The Hanoverian Verband has some suggestions for your idyllic holiday this European summer:
Long days and lovely sunshine inspire people to make plans for the most beautiful time of the year. Summer is in the air, and many people use the holidays to travel southwards, to the sea or to well-known cities all over the world. But all those who have already visited an event on the premises of the Hannoveraner Verband in Verden know that it is not necessary to leave the countryside for unforgotten experiences. Immersing into the colourful world of equestrian sport and horse breeding – the Riders Town of Verden provides this opportunity once a year in summer.
Team spirit, diversity and title defence
There is already lots of activity on the outside facilities on Lindhooper Straße at the end of June. White tents are erected, a path made of wooden chips covers the lawn and the arena in the stadium is filled with sand. These are all obvious signs that the next big event is soon to come. Riders from Pferdesportverband Hannover (equestrian sport association Hanover) meet in Verden from July 11 – 15 for the Lower Saxony Championships. Both young and experienced top athletes gather for five days to compete in dressage and show jumping tests up to the advanced level. The competitions are not only designed for the individual horse-rider duos. Team spirit and diversity are requested in the team competitions. Individually nominated team members will not only participate in the team dressage test, but also show up in the show jumping arena. Highlight will be the novice level cross country test that will lead the riders across the spacious event grounds. But anyone thinks that Verden only offers equestrian sport in July, is wrong: Promising futurity prospects will also show up at the Verden auction for riding horses and foals that will be held parallel to the tournament. Everybody will be able find his or her perfect match, whether future national champion or companion for a lifetime.
Futurity prospects, top sport and atmosphere
“No sport without breeding,” is the credo of Carsten Rotermund, head of the Organizing Committee of the international riding tournament that is held two weeks later. Verden International combines these two aspects of equestrian sport like hardly any other event. It starts with the best three-year-old mares that compete at the Herwart von der Decken-Show. The free jumping under the open sky is a special highlight and is only presented in this form in Verden. Young horse development classes, combined with international advanced level sport can be watched the following days. The best three- and six-year-old Hanoverian horses are presented in the Hanoverian Championships. Highlights are the finals when the new Hanoverian riding, dressage and show jumping champions will be celebrated. Riders and teams from many different nations participate in the international show jumping and dressage tests to prepare for following championships. The youngest Hanoverians will be presented in the Niedersachsenhalle when the auction will start at 6pm on Friday and Saturday and the theme will be: “Going, going, gone!” With all the exciting competitions and the thrilling atmosphere, breaks are a necessity. There will be culinary delights offered on the market place in the centre of the premises, and the white city of tents invites to stroll around.
Passion, infotainment, variety
Following competitive sport and international top athletes, popular sport will be in the focus at the end of August. VERDIANA is an event for the whole family. True to the theme “horses and dogs”, there will be big and small four-legged partners on the huge racetrack area. Infotainment is the key: There will be seminars and expert discussions besides presentations on different subjects. A theatre invites children and adults to participate and slip into the role of an actor. Rideability and scope are not the only important features at the nationwide championships for pleasure horses – rider and horse also have to show composure and skills when completing the demanding course with barrier tapes and tarps. There are also Iceland horses spending the weekend with their owners on the racetrack. Friesian and heavy horses set off for their presentations and shows with their impressively dressed riders. An interesting, varied event you shouldn’t miss.
Take your time to enjoy the fascinating racetrack area and the unique atmosphere at the different events in Verden. Visit the Riders Town and experience an unforgottable summer 2018. For more information, click on www.hannoveraner.comand www.verden-turnier.de.
Verden Auction on July, 13/14 – Sport Horses and Foals
