WOTAX-Prize
Triple Triumph: Eve Catherine Bartels and Villeneuve impress in the WOTAX-Prize
Young Hessian rider Eve Catherine Bartels showcased her 13-year-old Vitalis offspring, Villeneuve, in absolute top form.
Performing a captivating freestyle to music from the film “Spirit,” the harmonious duo achieved a personal best score of an impressive 77.442 %. With three starts and three victories, the title of Junior Champion 2025, presented by UVEX, was firmly in their hands.
After her triumph, the 16-year-old was visibly overwhelmed: “It was incredible, and it was very, very unexpected. I came here simply hoping to ride some nice rounds, get to know Villeneuve even better in competitions, and work on a few small details. But to win three times and also take home the championship title is truly a very, very big achievement. It was so much fun to spend so much time with him again. I really, really enjoyed it!”
The audience was also thrilled by the sensitive partnership between rider and stallion, which was rewarded with top marks from the judges.
Second place went to Danish rider Laura Qvist, who achieved a new personal best of 76.650 % with her eight-year-old gelding Hafsjolds Ranger. Qvist, who placed ninth at this year’s European Championships in Le Mans, France, and is a participant in the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS Programme of Excellence, once again demonstrated her international class.
Completing the podium was three-time European Champion Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen with her eight-year-old Oldenburg mare First Date OLD, who received a score of 74.717 % from the judges.
Photo: Jasmin Metzner
The winner of the WOTAX-Prize, Eve Catherine Bartels, is congratulated by Stefanie Peters (President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein), Dr. Stephan Wollgarten and his son (Member of the Executive Board of the WOTAX consulting group).
