Mannheim! When I think of the city on the Rhine, I go into raptures. No wonder Mannheim is one of my favourite German cities (and I would recommend a visit to anyone who has not yet been to Mannheim).
The Maimarkt, one of the most renowned tournaments in southern Germany, has a long tradition. As early as 1613, Count Palatine Johann II of Zweibrücken granted the city of Mannheim the so-called "market privileges". Since then, an annual May Market has been held, usually on the first two weekends in May. The special feature of the Maimarkt show is that it combines the "May market", which is held on the event grounds, with an equestrian show. Everyone gets their money's worth on the show grounds. From regional but also international cuisine, to the latest household appliances, to the exhibition of prefabricated houses, everything can be found here. Just a few hundred metres further on, the famous Maimarkt tournament takes place. It has been held for over 30 years in the disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-dressage.
This year, the tournament was able to secure another highlight in the programme: an FEI Longines Nations' Cup! So I did not miss the opportunity to visit the tournament on Sunday, the day of the Nations' Cup.
Together with my mum and my grandma, I set off for Mannheim at around 8.30am, still slightly exhausted. The previous Saturday I had been at the tournament myself and was able to start the weekend with a victory! A great day to relax in Mannheim, a day after the tournament came just in time! When I arrived at the Maimarkt grounds, I first went to the accreditation. Once there, they took a nice photo of me and issued my passport. A few minutes later I was already in the middle of the action.
The Maimarkt grounds are very large, but everything is easy to reach. The show jumping arena is right next to the riding stadium. The dressage arena and its associated warm-up arena are also a short distance away. Mannheim has always been characterised by its "proximity to the spectators". All the dressage arenas are visible to the spectators and you can experience your stars and idols up close.
The first place I visited was the dressage arena, which was located at the press entrance. Here, a dressage competition of the Para riders was taking place. Para-riders are riders with a handicap. In spite of their handicap, the riders performed at a very high level. Once again, it showed that riding has nothing to do with physical strength, but is based on a harmonious and trusting relationship between rider and horse.
One of my absolute highlights was the U25 Show Jumping Cup. This is a Germany-wide show jumping series to promote riders in an age group under 25. There are different stages to qualify for the final in Aachen. Mannheim was also a qualifier, just like last year. Also competing: the son of our EQUILEC trainer Marcus Wenz, Lucas Wenz. Lucas showed great rounds and was able to place in the lead-in jumping. Afterwards, he gave me an interview together with his father and told me a little about his preparations for the local tournament.
What impressed me most during the whole competition was the level of the U25 riders. The professionalism of riders and horses could already be seen in the warm-up area. Great importance was attached to correct dressage riding. This was also reflected in the course, which, with a height of 145 cm, already had a few pitfalls and cliffs for the first day.
After a short lunch snack and a little stroll around the show grounds, it was finally time for the Nations Cup to begin. The German team consisting of Sophie Hinners, Patrick Stühlmeyer, Kendra Clarisia Brinkop and Andre Thieme was considered the favourite.
The course was a tough one. A double combination, a triple combination and a large water ditch over two rounds demanded a lot from riders and horses.
In the end, the German team was equal on points with the Swiss team. A jump-off was held. Sophie Hinners started for Germany with her dream stallion Million Dollar. Only a blink of an eye separated her from victory. So it was second place for the German team.
Nevertheless, it was a very instructive day. Once again I was confirmed in my basic attitude: Solid dressage work is the basis of every success, no matter how small!
