Hippologica showcases equestrian sports from training to top-level competition

Damian and Dorian gallop in unison through the show ring in Hall 25. Michael Düsedau stands on top, with one foot on each horse's back. The fabric of his white harem pants flutters in the wind. When the stud farm manager from the Neustadt (Dosse) State Stud takes one hand off the reins and raises it in greeting to the visitors at Grüne Woche, enthusiastic whistles and cheers ring out from the audience.

What the two sport horses Damian and Dorian, bred at the Neustadt stud farm, and Michael Düsedau are performing is called “Hungarian Post.” The technique originated with Hungarian horse herders, known as Csikós, who guarded their herds on the vast plains of the Puszta. In order to have a better overview of the animals and the landscape, they developed the ability to stand on several horses at the same time and guide them.

Training at the Neustadt stud farm: from foals to paddock maintenance

“Hungarian Post” is one of the most demanding disciplines in equestrian sports," says Jörg Menge from the Neustadt (Dosse) State Stud. The Neustadt stud farm is one of the oldest and most important state stud farms in Germany with a tradition dating back over 230 years: it was founded between 1788 and 1791 on the orders of Prussian King Frederick William II and continues to shape horse breeding in the region to this day. It includes a renowned riding and driving school with a wide range of training and courses on offer. “Here, the apprentices experience the rearing of horses. They are allowed to be there when a mare foals and learn everything about paddock care in addition to riding,” explains saddle master Christian Dietrich. With four trainees, he will present a show program on several days of the fair.

In addition to training presentations and vaulting displays, the regional associations and stud farms will be showcasing different breeds and harnesses as part of the Hippologica Driving Art, including the “Presentation of the Giants.” The world's largest horse breed will be trotting around the ring: the British Shire Horse. With an average height of 170 centimeters to over two meters in some cases and a weight of often more than 1,000 kilograms, the British cold-blooded horse is considered the largest horse breed in the world.

Hippologica Grand Prix meets hobby horsing

Another highlight of the program is the sixth S** class show jumping competition – the final of the Hippologica Grand Prix (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.). Riders and their horses have been competing in the big indoor equestrian tournament in Hall 25 since Thursday. The demanding competitions range up to the advanced classes of show jumping and dressage.

But you don't need real horses to take part in hobby horsing. This trendy sport originated in Finland and is based on classic hobby horse riding. Participants complete dressage, jumping, and course exercises on a hobby horse, combining movements from equestrian sports with gymnastics and athletic elements. The sport is not just a playful hobby, but is practiced with a fixed set of rules and a competitive character, and is gaining more and more followers in Europe, especially among children, teenagers, and young adults. Hobby horsing will be presented for the first time at Grüne Woche on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the animal hall.