BEMER Riders Tour: Tactics worked out for Hans-Dieter Dreher in the qualification for the BEMER Riders Tour

(Donaueschingen-Immenhofe) Nothing beats a big win in front of the home fans. And today, Hans-Dieter Dreher from Baden-Württemberg celebrated it in the Prize of the City of Donaueschingen — at the same time qualifying for the fourth special stage in the BEMER Riders Tour. And it was a victory to be proud of: Dreher on the gray Holsteiner Cous Cous took almost five seconds off second-placed Tamara Schnyder from Switzerland in the saddle of California Dream TS. The American Adam Prudent rode Labalou in third place.

The main event on Saturday at the “Horse Festival” in the RZ Frese attracted numerous show jumping enthusiasts. Course designer Phil Schmauder had set the participants a tricky task, six of the 46 pairs who competed in the qualification made it into the jump-off. Sönke Aldinger, the 27-year-old young professional from the Black Forest, opened the second round with Cappuccino Z and risked everything. Unfortunately, the couple had to put up with two knockdowns. The Eppelheim show jumper Günter Driver on the Holsteiner Cassis S also showed a fast lap. However, four penalty points meant fourth place. In between there was Wolfgang Puschak from Augsburg with the DSP mare Zirona Blue. Tamara Schnyder (SUI) played it safe with the Dutch-bred California Dream TS (by Carambole). The caution paid off, the Swiss contributed with her second place to a very successful Immenhöfe weekend for the Swiss. The American Adam Prudent (USA), who lives in France, also jumped onto the podium in the saddle of Labalou (by Luchador).

Brilliant Cous Cous As the last starter, old master Hans-Dieter Dreher rode into the jump-off and recorded a home win for Baden-Württemberg in the championship in Donaueschingen. Last year he had to be satisfied with third place in the qualification for the BEMER Riders Tour special test, this year it was enough for a sovereign victory. “My horse jumped really brilliantly today. It wasn't such a fast jump-off, I saw my opponent's times and was able to tactic a bit. The tactic worked, I'm super happy," said the South Baden native afterwards. “Cous Cous has done a lot of good things. He's very tall, clever and cautious, but I have to make sure he always stays calm. I'll try again tomorrow and if it works, I'll be very happy," revealed Dreher, who was also very successful at World Cup level with the Cachas-Lasino son. The decision as to who can take how many points from Donaueschingen-Immenhöfe will be made on Sunday in the Grand Prix, an international show jumping event with two rounds starting at 2:30 p.m. (live on Clipmyhorse.tv). Result price of the city of Donaueschingen, qualification of the BEMER Riders-Tour special test, CSI2* - Int. Jumping competition with jump-off (1.45m)