Presseübersicht
(acm/mps) On Friday morning, Ellen Schulten-Baumer (Rheinberg) on Gina Royal won the finale of the Piaff-Förderpreis, which again was part of the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS, the international riding and show jumping competition, with 1441 points. For the third time in a row, the 24-year old was able to be successful in this top class young riders’ test ahead of Carola Koppelmann (Kehdingen) on Le Bo (1365) and Hubertus Hufendiek (Herford) on Ussaro (1361). “In the end, everything just went right for me“, explained the beaming winner. And also Holger Schmezer, the Federal coach, pointed out that Schulten-Baumer was not necessarily one of the title’s top favorites before the finale in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle. “Today’s victory was clear, but also a bit surprising, due to the fact that Carola Koppelmann was the actual favourite. But it is remarkable that Ellen was able to keep calm in such a finale.”
Klaus Rheinberger, the chairman of the Liselott Schindling Stiftung, was very satisfied with the development of the Piaff-Förderpreis: “The start three years ago was a bit uncertain, we are very happy about how this price has developped since. It is fantastic that we are able to carry out this finale in such a wonderful atmosphere here in Stuttgart.“ According to Rheinberger, top dressage sports is shown in the capital of Baden-Württemberg which enables to lead young stars to the top. “I have seen again this year that the idea and the development of the Piaff-Förderpreises have been a great push. It is a big chance for the young riders to approach the Grand Prix level”, confirmed Dr. Uwe Schulten-Baumer, the successful trainer.
Therefore, it seems certain
that the proven series will be staged again in 2004. And Holger Schmeyer
announced a further increase of the level. The special test S9 which has
been ridden as the final test this year, will be already required in the
qualification next year, the finale will consist of a short Grand Prix
and a freestyle which will be scored in a 1:1 ratio, explained the Federal
coach.