The seventh World Cup stage in Amsterdam is calling. Moritz talks about crazy experiences and opportunities, his thoughts about the finals in Texas, the differences between Cadeau and ‘Fidel’ and their two freestyles and what he considers ‘crazy’…
Photo above: Off to new things – Moritz and Fiderdance
Moritz and Fiderdance in the Schleyerhalle. Photo © www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de
The piste that awaits youngster Moritz Treffinger at the World Cup tournament in Amsterdam couldn’t be much thicker: from ‘own ranks’ Isabell Werth at the start, three top-class British athletes are there Charlotte Dujardin, Lottie Fry und Becky Moody on the list, final winner Patrick Kittel goes into the arena for Sweden and Belgium sends the second in the current World Cup ranking, Larissa Pauluis – to name just a few of the 15 mentioned.
And then there is Moritz Treffinger – U25 freestyle European champion, at 22 years old the second youngest in Amsterdam’s starting field (Rowena Weggelaar from the Netherlands is the youngest at 21) and in his first World Cup season. He has been at the start of three stages so far, Herning, Stuttgart and London, all three of which he completed with Cadeau Noir and three times ‘dusted’ 10 points for the World Cup ranking. That means: with 30 points he is currently in 12th place, the best nine in the Western European League can go to the final in Texas.
HERE you can find the current World Cup standings before Amsterdam.
Moritz Treffinger and Fiderdance – competing together in the World Cup for the first time in Amsterdam.
dressursport.kim: Moritz, the competition could hardly be greater, collecting World Cup points has never been more difficult at the stations…
Moritz Treffinger: Oh yes, that’s true, but I don’t see it that way at all. I don’t see this crazy competition at all, I see it as a crazy experience! Last year I took part in the U25 tour in Amsterdam and watched the ‘big guys’ training. This year I’m allowed to train at the same time, so to speak – it’s so surreal. I’m realistic, I know that I can’t compete with these big names yet. But I’m very happy to take the experience with me – including the exchange in the stable area. To experience first-hand how they manage their horses and maybe even get in touch with them. It’s so exciting to get to know these people, talk to them and exchange ideas. This experience is so crazy and I enjoy it because I also know that it is not clear if and when I will be able to experience it again. I have this crazy opportunity now and I’m trying to make the best use of it.
dressursport.kim: Hand on heart: Are you toying with the final in Texas?
Moritz Treffinger: I can still remember when we spoke on the phone before Herning. I laughed out loud at the topic of the finale. After Herning, Stuttgart and London the laughter became a little less. I’ll put it this way: I’ve tasted blood, but I also know that I have to be realistic. Maybe I can go to Neumünster or ‘s-Hertogenbosch after Amsterdam. If I get these chances, I would like to take advantage of them so that I don’t have to say afterwards: Oh, I should have… I’m pretty close, it’s not completely unrealistic anymore. Of course, somewhere in the back of my mind is the fact that some people aren’t necessarily planning on the final because they want to focus on the World Cup in Aachen. I do my best and if it’s enough in the end – then I’ll probably go completely crazy (laughs). And if it’s not enough, it’s not bad at all. I have already performed quite well three times in the World Cup and exceeded my own expectations.
dressursport.kim: You’ve been to the World Cup three times with Cadeau, and Fiderdance ‘Fidel’ is coming to Amsterdam for the first time – why?
Moritz Treffinger: There are two reasons for this – on the one hand, Cadeau, like all of our breeding stallions here at Bonhomme Stud, is now in the 30-day quarantine that the stallions have to complete every year before the breeding season, and on the other hand, of course, I thought: ‘Having two irons in the fire is better than one’ (laughs).
At their World Cup premiere: Moritz Treffinger and Cadeau Noir
© EQWO, Petra Kerschbaum
dressursport.kim: So Cadeau is in break mode…
Moritz Treffinger: Exactly, he had a great season last year, but he also has another job, covering. He needs his breaks. After Christmas he had a three and a half week break, was in the walker, was lunged at the halter and had fun in his paddock – nothing more. And he enjoyed it. Fiderdance is completely different, even though he’s 17 now. I didn’t work him for a week and then I couldn’t walk with the long reins anymore because he bucked for it. I know them both so well now that I know who wants a break when and who wants to work when.
dressursport.kim: And how do you look towards Amsterdam with Fidel, how does he feel?
Moritz Treffinger: Very good, he is full of energy and is really in the mood. And he definitely deserves to take part in such great tournaments. Although it will of course be a bit of a jump into the deep end for us. I’ve never been in this ‘league’ with him. I can now relate to Cadeau quite well and I believe that they are both on the same level. But I’ve only ridden a freestyle with Fidel four times so far. I started the free program with him again in Salzburg in December so that I could gain some confidence. But it will be very exciting in Amsterdam.
Good luck kisses for Fidel shortly before Amsterdam
dressursport.kim: Riding into a World Cup competition with Cadeau or with Fidel – what is the biggest difference for you?
Moritz Treffinger: Cadeau is definitely more relaxed and cool than Fidel. He forgives me for practically every mistake and has saved me many times during exams. With Fidel it’s completely different: he has, if you will, more spirit, with him every help has to be clear and distinct and must not come to him sometimes stronger and sometimes weaker. He demands that I prepare every lesson carefully, give proper help and, on top of that, keep calm. I’m the one who gets a ‘panic attack’ about whether all the changes work (laughs).
dressursport.kim: What are the differences in the freestyles of Cadeau and Fidel?
Moritz Treffinger: In Cadeau’s freestyle there is more emphasis on the series changes, that is simply his absolute strength. I still ride the freestyle with Fidel, which Simone (Pearce) also rode with him at the World Cup finals in Omaha in 2023. It just suits him so well and he places more importance on the trot tours.
dressursport.kim: Cadeau and Fidel are of course your ‘professors’, but others are also scratching their hooves…
Moritz Treffinger: I actually hope that I can take part in the Piaff Promotion Prize with two horses this year, Morricone and Florida. Florida, that’s right Florida Keys, is a daughter of Fidel, she is now ten and is becoming more and more established in the three-star range. That’s of course super cool: three horses in the national squad and Florida as the fourth horse in the three-star range – that’s crazy.
Further information about the World Cup stage Amsterdam – HERE