Frederic Wandres: From school horses to Olympic dreams

Frederic Wandres Career

Frederic Wandres, born on March 25, 1987, in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, is a German dressage rider whose path to top-level sport began in an unconventional way. Growing up in a family with no connection to equestrian sports, he discovered his passion for horses through friends in elementary school. Instead of following the usual path for young riders, Wandres started his career on school horses. A decisive moment came when his father gave him the Brandenburg horse Calypso. As an unridden three-year-old, Calypso accompanied Wandres to his first dressage and show jumping competitions up to class A.

Before he could devote himself fully to equestrian sports, Wandres completed his high school diploma and training as an industrial clerk. In 2008, he completed his training as a horse manager at Ulrich Kasselmann's renowned stable in Hagen a.T.W. A short stay at the Bonhomme stud farm in Werder interrupted his time in Hagen, but he returned in 2015 and began his rise in dressage.

Wandres in Wellington

Wellington is known for its luxurious equestrian facilities and high concentration of prominent riders and wealthy individuals. This equestrian stronghold offers every amenity a rider could wish for, including extensive riding trails and an infrastructure tailored to the needs of horses and riders.

Like many riders, the German dressage rider is drawn to Wellington during the winter months. Frederic Wandres' stay in Wellington is a strategically wise decision that offers both professional and personal benefits. The first-class training and competition conditions, participation in the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Kasselmann family's modern base, the opportunity for networking, and successful competition participation make Wellington an ideal location for Frederic Wandres. Despite the first-class conditions, the time in Florida was challenging. The day starts early to provide the horses with the best training conditions before the temperatures rise too high. In addition to daily training, Wandres and his team also have to take care of all other aspects of horse care and management.

Routine, rituals, and top performance

Everyday life in the stable

His day begins early in the morning at 7 a.m. in the stable—a routine that is as essential to him as coffee is to others. Caring for horses is not just work, but also a passion that accompanies him throughout the day. Wandres masters between 12 and 15 horses, from curious three-year-olds to experienced Grand Prix horses, every day with the support of his team. Each training session is precisely planned and tailored to the individual needs of each horse in order to face the next competition with maximum preparation.

Lucky charms and rituals

Superstition is as much a part of Frederic Wandres' life as his horse equipment. Small rituals and a lucky charm—handmade by his boss's daughter—are his secret weapons before every tournament. These special little things help him focus on the essentials and find the mental strength he needs for the challenges of competition. They are not just superstition, but a personal symbol of confidence and preparation.

Dealing with pressure and defeat

The pressure in top-level sport is enormous, and Frederic Wandres is no exception. In an interview, he mentioned that he initially had to fight with himself not to let the constant tension overwhelm him. But instead of letting the high expectations weigh him down, he accepts this challenge. A clear message from his boss was the key to calmly facing the pressure and focusing on the essentials. Nervousness is normal for him, but he has learned to channel this energy into focused performance. When he loses, he keeps a cool head and analyzes the situation with realistic objectivity in order to do even better next time.

Our experts at ClipMyHorse.TV Academy reveal how to keep a cool head in the following video. Watch now!

Career highlights and greatest successes

Wandres made his breakthrough with the gelding Duke of Britain FRH. In 2017, he won the first stage of the Louisdor Prize and finished fifth in the final in Frankfurt at the end of the year. From 2018 onwards, the pair racked up numerous Grand Prix successes. In 2022, Wandres was runner-up in both the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle at the German Championships. At the Nations Cup in Aachen, they delivered the best result for the German team, securing their first championship nomination for the World Championships in Herning, where they won team bronze.

In 2023, Wandres competed again for the German team at the European Championships in Riesenbeck, this time with the Oldenburg stallion Bluetooth OLD. They won the German championship silver medal in the freestyle and the silver medal in the team competition at the European Championships.

Frederic Wandres' successful horses

Frederic Wandres has achieved significant success with various horses throughout his career. These horses have not only helped him win national and international titles, such as the team gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, but have also cemented his reputation as an outstanding dressage rider.

Each of these horses has its own story and has contributed in a unique way to making Frederic one of the world's leading dressage riders. With his dedication and talent, Frederic is sure to achieve further significant successes with these and new horses in the future.

Here are some of Frederic Wandres' most notable successful horses:

Duke of Britain FRH

Year of birth: 2007
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Hanoverian
Pedigree: Sire: Dimaggio, Dam: Rotspohn by Rubinstein I
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Duke of Britain is an impressive Hanoverian gelding who captivates with his elegance and impressive presence in the dressage arena. He has achieved numerous successes at the highest level with Frederic Wandres. Duke of Britain is characterized by his high quality of movement and his willingness to work.

Successes:

• Louisdor Prize 2017: Duke of Britain and Frederic won the first stage of the Louisdor Prize in Hagen, marking the breakthrough in their joint career.
• Grand Prix victories from 2018: The pair achieved numerous victories in Grand Prix competitions, establishing themselves at the top of international dressage.
• German Championships 2022: Frederic and Duke were runners-up in the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle.
• Nations Cup Aachen 2022: With an outstanding performance in the Nations Cup, they secured the best result for the German team and received their first championship nomination.
• World Championships Herning 2022: The team won the bronze medal, even though Duke of Britain was unable to finish the World Championships due to injury.

Duke of Britain is known for his special connection with Frederic and his consistent performance at the highest level.

Bluetooth OLD

Year of birth: 2010
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Oldenburg
Pedigree: Sire: Bordeaux (NLD), Dam: Lorena by Riccione

Bluetooth OLD is a talented Oldenburg gelding who stands out for his powerful and supple movements. He had already impressed under various prominent riders before joining Frederic Wandres in 2020.

Achievements:

• CDI4 Aachen 2022: Bluetooth OLD and Frederic prevailed against strong competition and achieved impressive results.
• European Championships Riesenbeck 2023: The pair secured the silver medal with the German team and achieved excellent individual placings.
• German Championships 2023: Frederic and Bluetooth OLD won the silver medal in the freestyle and the silver medal in the Grand Prix Special.
• Olympic Games Paris 2024: Team Gold Bluetooth OLD is known for his versatility and ability to continuously improve.

Calypso

Gender: Gelding
Breed: Brandenburg
Special feature: Taken on as an unbroken three-year-old

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Calypso was the first significant horse in Frederic's career. He was purchased as an unbroken three-year-old by Frederic's father and formed the basis for Frederic's early successes in equestrian sports. Calypso enabled Frederic to achieve his first placings in dressage and show jumping up to class A. Calypso was the horse that awakened Frederic's passion for dressage and paved the way for his successful career.

Wandres' Olympic dream

In 2022, the dressage rider mentioned that he would like to compete in the Olympic Games one day. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Wandres was able to demonstrate his skills and fulfill expectations on the biggest stage in sport. He won the gold medal in the team competition together with his teammates Isabell Werth and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.

With the team Olympic victory in Paris, Frederic Wandres has reached a significant milestone in his career. But for him, this is not the end of his journey, but a new beginning. We are already excited to see where his journey will take him next and will be there live when the dressage rider competes in the next tournaments.

Conclusion

Frederic Wandres' career is an inspiring journey from humble beginnings to the highest peaks of international dressage. What began as an unconventional entry into a family with no affinity for equestrian sports has developed into a remarkable career characterized by dedication, talent, and a continuous pursuit of excellence.

The path from school horses to early successes with Calypso to international successes with Duke of Britain FRH and Bluetooth OLD demonstrates Wandres' extraordinary development and tireless dedication. Particularly noteworthy is his recent triumph at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he won team gold alongside Isabell Werth and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. This victory represents a highlight of his career and demonstrates not only his technical brilliance but also his ability to shine on the biggest stage in the sport.

The decision to focus on the winter season in Wellington and the daily routines that reflect his precise and passionate work in the stable underscore his professionalism and dedication. Wandres' handling of pressure and defeat demonstrates his mental strength and strategic thinking, which have made him one of the world's leading dressage riders. With the team gold medal in Paris, Frederic Wandres has reached a significant milestone, but his journey is far from over. His success is not only a result of hard work and exceptional riding skills, but also a testament to his constant development and pursuit of new heights. The equestrian world can look forward to the next chapters in his impressive career.

Frederic Wandres: The most important questions and answers

Does Frederic Wandres have a girlfriend?

No – Frederic Wandres is openly gay and has been with his partner Lars Ligus since around 2017. The two live and work together at the Kasselmann farm in Hagen a.T.W.

What is the name of Frederic Wandres' horse?

Frederic Wandres rides several internationally successful dressage horses. Among his best known are: – Bluetooth OLD – Duke of Britain FRH – Zucchero OLD

Where does Frederic Wandres ride?

He rides at the renowned Kasselmann stable in Hagen am Teutoburger Wald. During the winter season, he is also regularly active in Wellington, Florida (USA).

When was Frederic Wandres born?

He was born on March 25, 1987, in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg.

Where did Frederic Wandres grow up?

In Kehl, Baden-Württemberg. His family originally had no connection to equestrian sports.

What training does Frederic Wandres have?

He first completed an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk. He then trained as a horse manager at the Kasselmann farm.

Which horses has he won important awards with?

Some of his most successful horses are:
– Zucchero OLD: 2019 World Champion of 6-year-old dressage horses
– Duke of Britain FRH: Bronze with the team at the 2022 World Championships
– Bluetooth OLD: Team gold at the 2024 Olympic Games

What major titles has he already won?

His greatest successes include:
– World Champion of Young Dressage Horses 2019
– Team silver at the 2023 European Championships
– Team gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Which riding stable is his home?

He is a permanent member of the team at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen a.T.W., where he also lives and trains.

What stages shaped his early riding career?

He started with lunge lessons on school horses. Later, he became a student at Hof Kasselmann and remained there professionally after completing his training.