Frederic Wandres: From school horses to Olympic dreams

Frederic Wandre's career

Frederic Wandres, born on March 25, 1987 in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, is a German dressage rider whose path to top-class sport began unconventionally. Growing up in a family with no affinity for equestrian sports, he discovered his passion for horses through friends at elementary school. Instead of the usual junior tour, Wandres started his career on school horses. A decisive moment was when he received the Brandenburg horse Calypso from his father. As an unridden three-year-old, Calypso accompanied Wandres on his first dressage and show jumping competitions up to class A.

Before he was able to devote himself fully to equestrian sport, Wandres completed his A-levels and trained as an industrial clerk. In 2008, he completed an apprenticeship in horse management at Ulrich Kasselmann's renowned stables in Hagen a.T.W.. A short stay at Bonhomme Stud in Werder interrupted his time in Hagen, but he returned in 2015 and began his rise in dressage.

Wandres in Wellington

Wellington is known for its luxurious equestrian facilities and high density of prominent riders and the wealthy. The equestrian stronghold has all the amenities a rider could wish for, including extensive riding trails and an infrastructure tailored to the needs of horse and rider. 

Like many riders, the German dressage rider is drawn to Wellington during the winter months. Frederic Wandres' stay in Wellington is a strategically smart decision that offers both professional and personal benefits. The first-class training and competition conditions, participation in the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Kasselmann family's modern base, the networking opportunities and successful competition participation make Wellington an ideal location for Frederic Wandres. 

Despite the first-class conditions, the time in Florida was challenging. The day starts early to give the horses the best training conditions before the temperatures get too high. In addition to the daily training, Wandres and his team also have to take care of all other aspects of horse care and management.

Routine, rituals and top performance

Everyday life in the stable

His day at the stables begins early in the morning, at 7 a.m. - a routine that is as indispensable to him as coffee is to others. Caring for horses is not just work, but also a passion that accompanies him throughout the day. Between 12 and 15 horses, from curious three-year-olds to experienced Grand Prix horses, Wandres masters the task every day with the support of his team. Each training session is precisely planned and tailored to the individual needs of each horse in order to face the next competition with maximum preparation. 

Lucky charms and rituals

Superstition is just as much a part of Frederic Wandres as his horse equipment. Small rituals and a lucky charm - handmade by his boss's daughter - are his secret weapons before every competition. These special little things help him to focus on the essentials and find the mental strength he needs for the challenges of competition. They are not just superstition, but a personal symbol of confidence and preparation.

Dealing with pressure and defeats

The pressure in top-class sport is enormous, and Frederic Wandres is no exception. In an interview, he mentioned that he initially had to fight with himself not to be overwhelmed by the constant tension. But instead of being overwhelmed by the high expectations, he accepted the challenge. A clear message from his boss was the key to facing the pressure calmly and concentrating on the essentials. Nervousness is normal for him, but he has learned to transform this energy into focused performance. When he loses, he keeps a cool head and analyzes the situation with realistic objectivity in order to do even better next time.

And our experts from the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy will tell you how to keep a cool head in the following video:

Career highlights and greatest successes

Wandres made his breakthrough with the gelding Duke of Britain FRH. He won the first Louisdor Prize in 2017 and finished fifth in the final in Frankfurt at the end of the year. From 2018 onwards, the pair collected numerous Grand Prix successes. In 2022, Wandres was runner-up in both the Grand Prix Special and the freestyle at the German Championships. At the Nations Cup in Aachen, they delivered the best result for the German team and secured their first championship nomination for the World Championships in Herning, where they won team bronze.

In 2023, Wandres once again competed in the German team at the European Championships in Riesenbeck, this time with the Oldenburg stallion Bluetooth OLD. They won the DM silver medal in the freestyle and the silver medal in the team competition at the European Championships.

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Frederic Wandre's successful horses

Frederic Wandres has achieved significant success with various horses over the course of his career. These horses have not only helped him to win national and international titles, such as the team gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, but have also cemented his reputation as an outstanding dressage rider. 

Each of these horses has its own story and has contributed in a unique way to making Frederic one of the leading dressage riders in the world. With his dedication and talent, Frederic is sure to achieve further significant successes with these and new horses in the future.

Here are some of Frederic Wandres' most notable successful horses:

Duke of Britain FRH

Year of birth: 2007
Sex: gelding
Breed: Hanoverian
Pedigree: Sire: Dimaggio, dam: Rotspohn by Rubinstein I

Duke of Britain is an imposing Hanoverian gelding who captivates with his elegance and impressive presence in the dressage arena. He has achieved numerous successes at the highest level with Frederic Wandres. Duke of Britain is characterized by his high quality of movement and his willingness to work.

Achievements:

• Louisdor Prize 2017: Duke of Britain and Frederic won the first station of the Louisdor Prize in Hagen, which marked the breakthrough in their joint career.
• Grand Prix victories from 2018: The pair achieved numerous victories in Grand Prix competitions, establishing themselves at the top of international dressage sport.
• German Championships 2022: Frederic and Duke were runners-up in the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle.
• Nations Cup Aachen 2022: With an outstanding performance in the Nations Cup, they secured the best result for the German team and received their first championship nomination.
• World Championships Herning 2022: The team won the bronze medal, although Duke of Britain was unable to finish the World Championships due to injury.

Duke of Britain is known for his special bond with Frederic and his consistent performance at the highest level.

Bluetooth OLD

Year of birth: 2010
Sex: gelding
Breed: Oldenburg
Pedigree: Sire: Bordeaux (NLD), dam: Lorena von Riccione

Bluetooth OLD is a talented Oldenburg gelding who stands out with his powerful and supple movements. He had already impressed under various prominent riders before joining Frederic Wandres in 2020.

Achievements:

• CDI4 Aachen 2022:* Bluetooth OLD and Frederic prevailed against strong competition and achieved impressive results.
• European Championships Riesenbeck 2023: The pair secured the silver medal with the German team and achieved excellent individual placings.
• German Championships 2023: Frederic and Bluetooth OLD won the silver medal in the Freestyle and the silver medal in the Grand Prix Special.
• Olympic GamesParis 2024: Team Gold

Bluetooth OLD is known for its versatility and its ability to continuously improve.

Calypso

Sex: Gelding
Breed: Brandenburger
Special feature: Acquired unridden as a three-year-old

Calypso was the first important horse in Frederic's career. He was purchased by Frederic's father as an unridden three-year-old and formed the basis for Frederic's early success in equestrian sport. Calypso gave Frederic his first placings in dressage and show jumping up to advanced (A) level.

Calypso was the horse that awakened Frederic's passion for dressage and paved the way for his successful career.

Wandre's Olympic dream 

In 2022, the dressage rider mentioned that he would like to take part in the Olympic Games one day. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Wandres was able to demonstrate his skills and live up to expectations on the sport's biggest stage. He won the gold medal in the team competition together with his teammates Isabell Werth and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. 

With the team Olympic victory in Paris, Frederic Wandres has reached a significant milestone in his career. But for him, this is not the end of his journey, but a new beginning. We are already excited to see where his further journey will take him and will be there live when the dressage rider takes part in the next tournaments.

Conclusion

Frederic Wandres' career is an inspiring journey from humble beginnings to the highest peaks of international dressage. What began as an unconventional start in a non-equestrian family has developed into a remarkable career characterized by dedication, talent and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

The path from school horses to early successes with Calypso to international successes with Duke of Britain FRH and Bluetooth OLD shows Wandres' extraordinary development and tireless commitment. Of particular note is his recent triumph at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he won the team gold together with Isabell Werth and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. This victory represents a highlight of his career and demonstrates not only his technical brilliance, but also his ability to shine on the sport's biggest stage.

The decision to focus on the winter season in Wellington and the daily routines that reflect his precise and passionate work in the stable underline his professionalism and dedication. Wandres' handling of pressure and defeat demonstrates his mental strength and strategic thinking that has made him one of the leading dressage riders in the world.

With the team gold medal in Paris, Frederic Wandres has reached a significant milestone, but his journey is far from over. His success is not only a result of hard work and exceptional horsemanship, but also a testament to his constant development and striving for new heights. The equestrian world can look forward to the next chapters in his impressive career.