Mathies Rüder, Neumünster, and an FEI Award
When a Schleswig-Holsteiner is nominated for an FEI Award, it's not only a reason to keep our fingers crossed but also an opportunity to look back at the equestrian journey of this promising candidate.
Since 2009, the FEI Awards have annually recognized the best of the best in the world of equestrian sports. This year, 16 candidates from nine countries are nominated in four award categories. Among them is German multitalent Mathies Rüder, showcasing his skills in both eventing and show jumping. The 19-year-old is nominated in the 'Rising Star' category, which specifically highlights young athletes.
Mathies' success story is closely tied to the VR CLASSICS in Neumünster. The Rüder family runs a riding school on the island of Fehmarn and is well-known in the equestrian landscape between the seas. Mathies’ father, Kai, and his uncle, Hans-Thorben Rüder, have collected several ribbons at Holstenhallen, both in indoor eventing and in show jumping.
Mathies himself made his debut at VR CLASSICS when he was just four years old, participating in a showcase competition for riding clubs called "Boys on Horseback." Today, the 19-year-old is already placed in major international competitions. “The whole family, including grandma and grandpa, and many friends are there every year, which makes Neumünster a truly special event,” says Mathies. “My uncle travels up from Westphalia, and I think it’s very special to compete against family members!”
HGW National Junior Champion and Derby Rider
Mathies learned to ride before he could walk, winning his first ribbon in a riding competition at age seven. In 2021, he claimed the title at the prestigious HGW National Junior Show Jumping Championship, which will have a new home at the VR CLASSICS in Neumünster starting in 2025. This year, Mathies achieved a top-10 finish in the Hamburg Derby with For Freedom EKT and was also one of the youngest participants to compete in the 1.60-meter Derby course at Hickstead.
After winning individual gold at the Junior European Eventing Championship in 2022 with his horse Bon Ton, Mathies was part of the German team that took the bronze medal in the Young Rider category this year. His achievements were recognized with the Golden Riding Badge, which Mathies received — fittingly — at the VR CLASSICS in Neumünster in 2024.
“That Saturday evening, the atmosphere in the packed Holstenhalle was incredible,” Mathies recalls proudly.
“When I rode in for the award, I was greeted by countless friends, including classmates who usually have nothing to do with riding! Receiving the award in front of so many people and then doing a lap of honor on For Freedom — it was amazing!”
Right in the Heart of the Action
Next year, Mathies plans to compete again in the international main tour at the VR CLASSICS: “I have a fantastic young horse, Carlesta, who cleared all three rounds in the Youngster Tour last year. She’ll be nine years old and my ‘good iron in the fire’!” Mathies also looks forward to the Indoor Eventing on Thursday evening, a special experience for him as an eventing rider.
While he doesn’t have a specific favorite competition in Neumünster, he quickly adds that he loves all the events held in the evening: “There’s a unique atmosphere then; you can feel the energy as the hall comes alive, like a cauldron, and as a rider, you’re right in the middle of it!”
Mathies sees his strengths in his ability to motivate his horses as partners. His priorities focus on good horsemanship and the well-being of his horses. He considers the nomination for the FEI Rising Star Award a special honor: “When I look at the people I’m up against, it makes me proud to be representing Schleswig-Holstein and competing as a young rider at this level. It’s something special to be the little guy from the island listed alongside all those big names… that’s exactly how it feels!”
The award winners will be announced during the FEI Awards Gala on November 13th. We’re rooting for Mathies!
Tickets for the VR CLASSICS Neumünster, February 13-16, 2025, are available via Reservix
