The International Festhalle Event in Frankfurt

"Frankfurt is incredibly important to us in Hesse, and the International Festhalle Event in Frankfurt – it's a long and heartfelt story," says Jörg Oppermann. Last year, he was present in a dual role, as the state coach for Hesse's young riders and as a competitor himself. This year, he's responsible for all age groups in Hesse as the state coach and is expected to compete with three horses.

"Most riders have their private trainers with them, but I'm always there to help," Oppermann describes his dual role. "I walk the courses with them, offer support wherever it's needed, and then, of course, I focus on my own rides."

Jörg Oppermann has been riding in the Festhalle since he was a young rider. In 2017, he won the Grand Prix with Che Guevara amidst Frankfurt's special Christmas atmosphere and still calls it an "absolute highlight of my career!"

This year, the 39-year-old is relying on the eleven-year-old Olymp, who competed with him last year. "He has the most experience among my current team."

Additionally, he's bringing the nine-year-old Jonage, with whom he won the Hesse Championship this year. "Jonage has incredible jumping ability."

He's also bringing Exelera, a seven-year-old daughter of Exelero, for the Youngster Tour. "She still needs to grow into the sport, but she has a lot of potential."

For this showjumping pro and Frankfurt fan, one thing is clear:

"You really have to have your horses ready for the Festhalle; these are four-star events – it's no easy task! But if you can make it, you definitely want to be there. Frankfurt is my home event, our local tournament in Hesse! I’m usually pretty calm at competitions, but in Frankfurt, my heart beats faster as I ride in, and it should be that way. It's part of the experience – especially in this setting. The atmosphere is absolutely unique."

In the international competitions, Oppermann faces international competition, including riders from Hesse like 31-year-old Darline Eisenmenger, who delivered top rounds with Clair de Lune in Frankfurt's four-star course last year. "Darline is a fantastic course rider with nerves of steel!" Oppermann praises.

The Top 15 in the Dieter Hofmann Foundation Scholarship Final

The state coach also emphasizes the significance of the Dieter Hofmann Foundation Prize.

For the 19th time, the top 15 riders from the six qualifying rounds will meet in the final, as they do every year at the Frankfurt Festhalle. In the first part of the final, qualified riders compete in an M** class style-jumping event. In the second part, the top four point-scorers go through to another M-style round, this time judged by a separate system.

"We work towards this final all year," explains the state coach.

"We observe the qualifications, discuss them during training camps, and I approach riders for whom I think this series would be valuable."

These are typically riders who are growing into the sport and looking to move up from the pony or children’s divisions.

"We all went through this – you need opportunities to grow into the sport. Experiencing moments like riding into the Festhalle arena, that’s something you can't practice at home. You probably have to experience defeat before you can win again. But having the opportunity is crucial, and the Dieter Hofmann Foundation Prize final gives this chance to Hesse's young riders."

Hesse Teams in the Festhalle

And then, of course, there's the Thursday evening team jumping event, a longstanding tradition and a huge incentive for young jumping riders. "The selection for this event is handled by the district equestrian associations themselves," explains Oppermann.

"It's become increasingly difficult to find top young riders at the L, M, and S levels, but having a goal like competing in Frankfurt really helps. It's no longer the case that you have plenty to choose from in every class, so having such goals is even more important."

Frankfurt – Year-End Highlight

Whether from the perspective of a state coach or a rider, Jörg Oppermann states: "Frankfurt is indescribably important to us in Hesse. At the end of the year, right before Christmas, and with this fantastic setup – Frankfurt is our year-end highlight. People gather, and an incredible number of people come – from Hesse, from all over Germany, and even from across Europe – it's truly one of a kind."

The International Festhalle Event will take place from December 19-22, 2024