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Tradition meets progress at Schleswig-Holstein’s cult show

It all began more than 70 years ago – in 1951, the first horse show celebrated its premiere in the Holstenhallen Neumünster. Since then, traditions and equestrian sport have been cultivated and maintained here, first under Neumünster’s August-Christian Horn, later under the direction of Bettina and Paul Schockemöhle and their long-standing partner Ullrich Kasselmann. The next generation took over in autumn 2020 with Francois Kasselmann and the team at Horses and Dreams Entertainment GmbH. However, one thing has not changed: the VR CLASSICS Neumünster is one of the most atmospheric and diverse equestrian events that, despite its modernity, preserves the tradition and cultural heritage of the horse like a treasure.

FEI Dressage World Cup™

The FEI Dressage World Cup has been an integral part of the VR CLASSICS Neumünster since 1987, making it the longest-serving event in the worldwide dressage series. No stage is like Neumünster – the electric, expectant atmosphere in the packed grandstands is testament to the dressage enthusiasm in the Holstenhallen.

The Dressage World Cup starts on Saturday with the Grand Prix de Dressage. Only the 15 best pairs are allowed to compete in the freestyle with music on Sunday. The Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken Group, and VR Bank zwischen den Meeren in particular, has been a sponsor of the World Cup Freestyle since its premiere.

New from 2025: HGW-National Jumping Championship

The HGW National Young Rider Championships, named after the German riding legend Hans Günter Winkler, has been held since 1986 and is one of the most important youth championships in Germany. Every year, up to 25 young riders and juniors qualify nationwide through the qualifying tests in the state associations and through selection courses at the DOKR under the supervision of the national coach. The final consists of a warm-up test (medium (M*) level style jumping test) and the final competition (medium (M**) level style jumping test) with two rounds. The top four start in the second round with a change of horses – a special challenge that requires particular intuition and outstanding riding skills! The young rider champion is the pair with the highest score from both rounds.

Experts follow the HGW National Young Rider Championships with great interest – many of the winners from previous years are now established names in international equestrian sport, such as Daniel Deusser, Toni Hassmann, Mario Stevens and Jörne Sprehe, to name but a few.

Regions shine on Thursday

The magnificent show contest of the clubs, the iconic relay/team show jumping for horses and ponies, the Neumünster Horse City Championships for ponies, juniors and young riders in show jumping, as well as the Horse City Championships in dressage bring the best that the north has to offer to the Holstenhallen. This programme is complemented by the indoor eventing, which regularly takes place on Thursday evenings and ensures a fast-paced atmosphere. And a brand new event is the ‘Heartbeat Final’ organised by the district riders’ associations, who compete on Thursday in a team jumping class L.

Show contest of the Clubs

What began 30 years ago with a first attempt has developed into a veritable spectator magnet and is living proof of what the riding and driving clubs in Schleswig-Holstein can ‘get up to’: in 2025, the show competition of the riding clubs will continue a great tradition with its 30th anniversary.

The show competition is pure entertainment, amazement and admiration, laughter, joy and inventiveness. On Thursday, the riding clubs will enchant the audience with imaginative creations and skilful choreographies.

Shopping & Meeting Friends

The halls and foyer offer everything to do with horses, lifestyle trends, fashion and a wide range of catering. Younger guests can have fun in the children’s area. The warm-up arena is a popular meeting place for riders, breeders and horse people. Of course, you can also watch the professionals preparing. Thanks to the large video wall, you won’t miss out on the action in the arena!

Kids Zone

Bring your children with you! We have a children’s area for them in Hall 5. They love it!