Germans Forgo Badminton for Marbach + Michael Jung Helmet Cam

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS. Photo by Julia Rau.

While half the field at Badminton fell victim to Guiseppe Della Chiesa’s course, the Germans were holding one of their final selection trials for the World Equestrian Games on home turf at the Marbach CIC3*. It’s one of their biggest events of the spring — 82 pairs started this year — and widely attended by local fans, and the Germans didn’t disappoint, with Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Sandra Auffarth battling for the win in an exciting finale.

Of course, the big story line is that Michael Jung did NOT win with his Olympic, World and European champion La Biosthetique Sam FBW. He sat in equal first after dressage with Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS on a score of 27.9 but picked up four time penalties on cross country to drop to third place. Sandra Auffarth and her London Olympic individual bronze medal partner Opgun Louvo came home clear inside the time to pass Michael Jung and Sam into second place.

Ingrid, Sandra and Michael all jumped clear in show jumping to finish one, two, three, with Ingrid and Sandra on very impressive scores of 27.9 and 29.1, respectively, and Michael not far behind on a 31.9. So I think it’s safe to say the Germans are in good form this year as we look ahead to Normandy. Many thanks to Julia Rau for sending us these lovely photos from the event, and check out Michael Jung’s helmet cam with Sam, as originally seen on Cavallo. Click here for final results.

[Marbach Final Results] [Julia Rau’s Marbach Photo Gallery]

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