Very excited to make the trek across to the UK to compete at the 2015 CDI Addington on 19 - 22 March 2015, German Young Rider Johannes Ruhl and his 7-year old KWPN gelding Dante took out a hattrick, winning the team, individual and kur tests with 67.982%, 70.526% and 76.750%.
“I was quite curious how Dante would perform and how his reaction would be to that atmosphere, particularly as it was his first ever CDI competition,” Johannes told Eurodressage after returning home to Germany. "It was surprising how relaxed Dante was throughout the entire time!”
While he said the “weather was really British”, Johannes felt that the 16-hour trip, plus the ferry, were undoubtedly worthwhile!
“Dante just behaved really adult-like for his age. He wants to work every day, and he is totally motivated," he said about his Dutch bred Tuschinski x Havidoff offspring.
Trained by Sven Rothenberger at Gestüt Erlenhof in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt, Johannes has just that one one horse in work as he is currently studying business psychology. Rühl is no new comer in the youth riders divisions, though. He campaigned Flying Lady (by Florestan x Popper) and the Hanoverian stallion Rascalino (by Rotspon x Velten Third) when he was a junior rider. In 2014 he moved on to young riders' level with Flying Lady but now Dante is his ride of choice.
“Dante is easy and extremely motivated so often we have to remember his age and have some fun," he said. "In the test he is with you for every second, concentrating, which is sensational as he is so young. When he is in the paddock he likes to jump and relax.”
Johannes enjoys very much his training with Sven as the experienced Olympianexplains everything in an easy to understand way and is horse friendly. “This is very important for me, that the horse is enjoying it," he added.
Studying at Fresenius near his hometown Idstein, Johannes can stay close to his home and manage the short drive to college. With one horse to ride he can successfully combine his dressage career with his studies.
“Well, I haven't as much time as most of my friends, but I like my life," he explained. "Normally I train with Sven in the morning. It is really early, but then the rest of the day is free for learning and doing things with friends. I'm thankful for my friends! For 2015 we will just take it step by step; Dante is only seven."
by Sarah Warne - Photos © Private - Astrid Appels
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