The youngest Olympic jumper Reed Kessler: “I’ve always wanted to ride in Stuttgart”

In the mix for World Cup points at the 29th International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show is the young American Reed Kessler: “I’ve only been here in Europe for a short time. I’m very happy and lucky to be here in Stuttgart,” explained the ambitious woman rider who went on to say, “I’ve always wanted to ride here.” The 19-year old has been based at Markus Ehning’s stables in Borken, north Germany for the past six weeks and is hoping her time there will turn her into a “well-rounded rider”. Continuing she told the press conference in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle: “I love living in Germany and I plan to stay here some years.”

<iframe width="500" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rx1Rpf-K4Ug" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Another rider battling for World Cup points is “local hero” Hans-Dieter Dreher: “Coming from Baden Württemberg, I’m doubly proud to be riding here in Stuttgart. Dreher will saddle the 12-year old mare Embassy II, the 11-year old Holstein Colore and the nine-year old Holstein Lacidos. “I rode Lacidos for the first time yesterday and was very satisfied,” said the pleased German.

Also looking to do well in Stuttgart is the world No. 1 and Olympic champion Ben Maher from Great Britain: “I’ve brought my best team of horses here as I want to try to be competitive.” After the opening class for foreign jumpers he commented wryly: “It’s nevertheless nice to have a jumping competition without any Germans taking part.”