Astrid Buer and What Joy

In Germany the official selection of the Young Riders team depends on the performances of the riders at three specific qualifiers: the "Preis der Besten" competition in Warendorf, the "Preis der Zukunft" in Hannover and the final selection show in Bad Honnef. Previous achievements at national and international shows are also incalculated in the chef d'equipe and the German Equestrian federation's final decision. 

For years now Astrid Buer has been a steady beacon in various German Dressage Teams. Since 1994 she was the gold team medal winner at the European Pony Championships with her approved stallion Dressman I (by Dandy), an achievement which she would repeat in 1995. After a one year break, in which she made the difficult switch to horses, she was again part of the Golden Team at the 1997 European Junior Rider Championships in Moorsele, Belgium.

In 1998, Astrid and What Joy earned the silver individual spot next to team gold. At this year's championships she just missed the individual bronze and claimed fourth position in the finals. The team gold was again honoured to Germany. One week after the show in Ksaiz, Poland, Astrid Buer would win the national Young Riders' title in the home town of her riding club, Wurselen-Pley.

Related Link: German Equestrian Federation