The WBFSH subsequently interviewed Thorsten Druckenmuller, Romain Rotty and Volker Göttsche-Götze posing several questions to gain insight into the incredible breeders behind those champions. In these brief video interviews, we discussed their passion for horses, their breeding background and philosophy, the bloodlines and methodology employed in selecting the crosses, as well as further information regarding the celebrated champions and their reactions to receiving such an award. 

Let’s reminisce one last time the great achievements of these champions.

Silke Druckenmuller, Dressage Breeder of the Year 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024  

Late Silke Druckenmüller won the award for the fourth time – a unique achievement. Her husband Thorsten Druckenmüller received the award on her behalf, saying that he is grateful and proud of Silke’s achievement.  

“It is an overwhelming feeling in every respect to be a breeder standing in the middle of the arena, where the best riders of the best horses usually receive their awards. Thank you Longines, and WBFSH, for this magnificent recognition. And thank you to Brigitte Boss, the statue is the icing on the cake of a wonderful evening.” 

Silke’s 17-year-old Trakehner mare TSF Dalera (by Easy Game out of the mare Dark Magic, by Handryk) has been a standout in dressage at the highest international levels under the saddle of German rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Their journey together began in 2016, quickly ascending to the top echelons of the sport and keeping the number 1 spot in the FEI Dressage rankings for years. The milestones they reached together include the World Equestrian Games and European Championship titles, as well as both team and individual gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. They concluded their incredible journey together by successfully defending their titles at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, securing once again both team and individual gold medals. 

In August 2024, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl announced Dalera’s retirement from competition. The mare will remain with her at her home based in Aubenhausen, where she “will be spoiled until her last breath”, says Jessica, as “she deserves only one thing, and that is the very best”. To honour Dalera’s contribution to the sport, and ease her into retirement, the couple made two special appearances, at the Trakehner Verband’s annual Hengstmarkt in November 2024, and at the FEI Dressage World Cup of Basel in January 2025, where they received a standing ovation from the public. 

Romain Rotty, Jumping Breeder of the Year 2024  

Belgium-based Romain Rotty is the breeder of the incredible Zangersheide mare Legacy (ex Chavantele Z). With over 40 years of breeding experience, and the philosophy of breeding only from the best mares, Romain recognised Legacy’s unique potential on the very day she was born. Together with Irish rider Daniel Coyle, Legacy (by Chippendale Z x Bon Ami) has delivered exceptional performances on the world stage, including consecutive World Cup victories in Leipzig and Amsterdam – a feat that had not been accomplished since 2015. 

Their accomplishments also include a team win at the Ocala League of Nations and a standout debut at the Paris Olympic Games. For the past six years, they have been progressing and achieving successes together, under the attentive eye of her breeder, who follows her career with pride. In the last year, Tom and Legacy established themselves as one of the most formidable pairs of the 2024 jumping scene. Although Romain Rotty could not be present in Bordeaux, he was proud of the honour, which he recognises as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His nephew Diego Rotty attended the event to represent him and accept the award on his behalf. 

Volker Göttsche-Götze, Eventing Breeder of the Year 2024 

The breeder behind the talented Holsteiner gelding JL Dublin (by Diarado and out of a mare by Canto) is Volker Göttsche-Götze. JL Dublin has achieved significant success on the international stage since 2021. Since 2022 he is paired with British rider Tom McEwen. Together, they excelled and achieved notable placings in prestigious competitions such as a first place at the CCI4*S of Kronenberg, a second place at the 5* Three-Day Defender Kentucky and at the CCI4*S of Luhmühlen. A partnership that culminated in an incredible performance at the Paris Olympics, where they earned a team gold medal and placed fourth individually. 

Dublin or “Dubs”, as his rider calls him, has repeatedly proven himself to be a reliable and versatile competitor, excelling in dressage, cross-country and jumping. A “Perfect championship horse”, which McEwen feels privileged to ride. His breeder recognizes the qualities Dublin possesses, including his brave temperament and his exceptional movement. Volker believes in breeding from the best damlines and outcrossing the Holstein lines with the valuable French blood of stallions such a Diamant de Semilly (sire of Diarado). He was very proud of being awarded the title of Breeder of the Year, and was also awarded Holsteiner Breeder of the Year for his truly exceptional horse.  

“For a classic Holstein horse breeder, the invitation from the WBFSH to a 5-star World Cup tournament in far-away Bordeaux was a special reason to be happy. I found the trip to be very well organized. The very nice award ceremony with the participation of Longines was, for me, an event of the highest recognition for the work of a horse breeder. Special thanks go to them for the very nice gifts, including a stylish and very valuable wristwatch. This weekend in Bordeaux filled me with happiness and pride.” 

The WBFSH extends once again its sincere gratitude to Longines for making this celebration possible, and we also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the breeders for their exceptional work in producing the stars of today, and future stars of tomorrow. 

We are looking forward to forthcoming monthly publication of the rankings!