“Home run” for Laura Hetzel and visitors from South Africa

“Home run” for Laura Hetzel – and young visitors from South Africa impressed at the Hetzel Spring Masters

Holger Hetzel Stables stands for expertise, high-quality training, and top-class events in Goch – and word about it spreads remarkably fast. At the Hetzel Spring Masters, six teenagers from South Africa were introduced to show jumping in Germany and watched Laura Hetzel and Laurens Houben in action in the arena. The trainer’s daughter and the Belgian rider set the standard on the third day of competition, leaving a lasting impression – not only on the visiting teens.

Freshly turned 26, Laura Hetzel claimed the day’s top class, the S* show jumping competition in the Prize of Polo Park Heisterfeldshof, with Jet V – and made it look like routine: smooth, effortless, taking tight lines in 69.62 seconds. “That is currently Laura’s best horse; she was already placed in the Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera with this mare,” said her satisfied father and trainer.

Another pair from the same stable followed in second place: Laurens Houben (BEL) with the Westphalian grey Dark Grey. Results like these reflect well on trainer Hetzel, though they represent only part of the bigger picture, as international connections are also a key focus.

These connections made it possible for the “next generation” of South African show jumping to compete in Goch. World Championship candidate Ronnie Healy from Johannesburg initiated the idea, which quickly gained traction back home. As a result, six ambitious young riders are now gaining their first experience on the European show circuit with horses from the Hetzel stables.

A constant challenge: course design

The Hetzel Spring Masters is well known in the Rhineland as a prime destination to kick off the green season. Its strong appeal far beyond the region is reflected in a program ranging from young horse classes to the Grand Prix – a challenge that places clear demands on the course designer.

This year, that role is filled by international course builder Peter Schumacher from Kruft. He appreciates the balance between international CSI events around the world and ambitious national shows.

“It’s the mix that counts – from entry-level classes to two-star S level,” says Schumacher. “Sometimes it’s even more difficult to design a class for four-year-olds than a top-level S class.” The key, he explains, is always to find the right feel for both horses and riders.

“When amateurs head home on Sunday, they should feel they rode well and gained valuable experience. I aim to create flowing, rhythmic courses with beautiful lines,” he adds.

Performance, competition, and variety all play a role in course design. “The arena here in Goch isn’t a standard layout – especially with the trees – so I have to approach things differently,” Schumacher explains. He is supported by his wife Julia, also an expert in course design. In 2027, Schumacher will be responsible for the course design at the World Cup Final in Gothenburg.

As for what the Grand Prix at the Hetzel Spring Masters will look like on Sunday? That, he’s not revealing just yet…