RT Inhalt 2017 web_Leseprobe

Paul Schockemöhle, Jens Baackmann (GER) & Carmen, Holger Dahmen (Bemer), Prof. Dr. Martin Sagel (mauser) & Dr. Patrick Wilden (DKB)
Münster is a typical show for that region
of Germany and a celebration of
the Westphalian way of breeding and
riding horses. It’s also the fourth stage of the DKB-
Riders Tour and takes place at the city centre showground
on Schlossplatz in August. The show’s
larger-than-life hobby horses and big white marquees
that are visible for miles around effectively
communicate the fact that an equestrian event is
in progress. The CSI in Münster is special because
anyone can come along and watch the riders in the
main ring and the collecting ring, and they only have
to buy a ticket for one of the grandstands. Münster
also has a small but exclusive dressage programme
that even includes floodlit classes. The organisers
have plenty of hard-working helpers who are recruited
from the local riding club, which adds to the
show’s homely atmosphere.
4 th stage Münster
A “home win” for a Münster man
Turnier der Sieger in Münster
Jens Baackmann is the rider who won the fourth
stage of the DKB-Riders Tour. He’s a local from Münster
who was frustrated last year when he “only”
came second, so this year he was over the moon
when he won. Jens rode a clever second round in the
points class with his mare Carmen and it paid off
because they beat the rest of a very competitive field
including Swedish rider Peder Fredricson, European
Champion and Olympic silver medal winner, in second
place and Marc Houtzager who won team silver
at the 2012 Olympics in third place. The 32 year-old
local man had already made his intention clear in
the qualifying round, when he also ended up on the
winner’s rostrum, and now he’s shaken up the DKB-
Riders Tour leader board. Markus Beerbaum was
knocked out of pole position, Emanuele Gaudiano
moved down from second place and Austrian rider
Christian Rhomberg, who came fourth in the Grand
Prix, is now hot on the favourites’ heels. The series
has been won by an Austrian before – Thomas Frühmann
with The Sixth Sense. He was also the first
non-German rider to win the international series.
Jens Baackmann (GER) & Carmen
Gerrit Nieberg (GER) & Contagio
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Three questions, three answers – Jens Baackmann
Fotos: S. Lafrentz (4)
Jens Baackmann, now that you’ve won the fourth
stage in Münster, are you planning to compete in
Paderborn and Munich?
Baackmann: “I was already planning to compete
there before the win. They’re both great shows, two
of the best in Germany, and I wouldn’t miss them
for anything…”
The spectators were obviously rooting for you in the
second round. Do you notice that when you’re riding?
Baackmann: “Yes, but I still stay focused. You have
to concentrate when you’re riding Carmen because
she’s a very motivated mare and I had to check her
in a few places. So, as a rider, you’re more tuned in
to the horse than the noise from the grandstands.”
You seemed really delighted with your win. Are
you going to be celebrating?
Baackmann: “We haven’t planned anything but
we’ll probably do a bit of celebrating. It’s great winning
in your home town. There’s something special
about it that you don’t feel anywhere else and I’m
really enjoying it.”
RIDERS TOUR & MORE