By Angelika Gruber
International Grand Prix Judge Martin Richenhagen shares his thoughts about Germany’s Bundeschampionat.
About BuCha
“Bundeschampionat” is German for “National Championship.” Every year this prestigious German com- petition is held for young horses and ponies of the ages of three, four, five and six to determine the best of the best in the nation. The competition is divided in several sections: riding horses (three and four year olds), jumping horses, dressage horse, event horses and driving horses (each five and six year olds). The three and four year old riding horses are further separated by gender into classes for geldings, mares and stallions.
The Bundeschampionat (also known as “BuCha”) began in 1976 awarding riding horses only and was held at dif- ferent locations each year. Eventually in subsequent years, the other disci- plines were added and the event grew larger. After 18 years of moving loca- tions, in 1994 the northern German town of Warendorf became the per- manent home of this popular annual young horse event. Warendorf is also the seat of the German Olympic Equestrian Committee (DOKR).
assess rideability, quality of gaits and potential. Horses in the other disciplines are tested accordingly. The German Equestrian Federation had lowered the official qualifying score for the finals in Warendorf to 7.8 last year, but rein- stated the previously required mark of 8.0 this year.
Mr. Martin Richenhagen at Applewood Farm in Georgia. Photo by Brad Thatcher.
The BuCha does not separate the horses by registered breed (Hanoverians, Holsteiners, Oldenburgs, etc.); in fact it’s always exciting for any breed organization to learn that one of their horses has won a BuCha medal! The competition requires tests over a period of several days, ending in a ceremony for all champions. Three and four year olds that have qualified in regional shows in Reitpferdeprüfung (Suitability for Riding Horses) compete in two qualifiers and – if qualified – they are ridden in a final class by two riders unfamiliar with the horse to
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One of the first successful BuCha hors- es was the unforgettable Westphalian- bred Ahlerich (by Angelo xx) who was Reserve Champion in the riding horse division in 1976 and later moved on to win German, European, world champi- onships and the Olympics in dressage under Dr. Reiner Klimke. Many other world class horses started their careers in Warendorf such as Rohdiamant (1993 Bundeschampion of riding hors- es) who gained international fame at the Grand Prix dressage level with Lisa Wilcox. Another example is the Trakehner Windfall who, ridden by Ingrid Klimke, placed second at the Bundeschampionat for event horses as a five year old, then won the title as a six year old and later became her reserve horse for the 2000 Olympics before placing 12th in the 2004
Olympics with U.S. rider Darren Chiacchia. These are just a few success stories.
Thus, every year, the Bundeschampionat as one of the most important breed shows in the country, attracts tens of thousands of visitors over four days, making it one of the most popular equestrian events not only in Germany but also in the world. Martin Richenhagen is one of many who make the annual trip to the small town of Warendorf on the first weekend in September.
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