Stuttgart – The Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle and Porsche Arena hall duo in the NeckarPark Stuttgart complex has been dominated by equestrian sport since Wednesday. And the International STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS Horse Show success story has been continued by its 25th edition. Both the organisers and the main sponsors appeared extremely pleased with the way things have gone at the traditional closing press conference held before the show’s highlight, the ROLEX FEI World Cup JumpingTM Grand Prix of Stuttgart – presented by Mercedes Benz and the BW-Bank on Sunday.
Andreas Kroll, CEO of the in.Stuttgart Veranstaltungsgesellschaft: “We’ve enjoyed an anniversary show with a spine tingling atmosphere throughout. 58,500 spectators, at the present moment in time, is, in view of the month-long doping debate and the world economic crisis, an excellent figure. The atmosphere was fantastic as were the performances of the riders and horses.” The anniversary horse show began with a unique show evening in front of a sell out crowd. “It shows that the mix of equestrian sport and individual show elements is very popular with the spectators,” continued Kroll.
The 25th horse show is also a special event for the main sponsors, Mercedes-Benz and the BW-Bank. Both have been supporting the show ever since its first year and have been involved in the development of the event right up to its present world class status.
Manfred Rube, spokesman of the Baden-Württembergische Bank: “It was again a perfect show and a great event for the public. We’re very glad that we’ve remained loyal to the STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS for the past 25 years. We knew we were taking a risk when we started our sponsoring involvement but it’s paid off. Especially for our BW-Bank Cup, where we concentrate on developing and supporting our state’s up and coming riders.”
Hans-Michael Huber, the managing director of the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Stuttgart, was highly pleased with the “big demand” amongst his customers. “We are very proud of this successful partnership. The sponsorship is well-received and we’re also looking to continue the show’s development.” Both Manfred Rube und Hans-Michael Huber confirmed that they were very confident going into the upcoming sponsorship negations. The STUTTGART GERMAN MASTERS is after all very dear to their hearts.
Horse show director Gotthilf Riexinger and the technical director Hauke Schmidt thanked, above all, the whole organising team and the helpers. “I’ve caused them a lot of bother this year what with all the work building and dismantling the courses and dressage arena,” said Riexinger. But it was well worth it. “We’ve had lots of positive reaction from all over the world,” he continued. The show director naturally felt the winning ride of Edward Gal on his Totilas was the top highlight by far. Gal enjoyed it so much here in Stuttgart that he has already said he would like to come again in 2010. Organisers, sponsors and the promoters are all agreed: “There’s no better indoor show than Stuttgart!”
