The Hanoverian society, at whose headquarters in Verden, Germany, the 2020 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses will be hosted, have confirmed yesterday that the 9 - 13 December dates are now official.
"The date has already been published many times in the media worldwide. In fact, it was only this noon (6 May) that the FEI officially confirmed the postponement to the date proposed by the Hannoveraner Verband after internal coordination," says Hanoverian Managing Director Wilken Treu.
Eurodressage was the first to publish the official new dates after it had received confirmation from an FEI insider. Furthermore the new dates were already publicly posted on the FEI website.
World Championships on 9 - 13 December 2020
"We are fans of the Championship, that‘s why we would like to hold the competition even in winter," Wilken Treu told Eurodressage. "Indoor might seem strange, but it achieves safer conditions than and outdoor event in September."
The indoor arena in Verden, known as the Niedersachsenhalle, can fit up to 2,500 people, but depending on corona measures at the time, it will either be available at full capacity or restriction to a smaller number. All depends on the evolution of the corona virus in Europe.
"The Niedersachsenhalle fit 2,500 people, but that might not be realistic," said Treu, "so let‘s hope for more than 1,000 allowed by the government."
Treu believes that the 2020 World Championships will be a highlight on the calendar as so many horse shows have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
"I think indoor makes the Championships special, and in Corona times we learn that we are free in thinking in new ways," Treu added. "In a year of very few young horse events the Championships could be even more attractive."
"Verden Championships" on 5 - 9 August 2020
Originally the 2020 WYCH were scheduled to take place outdoor on 5 - 9 August. At the same time, the international event would also host its annual Hanoverian Breed and Young Horse Championships as well as some national classes.
The Hanoverian Society hopes that their own breed championships as well as the CDN part of the event will continue to take place on those August dates
"The outdoor facility at the race course in Verden, which is currently being rebuilt, will therefore probably host the Hannoveraner Championships for riding, dressage and jumping horses from August 5 to 9," it said in their press release. "The best three-year-old Hannoveraner and Rhineland mares will be presented at the Herwart von der Decken-Show on Thursday, August 6. The qualification for the final of the Nürnberger Burg-Pokal and the international Almased Dressage Amateurs Cup will complete the programme."
The Hanoverian Society will also host its annual Auction of Foals and Broodmares on 7 - 8 August 2020.
August Event Limited to 1,000 Spectators
"The horse show will be smaller than usual with a somewhat 'slimmed down' programme", said Wilken Treu. "A prerequisite for this is that the official regulations then in force can be adhered to.
Admission to the "Verden Championships" is free on all days of the event, but is limited to 1,000 people per day due to official regulations.
Related Links
It's Official! 2020 World Young Horse Championships to Take Place 9 - 13 December 2020
FEI Dressage Calendar Task Force Meets: Recommendations for Verden, Hartpury/Strzegom, Traverse City, Budapest
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2020 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses
Wilken Treu Leaves Westfalen for Hanover, Becomes Managing Director