(Ankum) More than 320 guests and friends of Performance Sales International gathered last Friday at the See- und Sporthotel Ankum to celebrate the traditional P.S.I. Gala. This year’s festive ball embraced the theme “Winter Wonderland”, evoking the magical atmosphere of a beautifully staged winter world – full of shimmering lights, artistic installations and harmonious music. Vocalist and songwriter Susan Albers, known from The Voice of Germany, together with Joker Quartett, Germany’s leading modern string quartet, provided the musical highlights.
P.S.I. Award for Judy Ann Melchior
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the P.S.I. Award to Judy Ann Melchior, Managing Director of Zangersheide and one of the most influential figures in modern showjumping. In his tribute, Andreas Kreuzer reflected on how difficult the decision had been this year—until her name was mentioned: “As we discussed potential candidates, it quickly became clear: Judy Ann embodies everything we value in our sport. She thinks like a breeder, feels like a rider, and acts like a businesswoman — this combination is rare.”
The story of Zangersheide began more than 50 years ago with the vision of her father, Leon Melchior, who laid the foundation in Belgium for what would become one of the world’s most influential breeding operations. Since the establishment of the independent studbook Zangersheide in 1992, the iconic “Z” has stood for quality, innovation and internationally successful showjumpers. Judy Ann Melchior took over the stud in 2010 and continued to strengthen the connection between breeding and sport. By then, at just 24 years old, she had already been competing at the highest level for several years and won team bronze at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky that same year. Today, Zangersheide is a global player: the stallion station in Lanaken is considered one of the most renowned in the world, and the FEI WBFSH World Championships for Young Jumping Horses are an annual highlight for riders and breeders alike.
Paul Schockemöhle also paid tribute to the award winner: “Our families have known each other for 60 years. I learned so much from your father — not necessarily about riding, but about life. He would be very proud of how you continue his legacy.” In her acceptance speech, Judy Ann Melchior said: “The P.S.I. Award means a great deal to me. Paul and Ulli have been part of my life since childhood, and with your auction you have created a worldwide standard of quality. My father received this award 16 years ago — standing here today fills me with immense pride.”
Charity Auction Raises €36,000
The P.S.I. Gala has always been closely tied to charitable initiatives. This year, the impressive globe sculpture and fire bowl by artist Tarek Lohaus was auctioned off, with the winning bid of €36,000 placed by the Reichert family from Bavaria. The proceeds go to the cross-border educational programme “Skill Up”, initiated by Gudrun Bauer (Bauer Media Group) and supported by Welthungerhilfe since 2015. “Education means future. And future means: Skill Up,” Bauer emphasised.
Under the banner “Riding Against Hunger”, Gudrun Bauer and Ullrich Kasselmann have been supporting Welthungerhilfe projects since 2012. Moderator Frederik De Backer captured the spirit of the evening perfectly: “Tonight, the globe connects every person in this room.” He also reminded guests that P.S.I. charity auctions have now raised over one million euros — a milestone made possible by the continued commitment of the entire P.S.I. community.
