Classic Eventing Nation

MARS Bromont Rising Provides Windows of Opportunity for Eventing’s Next Generation

By on Jun 15, 2023 9:00 am -

MARS Bromont Rising recipient Emeline Gilbert and EWSZ Mozart. Photo by Abby Powell.

Though there has been much focus on a weekend of success for the Australian-turned-Americans, there were two sections at MARS Bromont CCI that neither Boyd Martin nor Phillip Dutton could dominate. To be fair, a reverse-aging potion would have to be involved in order for either rider to contend in these divisions, and thus we turn to the youth to see us through the U25 portions of the weekend. Between the CCI2*L-U25 and a spattering of U25 riders in the CCI3*L who made up a youth section of the larger division, Bromont demonstrated a spectacle of the next generation of the sport: the future looks bright.

With the help of the MARS Bromont Rising program, created in honor of the late Steve Blauner in 2019, many of the U25 riders experienced top-level coaching throughout the weekend of competition. Not only was there on-the-ground aid by Germany Olympian Bettina Hoy, but the group also had the opportunity to listen to lectures on all things FEI eventing with a panel of experts. Riders also received financial aid in order to attend the prestigious event.

For the recipients of this grant, the week started with a rider meeting where participants were introduced. During this time, riders spoke with Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon, FEI dressage judge Cara Whitham, Bettina Hoy, and Dr. Yves Rossier, DVM. Cara Whitham discussed tactics when riding a dressage test, and Dr. Rossier spoke on how to best present the horse for an FEI jog. Afterwards, riders were given the opportunity to have lessons with Bettina on the flat and over fences. During these sessions, Bettina’s ability to individualize her approach to suit new riders was remarkable.

Overarching themes were apparent, even in contrasting lessons. Bettina stressed the importance of focus during corners both in dressage and in jumping. This, she maintains, is the best way to regroup the contact with the horse and relax back into self-carriage and rhythm. As such, Bettina also stressed the importance of body language as a focus tool. For horses that are spookier, sitting up when doing dressage and jumping will aid in returning their concentration to the rider’s aids.

Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C. Photo by Abby Powell.

Once the two days of dressage commenced, Bettina helped warm up the riders before their tests. She again demonstrated her tactical brilliance in providing focused feedback on final specifics which would provide a difference in the test, rather than fixating on elements that could not be corrected as quickly.

After the two days of dressage, riders were invited to review their tests with the help of Cara Whitham, a celebrated five-star judge. Nadia Sabot, from Uxbridge, Ontario, found this session especially useful: “I sat down with Cara for probably half an hour and she went over every aspect of my test and things I could improve on and really took the time with me. I am so appreciative of that.” Nadia highlights the comprehensive approach to the weekend, in which a high-profile competition such as Bromont presents not only a key event in itself, but a stepping stone for learning opportunities to enhance future successes.

On Friday, Bettina led two course walks, first up was the CCI2*L followed by the CCI3*L group. Her comments proved pivotal for the riders’ success over the challenging, undulating, Derek di Grazia tracks. Again, Bettina’s ability to perceive minute details less perceptible to riders but vital to the horses proved an asset to each pair’s success. She instantly noted that the slight undulations apparent throughout the course would need to be seriously kept in mind. The big, rolling hills of Bromont would undoubtedly create tired horses, Bettina pointed out that though the small differences in terrain within these larger cambers may not seem significant to the horses for the first few minutes of the course, by the last minute these differences could catch out a tired horse, and distinguishing the best route through these undulations would be vital to success.

Bettina Hoy leads a course walk for MARS Bromont Rising riders. Photo by Cara Whitham.

Intel such as this proved especially useful for Maya Clarkson, who finished the weekend in second place in a competitive CCI3*L division aboard her 11-year-old gelding, Maks Mojo C. After an exceptional clear cross-country round within a tough time saw her climb up the leaderboard from equal ninth into second, Maya noted that Bettina’s positivity in working within the framework of each rider’s program but equally providing these selective insights is what makes Bettina so proficient in her role as clinician. Maya also noted the importance of Bettina’s coursewalk coupled with the information Derek di Grazia shared with them about the course earlier on in the week during the riders session. “Something which I’d actually never heard before was fence 9AB [a log to a corner] and there were some trees above it and [Bettina] was like when the trees hit your head don’t close your eyes because you have the corner,” Maya continued. “I’d never heard that before, like when your head feels something don’t close your eyes. That was really helpful”. These small, precise details made all the difference to ensure a successful cross country test for Maya and Maks Mojo C.

Sara Schulman, who proved victorious in the CCI2*L-U25 division on her 7-year-old Cooley Chromatic, equally applauded Bettina’s capacity to provide compelling insight in continuation with riders’ individual systems. Schulman commented that “Bettina was able to work with [my system] and not really change our program hugely, but add in those minor details that you think might help depending on how the course looks or how certain lines are”.

Sara Schulman and Cooley Chromatic. Photo by Abby Powell.

At the end of the weekend, we spoke to Bettina on how she found the MARS Bromont Rising experience as whole; “I’m actually very impressed by everyone, the fact that every piece of information they could get, they really soaked it up. They worked very hard. I could see them try to put it into place, especially in the dressage and cross country”. Bettina continued by saying “especially here, they would have felt the horses getting a little bit tired. Knowing how to deal with that and having a debrief on what can you do better, how can you get your horse, maybe a bit fitter, if they felt they were getting tired. It was great to watch. They are good kids”.

Overall, Bettina said her biggest piece of advice to take away is to “be prepared to change because not everything that they’ve been taught or that they’ve done in the past is how it should be done. They need to be open to change. They also need to learn to be resilient because if you want to make it to the top of the top, you will have some tough times and you will have some really good times. But sometimes, the tougher times make the top athlete, not the good times, so you need to learn to be resilient”.

The entire team behind MARS Bromont Rising provided a wonderful learning opportunity while implementing the support needed when participating in such esteemed competition. Peter Gray, Sue Ockenden, Cara Whitman, Bettina Hoy, Michelle Dunn, Ms. Mars and many more are all to thank for the success of these young stars.

We urge those interested in getting involved with this incredible program to apply for the second installment at Galway Downs in the fall — applications are now open and close on September 1.

Bettina has offered the opportunity for riders to come ahead of time for some training days with her, which only further adds to an already exceptional opportunity. Trainers are encouraged to come, Bettina ensures that “I am not a threat to anyone, don’t feel threatened by me. I just want everyone to benefit from it and for the sport to become better and bigger”. We are excited for the next installment of Bromont Rising and to see what comes of these Bromont Rising graduates in the years to come!

MARS Bromont Rising participants pose with German Olympian Bettina Hoy. Photo by Cara Whitham.

Applications for the next round of MARS Bromont Rising grants are open for competitors aiming at this fall’s Galway Downs International in Temecula, CA and close on September 1, 2023. MARS Bromont Rising is administered by the USEA Foundation.

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 Program was first introduced at the Bromont Three-Day Event in June 2019 when nine riders under the age of 25 were awarded grants to assist with the expenses incurred in preparing for and competing in the Bromont CCI. A complete training program was devised to help the riders prepare themselves and their horses for the competition. An additional six riders were invited to participate in the training sessions and were given free entries to the event.

Mark Hart, trustee of the USEA Foundation recognized those who had made the Bromont Rising program possible when he said: “This program was established by Steve Blauner, an event horse owner who saw the need to develop and support the next generation of Team riders. He has enthusiastically shared his vision with other Team horse owners such as Jacqueline Mars who is currently cosponsoring the program with Steve to get it firmly established. For this vision the USEA Foundation and the sport thanks them.”

For the 2023 competition season, the MARS Bromont Rising U25 grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to up to 20 successful applicants to help assist with travel expenses and entry fees for applicants aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Bromont, Quebec, Canada) or Galway Downs (Temecula, California, USA) CCI’s in 2023. Highlighting this year’s program is the return of three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy, as a guest coach for 2023.

Grant application forms, hotel information, omnibus forms etc. can be found on the respective websites.

Luhmühlen CCI5*, Day One: The Live Updates Bonanza

By on Jun 15, 2023 7:44 am -

Nadine Marzahl and Victoria 108, this morning’s CCI4*-S dressage leaders at Luhmühlen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re pretty sure there’s nothing sweeter than a sunny day at Luhmühlen, which is, we reckon, the world’s happiest event. Seriously: everyone on site at this place is always smiling, always chatting, always ready to stop for a catch-up and a Schnapps (time of day permitting, of course), and that lends its own unique kind of magic to the place. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, but for eventing. We adore it.

We also adore the seriously spicy entry list that this year’s event has commanded. Forty horses, twelve nations, three five-star winning partnerships, endless talent: the competition is wide open and about to be hotly fought, and we’re bringing you along for every moment of the ride. We’ve got this morning’s CCI4*-S session behind us as a pipe opener and a palate cleanser, and now it’s time to dive into the main event — 2023’s fourth five-star.

Our pathfinder for today’s competition will be Great Britain’s Oliver Townend on the first of his three rides, nine-year-old debutante Cooley Rosalent, who will head down the centre line at 13.45 local time (12.45 p.m. BST/7.45 a.m. EST). The last of the day will be Boyd Martin on the second of his own three rides, and another debutant at the level in the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B. You can catch them at 16.22 local time (15.22 BST/10.22 a.m. EST), and click here for the full running order and times of today’s competition, which will be held in front of a ground jury comprised of Nick Burton (GBR) at C, Dr Joachim Dimmek (GER) at M, and Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT) at E.

Keep your finger on that refresh button for live updates from all the action between the boards, and if you fancy following along via the live stream, you can find all our info on how to watch — plus a cheeky H&C TV discount code for EN readers — here.

Want to get yourself in the zone for the competition to come? Check out our jam-packed form guide, which has all the info you need on every single horse and rider in the field. Then, get ready, get set, and let’s Go Eventing!

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

10:31 That brings us to the end of day 1 at Luhmuhlen Horse Trials. What a day!

It’s Britain holding the top three spots after the first day of 5* dressage.

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street lead the way on 23.1.
Kitty King is in second with Vendredi Biats on 26.8.
Laura Collett is third with Dacapo on 29.7.

Thanks for tuning in to our live updates – I’m off to rest my weary digits before we do it all again tomorrow! It all kicks off at 1:35pm local time – that’s 7:45am EST/ 12:45pm BST.

Keep it locked onto EN for the full report – coming soon!

If you’re reading this after the event, scroll to the bottom and read up.

Go eventing!

10:30 Score in for Boyd Martin and Fedarman B – 32.4.

10:27 Score in for Oliver Townend and Tregilder – 29.9.

10:26 There’s tension in the changes – the only blips in a superb test. We’re just waiting on his score…

10:25 There’s such quality on display from this combination. Everything is clean and strong and everything is just beautiful.

10:24 The walk has much the same quality as the trot – purposeful, strong and balanced. Bruno shakes his head a bit in the transition to canter but it’s a clean strike off and they’re on their way.

10:23 Wow Bruno’s a beautiful boy! He’s so impressive in his way of going – totally uphill – powerful and confident. A real picture.

10:22 This pair are likely to go sub-30, with their last four runs coming in at 28 or 29. What will it be today?

10:21 We’re back with the USA’s Boyd Martin for our last competitor between the white boards today, with the second of his three rides Fedarman B.

5* first-timer! This is Fedarman B’s first attempt at 5*.

In the barn… Fedarman B is known as ‘Bruno’.

Family ties… Olympian Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating and his dad in cross-country skiing. So that’s why he’s so quick across the country!

Did you know? Boyd has a guru who is a regular sight at events.

10:19 Score in for Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG – 43.2.

10:18 Gizmo looks incredibly rideable. There’s nothing massively expressive but everything is spot on in terms of accuracy. He reaches in the stretch circle and picks back up when Oliver asks. Overall, this has been pleasing to watch and Gizmo gets a good pat at the end.

10:16 There are a few knocks to the boards but Gizmo’s not upset by that. This is a quiet test so far.

10:15 A very straight entry gets Gizmo’s test off to a very good start. He’s balanced enough in his trot work and Oliver’s riding as accurately as ever.

10:14 Tregilder’s scored high-20s in his two other 5* attempts. Can he keep it sub-30 today?

10:13 Our penultimate rider of the day, Great Britain’s Oliver Townend is back in the ring with the second of his three rides Tregilder.

Third time lucky? Tregilder – ‘Gizmo’ at home – comes forward for his third 5*.

Royal approval! 👑 Oliver was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism by the Queen of England in 2022.

Fun fact! Oliver’s mom showed side-saddle.

10:12 Score in for Tom Jackson and Farndon – 34.9.

10:11 Commander jumps the flying change a bit, a shame when everything was going so well. But it doesn’t upset him too much and they continue on without incident. The stretch circle doesn’t have a lot of stretch and then quite a bit of tension over the flying change. But overall, this has been a great job from Commander and Aistis is grinning as he halts at the end.

10:09 He’s a good boy in the halt at C – nosing round a bit but doing what Aistis asks. He’s happy enough in the walk – incredibly settled. Aistis must be happy with how the gelding’s going today.

10:08 Commander VG has a good look around in the first halt. He seems to like what he saw as he’s off in trot now and looking to be working well with Aistis so far.

10:07 This combo are not averse to dipping a toe into the 40s in this first phase, although their scores have been trending downwards. How will he do here?

10:06 Next up is Lithuanian rider Aistis Vitkauskas with his sweetheart gelding Commander VG.

This is Commander VG’s sixth 5* and third time at Luhmuhlen.

Cuteness alert! This lovely horse can be spotted at events giving Aistis’ young daughter pony rides.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t challenge Aistis’ sometimes though. He got hot, hot, hot – despite the rain – during his dressage at Badminton. Will he keep a lid on it today?

10:04 Score in for Elizabeth Power and Senza Fine – 32.1.

10:03 A brave attempt in the extended canter leads to a bit of a late behind change. There’s not a huge amount of stretch in the circle and the next change is late behind too. The next one’s better. A super halt to finish though. On the whole, good work from Farndon, just a shame about the couple of blips.

10:01 A very secure halt at C and a clean rein back. Farndon’s shining beautifully in the sunshine. Lots of relaxation in the walk. They look like a very happy partnership together.

10:00 This is another horse with a lovely bouncy trot. It’s rhythmical with lots of expression. A slight kick of the board but Farndon doesn’t even seem to notice.

9:59 His latest form is a 26.5 a couple of weeks ago. Before that, we were looking at low to mid-30s at 4*. What will it be at 5*?

9:58 We’ll be seeing British rider Tom Jackson up next, with Farndon.

This is Farndon’s first 5* but Tom’s no stranger to the big time – he was 2nd at Burghley last year and 5th at Badminton this year on his other ride, Capels Hollow Drift.

9:57 Score in for David Doel and Ferro Point – 40.8.

9:56 There’s more great balance in the canter work. Esib’s making this test look easy. There’s a good stretch in the circle – there could have been a bit more – but everything’s very accurate and pleasing to the eye.

9:54 The walk is all very relaxed. It’s clean and purposeful and should be pulling in some nice scores.

9:53 Senza Fine is stepping out really nicely in the trot work. It’s bouncy and energetic and they look to be working together well as a partnership.

9:52 At the 4* level, Senza Fine regularly scores high-20s to very low-30s. What will she do at 5*?

9:51 Next before the judges is Elizabeth Power and Senza Fine for Ireland.

Senza Fine is a former Tim Price ride – Esib’s had just one season with the mare and now brings her forward for her first 5*.

Did you know? Esib also competes in FEI show jumping at 5* – she’s jumped in the Hickstead Derby and she won the Royal Dublin Stakes in 2019.

It’s all in the genes! Esib’s dad was an international show jumper, her mom competed at Badminton and her brother is a Grand National winning jockey!

9:50 Score for Hallie Coon and Global Ex – 38.4.

9:49 A lovely square halt to finish and a pat for Ferro Point.

9:48 Ah, she’s very much ahead of David in the first two changes. She’s been so rideable thus far, what a shame. They’re back together for a bit but there’s a tranter into the next change and then late behind on the final one. A real shame in what was a lovely test up to then.

9:47 A super square halt but the rein back’s a bit diagonal rather than straight. This mare has kissing spine and is very thoughtfully and carefully managed by David and his team.

9:46 So far this is a very accurate test. Everything’s happening as it should and Ferro Point is working nicely for David.

9:45 They posted a 39.1 in the first phase at Pau last year. They came out this season with a 35.1 in the 4*-S at Chatsworth a couple of weeks ago. What will it be today?

9:44 Coming up the center line next is Great Britain’s David Doel with Ferro Point.

David came through the Junior and Young Rider teams, medaling multiple times.

Last year at Luhmuhlen – it’s safe to say their show jumping round did not go to plan. The saddle slipped right under Ferro Point’s belly. Fingers crossed for a less dramatic competition for them this time around.

In another life… David works with his dad at their ice cream company. 🍧

9:43 Score in for Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar – 32.7.

9:42 A couple of late changes – Dolly’s looking almost too relaxed. Hallie’s doing a great job in the saddle. The final change doesn’t happen and Dolly gets a bit upset about it. But they’re at the halt now and Dolly’s getting a pat.

9:41 The walk’s not so relaxed but she keeps a lid on it, just about.

9:40 Lots of air-time in the extended trot – a lovely picture. Dolly looks very relaxed standing there in a square halt. The rein back’s a bit wonky, but the steps are clean.

9:39 They get off to a great start with a super halt and set off in a very balanced trot. Dolly’s looking happy to be at Luhmuhlen.

9:37 Recent form suggests a score in the low to mid-30s in this phase. Where will it land?

9:36 Next into the ring will be Hallie Coon and Global Ex for the United States.

Hallie’s spent the 2023 season thus far with ‘Dolly’ competing in the UK.

This is their second 5* – their first came at Kentucky in 2021.

9:35 Score in for Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser – 36.0.

9:34 There’s a bit of ear flopping going on in the canter work – perhaps there’s a fly in there – but everything is accurate and harmonious – very cool, calm and collected. A super test overall. Horse and rider are both smiling.

9:32 A lovely relaxed walk must be pulling in the marks – there’s great ground cover and over-track in the extended. There’s a bit of fussing in the mouth in the transition, but they’re happily off into canter and showing more very accurate work.

9:31 You can really see the great partnership horse and rider have in the picture they’re making. Totally together and harmonious – just lovely. Everything’s brave and forwards and very, very confident.

9:30 They’re generally pretty consistent in this phase, trending around the low to mid-30s. They posted a 34.1 at Badminton.

9:29 Next up the center line is Great Britain’s Fiona Kashel with Creevagh Silver De Haar.

Leveling up! Fiona has brought Creevagh Silver De Haar through the levels from 1*.

They’re here after withdrawing at Badminton after the dressage.

This is the gelding’s fourth 5* start – they were top 30 at Pau and completed on their first attempt at Badminton last year.

Family connection! Creevagh Silver de Haar is ¾ related to Piggy March’s Badminton winner Vanir Kamira.

9:28 New leader alert! Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street score 23.1!

9:27 RLE Limbo Kaiser looks like a guy who’s been concentrating hard at the end of his test! Big pats for him.

9:26 Some of the canter is a bit downhill. He’s late in his flying change. The stretch circle is fine but he’s late again in the change afterwards. The next one’s better though.

9:24 He obviously doesn’t enjoy walking that much. He’s a little fussy in his head but Katherine’s moving him forward. A little stumble in the first corner of canter upsets him a bit but they’re on their way now and all seems to have settled.

9:23 Limbo Kaiser is working smoothly through the trot work. He looks relaxed and happy to be at Luhmuhlen so far.

9:22 It’s likely to be a score in the 30s for this combination, but it’s really hard to guess where going off their form. Only time will tell…

9:21 British-based American rider, Katherine Coleman is next, with RLE Limbo Kaiser.

A true three-phaser – before taking up eventing, Katherine competed in both dressage and show jumping.

Katherine relocated to the UK in 2012 when she went to work with EquiRatings’ Sam Watson.

Katherine’s looking for her 5* finish of the year here this weekend after completing Badminton a few weeks ago with Monbeg Senna.

9:19 Pippa’s making this look easy. There’s such beautiful harmony in the work – an absolute pleasure to see. Pippa’s got to be delighted with this test.

9:17 The first change is totally on the money. That kind of sums up this test so far – clean, accurate, strong, expressive – all the great stuff.

9:16 A very square halt at C. The walk is relaxed and Squirrel’s stepping out nicely.

9:15 Squirrel’s looking great as he begins his test. Balanced and strong and really working with Pippa.

9:14 Their latest form is a 22.3 in the 4*-S at Bicton a couple of weeks ago. They posted a 26.1 at Badminton last year. This is surely a combination to watch!

9:13 Three-time Olympic medalist Great Britain’s Pippa Funnell is getting us back underway. She brings MGH Grafton Street.

🐿️ ‘Squirrel’ looked very pleased to be at Luhmuhlen at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday. He’s full of run – Pippa will be hoping he saves it for the cross country!

Royal approval! 👑 Pippa was awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.

Pippa was the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam. 💵

Fun fact! She’s also a video game star!

Luhmuhlen memories… Pippa won her first major 3-day here with Sir Barnaby in 1991 – and the European Championships with Supreme Rock in 1999.

9:08 A score in for Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty – 38.5.

8:57 Well, Luhmuhlen 5* is well and truly underway! We’re off for a short break now. We’ll be back with the action at 9:15 am EDT / 2:15pm BST when Great Britain’s eventing superstar Pippa Funnell will take to the arena with MGH Grafton Street. Felicity Ward’s score will follow as soon as we know it.

8:56 A score in for Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding – 30.7 and into 3rd.

8:55 More of the same, accurate, solid work in the canter. He stretches down nicely in the circle, but you do get a sense that he’d rather be doing cross country. Overall a good test and he gets a big pat from Felicity at the end.

8:54 A solid start to Cuba’s test. He’s walking out well and staying nice and relaxed.

8:53 They scored 39.5 in this phase here last year. Their 4* form is mid-30s. What will happen between the boards here?

8:52 Our final combination before the coffee break is Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty for Ireland.

This combination were 15th here last year – can they improve on that this time around?

On form! ‘Cuba’ had his highest placing in international competition this season – 2nd at Ballindenisk in the 3*-S.

Cross country machine! 🏇 Since 2017, this pair have only one cross country retirement on their record.

8:51 Score for Kitty King and Vendredi Biats – into the lead with 26.8. Our very own Tilly’s just had a shout out on the commentary – we can see you talking to Kitty, Tilly!

8:50 Muzi’s got to be pleased with that! A square halt to finish. Great work.

8:49 Lots of stretch in the stretchy circle. Just Kidding looks so rideable – what a good boy he is.

8:48 Muzi really goes for it in the extended canter – more brave riding. And a great flying change to follow.

8:47 A super square halt at C and a clean rein back set them up very nicely for the walk work. Just Kidding is taking the rein in the extended. This is all a very lovely picture of a horse and rider who are in total partnership.

8:46 Just Kidding can’t wait to carry on down the center line after a very brief halt. Great ground cover in the trot work – brave and determined riding – great to see.

8:45 This pair are capable of a very good first phase score – mid-20s isn’t beyond their reach on a good day. They scored 31.3 in the Badminton mud, but we can assume that the ground here will suit Fern better than that.

8:44 Next up it’s Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding for New Zealand.

Muzi’s re-routing from Badminton after a fall on the cross country saw their competition finish early.

Trivia time! Fern is 15.2hh when he’s standing on his tippy toes!

Shout-out to eventing OTTBs! Fern is an ex-racehorse – Muzi bought him off the track as a 5-year-old. 🏇

Family connection! Muzi’s mom is Olympic bronze medalist Tinks Pottinger.

8:43 A score for Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire – 37.8.

8:42 What a test! A brilliant job by both horse and rider. Kitty made it look easy, but it’s really not!

8:41 A super accurate flying change and very accurate riding from Kitty. This is how you ride a test! Such a treat to see.

8:40 Ooo, the extended trot is lovely – lots of air time and reach. They’re getting on with the walk now and Froggy’s putting his best foot forward. Good boy Froggy.

8:39 Kitty and Froggy have entered the ring with purpose! He’s a little fussy in the rein, but Kitty’s riding him forwards and everything is super accurate so far.

8:38 They’re consistently mid-20s or below. They scored 22.3 at Badminton and 21.2 at Burghley. Are we going to see a challenge for the top of the leaderboard?

8:37 Great Britain’s Kitty King and Vendredi Biats will be next down the center line.

In the barn… Vendredi Biats is known as ‘Froggy’ at home! 🐸

They’re here after a fall early on the Badminton cross country ended their hopes of improving their 7th place in 2022.

They’ve been 6th at Burghley. Can they get closer to the top of the leaderboard here? I think so – they’re in my Eventing Manager team!

Sizzling stat! Froggy has one of the best 5* dressage averages in the field.

8:36 Score for Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby – 35.4.

8:35 There’s another wobble on the diagonal line but Sydney’s really helping Q out and riding brilliantly. They step a bit into the halt but get there in the end. Overall, lots to like in that test and Q is truly a good looking lad!

8:34 The walk was nice and relaxed on the whole. He’s a bit backwards in his approach to the change but he listened to Sydney and everything’s happening as it should on the whole.

8:33 As I typed that Q broke into canter. That was a shame but things are back on track now.

8:32 Q is moving freely in the trot work, she’s a bit wobbly in places but is working nicely for Sydney.

8:31 At 4*, this pair have scored everything from 26.2 to 35.9. It was towards the top end in the 5* at Kentucky last year. What will today bring?

8:30 Our next pair up the center line will be America’s Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire.

Medal alert! 🥈🥈 Sydney and ‘Q’ have two team silver Nations Cup medals to their name – from Aachen and Boekelo in 2021.

‘Q’s people describe him as quiet, sweet and mellow – what a cutie-pie he sounds!

Kentucky podium! This combination took 3rd place in the 4*-S at Kentucky this spring.

This is their third 5* together – they finished 8th in Kentucky last year and had a top-20 placing at their debut the year before.

8:29 A score for Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3 – 40.3.

8:28 Ruby got very strong towards the end of that test, which must have been hard work for Imogen. But there was no lack of effort on Ruby’s part and it’s her first 5*. There’ll have been lots of learning going on in the ring, which is something to take forward for the future.

8:27 After a relaxed walk, Ruby gets a bit full of herself in the flying change and dives it a bit. She breaks in the canter and the mare seems to be pre-empting everything that’s to come. Take a breath Ruby!

8:26 A beautiful halt at C!

8:25 Ruby’s moving nicely in the trot work, she’s relaxed and seems happy in her work.

8:24 They scored a 24.9 in the 4*-S at Bicton a few weeks ago. They’ve been as high as 35.5 recently too. Where will they land today?

8:23 It’s Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby up next for Great Britain.
5* first timer! This is Ruby’s first time at the level but she’s looking well up for the challenge.

Zen Master! 🧘 At a competition in 2019, a loose horse galloped through Ruby’s dressage test six times but Ruby kept her cool and didn’t put a hoof out of line”.

8:22 A score for Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis – 34.9.

8:20 Arne must be super pleased with this mare. She’s been very good throughout and shows just what Arne’s been dealing with as she leaves the arena dancing.

8:19 Luthien’s anticipating the changes, but it’s because she’s a trier and you can’t knock that.

8:17 For how lit up she was before the test, the walk is going well. Everything’s a bit short and tense, but she’s doing what’s asked of her.

8:15 Luthien’s looking incredibly hot in the trot work, but it’s happening for her and she’s trying her best for Arne who’s doing a great job of keeping a lid on the mare.

8:14 Realistically we’re heading into the 40s for this pair. They’ve squeaked under at 4*-L, but they’ve been as high as 48 too. Luthien is very reluctant to go anywhere near the arena, she shows off her spins and rein backs. But she’s going around the outside now and the bell’s rung so fingers crossed she’s got that out of her system.

8:13 Now it’s the turn of Germany’s Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3.

Rookie alert! It’s a 5* first-time for Arne and Luthien.

This pair were long-listed to the German squad for the 2022 World Championships.

🪜 I have this combination down as Biggest Movers in my EN team picks – so no matter what happens here today, I expect them to be climbing up that leaderboard once the jumping phases get underway.

8:12 A score for Laura Collett and Decapo – 29.7, the best so far.

8:11 She’s showing her youth a little bit in the contact and the changes – she’s only an 11-year-old. But all in all, this has been a nice test and the final halt is lovely and square.

8:10 The steps are a bit short in the walk and the mare doesn’t look to want to extend. They’re into canter now though. She’s late behind in the first change but there’s lovely ground cover in the extended canter.

8:08 They start off with a nice square halt and are keen to get going. Caramel d’Orchis is bouncy in the trot, she’s looking around a little bit but extends nicely and holds the halt at C well.

8:07 This combination generally post a score in the low to mid-30s at 4*. What will it be at 5*?

8:06 Between the white boards next will be Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis for France.

5* first-timer! This is the gelding’s first attempt at the level.

Caramel d’Orchis was a bit squirrelly on the jog strip on Wednesday, having a very good look around at the crowds. Will he be more settled today? Gireg will be hoping so!

As an U25 rider, Gireg spent time with Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths and William Fox-Pitt.

8:05 Some scores… Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent 37.4. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF 31.1.

8:04 A tiny bit of tension in the changes, but overall a very classy test from Decapo.

8:03 He’s shortening slightly in the stride before the changes, but they’re accurate.

8:02 Decapo’s walk is very polished and smooth throughout. Super relaxed.

8:01 Decapo is showing off all of his moves in the ring right now. Laura’s such an exceptional dressage rider and together they’re making a lovely picture.

8:00 This pair are capable of a very low-20s score in this first phase – they posted a 25.2 at Badminton. They creep higher sometimes though, so we’ll have to see how they get on today.

7:59 Next up we have Great Britain’s Laura Collett coming forward with the first of her two rides Decapo, who’s known as ‘Cal’ at home.

This is Cal’s third attempt at 5* and Laura’ll be hoping for their first completion. She opted not to go cross country at Badminton because of the ground conditions, and retired on course at Pau in 2021. Will it be third time lucky?

Hot form! They’ve had a strong lead up, with a win in the 4*-S at Burnham Market and not finishing outside the top 5 at any event they’ve completed since September 2021.

7:58 We’re hearing there’s been an electrical fire in the building where all the scores and things happen. We hope all’s well there and will bring you all the scores as and when we can.

7:57 A very impressive stretch on the circle. Everything is harmonious and settled… until the final flying change where he gets a bit ahead of Boyd. But the halt is good and Thomas looks pleased with himself.

7:56 They’re into the canter work now and Thomas is being very accurate and seems nice and relaxed.

7:55 Thomas is looking very shiny in the Luhmuhlen sunshine! They’re creating a lovely picture of a long-time partnership and everything’s looking very easy thus far.

7:54 We’re almost certainly looking at the 20s for Thomas. His lowest is 22.1 at 4* – at 5* it’s 25.4.

7:53 Getting the American campaign underway, also on the first of his three rides, is Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF.

‘Thomas’ is rerouting from Kentucky where Boyd retired after a 20 on the cross country course.

In the barn (and the field, wherever really)… Thomas loves a good nap. 💤

Not so much behind the scenes as front and center on his IG feed… Boyd’s famous for his love of icy cold baths. 🛀

7:52 And we’re back up and running! Oliver’s now left the ring and we’re waiting on his score…

7:50 Ah! My feed’s gone down but Tilly’s being a star and keeping us updated. Cooley Rosalent threw in a change in the extended canter but was nice and relaxed in the stretchy circle. She was tidy in the changes but threw in a head toss at the final halt.

7:47 She’s not quite as established in the halt and rein back as she was in her trot work, but she’s walking out nicely for Oliver and is really keeping her head in this difficult walk walk.

7:46 This lovely 9-year-old is showing a lot of confidence as she starts her first 5* test. It’s all lovely and smooth and free-moving – a really pleasing picture so far.

7:46 On her last FEI start she posted a 24 in this phase and has gone sub-30 in all but two of her 14 runs. How low will she go at Luhmuhlen?

7:45 Getting the 5* competition underway on the first of his three rides will be British Olympic team gold medalist Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent, coming forward for the mare’s first 5*.

Cooley Rosalent took off towards the cross country course at the end of the jog strip on Wednesday – Oliver’ll be hoping she’s got that out of her system before her test today!

Oliver has partnered this mare all the way from BE100 to, now, 5*.

Tough cookie! 🍪 At Kentucky in 2010, Oliver broke his collar bone, shoulder bones, sternum and four ribs – he was in hospital for one day!

Fun / random fact! Oliver lives nearby my mom!

7:44 What’s up ENers?!!! It’s day one of the 5* dressage and we couldn’t be more excited to see what unfolds!
Let’s do this thing and go eventing!

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Das Ist Gut, Indeed: Team EN Picks Their Movers and Shakers of Luhmühlen 2023

By on Jun 15, 2023 4:48 am -

One of our favourite traditions here at EN is putting our pocket change where our mouth is and doing some serious claim-staking on five-star fields. Luhmühlen is no different, and between us, we have all the opinions. Check out our team picks, and then drop your own in the comments!

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

TILLY BERENDT

The CCI5* Winner: Emily King and Valmy Biats 

There’s some names in this field that seem pretty obvious — how can anyone look past Laura Collett and London 52, for example? They’d certainly be the odds-on favourites here, and for good reason, and we’ve got last year’s winners, Felix Vogg and Colero, in the mix, too. But I suspect this will be a week for a five-star win for a rider who’s not yet nabbed one, and I think that rider will be Emily King. She and Valmy Biats have impressed a number of times, including when they finished eighth at Pau last year, and she was one of my riders of the day at Badminton this year when she decided to pull the gelding up because she felt him start to tire, long before any of us on the ground could see even a hint of weariness creeping in. They looked great to that point, and I like to think that the good karma of being a great horseman does come back around at some point. Maybe that point is this week, and we’ll see the next generation of five-star winners in the King family. I’ll certainly be rooting for them — and if they start their week with a score like the 25.5 they got at Pau, I think a lot of folks will be singing the same tune as we go into the weekend.

The Best of the US: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B

Having skim-read some of the team’s predictions after pulling my own list together in my Notes app, I’m not at all surprised to see that this combo is a particularly popular choice. And rightly so: it’s hard not to root for beautiful, blaze-faced Bruno, which also means rooting for the late and much-missed Annie Goodwin, who made him the serious upper-level horse he is. Every time Boyd pulls out a great result on him, he does so in her honour, and I’ve loved seeing Annie’s family and friends rally around her heart horse and her extraordinary legacy. If he wins this week — which he could do, even though it’s a five-star debut, because in his last six FEI runs, he’s never been lower than tenth and he’s won twice — it’ll be one of those fairytale moments that’ll have us all in our feelings. It won’t just be a win for the USA, nor just a win for Boyd — it’ll be a five-star win for Annie, which she so richly deserves.

The Best Brit: Kitty King and Vendredi Biats

Kitty’s had a bit of rubbish luck at her last two five-star runs with Vendredi Biats, but man, they really do have all the right raw material, and sometimes, you just need the winds to blow in your favour a bit. This is one of those partnerships that I really feel just deserve a big result on their record, and I think this is a competition that’ll play in their favour in a big way — especially come Sunday and that historically tough-as-hell showjumping track. This horse is an insanely good jumper, and I, for one, haven’t forgotten the European Championships in 2019, which were held here — and at which they finished best of the Brits in seventh. Go get ’em, Kit Kat.

The Top Mare: Elizabeth Power and Senza Fine

Dark horse alert: Esib and the Italian-bred former ride of Tim Price really could make a great impression here, though. While Senza Fine doesn’t have the most inspiring record at short-format, she really comes into her own on a long-format course, where she’s seriously nippy and very reliable, too. She tends to hover around the 30 mark on the flat, but absolutely can and does go below it, too, and she’s a one-or-none horse on the final day, too. I think this, the mare’s five-star debut, could be their week.

Biggest Climber: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG

I’ll admit I was a touch surprised to see this pair on the entry list after a successful trip to Badminton, but Commander VG is a tough, scrappy dude of a horse and Aistis is a very good horseman, so I’ll hold my hands up and say that it’s highly unlikely that I know the horse better than he does. What I do know is this: Commander is a climber through and through. Though the first phase isn’t his forte — Aistis picked him up as a young horse from a dressage yard, and his bad experiences there mean that he gets defensive and tricky to ride in the dressage ring — he’s a classic run-and-jump machine, and he loves his job. That should see him make a significant leap up the leaderboard, especially if Saturday proves tough. I also think an honourable mention must go to David Doel and Ferro Point here: they’ll sit on a mid-30s score going into Saturday, where they’ll be seriously classy and quick and zip right up to the business end of proceedings. The final phase can be hit or miss — and the less said, the better about their round here last year, where poor David fell when the saddle slipped right under Ferro Point’s belly — but they can, and have, jumped clear on the final day of a long-format.

The Highest-Placed Rookie (Horse or Rider): Tim Price’s Happy Boy

Every time I see this horse on an entry list I just think of that one TikTok of the tappy-toed little dog and that ear worm of a song that goes with it. I know you know what I mean. But beyond his endless meme-ability, Happy Boy is also one heck of a competitor. At just eleven, he’s already got two CCI3*-L wins and a CCI4*-L win — at Boekelo last year — to his name, and he’s a quick little bugger with some seriously snappy knees. The first phase can go in either direction, really, but on his good days, he’s well into the 20s — and if he can start on a strong note, Tim knows he’s got speed on his side. When it comes to Sunday, he’ll be feeling confident, too — the gelding hasn’t had a rail in an international since running a young horse CCI2*-L at Tattersalls (RIP, you brilliant, boozy event) back in 2019.

The CCI4*-S Winner: Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden OR Hallie Coon and Cute Girl 

I hereby reserve the right not to choose. Last time Mollie and Charly came to Luhmühlen, the three of us were a mad, sweaty, unbeatable trio and nabbed a five-star, and it was, frankly, really bloody special and great. They should easily lead the first phase and have got everything it takes to follow through in the next two, too. (Oh, and our 5* lucky mascot, Sprinkles the unicorn, has come back to hang out in Chazzle’s stable this week!) But also, Hallie’s one of my best pals, we went pony shopping together and found the horse of a lifetime in Cute Girl, and I genuinely think that this pair has some absolutely massive results in them on the world stage. This will only be Gypsy’s second four-star, but she learned a tonne in her first at Millstreet, she’s looking and feeling great, and Hallie’s a serious competitor. It would surprise me not one jot to see them burst into the spotlight this week. DON’T MAKE ME PICK. THANKS.

Laura Collett and Dacapo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

CHEG DARLINGTON

The CCI5* Winner:  I’m going to go all in and say Laura Collet and Dacapo. London 52 may be the more obvious choice — being an Olympic team gold medalist and Badminton winner — but Dacapo seemed all for it in the first phase at Badminton before Laura decided not to run due to the weather, and if he can match the dressage score he posted there — 25.2 — he won’t have done his chances here any harm. Laura’s looking for her first 5* completion with the gelding, having had two previous starts, so she’s surely ready to put that to bed and I can see her doing it in style here this weekend.

The Best of the US:  Wow, this is tough when you look at the entries from the US! My heart always tells me Thomas (Boyd Martin’s Tsetserleg TSF) because I love him. But I’m going to plump for Boyd’s other ride, Fedarman B, because I also love a big white blaze and the gelding was looking great at the horse inspection. Boyd’s on fire at the minute after his Bromont hat-trick and I think Fedarman B’s speed and accuracy will see him well and truly hit the big time this weekend.

The Best Brit:  Another tough one given the impressive entries list from the British camp, but I’m going with Emily King and Valmy Biats. This is a combination I just have a feeling is heading for a big result at the level. He looked well up for the challenge at Badminton before Emily sensibly decided to save him for another day, and having had a taste of the muddy ground there, he’ll surely appreciate the going at Luhmuhlen.

The Top Mare: Emma Brussau’s horse, Dark Desire GS. I would never underestimate the power of a longtime relationship between a horse and rider, particularly when they’ve ‘grown up’ together. Their accomplishments in Juniors and Young Riders speak volumes about the quality of this pairing, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them finish on an impressive result this weekend.

Biggest Climber: Known to post a dressage result in the 40s, sometimes the high-40s, Arne Bergendahl’s Luthien 3 is likely to be towards the bottom end of the leaderboard at the end of the first phase. But let the mare loose on the cross country and you’ll truly see a horse who loves her job! We will for sure see them climb after Saturday’s action, and could well see them climb further on the final day.

The Highest-Placed Rookie (Horse or Rider): Tamie Smith‘s horse, Solaguayre California — it’s a long way to travel if you don’t think you can win. Although I’ve followed Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line for a while and would have put them as my Spoiler Alert had we included that category. I’ve narrowed it down for all my other picks (for once), so I’m giving myself two for this one.

The CCI4*-S Winner: Ingrid Klimke and EQUISTRO’s Siena Just Do It. Who would bet against Ingrid? Not me, that’s for sure!

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

DIANA GILBERTSON

The CCI5* Winner: Ah heck. I hate this one. I will likely get it wrong, and I’m not sure if I can mention the same horse twice, but here we are…. My pick for the Luhmuhlen 2023 5* Champ is quite simple. London 52. Yes, he ran out at Pratoni, but he also won Badminton in 2022, won Pau in 2020, and oh yeah, helped Team GB to victory in the 2021 Olympics.  So, it may be the obvious choice, but for once I think I might be backing the right one.

The Best of the US: Hmmmm. Tamie or Boyd, Boyd or Tamie. I am going to take a punt on Boyd Martin as the best of the US, purely because he has 3 shots here this weekend, to Tamie’s one.

Of those, it seems obvious to say that Tsetserleg TSF will bring home the goods for Boyd, being a 5* champ, and Olympian and a WEG horse, but I am going to buck the trend and say that Federman B will beat his stablemates this weekend. Yes, it is Bruno’s 5* debut, but hello?! Have you seen this horse’s jumping record? It’s pretty tidy I have to say, as is their 4* form. So, I reckon he will come out of the start box here like an old pro and give Boyd a really great result, 5* debut or otherwise.

The Best Brit: Oooh this is a tough one – we have quite a few major contenders coming across the water to Germany this weekend. Eventing Legend and the first ever Grand Slam Winner Pippa Funnel brings 2019 Burghley winner MGH Grafton Street forward, while the World Champion Yasmin Ingham brings her Young Rider Champion Rehy DJ along for a spin, and then there’s Kitty King on the lovely Vendredi Biats. However, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is hard to see past Miss Collett, who has not just one but two incredible contenders lined up and ready to shoot for the title this weekend: Dacapo and London 52, 2022 Badminton Winner and all round superstar. If Dacapo keeps his head and puts in the performance that he has proven himself capable of, he will be pretty far up that leader board, but let’s face it, it’s doubtful he will knock his stablemate off the top spot. London 52 has oodles and doodles of experience at this level now, and as long as he doesn’t do anything silly like her did at Pratoni last year, he will be hard to beat. He will likely lead the first phase by a country mile and good luck to anyone trying to catch up!

The Top Mare: There are  a few super smart mares lining up this weekend, not least Tamie Smith’s Solaguayre California and given her penchant for jumping a double clear, and the incredible jockey holding her hand around her 5* debut, she will almost certainly finish in a notable position on the leader board. However, Oliver Townend’s Cooley Rosalent, as beautiful as she is talented, has the potential to go even better. Oliver holds the mare in very high esteem indeed, and he would know, having partnered   her all the way from BE100. She placed second in her first ever CCI4*L at Blair Castle last year, and has shown little to no reason as to why she shouldn’t absolutely smash her first 5* too, vindicating Oliver’s long held faith in his noble steed.

Biggest Climber: I’d love this to be Susie Berry and Monbeg by Design. Arthur tries his heart out for his young jockey, despite not always finding the job easy, and his show jumping record is pretty awesome. He added just a few time faults to his dressage score at the World Championships in Pratoni last year, jumping clear around that show jumping course. So if he can get his skates on around the cross country, he could make up for his likely mid-range dressage score and do himself and Susie very proud indeed and  beat a few of the horses that may lay ahead before the second and third phase.

The Highest-Placed Rookie (Horse or Rider): This one is easy…. Tim Price and Happy Boy. Winner of Boekelo Nations Cup last year, he is, in Tim’s words, ‘really nifty.’ An incredible jumper, and a horse that just seems to get better and better every time out, Happy Boy may not be right up there after dressage, but he could easily skip up the leader board after both jumping phases, such is his prowess at getting between those flags, and keeping his knees up over the coloured poles.

The CCI4*-S Winner: Ahhhhh. A no brainer. Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden. They have already won the 5* here, so why not add the 4* title to their list of achievements? Like Laura Collett, Mollie benefits from the guidance of dressage maestro Carl Hester, so they will likely top the charts after the dressage. The jumping phases shouldn’t offer too much of a challenge given their previous performance here in Germany, so there is no valid reason why Mollie and her best mate Charley shouldn’t bring home another win here this weekend.

Laura Collett and Dacapo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

CASSIDY OELTJEN

5* Winner: Laura Collett and Dacapo (GBR)

I realize that this means I’m going against the stellar record of London 52, but I really liked this horse for having a breakout performance at Badminton. But if we can collectively agree that Badminton was just a bit different this year, I’ve punted my opinion to this weekend. Shine that light bright Dacapo… I think this is your time to shine.

Best of the US: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)

Being a part of the tearful masses at Bruce’s Field for last year’s Grand Prix Eventing solidified my forever fan status for this pair. While Boyd has never been short on mounts with fairytale stories, this one really has the collective positive vibes of an entire nation of eventers behind it. Not to mention Fedarman is stunning in all three phases, and being piloted by a jockey as skilled as Boyd doesn’t hurt either.

Top Mare: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (USA)

Tamie didn’t need any help learning to win, but that weekend in Kentucky sure didn’t hurt. While this mare is inexperienced at the level, she is no stranger to clear rounds and pulling out mare tenacity. I feel like the energy she and Tamie collectively have will be electric in all the right ways.

Top Brit: Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)

I’m just going to cover all my bases with talented horses from Laura’s barn. Even though I put my eggs in the Dacapo basket, I’m also confident in London 52’s winning ways. It seemed unlucky that he had to scratch from Badminton, but with how the weather played out, maybe it was luck’s way of ramping him up for a big Luhmuhlen finish.

Biggest Mover: Tim Price and Happy Boy (NZL)

I’m not going to be one who bets against Tim Price, even on a rookie horse. I have utmost confidence in Tim’s ability to pilot Happy around, finishing on his dressage score, whatever that might be.

Best Rookie: Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)

When making notes for Lea’s form guide entry, I couldn’t stop saying “And then…”. She and Fighty have a long list of accomplishments, and although she was entered last year, Fighty was not, making this the first official CCI5* run for the pair. Hard to believe since they have Olympic and WEG appearances to their name.

4* Winner: Julia Krajewski and Ero de Cantraie (GER)

Both of Julia’s mounts are equally inexperienced, and equally talented. They both have the ability to pull of some pretty stellar performances in all three phases, and they both have the expert piloting of Julia. In all honesty, I’m going with Ero de Cantraie because alphabetically his name comes first and I had to find some way to separate these two who I think each have a chance at their first CCI4*-S win.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

SALLY SPICKARD

Winner: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B

In order to assuage myself of any pro-U.S. bias, I took a good spin through our Form Guide to the pairs entered in this year’s 5* at Luhmühlen before I made my selection. I’ve had an inkling in my head for awhile now, but it’s always good to make sure you do some research before putting your cards out there. But even after that review session, I stand by my first pick: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B.

Boyd brings arguably three of his best current horses to the table in Germany this week, and I can tell you that he didn’t come all this way just for shits and grins. He will have selected each event on his horse’s schedule with an eye to his chances of winning (save, perhaps, the later addition of Tsetserleg TSF after an issue early on cross country at Kentucky forced a plan B).

I chose “Bruno”, piloted in honor of the late and loved Annie Goodwin, for a few reasons:
1. Bruno is rideable and capable of going fast, efficiently. He’s got his own style of jumping, but he always looks smooth and effortless, not requiring much in the way of set-up from his rider. On a course that demands intelligent selection of lines in order to have a hope of making time, having a rideable horse will matter more than having only a fast horse. Bruno is both, and Boyd has been selective about the times he’s asked the horse to go for the time, meaning he’ll have loads of reserve fitness to call on in the final minutes of the thinking track.
2. Boyd and Fedarman B stand a good chance to go out of the start box well-placed in the beginning. A penchant for a competitive score puts a top three or better post-dressage placing well within reach.
3. Touch wood, this duo have yet to lower a rail in FEI competition since beginning their partnership. Boyd’s got a not-so-secret weapon in the form of show jumping Olympian and super coach Peter Wylde, whose quiet influence can be seen in Boyd’s much-improved jumping technique in recent seasons.
4. The power of a story carries more weight than you may give it credit for, and this weekend Boyd will be carrying out a dream first laid out for Bruno by his former person, Annie Goodwin.

The Best of the US: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California

Having chosen a U.S. rider to win, I’ll follow that choice up with our own Queen of Kentucky, Tamie Smith. Hot off a historic 5* win at Kentucky in April, Tamie now focuses her attention on 5* debutant Solaguayre California, who is owned by Julianne Guariglia. This is a hotly-anticipated debut for California, whose zest and exuberance on cross country are unforgettable and whose athleticism should lend itself well to this level of sport.

Tamie will have selected Luhmühlen as a good debut spot for California on purposes and provided Tamie has the ride ability she needs to go quick on Saturday, she could be looking at another podium finish — and some proper momentum to take into CHIO Aachen at the end of the month with her Kentucky winner, Mai Baum.

The Best Brit: Kitty King and Vendredi Biats

After a heartbreaking fall saw their Badminton dreams end prematurely, we know this pair has the chops for this top tier of the sport. They’ve got a top-10 finish at both Badminton and Burghley to hang their hat on, and adding another to the pile would be icing on the cake this weekend. We know Kitty and Vendredi Biats will be near the top after the first phase, with a low-20s score more than possible, and if they can just nip around quick enough on Saturday they’ll be in good stead to go for all the glory on Sunday.

The Top Mare: Dark Desire GS (Emma Brüssau)

Reading through Emma and “Desi’s” collective CV is quite impressive. Similar to British World Champion Yasmin Ingham, this pair is a product of a healthy young rider pipeline, already laying claim to multiple individual and team titles on the junior squads for Germany.

Much of that success has come during Emma’s partnership with the 14-year-old Hanoverian mare, and we all know that a large part of any success in eventing comes from health of partnership. So while this weekend is a debut of sorts, at the 5* level, this pair has more than enough experience to consider them prepared to go for a big result.

Biggest Climber: Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3

Let’s face it: not every competitor who finishes on the podium at a three-day started in that position. And really, it’s a nod to the history of the sport and its completeness. It tests all facets of athleticism and ride ability, and in the best tests, the horses that show the best results at the end of the weekend aren’t always those that pull out the best marks in the first phase.

You may not find German pair Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3 on the board after the first phase, more likely to pull a score in the 30s to start their weekend. But you’re likely to see them much closer at the end of the day Saturday. This is a pair that has proven themselves capable of going quick across the country and climbing the leaderboard as a result. If they can find the best way around Mike Etherington-Smith’s track Saturday and leave the poles where they belong Sunday, the Biggest Climber award will be firmly in their grasp.

The Highest-Placed Rookie (Horse or Rider): Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS

I’m going to be a little lazy here and refer you back to my pick for top mare, as the words still apply here!

The CCI4*-S Winner: Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39

It’s once again difficult to bet against experience, and I’m giving this nod to Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale, who’ve come up the rankings together — with plenty of competitive success along the way. That success includes medals at the Young Rider Europeans and a win in their first 4*-S at Strzegom in 2021.

While this pair doesn’t have a world of experience at this level — this weekend marks their fourth start at 4* over three seasons — they do know each other quite well at this point. That experience will come in handy in what stands to be a formidable test, but not one that this pair isn’t well-prepared for.

Tim Price: lost his horse, kept the vibes. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

TOKEN NON-HORSEY BOYFRIEND AND UNOFFICIAL EN MASCOT ALEX

CCI5* Winner: Tim Price and Happy Boy

Why? It’s Tim, duh. And he looked great when he was looking for his missing horse after the trot up. The look of a champion, that. 

The Best of the US: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California

Because it’s Tamie, and she’s awesome. Does there need to be more reasoning than that? I don’t think so.

The Best Brit: Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ

I like Yaz. I’m picking riders here who talk to me, mostly. Also her horse is called Piglet, and that is great.

The Top Mare: Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS. 

I’m going with this one for the name alone, to be honest. WHAT A NAME.

Biggest Climber: Hallie Coon and Global Ex

I had to pick Hallie because she tried to whip me after the trot up and I fear further retribution. Also, great horse. We hosted Hallie for Christmas at our house as well, which means she’s basically family, and also I’m mentioning this so I look really well-connected and in the game. 

The Highest-Placed Rookie (Horse or Rider): Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line

This horse will obviously be FIGHTING to get on the right LINE and that seems like a pretty essential trait for an event horse to have. Sold. (Also it’s a real pretty horse.)

The CCI4*-S Winner: Hallie Coon and Cute Girl

Look, again, the whip thing. Also my girlfriend Tilly helped Hallie find this horse so the horse is also part of the family. NEIGH. 

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jun 15, 2023 12:03 am -

Beep Beep takes on local gymkhana. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Other eventers might be getting real fancy in Germany this weekend, but the highlight of my week was attending an afternoon gymkhana five minutes down the road with my teeny tiny firecracker, Beep. Well, one lady generously assessed him as 15.3, but she was also mounted on a very small pony, so. But the ponies! They all had pony paint on them and different designs and artistry. For a little horse seeking the race-track, Beep was shockingly at home in this mish-mash of an equestrian event. We did not partake in the egg-and-spoon but we did partake in the warmup arena with 15 small children, so who was actually brave here?

Oh, right, Luhmuhlen!! Keep up with all the five-star action right here on Eventing Nation through the weekend.

You can follow along with the live stream on H&C+ with a subscription or a one-time viewing pass. If you choose to purchase an annual H&C+ subscription, you can save 15% if you use the code EVENTINGNATION15. And if you just can’t wait ‘til Saturday to see the cross country course, you can check out the route and fences here. We’ll be bringing you live updates of all three 5* phases, so keep it locked onto EN to read about all the action as it happens.

EN will have boots on the Luhmuhlen ground, where Tilly will be bringing us ALL the news from the event. Keep up with the EN coverage and follow @goeventing for all the 5* – and 4* – content you can handle.

Longines Luhmühlen CCI5*: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Aspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, MI) [Website] [Volunteer]

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

World Number One and Number Two, aka Power Couple Tim and Jonelle, are not only giving their first master class this year, but they are having an Eventing Summer Camp with Chris Burton as well! This three-day intensive clinic will feature multiple lessons, rider fitness classes, use of a spa and hot tub, luxury accommodations, barn management courses, and more. [Best Summer Camp Ever]

All thoroughbred racing will end in Singapore in October of 2024, which leaves many people and horses wondering what to do with their lives after almost two centuries of horse racing history. The country has over 700 racehorses which will need to be exported following the ban, and representatives from the Asian Racing Federation are concerned about horse welfare. [ARF Reacts to Singapore Banning Racing]

Hot on Horse Nation: Strength Training for Riders & Why Slow is Best

Look, if you’re anything like me (book nerd), you’ve read Laura Hillenbrand’s exceptional book Seabiscuit several times and for sure seen the movie and gotten a little teary-eyed even though a lot of the horse scenes are super dumb. But, it’s still fun to read another article on how that little crooked-legged brown horse captured the heart of a nation. [Seabiscuit: Rags to Riches]

One ambitious mom decided to take her toddler and her backyard pony to Devon for the famous leadline class. She thought, hey, we live right down the road, how hard could it be? Oh wait Cupcake needs to be braided and clipped and I need a fancy hat and my three-year-old has to be taught to sit still…the list goes on in a hilarious blog from Jamie Sindell. [From My Backyard to Devon Leadline]

 

Your Form Guide to Longines Luhmühlen: Meet the Horses and Riders of the German CCI5*

By on Jun 14, 2023 8:02 pm -

It’s time to get the party started at the next CCI5* on the 2023 calendar: Longines Luhmühlen, which takes place just to the south of Hamburg in the north part of Germany. This staple on the eventing fixture list is known for its technical, winding cross country track and high-atmosphere arenas. We’re also treated to a CCI4*-S class, most of which will be competing for the Meßmer Trophy — the German National Championship.

A star-studded entry list in the 5* headlines the weekend, with 43 horse and rider combinations entered. Another 50 pairs will compete in the 4*-S division running concurrently.

This weekend’s 5* Ground Jury is presided over by Great Britain’s Nick Burton, who is accompanied by Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT) and Joachim Dimmek (GER). The 4*-S Ground Jury is helmed by Seppo Laine (FIN), accompanied by Ernst Topp (GER). Mike Etherington-Smith is the cross country designer here for both divisions. The jumping tracks will be laid by German designer Marco Behrens.

As is tradition here at EN, we’ve dug into the archives and our mind palaces to bring you all the bits and bobs we can muster about each horse and rider entered in the Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* division. Keep scrolling for a list of all pairs, each horse’s age and breeding, and fun facts about each.

Tilly Berendt is our roving reporter this weekend, and she’ll be doing a monster of a job bringing you the latest updates at the end of each day. Cheg Darlington and Sally Spickard will be helming live updates for dressage and cross country, and the rest of the EN team will be working weird hours to make sure you have all the information you need and want at your fingertips. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@goeventing) for more, and you can also catch all the action live on Horse & Country (subscription or one-time pass required — you can save 15% on an annual H&C+ membership using code EVENTINGNATION15, by the way!). You can find scheduling info and more on the live stream in our info post here.

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [<a href=“https://eventingnation.com/luhmuhlen-form-guide/“ target=“_blank”EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

Want to jump straight to your favorite horse and rider? Click the links below to jump to their section (the combinations are listed below in alphabetical order by last name; sections in alphabetical order by country and last name):

Bill Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z (BEL)
Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU)
Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)
Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis (FRA)
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien (GER)
Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS (GER)
Jerome Robine and Black Ice (GER)
Laura Collett and Dacapo (GBR)
Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)
David Doel and Ferro Point (GBR)
Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (GBR)
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (GBR)
Harry Meade and Tenareze (GBR)
Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby (GBR)
Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)
Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey (GBR)
Izzy Taylor and Happy Days (GBR)
Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Tregilder (GBR)
Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)
Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty (IRL)
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding (NZL)
Tim Price and Happy Boy (NZL)
Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser (USA)
Hallie Coon and Global Ex (USA)
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (USA)
Matthew Flynn and Wizzerd (USA)
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA)
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)
Tamra Smith and Solaguayre California (USA)

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AUSTRALIA

Bill Levett and Huberthus AC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Bill Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)
Eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Douglas – S. Anubertha 16, by Voltaire). Owned by Elisabeth Murdoch, William Levett, and Keith Tyson. Bred by A. Cornelese.

Eventing fans will be familiar with the name Bill Levett, who, at 60, is one of the most experienced riders in the field. Based in Britain since 1994, Australian Bill is rerouting from Badminton where he retired after a 20 on a very muddy cross country day with Huberthus AC, or “Bart” as he’s known in the stable. As Badminton was the gelding’s first CCI5*, given the difficult ground conditions, Bill’s intention was to see how the horse found it on the day and retire if he felt the experience wasn’t as positive as he’d like for Bart’s first 5*. The ground shouldn’t be an issue at Luhmühlen — with its sandy base, it can easily cope with serious rainfall, so it’ll be interesting to see how Bart enjoys what will be his second 5* start in more favorable conditions.

Bart was produced by Chris Hall and Emily Oppenheimer, joining Bill’s team in 2019. He stepped up to the Advanced level in 2021, finishing 27th in the Bicton 4*-L and 21st in the 4*-L at Blenheim, where he added just 4 show jumping penalties to his dressage of 32.8. Bart didn’t compete in 2022, coming back in 2023 with a run in the 3*-S in Montelibretti, where he finished 6th. He returned to Italy the following month for the 4*-S, finishing 6th and adding just 4.8 cross country time to his 30.7 dressage. The first phase has seen his most inconsistent scores, from very low 30s to very low 40s, but his most recent form suggests we’re likely to see a low to mid-30s test – he posted a 32.5 at Badminton. His cross country record is where he shines, jumping clear in all but two of his thirteen FEI runs. He does tend to add time, and with Bart being inexperienced at the level it’s unlikely Bill will have his pedal to the metal, but he has shown he can make the time at 4*-L, and the most he’s added due to the clock this year is 15.3 in his first run of the season. On the final day, he has had a pole more often than not, but in his last two runs (except Badminton, where he didn’t show jump) he’s left them up, completing with only cross country time added to his dressage scores.

Bill represented Australia at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships and was named traveling reserve for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He was an Event Rider Masters regular, taking fifth, fourth and third placings in the 2018 series. When he’s not training or riding, Bill works as part of the Monart Sales team, helping to select top-quality young horses for the luxury off-season auction.

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AUSTRIA

Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Sixteen-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Ostermond xx – Pia, by Laretto). Owned by Marianne Mühlböck. Bred by Josef Fuchs.

Don’t let her young age and limited CCI5*-L experience fool you, Lea Siegl comes to play. After contesting the Junior and Young Rider European Championships, she and DSP Fighting Line stepped into her first year at the senior level in a big way by being the youngest competitor at the Tokyo Olympics where she finished in 15th place. In 2022 she and Fighty once again represented Austria on the world stage, by placing in 25th place at the World Equestrian Games held in Pratoni.

Lea contested her first CCI5* with Cupido P at Luhmuhlen last year, but withdrew at the second horse inspection.

In 2023, she has seven(!) FEI horses competing, with Luhmuhlen hopefully completing her CCI1* to CCI5* hat trick. She and Fighty have had a somewhat quiet spring, with only one FEI event, but they stepped out in style winning the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup at Montelibretti in Italy, adding just 0.4 time penalties to their (personal best) dressage score of 24.5. (note: the same weekend she also won the CCI4*-L with Van Helsing P – this girl knows how to win).

She and Fighty may be contesting their first CCI5*-L together, but look for them to lay it down in all three phases, especially when the pressure is on.

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BELGIUM

Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z (BEL)
Fifteen-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Klarion Dancer xx – Great Thinker, by Bis de la Mare). Owned by the rider. Bred by Damiaan van Hollebeke.

The 22-year-old Seppe Vilain is making his CCI5*-L debut this week with longtime partner Kawa de la Cour Z. Seppe has brought “Kawa” through all the International ranks, which includes two Junior and one Young Rider Championship, before being called up to his first senior team for the Nations Cup at Boekelo in 2021.

This weekend’s sole Belgian entry stepped up to the 4* level two seasons ago with Kawa, and while he’s had scores as low as 30.5 at the level, we’ll likely see the pair go mid-30s at 5*. Kawa has a very strong cross country record, and he hasn’t had a jump related penalty in this phase since 2019. He’s also proven he can go quickly as well: the pair went double clear in the CCI4*-L at Kronenberg three months ago.

Show jumping could be the pair’s most influential phase in terms of their finishing result, and more likely than not they will have some penalties here, but Seppe will be looking to finish as neatly as he can for his first 5* result and all the education that this weekend can offer the up-and-coming Belgian rider.

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ECUADOR

Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU)
Sixteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (My Happy Guest xx – Nottfelderin, by Caletto). Owned by Monique Deyme, Frank Wettstein, and the rider. Bred by Meyer Friedrich.

Despite many years at the top level of the sport together, this is only technically “Happy’s” second CCI5*. His debut was here at Luhmühlen five years ago where the pair finished in the top 20. He’s spent the years in between focused on the 4* level with two World Championships sprinkled in.

This weekend will be a big test for Nico and Happy. The pair historically produced many successful cross country rounds, but their record on the endurance phase has been less than sparkling in the last few years. They started — but did not complete — two CCI4*-Ls earlier this season, one due to a higher-than-average dressage score and another because of a lost shoe on cross country, but they have produced two top ten finishes at 4*-S this spring, which is a boost of confidence coming to this weekend’s big test.

Based in Switzerland, Nicolas holds three passports thanks to a Swiss father and a French mother. He previously rode under both the Swiss and French flags until he swapped nationalities to Ecuador in 2011 after he became eligible through marriage. Since then, he represented Ecuador at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Championships. He was also the first representative from Ecuador to ride at Badminton. When he’s not in the saddle, Nico keeps plenty busy with a full time job as a director of a pharmaceutical company.

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FRANCE

France’s Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)
Twelve-year-old Selle Francaise stallion (Diamant de Semilly – Macy van Leut, by Elanville). Owned by Rider. Bred by Eric Levallois.

Amateur riders everywhere will love to follow full-time farrier Florian Ganneval, brings forward the 12-year-old stallion Blue Bird de Beaufour to his third 5* start this weekend. Having twice competed at Pau – unfortunately running into elimination in their second start at Pau last year after the Ground Jury opted to pull the pair up on account of Blue Bird de Beaufour being tired – they’ll make their first start at the level at a different venue this weekend.

Florian refers to Blue Bird de Beaufour as a “good student” who aims to please in his work. On the flat, he works to keep the horse engaged and in front of the leg, naming him as a bit on a lazy side in this phase. While this pair has squeaked into the 20s in the past, at the 3* level, they’re more likely to earn a low-to-mid-30s mark from the Ground Jury this weekend to start off their competition.

Having gone to England in 2022 for some additional practice and exposure, Florian has spent this season closer to home and will be looking to have a strong experience this weekend in Germany.

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Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis (FRA)
Eleven-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Grafton – Jacarilla Verte, by Apache d’Adriers). Owned by Rider. Bred by Monique, Phillipe, and Pascal Gatesoupe.

Gireg Le Coz brings forward a 5* debutant horse in this 11-year-old French-bred gelding. Despite it being this horse’s first go at the top level, he’s far from short on experience at up-to-standard events: he’s contested the tough 4*-L at Bramham, finishing 30th overall in 2022, as well as earned a top-10 finish at Strzegom’s 4*-L and a fifth place in 3*-L competition at Le Pin au Haras back in 2020. He also capped off his 2022 season with a top-10 finish at the 3*-L level.

Riding a high of being recently named to the French long list for the Paris Olympics next year, Gireg will focus his attentions on this lesser experienced partner of his. While this week will be firmly focused on experience for this young gun, Caramel d’Orchis stands to make a good impression as his cross country record gets stronger and his dressage marks slowly whittle down. We’d love to see this pair squeeze out a high-20s effort on the first day of competition, but a low or mid-30s score is more likely to see in this debut.

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Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Fifteen-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Yarlands Summer Song – Fee du Logis, by Prince Ig’Or). Owned and bred by Marie-Christine Duroy-de Lauriere and Rider.

Still owned by breeder Marie-Christine Duroy-de Lauriere, Unum de’Or is a veritable member of the Lyard family, having been produced for the majority of his eventing career by the French Olympian.

This Anglo-Arab gelding made the step up to the 5* level in 2021, with Cedric opting for Pau as the horse’s debut. It was a successful first trip – the pair finished ninth overall. While an early 2022 trip to Badminton would eventually end up in retirement on cross country, the pair rebounded nicely to contest Burghley later in the year. Unum de’Or made good on that bet, finishing inside the top 20. He would have finished higher, would it not have been for a couple of unfortunate poles down on the final day of competition.

Now, they’ll add another new 5* venue to their CV with a start in Germany at Luhmühlen. If they’re able to go quick on Saturday and leave the poles up on Sunday, a low-30s mark in the first phase – which has historically been where this pair has left the most points on the board – will put these two into good standing when the dust settles.

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GERMANY

Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Thirteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Timolino xx – Windgold, by Carlos D Z). Owned by Jutta and Michael Spethmann. Bred by Ole Lehmann.

Nicolai Aldinger will bring forward a debutant horse this weekend in the 13-year-old Timmo, with whom he’s earned some well-deserved recognition as he’s made his way up the levels. He’s been thoughtful with his production of Timmo, who began his FEI eventing career with Danish rider Peter Flarup in the irons. After transferring to Nicolai, the gelding moved up to the 4* level in 2020 but has spent the intervening seasons gaining experience and getting steadily more competitive. It’s a good example of not pushing to make that last leap to the top level too soon – Nicolai and Timmo went from finishing mid or late-pack to consistently finishing inside the top 10 and top 15 of events starting in 2021.

In 2023, Timmo has won once at the 3* level and finished fifth once at the 4* level. This pair was also a part of the gold medal-winning team contesting the FEI Eventing Nations Cup leg at Le Pin au Haras last summer, and with a strong performance here could find themselves at least on the long list for Germany at this year’s FEI Eventing European Championships. They did compete here at Luhmühlen in 2022, finishing 14th overall in the 4*-S division that also serves as the German National Championship.

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Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Arne Bergendahl and Luthien (GER)
Eleven-year-old Westphalian mare (La Calido – Taramanga, by Templer xx). Owned by Helmut Bergendahl. Bred by Heinrich Bergendahl.

This weekend will be a 5* debut for both Arne Bergendahl as well as the 11-year-old mare, Luthien 3. Long-listed to the German squad for the FEI Eventing World Championships in 2022, this pair made an impression on the selectors as they climbed the levels together. They’ve been partnered since the outset of Luthien’s FEI eventing career, and have been campaigning at the 4* level since 2021.

Opting to compete primarily in the Netherlands, Arne and Luthien have found success at venues such as Strzegom and Baborowko, finishing fourth together in their first 4*-L as a pair in the spring of 2022. A trip to Boekelo didn’t quite end so well, as the pair were spun at the final horse inspection Sunday morning, but they’ll have put that experience behind them and will be firmly focused on the task at hand this weekend.

Dressage would not be the phase where you’ll see this combination make the most moves; a mid-30s effort would likely make Arne quite pleased, as Luthien is typically more likely to pull a score closer to the 40 mark on most days. They’ve got a darn impressive cross country record though, with nary a jumping penalty on their record at the 4* level save their very first attempt back in 2021. They’re also keen to leave the jumps where they belong on show jumping day, so if Arne can put all the pieces together, we could be looking at a strongly-placed pair of debutants come Sunday afternoon.

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Emma Brüssau and Dak Desire GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS (GER)
Fourteen-year-old Hanoverian mare (Don Frederico – Cantate, by Carismo). Owned by Jürgen Brüssau. Bred by Bernd Gehrdau-Schroeder.

Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS have been paired together since Emma was a teenager, and they’ve developed much of their respective eventing experience together. Along with valuable experience and mileage, this pair has also become a major “one to watch” on the international radar – bringing to mind the junior-rankings success of one Yasmin Ingham. Together, Emma and “Desi” have taken the golden crown at the 2019 FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders as well as a silver medal at the level below in the previous years’ championship. These accomplishments add to success Emma had previously found at young rider championship level, and she eventually went on to make her senior squad debut with the 14-year-old mare in FEI Nations Cup competition in 2019. They were most recently named as reserves to the 2021 European Eventing Championships squad for the Germans.

So while this is a banner weekend for both Emma and Desi in terms of debut, it comes as the next step in the natural progression of a career whose star is surely just beginning to rise. They’re coming off a top-10 finish in 4*-S competition at Baborowko (Poland) this spring and will be coming into this important debut on home soil looking to put a solid first outing under their belt. While it may not happen in this first attempt, this pair is well-capable of a dressage mark in the 20s, and you’d be hard-pressed to find many flaws in their combined cross country record. Show jumping may prove to be this pair’s nemesis this weekend, but a solid debut may put this pair firmly on the radar (as if they weren’t already there!) of the German selectors ahead of this year’s European Championships and – dare we say – next year’s Olympics.

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Jerome Robiné and Black Ice (GER). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice (GER)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Vechta – Brookhall Lady, by Touchdown). Owned by Dorothea von Zedtwitz. Bred by Judith McClelland.

A product of the German Federation’s military-based Warendorf production system, Jérôme Robiné comes forward to make his debut at the 5* level on home soil this weekend with the impressively talented Black Ice. Very nearly the 2022 German National Champion here in 2022, Jérôme and Black Ice instead took home the under-25 title and now stand poised to build on that result this weekend. Despite it being a debut, we can’t help but think that this could be a well-ranked pair at the end of the day on Sunday. They have yet to incur a jump penalty on cross country since beginning their partnership during the pandemic in 2020. While they’ve been known to lower a pole when they can’t afford one, they could put themselves into good striking distance with a strong showing in the first two phases.

This partnership is a good example of one that just seems to gel naturally. Black Ice underwent several changes of jockey in the beginning of his international career, before joining Jérôme’s program. Since this consistency has been in place, the horse’s record has gotten progressively more competitive. Despite its lack of length, the bond horse and rider have built here is evident in their marks, and that strength should come in to play this weekend.

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GREAT BRITAIN

Laura Collett and Dacapo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Laura Collett and Dacapo (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado-Tosca VII, by Canturo). Owned by Diana Chappell, Gillian Morris-Adams, Alison and Michael Smedley, and Carolyn Taylor. Bred by ZG Kirsten and Eggert Bock.

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the “next big thing” to come out of Olympic Gold Medalist and Badminton 2022 winner Laura Collett’s yard: Dacapo, or “Cal” as he is known to his friends. Although he is the same age as his stable mate — the legendary London 52 — it would be fair to say that thus far at least, Cal has very much been in his shadow. Admittedly, an Olympic medal and a Badminton title is a tough act to follow, but perhaps 2023 will be the year we start to see his star begin to rise.

His jumping record is impeccable, marred only by the occasional coloured pole here and there and his first phase score is becoming similarly immaculate. He led the CCIO4*-NC-L at Boekelo from start to finish last season on a 21.9 dressage, adding just 4 jumping faults in the final phase. This followed a similarly polished performance in the CCI4*-L at Millstreet earlier in the year, where he also took the win with a 24.3 dressage.

Cal has continued this incredible form so far this season, with three out of three double clears and a win at Burnham Market CCI-S 4* in the Spring. Indeed, he showed promise at Badminton too, lying seventh after dressage with a formidable 25.2, although Laura ultimately made the decision to withdraw ahead of the jumping phases after the constant deluge saw the cross-country dissolve into a mud bath. Re-routing to Bicton CCI-S4* paid off though, and Cal romped home in third place, the perfect prep run for Luhmühlen .

Hopefully it is third-time lucky for Cal and Laura in Germany; his 5* debut in Pau 2021 saw him retire on cross country, but two years of experience could be just what he needed to show us what he is made of — let’s not forget it took the formidable London 52 a few years to come into his own — so watch this space. Cal could well be the one to watch, and if he keeps his head across country, he is more than capable of a top 10 placing.

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Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos – Vernante, by Quinar). Owned by Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett, and the rider. Bred by Ocke Riewerts.

Where to begin with the eventing legend that is London 52?! Badminton winner, Olympic gold medalist… these are but a few of the accolades afforded this incredible horse who seems, like the finest of wines, to just keep getting better with age.

He did have an uncharacteristic run out at the World Championships in Pratoni last year, but then so did a fair few others, so we can’t hold it against him too much. Let’s not forget he had just posted an incredible 19.3 dressage score – their best international result to date. Indeed, Dan seems to have put this minor blip firmly behind him anyway, notching up three wins already this season. Most recently he stormed home to take the top spot at Bicton CCI4*-S, adding just a handful of cross-country time faults to his first phase score of 19.8.

The 5* here in Luhmühlen is certainly “Plan B” for Laura and “Dan” — he was originally destined to defend his Badminton 2022 title until he picked up a minor injury a few weeks out from the event and Laura made the brave but sensible decision to withdraw him. Now back to full fitness, Dan will surely be raring to go and strut his stuff in front of his adoring fans once more. He famously loves a crowd, and his dance moves in the first phase really are a thing of beauty. Laura has honed them to nigh on perfection — with help from Dressage legend Carl Hester — and so there is little doubt that they will be at the head of the leader board after dressage.

Admittedly, the last time Laura bought Dan to Luhmühlen — for the CCI-L4* back in 2019 – he was eliminated on the cross country. But he returned to form a month later, winning the CCI4*-L at Boekelo, confirming his place as a star on the world stage with a win at Pau in the 5* in 2020 – his debut at that level I might add. Thus, is stands to reason that London 52 could easily add another 5* win to his ever-growing honors list this weekend in Germany and earn his place in the Eventing Hall of Fame as one of the G.O.A.Ts.

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David Doel and Ferro Point. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

David Doel and Ferro Point (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish-bred mare (Match Point xx – Ferra Jones, by S. Creevagh Ferro). Owned by Christine and Hannah Lees and Molly Nunn. Bred by Trevor Badger.

While likely most known for his recent string of successes aboard Galileo Nieuwmoed — including an eighth place finish at this year’s Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*, sixth at his Badminton debut, and fourth at Pau last year — David Doel has a rather full roster of horses campaigning across Europe. He cleaned up across the board at Kronenberg-De Peelbergen’s 2*-S and 3*-S in the Netherlands this March, taking top ten finishes on nearly all of his five horses’ runs. Currently sitting in 20th for the FEI World Athlete rankings, David attributes his success to a lot of prep and fitness work with one of his trainers Nick Turner, as well as support from his team at Reybridge Eventing – just a 20 minute jaunt from Badminton itself.

David’s Reybridge Eventing website names Ferro Point as “the nimble lady of the yard – an elegant picture with a really swanky walk.” Since taking 12th at Kronenberg’s 4*-S in 2022, “Ferro” managed a bronze medal at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Chatsworth just last month — one of only two ever top five international wins for the mare. David also ran Ferro in Pau last year with Galileo Nieuwmoed, but the pair were caught up by a frangible on course, as well as several poles on the final day, finishing the event in 20th place.

“She’s very cute but has kissing spine, which we manage with great care, and ultimately, she loves her job,” David explained to Horse & Hound. “We spend a lot of time working on her top line and don’t do anything too intense with her… In the stable she’s really reserved, but as soon as she gets out onto the cross-country, she’ll be pulling my arms out and she loves to gallop — she’s a cool little pocket rocket and quite a feisty little blood-type mare.”

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Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (O.B.O.S. Quality 004 – unknown). Owned by Jane and Jonathan Clarke. Bred by Martin J. Collins.

The legendary Pippa Funnell returns on a Luhmühlen first-timer just days after her fourth win at the Bramham CCI4*-L on MCS Maverick. After such an exciting weekend, we are anxious to see how this week will turn out for her. With 27 5* runs in the last decade alone, the British Olympian is often most well-known as the “Eventing Grand Slam” winner on the late Primmore’s Pride, who she also placed individual third with at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

This will be the second international event this year for “Squirrel” after taking fifth place at Bicton’s CCI4*-S last month, just a handful of cross country time over his lovely dressage score of 22.8. The pair finished in the top 20 at Blenheim’s 4*-L in September, but were eliminated on cross country in both other events last year — Burnham’s 4*-S and the 5* at Badminton. Pippa also withdrew the gelding from two events out of five in 2021, but ended the year strong by taking fifth at the Hartpury Standard Show that fall.

We are hoping for a second 5* finish for Pippa and Squirrel at Luhmühlen this weekend. The 15-year-old nearly always comes out of cross country with a handful of time and a spare refusal now and then, but is frequently in the top five when finishing — including five of his last eight completions. The duo were the champions at Burghley in 2019 for Squirrel’s 5* debut, but were eliminated in last year’s Badminton — which we will see this time around?

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Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tinarana’s Inspector – Rehy Misty, by Big Sink Hope xx). Owned by The Sue Davies Fund. Bred by Noel L Russell.

In recent years, Yasmin Ingham has become more well known for her partnership with Banzai Du Loir, whom she piloted to become World Champion in 2022. However, Rehy DJ was the horse that first helped her to make headlines.

Sourced in Ireland as a six-year-old by the late Sue Davies and Janette Chin, “Piglet” has been campaigned by Yas all the way from Novice level, and together they won the British Young Rider Championships at Houghton Hall in 2018, finishing on their dressage score of 32.8. They would go on to be fourth at the Young Rider Europeans in Fontainebleau that same year, and it was with this horse that the World Champion was first selected for the senior British Team, as part of the Nations Cup in Aachen in July 2022.

Piglet has an impeccable jumping record, rarely tipping a pole in the final phase; cross country jumping faults are rare too. Yas is full of praise for her long-term partner, and says of him: “We know each other inside out… he is unbelievable.”

This, combined with his natural jumping ability and his rider’s natural talent, make them a formidable duo. Ever consistent at both short and long CCI4* level, this will be Piglet’s second 5* attempt; they made their debut at the level at Pau in 2020, with an impressive first phase score of 28.7, picking up 40 penalties cross country before being withdrawn at the second horse inspection. Now, with another 3-years worth of experience for both horse and rider, perhaps Luhmühlen could be the place for Piglet to step back into the spotlight.

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Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old KWPN gelding (Hemmingway – Silvanda, by Marlon). Owned by Anne and Lain Slater. Bred by S and N Burton.

Farndon is a 5* debutant for British rider Tom Jackson this weekend, with two solid seasons at the Advanced and 4* under his belt leading up to this first start. Previously campaigned by Marcus Roberts and Francis Whittington, Tom first took the reins and began competing this son of Hemmingway in 2021, stepping right into competition at the 4* level. Tom has been notably pleased with the gelding’s work on the flat as he’s come on this season; the pair has begun to achieve mid- or high-20s marks more consistently to begin 2023, compared to scoring more steadily in the low- or mid-30s in previous seasons.

As an event horse matures into his or her job, oftentimes a drop in scores is seen as the horse gains strength in the body and maturity in the mind. At this point, now Tom has decided that the next level makes the most sense in the horse’s progression. It’s a good lesson for all of us to take away: completion at a level does not automatically mean “ready to move up”. With two full seasons and 14 4* competitions on his CV, this gelding has more than demonstrated his readiness to move up safely and, potentially, competitively. That thoughtful production could pay off in a big way this weekend.

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Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Camiro de Haar Z – Vanir Silver River, by Golden River). Owned by Fiona Breach. Bred by Kathryn Jackson.

This year’s Luhmühlen will mark the fourth CCI5* start for Fiona and Creevagh Silver De Haar, re-routing from this spring’s Badminton where the pair opted to withdraw before cross country on a particularly treacherous day.

These two know each other hand-in-glove by this point, with Fiona having brought “Hero” up the levels herself. The pair logged their first FEI start at the now-CCI2* level in 2015 and made their 5* debut in 2022 at Badminton, which was also Fiona’s first ride at the level. With Pau and Badminton completions under their belt (or girth?), these two are no longer newbies at the level, although this will be their first trip around Luhmühlen.

While they’re still seeking their first clear cross country run at the level, Fiona and Hero have delivered several of them at the 4* level. With a first phase score that is usually in the low 30’s and a clear show jumping rate of just under 50%, these two seem poised and ready to deliver a solid effort this weekend.

As an added bonus, Hero is actually three-quarters related to Piggy March’s incredible 5* winning mount Vanir Kamira. The two share a sire in Camiro de Haar Z, and Hero’s granddam Fair Caledonian (dam of Vanir Silver River) is Vanir Kamira’s direct dam. It’s in the genes for this one!

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Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Selle Français gelding (Orlando – Aurélie Du Prieuré, by Hadj A X). Owned and bred by Philippe Brivois.

Fresh off of a win at Thoresby Park in the CCI4*-S and a top 20 finish in the CCI4*-S at Burnham Market, Emily King and Valmy Biats are off to a strong start for the 2023 season — their third FEI year as a partnership. However, after a retirement on cross country at Badminton this year, the duo will be looking to reestablish their 2023 season at the 5* level.

Prior to their early Badminton 2023 retirement, King and Valmy Biats competed at the 5* level at Badminton and Pau in 2022 — their first 5* ended with a fall at Badminton, but an eighth place finish at Pau, adding some time and a rail to their impressive dressage score of 25.5. While they didn’t clinch their second complete at Badminton this year, Luhmühlen could prove a great opportunity for another top ten finish with their typical 20s dressage score and clear cross country.

Keep an eye on this duo to see how they’ll come off of their early 2023 success at Thoresby. With their usually impressive dressage scores, and continually developing partnership, they certainly look to be a pair to watch!

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Kitty King and Vendredi Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Selle Français gelding (Winningmood – Liane Normande, by Camelia de Ruelles). Owned by the late Sally Eyre, Diana Bown, Samantha Wilson, and Sally Lloyd-Baker. Bred by Sophie Floquet and Philippe Brivois.

A strong partnership, Kitty King first saw Vendredi Biats as a five-year-old at Lucy and Padraig McCarthy’s stable. Although she wasn’t incredibly impressed when she first saw him in the stable and he was known to be a bit cold-backed, once he started working under saddle, the team knew to move on the gelding, and syndicate owners Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson, and Sally Lloyd-Baker purchased the horse.

Kitty and “Froggy’s” FEI partnership started back in 2015 with a fourth place finish at the CIC1* at Somerford Park. While their first CCI5* competition at Badminton in 2019 was cut short with a rider fall on cross country, the pair has since won the 4*-L at Bramham in 2019, the 4*-S at Alnwick-Burgham in 2019, and have finished within the top ten at ten other 4* and 5* events.

The partnership recently delivered an impressive dressage score of 21.2 at Burghley in 2022. Despite a frangible pin and a bit of time on cross country, they ended with sixth place in the 5*. Their impressive dressage score at Burghley wasn’t uncommon, as the duo often delivers a mid-20s dressage score. While this has delivered consistent top ten results, they do typically pick up a handful of time, and possibly an occasional rail, which has kept them off the top of the board previously. While they have seen great success at the 5* level, after a fall at Badminton earlier this spring, this duo will be looking to get back to the top!

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Harry Meade and Tenareze. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Harry Meade and Tenareze (GBR)
Sixteen-year-old Anglo-Arabian stallion (Jaguar Mail – Utopie du Maury, By Quatar de Plape). Owned by David Bernstein, Sophie Caruth, and Nigella Hall. Bred by M. Patrick Sisqueille and Castera Verduzan.

Harry Meade maintains quite the prestigious position in British Eventing at the moment, currently holding second place for cross country jump clears — 51 out of 55 runs this year. This puts him behind only Izzy Taylor at 56 clears — but with a better ratio, given she has completed 81. Harry’s most successful CCI5* moments thus far include his fifth place finish at Kentucky in 2021 and two consecutive seventh place finishes at the Maryland 5* in 2021 and 2022, all on his and Mandy Gray’s gelding Superstition.

Tenareze was the winner of the Six- and Seven-Year-Old Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in both 2013 and 2014, then piloted by French rider Thomas Carlisle, finishing on their dressage scores both years. His biggest successes include a seventh place finish at Millstreet’s 4*-S in 2022 after taking second place at their 4*-L the year prior. While this will be Harry’s ninth run at the level, Tenareze has only completed one 5* at Pau in October, where he and Harry sat in 11th position after dressage with a 29.3, but unfortunately dropped to 24th place after an uncharacteristic refusal on cross country — one of just five total in his career. The stallion gave a lovely dressage round at this year’s Badminton with a score of 26.9, but ultimately withdrew from competition on cross country.

Both Harry and Tenareze have shown a bit of inconsistency in recent competition results – while eight of Harry’s last 15 completions were within the top 10, his others have been in the middle to bottom of the pack. Since Tenareze’s 4* debut, he has also been in and out of the top 20s – although this has shown to usually be only due to cross country faults or time, as his dressage scores have regularly stayed in the mid 20s and he hasn’t dropped a show jumping rail in over two years. Tenareze has also had a much lighter international load the last few years, only having four starts and two completions since 2021. Despite these setbacks, we hope to see Harry’s experience pull off another memorable completion for this pair.

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Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old British-bred Sporthorse mare (Roquefort – Billy). Owned by MS Team, Kim Pengelly, and Fran Reeve.

Imogen and Ruby earned themselves viral fame when a loose horse insistently interrupted their dressage test at Oasby Horse Trials back in 2019. Since then they have been knocking out CCI4* completions across Europe and will be making their first 5* attempt here at Luhmühlen.

Ruby topped the CCI2* (now 3*) at Le Pin au Haras back in 2018, which also happens to be the last time they jumped clean in show jumping at an FEI event. Ruby definitely gives it all across the country, having only two FEI events with jump penalties, and usually within striking distance of the optimum time.

Their dressage score is taking a lovely downward trend, most recently scoring a 24.9 at the Bicton 4*-S in May. While they will be looking for lady luck on Sunday to keep the poles up, Imogen will be using her experience to give this mare a confident 5* debut.

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Will Rawlin and The Partner. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Iroko – Backhander, by Colourfield xx). Owned by Miranda and Andrew Rawlin and the rider. Bred by Hayley Togher.

“Conquer” may have been bred to be a show jumper, but he has found his niche in galloping across the country. Will acquired the horse as a six-year-old and has produced the gelding through the levels.

The big gelding is a sensitive fellow, with his team working hard to keep him relaxed while away at big competitions. His CCI4* results reflect this learning process, with top ten finishes at Burnham Market’s CCI4*-S in both 2020 and 2022, and the odd cross country penalty or high dressage score thrown in in other showings.

The team must be getting the relaxation process honed in, as the pair hasn’t seen a cross country jump penalty since 2021, and the show jumping is clear the majority of the time. Will will be looking to continue the progress and earn a 5* completion, and being a member of the younger generation of social media eventers, we will likely be able to follow the journey on his active social media pages.

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Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey (GBR)
Seventeen-year-old Anglo-European Sporthorse gelding (Last News xx – Palencia, by Corland). Owned by Earl Grey Tea Party-Goers. Bred by Didy Morgan.

One of Kylie’s first jobs as a teenager was making tea and coffee for clients in her mom’s hair salon, but it was manes and tails rather than bobs and mullets that Kylie dreamed of. She began working with horses when she left school aged 16, shortly afterwards making the move to work with Olympic gold medalist, Britain’s Leslie Law. Whilst working for Leslie she produced her first horse to CCI3*, which she made the difficult decision to sell in order to continue with her eventing dream. Kyrenejennella’s Boy went on to compete at Badminton and the Athens Olympics with Czech Republic rider Jaroslav Hatla.

This will be Kylie’s second trip to Luhmühlen — her first came as a Badminton re-route with SRS Kan Do (Arkansas – La Vie En Rose, by Touchdown) last year when she finished sixth. This year sees her return after rerouting from Badminton once more, this time with Carden Earl Grey, after deciding to withdraw following the dressage due to the very wet and muddy ground conditions on the cross country course. This will officially be the gelding’s third CCI5* start. Last year, the pair completed at Pau, where they put down a very respectable 30.9 in the dressage, but added 20 jumping and 38.8 time on cross country day to finish 28th. At Badminton this year, they squeaked sub-30 in the first phase, scoring 29.9 for a very solid effort between the white boards. In 19 FEI starts together, they’ve completed 15 times, only adding cross country jumping penalties on that one occasion at Pau. Their dressage scores do tend to hover around the 30 mark, but they’ve been as low as 26.9 in the 4*-L at Strzegom in 2019, where they finished eighth. They’re not the speediest around the cross country and can sometimes add time in the show jumping too. They’re more often than not clear jumping on the final day though — the odd 4 slips into their record, but they’d be really unlucky to have more than that.

Carden Earl Grey officially has my favorite stable name ever — “Early Whirly” — and his owners’ team name is just as splendid: the Earl Grey Tea Party Goers. He was originally produced by JP Sheffield before being competed up to CIC3* by Nick Gauntlett; Kylie took on the ride in 2018 and says the gelding is the love of her life and “the best unicorn ever”. As well as top-level eventing, Kylie is also a qualified Fellow of the British Horse Society. She owns AquAEquestrian, an equine water therapy and rehabilitation center, as well as running a livery yard and teaching. When she’s not busy with horses, she’s making them — saddle horses, that is, which she creates from upcycled furniture. She also breeds Jack Russells and enjoys boxing.

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Izzy Taylor and Happy Days. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Izzy Taylor and Happy Days (GBR)
Eleven-year-old British-bred Sporthorse gelding (Cevin Z – Vale Brook, by Tudorville xx). Owned by Alex Colquhoun, Lavinia Taylor, and Caroline Wilson. Bred by Emma Humphrey.

Happy Days made his CCI5* debut at Pau last season, finishing 21st after a reasonably slow clear across the country and a three-rail final round. Since then, we’ve seen him out at a very wet Thoresby — where Izzy withdrew her whole string after dressage — and a rather drier Burnham Market, where he finally got a run in and finished fourth in the 4*-S, his best 4* result yet.

He’s very much a low-30s kind of horse, though he’s had a couple of trips down into the 20s — including a very good 25.9 at Burgham 4*-S in 2022 and a 29.3 at Blenheim 4*-L in 2021. Though he hasn’t quite yet had the experience or consistency up the levels going into his fourth season eventing, it’ll be exciting to see the prodigious young gelding aim to expand on his Pau experience.

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Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around (GBR)
Twelve-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Bertoli W – Donnee, by Donnerhall 11). Owned by Mark Sartori and the rider. Bred by Christian Heinrich.

Monkeying Around started his FEI eventing career in 2017 with Izzy Taylor in the irons, finishing second in the CCI1* at Ballindenisk. The duo moved on up quickly to the CCI4* level in 2019, where we’ve seen them competing since.

We see this pair consistently lay down an impressive low- to mid-20s score in the dressage, but they run into some inconsistency across the country. In the 2020 and 2021 season, Izzy and Monkeying Around hit their stride with all three phases, maintaining clear cross country runs to finish in the 20s and at the top of the leaderboard. We saw recent success in 2022 at Hartpury in the 4*-S, where they finished 6th after adding just a bit of time and a rail to their dressage score of 24.7, and a win at Bramham in the 4*-L in 2022, adding only 1.2 time from cross country and show jumping to their dressage score of 24.

However, since then, we’ve seen some inconsistency creep back into their cross country rounds, and they have retired on cross country at the last three events, including their 5* debut at Pau last year after a few jump penalties. If Izzy and Monkeying Around can pull out a clear cross country round, we can expect to see them towards the top of the board!

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Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Valent – Bellaney Jewel xx, by Roselier xx). Owned by Paul W. Ridgeon. Bred by J.W. Rosbotham.

At nine years old, Cooley Rosalent is the youngest horse in this year’s 5* field, making her debut with Tokyo team gold medalist Oliver Townend in the irons. Oliver’s had the ride on this mare since the outset of her eventing career, bringing her up from her first events at BE100 and moving up to the Advanced level in 2022. This girl has an impressive CV to her name already, with just one finish outside of the top seven across 13 FEI starts. This year, she’s picked up at sixth place finish in 4*-S competition at Bicton in May. After finishing on the podium in second in her first 4*-L at the notoriously hilly Blair Castle to cap off her 2022 season, Oliver originally aimed the mare at Badminton for her 5* debut, but in the end opted to put some more mileage on her and aim instead for Luhmühlen. With that decision, she now has two more solid runs under her belt to prep for this weekend, where Oliver will aim to make the experience a strong one for what he hopes will be another 5* contender to add to his burgeoning string.

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Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Chillout – Kilila, by Cult Hero xx). Owned by Diana and Paul Ridgeon. Bred by Maria Keating.

After facing elimination and a recorded warning from the FEI for pressing a tired horse – this horse, to be specific – at Badminton earlier this year, we now see Swallow Springs return for another go at the 5* level. The 15-year-old gelding rebounded from his time at Badminton well to finish second overall at Bicton’s 4*-S at the end of May. Oliver will now look to replicate or improve on the podium finish he achieved with this former Andrew Nicholson ride at Badminton in 2022.

The track here at Luhmühlen will have a distinctly different feel to it than the “Big B” 5*s Swallow Springs has contested to this point, being one that’s a bit more mentally-taxing and technically challenging than it is dimensionally large. This style could actually quite suit Swallow Springs nippier way of going, and should this guesstimate prove to be true we could be looking at a podium finish if the cards are dealt properly.

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Oliver Townend and Tregilder. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oliver Townend and Tregilder (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Royal Concorde – Trewins xx, by Hand in Glove xx). Owned by The Hazeldines and Mitchell Fox Group. Bred by Preci Spark LTD.

It’s been a couple of years now since we saw Tregilder finish in the top 10 (and would likely have finished higher would it not have been for an 11-penalty activation of a frangible device on cross country) at his 5* debut, the one-off “pop-up 5*” held at Bicton Arena to replace abandoned 5* events during the pandemic in 2021. Oliver did bring this British-bred gelding to Burghley last fall, but a fall on cross country would keep them from making good on a competitive dressage mark.

But more experience never hurt anyone, and now Tregilder finds himself a bit more seasoned at the 4* level before making this next attempt at the next tier. Like stablemate Swallow Springs, Tregilder’s style could find itself well-suited to the nippy nature of Luhmühlen’s cross country laid out by Mike Etherington-Smith. He’s certainly capable of making it around inside the time, and we know Oliver is not one to hang around on Saturdays. We should see Tregilder finish the first phase in a decent standing to make a strong bid over the following days, and it’s never a good idea to count Oliver out of the running to take the win on one of his many entries.

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IRELAND

Susie Berry and Monbeg by Design. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)
Eleven-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Pacino – Eskerhills Lexi, by Puissance). Owned by Helen Caton. Bred by Fiona Molloy.

Susie has taken the eventing world by storm in the last three years. She struck out on her own as recently as 2020 after working as a stable jockey for Piggy March (née French) for the previous five years. Only in her mid-twenties now, she’s been competing at the FEI level since 2011. She has had a bit of a rough start to the 2023 competition season — she had big plans to ride at Thoresby with Ringwood LB, which were unfortunately sidelined when she picked up a hand injury at Lincolnshire in March. Since recovering, she has been busy competing at the FEI level with Ringwood LB, Wellfields Lincoln, Kilcandra Capitol, Clever Trick, and Jesmond Renard.

One horse that hasn’t seen international competition yet this year is her Luhmühlen mount, Monbeg by Design (“Arthur”). This 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding hasn’t been out at the international level since last year’s World Championships at Pratoni where the pair finished 27th, after adding 8.4 time faults to their dressage score of 38. Susie has campaigned Arthur for the entirety of his FEI career, starting at the CCI1* level in 2018 and winding up at the Eventing World Championships at Pratoni just four years later, where they were instrumental in securing Team Ireland a spot in the 2024 Olympics.

According to Horse & Hound, Susie describes Monbeg by Design as a horse with a lot of heart. “He wouldn’t naturally find it that easy and he tries so hard. It makes me a bit emotional talking about him, because he is such a trier,” Susie says.

Arthur has had four British Eventing competitions to get his feet wet before Luhmühlen. The pair has improved their dressage scores since Pratoni — they’ve shown scores consistently in the low thirties so far this spring, although they’ve yet to break that coveted sub-thirty score. Their biggest weakness this season has been time faults in the cross country phase, particularly at Cirencester Park and Burnham Market. Based on his most recent result at Tweseldown and on last season’s scores, Arthur is capable of getting the time if he and Susie put the pedal to the metal at Luhmühlen. With only four rails in the entirety of his eventing career, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that Arthur and Susie can jump the last fence on Sunday with a double clear ride and finish on their dressage score.

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Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty (IRL)
Twelve-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Orestus – Edge of Reason, by Senang Hati xx). Owned by James O’Callagham. Bred by Miriam de Feu.

Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty, barn name “Cuba,” have hit the ground running this season. After one run around the E110 level at Lisgarvan House, they quickly jumped up to the FEI level and have so far completed the Ballindenisk CCI3*-S, the Marbach 4*-S, and the CCIO4*-NC-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials. The 2023 season also marks their highest placing in international competition, which occurred at the Ballindenisk 3*-S where the pair came in second place, with a score of 33.9, adding just 0.8 time faults to their dressage score.

Felicity took the ride on the 16.2-hand black gelding from Andrew Kavanaugh before the 2017 competition season. Since then, she has produced Cuba from the EI110s to the five-star level. Together, they have only one cross country retirement on their record, which occurred at Pratoni in 2022. Besides that, Felicity and Regal Bounty have completed every single cross country course they’ve ever taken on, with only a few time penalties being the norm. Dressage scores for the duo typically land in the mid-thirties. Show jumping is clearly their toughest phase, with a total of 28 jumping penalties so far in 2023. However, Cuba is quick on his feet and usually makes the time or comes in less than a second outside the time.

The 2023 Luhmühlen Horse Trials marks both their second time at the venue, as well as the second CCI5* they’ve ever attempted. Their 2022 run at Luhmühlen landed them solidly in the middle of the pack, just five shy of the top ten, in a competition that saw more than 40 percent of the field eliminated or retire. Felicity and Cuba have improved their dressage scores since last season, with their lowest score since 2018 (33.1) achieved at the Ballindenisk 3*-S. If they can maintain their stellar cross country record, and bring their dancing shoes, they could easily improve upon last year’s 15th place finish to earn a coveted top ten spot in 2023.

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LITHUANIA

Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
Twelve-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Viegaard’s Come Back II x Nione Fortuna, by Abantos NRA STB 83 4). Owned by M. and B. Kloeve-Mogensen.

This very experience pair from Lithuania comes forward to contest what stands to be their sixth 5* competition this weekend, and their third trip to the 5* here in Germany. Aistis Vitkauskas are something of Lithuanian eventing legends, having reached the top tiers of the sport as individual competitors at the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships as well as the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships in Italy. Despite his Lithuanian passport, Aistis actually bases his operation in Denmark, traveling about Europe with Commander VG in tow. This year, Aistis will be looking at Europeans as well as, looming in the not-so-distant future, the Paris Olympics with his longtime partner, who he’s had since the beginning of the Danish gelding’s eventing career.

While this pair won’t be ones to make a bid for the top on the first day of competition, they can be generally relied upon to come home on cross country day. They’ve got a few penalties on their record for activating frangible devices, so Aistis will want to make sure he’s got the handiness in check as he sets out around this traditionally technical track. Should they get home with few time penalties, they’ll be in a good position to make some jumps up the board. Show jumping has proven to be this pair’s undoing in the past, so a fault-free round would be a huge success on Sunday.

When Commander VG isn’t busy tackling giant cross country fences, he can typically be found doling out pony riders to Aistis’ daughter – the true mark of an invaluable horse, if you ask me.

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NEW ZEALAND

Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding (NZL)
Seventeen-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding (Fusaichi Pegasus xx – Gypsy Princess xx, by Sadler’s Wells xx). Owned by the Pottinger Family. Bred by Chelsaus and Orpendale.

This will be 15.2-hand pocket rocket Ferg’s fifth CCI5*-L start; he already has two top ten placings at Adelaide to his name and flew around his first Badminton last year. Sadly, he did not fare so well there this year, with an elimination cross county after a promising start, hence their nifty re-route to Germany this weekend.

The former racehorse, who Muzi bought off the track as a five-year-old, posted a 31.5 dressage at Badminton. However, they are capable of much lower: they pulled off a 25.9 at Badminton 2022, so here’s hoping they can find that form again this weekend. Despite the blip earlier in the year, Ferg is usually a reliable kind of guy across the country. Muzi says it “still astounds her how he manages to get his little body over those fences,” but somehow he does, with all the gusto and more of horses a fair few inches higher than he. Hopefully he will put Badminton behind him and attack the cross country at Luhmühlen like only he can.

The real chink in this old stalwart’s armour though is his show jumping. His tendency to drop a few poles in the final phase has seen him drop way down the leaderboard on more than one occasion, despite his solid performance in the cross country and dressage. Indeed, he tipped four out of their cups at Badminton and the World Championships last year — frustrating to say the least. With that in mind, it is unlikely that Just Kidding and Muzi will be within the top ten at the close of play, but it will still be a delight to see this courageous little horse and his long-term partner return to their best form cross country and put their misdemeanor at Badminton firmly behind them. Perhaps if that is the case, we might see them tackle their first Burghley later this year. Pure speculation on my behalf, but you heard it here first…

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Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price and Happy Boy (NZL)
Eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Indoctro – W. Amelusina 17, by Odermus R) Owned by Susan Lamb and Therese Miller. Bred by A. Rijpma.

The current FEI world number one and 2019 Luhmühlen winner brings forward a CCI5*-L debutant this week, the 2019 Le Lion d’Angers Seven-Year-Old champion Happy Boy. Owned by long-term supporters of Team Price, Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, Happy has a knack for finishing on his dressage score, a helpful habit which earnt him a top ten finish in all of his FEI runs last year, and indeed saw him top the leader board in the Nations Cup in Boekelo in autumn.

His dressage is ever improving — it rarely strays above the 30 mark and can dip to mid-20’s, as it did when he won Boekelo on a 25.6. His jumping record is what really stands out though; both his show jumping and cross country record are remarkable — he knocked just two poles last season and often leap frogs his way up the placings as a result. Tim has described him as “the consummate all-rounder, who just really loves his jumping.” Always a helpful thing to love as an event horse, and something that will stand him in good stead on his 5* debut.

Tim gave him a steady prep run in the CCI4*-Sat Millstreet earlier this month, where he added just cross country time to his dressage score, and hopefully this will have filled him with the necessary confidence for a good run in Germany this weekend. Indeed, Happy certainly has all the credentials to make a very good impression at his first 5*. His dressage score may not trouble the leaders, but should still see him within contention heading into the jumping phases, and given his penchant for a double clear, a top ten placing would not be out of the question for him.

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SWITZERLAND

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
Fifteen-year-old Westfalian gelding (Captain Fire – Bonita, by Bormio xx). Owned by Jürgen Vogg. Bred by Heinrich U. Stephan.

Last year’s winner is back to defend his title! Felix became a bit of a national hero with last year’s Luhmühlen win, becoming the first Swiss rider to win a CCI5* since 1951 — on his birthday, no less.

Felix and his long-time partner Colero will be looking to bring that magic forward, and they have every chance for a repeat here. Expect a dressage score near the top of the leaderboard and the ability to stay on or near it by the end of the weekend. While they’ve had a couple blips lately, including a pin at last fall’s Pau followed by a very uncharacteristic five rails, these two are a very established pair and have been logging international starts together since 2015.

After last year’s win, Felix said of Colero: “You have to have him as your friend. He can be like a dog, but he can also be like a total princess, and if you don’t push him to make a mistake, or you don’t go against him in the warm up, he doesn’t [end up making] a mistake in the ring. If you keep him happy and confident, then he’s trying his hardest.” Let’s hope that Colero is feeling happy and confident again in 2023!

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UNITED STATES

Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser (USA)
Sixteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Abdullah xx – An Cailin Donn, by Dawn Review xx). Owned by the rider. Bred by Jane Scully.

Hopefully Katherine has dried out after finishing 23rd at a very wet Badminton with Monbeg Senna. She now brings RLE Limbo Kaiser to Luhmühlen, looking for her second (and hopefully more dry) CCI5* finish of the year.

RLE Limbo Kaiser is a relatively new ride for Katherine. He was introduced to eventing by Ireland’s Michelle Kenny, and then brought to the 5* level by Great Britain’s Rosa Onslow — who completed Pau in 2020 before Katherine acquired the ride.

Taking on the ride of an experienced advanced horse is hardly easy, and Katherine has been using the time to form a partnership with RLE Limbo Kaiser. In the lead up this spring, they have added only some time on cross country at both of their FEI starts, and at Bicton Arena International, they matched their personal best dressage score at the 4*-S level.

Although being based in the UK has made Katherine slightly more used to inclement weather, I’m sure she will be hoping for things to be a bit more dry at Luhmühlen than they were at Badminton, and checking the 5* box for her and RLE Limbo Kaiser’s partnership.

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Hallie Coon and Global Ex. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Hallie Coon and Global Ex (USA)
Fourteen-year-old KWPN mare (Contador – Wesely Wonderfly, by Horse la Loi II). Owned by Helen Coon. Bred by Trainingsstal Jeantien.

These two will have a shorter trip than most Americans to Luhmuhlen, as they’ve spent the 2023 competition season in Great Britain, thanks to a grant from the Wilton Fair Fund. Hallie has been competing Global Ex – aka “Dolly”– since 2020 when she took over the ride from USA’s Katherine Coleman. Together, they’ve competed everywhere from Barroca d’Alva in Portugal to Boekelo in the Netherlands. Now they’re adding yet another stamp to Dolly’s passport.

Luhmuhlen will be Hallie and Dolly’s second CCI5*, their first five-star event being the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021. The pair had a few issues at LRK3DE, which resulted in 20 jumping penalties and 22.4 cross country time faults, as well as just two extra poles in the show jumping round. Since then, Hallie and Dolly have put in a few good rounds at the three-star and four-star level. The best event on their record in recent years was a CCI3*-S at Stable View, where the pair finished in the top ten. They’ve put in some excellent efforts at top events, such as the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Boekelo in 2021.

Dolly has been pulling dressage scores in the low to mid-thirties so far this season and has had only one rail in show jumping. Despite their consistency and solid efforts in the dressage and show jumping phases, cross country tends to be a bit of a bug-a-bear for the pair. When they’re on form, the pair can come in inside the time and with no jumping faults, but can swing to the opposite end of the spectrum with a refusal or run-out scattered throughout their record together. Boekelo was among their top events, so let’s hope that Luhmuhlen’s technical course will play to their strengths.

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Sydney Elliot and OC Diamantaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (USA)
Thirteen-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diarado – Lantana, by Sandro Hit). Owned by Carol Stephens. Bred by Berthold Gerdes.

I am a big fan of this horse — and no, I’m not just biased because he’s a big, beautiful, black gelding… although that does help quite a bit. Described as quiet, sweet, and mellow, this handsome fellow is much more laid-back than most top-level eventing horses you’ll typically see. In the Chronicle of the Horse’s Behind The Stall Door interview with groom Emilie Mudd, she says “Q” has been “quite a joy to work with. He’s very unassuming in the barn. I don’t expect him to come out and be this big showman. Once you put his braids in, and he takes his little nap, and then [Sydney] gets on and he’s a totally different horse. He loves his work… But he’s also easy to work with on the ground compared to a lot of the upper-level horses. He comes off cross-country, and he grazes while we ice him and rinse him off. That’s all he wants. No antics, no craziness. He’s just happy to do his job.”

This talented pair took an impressive third place in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky this year, falling just behind Karl Slezak’s Hot Bobo and Tamie Smith’s Solaguayre California — the latter of whom she will be competing against once more this weekend. Luhmühlen will be Sydney and Q’s third 5*, after an eighth place finish in last year’s Kentucky and a top 20 score in their debut the year before. Although they have traveled to Aachen the last two years and took a very strong fifth place at Boekelo in 2021, this will be the pair’s first international at the 5* level.

Out of 35 total international runs, only nine of these have ended outside the top ten. Sydney’s personal record is also nearly as clean as her horse’s — she comes ready to place with top ten finishes in each of her last six runs, on both Q and her 4* mount Commando D’Osthuy, owned by Arden and Carol Stephens. While typically ending dressage on a score in the high 20’s to low 30’s, Sydney and Q have only ever had three refusals on cross country in international competition, with just small handfuls of time faults across the board. It wouldn’t be unusual to see a pole dropped on their final day, but we look forward to seeing how this team fares this week in Germany!

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Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Matt Flynn and Wizzerd (USA)
Fourteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wizzerd WV – Amai, by Oklund). Owned by Kathleen and A. Patrick Flynn and Merry Go Round Farm. Bred by M.C.J.M Burgers and C.A.M. van den Oetellaar BV.

The jumper-bred Wizzerd was imported by Matt as a five-year-old, and together they have climbed through the levels. Luhmühlen will mark the pair’s sixth CCI5* start. While based in the US, Matt used his degree from the University of Delaware School of Business to develop a successful import and sales business — usually selling between 10-15 horses a year. While competing a lot of sales horses gave Matt a lot of competition experience, Wizzerd was the only one who hung around long enough to bring him to the 5* level. Together they were the 2015 Young Horse National Champions, and contested — and completed — their first 5* in 2019 at Kentucky.

After receiving the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant to compete at Boekelo in 2021, Matt and Wizzerd have been enjoying the luxury of experience that is granted to UK based US riders. In 2022, the pair rerouted to Luhmühlen and finished in 17th position after retiring on course at Badminton. They then concluded their fall season with a 26th place finish at Pau. Both finishes were coupled with 20 jump penalties on cross country.

While the pair usually averages right around the 30 mark for day one and is consistently leaving the poles up on the final day, Matt will be looking to jump clear around the Mike Etherington-Smith course and erase the trend of having 20 penalties come up at FEI events.

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Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Thirteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Clooney – Paulien B, by Fedor). Owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate. Bred by G and G.F. Brinkman.

Boyd rides in honor of the late Annie Goodwin, who was “Bruno’s” previous rider. Annie’s family asked Boyd to take over the ride after her death in 2021 in what he describes as “a massive honor to continue Annie’s work with Bruno.” Boyd describes Bruno as a “one-person horse”, and the pair had to take time to grow roots in the partnership, but it has certainly blossomed in the time since.

Their top finishes include winning the Tryon CCI4*-L in May of 2022 as well as their 4*-S last month. They also were seventh at Boekelo last year in addition to winning the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field at the start of 2022.

Though this will be Bruno’s 5* debut, this pair could be a big threat for the top. The two have been able to reliably produce sub-30 results on the flat and have proven both at Boekelo and Tryon that they can finish cross country clear and within the time. In addition, Boyd and Bruno have never had a rail together in their International career, making them a good bet for a top five finish.

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Boyd & Luke 140. Photo by Kim Miller.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA)
Twelve-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos I – Omega VI, by Limbus). Owned by Luke 140 Syndicate. Bred by Georg Clausen.

Fresh off the heels of winning the 2*L, 3*L, and 4*S at the MARS Bromont CCI, Boyd is going to tackle Luhmuhlen with Luke 140, as well as Fedarman B and Tsetserleg TSF. Boyd took over the ride on “Luke” from Swedish Eventer Malin Petersen in 2018. Since then, the pair have become a regular feature at four-star events across the United States.

This will be Luke’s first European voyage since his time with Malin Petersen and his second time at Luhmühlen. Luke and Malin tackled the Luhmühlen CIC1* in 2018, where they came in second place with an impressive total score of 25.9. While the Luhmühlen 5* will be Luke’s first event at this level, it’s just another notch on Boyd’s already jam-packed belt.

Luke has had a quiet past two years after being pulled from the Olympic Team for Tokyo after sustaining a leg injury in 2021. In 2022, he completed a CCI2*-S at MARS Great Meadow International, where the pair took it a bit slow on the cross country course. In 2023, it appears Luke and Boyd are back at the top of their game. So far this season, Luke has successfully completed the Tryon CCI4*-S in May, earning a fourth place finish against a competitive field of riders.

Boyd and Luke have historically swung to both sides of the spectrum when it comes to placings. They’ve either been in top five or found themselves finishing in the lower half of the pack, a trend that also chased Luke throughout his career with Malin. For his first five-star event, I’d expect to see Luke with a sub-30 dressage score and a double clear show jumping round. Cross country will be the deciding factor for where they fall in the ribbons, as Luke has been known to have a few time faults in the cross country phase. However, Luhmühlen’s historically mentally challenging track with its technical lines instead of stamina-sapping length could work in Luke’s favor.

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Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)
Sixteen-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall – Thabana, Buddenbrock). Owned by Christine, Thomas IV, and Tommie Turner. Bred by Timothy Holekamp.

Is there anything left that superstar Thomas hasn’t done? As it turns out, yes… Luhmühlen.
While this wasn’t their Plan A — Boyd opted to reroute to Luhmühlen after an early glance-off and subsequent retirement at Kentucky CCI5* this spring — I feel like fans of this pair can’t help but feel a bit excited about their Plan B. Thomas is a PanAm winner, a 5* National Champion, an Olympian, and a World Equestrian Games veteran. Why not have a go around a European 5* for funsies?

It might be the first trip around Luhmühlen for Thomas, but Boyd is no stranger to the track. He’s made a total of five starts at the venue, with his best result coming in 2014 aboard Shamwari 4. This year marks his first trip back since 2018.

Despite their uncharacteristic blip at Kentucky — their first cross country jump penalties at an international event in almost five years — there’s no doubt that a pair with this much experience will be primed and ready to go this weekend. Expect a dressage score solidly in the 20’s, with potential to sit Boyd and Thomas at or near the top of the leaderboard, and a speedy trip across the country. Thomas does have the occasional pole or two in the showjumping, but still, we would expect a solid result for this pair as one of our top US representatives.

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Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (USA)
Twelve-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse mare (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall ASK). Owned by Julianne and David Guariglia. Bred by Haras Solaguayre.

What more can I add to what’s already been said of our first US Kentucky champion in 15 years? Besides, of course, the fact that she was the first female victor since 2011, or the first champion from the West Coast in nearly four decades. Can’t forget that. We all know at this point that Tamie is a force to be reckoned with, so look out Luhmühlen — she’s coming for another victory.

Rather, we shall focus on the CCI5* debut for a truly impressive up-and-coming mare. I remember this horse seemingly coming out of nowhere in 2021, proceeding to clean up at 3*s across the board in California and on the East Coast the following spring. Bred and trained at Haras Solaguayre in Argentina, the 12-year-old mare was a respectable show jumper in her previous career. After a bit of a “rough start”, including an ankle fracture from a fall off California at the beginning of 2021, Tamie was very pleased when they took a fast and clean first at Morven Park’s 4*-L last fall, finishing just one time fault over her dressage score. More recently, they took a nice complementary second place to Tamie’s 5* victory at Land Rover Kentucky’s 4*-S, only two seconds behind Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo’s win. They followed up with a strong third place finish last month in the 4*-S at Tryon.

The pair hold only five completions outside the top five, one of which was still quite a respectable top-20 finish at Boekelo in 2021, and with most of the rest being due to her only cross country refusals on record. The mare really shows her experience on the third day, with only seven poles in total ever dropped in competition, always giving fast rounds under the time. Although we may expect a handful of time on cross country, their dressage scores have been trending in the high 20’s, so we can expect quite the competitive score from this powerful duo.

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Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [<a href=“https://eventingnation.com/luhmuhlen-form-guide/“ target=“_blank”EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

US Equestrian Announces Final USA Eventing Squad for CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S

By on Jun 14, 2023 4:33 pm -
Graphic showing members of Team USA for CHIO Aachen

Graphic via US Equestrian.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and U.S. individual for the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, from June 30 – July 1, 2023. The U.S. combinations will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Costello.

The following combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

  • Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off the Record Syndicate
  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas A. Tierney, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Evie Dutton, Patricia Vos, and David Vos
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC and Deborah Palmer
  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sporthorse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

The following combination has been selected to represent the U.S. as an individual combination at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival:

  • Dan Kreitl (Muncie, Ind.) and Carmango, a 2013 Westphalian gelding owned by Kay Dixon

Competition will begin on Friday, June 30, with the dressage and jumping phases, followed by the cross-country phase on Saturday, July 1.

CHIO Aachen: [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Sneak a Peek at the Luhmühlen Cross Country Course

By on Jun 14, 2023 4:30 pm -

Eventing fans will be eagerly anticipating the official unveiling of Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country designs at this year’s Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* and CCI4*-S. The designer here since 2017, Mike E-S knows this piece of property like the back of his hands and can always be relied upon to set a smart test for the competitors come Saturday.

This teaser video is really just that — a teaser — but Tilly Berendt will be along this week with a much more comprehensive look at what to expect out there on this 5* test. Stay tuned for much more to come from Germany!

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

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Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno’s Long Road to Badminton

By on Jun 14, 2023 1:30 pm -

Gemma Stevens and Jalapeño. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Many people know of Gemma Stevens’ most recent accomplishment, finishing in sixth place with her powerhouse mare, Jalapeno, at Badminton this spring.

Few know of the long, long road that she took to get there.

In 2019, Jalapeno, Christopher Stone’s mare, by 5*-winning stallion Chilli Morning out of a mare by Shaab, suffered an injury to her tendon at Pau. “Unfortunately, she had a really quite serious injury to her tendon,” Gemma said. “To the point where we weren’t sure, to be totally honest with you, whether she would be able to come back to eventing again.”

Jalapeno, barn name “Jala,” has beaten the odds not once, not twice, but many many times as Gemma has slowly and carefully nursed her back to health and back to winning status at the CCI5* level. After Jala’s 2019 tendon injury, Gemma took full advantage of the break COVID provided to really bring her beloved mare back slowly and carefully. Jala got an entire year, plus another winter, off before Gemma brought her back into work.

And then, with the type of luck that seems to plague horses everywhere, Jala fractured her splint bone in 2021.

“She came in the following year, and then unfortunately she managed to bash her leg, her other front leg, and fractured her splint bone,” Gemma said. “We were actually at a Nations Cup at the time and I had worked her on the flat the day before and she was beautiful, going so well and it felt amazing. And then my poor groom got her out in the morning and she was limping, and she’d fractured her splint bone in the stall overnight.”

After coming back into work at the end of 2021, Gemma and Jala competed in the Blenheim CCI4*-L and finished on her dressage score of 28.7, which earned them fourth place. After a wonderful performance at Blenheim, Gemma decided to play it safe and aim for Luhmühlen in 2022 instead of Badminton, as the venue’s track would place far less strain on Jala. Jala, apparently, had other plans.

“About four weeks before Luhmühlen, she was getting pretty fit. She’d gone really well. We’d just had a prep run and all of that,” Gemma said. “And then my groom found her in the middle of the night in her stall, laid out on her back. Jala had actually split her spleen and her spleen was bleeding. Luckily, my groom found her and basically put her in the lorry and drove her straight to the emergency hospital and they saved her life.”

So, all competition plans were put on hold, while Jala recovered from her near-death experience. For the rest of the 2022 competition season, Gemma decided to let Jala plan her own season. “So now in 2022, we thought okay, we’ll go back to Blenheim instead of Luhmühlen because we know you like Blenheim,” Gemma said, laughing. “We’ll do that again. And we know you don’t need too much stress and prep to get to Blenheim and we know we can manage you for that. We know it’s very within your capability.”

Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Gemma’s plan worked. While Jala had one rail on the last day that dropped her from second place to seventh, she came out of the competition stronger than ever before. “She came out of Blenheim bouncing. And when I say bouncing, she went out in the field and she ran around, rolled, and stood up and kicked out her front legs and she was so happy.”

Because Jala came out of Blenheim with flying colors, Gemma set her sights on Badminton in 2023. However, she didn’t take a single thing for granted due to the mare’s complicated history. She started preparing for the event extremely early and thoroughly. No detail was missed.

Starting in December, Gemma started preparing Jala for Badminton in May. “She did a whole month of strengthening work, hacking and gentle lunging and schooling. Then we started fitness work in the middle of January,” Gemma said. “So she had actually done six weeks of prep work before we started any sort of fitness work, if that makes sense. From there on, she galloped once a week and she swam in a pool once a week, since the middle of January. She also did two water treadmills per week. She pretty much didn’t miss a beat.”

While Jala was excellent for her prep work, the weather was not. Due to the extremely rainy English spring, Gemma was not able to ride in nearly as many events as she had hoped. “We didn’t get to do an Intermediate run at all. We didn’t get to just have a nice canter around an Open Intermediate to get your eye in. Then we had every intention of running her in the four-star Short at Thoresby. But I just felt that it was too risky for her,” Gemma said. Indeed, the weather at Thoresby had plenty of other plans, prompting multiple other pairs to pull out of what would have been their sole major prep for a spring 5*.

Because they missed all of their Intermediate opportunities, Gemma said she had to get her “brave pants” on and go straight to the CCI4*-S at Burnham Market. Luckily, despite the shortened spring season, Gemma and Jala had a wonderful run at Burnham Market. “We had a really good run there and she felt really fit, really up for it, and really focused.”

Gemma had Jala’s leg scanned after their run at Burnham Market, even though the horse looked spectacular. The scan showed no problems, leaving Jala clear for the homestretch to Badminton. Wanting to avoid any additional pounding on Jala’s legs, Gemma opted to gallop her as little as possible in the last three weeks before Badminton. “She doesn’t mind the gallops, but she’s not in love with it,” Gemma said. “Instead of pounding up the gallops, we took her for nice long hacks and did lots of trotting up hills and fun stuff that she enjoys doing.”

Gemma Stevens and Jalapeño. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Gemma also wanted to avoid overdoing it on the flat. “She’s beautiful on the flat and I didn’t want to overdo that too much. So instead of putting on a dressage saddle and doing flatwork, I put on a jump saddle and I’d have some poles and stuff up in the school and we just do loads of nice stretching and pole work.”

As Gemma explains it, the last thing she wanted to do was to make Jala’s body sore. So, instead of trying to cram in more fitness work, she focused on keeping Jala happy and keeping her body relaxed and strong. At the same time, Jala was also receiving top notch day-to-day management and was certainly keeping her groom, Charlotte Overton, busy. “At home she gets iced in the morning after going on the walker, and always after work, and then again in the evening,” Gemma said. “So at a minimum she gets it three times a day.”

Wanting to disrupt the sensitive mare’s routine as little as possible, Gemma maintained the same icing schedule for Jala during Badminton itself. Each day of the competition, Jala was iced at least four times. She also spent a significant amount of time walking around and using a magnetic rug. Gemma also had a “fantastic” physio, Sam Daplyn, come to work on Jala every day.

In terms of her riding schedule during the event, Gemma was quite brave. She got on Jala a mere 15 minutes before it was her time to ride on cross country day. “I’m not going to lie — I only got on her 15 minutes before my time,” Gemma remembers. “She actually had a really, really, good walk. She was kept out of her stall and then she got tacked up and walked in hand, like marching-walking, for 15 minutes. Then I got on her literally 15 minutes before my time and I jumped two jumps just to kind of remind me and then off we went.”

Throughout the entire event, Gemma’s priority was to keep Jala “fresh and happy.” Her approach paid off. Not only did Jalapeno come in sixth place, but she and Gemma broke their personal record to get their best dressage score yet, and Jala was also the highest-placed mare at the event.

Gemma said that her and Jala’s achievements at Badminton have inspired her to “crack on and carry on.” “It was just the best feeling and then to actually then go on and compete the way that she did so confidently, and so soundly was amazing,” Gemma said. “She’s amazing. The scans are amazing. She looks fantastic. Honestly, the sense of achievement was through the roof.”

When asked if mares required a different approach to success than geldings, Gemma had a humorous take on what mares need to succeed. “She’s a gritty, gutsy mare. And she’s really got her own mind,” Gemma said. “I think mares do get a little bit pissed off with kind of galloping constantly. Whereas with a gelding, you can kind of say, ‘Come on, you’ve got to put your back into it a bit,’ and they say, ‘oh, okay.’ I think with a mare that if you do that, you just piss them off. I absolutely love my girls, but you do have to find ways of getting them fit without making them unhappy. So I think doing different things with them, like swimming and hacking, is so important to keep them sweet and happy.”

Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Gemma’s dedication to Jala is really the epitome of what this sport is about. At the end of the day, the best horse(wo)men put their horse’s health and happiness first. Gemma’s dedication to keeping Jala healthy and happy, at the expense of opportunities to win and compete, not to mention the financial expense, is the only reason that this powerhouse mare is back to eventing and winning.

“If we get her to a big show in one piece and feeling good, the horse is going to be right up there every time because she’s so consistent and she’s got such a good brain,” she elaborated.

Gemma also notes that she could not have gotten Jala to Badminton successfully on her own. “I’m so thankful for my whole team, from my other girls at home who work endlessly to support me and then my home vet Ed Lysall, farrier Jim Cooper, and my home osteopath Liz Oakenfold,” Gemma said. “Without all these people taking such good care of Jala we would never have accomplished what we have. It takes a village!”

For a horse that was never supposed to event again, Jala is looking pretty good out there.

This article was sponsored by Achieve Equine, creator of FLAIR Strips. Gemma and Jala’s journey to Badminton embodies Achieve Equine’s slogan, “It’s All About the Horse.” Gemma has had personal experience using FLAIR Strips, and uses them in both show jumping and cross country. “When she gets tense, she actually makes a little bit of a noise,” Gemma said. “We have had her looked at and she has had a little bit of a little wind operation, but I find that when she’s got the FLAIR strips on, she actually stays relaxed and doesn’t make any noise.”

Learn more about FLAIR strips here.

Three Held; ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to One Competitor in the Luhmühlen First Horse Inspection

By on Jun 14, 2023 1:30 pm -

Pippa Funnell and British team Performance Manager Dickie Waygood. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Welcome to sunny Lower Saxony, in the north of Germany, where an exceptional batch of horses and riders representing twelve nations — and featuring three previous CCI5* winners in Felix Vogg and Colero (here, last year), Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (Burghley, 2019), and Laura Collett and London 52 (Pau 2020 and Badminton 2022) — have convened to do battle at the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials, featuring the fourth five-star of the 2023 season. It all began this afternoon in the shadow of the capacious main arena grandstand when the 41 entrants came forward for the first horse inspection in front of the ground jury, and also a very large pizza vendor.

This week, that ground jury — though not the pizza vendor, alas — is helmed by President Nick Burton of Great Britain, ably assisted by Joachim Dimmek of Germany, who’ll be sitting at M for the dressage tests, and Dr. Katrin Eichinger-Kniely of Austria, who’ll be based at E.

Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo. Photo by Alex Jeffery.

Three horses were sent to the holding box through the course of proceedings, and one of them came very early on indeed: with three horses entered this week, including his Badminton ride Swallow Springs, Oliver Townend was the pathfinder for the trot-up, as he will be on Saturday’s cross-country course. Two of his three horses sailed through without a hitch — Swallow Springs and the exciting five-star debutant, Cooley Rosalent — but with the established Tregilder, he was first asked to trot again, and then sent for further examination. The same thing happened to France’s Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour, who will be contesting their third five-star this week — and while both horses were ultimately accepted into the competition upon re-presentation, it wasn’t to be the same story for Germany’s Nicolai Aldinger, who opted instead to withdraw his five-star debutant Timmo from the holding box.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

That means our list of starters is now down to 40, and we’ll see the first twenty of those take to the main arena tomorrow afternoon from 13.45 p.m. local time — that’s 12.45 p.m. British time, or 7.45 a.m. Eastern time. Our first to go — after the guinea pig test, which will be performed by Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and her reigning Blenheim CCI4*-L champion Carlitos Quidditch K — will be Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. He’ll be followed into the ring by Boyd Martin on the first of his own three rides, Tokyo and Pratoni mount Tsetserleg (13:52 local/12:52 BST/7.52 a.m. EST), and Laura Collett will look to make an early bid for the lead as third in the ring with Dacapo (14:00/13:00/8:00 a.m.).

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s a stacked day of sport throughout the afternoon, with further highlights including last year’s Burghley dressage leaders Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (14:37/13:37/8:37 am), who’ve put two unlucky five-star trips behind them and will be looking to make the third a charm; US partnership Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (14:30/13:30/8:30 a.m.), who are adding to their impressive roster of international trips this week; 2019 Burghley champs Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (15:15/14:15/9:15 a.m.); British-based US competitors in Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser (15:22/14:22/9:22 a.m.) and Hallie Coon and Global Ex (15:37/14:37/9:37 a.m.); and second rides apiece for Oliver Townend (he’ll ride Tregilder at 16:15/15:15/10:15 a.m.) and Boyd Martin (he’ll close out the day with a hotly-anticipated 5* debut for Annie Goodwin’s Fedarman B at 16:22/15:22/10:22 a.m.). Check out tomorrow’s five-star times in full at this link.

And that’s not all, folks: the day begins with the CCI4*-S, which will start at 9.30 a.m. local time (8.30 a.m. British/3.30 a.m. EST). You can find tomorrow’s starting order for this class here. 

Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Want to keep your eyes on the prize while the competition’s ongoing? Every minute of the action from both classes will be streamed via Horse & Country TV, and if you’ve been on the fence about committing to a streaming service, we’ve got a sneaky little deal for you: if you aren’t already an H&C+ subscriber, you can save 15% on an annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15. The platform also has pay-monthly subscription options or one-off pay-per-view options if you just fancy tuning in for the week. Head over to our viewing guide for more info, and to keep tabs on the week’s timetable.

We’ll be bringing you full coverage from both the CCI4*-S, incorporating the German National Championships, which kicks off from 9.30 a.m. local time/8.30 a.m. BST/3.30 a.m. EST tomorrow, and the CCI5* — including deep-dives into the technical, academic cross-country course, designed once again by Mike Etherington-Smith. So fill your stein, manhandle your dinner sausages, and let’s Go Eventing – German style!

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Jun 14, 2023 12:01 am -
Happy Flag Day! Also International Bath Day… Boyd Martin (Olympian and ice-bath lover) will be one of the riders flying the flag for the USA in Luhmuhlen. Boyd with Tstetserleg TSF. Photo by Abby Powell. Happy Flag Day! Also International Bath Day… Boyd Martin (Olympian and ice-bath lover) will be one of the riders flying the flag for the USA in Luhmuhlen. Boyd with Tstetserleg TSF. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s 5* time once more! We’re off to Germany this time to live it large in Luhmuhlen.

Flying the flag for the US in the 5* are Kentucky champion and World No. 5 Tamie Smith, who brings forward Solaguayre California, Bromont hat-tricker Boyd Martin (appropriately) has three rides – Fedarman B, Luke 140 and Tsetserleg TSF, and keep your eyes peeled for Katherine Coleman (RLE Limbo Kaiser), Hallie Coon (Global Ex), Sydney Elliott (QC Diamantaire), and Matthew Flynn (Wizzerd).

In the 4* Dan Kreitl comes forward with Carmango and Hallie Coon rides Cute Girl.

There’s a healthy British interest in the 5* with World Champion Yasmin Ingham bringing Rehy DJ, Badminton 2022 winner Laura Collett comes forward with two rides – London 52 and Decapo, and Pippa Funnell will be flying high after her win in the Bramham 4*-L at the weekend – she brings MGH Grafton Street. They’re joined by David Doel (Ferro Point), Tom Jackson (Farndon), Fiona Kashel (Creevagh Silver de Haar), Emily King (Valmy Biats), Kitty King (Vendredi Biats), Harry Meade (Tenereze), Imogen Murray (Roheryn Ruby), Will Rawlin (The Partner), Kyle Roddy (Carden Earl Grey), Izzy Taylor (Happy Days and Monkeying Around), and Oliver Townend (Swallow Springs, Cooley Rosalent and Tregilder).

We’ll also get to see World No. 1 Tim Price coming forward with Happy Boy for New Zealand and 2022 winner Felix Vogg with Colero for Switzerland.

Read all about all of the 5* horses and riders in EN’s form guide – coming soon!

In the 4* (which is also used as the German National Championship) we have German superstar Ingrid Klimke with EQUISTRO’s Siena Just Do It, reigning Olympic champion Julia Krajewski with Nickel and Ero de Cantraie, and Britain’s Mollie Summerland with Charly van ter Heiden.

The 5* action trots off today (Wednesday) with the Horse Inspection at 4pm local time (that’s 10am EDT / 3pm BST). Then we have two days of dressage (Thursday and Friday) with the first horses up the center line at 1:30pm (7:30am EDT / 12:30pm BST). Saturday – yay! – is cross country day, when competitors will get the chance to take on the Mike Etherington-Smith (assisted by Kai-Steffen Meier) track. The galloping gets going at 9am (3am EDT / 8am BST). Sunday’s Horse Inspection begins at 8am (2am EDT / 7am BST), followed by the show jumping at 10am (4am EDT / 9am BST).

And then we’ll know who’s joining Shane Rose (Adelaide), Tamie Smith (Kentucky) and Ros Canter (Badminton) as 2023 5* winners!

You can follow along with the live stream on H&C+ with a subscription or a one-time viewing pass. If you choose to purchase an annual H&C+ subscription, you can save 15% if you use the code EVENTINGNATION15. And if you just can’t wait ‘til Saturday to see the cross country course, you can check out the route and fences here. We’ll be bringing you live updates of all three 5* phases, so keep it locked onto EN to read about all the action as it happens.

EN will have boots on the Luhmuhlen ground, where Tilly will be bringing us ALL the news from the event. Keep up with the EN coverage and follow @goeventing for all the 5* – and 4* – content you can handle.

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] []

Let’s go eventing in Luhmuhlen!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Aspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, MI) [Website] [Volunteer]

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Wednesday News and Reading

Got an opinion on the recommendations made by The Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission to the FEI? A survey has been launched to find out what those involved with horses think of the 24 proposed recommendations. It’s available in English, French and Spanish and is directed at anyone involved with horses. There are 10 questions covering topics such as horses in sport, how well the recommendations meet the needs of improving welfare in horse sport, and the responsibility we have to respect the horse “as a sentient creature capable of feeling both positive and negative emotions”. The survey is open until June 22nd. [Have Your Say]

Eventing power couple Tim and Jonelle Price are giving their first Eventing Masterclass together. They’ll give an insight into their training philosophy and show demonstrations across the levels – from young horses and riders to 5*. Tickets are available now and they’re also accepting applications for demo riders. [The Masters at Work]

A comprehensive look at bitting in relation to social license. Dr Robert Cook, Professor of Veterinary Surgery Emeritus at Tufts University in Massachusetts, argues that a change in equipment is necessary for the future of horse sport – in particular embracing a bit-free approach. [A Fair Bit About the Bit]

How much horsepower does a horse have? The term ’horsepower’ doesn’t actually have anything to do with horses – huh. It’s actually just a unit of measurement. The name comes from the time when horses were used for tasks which vehicles later took on – think plowing and the like. This blog post is full of fun facts like how much horsepower a horse has (hint – it’s not one horse = one horsepower), how much more powerful horses are than humans (a lot), and which vehicle has the most horsepower (FYI it’s not a horse trailer). [The Power of the Horse]

If there was a race between a human and a horse, who would win? We don’t have to surmise, or hypothesize, do complicated calculations or guess, thanks to the annual Man V Horse race which happened last weekend in Wales. A bunch of runners took on some horses in a 22.5 mile race across the mountainous Welsh terrain, and for the second year running, the result was somewhat of a surprise. [Who’s Your Money On?]

Eventing legend Mary King has swapped four legs for two wheels and completed an epic journey. She’s been cycling from John O’Groats at the very top of the UK to Land’s End at the very bottom – 874 miles in total! I feel for her bottom – equestrian saddles are MUCH more comfy than bicycle ones! She’s been raising money for her local dementia charity along the way – what a truly impressive woman she is! (But we already knew that, didn’t we?) [Read about Mary’s adventures on her Facebook page]

Sponsor Corner

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The main courtyard barn has 20 matted, Loddon stalls and provides a comfortable, peaceful environment for your horses. Thoughtfully laid out 10 bedroom staff housing including a separate manager’s apartment. Horse amenities include: a 60′ covered walker, a 150’x250′ Bermuda mix grass jumping field and a 120’x270′ sand arena with exceptional drainage.

Offered for sale for the first time, you could have a farm of your very own just 2/10ths of a mile from the PBIEC showgrounds.

See more here.

Video Break

Get pumped for Luhmühlen with this promo video: