UNBRIDLED ELEGANCE

By Katelyn Rutt

With two European dressage championship titles under her belt and a coveted spot in the German U25 Dressage Squad, Felicitas Hendricks is a name poised to echo through the equestrian realm. At just twenty-four years old, Hendricks showcases an exceptional command of dressage, executing even the most intricate of movements with the finesse of a seasoned artist. Viewing the synchronization between the rider and her horse could, perhaps, best be described as witnessing a masterpiece in motion.

“The elegance and harmony of top dressage combinations has always inspired me,” Hendricks says. “The way they can make the hardest exercises look easy, smooth and effortless. I still have so much to learn, and I feel like every rider will be, or should be, in a forever-lasting learning process. From what I have learned so far though, harmony comes through communication. Perfecting the communication with your horse, creating a bond under saddle and on the ground, and understanding each other, will be essential for creating harmony.”

Hendricks credits her passion for the equestrian realm to her father—as well as her uncle and aunt, Christoph and Patricia Koschel, both renowned figures in professional dressage. She fondly recalls receiving her first pony at the age of nine, and although she spent her childhood immersed in the world of horses, her interest in competition blossomed later on.

“They (Christoph and Patricia) invited me to come for riding holidays at their farm with my pony,” Hendricks reflects. “I then quite quickly fell in love with the competitive side of the sport, too. My uncle Christoph has always been my biggest inspiration. Everything I’ve learned, I learned from him. He manages to have every horse on his side and has a lot of patience when training horses, never becoming unfair in any kind of way. I always feel like the horses really enjoy working with him, and I admire that.”

A cornerstone of Hendrick's success is her equine companion of eighteen years, Drombusch. As spirited and vivacious as his rider, the chocolate-coated Oldenburg exudes an equal measure of regality, perfectly complementing Hendrick's determined nature. Hendricks adheres to a straightforward regimen, focusing on daily exercises encompassing strength training, conditioning, canter work, and a relentless emphasis on "transitions, transitions, transitions." She infuses Drombusch’s training routine with a sense of playfulness, often visiting the racetrack, as well as spending time on woodland trails and in wide open spaces.

“Drombusch has made all of this possible for me. Having produced him, together with my uncle Christoph, from a young horse all the way up to Grand Prix, has been more than just rewarding for me. We have managed to produce a happy and healthy athlete that is willing to give his all for me in the ring every single time.” 

In the months ahead, the whirlwind of travel, competition, and excitement continues for the dressage champion. Despite her expanding collection of awards, Hendricks maintains a humble outlook, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her dreams and further nurture her bond with Drombusch—both on and off the stage.

“Becoming double European champion in 2023 was for sure the cherry on top that made me extra proud,” Hendricks says. “I’m now looking forward to proving myself in the senior ranks and enjoying every ride with my Drombusch. My goal is to bring more young horses all the way up to Grand Prix. What I once called a hobby is now what I do for a living, and I could not be more grateful for that.”