The German dressage rider Christian Pläge, who has been riding for Switzerland for several years now, has finally received his Swiss passport. In 1999, Pläge moved to Ruti bei Buren in Switzerland
, where he established his own training stable together with his wife Birgit Wientzek.
Though Pläge represented Switzerland at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain, he was not allowed to compete for his country at the Olympic Games or at the national dressage championships. This has changed since 22nd June, when he received his new passport. Pläge is now a Swiss citizen and can be selected for the Swiss Olympic Dressage team.
Pläge is currently competing --as an eligible participant -- in the 2004 Swiss Dressage Championships in Grüningen.
Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans
Related Links
Scores 2004 Swiss Dressage Championships
Christian Pläge and Regent, A Fresh Breeze on the Scene