The 2005 European Dressage Championships at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen, Germany, kick off today with the vet inspection. All horses and riders arrived on Monday and Tuesday and have done their first training sessions in the many warm up arenas at Kasselmann’s.

It is interesting to see such a large group of million dollar horses gathered here. You see Salinero, Lingh, Lancet, Briar walk in the same ring and wonder how much value moves between A and C.

It’s raining in Hagen but that does not damper the spirits of the riders nor the fans, who are here from day one. It’s going to be a great event, rain or sunshine.

Tune into Eurodressage.com to get the latest from the scene.

Text and Photos by Astrid Appels