Maya Wächter Wins 2023 German Developing Pony Rider Championship

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2023 German Developing Pony Rider Championship

Maya Wächter became the winner of the 2023 German Developing Pony Rider Championships held at the indoor competition in Darmstadt, Germany, on 18 - 19 November 2023. Aboard the 7-year old mare FS New Wave, she scored the highest overall total of 16.20 points.

A total of 20 pairs competed in the Developing Pony Rider Championships, which are the stepping stone for young pony riders to FEI level pony sport. The combinations have to contest two L-level tests and the results are totalled for the final ranking. The finalists were selected based on a three-day seminar in Warendorf

This year the Championship was judged by Tine Viebahn and Hartwig Knapp. In the finals two L-level dressage tests are ridden and the judges pay particular attention to seat and aids

The 14-year old Maya Wächter is from Gerlingen in Baden-Württemberg and she rode the mare FS New Wave (by Numero Uno x Champion de Luxe) to the title. She scored 8.0 in the first round and 8.2 in the second round.

The runner-up was Hermine Wisser aboard the 13-year old Danish bred Struntze's Masterpiece (by Fjordglimit Mr Gipson x De Noir)). She twice totalled 7.7 points to finish on 15.4 points. Bronze went to Laurentien Paula Osterhoff aboard the 13-year old Flying Be (by Be Happy x Langaas Trinket). She scored 7.6 and 7.7 to finish on a total of 15.3 points.

The youngest competitor in the field, the 10-year old Lilly Kasselmann, placed sixth aboard the 8-year old Golden Clooney (by Golden State x Clooney) with 14.9 points.

“Maya impressed with harmonious rides, a very good seat, and a lot of feeling and overview,” praised national pony team trainer Caroline Roost. "The quality of the children and ponies in the final was remarkable. What was noticeable was that we had some very young talents, aged ten or eleven, who placed at the top. That gives us further hope for the future.”

Complete results here.