POSTCARD Taking part in the German Friendship Games
At the end of July, Australian riders, Lucy Evans (NSW) and Jessie Rice-Ward (NSW) were invited to the ‘Bexter Hof’ grounds in Herford, Germany to compete in the German Friendship Games. Rebecca Rice-Ward, Jessie's mom shares their experience ...
"They invited 23 international Children (12-15yo) and 27 international Juniors (15-18 yo) to be paired up with a German rider. Both girls competed in the Junior category. The German rider was required to bring two horses, one for themselves and one for their international partner. They had riders from 27 different countries including China, India, Egypt, Russia, Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, Canada to name a few. The Games are held every two years and have been going for 20 years now.
The first day the competitors met their partner and had a ½ hour riding session to get to know their horse. On the second day, the girls and their partners each had a group lesson with a leading professional rider. The third day consisted of the girls riding by themselves to further cement a relationship with their horse.
The teams had three rounds of competition over three days to decide the overall winning team. Both girls rode their selected horses very professionally and acquitted themselves well. Interestingly enough, Jessie’s German partner Constanze Nachtsheim rode an Australian horse (Warrego Jericho). They did extremely well receiving a 4th, 8th and a 2nd in the Final Grand Prix placing in the 3 rounds to be 3rd overall placed team. Lucy and her partner, Emily Klasener whilst did not get any rosettes, rode well considering they were riding young green horses.
The event is very spectacular with many trade stands and many different food stands. They have an opening ceremony where the young competitors come into the arena with their country banner to their chosen music. All the riders hand over a horse shoe which is made into a huge globe of the world.
At the end of the Games they have a closing ceremony to say goodbye and award the successful teams and individuals on the podium. This time the riders come into the arena again but also with their German partner.
The girls had such a good time meeting the other youngsters from around the world. Each night there was entertainment and parties, a great time for the kids to get to know each other more and have a sing and dance. The experience was something they will never forget and the friendships made will continue."
Rebecca Rice-Ward
Discover more about this event on http://german-friendships.com/
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