Global Amateur Tour Germany 2025: Where Growth Meets Greatness

Global Amateur Tour
Jul 23
5 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Two tours, one unforgettable journey.

This year’s Global Amateur Tour Germany was so good… we had to do it twice. The first group kicked off in Frankfurt and wrapped up at CHIO Aachen, while the second group started at CHIO and finished in Frankfurt. Though the start and end points were flipped, both tours followed an identical, powerhouse format - bringing together passionate amateur riders from across the globe for a week of elite coaching, culture, and connection.

From world-class horses and high-performance training to croissants in Colmar and castles in Heidelberg, each moment was an opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace the best of German sporthorse culture.

🐴 From Seat to Stride: Training at Hauter Horses

Set in the heart of Zweibrücken, both groups trained at the renowned Hauter Horses facility under the guidance of five-time Nations Cup rider Steffen Hauter and GAT Chef d’Équipe and mindset coach Jaime Campbell-Ward.

Riders rotated daily across a handpicked selection of quality German sporthorses, gaining invaluable experience adapting their technique and feel to different rides. Sessions focused on everything from seat activation and gymnastic lines to stride control, jump-off tactics, and mental clarity in the ring.

A standout moment across both tours was Jaime’s mindset session - tackling performance anxiety, confidence blocks, and pre-ride rituals that fuel success.

🏆 Show Day: A Celebration of Progress

Each tour concluded with a final mock competition designed to showcase everything the riders had learned - while also pushing them to rise to the occasion.

For the first tour, the show featured two individual classes:

An Equitation Class, judged on position, rhythm, and overall style
An Optimum Time Class, challenging riders to ride with precision and control without rushing the track
Plus a special prize for Most Improved Rider over the week

It was the perfect platform for riders to demonstrate their growth, apply technical skills, and ride with both finesse and focus.

✨ Award Winners - Tour One:

🎖 Equitation Excellence: Sophie Frouws (AUS) & Con du Rouet - for a composed, stylish, and technically polished performance

🕒 Optimum Time Precision: Olivia Tongue (NZL) - for nailing the clock with rhythm and flow

📈 Most Improved Rider: Thriscka Stapelberg (RSA) – for remarkable growth in confidence, poise, and overall execution

It was an emotional finish as riders reflected on just how far they’d come in only a matter of days.

🌍 Inspired by Aachen: A Team Twist for Tour Two!

After witnessing the sheer spectacle of the Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen, our second tour group returned to the arena buzzing with inspiration. So, we decided to recreate a bit of that team magic for ourselves - with the very first GAT Nations Cup-style team competition!

Three international squads. Nine determined riders. And one high-stakes jump-off to settle the score.

Not only did this format give riders a chance to put their technical and mental game to the test, it also brought in a new layer of strategy, teamwork, and camaraderie.🐎

Final Results – GAT Germany Tour Two:

🥇 Kiwi Kangas

Sophie Grenville-Jones (NZL) & Kapow – 0/0

Annabelle Rogan (AUS) & Velvet Untouchable – 0/0

Jorgee Demaagd (AUS) & Clip – 0/0

🔥 Jump-off: Jorgee – Clear in 31.96s

Cool, calm, and clinical - Jorgee delivered under pressure to secure the win for the Kangas!

🥈 Tri Nations Trio

Sienna Danaher (AUS) & Solano – 0/4

Stefney van Deventer (SA) & Bell – 0/0

Kate Hutchison (NZ) & Pocket Rocket – 0/0

🔥 Jump-off: Kate – 8 faults in 41.08s

A fierce trio with strong rounds and even stronger camaraderie.

🥉 Red White Roos

Ashley Hicks (USA) & Atlantic – 0/8

Georgie Hill (AUS) & Lockdown – 0/4

Charli Brajkovich (AUS) & Con du Rouet – 4/0

Bold riding and serious style from this transcontinental team.

While only one team took home the title, every rider walked away with new teammates, new confidence, and a Nations Cup experience they’ll never forget.

🏰 Culture, Castles & Cross-Border Adventures

In true GAT style, it wasn’t all boots and breeches.

Riders explored Heidelberg Castle with its sweeping views over the Neckar River, sipped wine and sampled pastries in Colmar and Strasbourg, and spent warm afternoons by the pool recharging with their new international crew.

Evenings were filled with delicious dinners, group reflections, and more than a few belly laughs - epitomising GAT’s signature blend of performance, wellness, and connection.

🏇 CHIO Aachen: The Holy Grail of Horse Shows

Both tour groups were treated to three days at CHIO Aachen—the iconic World Equestrian Festival and arguably the greatest horse show on earth.

Highlights included:

🎆 The Opening Ceremony, with flamenco dancers, Andalusian stallions, garrocha displays, and a surprise concert by international pop star Álvaro Soler

🌍 The Nations Cup, held under the floodlights and won in style by Team USA

🐎 The Eventing, where GAT riders had the rare chance to walk the cross-country course in person, soaking up the scale, complexity, and artistry of one of the most prestigious and challenging tracks in the world

🎉 The legendary afterparty, where Aperol spritzes flowed and the global horse community danced the night away

🇩🇪 The Farewell of Nations Ceremony, closing the show with heartfelt pride and tradition

And of course, the Rolex Grand Prix delivered an unforgettable finish. With 11 riders making it into the jump-off, the tension in the arena was electric. In the end, it was Swiss star Martin Fuchs and his phenomenal mount Leone Jei who rose to the occasion - blending power, precision, and ice-cold composure to claim the win spectacularly. A true masterclass in championship riding.

Being able to witness such a diverse range of top-level disciplines - from dressage to eventing to jumping - was a powerful reminder of just how rich and multifaceted our sport is. For many, walking the cross-country course was an unexpected highlight - equal parts awe-inspiring and humbling.

✨ The GAT Germany Spirit

Whether riders began their journey in Frankfurt or Aachen, GAT Germany 2025 was a week of transformation. What started as a group of individuals quickly became a united team - stronger, more skilled, and deeply connected through shared experience.

To all our riders: thank you for bringing your courage, commitment, and joy. You reminded us exactly why this tour exists - and why it keeps getting better every year!