Kronenberg, Netherlands – August 19, 2023 – Germany clinched team gold at the 2023 FEI European Junior dressage Championships held at Peelbergen Equestrian Center in Kronenberg, Netherlands, marking a dominant performance by the German squad. The team,comprised of Maria Theresa Pohl,Ava Osing,Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen,and Viktoria von Braunmühl,showcased remarkable skill and composure throughout the competition.
The German team’s success builds upon a strong tradition of equestrian excellence within the country, and this championship victory underscores the depth of talent emerging in the junior ranks.Dressage, a discipline demanding precision, harmony, and athleticism between horse and rider, has long been a cornerstone of equestrian sport, with the European Championships serving as a crucial stepping stone for young riders aiming for senior-level competition.
All four German riders delivered scores exceeding 70% in the team test. Maria Theresa Pohl led the team with a score of 73.394% riding the chestnut stallion Diaton FRH. Ava Osing, competing with Vitalos FRH, also impressed, achieving a strong score despite being a relatively new partnership. Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen and Viktoria von Braunmühl further solidified Germany’s lead, with viktoria benefiting from the experience of DSP First Class, a seasoned competitor previously ridden at multiple European Championships.
Chef d’Equipe Cornelia Albrecht lauded the team’s performance, emphasizing thier calmness and riding quality. “These results show that we had a very complete and strong team,” Albrecht stated. “all the girls delivered exactly what we had hoped for. They rode with confidence and control.”
the Netherlands secured team silver, with Dominique van Dalsen achieving the highest Dutch score of 71.970% aboard Just Johnson. Sofie van Rooij and Juan Tango B closely followed, while Jessica Nesselaar placed eighth and Britt Kikkert-van der Linde finished fifteenth. Great Britain rounded out the podium with a team bronze, led by Isla Sully and Vagabond de massa, who finished sixth.
Julie sofie Schmitz-Heinen continued her impressive form, claiming individual gold with a score of 72.941% in the individual test and 77.530% in the Freestyle. This marked her Junior Championship debut, following previous successes at the Pony European Championships. Her victories were celebrated by Albrecht, who praised Schmitz-Heinen’s “unbelievable feeling” and “soft and correct frame.”
“She really showed how to ride beautifully. Julie is a rider with incredible feeling, and she presented her horse in a soft and correct frame. We are thrilled that the judges appreciated her subtle and sympathetic riding style. This is the kind of riding we want to promote.”
Cornelia Albrecht
(GER)
Dominique van Dalsen of the Netherlands added to her team silver with an Individual bronze (72.471%) and Freestyle silver (77.325%). Dutch trainer Monique Peutz highlighted van Dalsen’s Freestyle performance as “goosebump-inducing,” praising her timing and overall presentation.Maria Theresa Pohl (GER) secured Individual silver, while Viktoria von Braunmühl (GER) earned Freestyle bronze.
the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, located in Kronenberg, Limburg, Netherlands, hosted the championships, providing a world-class venue for these promising young riders. The event attracted competitors from across Europe, showcasing the growing popularity and competitive spirit of junior dressage.
Image: FEI / Libby Law Photography
