12 Jun Future Champions 2024: “The best start you could ask for”
(Hagen a.T.W.) Future Champions 2024 kicked off today in the show jumping arena. The winner of the young riders’ opening competition presented by ALLSPAN GERMAN HORSE was Henry Squibb from Great Britain. Squibb remained clear with the black stallion Kimba Kasino in the fastest time of 56.65 seconds. It is his first start in Hagen and an opening success that the young Brit would certainly like to repeat in the coming days: ‘This is the best start you could ask for. It’s nice to come from England and start the show with a win. It’s a great feeling. Kimba Kasino always has fun jumping, he bucks and enjoys the challenge. I couldn’t be more proud of him today. Hagen is a nice show and I’m happy to be here. I have two horses with me, but he is the faster one. We know each other very well.” Second place went to Clémentine Lux (BEL) with Cash de L’ Ecuyer in 60.08 seconds. The best German rider was Fynn Jesse Hess on Centurano in a clear 61.20 seconds.
Long journeys and horses on loan
Young riders will take centre stage at the ‘Future Champions’ until Sunday. Germany’s only Nations Cup show for young riders in the pony (U16 on ponies), children (U14 on large horses), juniors (U18) and young riders (U21) age groups has been held at Hof Kasselmann since 2011. A total of eight Nations Cups are therefore on the programme for the 350 riders from 25 nations. Many of them have travelled a long way: the Finnish team, for example, has been on the road since last Saturday, while the Australian participants are allowed to compete on horses made available to them for logistical reasons. Alongside the European Championships and other national championships, Future Champions is the highlight of the season for many riders, so no effort is spared to get to Hof Kasselmann on time. Rosemary Heagney from Melbourne is thrilled about the unique opportunity to take part in an international show like Future Champions: ‘I’m competing for Australia in the Young Riders division and have travelled a long way. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s an incredible experience to be able to compete here. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us with the organisation, especially the owners who have made their horses available to us. So far I’ve only had five rides on my horse… Lots of lessons, a protocol day with a judge and planning a dressage freestyle. It’s been all about getting to know your horse and getting ready to do well here. We want to make sure that we do the horses and our country justice. “
3rd Hof Kasselmann & Schockemöhle Hybrid Auction
Spectators are welcome and admission is free on all days! In addition to top sporting action, the Hof Kasselmann event also offers a small shopping mile including a range of food and drink. On Friday evening, 14 June, there will also be a hybrid auction with eight promising young dressage horses and seven talented show jumpers. The collection can be viewed at https://www.hofkasselmann-auction.com/de. Bidding has been open online since today.
Henry Squibb (GBR) and Kimba Kasino won the young riders’ jumping competition presented by ALLSPAN GERMAN HORSE on Wednesday © Photo Dirk Rüchel