Hagen, Germany— Getting a glimpse into the future is as easy as taking a trip to Hof Kasselmann during Future Champions presented by PSI Events. Last week, the stunning, expansive venue was buzzing with the rising stars of dressage and show jumping riding for FEI Youth Nations Cup distinction. The podiums represent the future of the sport, uplifting riders who will not only go on to compete for their country on countless more occasions, but perhaps even change the world. That is because no matter how high the standards, or how lofty the canter, the essence at Hof Kasselmann is grounded by down to earth, family values.

JustWorld International (JWI) was welcomed to Hof Kasselmann with open arms, graciously invited as a Future Champions official charity partner to host the life changing Adopt A Project initiative sponsored by Delta Horse Power. Through this partnership, teams in each championship division placing first, second and third were awarded a Delta Horse Power grant which was then donated in their honor to a JWI project of their choosing. 

Even after the music from the awards ceremony died down they continued to work as a team, convening for a press conference where they were provided with project ‘menus’ and a collaborative mission. After taking the time to learn about the essential needs of children in impoverished communities in Cambodia, Honduras and Guatemala, they decided which efforts to put their donations towards. Three months of fuel for “Education on Wheels” in Honduras, 24,000 nutritional meals in Guatemala or a team of 15 teachers in Cambodia are just a few of the life changing programs riders had the opportunity to select. In total, 84 riders thoughtfully engaged in Adopt A Project at Future Champions.

Mick Haunhorst, Marie Flick, Lia-Sophia Gut and Johanna Beckmann took the final CSIOY Jumping Nations Cup Final title for their home country of Germany. Yet, their team win also made an impact thousands of miles from the German countryside. Engaging in perhaps one of the longest deliberations, they chose to support the nutrition program at JWI’s partner project El Patojismo in Jocotenango, Guatemala. 

“We chose to help give 24,000 meals to children in Guatemala. We chose this program because we know that you can’t learn effectively if you are hungry or get a good education without the right nutrition,” said 20-year-old Johanna Beckmann (GER). 

Nutrition programs were a popular choice amongst podium finishers, which doesn’t come as a surprise when considering top athletes are keenly aware of the importance of proper fuel. Belgium, the second place team, also opted to fill the plates of Cambodian students. 

“We decided to give 750 students in Cambodia nutritious meals daily for one month, because we think food is the most important thing,” said 19-year-old Leon Brutsaert (BEL).

Proper healthcare and nutrition is also the personal link for Future Champions official Adopt A Project sponsor.

“Personally, I came into contact with JustWorld six years ago and immediately I embraced the mission. Last year when Delta Horse Power’s CEO Johan Smaal asked me to find a cause to commit ourselves to I didn’t think twice about JustWorld,” said Dr. Hilde Vrancken. 

Delta Horse Power is a data driven, all natural supplement system designed with groundbreaking science to maximize genetic potential and improve the overall health and fitness of high performance horses. They know firsthand just how proper nutrition can change lives, and joined the JustWorld team at Hof Kasselmann to experience the full impression of Adopt A Project. 

“It was really great to see how tangible Adopt A Project is, and how the kids are embracing this. They really have an understanding of how important good nutrition and healthcare is for everybody, and that it also has an effect on concentration and on learning abilities. It’s really very similar to horses, if we give them the right nutrition and the right supplements when they need it it will improve welfare, health, and performance and that’s really what we need to be considerate of,” said Vrancken.

In just one week, over 8,000 euros were donated to JustWorld projects and countless lives were positively impacted through the unwavering commitment of each Future Champions competitor, PSI Events, Hof Kasselmann, and every JustWorld Ambassador and supporter in Hagen and beyond. The ripple effect of positive change will only continue because together we can make a difference, one stride at a time. 

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.