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Darmstadt-Kranichstein. The major championship weekend at Hofgut Kranichstein has come to a close with high-level final competitions, impressive integration of para-equestrian sport, and a great response from riders and spectators alike. The Hessian Equestrian Federation, together with the Kranichstein Riding Club and the event organizer Kranichstein Events, hosted a tournament that combined sport, inclusion, and atmosphere.
Equestrian sport at the highest level – and with heart
“This is the best facility we have in Hesse for what we want to do here,” said Hendrik Langeneke, Managing Director of the Hessian Equestrian Federation. “Dressage, show jumping, both at a high level, plus para-dressage – we have ideal conditions here.” Not only the quality of the competitions, but also the supporting program – such as the evening cross-country jumping and the celebratory awards ceremony for the eight-person team – attracted numerous spectators.
“It’s important to us to offer equestrian sports to as many people as possible – from amateurs to top-level competitors,” said Langeneke. “Yesterday was our main day, today it’s all about the final competitions and championship awards. And the conditions here are ideal for that too – whether in the show jumping arena or on the dressage arenas lined with trees.”
A special moment of the tournament was the selection for the German Youth Championship – a significant stage both in terms of sport and emotion for many young dressage riders.
Para-dressage: Riding without exclusion
An equally important and moving aspect of the tournament was the integration of para-dressage into the championship framework. Cora Feldmann, responsible for inclusion within the association and chairwoman of RSV Rüsselsheim, proudly reported:
“We founded the Hessian para-dressage squad about two years ago – with six, and perhaps even seven members as of today. A new rider has expressed interest today in joining the squad.”
Feldmann emphasized that the para-athletes compete primarily for one reason:
"They simply want to ride. With fun, with ambition, with their horse. It's not about the disability, but about the sport. Just like with show jumpers or dressage riders in mainstream equestrian sports."
What seems commonplace in Kranichstein is still often the exception elsewhere. This is precisely where Detlev Müller in, himself a former para-dressage rider and now a coordinator active nationwide.
"What we are doing here is unique. It's not just about tournaments – it's about structure, visibility, and the connection to mainstream sports."
Müller is successfully introducing para-competitions into existing tournaments nationwide:
“This year, for the first time, we had 17 tournaments with para-dressage included – that’s never happened before.” He’s not only responsible for organization, but also for education:
“I often commentate on the competitions myself. Because the audience should understand what they’re seeing. What limitations are there, how are the grades structured – I want people to be able to understand what these riders are achieving.”
His passion is evident:
"Especially for those with severe disabilities, riding is often the only thing they can truly experience in life. And they persevere until they can no longer do it. That deserves the utmost respect."
Conclusion: A tournament that sets standards
Even though the final rankings have not yet been published at the time of reporting: The Hessian Championships 2025 at the Hofgut Kranichstein were a complete success – in sporting, organizational, and human terms.
“We have a strong field of competitors, strong spectator response and a clear signal: Equestrian sport in Hesse is open, professional and ready for the future,” summarizes Hendrik Langeneke.
