Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus open a new chapter

A major chapter is coming to a close at Hof Kasselmann. German dressage riders Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus are preparing to strike out on their own. Starting in January 2027, the duo will set up their own training and sales operation at the Gut Einhaus estate in Herzlake, Lower Saxony..

After years of successful collaboration in Hagen under the guidance of Ullrich Kasselmann and trainer Insa Hansen, the two professionals are taking a step they describe as a natural evolution in their careers. The facilities at Gut Einhaus will provide the setting for developing their project, which focuses on training horses and riders for international competition.

A key rider for the German team—an Olympic team champion in Paris and a World and European Championship medalist—Frederic Wandres has played a major role in the recent history of the Hagen stable. Alongside him, Lars Ligus brings his experience in international competition and Nations Cup events, as well as his expertise in developing young horses to the highest levels of the Bundeschampionat.

This move will not be a solitary one; several horses from their competition string will accompany Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus on this new venture in Herzlake. Notable among them are Bluetooth OLD and Veuve Clicquot FRH, two horses that have played a pivotal role in the riders' recent successes.

Although this relocation marks a move toward greater sporting and commercial independence, ties with the Kasselmann family remain strong. Ullrich Kasselmann hailed the decision as a logical step in their professional development, while both riders emphasized the importance of maintaining regular contact with François Kasselmann and the entire team that supported their rise to the elite level of the sport.

crédit photo : Stefan Lafrentz