Pony rider Inga Katharina Schuster, junior rider Semmieke Rothenberger and young rider Jill Marielle Becks became the winners of the 2016 Preis der Besten in Warendorf, Germany, on 28 - 29 May 2016. The Preis der Besten is the inofficial German youth riders championships and serves as a key qualifier for European Championship team selection.
In the pony division Inga Katharina Schuster and the experienced German 2015 European Championship team pony Cyrill were unbeatable. The pair won the qualification round and finals to total 148.818 points. Schuster took over the ride on Cyrill this year from owner Nadine Krause. Tabea Schroer and Nadine Krause's other FEI pony Danilo landed second place. They finished second and third in the two rounds and totalled 146.185 points for an overall second place.
"His self confidence reflected on me," said Schuster after winning the title. Team trainer Connie Endres concurred that "this duo has been improving over the past few months and the trot tour was really very convincing. It was truly sensational to see how these young riders can manage their way on experienced success ponies. This was pure pony sport."
In the junior riders' category Semmieke Rothenberger remains to be the invincible one aboard her 14-year old Danish warmblood mare Geisha (by Gribaldi). The pair won both rounds with 75.189% and 75.263% and claimed the title. The 17-year old Hannah Erbe and her 9-year old dark bay Carlos (by Carabas) became the runners-up with two second places, scoring 75,000% and 74,737%.
"Geisha already proved to be rock solid at shows in the hail storm at Wiesbaden and also here at the Preis der Besten I'm super pleased with her," said the 16-year old Rothenberger. "She often corrects my mistakes." Also team trainer Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen was enthused by Semmieke. "She really put down two tests with an exclamation mark. Already in the pony division Semmieke was a very consistent performer."
In the Young Riders divsion the 18-year Jill Marielle Becks successfully defended her title. Last year she won it with Damon Hill but never made it to the European Championships as the stallion became lame. This year she took son Damon's Satelite to Warendorf and recaptured the title after placing second (73.289%) and first (75.605%). The 19-year old Anna Christina Abbelen and her Westfalian Furst on Tour (by Furst Heinrich) were the second place-getters after winning the first round (73.974%) and ranking second in teh finals (73.553%).
"Damon's Satelite give it his all today," said Becks after receiving the champion's sash. "His temperament is incredible and the trust in each other has grown with more show experience. You could also say he's my best friend." Meyer zu Strohen added that "today it was really optimal and he was even more secure in the movements. The horse leaves no doubt about the quality of his basic gaits. Anna Christina proved a very consistent form and both her horses were nicely fine-tuned together with her trainer Heiner Schiergen. I hope it will continues in such a consistent way."
Related Links
Scores 2016 Preis der Besten
Participants for 2016 Preis der Besten Qualifiers Announced
Schroer, Rothenberger, Abbelen Win 2016 Preis der Besten Qualifier in Kronberg
Laabs, Horstmann, Becks Win 2016 Preis der Besten Qualifier in Vechta
Previous Winners
Rothenberger and Becks Win 2015 Preis der Besten
Rothenberger, Abbelen, Rothenberger Win 2014 Preis der Besten
Photo Report: Rothenberger, Von Danwitz, Niemann Win 2013 Preis der Besten Title
Rothenberger, Niemann, Schurmann Win 2012 Preis der Besten
Linnemann, Schutte, Luttgen Win 2011 Preis der Besten
Photo Report: Krieg, de Ridder and Lutkemeier 2010 Preis der Besten Champions
Rothenberger Kids and Sieber Win 2009 Preis der Besten
Photo Report: 2008 Preis der Besten
Photo Report: 2007 Preis der Besten
Photo Report: 2006 Preis der Besten
Scores: 2004 Preis der Besten
Scores: 2003 Preis der Besten
Scores 2002 Preis der Besten
Torloxten and Giesen In the Picture at 2001 Preis der Besten
Scores: 2000 Preis der Besten
Kroncke, Kroncke and Maiwurm Win 1999 Preis der Besten