A European Experience - Hagen, Germany
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Posted by Christy
HAGEN CDIO 5*



Their property spans over several 100 acres, 2 Dressage arenas and two showing jumping arenas. Every inch of the property was decorated with beautiful flowers and surrounded by stadium seating. The path to the Dressage arenas weaved its way through the private stables of the Kassellmens. There were several stables and various indoor riding halls that mimicked old European style cottages with white siding lined with natural wood trim.
Each year there is a different country chosen as the theme for the show. Last year it was an American theme where the Beach Boys were the main entertainment, and this year it was an Italian theme. There was a huge tent set atop one of the hills that provided the space for this year’s entertainment. Each night, starting Wednesday and spanning through to Saturday there was a different Italian- inspired event. There were opera singers, pianists, an Italian pop trio, and a DJ that provided all types of music for an enormous dance party. Riders, grooms, and spectators danced the night away.

As the weekend came to a close with the Grand Prix Kur and the Show Jumping Finals, several thousand people packed the stands for the final competition. Trying to maneuver the through the, hordes of people with a horse in hand was quite the adventure. As I continue my European experience, I am continually reminded how popular the equestrian sports are here in Europe. A family outing on a Sunday afternoon would entail a trip to the horse show to enjoy the competition along with great food and shopping. Families in Europe enjoy the weekend horse shows as American families enjoy basketball or baseball games. Hopefully, one day equestrian sports will be as popular in America as it is here in Europe.

Related Articles:
[#25623 override="A European Experience - S'Hertogenbosch" title="A European Experience - S'Hertogenbosch"][#25539 override="April 24 - 26, 2009 CDI3* Hagen (Germany) 2009" title="April 24 - 26, 2009 CDI3* Hagen (Germany) 2009"] - Results