On behalf of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Verden (GER), home to the well-renowned Hanoverian studbook, for the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses 2025. By coming here to Verden, we are also coming back to the roots of this championship, which saw its first pilot edition take place alongside the FEI Dressage European Championship in 1997.
The FEI World Breeding Championships for Young horses are crucial for the future growth and continued prosperity of all FEI disciplines. They are a great way for our young equine athletes to gain experience and for us to see how they master a championship environment. The Dressage combinations you will have the pleasure of seeing here are not only the stars of today but also the future of our sport, as they carry the hopes and aspirations of the next generations of athletes and fans.
Over the coming days, we will be witness to fantastic feats of athleticism. Grace, harmony and excellent communication will be on display throughout the competition as all participants bid for glory. Paramount to success will be the invaluable bond and trust between horse and rider, a relationship that we will see flourish as partnerships learn more about one another over time.
To compete here in Verden is testament to years of dedication and hard work. I want to thank breeders, athletes and their support teams for the incredible work done behind the scenes to ensure top quality horses. The passion and commitment we witness here is a part of the unique traits and values which make equestrian more than a sport but a way of life; educating, developing, and encouraging our young horses.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Wilken Treu and his team, along with all those who have devoted their time by investing countless hours of work to the successful running of this event. And last but not least, thank you to the partners, volunteers and officials for providing a supportive environment from which to strengthen and promote the future of FEI Dressage.
I wish all the athletes and their entourage the best of luck, and hope that in whatever capacity you have come here today, you will experience enjoyable event, conducted in the best spirit of great horsemanship.
Ingmar De Vos
FEI President
