01 Jul German Para Dressage Coach Silke Fütterer-Sommer: “Hagen provides the perfect setting for our final fine-tuning”
(Hagen a.T.W.) Alongside the international dressage competitions, the world’s leading Para Dressage athletes will also gather at Hof Kasselmann for the Covalliero Dressage Days from 2–5 July 2026. Although Germany’s official selection trials have already concluded, the CPEDI3* remains an important milestone on the road to the FEI World Championships Aachen. German Para Dressage Head Coach Silke Fütterer-Sommer discusses the team’s current form, the significance of the event, and what makes Hagen such a special venue.
Last weekend’s CPEDI in Stadl-Paura marked the final official selection trial. What role do the Covalliero Dressage Days now play on the road to the World Championships?
“Our selection process is now complete. Hagen is now all about fine-tuning. As Head Coach, I already have a good idea of which riders are on our long list, but everyone is coming to Hagen so we can assess where they are and work together on the final details.”
What aspects are you focusing on now?
“At this stage it’s really about refining the small details. We may adjust one or two things during the warm-up or within the test itself. Those little details can make all the difference later on.”
When will Germany’s World Championship team be announced?
“The team will be announced next week together with the able-bodied dressage squad.”
How would you assess the German team competing in Hagen?
“We have a very strong line-up. Both of our German Champions are here – Heidemarie Dresing in the lower grades and Regine Mispelkamp in the higher grades. Our national runners-up and bronze medallists are also competing: Gianna Regenbrecht, Melanie Wienand, Helen Brandt and Anna-Lena Niehues. Overall, a large and very strong part of our national squad is represented in Hagen.”
Strong international nations such as Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States are also competing. Are you already keeping an eye on the opposition?
“Of course I keep an eye on the competition. This season we haven’t seen many of the international Para athletes because the competitions have been spread out across different venues. It will be interesting to watch some familiar riders back in competition. In the end, though, we can only focus on ourselves and make sure we deliver the best performances we can.”
The atmosphere within Para Dressage always seems particularly special. How do you experience it?
“That’s something very special about our sport. It’s always nice to see the other athletes, coaches and support teams again. There is a genuinely warm atmosphere, and many real friendships have developed over the years.”
This is the third time Para Dressage has been part of the Covalliero Dressage Days. What makes Hagen such a special venue?
“There aren’t many events where Para Dressage and able-bodied dressage take place side by side. Hof Kasselmann offers outstanding conditions for that. The facilities are excellent, everything is fully accessible and well prepared to meet the needs of our athletes. That makes things much easier for everyone involved and allows us to focus entirely on the sport.”
Does sharing the event with the able-bodied dressage riders also inspire the Para athletes?
“Absolutely. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to watch top-level able-bodied dressage, which doesn’t happen very often. In Hagen we’re competing alongside the very best in international dressage. We cheer for them just as they cheer for us. At the end of the day, we’re all part of Team Germany.”
The Para Dressage competitions, presented by Bruns & Stamp Pferdezucht, begin on Friday, 3 July, at 9:00 am. with the Grand Prix Test A. Grand Prix Test B follows on Saturday, with the combined results determining the team classification. Teams will be confirmed after Thursday’s veterinary inspection. Sunday’s programme concludes with the Freestyle, featuring the top eight combinations in each grade. Additional special awards, kindly provided by event partner Hooved, await the winning combinations on each day.
Admission to the Covalliero Dressage Days is free of charge throughout the event. Visitors looking for an enhanced experience can choose from Sky Bar Tickets, Golden Tickets, or exclusive VIP hospitality boxes. All competitions will be streamed live and on demand via ClipMyHorse.TV. Start lists, timetables and results are available at https://psi-events.de/portfolio/covalliero-dressage-days-july/.
Photo: The Covalliero Dressage Days at Hof Kasselmann offer a CPEDI3* for the third time © Foto Rüchel