Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus: A New Chapter at Gut Einhaus

Dressage

Germany

German Olympic team rider and his partner, professional rider Lars Ligus, will be taking the step to independence in January 2027 and move from Hof Kasselmann to Gut Einhaus in Herzlake, Germany.

They will be setting up their own training and sales stable as part of a new chapter in their life. Wandres and Ligus will focus on the long-term development of horses and riders for international sport. For both riders, the decision represents a new beginning as well as a natural progression in their careers.

Formative Years at Hof Kasselmann

The 39-year old Wandres rode for Hof Kasselmann from 2010 till 2012, before working at Gestut Bonhomme for two years. he joined the riders' team at Hof Kasselmann again in 2014 and worked his way up as the head rider of the high performance competition horses.

Wandres and Bluetooth at the 2024 Olympics

Wandres is one of Germany’s most successful dressage riders, having won medals and titles at all recent major FEI Championships as well as the German Championships. His first major success was aboard Zucchero, winning the gold at the 2019 World Young Horse Championships. His Grand Prix break through came aboard Duke of Britain, whom he rode on the bronze medal winning team at the 2022 World Championships in Herning. Aboard Bluetooth OLD he competed at the 2023 and 2025 European Championships, 2024 Olympic Games, and 2026 World Championships in Aachen, picking up three team gold medals and one team silver.

Lars Ligus joined the rider's team at Hof Kasselmann in 2017 and developed from working with young horses to producing horses through the levels all the way to Grand Prix. He has trained international clients through to championship level, successfully represented the stable at international shows, and competed for Germany in Nations Cups, while also producing several horses to medal-winning performances at the Bundeschampionate.

Lars on Veuve Clicquot at the 2025 CDI Hagen

Lars first joined Wandres at competitions in October 2018 and the pair struck a deep accord. They have been working closely as a duo ever since and are currently engaged to be married.

Both look back on many formative years at Hof Kasselmann, particularly under the guidance of trainer Insa Hansen. They will now bring the sporting and professional experience gained there into their shared venture.

“Hof Kasselmann has been my sporting home for many years,” said Wandres. “I am extremely grateful to the Kasselmann family for their trust, the exceptional horses and all the opportunities that have come with them. Ulli and Bianca have accompanied me throughout my career and played a defining role in my development. Taking the step into independence now feels like the natural progression.”

A Future Together, Ties with Hof Kasselmann Remain

The couple is excited to begin an independent future at Gut Einhaus, but will maintain a close bond with Hof Kasselmann.

“Frederic and I bring different experiences and strengths to the partnership, but we share exactly the same philosophy when it comes to working with horses and rider," said Ligus. “At Gut Einhaus, we have the opportunity to put these ideas into practice together. We are creating an environment where individual training, long-term development and professional sport come together in an exclusive setting.”

Several of their long-standing equine partners will also make the move to Herzlake. Among them are Bluetooth OLD and Veuve Clicquot FRH, who will continue their careers under the care of Wandres and Ligus at Gut Einhaus. The change of location does not mean leaving behind the close relationships built over many years in Hagen.

“Maintaining our close relationship and our personal and professional exchange with the Kasselmann family, and particularly with François Kasselmann, is very important to us and will continue to be so,” Wandres and Ligus emphasise.

Bianca and Ulli Kasselmann with Frederic
at the 2026 World Championships in Aachen

Ullrich Kasselmann views the next step for his long-standing riders positively: “Of course, there is a certain sense of sadness when two people who have been part of our operation for so many years decide to forge their own path, but for me, that is also part of their development. Frederic and Lars have grown both professionally and personally during their time with us and have represented Hof Kasselmann superbly on many international stages. We wish them every success, and our doors will always remain open to them.”

Gut Einhaus offers exceptional facilities for their plans, allowing Wandres and Ligus to continue their work in the same spacious and professional environment they have enjoyed at Hof Kasselmann. One of Europe’s most exclusive and prestigious equestrian facilities, the extensive estate in Lower Saxony provides outstanding conditions for the training and care of horses.