Exhibitors from numerous European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Germany made their way to Kreuth, Bavaria, for the first big show of the 2016 season. From March, 29th, until April, 3rd, the Bavarian Spring Classic were held at Gut Matheshof, one of Europe’s biggest show grounds. The riders were able to enter classes approved by the AQHA, NRHA and the VWB, which is a Bavarian Association with members from all over Europe. Among these members and competitors at the Bavarian Spring Classic are German Champions, European Champions, but also competitors that were successful abroad and earned Congress Champion titles. The show was judged by Alexandra Jagfeld from Germany, Pete McAlister and Janette Dublin from the United States as well as Eugenio Latorre from Spain.

The Bavarian Spring Classic is the first show in a series of three shows of which the others are the Bavarian Championship six weeks later, as well as the Summer Show in July. A factor which makes the Bavarian Spring Classic that popular are the Golden Series classes. Exhibitors can compete in Trail, Showmanship, Western Pleasure and Ranch Riding. This year, the VWB introduced the Golden Series Horsemanship and Golden Series Reining, which is eligible only for Amateur and Youth riders just like the Golden Series Western Pleasure.

In all other events of the Golden Series exhibitors from all divisions can enter and win 15,000 Euro (Trail), 10,000 Euro (Pleasure), 5,000 Euro (Showmanship, Horsemanship, Reining, Ranch Riding). To win the title exhibitors must compete in the class at all three shows with the same horse. The finals are held during the summer show and features all competitors that have accumulated most of the points during the Bavarian Spring Classic and the Bavarian Championship. Winner of the first go-round in the Golden Series Showmanship was Franca Bartke who won the title in 2013 and 2014 and was reserve champion last year. French competitor Alan Vincent showed his horse Only Because Im Cool to a first place finish in the Golden Series Pleasure. Since the Golden Series classes are VWB approved, one is able to show any breed of horse in these classes. Kristina Müller piloted her Haflinger horse Aquilino through the complicated and tight trail course to win the class and beat 33 other competitors. Congress champion Hannah Friedl of Austria became Reserve Champion in the Golden Series Horsemanship with 15 competitors, only beaten by Bavarian trainer Anna Limmer and Cody Brownbear. With more than 30 entries the newly introduced Golden Series Reining was a highlight from the start. The winner of this class were Jasmin Baur and AC Elite Star. Melanie Falaster and I Know My Daddy dominated the Golden Series Ranch Riding, an event that is becoming more and more popular in the US and Europe.

This years Bavarian Spring Classic was as big as never before: On the first day only three classes were held, namely AQHA Junior, Senior and Novice Amateur Reining – this scheduling was due to the high number of entries the show office received which led to an “entry stop” a week before the show started. One of the biggest classes was the VWB Amateur Reining with a total of 66 entries. Franca Bartke, winner of the first Golden Series Showmanship go-round

“I was fascinated by the high number of participants and the fact that despite the big classes the organization of the show worked out really well,” Franca Bartke said. “The Golden Series classes were for sure one of the highlights! They create a special atmosphere, similar to that of a final at the European Championship!“

Unfortunately, the weather gods were not merciful – the sun only showed up during Thursday, but this did not cause a bad mood. The participants were still in high spirits and motivated to compete or watch the classes, for example during the Golden Series Horsemanship that was held late at night in the big arena, the Ostbayernhalle, with an atmosphere full of excitement. A great atmosphere like this is only one of the reasons why the Bavarian Spring Classic is one of the most prestigious shows in Europe and as favored as the European or the German Championships and why exhibitors of many European countries are already looking forward to the next show of the series, the Bavarian Championship. See you in six weeks and good luck for the Bavarian Championship!