02 Sep Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus: A New Chapter at Gut Einhaus
(Hagen a.T.W./Herzlake) A new chapter is set to begin for Frederic Wandres and Lars Ligus at the turn of the year. Following many successful years at Hof Kasselmann, the two dressage riders will take the step into independence in January 2027, establishing their own training and sales stable at Gut Einhaus in Herzlake.
The move marks the beginning of their new joint venture. Gut Einhaus offers exceptional facilities for their plans, allowing Wandres and Ligus to continue their work in the same spacious and professional environment they have enjoyed at Hof Kasselmann. One of Europe’s most exclusive and prestigious equestrian facilities, the extensive estate in Lower Saxony provides outstanding conditions for the training and care of horses. From the beginning of next year, Wandres and Ligus will establish their training and sales concept there, focusing on the long-term development of horses and riders for international sport.
For both riders, the decision represents a new beginning as well as a natural progression in their careers. Both look back on many formative years at Hof Kasselmann, particularly under the guidance of trainer Insa Hansen, and will now bring the sporting and professional experience gained there into their shared venture.
“Hof Kasselmann has been my sporting home for many years,” says Frederic Wandres. “I am extremely grateful to the Kasselmann family for their trust, the exceptional horses and all the opportunities that have come with them. Ulli and Bianca have accompanied me throughout my career and played a defining role in my development. Taking the step into independence now feels like the natural progression.”
Wandres is one of Germany’s most successful dressage riders. As a member of the German team, he has won gold at the Paris Olympic Games as well as at World and European Championships. The development of young horses has always been an equally important part of his work, and he has guided several talented youngsters to victories and other notable successes at the Bundeschampionate and FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses.
Lars Ligus likewise combines international competition experience with many years of developing horses and riders. At Hof Kasselmann, he has trained international clients through to championship level, successfully represented the stable at international shows and competed for Germany in Nations Cups, while also producing several horses to medal-winning performances at the Bundeschampionate.
“Frederic and I bring different experiences and strengths to the partnership, but we share exactly the same philosophy when it comes to working with horses and riders,” explains Ligus. “At Gut Einhaus, we have the opportunity to put these ideas into practice together. We are creating an environment where individual training, long-term development and professional sport come together in an exclusive setting.”
Several of their long-standing equine partners will also make the move to Herzlake. Among them are Bluetooth OLD and Veuve Clicquot FRH, who will continue their careers under the care of Wandres and Ligus at Gut Einhaus. The change of location does not mean leaving behind the close relationships built over many years in Hagen. “Maintaining our close relationship and our personal and professional exchange with the Kasselmann family, and particularly with François Kasselmann, is very important to us and will continue to be so,” Wandres and Ligus emphasise.
Ullrich Kasselmann views the next step for his long-standing riders positively: “Of course, there is a certain sense of sadness when two people who have been part of our operation for so many years decide to forge their own path. But for me, that is also part of their development. Frederic and Lars have grown both professionally and personally during their time with us and have represented Hof Kasselmann superbly on many international stages. We wish them every success, and our doors will always remain open to them.”
Image: Lars Ligus and Frederic Wandres with Veuve Clicquot FRH and Bluetooth OLD © Stefan Lafrentz