The German pony A-team has been reorganized for the new year by chef d'Equipe Cornelia Endres. Several pony riders reached the critical age of 17 and have moved on to junior riders level, which forced Endres to reassess her team.
The new German Pony A-team includes:
- Theresa Bausch - Dornik-Double
- Victoria Braun - Voyager
- Carlotta Hassenbürger - Dulcia (pictured) and Didjerie Doo
- Florine Kienbaum - Donnertraum and Going East
- Bianca Nowag - Der Feine Lord
- Sönke Rothenberger - Deinhard B and Wimbledon
- Katharina Weychert - Derano Gold and Dornik B
Notable A-team pony riders, who have moved on to horses, are Mali de Sainte Faire (on Doubtless) and Sanneke Rothenberger (on Konrad).
At a Youth Selection Meeting of the German Equestrian Federation begin November 2008, Endres complained about the lack of preparation of some pony riders who attend the pony selection trials. "It was quite disappointing that part of the children came badly prepared to these trials in Warendorf," Endres stated. "This had nothing to do with talent. We always look for talented riders and invest much energy to make more out of these riders. Talents don't get born at L-level, even though they are capable of riding at that level. We have to look further down the scale. It takes more than talent to be successful. Equally important are eagerness, dedication, discipline, and especially good training."
Related Links
Germany Wins Team Gold at 2008 European Pony Championships
German Team Selected for 2008 European Pony Championships