“I’m very happy to announce that I’m now one of Dorothee Schneider’s riders,” shared Alex via social media. “Chewie [Exact] and I have moved a couple of weeks ago to Gestüt St Stephan in Framersheim [Germany] where we will stay until the end of this month/early February before Dorothee, her team and horses make the big move up to Syke to the amazing Gestüt Famos [Germany].”
Alex explains that the opportunity came about after she reached out to Schneider upon hearing of her move to Gestüt Famos.
“When I heard Dorothee was moving to Gestüt Famos I reached out to her to see if she was looking to expand her team of riders – the rest is history. I am still pinching myself; it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m very excited!” Alex shares.
Alex officially began riding for Dorothee on January 1 and is loving every minute of the experience.
Read more: ALEX VODERMAIR & CHEWIE TAKE TO THE WORLD STAGE – Equestrian Life, October 2025
Alex and Chewie relocated from Australia last year in preparation for the FEI World Young Horse Championships, as well as to be closer to her family. The pair produced two personal best scores on the world stage, finishing fourth in the small final. They now have their eyes set on the seven-year-old classes at this year’s Championships.
Equestrian Australia recently released its selection criteria for the 2026 FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses – you can read more here.
“Chewie is in great form and developing beautifully,” Alex says. “I feel like we have been on a nonstop travel adventure so I’m really looking forward to Chewie arriving in his new home in Syke and to take him to a show again soon.”
With a world-class mentor and an exciting season ahead, the combination is certainly making the most of this remarkable opportunity.
