Germany Reigns Supreme at European Dressage Championship; Swiss Team Shows Promise
Crozet, France – August 28, 2025 – The equestrian world is buzzing after a thrilling European Dressage Championship concluded today in Crozet, France. While Germany clinched the gold medal with a commanding performance, the Swiss team demonstrated notable progress, finishing in 11th place – a step up from their 13th-place finish in 2023. This is breaking news for dressage fans and a key moment for the sport’s competitive landscape. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing.
German Dominance Continues
Germany’s team of Ingrid Klimke, Katharina Hemmer, Frederic Wandres, and Isabell Werth delivered a stunning collective score of 229.644, securing their victory. Werth, a dressage legend, contributed a remarkable 79.224 with Wendy de Fontaine. Great Britain took silver with 226.785, while Denmark rounded out the podium with a bronze medal score of 223.385. The competition was fierce, with several riders achieving personal bests and pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Swiss Team Gains Valuable Experience
The Swiss team, led by Equipen boss Ruth Haas and coach Oliver Oelrich, entered the championship with a dual focus: narrowing the gap with the leading dressage nations and gaining invaluable competitive experience. They achieved a total score of 202.484, an improvement over their 2023 result, though still below their 207.159 performance.
Individual Performances Shine
Delia Eggenberger and Santa Maria kicked off the competition for Switzerland, followed by Charlotte Lenherr and Dettori. Jessica Neuhauser, riding Rockson, achieved a personal best in her first European Championship appearance, scoring 67.453. “I see it more as an encore,” Neuhauser commented, “I am proud of what I could achieve in this short time this year.” However, she acknowledged the frustration of costly mistakes.
The standout performance for the Swiss team came from Charlotta “Kiki” Rogerson and Bonheur de la Vie, who scored 68.680 and finished 33rd. Rogerson narrowly missed qualifying for the Spécial on Friday. “I am mega proud, happy and grateful that I can ride Bonheur here,” she said, emphasizing the importance of building a stronger partnership with her horse under pressure.
The Evolution of Dressage Scoring and Competition
Interestingly, judges noted that the overall scoring across the board was slightly lower this year compared to previous championships. This highlights the evolving standards and increasing difficulty within the sport. Dressage, at its core, is about harmony between horse and rider, showcasing athleticism, precision, and artistry. The scoring reflects not just technical execution, but also the overall impression of partnership and grace. Understanding the nuances of dressage scoring – from the Grand Prix to the Freestyle – is key to appreciating the complexity of the competition.
Looking Ahead: The Spécial and Freestyle
The excitement doesn’t end here! The Spécial, a test showcasing a different set of movements, is scheduled for Friday, and the Freestyle, where riders perform to music of their choice, will take place on Sunday. Belgium’s Justin Verbann, who impressed in the Grand Prix with a third-place finish, is one to watch. The tension is palpable as riders prepare to showcase their skills and artistry on the biggest stage in European dressage.
The European Dressage Championship serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the Olympic Games, and the performances in Crozet will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape for years to come. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this exciting event and all the latest in equestrian sports. For those inspired to learn more about dressage, resources like the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) website offer detailed information on the rules, training, and history of this captivating discipline.
