The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg

What is the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby in Hamburg?

The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby in Hamburg is an annual horse show that has been held since 1920. It is one of the best known and most prestigious horse shows in the world and is one of the highlights of the international equestrian season.

The Show Jumping and Dressage Derby takes place at the Derby Park Klein Flottbek in Hamburg and usually lasts five days. During the tournament, some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world compete and show their skills on horseback.

The highlight of the Hamburg Derby is the German Show Jumping Derby, which is considered one of the most difficult competitions in show jumping. The course of the course is particularly demanding and contains, among other things, a legendary obstacle called "Pulvermann's Grave". The riders have to prove not only their skill and precision, but also the ability to lead their horses in difficult and unusual situations.

The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby is also known for its special atmosphere. Derby Park Klein Flottbek is a beautiful venue and offers spectators a unique backdrop for the tournament. Many fans travel from all over the world to experience the spectacle live.

The history of the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg

The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby in Hamburg is one of the best known and most prestigious horse shows in the world. Since 1920, some of the world's best show jumpers and dressage riders have competed against each other and demonstrated their skills on horseback. The tournament is one of the highlights of the international equestrian season and is an important date in the calendar of equestrian fans.

The history of the Derby goes back to 1920, when it was first held by the Hamburg Equestrian Sports Association. In the following years, the Derby became one of the most important horse shows in Germany and attracted more and more riders and spectators. During the Second World War, the Derby was interrupted and could not be held again until 1949. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Derby reached its heyday and attracted many international riders and horses.

Throughout the years many famous riders have have won the German Jumping Derby including Ludger Beerbaum, Franke Sloothaak, Paul Schockemöhle, Hans Günter Winkler and many more. The history of the Derby is closely linked to the development of equestrian sport in Germany and around the world and is sure to produce many exciting and unforgettable moments in the future.

The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby is not only an important date in the calendar of equestrian fans, but also an important economic factor for Hamburg. The tournament attracts many international guests every year and helps to promote tourism in the city.

The first winners of the German Spring Derby Hamburg

The first woman to win the Hamburg Derby in show jumping was Irmgard von Opel. She was a German show jumper and entrepreneur and granddaughter of the founder of today's Adam Opel AG. The German show jumper won the German Jumping Derby in 1934 with her Trakehner stallion Nanouk and was considered one of the best riders in the world in the 1930s. Irmgard von Opel died on May 20, 1986 and was buried in the Opel Mausoleum in Rüsselsheim am Main. Did you know? Her son Carlo von Opel founded the Chio Chips company in 1962 on the Petersau estate (acquired by Irmgard von Opel) with his mother's capital. His initials stand for Carlo, Heinz and Irmgard von Opel. 

Paul Heil

The winner of the very first show jumping competition in Hamburg was none other than Paul Heil with his horse Cyrano, who also finished second and third with two other horses in 1920. The German show jumper was a sportsman through and through, whether in the pentathlon, speed skating or rugby, everywhere he went he won. In 1900, through the cavalry, he found his love for equestrian sports and began first to race and then, from 1907, to ride in the Turin. The head of the Frankfurt Riding and Driving Club could look back on a successful career until his death in 1956.

Hans Günter Winkler

Everyone who has ever been to Warendorf knows the famous statue of Gans Günter Winkler's successful mare Halla standing in front of the DOKR. After Hans Günter Winkler won the 1955 Hamburg Derby in show jumping with her, the Hessian Warmblood mare carried the injured Hans Günter Winkler to victory at the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Even after his sporting career, he remained loyal to equestrian sports and created several projects to promote young riders. Such as the HGW Federal Young Riders' Championships for young show jumpers up to the age of 25, which was initially held as part of the Dortmund Westfalenhalle tournament and has been held as part of the Löwen Classics in Braunschweig since 2009. Winkler was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1975 and with a star in 2008, and in 2002 he received the award as the world's best show jumping rider at the Olympic Games as well as the Bambi media prize. The German showjumper also features in the Hall of Fame of German Sport, as he was one of the first athletes to be inducted into the newly established Hall of Fame in 2016. On July 9, 2018, the German show jumper Hans Günter Winkler passed away in Warendorf.

Who won the German Jumping Derby Hamburg last time?

Marvin Jüngel and Balou's Erbin win the German Jumping Derby Hamburg in 2023

At the age of 21 Marvin Jüngel from Zwickau won the Hamburg Derby 2023 in show jumping in show jumping. Only Alwin Schockemöhle was younger, winning the Derby in 1957 at the age of 19. Adorned with the blue ribbon and wreath, Marvin Jüngel galloped through the Derby Park in Hamburg with Balou's Erbin.

Cassandra Orschel won the 2022 Hamburg Derby in show jumping

At 91st German Jumping Derby in Hamburg Klein Flottbek (Germany), Cassandra Cassandra Orschel with Dacara E became the fifth woman in the 102-year history of the German Jumping Derby Hamburg history to secure victory, and she did so in her first start at the Hamburg Derby. The Hamburg-based rider will be back at the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg in Klein Flottbek in 2023.

2019: Nisse Lüneburg wins the 90th Derby in Hamburg with Cordillo

Nisse Lüneburg is not an unwritten leaf at the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg, already three times the German show jumper from Heitlingen could win the Hamburg Derby for himself. In 2012 and 2014 with the horse Calle Cool and most recently in 2019 with Cordillo. 

Matthew Sampson

With Gloria van Zuuthoeve, the Briton Matthew Sampson won the Hamburg Derby in 2018. Already in his youth showed Matt Sampson his potential for a promising career in show jumping. He achieved victories in pony classes at the Horse of the Year Show and even became European Champion in the under-18 age group. At 16, he completed a two-year apprenticeship with renowned show jumper and trainer Duncan Inglis before returning to Sheffield to run his own stable at his parents' equestrian center. One of the first horses that Matt was Chianti Classico, owned by his trainer Duncan Inglis.

Further winners of the German Spring Derby in Klein Flottbek

Many famous equestrian personalities have already ridden in Klein Flottbek at the Hamburg Derby, hardly surprising for a tournament that will be held for the 92nd time in 2023. Riders from all over Germany and also from abroad are attracted to Klein Flottbek by this event every year in May. Thus, many riders we also know from other top-class horse shows or even from Olympic Games already competed against each other in Hamburg. These are among others:

• Gilbert Tillmann
• Ludger Beerbaum
• Holger Wulschner
• Carsten-Otto Nagel
• Toni Hassmann
• André Thieme
• Hugo Simon
• Nelson Pessoa
• John Whitaker
• Alwin Schockemöhle
• Fritz Thiedemann
• Frank Sloothak

The German Dressage Derby Hamburg

The German Dressage Derby in Hamburg is an outstanding event in the international dressage sport. Since its foundation in 1955 the Derby has developed into a prestigious event that attracts the best dressage riders from all over the world. The history of the Deutsche Dressage Derby is marked by tradition, important riders and changes in the dressage sport.

The qualification and the final

For the German Dressage Derby the three most successful riders qualify in a series of qualifying tests. In the final, the riders have the task of presenting both their own horse and the horses of their competitors in a demanding advanced level dressage test with piaffe and passage. The riders' results are added together to determine the winner of the Derby.

The beginnings and first successes

The German Dressage Derby was first held in 1955 and quickly gained international recognition. In the first ten years, the dressage riders Willi Schultheis and Reiner Klimke dominated the Derby. They won the Dressage Derby a total of ten times and thus shaped the early years of the tournament.

Changes and challenges

In the course of time the German Dressage Derby had to deal with various challenges. In the 1990s, the Derby lost its importance and was moved to a new venue, which, however, did not receive the same attention as before. In addition, the horse change was abolished, which led to discussions and disagreements among dressage riders.

A realignment

In 1999, Paul Schockemöhle took over the position of Sporting Director at the German Jumping and Dressage Derby and brought a breath of fresh air to the Dressage Derby. He decided to reintroduce dressage and make the final a horse change. This decision was initially met with resistance as riders were concerned about the stress on the horses. To make the horse change possible, Ullrich Kasselmann always provided three horses from his stock.

The derby through the ages

The German Dressage Derby has gone through changes over the years to keep up with the needs and demands of dressage. New test series were introduced to introduce the younger generation of riders to the change of horses. In addition, the Dressage Derby received an international invitation to compete and special permission from the FEI to meet the standards of international dressage.

An event with tradition and future

Despite some challenges, the German Dressage Derby has maintained its place as one of the most important dressage events in international equestrian sport. The combination of tradition and innovative approaches has helped the Derby continues to enjoy great attention and recognition in the present day.

The fiftieth German Dressage Derby in 2009 marked a special milestone in the history of the event. A counting error meant that the anniversary was not officially celebrated until 2010 and the count was corrected from 2011. This underlines the long-standing continuity and importance of the derby.

The German Dressage Derby has also taken the opportunity to promote young talent and give them the chance to gain experience in competing with a change of horses. The introduction of the German Pony Dressage Derby for pony riders and the dressage tests for riders in the U25 age group with a change of horses has helped to prepare young talent for the demanding format of the Derby.

The history of the German Dressage Derby shows that the event has always evolved to meet the needs and expectations of riders, spectators and the sport of dressage. It is an event that combines tradition and innovation, bringing together the best dressage riders from all over the world every year.

The Hamburg Derby thus remains an integral part of international dressage sport and will continue to play an important role in the future. It is a platform where riders can demonstrate their skills and present the fascination of dressage to a broad public. With its rich history, unique format and outstanding importance, the German Dressage Derby will continue to capture the hearts of horse lovers worldwide in the years to come.

Which riders have won the German Dressage Derby?

• Reiner Klimke
• Klaus Balkenhol
• Isabell Werth
• Monica Theodorescu
• Madeleine Winter
• Willi Schultheis
• Karin Rehbein
• Heike Kemmer
• Kathleen Keller
• Anabel Balkenhol
• Emile Faurie
• Emma Kanerva
• Frederic Wandres
• Kathleen Kröncke

Who will be allowed to compete in the Hamburg Derby?

The German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby is an internationally renowned horse show that offers dressage and show jumping riders from all over the world the opportunity to participate. The field of participants includes a variety of riders, including established top riders, talented young riders as well as amateurs. In order to participate in the Hamburg Derby, riders must successfully complete certain qualifying tests. The exact requirements and criteria may vary from year to year and should be reviewed prior to the Derby. There are also age restrictions and special categories for up-and-coming riders to provide them with an appropriate platform to compete and gain experience in international equestrian sport. Entry requirements may vary depending on the rider's ability level to include professionals as well as amateurs and recreational riders. It is important to note that entry requirements may change from year to year to meet the evolving needs of the sport. Potential participants should regularly check the latest information and announcements to stay up-to-date. For more information on the Call for Entries you can here find.

Where can you watch the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg?

The anticipation is rising, because the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg is just around the corner again. From 17 to 21. May, Hamburg will become the hotspot of the equestrian world when the best riders and horses from around the world demonstrate their skills in breathtaking competitions. The entire event can be seen live on ClipMyHorse.TV can be followed. Immerse yourself in the world of equestrian sports and enjoy the excitement, the horses and the elegance of this unique event from the comfort of your own home.
ClipMyHorse.TV is not only available during the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg the ideal companion for equestrian sports fans. The portal offers a wide range of top-class equestrian events from all over the world. From the biggest tournaments to national and international championships and unique shows -. ClipMyHorse.TV is the platform that brings equestrian sports directly to the viewers. With informative expert commentary and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, you become part of the fascinating equestrian world.