Meet the judges for the 2023 Sydney CDI

HANS CHRISTIAN MATTHIESEN (FEI 5* Judge from Denmark)

Veterinarian and 5* judge, Hans Christian Matthiesen, has been to Australia several times from his home in Denmark.

“I come from a family of Danish warmblood breeders, have ridden up to GP level dressage and work in a horse hospital north of Copenhagen,” he explained. “My main veterinary interests are orthopaedics, neck/back problems, lameness, poor performance in riding horses and training related injuries.” 

On the international equestrian scene he has been the veterinarian for Team Denmark from 2004-2013 including three Olympic Games (Athens, Hong Kong, London), two WEGs and several European championships and World Cup finals.

He was chef d’equipe for the Danish Junior and Young Rider teams from 2005 to 2009.

“I’ve judged in many countries including the Tokyo Olympics, hosted education clinics and been a guest speaker at many veterinary conferences and trainer meetings,” added Hans Christian, who has been a 5* judge since 2014.

When asked what significant changes he has witnessed in international dressage he stated that in recent decades the horses’ quality and talent have become so much better.

And is there a universal problem with competitive dressage riders? “Combining and aligning talent, aspiration and hard work,” he replied. “It all takes time, even with a talented horse – and it takes money.”

He also emphasised two other significant points - that horses are individuals and should be treated that way; and the importance of striving for more education in the sport of dressage.

Article  Suzy Jarratt