On October 21–22, 2017, the Marburg-Biedenkopf District Equestrian Association held its four-event district championship at the Steinmühle.

The quadrathlon weekend began on Saturday morning under bright sunshine with the running events. A total of 21 children from seven riding clubs took to the starting line, divided into three different performance groups. While the Bambinis had to complete a 1,000-meter course, the Class E junior quadrathlon competitors faced a 2,000-meter course, and the Class A quadrathlon competitors tackled a 3,000-meter circuit. The race took place around the boathouse. After all participants and guests had refueled with a snack in the Steinmühle forum, the field set off at noon for the indoor pool in Wehrda. Here, they had to complete a 50-meter (25-meter for Bambinis) freestyle race against the clock. Exhausted but satisfied, the first day of the quadrathlon competition came to a close.

There wasn’t much time to catch their breath, as early Sunday morning all the participants gathered again—this time with their horses—at the Steinmühle for the two remaining equestrian events.

The 10 riders from Steinmühle, who had been thoroughly prepared by their trainer Beate Schridde in the run-up to the event, took to the arena highly motivated. After the opening ceremony led by District Administrator Kirsten Fründt, the dressage competitions began. Depending on the performance groups, riders competed in either a rider competition, an E-level dressage test, or an A-level dressage test. After a short lunch break, during which everyone had a chance to refuel, the show jumping began. Here, too, riders competed in either a show jumping competition, an E-level show jumping event, or an A-level show jumping event, depending on their age and performance group.

Overall, the riders from Steinmühle had a very successful competition. They took second place in the Bambini division, first place in the Junior Four-Event Competition, and second and third place in the Class A Four-Event Competition. The coach and the children were completely satisfied and happy.

It was once again a great four-event competition weekend for everyone involved, one in which—in addition to individual performances—the focus was above all on sportsmanship, fairness, and the shared enjoyment of the sport.

Link: Steinmühle Riding School

(2017 Olivia Vollhardt)