Holger Wulschner wins followed by Jessica Kürten and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum
The National Coach, Kurt Gravemeier, was one of the first to congratulate him in the pouring rain: Holger Wulschner from Rostock won the WARSTEINER Prize, Prize of Europe, at the World Equestrian Games, CHIO Aachen 2007. He rode to victory with his Holstein horse Clausen with a clear round in 53.63 seconds. The Irish rider, Jessica Kürten, who lives in Germany took second place with Quibell (54.78), and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum from Thedinghausen secured third place with Le Mans (54.98).
Question: Congratulations Mr. Wulschner. Was that your best result ever today?
Holger Wulschner: My horse has really been spoiling me recently, we have won three Grand Prix in the last 12 months. But this victory, especially in this setting here in Aachen, is great confirmation. Because Clausen’s owner gave me a lot of time over the past three years to work with the horse without putting me under pressure. He is he best horse I have ever had.
Question: You didn’t risk everything in the jump-off, your ride appeared to be more fluent than those of your fellow competitors?
Wulschner: Everything simply went really well, and because I had that feeling the whole time I didn’t want to risk too much in the end.
Question: How difficult was the course today as a result of the terribly wet weather?
Wulschner: Of course the weather conditions weren’t ideal, but the footing was absolutely perfect. I don’t think you would have been able to compete in any other stadium in the world in this rain.
Question: The National Coach Kurt Gravemeier embraced you euphorically after the victory. How do you rate your chances at securing a place in the team long-term in spite of the tough competition?
Wulschner: If Clausen continues to improve his performance, I think we do have a chance. But I am not making any demands at the moment and Kurt Gravemeier hasn’t mentioned anything in this connection.
Question: Mrs. Kürten, how satisfied were you at coming second?
Jessica Kürten: I am incredibly proud of my mare, she really outdid herself today. She is very sensitive to noise and usually lets the rain really influence her.
Question: Mrs. Michaels-Beerbaum, how difficult did you find the course today?
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum: Very difficult, but that was no surprise. The WARSTEINER Prize is always one of the most demanding competitions in Aachen. Especially today with a double oxer, an uphill water jump and further additional challenges. Then there was the rain as well. When the horses get water on their noses and in their ears, they shake their heads and lose their concentration for a few seconds. But these are situations that we have to handle.
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