Germany has a rich history in horse show jumping. One of the representatives of the country at Ippos Spring Tour 2024 is the 65-year-old competitor Rudolf Arnold who brought two horses to Greece. „I will surely be back in October. We have great conditions here,“ said the rider based in Merchstatten who competed on Saturday 18 May in Class 11 – 130cm with his 12-year-old stallion Seppi 43.
How did you learn about the IPPOS SPRING TOUR in Thessaloniki?
My friend told me that there is a show in Thessaloniki so I searched on the internet and then I decided to come. I have been many times at the international shows in Italy and I was in San Giovanni, Rimini, I went with the boat to Brindisi and then here. My friends told me it was a very nice show and they were right.
Did this competition fulfil your expectations?
It is perfect – the ground, the stables, the people are so friendly and they all speak English so I like it. In Italy, it is not so easy because not many people can speak English.
How would you compare the events in Germany and here?
We have many shows in Germany but when you go higher, there are too many riders and sometimes you need to pay extra just to be able to start. This place is top – we have a very nice hotel and I can go to the beach in the afternoon. I really wish the organizers can organize top competitions in the future. I think I come in October back for sure.
Would you recommend this event also to other German competitors?
For sure, I will recommend others to come and compete here. The only little complication with them is that they hesitate to travel with the horses that far. But for me it is not a problem. I was in Bulgaria, I was on Iceland… I like new places – not always competing at the same places and I want to see the best shows.
So do you think this competition could get even on higher level with more stars?
Hundred per cent it can. The place is good enough and the stables are great. Some even 5 star competitions have only tents as stables. Plastic tents which can be very hot. I think you can achieve more. It would be great if there are more high level shows around Greece. But if you do two or even three shows here, two 2 stars and one three stars, it will grow up.
How many horses did you bring here and where do you train?
I came here only with two horses here but I have more at home in Germany. I am based close to Stuttgart and I do also dressage and sell horses. I train people and do other things. Sometimes I also stay in Italy when I have more shows. I have my own horses, for sale and also ride horses of other people to train them. I am a professional rider.
What is the next event in your schedule?
I think I will take some break at the moment but then, I will do some shows in July in Italy. Summer is hot so I also go to Germany – national cup in Stuttgart and then I do more training.
