The“German RidingMethod” really has to cover a lot of ground. The old-schoolers immediately bring up HDv12, while the others can at least score points with the training scale—rhythm, suppleness, contact…

Last weekend, several young riders—and, what I find all the more encouraging, on young horses—demonstrated what it looks like when these principles have become second nature. Leading the way was Anna Schölermann, 25, a student of riding master Hubertus Schmidt. She’s truly a star pupil —and not just because of the round she rode yesterday in Guxhagen with Vitally in the qualifier for the Louisdor Prize. It was a feast for the eyes!

If it looks good, it’s right

That deep seat. The subtle yet effective use of aids. A ride in which you could see the German Riding Method reflected in every single meter. Even if it isn’t stated quite so directly there: If it looks good, it’s right. When trust and partnership are the overarching themes of a competition. When athleticism and technique strike a balance with suppleness and expression, that’s exactly how we envision dressage today. The next generation—the four-legged one—pioneered by the two-legged next generation. Simply beautiful.

Anna Schölermann was no exception. What double winner Rose Oatley demonstrated in the arena during the Nuremberg Burg-Pokal qualifiers was also worthy of a movie—specifically, an instructional film. Her hand was steady, her little fingers pointing slightly toward the horse’s mouth, her wrist supple—ensuring a nearly perfect contact even during the most demanding movements. Sometimes it’s the little details that I just can’t get enough of.

There are

many positive examples

, or Lucie-Anouk Baumgürtel —she trained her own 10-year-old mare, First Vienna FRH, all the way to victory in the U25 European Championship team competition this year. The way she further improved the mare from the penultimate stage at the Anakenenhof in Pinneberg to the stop in Guxhagen underscores that she, too, has not only collected countless European Championship titles in the age groups, but her understanding of “proper” riding has grown in tandem with her successes and the resulting experiences.

In addition, there’s also the “mid-level” group, which is important. Hannah Milena Rother is in her mid-30s and has ridden for a long time under riding instructor Dorothee Schneider. Here, too: pure German riding instruction. Even though her sensitive mare Vichess, who competed in the qualifier for the Louisdor Prize, wasn’t able to secure a spot in Frankfurt, the pair is “one to watch,” as they say. And (yet another) feast for the eyes.

My conclusion: German dressage has figured out where it needs to go in the future. That’s heartening—it really warms the heart. And that’s exactly what you need when it’s five degrees while you’re feeding the horses in the morning.

Let’s take a quick look at the week ahead. On the sports front, there are at least two highlights. The World Championships for Young Eventing Horses in Lion d’Angers, France, will feature the crème de la crème of the sport, and the Dressage World Cup in Herning (DEN) also promises a perfect start to the season.

Meanwhile, the hum of shearing machines can once again be heard more often in German barns. And the question of the right blanket. Don Hitmeyer knows a thing or two about that, at least looking back on last winter …

With that in mind—see you next Monday

Jan Tönjes

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This text was first published on October 12, 2026. Every Monday, Jan Tönjes comments on current events in our weekly newsletter on EQUI PAGES.

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