Excitement guaranteed: Achleiten becomes a Dressage Hotspot

Daniel Winkler
Jun 10
4 min read

From June 12 to 15, Austria’s young dressage talents will gather in Achleiten for the decisive mandatory tournament as part of the European Championship selection process. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the castle park arena, the top Young Riders and U25 competitors will compete for qualification to the European Championships in Kronberg (GER). The successful Olympic team led by Victoria Max-Theurer will also use this home event as a benchmark – promising top-level dressage sport once again in 2025.

High Stakes for Austria’s Young Talents in Achleiten

In the coming days, the best young pairs from Austria will face an important challenge in the Achleiten castle park arena. Olympic champion Elisabeth Max-Theurer, hosting the event, is pleased with the current form of Austria’s red-white-red youth team:“Many of our riders have already shown strong performances and encouraging results in recent weeks. Now it's about proving themselves once again under consistent conditions. In the Young Rider and U25 categories, qualification for the upcoming European Championship is on the line. It’s going to be exciting. Alongside our Olympic dressage team for Paris, many other impressive pairs are competing, and we have an excellent panel of judges – so we can look forward to a weekend of fantastic dressage.”

Young Riders Face European Championship Qualifier Challenge

When Austria’s top young dressage riders compete in the Achleiten arena, it’s about more than just ribbons and scores. As part of the CDI4* tournament, this mandatory qualifier is a decisive step for Young Riders and U25 competitors aiming to participate in the European Championships, held from July 10 to 13 in Kronberg (GER).

After two optional selection events, Achleiten marks the third and final stage of the European Championship qualification. “It’s the date that decides everything,” says Victoria Max-Theurer, a multiple-time Olympian who will also compete with Abegglen FH NRW. She knows the challenge well:“The level is high, and so is the pressure – but the riders are well-prepared and have made a strong impression in recent weeks. Their progress is clearly visible!”

This also applies to Paul Jöbstl, who aims to deliver strong performances in the U25 category with his mare Die Baroness. His goal is clear: the European Championship in Kronberg.“I’m very happy with our season so far. Die Baroness only joined me at the beginning of the year, and we’ve achieved a lot in a short time. Now we want to show what we can do again in Achleiten. We've fine-tuned a few key elements over the past days. I’m curious to see if we can bring that into the arena. I always enjoy riding in Achleiten – I’m really looking forward to it,” says Jöbstl.

Austria’s Olympic Team Returns to the Castle Arena

But it’s not just the young talents creating excitement: Austria’s elite dressage riders are also competing with strong pairings. Alongside local hero Victoria Max-Theurer and Abegglen FH NRW, Stefan Lehfellner with Roberto Carlos MT and Florian Bacher with Fidertraum OLD will also take part. Thus, Austria’s successful Olympic team from Paris is reunited and fully represented.

“We prepared calmly and have been riding more test lines again in recent days – the focus is on having a good feeling. I’m confident it will be another great tournament weekend,” says the 39-year-old Upper Austrian.Lehfellner adds: “Our last show in Munich was very important. I actually think Roberto is showing some elements with even more maturity than last year – the canter work is uphill and expressive, and the contact is excellent. We’ll try to build on that this weekend.”

While Achleiten is a regular fixture on the calendar for Max-Theurer and Lehfellner, Bacher made the decision to join on short notice this year:“Achleiten wasn’t originally in my plan, as I want to give Fidi breaks between competitions. But we decided spontaneously to come. The journey is short, we’ve always felt very comfortable here and have delivered great performances,” says Bacher, who wants to bring more energy and expression into the test with his partner. He adds: “All in all, I’m super happy that Fidi is so fit and in such great shape. We’ve already achieved a lot together and shared some wonderful moments. Now I just want to enjoy the season with him. Everything else that comes is a bonus.”

Preliminary Schedule

Thursday, 12. June N°17 FEI Grand Prix (CDI3*) 17:00 Uhr

Friday, 13. June

N°13 FEI Vorbereitungsaufgabe 7-jährige Pferde 10:00 Uhr

N°18 FEI Grand Prix Special (CDI3*) 11:00 Uhr

N°1 FEI Grand Prix (CDI4*, Qualifikation für N°3) 11:45 Uhr

N°3 FEI Grand Prix (CDI4*, Qualifikation für N°4) 13:30 Uhr

Saturday, 14. June

N°9 FEI Intermediate II (U25) 09:00 Uhr

N°7 FEI Junior Team Test 10:30 Uhr

N°5 FEI Young Rider Team Test 11:30 Uhr

N°16 FEI Finalaufgabe 7-jährige Pferde 14:00 Uhr