Groom for Jose Ignacio Solana Marti (ESP) at the Horse Inspection of the FEI Driving European Championship and FEI Para Driving World Championship - Lähden (GER) ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

Combining Driving Championships means that an array of types, breeds and sizes of horses and ponies gather together for the inspection trot-up, and in Lähden on Wednesday morning all 251 of them were passed as ‘fit to compete’.

It was an early start for the 28 Para Drivers as they were first forward in front of the judges and vets. There was an air of calm efficiency as each athlete presented their horse or pony, with the assistance of a groom, for the trot-up. At the same time in the other inspection lane, the 18 Single Horses were shown ahead of their CAIO event which takes place at the same time.

There was a short break before a burst of activity and the trot-up for the Four-in-Hands, each athlete presenting five, often excitable, horses. The clatter of many hooves on paved tracks made an atmospheric display as horses danced on the ends of their handlers’ reins.  

Final preparations

Meanwhile, in the adjacent grass arena where the Dressage will be held, the judges’ boxes were being hoisted into position and beyond that, the obstacles were busy as routes and alternatives were being planned for Saturday’s Marathon.

Course designer Jeroen Houterman (NED) has been involved in the international event at Lähden on several occasions, but he admitted that he was still positioning his letters until quite recently, having started on site two weeks ago. Using both the fixed obstacles that are already in place at the venue, and mobile obstacles, he has to juggle the different requirements of the Para Drivers, Singles Horses and Four-in-Hands. 

“Always, it’s horse welfare that is the most important factor in the designs. It has been challenging to present obstacles with enough options for longer or shorter routes, and with enough difficulty, while being fair to all the classes.”

Course Designer, Jeroen Houterman

(NED) 

A family feel

The Sandmann family have been hands-on from the get-go in organising the event, although they attribute the success of everything that happens at PSG Lähden to the experienced team around them. It was CHIO Aachen (GER) that inspired them to do something similar in Lower Saxony, and over the years they have gone from national to international events, to hosting a World and European Championship. But beyond the team on site, there is enthusiastic support from the village and municipality, and local groups who will contribute to the 250 or so volunteers, many of them helping on the Marathon.

Like her father Christoph, Anna Sandmann (GER) will also be representing Germany with her Four-in-Hand, hot on the heels of being at the FEI World Championship for Horse Pairs – the only athlete in the field to have been at both Championships. She has also achieved the accolade of being on both national teams, which is rare distinction because the German selectors have a broad range of experience and talent to choose from. She recently became the German national Four-in-Hand Champion, beating her teammates and father to take the title.

Admitting that she has a lot to think about with several roles, plus 16 horses being kept competition-fit between herself and her father, she says, “The good thing is that we have already competed and run the international event here in Lähden a few times before, most recently in May when we had 190 competitors. So, on one hand this is a big event, but on the other hand there are less competitors, and we are used to doing both.”

The feedback from the Drivers, particularly in the Four-in-Hand class, is that the obstacles are well thought out and will be suitably demanding for them. Everyone agrees that the layout of the arenas and obstacles, in close proximity to each other, means that it is great for the sport and the spectators, because so much can be seen at the same time. Crucially, for sponsors and those who support the event, to have their input seen by as many participants as possible is a factor in building future success in Driving.

Ultimately, this is an event run by Drivers, who first and foremost understand the needs of other Drivers and their horses. The Sandmanns and their experienced team at PSG Lähden have prioritised factors like providing large, easily accessible training areas and grandstands that enhance the viewing experience for spectators. It promises to be an excellent event for all.

The Dressage starts at 9.00 am on Thursday morning with the Grade 2 Para athletes, followed by the Grade 1 Paras at 11.15 am; the Single Horses start at 2.30 pm and the Four-in-Hands will be on Friday. 

Live coverage will be on FEI TV.