German Olympian Frederic Wandres went down on one knee and proposed to his long-time boyfriend Lars Ligus during their holiday in South Tirol on 29 October 2025. The couple both work at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen and are familiar faces on the dressage scene. Wandres (38) represented Germany at the 2022 World Championships, 2023 Europeans and 2024 Olympic Games, while Ligus (29) is competing internationally across the world on clients' horses.
Former Danish team pony Dot Com, an 18-year old Danish sport pony of unknown origin, has found another rider in Denmark after returning to DK in 2024 to be a schoolmaster for Rosa Laursen. He will now continue teaching the ropes to Rigmor Fossum Bladt.
KWPN breeder Willy van der Aa has passed away on 24 October 2025. From his breeding programme are the licensed stallions Next Level (by Jarville x Prestige VDL), Night Shadow (by Guardian x Florencio) and Olivier (NRPS, by Kingston x Florencio).
Less than a year into his move back "home" German professional Matthias Bouten is relocating again, this time to Gut Auric in Krefeld. Last based at Sabine Haag Molkenteller's Gestut Hohekamp in Dorsten, Bouten and his partner Vincent Arroyo will begin working out of Krefeld as of 1 January 2026.
Christopher Hall, OBE, TD, DL, Vice President of the London International Horse Show, has passed away. Christopher had been involved with Olympia since its inception in 1972 and was chair of the show from 2001 till 2010. Christopher was highly respected in the equestrian world as a commentator, a Steward of The Jockey Club, a Trustee of Racing Welfare, and for his time as Chairman of both the South of England Agricultural Society and World Horse Welfare.
Johan Fyrberg has decided to leave his position as Secretary General of the Swedish Equestrian Federation after only two years on the job. His last day in office will be June 30, 2026. "After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I want to leave and have therefore resigned myself. The board has high ambitions and now wants to start looking towards the next strategy towards 2035. I respect the board's direction, but with what lies ahead of us, I do not feel that I am prepared to enter into a new strategy process. Therefore, I believe that new leadership is needed going forward," said Fyrberg. Sandra Ruda, chair of the Swedish NF, commented, "Johan has led the association with great commitment during a challenging period and contributed to major and important progress in several areas, especially in matters related to safety and horse welfare." The recruitment process to find a new Secretary General will begin immediately.
On 4 November 2025 U.S. Olympian Robert Dover (69) successfully underwent heart surgery on two congenitally bad valves. Dover required to stay in hospital a little longer than expected due to arrhythmia post-surgery, but is now recovering well at home.