Danish Equestrian Federation Excludes Anders Hoeck for 2026

Dressage

Denmark

The Danish equestrian federation announced today that it will be excluding Danish rider Anders Hoeck from its federation. He not got a rider's licence in 2026, which means he won't be able to compete at DEF events in 2026.

"Consideration for horse welfare in the sport has been, among other things, decisive for the DRF's decision, as has the security of the DRF's other members when participating in DRF-related events," the federation stated.

The background to the decision is an overall assessment of Anders Hoeck's behavior and the consequences it has had.

Suspension and Lawsuits

In the summer of 2023 Danish dressage rider Anders Uve Sjøbeck Hoeck got suspended for one year from all Danish warmblood related competitions and events following a disciplinary hearing on 31 August 2023 held by the DWB disciplinary committee. Hoeck got disqualified from participating in the Danish warmblood Region 2 mare saddle test on 19 August 2023; where technical delegate Birgitte Tribler wrote in her report that Hoeck's riding in the warm-up was "violent and unacceptable."

Hoeck served his one-year suspension from Danish warmblood activities, but he was still allowed to compete at Danish national events and CDI's as they fall under DRF jurisdiction. In the summer of 2025 he won silver at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden on Brandtbjergs Divya. He also won the 4-year old division on Søbakkehus Miss Malfoy at the 2025 Danish Young Horse Championships.

Meanwhile the family decided to sue Tribler as a private individual in civil court for for libel under Section 269 of the Danish Penal Code on defamation. Two hearings took place in court and the judge ruled on 26 November 2025 and acquitted Tribler of libel.

Hoeck is appealing the decision in the higher court.

Exclusion from DRF

The Danish equestrian federation has now decided to exclude Hoeck from all participation in DRF activities and events until the end of 2026.

"In all equestrian sports, the welfare of the horse must take precedence over all else, and the welfare of the horse must take precedence over the interests and wishes of the breeder, trainer, rider, owner, horse dealer, event organizer, sponsor and official," DRF stated. "It has become clear to DRF that Anders Hoeck's approach to this is not in accordance with DRF's values and ethical guidelines."

DRF continued, "The Danish Equestrian Federation takes very seriously cases that can damage the reputation of equestrian sport, create insecurity among officials and make it difficult to hold competitions and other events. With this decision, we want to ensure the welfare of horses in our sport, protect the TDs and other officials, maintain a well-functioning competition environment and protect the reputation of the sport."

At the end of the year it will be reconsidered whether Anders Hoeck can again gain access to the federation's activities.

Danish Warmblood Follows Suit

Also the Danish Warmblood Society (DWB) is following suit and posted after DRF's announcement that it will mirror the exclusion for 2026.

According to the DWB "General Regulations", the DRF regulations apply to all Danish Warmblood Association events. Therefore, Anders Hoeck will not be able to participate in events under the Danish Warmblood Association during the period in which the exclusion from the DRF is in effect.

The 22-year old Anders Hoeck runs the well known stallion station and sales and training facility Hesselhoj in Denmark together with his father Hans Jorgen Hoeck.