Former Olympic dressage judge Gotthilf Riexinger has been appointed as dressage technical delegate for the FEI European Pony Championships 2010, due to take place at Bishop Burton College (July 27 to August 1).
Gotthilf, who is himself a former show jumper and dressage athlete, has been an FEI-approved official for 12 years and counts the Pan American Games, the 2004 World Equestrian Games and the 2008 Olympic Games among his many outings as a technical delegate and judge.
Mr Riexinger feels the college will be a fantastic venue for the championships and he is making his first visit to Yorkshire from his native Germany in April.
He said: “I haven’t visited the college before, but I know it has a fantastic equestrian centre and lots of other facilities that will make it the perfect place for an event like the European Pony Championships in 2010.”
The duties of the technical delegate are wide ranging and include assisting the organisers; overseeing all technical aspects of the dressage competitions such as the surfaces and the scoring; liaising with the chef d’equipes and to be on hand throughout the competition to assist with queries and ensure the smooth running of the competition.
Mr Riexinger continued: “I am hoping for a wonderful competition for all disciplines and a good family atmosphere.”
Gotthilf’s appointment swells the ranks of officials selected for the FEI European Pony Championships, which include former Olympic eventer Christian Persson as eventing technical delegate, and Scottish course designer Mark McGowan who has put together show jumping courses for many national and international competitions.
www.ponyeuropeans2010.com
After a couple of recent visits to Musselburgh racecourse, I am of the view that it is a worthy contender for a racecourse of the year award.
