholz and Matisse GG OLD with 71.463 percent, Görlitz Summer Weeks at Rosenhof Görlitz