They led the style stakes in Wednesday’s trot up (in my humble opinion, anyway), and after Day One of Dressage, they are leading the field in the 5* at Luhmühlen. I am, of course, referring to the darling of the British Eventing scene, Laura Collett, and her up and coming superstar, Hester. The mare started at Badminton last month, but pulled up mid way round the cross country when Laura felt her backing off a little too much. Today though, she seemed to have put that stage fright firmly behind her, pulling off the kind of confident and focussed test that even the most of experienced horses could only dream of producing. Such is the genius of Miss Collett in getting the best out of her horses.She brings forward last year’s Luhmühlen 5* winner, London 52, in the CCI4*-S at 10.02 AM Local Time (05.02AM EST/09.02 AM BST).
That 4* section promises to be an incredible competition in itself, with a whole host of top riders entered, all chasing last minute Olympic Qualification and/or selection. The current leaders though, are not one of the usual suspects; instead, it is one of Germany’s top young talents, Anna Lena Schaaf and her longterm partner, Fairytale 39. What a delightful story that would be, if she managed to pull off the win! She will have to fight off formidable competition to do so though – not only have the afore mentioned superstars Laura and London still to come, but also Lara’s compatriot Michael Jung and the ever impressive Fischerchipmunk FRH, as well as Kentucky runners up Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, amongst others. See what I said about it being an exciting line up?
Check out all of the times for today’s dressage (which kicked off at 8.30AM Local Time (2.30AM EST/7.30AM BST) here [4*] [5*], keep up with all of the action over on Horse & Country TV, and make sure you stay tuned here on Eventing Nation. Our roving reporter Tilly will be bringing you all of the action as it unfolds, while our resident cross country whizz kid Cheg will be keeping you informed as to what happens and when with her ever impressive cross country live updates tomorrow.
For now though, catch up on all the news from the competition so far and re-acquaint yourself with the 5* competitors in our ever extensive form guide – as ever we will make sure you don’t miss a second, so all you need to do is load up on snacks, find a comfy seat, and Go Eventing!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Aspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]
Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
International Events
Longines Luhmühlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [EN’s Coverage]
Friday News and Reading
Remember we mentioned last week that Shane Rose was not only back in the saddle, but also back in the race for Olympic selection? Well if you want a little further insight into the indefatigable Aussie, then check out this episode of ‘When Nicole Met….’ from our friends over on the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. WHAT A GUY!
Speaking of podcasts – I’ve a brand new one for you tor wrap your ears around. The eventing legend Lucinda Green has added yet another string to her bow: that of podcast host. The first episode is out now, and while I haven’t listened to it as yet, it is at the very top of my to do list, and I’d be willing to bet that it’s a good one. Find it here!
More new stuff! This time in the form of tiny people. That’s right, Aussie eventer Sam Griffiths and his lovely wife Hayley welcomed a new member to their family, in the shape of baby Cora. Congrats you guys! A future Olympian, I wonder?!
Always wanted to be part of a reality TV show, but don’t really feel like Love Island is your scene?! Well now is your chance: Horse & Country’s reality series Mochara All Star Academy is still open for applications. Hosted by Meg Elphick, and filmed at Talland School of Equitation, this is an opportunity not to be missed. But hurry! Applications close in little more than a week. Oh, and if you do make it to the audition stage, here’s some handy tips to get you through – you can thank me later.
Last one from me before I scuttle back into my lair and immerse myself back in all things Luhmühlen. Can we all put our hands together in congratulations for Gaspard Maksud, who is apparently not content with just being a top level eventer, but has now proven his worth as a pure show jumper too, blagging himself a ticket to the Foxhunter Show Jumping Finals at the Horse of the Year Show. Is there no end to the man’s talents?
Sponsor Corner
Don’t forget to buy your VIP tickets for the Summer Horse Trials at Stable View happening next week! Ticket Holders receive access to the Pavilion upstairs with 360-degree view, lunch catered by Blue Collard beverages, and Stable View swag.
Weekend Watching
All eyes may be on the competition unfolding in Germany this weekend, but I am still happily remembering the fairytale finish that Lucy Latta enjoyed at Badminton last month. Find out a little more about her and her journey from ponies to 5* here. Dream it, believe it, achieve it!
