Stuttgart – The highlight on Thursday, “Baden Württemberg Day”, in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle is the annual BW-Bank Indoor Championship, the unofficial championship for the federal state’s riders under a roof. And the 32nd International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show proved to be no exception: 7,000 thrilled spectators in the evening session – 2,600 equestrian fans were in the arena for the two dressage classes and one jumping competition in the morning and afternoon – went wild after Timo Beck’s victory. After wins in 2000, 2002, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the 39-year old notched up his sixth victory with a faultless 39.00 second ride in the jump-off on his 11-year old stallion Habicht CR. One place behind him in second was Tobias Schwarz in the saddle on Good Live, a 12-year old Mecklenburg gelding (0/39.72) ahead of Andy Witzemann and Prinz, his eight-year old Hanoverian gelding (0/40.27).
“There wasn’t much between the riders today because the youngsters are challenging the established riders more and more,” said the “multi-champion of the BW-Bank Cup“ (Horse Show director Gotthilf Riexinger). “I’m today, so to say, an indoor champion without indoor facilities,” commented Timo Beck in allusion to the terrible fire in August which burnt down almost his whole stables.
“Big compliment as an interested layman,” said Stefan Schütz, the spokesman of the BW-Bank when congratulating the winner: “I never believed he’d go round quicker.” Timo Beck: “For me it was an advantage to ride last. The win was soothing for my soul.”
