This year's regional competition of the Holsteiner young breeders was held on 29 and 30 April at the Holsteiner Verband facility by the Steinburg young breeders club. In addition to presenting a horse in-hand, disciplines at the competition included a theory test as well as conformation and free jumping evaluation.

On Saturday morning, the first day of competition began with the march-in of the teams and a welcome by the Holsteiner Verband's youth and new breeder representative, Frederike Schwarck, as well as the chairwoman of the Steinburg young breeders, Clara Butenschön. Afterwards, the theory test was written, followed by the free jumping. During this, five horses were evaluated by the participants, as well as two pre-evaluation horses where participants could ask the judges, Jos Muffels and Tjark Roll, questions regarding the scoring. This was followed by the conformation evaluation, where the young breeders assessed three horses and one pre-evaluation horse. Following a lunch break, the in-hand presentation for age groups 2 and 3 continued. 

Horses provided by private individuals were used for the in-hand presentation and conformation evaluation. For the free jumping, several three-year-old mares from the mare test were evaluated. A big thank you goes out to all horse owners and the Holsteiner Verband. The evening programme started with a communal meal in the adjoining foyer. Afterwards, various games were organised in the indoor arena, which included apple bobbing, wheelbarrow racing, and sack races. This allowed the participants to get into the perfect mood for the subsequent party.

On Sunday morning, the in-hand presentation for age group 1 continued. On this day too, the ponies were provided by private individuals, for which we would like to express our sincere thanks. This was followed by a guided tour of the Holsteiner Verband stallion stable. At 15:00, the prize-giving ceremony took place with many great prizes.

A huge thank you once again goes to all sponsors, helpers, the Holsteiner Verband, horse owners, judges, parents, and participants without whom this event would not have been possible. 

Annika Struwe

Winners and placed competitors:

AG 1 (up to 13 years)

1.   Lene Grossmann (Dith)
2.   Clara Gräfin von Platen-Hallermund     (OstHol)
3.   Alice Erdmann (Sege)
4.   Aven Johanna Rothmaler (BorPlö)
5.   Clara Werner (RenEck)
6.   Martha Becker (Stein)
7.   Charlotte Micheel (Stein)
8.   Luisa Larissa Sophie Hansen (Sege)
8.   Anna-Lucia Poppe (OstHol) 
10. Marta Frieda Kaspereit (Dith)

AG 2 (14 to 18 years)

1.  Jenna Haack (Stein)
2.  Lara Bicker (Stein)
3.  Emma Maron (Dith)
4.  Nane Grossmann (Dith)
5.  Gesa Dallmeier-Thießen (Dith)
6.  Marlene Gehrt (Stein) 

AG 3 (19-25 years)

1.  Johanna Hagemeister (StoLau)
2.  Eva-Maria Speck (StoLau)
3.  Laura Salwender (SchleFle)
4.  Annika Struwe (Stein)
5.  Rabea Franzenburg (Dith)
6.  Gesa Zywietz (StoLau)
7.  Lisa Hartmann (StoLau)
8.  Kaya Horn (Stein)
9.  Luise Völker (RenEck)

AG 4 (26 years and older)

1.  Matthes Stargardt (StoLau)
2.  Johanna Boysen (BorPlö)
2.  Kristina Hansen (SchleFle)
4.  Tine Garbers (Stein)
5.  Jana Preuß (Stein)
6.  Marie Zimmermann (Pinn)
6.  Merle Franziska Neumann (OstHol)
8.  Peggy Paschen-Aermes (OstHol)

Best whip handler:

AG 1  Lene Grossmann (Dith)
AG 2  Ruby Leiser (Stein)
AG 3  Wiebke Flick (Pinn)

Photo: Janne Bugtrup