Classic Eventing Nation

Laura Collett Leads Luhmühlen, The Sequel: Hester’s On Top in CCI5* Day One

By on Jun 13, 2024 5:14 pm -

Laura Collett and Hester. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Is this a touch of deja-vu we’re feeling here? Last year, we saw Laura Collett take the first-phase lead with London 52 in Luhmühlen’s five-star, and then hold it all the way through to take the win. Today, she’s right back where she likes to hang out: on top of the leaderboard, this time with the much less experienced Hester.

Okay, okay, we won’t get ahead of ourselves here. Hester is, of course, in a much different stage of her career, and with different goals and intentions this week than her stablemate, who returns to the event, too, to tackle the CCI4*-S and, hopefully, secure his spot on the British team for the Olympics.

For Hester, this is a reroute from Badminton, and a chance to learn from that experience, which saw her retired on course after going green after the Lake. And for Laura, it’s an opportunity to really get to know her and see what she’s made of in the third year of their partnership.

What a jolly start, though, isn’t it? This afternoon’s CCI5* dressage felt like a bit of an uphill battle at times, because there wasn’t an ounce of leeway in the marking – and at the end of the session, none of the 21 horses and riders we saw in the ring today managed to go sub-30. And so a 30.6, which is what Laura and the thirteen-year-old British-bred Hanoverian mare scored, probably felt a bit like a 25 on any other day, even with a couple of changes that were, perhaps, slightly interpretive rather than textbook.

“I’m absolutely delighted with her,” says Laura, who scored a 34.1 with the mare at Badminton. “She’s just getting better and better, and starting to trust me and realise it’s not going to be the end of the world when she goes into a dressage arena. So each time she goes in and doesn’t lose her mind, it’s a step in the right direction, to be honest. Her trot work is stunning. She really feels secure in that now, and the next step is to try and get the canter just as secure. But to be honest for her, to get any flying changes is a massive highlight, so I’m absolutely over the moon with her.

Laura Collett and Hester. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The journey to getting to really know Hester, who was previously piloted by Tim and Jonelle Price and then Alex Bragg, has been a winding one, Laura explains.

“I’ve had her nearly three years, but I’ve never had a full run through [a season] with her,” she says. “She’s always had a little niggle here or there and had to have time off. So since Blenheim through to here has been the first time we’ve got any sort of consistent work into her.”

That consistent work had one simple goal: “It’s been figuring her brain out and to be honest, just getting her to take a deep breath. She can do all the moves, apart from the changes, as long as she’s relaxed, so I only get on her ten minutes before, now. She lunges, just to switch her off, and we’ve found that process really, really helps and really works. She only makes mistakes from wanting to do it right and not actually waiting to be told what to do.”

One of the ways that Laura helps to take the pressure of Hester is by riding sans spurs.

Now, she’s looking ahead to Saturday, which remains something of a question mark – but Laura’s feeling confident that Hester is ready to step up to the plate after her early finish at Badminton.

“She started really well and felt great, and then I think, the amphitheatre of the Lake… she just didn’t know what was going on or what to look at or anything, and I think it was all just [a bit much],” she says. “Badminton is just a different level. There’s nowhere to put the wheels back on when they slightly fall off, and they very much fell off at the Lake. I then jumped a few more, and she just didn’t feel like her at all. She was very cautious and every time I said go, she was backing off, so I thought,  ‘you know what, we’ll go home and put the wheels back on.’”

A few weeks later, she took her to run at Bicton’s CCI4*-S.

“Coming here was very much dependent on how she felt at Bicton,” she continues. “She came out of the start box at Bicton like the normal Hester – absolutely grabbing the bridle, ears pricked, and awesome. So I thought, while she’s fit and well, just because we’ve had to miss so much with her, I thought, ‘what else? We’ll bring her here.’ I think the track should suit her, but it’s a 5* and she’s  not a proven 5* horse yet – but hopefully after this we can say that she is.”

Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Class pathfinder Tom McEwen held the lead for a fair stint with his former Pau runner-up CHF Cooliser on a score of 30.8, but will no doubt be happy enough to settle for provisional second overnight.

“I’m delighted with the whole test,” he says. “I thought her trot work was really nice; she actually showed some of her medium, and her lateral work was really nice and soft, and the walk was great.”

The one expensive mistake came in the reinback, which saw ‘Eliza’ earn a 4, a 4.5, and a 5.5 after heading off in the wrong direction.

“Her halt and rein back is always her nemesis, so if we can usually get it over and done with as quick as possible it goes better — but I thought the halt was so good I would wait a second, and so we went forward instead of backwards,” laughs Tom. “But she was great, and got all the changes, so for me that was a real good, clear round of a test.”

Eliza, who’s often referred to as Queen Elizabeth at home to reflect her royal attitude, has often fulfilled a few of the more obvious stereotypes of a redheaded mare – but now, at fourteen, the daughter of Womanizer is truly hitting her stride.

“With age, she’s definitely growing up,” says Tom. “She’s seen a lot now — this would be her fourth 5*, so she’s been around and seen different things. So now she’s really maturing, whereas before, there’s so much going on in this arena, she’d have been looking around to see what’s going on. I think a bit of it is maturing, and a bit of it is just continuous development of the way she’s going.”

Tom will return tomorrow with a debutant horse in 15-year-old Brookfield Quality, as well as riding JL Dublin in the CCI4*-S in his bid for a spot on the British Olympic team.

“I couldn’t have picked three more different ones to ride this weekend,” laughs Tom. “I’m quite pleased that Eliza goes first, because she does her own thing. So then I can reassess on my riding and then go from there. Eliza loves cross country, so we let Eliza do what Eliza wants!”

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The most emotional finish of the day was that of Belgian dynamo Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who took third place with Hooney d’Arville on the eleven-year-old’s debut at the level, scoring a 31.6.

“It’s just so, so special when it’s one you’ve bred yourself,” she says through happy tears. Hooney’s mother, Nooney Blue, was a particularly special horse for Lara: she was her partner through five total Junior and Young Rider Championships, and then in her debut at Senior Championship level at the World Equestrian Games in 2010. The production of her talented daughter, though, has been something of a labour of love in more ways than one.

“With Hooney, it has been a long way – I’m going to be emotional again,” she says with a laugh. “It has been a long way, and it has been difficult. A lot of people said to me, ‘she’s so talented’, but it was difficult all the way. She has been tricky in the past, but I think she’s much more reliable now.”

And so, she says, “today, I expected nothing – just to enjoy riding a 5* again. Her mother had her last run here; she was brought down on cross country one combination before the last. So this is my little revenge on the past. I’m delighted with the test.”

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Lara’s last ride at five-star was in 2017, when she rode here with Alpaga d’Arville – and returning to this level took a bit of convincing, not of Lara herself, but of her husband, Belgian chef d’equipe Kai Steffen Meier.

“Kai was a little bit not convinced about me riding 5* here because of the Olympics, because I have a strong position. I have five horses qualified, which are all competitive,” she explains. “So he thought it was maybe a risk not to take – the Olympics is every four years, while 5*’s are all the time. But I felt I wanted to stay sharp and, you know, we can fall at home, so I don’t need to be scared of my own shadow. I don’t expect much  from this 5* – it’s just to keep me on the nice road for Paris.”

The track, she says, “ will suit her, I think. It requires a lot of forward riding; there’s a lot of technicity with that. She’s quite okay with that. I’m confident if I ride well, she will be good. I’m not sure about the speed though – she has blood, but she needs a lot of preparation for every combination, which is where I’m losing a bit of time.  I didn’t have the gallops I wanted, because of the rain we’ve had in Europe, but she has a lot of stamina. The last two minutes could be quite something for her, because I’m confident she won’t be tired at the end. But I never did an eleven minute course with her, so I still have a lot of question marks – but I’m sure if I ride her well she might be really good.”

“I’m confident it’s the right choice,” she continues. “I had a super preparation. She was really good in Baborowko and Strzegom  She had a super run up to here, so I’m confident she’s ready. It just depends how I feel when I leave the start box – if she feels like she’s ready to tackle the speed and everything. I’m not going flat out to win it, but I’m definitely a competitive person so I’m going to try to make the best out of it.”

Luhmühlen is so often a fantastic showcase of up-and-coming talent, and today has been no exception: fourth place is held overnight by French debutante Julie Simonet and her Sursumcord’or, who posted a respectable 33.3, while fifth place goes the way of young British rider Storm Straker, who put a 33.6 on the board with Fever Pitch. Ireland’s Ian Cassells and Master Point sit sixth on a 33.9, while Britain’s Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien are seventh on 34.

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The first of our two US riders in this class came forward today, and will sit eighth overnight on a score of 34.2. That was British-based Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, who come forward for the 14-year-old gelding’s sophomore five-star, having finished just outside the top twenty at 2023’s tough Badminton.

“I’m really pleased with him. He did a 31 of Badminton, and then he did a 29 in Kronenberg, and so they’re marking hard today, but he was so good,” says Katherine. “He’s kind of like a big, gangly thing, so the changes on that short side [in this test] are a bit like, ‘oh, where are my legs!’ But I’m really pleased with him.”

Katherine had originally hoped to take Monbeg Senna to Kentucky this spring, but a minor injury sustained while jumping out of his field derailed his preparation. But Luhmühlen, Katherine thinks, will be the perfect re-route and stepping stone on the way to targeting Boekelo this autumn, and then Kentucky next spring.

“For me with him, I think this is like, a 4* plus,” says Katherine. “What I need to work on with him the most, his kind of weakness or Achilles heel, basically, is his speed. He’s just a little slow, and he spends a lot of time in the air. So this, to me, is a wonderful course – it’s well within his jumping abilities, so I’m like, actually, this time I’m going to go out and try and be a little bit quicker. That’s the main goal this weekend. At Badminton, which was his first 5*, nobody was getting around. I was starting out like, ‘okay, I just want to finish, because you don’t know what you’re going to have’. But he finished that so full of running and with so much energy. I was like, ‘oh, I could have gone faster.’ This time I don’t want to finish and think that I could have gone faster.”

Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

New Zealand’s Sam Lissington and her eleven-year-old five-star debutant Lord Seekonig very nearly stole the lead, until a few expensive wobbles in the canter work pushed their score down. Nonetheless, they sit in a very positive ninth place overnight on a 34.7.

“The quality is all there, and I think he’s going to be a low 20s horse at 5*,” she says. “We had just a few little wobbles today which then meant all my aids then havd a little bit of a different impact, so those are just little work-ons. But for a first 5*  test, I think the quality is all there and there’s more yet to come.”

Tenth place is held by Britain’s Caroline Harris and D. Day, who scored a 34.9. The scores across the board are achingly tight – just nine points covers the entirety of the class at this stage.

Tomorrow’s 5* will continue from 13.30 local time (12.30 p.m. BST/7.30 a.m. EST), and will feature some big names including Pau winners Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. You can follow all the action on Horse & Country TV, and join us after the fact for an in-depth debrief on the layout of the leaderboard.

The top ten after day one of dressage in the CCI5* at Luhmühlen.

EN’s coverage of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Longines Luhmühlen: Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | EN’s Coverage

A Star Is Born: German Up-And-Comer Takes Luhmühlen CCI4*-S Lead Ahead of Eventing Greats

By on Jun 13, 2024 12:43 pm -

Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Just one year ago, then-21-year-old Anna Lena Schaaf made her debut in Luhmühlen’s CCI4*-S – a class which, as the host of the German National Championships, is one of the most prestigious in the country.

And when she did so, with her longtime partner Fairytale 39, it was to be a week that culminated in a swell of emotion: they finished fourth, and as bronze medallists in the German Championships, and not only is that an exceptional feat for a rider so young among the titans of the sport, but it’s also, fittingly, a bit of a Fairytale. The now-17-year-old mare was bred by Anna Lena’s grandfather, and was born when Anna Lena herself was just five years old. When former Pony European Champion Anna Lena stepped up to horses, Fairytale was her first ride; they’d spent the prior seasons getting to know one another from the 80cm jumping classes onwards, but much, much more was yet to come. They’ve been to two Junior European Championships, winning individual gold in 2019, and they were individual silver medallists at the Young Rider Europeans, too, before stepping up to four-star and winning on their debut.

Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

All in all, then, really, the sort of thing that dreams are made of – but even the best stories come to an end one day. And that’s exactly what Anna Lena has in mind with every start she makes with the mare these days.

“Maybe this will be my last year with her, so I really want to enjoy it – she’s seventeen, and so she might be ready to retire soon,” says the Warendorf-based young rider, who was recently crowned the German Under-25 National Champion with the mare in the first-ever awarding of the title.

Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today, in the first day of dressage in Luhmühlen’s CCI4*-S, both horse and rider certainly achieved the enjoyment objective – and in doing so, produced a fluid, expressive test that earned them a 26 and the overnight lead.

“I think the first part, the trot work, was really good – she was really in front of me, and I could really ride her,” says Anna Lena. The one section where the pair’s scores dropped to 5.5, awarded by Xavier le Sauce, was in the middle of the lengthy walk segment within the test. There, they lost some of their established rhythm in the half-pirouettes.

“I don’t really know what happened there, but she was a bit in a hurry,” laughs Anna Lena.

But, she says, the subsequent canter work was “really good, though I think I could have ridden the flying changes a bit more – in training, they were maybe a point better, but they were good today.”

The changes received quite decidedly split marks from the judges at C and E, which has proven to be a common theme in this morning’s competition: their first, from right to left, earned them an 8 from Edith Schless-Störtenbacker at E and a 6.5 from Le Sauce at C, while their second, from left to right, earned them another 8 from E and a 5 from C.

Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Anna Lena’s closest competitor is another German, but one much further along in his storied career. Michael Jung’s big ride, Tokyo Olympics ride fischerChipmunk FRH, is set to come forward in tomorrow’s CCI4*-S lineup, but today, he got his week off to a smart start with the eleven-year-old Kilcandra Ocean Power, who put a 27.1 on the board to lead for much of the morning.

“He’s a really, really nice horse – he’s very nice to ride in the dressage, he’s a super jumper, and he’s very, very, very easy in the cross country,” says Michael of the gelding, who is making his Luhmühlen debut in his tenth four-star start, and does so as a CCI4*-L victor – he won on his first start at the level in Strzegom last June, though he didn’t compete for the rest of the season thereafter.

Today, he says, “I think the canter work was the best part from him. He’s doing really nice flying changes, but everything’s not at the top at the moment, so there’s still a lot to improve. But it’s very nice when you when you have a good test, but you still feel there’s something to improve, to get better and that’s very good to know.”

This CCI4*-S is serving as a crucial step on the pathway to the Paris Olympics, as well as an important championship in its own right, and though Chipmunk is once again Michael’s first choice for the Games, Kilcandra Ocean Power will, he hopes, be his back-up ride.

But with the Olympics as the top priority in the season, he won’t necessarily ride either of his mounts in this class with a view to try to win here.

“I think nearly everyone wants to win this week. But for me, it’s still a little bit of preparation, in the end, for Paris, so we will have a few percent more control,” he says.

Tim Price and Coup de Coeur Dudevin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Former Luhmühlen CCI5* winner Tim Price sits third overnight with his 2022 Maryland winner Coup de Coeur Dudevin, who put a 28.1 on the board in this tough-scoring section.

For Tim, the test felt like a significant improvement on recent work, even if the numbers didn’t quite tell the same story.

“Wiesbaden was his last test, and it was the same test and whilst the Wiesbaden test scored better [they received a 25.4], I thought this was a better test,” he says. “But he’s a proper authentic eventing horse, so he’s not a top dressage horse, but he tries his hardest, and he’s just a great cross country horse and jumper.”

One of the major improvements, he continues, was in the walk work, which represents a huge chunk of today’s test.

The walk was much better. He has this little toe flick thing; like, when he’s going down a hill, he goes really slow and some horses do that sort of thing” – he demonstrates a Spanish walk with his arms – “and he’s one of them. But I think he just relaxed a little bit more through his body and was able to swing, and he didn’t peek out the sides at what was going on around him. I could just feel him concentrating really hard everywhere, so I’m very happy with him.”

Like Michael before him, Tim is using this class as a way to firm up his A-team for Paris – alongside Coup de Coeur Dudevin, he also has an entry in his World Championships bronze medallist Falco. But before he can even think about which of the two he’d most like to ride in Paris, “they have to qualify. So that’s great fun, isn’t it, trying to show off horses and not do anything stupid at the same time!” he laughs.

Tom Carlile and Darmagnac de Beliard. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A “really awkward season” spent trying to get Darmagnac de Beliard back to top-level competition after nearly a year out of action means that Tom Carlile’s World Championships ride won’t be vying for Paris selection this year – he was eliminated at the first horse inspection in Kronenberg’s CCI3*-L in March, which put paid to Tom’s longer-term plan of securing the qualifying results he’d need to try to make a bid for selection.

But although that’ll no doubt be an enormous disappointment to the Manchester-born Frenchman, he’s still forging forward with his efforts to bring the talented eleven-year-old back to his peak.

Those efforts have, most recently, seen him take second place in Fontainebleau’s CCI3*-S, and today, they came good again as the pair took overnight fourth place on a 28.3 in this class. That mark was reached after an excellent trot tour, which had them trending well in the lead on a low-20s score, but some lost marks in the walk work meant that even a plethora of 8s and 8.5s in the canter couldn’t quite push them back into the top spot.

But, as Tom points out, he’s still a relatively inexperienced horse.

“He’s a horse that’s starting to come into collection,” he says. “He is a really, really serious horse — he does have a lot of emotion, but he puts a lot of trust into me and even in an atmosphere, I know I can rely on him being serious. You can really ride your test and get him moving.”

“He’d be one I’d always be a bit cautious with in atmospheres, and I probably warmed him up ten minutes too much today, because he just started to shut down a little bit in the arena,” he continues. “He was very good, but the walk’s always something – because he’s quite flighty, you always want to have him nice and calm in the walk. But I probably had him a bit too switched off and missed the two pirouettes, which costs you.”

Tom has produced the French-bred gelding throughout his career, and has learned how to work with his inherent quirks.

“He’s always been a very shy horse; and he was always a bit spooky with the rider,” he says.  “It’s always an issue trying to get on him. You have to be very careful – he’s quite flighty like that. He’d be one to shy away from the subject , from the conflict. He’s very brave with what you put in front of him, but it’s in the relationship – he’s  quite a submissive horse, and he was as a foal in the pack, too. He was always the one that followed the others. He didn’t have much of an initiative.”

But that means that Tom has been able to inject his own quiet confidence into him and build a relationship off the back of it: “he’s one that, if you grab him by the hand firmly, he listens and you can get him to do it. When he’s made confident like that, he really puts a lot of effort into that; it reassures him and then he can express himself.”

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

Fittingly, the top five in this class is completed by another young German rider who is part of the Warendorf training system for the next generation of top-level competitors. And, like Anna Lena Schaaf, Emma Brüssau, who scored a 29.4, is mounted today aboard a mare that’s been her partner through some of the biggest milestones of her career so far in Dark Desire GS.

“I think this is our seventh or eighth season. I started Juniors with her when she was seven and I was seventeen, and now she’s 15 and I’m 25,” she says with a smile. “We grew up together, and that’s really nice.”

That means, she continues, that “I think we both know each other inside out. It’s just fun to ride her cross country and like getting into old shoes, you know? I don’t know  for how long she will be with me because she’s already fifteen, and she’s had a long time now in the competition life,  and so I just enjoy all the big competitions I can ride with her. I’m happy and grateful that I can ride at competitions like this, and I’m just happy that I have her.”

Today’s success, Emma says, came down to the mare’s rideability – something that was helped along, she says, by some well-time physio sessions for Dark Desire this week.

“She was so relaxed and so calm – sometimes she is a little bit uptight. But when she’s like today, and she feels that happy, then I can actually ride her in the test and then it works out better,” she says. “When she’s that little bit strong and tight, the changes are the most difficult ones. Today, I felt she was with me, and I actually could ride them, and that was really nice. When I did the second one, I was like, ‘wow! Both changes were alright today!’, and that’s a nice feeling, because a few years ago when I started at 4*,  always just one was good, or both were  bad. But now this season, both changes are working, so that’s really nice.”

Last year, the pair opted to make their five-star debut here rather than joining the majority of their compatriots in this class – and that experience, Emma explains, taught both of them a huge amount.

“When we walked the course last year, [the coaches] said, ‘you have to fight’. lt’s not like [an equitation class], where we try to go really nice, and get graded for that,” she laughs. “So I think I learned that I really have to fight sometimes, and it won’t always look nice, but you have to be brave.  Sure, four-star is high and big, but 5* is a different level. You can’t pull and push – and I’m the kind of rider who sometimes wants to add a stride in now and then! –  because that’s not possible at 5*. When there are four strides, you have to do four strides, because the jumps are too high!”

But, she continues, “it’s not only that – now I also know that she can do it, and that I can ride like this. I mean, it was not the perfect round, but we learned so much from it.”

Marten Boon and Gravin van Cantos. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A duo of Belgians hold sixth and seventh place, giving the small, determined nation an excellent starting point for their big week ahead. Marten Boon and Gravin van Cantos scored a 29.8 to take sixth, while Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and the diminutive but powerful Formidable 62 posted a 30 for seventh.

“We had a fantastic year last year winning the Nation’s Cup,” says Marten, remarking on the Belgian team’s upswing of the last eighteen months, which saw them qualify a team outright for Paris at the European Championships. “I was at four of the Nation’s Cups, not always in the team, sometimes as reserve but it was really fun. We have a very good team spirit and that’s fantastic. Now, we need to continue it in Paris!”

Antonia Baumgart and Lamango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Germany’s Antonia Baumgart is in eighth place overnight with Lamango, who was bred by fellow up-and-coming German rider Arne Bergendahl’s family. They posted 30.9 to put them ahead of France’s Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy, ninth on 31.3, and Italy’s Giovanni Ugolotti and Florencina R, tenth on 31.6.

“It was incredible,” says the 24-year-old, who won a prep run at Strzegom’s CCI3*-S with the 14-year-old this spring en route to this big mid-season goal. “He just felt so concentrated – it’s always so difficult to ride in such an arena, and I’m so pleased with how he did his job. I’m so happy — normally we all hope for under 30, but it was a super good mark, and I think we can easily work with that. There’s two more phases to come, and I can really trust  him there. So I’m really looking forward to the next three days.”

Antonia, too, has a long and storied partnership with her horse: “I’ve had him since he was four, so ten years now! He’s like our family member, definitely. I have such a strong partnership with him, and I’ve got through so many things with him – two German championships with the Juniors and Young Riders, and the Young Rider Europeans, so really, it’s a long journey with him, and I’m so pleased to start with him here.”

The second half of this class’s first phase kicks off tomorrow morning at 8.15 a.m. (7.15 a.m. BST/2.15 a.m. EST), starting with Ireland’s Stephan Dubsky and Karla. We’ll see some serious heavy-hitters come forward tomorrow to fight for spots on their respective Olympic teams, including Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz, Laura Collett and London 52, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, Olympic gold medallist Julia Krajewski and up-and-comer Nickel 21, Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or, Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, and plenty more besides – so tune in via Horse & Country TV to watch it all unfold, and join us tomorrow for our unpacking of the stories you need to know. We’ll be back soon with a report from this afternoon’s five-star; until then, Go Eventing!

The top ten on day one of dressage in the CCI4*-S.

EN’s coverage of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Longines Luhmühlen: Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | EN’s Coverage

Win the World Equestrian Brands’ Cross Country Prize Pack

By on Jun 13, 2024 8:57 am -

Look eventers, we get it. Life is tough out there. If you’re like most of us, you’re probably scraping together some pennies for entry fees or maxing out your credit card to pay off that vet bill. World Equestrian Brands and Eventing Nation are working together to make it just a bit easier with an amazing cross country prize pack. This is your chance to win the new tack you’ve been craving without spending a dime.

The Cross Country Prize Pack includes a Vespucci Figure 8 Bridle, reins, and Equilibrium Cross Country Boots. Let’s dive into what you’re really getting if you win. The Vespucci Figure 8 Bridle is designed to disperse pressure with a padded leather figure-8 stabilizer. Plus, if you have a horse with sensitive skin, this bridle has a pad behind the stainless steel rings on the Figure-8 to protect the horse from rubs. Protect your horse’s legs on cross country day with the Equilibrium boots! Equilibrium has combined breathability, flexibility, protection, and lightweight materials to create one amazing boot.

Don’t buy yourself a new bridle and cross country boots– save it for your next horse trial. Win some new tack from World Equestrian Brands instead! In total, this prize package is worth over $500 dollars.

Winning is easy! To enter the giveaway, fill out the form below (and linked here) before heading over to Instagram or Facebook. Find our post on Eventing Nation (@goeventing) featuring the Cross Country Prize Pack. Like the post, tag a friend in the comments, and follow @worldeqbrands. That’s it! If you’d like to get an extra entry, share the graphic to your stories and tag both Eventing and World Equestrian Brands.

Stay tuned! The winner will be chosen at random and announced on June 21st.

Thursday News & Notes from Ecogold

By on Jun 13, 2024 12:01 am -

The First Horse Inspection has been and gone and we saw some very cool ‘fits on the Luhmühlen catwalk jog strip – not all of them weather appropriate, the Brits in particular seemed to have overestimated the early summer weather in Germany, but stylish all the same. The competition proper will be underway by the time Stateside ENers awake, unless you’re a superfan and got up especially to tune in on H&C+, and if you did, we salute you!

Here’s the times you need to know if you’re planning on following along:

Thursday
8:30am CEST / 3:30am ET – 4*-S Dressage
2:15pm CEST / 8:15am ET – 5* Dressage

Friday
8:15am CEST / 3:15am ET – 4*-S Dressage
2pm CEST / 8am ET – 5* Dressage

Saturday
8:30am CEST / 3:30am ET – 5* Cross Country
12:15pm CEST / 6:15am ET – 4*-S Cross Country

Sunday
7:30am CEST / 2:30am ET – Final Horse Inspection
9:25am CEST / 4:30am ET – 5* Show Jumping
12:15pm CEST / 6:16am ET – 4*-S Show Jumping

🇺🇲 If you’re cheering on the Americans, here’s when they’ll be coming up the center line:

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna go at 4:20pm CEST / 10:20am ET today (Thursday).

Emily Hamel and Corvett will have their turn in the dressage ring at 2:37pm CEST / 9:37am ET on Friday.

You’ll find the order of go for the dressage here: [Thursday] [Friday]

H&C+ will be livestreaming the entire event (subscription required) – check it out here.

EN have got you covered for the whole competition. Here’s some links to get you started:

▶️ Our Ultimate Guide to Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials.

▶️ EN’s epic form guide to the runners and riders in the 5* competition.

▶️ There’s was a little drama and a fair bit of rain at the First Horse Inspection – read all about it in Tilly’s write-up.

You’ll find all of our Luhmühlen content right here.

We’ll be comin’ at ya with reports from every phase, live updates from the 5* cross country, course previews and the riders’ thoughts, IG content @goeventing, and well, all the Luhmühlen content you can handle basically, so keep it locked onto EN, and go eventing!

Longines Luhmühlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [EN’s Coverage]

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Events

Longines Luhmühlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday News and Reading

Call-out from Kiwi eventer extraordinaire Jonelle Price: “Our friends @lovelauncestonhorsetrials need some entries! Andy – the main man – will do anything for his beloved event. He’s been mowing the grass since January, extended the show jump arena, re-seeded the dressage area and would love to welcome you to this fantastic little event. Don’t be daunted by the Cornish post code, it’s just a hop over the border and easily accessible (2 miles) off the dual carriage A30. So if you’ve been balloted from Farley or hadn’t planned to run that weekend, give it some thought – I can personally vouch for the experience.” Entries are open and the event will run on 22 and 23 June.

Fancy working for a Badminton podium finisher? Team Bragg is recruiting. Interested? (Aren’t we all?) Click here.

The FEI’s Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan has been finalized and funding announced to support its launch. Based on feedback gathered from equestrians, scientists and other experts, the action plan aims to improve horse welfare across equestrian sport and will be implemented immediately. It includes a proposal for rule changes in the interests of safeguarding horse welfare, which will be made at the FEI General Assembly this year. Find out more.

Love them or hate them, fireworks can cause big problems for horse owners, and there’s very little we can do in terms of the law as things stand right now. A report published by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, and informed by barristers and veterinarians, amongst other professionals, found that the Animal Welfare Act just doesn’t offer any protection, despite the fact that DEFRA refers to the Act when faced with the topic of protecting animals from firework-related problems. Campaigns and Policy Manager for Redwings, Helen Whitelegg, explains the intention behind the report: “We hope that the publication of this report will mean that ministers will no longer hide behind the illusion that the Animal Welfare Act offers any protection or recourse for those whose pets are caused to suffer because of fireworks”. Read more about the report’s findings here.

A love letter to Bridgerton may not be the most obvious choice for an equestrian publication – but nevertheless, here’s just that, woven together with a horsey-ish theme. You’re welcome.

We’ll finish up today – in true three-day format – with some show jumping. First up, Britain’s Joe Stockdale was on course for a cricket career, but an injury saw him spending more time in the saddle. When his dad, Olympian and Chef d’Equipe Tim Stockdale, sadly passed away, Joe had a choice to make – colored poles or cricket whites? Well, let’s just say, the bright lights of the show jumping ring and a good friend in William Funnell (if you’re wondering, yes he is Pippa’s husband) convinced him to continue his dad’s legacy, and now he’s on form for a trip to Paris this summer. Here’s Joe’s story. Meanwhile, across the pond… From grooming at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series a couple of years ago to winning the 5* Grand Prix there last weekend – and being the first of his nation ever to do so – Czech rider Václav Staněk sure knows how to jump onto a top-level sporting scene. Czech out how he did it. (Please don’t excuse the pun, because, well, it’s fun.)

Sponsor Corner

The Ecogold team had a wonderful weekend at the MARS Bromont CCI! Watch the recap 👇 Were you at Bromont this weekend?

Video Break

From serious injury last season to the Team GB longlist for Paris, Bubby Upton wowed us all at Badminton when she made her epic comeback. Here she is talking about how she overcame the odds and became the “unstoppable Bubby Upton”:

To Germany We Go: Your Form Guide to the 2024 Longines Luhmühlen CCI5*

By on Jun 12, 2024 4:05 pm -

After Adelaide, Kentucky, and Badminton comes our hump-day CCI5* — Longines Luhmühlen! Much like our time ’round Kentucky this spring, we are seeing a few of our biggest names tackling the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy this weekend (especially amongst our British friends) rather than the 5*, hoping to potentially raise their hands from within the pools of their recently-released Olympic long- and short-lists. However, this doesn’t mean our 5* pool of 42 rider combinations isn’t just as varied and exciting! We have a huge percentage of first-timers this year, so chances are in favor of it potentially being anyone’s game.

So turn on Horse & Country and keep our feed open — Tilly is on the ground, and she our remote crew will be bringing you all the action step-by-step. You won’t want to miss it!

EN’s coverage of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Longines Luhmühlen: Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores/Draw Order | Tickets | Livestream | EN’s Coverage | EN’s Ultimate Guide

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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 country and last name; entries categorized by last name):

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville (BEL)

Sara Bech Strøm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN)

Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA)
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Julie Simonet and Sursumcord’Or (FRA)

Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR)
Katie Bleloch and Goldlook (GBR)
Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier (GBR)
Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)
Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR)
Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR)
Laura Collett and Hester (GBR)
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR)
Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR)
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Isabella Innes Ker and Highway (GBR)
Melissa Joannides and Patch Ali (GBR)
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien (GBR)
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR)
Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR)
Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)
Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR)
Mollie Summerland and Flow (GBR)

Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia (GER)

Susannah Berry and Kilcandra Capitol (IRL)
Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)
Ian Cassells and Master Point (IRL)
Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane Obos (IRL)
Jennifer Kuehnle and Polly Blue Eyes (IRL)
Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL)
Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL)

Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA)

Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)

Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL)
Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing (NZL)
Tim Price and Viscount Viktor (NZL)

Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic 2 (SWE)
Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo (SWE)

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna (USA)
Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA)

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Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER) | Groom: Sarah Lange

Nico is one of Luhmühlen’s most local competitors – and one of its most anticipated 5* debutants, too. That’s because this start is so, so achingly long coming: Nico and Timmo were on the list for last year’s class, but withdrew from the hold box at the first horse inspection. They quickly regrouped and headed to Aachen instead, jumping a classy clear, and then were selected for the European Championships, though they were eliminated for a horse fall on cross-country. They finished the year with a top-twenty finish at Boekelo CCI4*-L and started 2024 with all eyes on Kentucky – but in their prep run at Strzegom CCI4*-S, Timmo stepped on one of the clinches in his shoe and his all-important final preparation was disrupted.

So now, we hope, it’ll be third time lucky for this German talent and his game, exciting Holsteiner. They know this venue and the 4* side of this course so well, and they’ve looked excellent in the lead-up, with very-low-30s scores, quick clears across the country, and one-rail rounds. Simply starting, and then completing, will feel a huge relief for Nico – but he and Timmo are capable of much more this week.

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Sara Bech Strøm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN) | Groom: Jan Brauer

It’ll be a 5* debut for 23-year-old Sara and Dicte, who have a remarkable relationship: both horse and rider have come up through the levels together, and neither has ever competed with another partner. Along the way, they’ve represented Denmark in two Junior European Championships and one Young Rider European Championships, finishing in the top 20 twice, and they’ve tackled 34 FEI competitions.

They’re generally consistent at CCI4*-S, with scores in the mid-30s, steady clears across the country, and a tendency to show jump clear, but CCI4*-L has been something of an educational level for them, with a few more wobbles along the way. But they’ve absolutely learned from those experiences, which they proved last year at Millstreet CCI4*-L in June and Boekelo’s CCIO4*-L in October, where they delivered their long-awaited clears. Good runs at Burnham Market and Bicton CCI4*-S will set them up well for their debut this week, as will their ongoing coaching from William Fox-Pitt, with whom they’re based.

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Susannah Berry and Kilcandra Capitol (IRL) | Groom: Crisy Salmon

Susie is looking like quite the strong contender for Luhmühlen with her two entries, Kilcandra Capitol and Monbeg by Design. Owned by TruckEast Limited and Susie, Kilcandra Capitol won the Advanced division at Little Downham, which was his last preparation before the beefy 5* at Luhmühlen. Susie has been in the irons for the entirety of his eventing career, making the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse’s first attempt at the 5* level a particularly special event.

And what an impressive career it has been. Kilcandra Capitol is a cross country machine, with obstacle faults at only three out of a total of nineteen career starts. There’s still work to be done to drop his dressage scores below the 30s in the Advanced levels, but having achieved a 29.7 in 2023 at Bicton Horse Trials, a sub-30 score is within the bay gelding’s reach. He may be fast in the show jumping phase, but he does tend to pull a rail or three each season, which can mean the difference between a top ten and a middle-of-the-pack finish.

If he isn’t backed off by the size of the 5* fences and keeps the rails up in the show jumping, look for this long-time pair to finish in the middle of the pack. For his first 5* attempt, I’d be willing to bet Susie isn’t going to be taking any risks, and is looking to simply cross the finish line with a happy, healthy, and still confident horse.

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Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL) | Groom: Crisy Salmon

2024 marks Susie Berry’s second go-around at Luhmühlen, as she returns with last year’s partner, Monbeg by Design. In 2023, Susie and “Arthur” landed just outside the top ten in 11th place with a score of 44.5 points. What makes this achievement even more special is that it also marked their first attempt at the 5* level. The question now becomes, can they bring that score even lower this year?

Owned by Helen Caton and the rider, Arthur has a lot in common with his fellow Irish travelmate to Luhmühlen – Kilcandra Capitol. Both horses are cross country fiends who are held back with the ball-and-chain of a mid-30s dressage score. The phrase “cross country penalty” isn’t in Arthur’s vocabulary, as the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse has managed to spend the last six years competing at the FEI level without a single refusal or run-out. He may be brave, but speed isn’t quite his forte. He regularly crosses the finish line with a small handful of time penalties. However, what he lacks in speed across the country, he makes up for in the show jumping ring with no time penalties in that phase on his FEI record.

For his second time around Luhmühlen, I’m hoping we’ll see Arthur break into a top ten slot. With only 1.6 time penalties last year, just a little more gas in the cross country phase may just get him there.

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Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR) | Groom: Jan Birley

When Laura Birley and her partner of nine-and-a-half years trot up in Germany this week, they will be surpassing all expectation — even those of Laura and her connections. “Bandit”, who has no recorded breeding, was not bought as an event horse, and certainly not one destined for the top level of the sport — instead, his intended career path was as a riding club horse for Laura’s mum, Jan, who will be grooming for the pair out in Germany. However, when he proved a little over enthusiastic at his first few competitive outings, Laura took on the ride to produce up the levels and eventually sell.

Bandit never stopped rising to the challenge, however, continuing to prove his worth at every level. Now, he and Laura are ready to tackle their first 5* together, providing the kind of fairytale story that make our sport so special. They may not break any records this week — Bandit is not the fastest cross-country, and his show jumping record is checkered to say the least — but he is consistent and brave, jumping clear around the notoriously-tricky Bramham two years running. Such form will certainly stand them in good stead for the challenge that lies ahead in Germany. Fingers crossed they deliver another safe and clear round, delivering the happiest of endings to an already “dream-come-true” story.

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Katie Bleloch and Goldlook (GBR) | Groom: Gill Bleloch

The field out in Germany this week is littered with both 5* debutants and “amateurs” — that is to say riders who juggle another career alongside their equestrian pursuits. That term never seems to do justice to those riders who manage to pull off two careers side by side, for the dedication and work ethic that is required is certainly equal to that of the professional riders that they work to compete against. That aside, Kate Bleloch belongs to both of the aforementioned categories — both a 5* debutant and one who manages to fit in a full time career in property for Lidl, too.

Her ride in Luhmühlen, Goldlook, is also a first timer at the level; he and Katie have risen through the ranks together after James Hiatt — Katie’s brother and farrier — found him on Facebook as an unbroken four-year-old. Described by Kate as “easy to back, and a dream to produce throughout his career,” “Luke’s” form certainly reflects that. He rarely has more than a pole down in the show jumping, and his cross country results are equally as good, with only a rogue 20 penalties marring an otherwise superb international record. Their dressage tends to hover around the mid- to low-30’s, so the stage is set for them to make an impressive debut at the 5* level. Their prep so far this season would suggest so too, with 5 out of 5 jumping clears and a top-20 in the CCI4*-S at Thoresby. Ably assisted out here in Germany by her mum, Kate credits her home team for making it all possible: she has help from Sarah Stretton and Sarah Way with the riding out, whilst Lauren Hextall is tasked with washing the inevitable stains out of the grey gelding. No mean feat, given that that is the one thing that he hates!

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Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier (GBR) | Groom: Sarah Whatley

This will be the second tilt at 5* for Ardeo Premier after his debut at the level in Pau last Autumn. Alex, fresh off the podium at Badminton, has had the ride on “Eddie” since he was a four-year-old, and thinks very highly of him. “He’s an unassuming character, who doesn’t really stand out, but [who] has always quietly ticked along and kept performing, pulling in some consistent results,” said Alex of his partner. Amongst those results are a top-10 placing in his first CCI2*-L, 4th in the Seven-Year-Old World Championships in Lion d’Angers with a double clear inside the time, and a top-20 placing in the Eight/Nine-Year-Old CCI4*-S at Blenheim.

He stepped up to CCI4*L in similar style, pulling off yet another top-20 result at Millstreet with another double clear. It would seem that consistent is Eddie’s middle name, and he’s fast too, rarely picking up more than a few time faults. His show jumping record is equally impressive, rarely lowering more than a pole.

They had an uncharacteristic 20 penalties on cross country day in Pau, so Alex will be hoping to wipe that slate clean in Germany this week. Given his prowess as a cross country rider that should not pose too much of a problem, and this coupled with the consistency that Eddie has shown thus far throughout his career — exemplified with a tidy double-clear in their recent 4*-S run at Bicton — could see them finish comfortably within the top 20.

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Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR) | Groom: Sarah Charnley

Ros Canter is Great Britain’s It Girl of the moment, coming off multiple impressive wins at Badminton, Pau, Blenheim, Blair Castle, and taking the FEI European Eventing Championships for the Brits, all in 2023. Unfortunately, her start to the 2024 season has been a little rockier, characterized by retiring during the cross country phase at Badminton aboard last year’s Pau-winning mount, Izilot DHI.

For his part, “Isaac” has as much to boast of as Ros. Three of Ros’s five wins in 2023 were aboard the 11-year-old bay gelding — owned by Alex Moody and the rider — who just started eventing five years ago at the age of six. In that short span of time, he has quickly become one of the strongest horses in Ros’ string. He regularly scores in the low 20s in the dressage phase, with an astounding 18 at Chatsworth in 2023. It’s a good thing too, as he does have the occasional obstacle penalty across the country and typically crosses the finish line with a handful of time penalties. He makes up for it in the show jumping phase with just one. single. pole. on his FEI record and pretty quick times, often running through the timers under the time allowed.

We would expect Ros and Isaac to knock it out of the park at Luhmühlen with at least a top-10 finish, making for a wonderful comeback after a false start to the season.

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Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR) | Groom: Caroline Casburn

Luhmühlen will be Alice and Topspin’s seventh 5* together, coming shortly after their early retirement on Badminton’s cross country earlier this spring. We’ve seen competitive results from this partnership, with two top-10 finishes at the 5* level previously — a fifth place finish at Burghley in 2022, and a seventh place finish at Burghley in 2023. Typically, we can expect a mid-30s dressage score from these two, and while we have seen a jump penalty here and there in both the cross country and show jumping, we have seen numerous clears that have made them top competitors in the past! Keep an eye out for them this weekend.

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Ian Cassells and Master Point (IRL) | Groom: Leanne Foster

Ian Cassells has earnt himself quite the reputation for sympathetically producing horses through the ranks, and Master Point is no exception. Homebred by Bridget McGing, who still shares ownership of him along with Ian and her husband Brian, “Duke” has been with Ian since the tender age of four, progressing through the levels under his careful hand. He made his 5* debut in Pau last year, at the relatively young age of 10, pulling off a top-30 finish that belied his inexperience — but then that is of no surprise, given Ian’s aforementioned talent for producing top quality horses. Named as the leading event rider in Ireland in 2020 after taking the most wins that season, his name continues to dominate results sheets in his native country.

That top-30 placing in Pau came with 30 cross country jumping penalties and a rail down on the final day, so needless to say Ian is hoping to better that this week with two clear jumping rounds, and perhaps a sub-30 dressage mark to boot — something he believes that the horse is more than capable of. Assisted by his amazing head groom by Leanne whom he heavily praised, saying “she works so hard… I would be lost without her,” it seems safe to surmise that Ian — who also holds a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin — is a man on a mission to pull off a competitive result and prove his and Duke’s worth at the very top level.

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Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR) | Groom: Sarah-Jane Tetlow

Kirsty’s teeny-weeny Opposition Heraldik Girl is one of several Badminton re-routers in this field, but unlike some of her fellow competitors, she didn’t actually start cross-country at the Gloucestershire fixture.

This will be the homebred mare’s third go at 5* — she debuted at Pau last year, though didn’t complete as she had a fall at the first water. This spring, however, the pair has looked on very good form again at Kronenberg’s CCI4*-S, where they finished in 20th place after a steady clear round with one of their best tests — a 32.2 — and a classy clear showjumping round. They didn’t run at Bicton CCI4*-S and rerouted instead to Millstreet for the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S, where they finished 21st and ran clear and inside the time on cross-country day.

Kirsty will be intending to develop pint-sized “Rocket’s” education with an eye on the seasons to come. We suspect that patient development will be worth it; once Rocket gets the hang of a level, she tends to be quick, canny, and on the ball, and she’s a very good showjumper to boot. On her very best form, she could be a dark horse for a top-15 finish here, but she does have a few things to prove.

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Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna (USA)

Although they base in the UK for the summer, one of just two US contenders in the 5* this year are Katherine and Monbeg Senna. This will be the pair’s second crack at 5* after tackling Badminton last year, where they finished respectably mid-pack after an unfortunately-slow cross country round. Despite never being one to make the time on Saturdays, “Sid” typically provides Katherine with quite lovely tests in dressage, nearly always in the low-30s and even breaking into the 20s at Kronenberg’s 4*-S last week, where they finished fourth at the end of the weekend.

Katherine herself has been on a roll lately with her other mounts as well, also taking seventh at Kronenberg with ESI Baltic Breeze in the 3*-L and second place in the 4*-L with Sirius SB. Sid’s last break into the top five was nearly two years ago at Strzegom’s 4*-L — coincidentally also the last time he dropped a pole in show jumping, as he’s been on a clean streak since. After putting five years in at the 4* level, and providing Luhmühlen’s course is kind to them, these two have a chance of making a great run for their second 5* finish.

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Laura Collett and Hester (GBR) | Groom: Tilly Hughes

Hester, too, is a Badminton re-router: she had some very nice moments while making her 5* debut there, but also some rather green ones, and Laura opted to put her hand up after the mare stopped at the ditch at the tough LeMieux Eyelashes at 15. There’ll be plenty of experience and education to have taken away from the experience though, and it’ll be exciting to see how Hester — who was formerly produced by Tim and Jonelle Price and latterly Alex Bragg before joining Laura’s string — has come on for it.

Laura won’t, probably, be riding to retain her title, which she won here last year with Paris frontrunner London 52, but rather to bring Hester on that bit more. But actually, on her day, she could be reasonably competitive, and a positive, steady run over Bicton’s tough terrain last month will have only helped. There, she also produced a mid-20s dressage score, in which there’s been a glimmer of a promise. Expect Dressage Queen Laura to ride every step of her test this week in pursuit of a similar mark. It’ll be masterclass in navigating a test on an inexperienced horse, if nothing else.

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Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville (BEL) | Groom: Justine Fery & Bettina Cardi

Like her stablemate Hermione, Hooney d’Arville will be contesting her first 5* here at Luhmühlen. Most recently, this Lara and Hooney finished seventh at Baborowko’s 4*-S, adding only time to an impressive 28.6 dressage score. An occasional rail is possible, and some time not uncommon, which has kept them from the top of the leaderboards, but they’ve jumped clear around some challenging tracks and could be making an exciting debut.

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David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR) | Groom: Jade Roberts

Finish-on-his-dressage specialist Galileo Nieuwmoed may not have been David’s cup of tea when he first met the gelding, but fast forward to today and there’s no doubt that David will be very happy to have been proved so wrong. After a tricky first CCI5* following/during the Covid hiatus at the pop-up event at Bicton, his second attempt at the level in Pau 2021 really showed his mettle. With a clear inside the time on cross country day, Galileo was on track to win the whole dang thing, but for a couple of expensive poles in the final phase which saw them drop to 15th.

The following year, the pair burst onto the Badminton leaderboard, finishing sixth with David as the highest-placed Badminton first-timer — it was jumping clear all the way, adding just 1.2 cross country time faults to their dressage of 32.4. Later that season they returned to Pau for another clear inside the time, where just one rogue pole on the final day saw them tantalizingly close to the 5* podium in fourth. Since then, the gelding has really come into his own, finishing on his dressage score at five consecutive events, including Kentucky last year where he was eighth and Burghley in the fall where he was runner-up, just 0.7 behind the top spot. We were all excited to see him prove the stats right and come out at Badminton this year and take the win, but it wasn’t to be, and David withdrew after the dressage. So here they are at Luhmühlen, looking to top the table and secure the 5* win that we all know is well within their grasp.

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Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois (FRA) | Groom: Léonore (Leo) Gignoux

Seasoned campaigner Toronto D’Aurois comes forward for his eighth CCI5* start and first time at Luhmühlen, rerouting after withdrawing from this season’s Badminton before the dressage. “Toronto” was produced in France up to 2* by part-owner and friend of Arthur, Paul Gatien. The original plan was for the horse to be sold on; however, Toronto was so difficult that they couldn’t find a buyer and he ended up staying. A bit of a shy guy who’s easily spooked, his groom Leonore Gignoux says she would turn off the giant screen in the dressage arena for his test if she could. His best top-level result thus far came at Burghley in 2022 where he was 15th.

The first phase typically sees this combination in the mid- to high-30s, but we all know that eventers are in it for what comes on Saturday. Until the end of last season, Toronto was incredibly reliable for clear jumping across the country, but a 20 out on course at Burghley in the fall saw them retire out on course; they’d had jumping penalties in their prep run at Hartpury too. They seem to have put that behind them over the winter though and have come out this year with two cross country jumping clears. They won’t be the quickest round of the day, but they won’t be the slowest either, and hopefully we’ll see all this 17-year-old’s experience come together for a great spin.

They do tend to add on the final day — Toronto’s generally a 4 or 8 kind of guy — and the time can be tight for them in the show jumping ring too. It was disappointing not to see this stalwart eventer doing his thing at Badminton, so it’ll be cool if things align for him this week at Luhmühlen.

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Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic 2 (SWE) | Groom: Vilma Essman

Over the last number of years, lanky Swede Christoffer has been busy contributing to his country’s team efforts, riding at plenty of Nations Cup legs and the 2021 European Championships at Avenches, where Sweden were team bronze medalists. That was his second Senior Europeans — his first came in 2011 at Luhmühlen – but prior to that, he’d ridden at three Junior and three Young Rider Europeans. In short? He’s great at coping with pressure – and that’ll be a great tool to have in his box as he comes into this 5* week with two rides.

Christoffer made his 5* debut back in 2010 at Burghley when he was 19, finishing an impressive 20th, but he didn’t return to the level again until last season. That was with Con Classic 2, and was once again at Burghley – but unfortunately, the pair’s campaign ended early with a rider fall on cross-country.

Now they’re back to give it another crack at Luhmühlen, where Con Classic has previously jumped well around the spring 3*. He comes in off just one FEI run this season – a 16th place at Baborowko CCI4*-S, where they scored in the high-30s, jumped a steady clear across the country, and toppled two rails on the final day. Maybe not the most auspicious lead-in, but Christoffer has the experience behind him to translate that into a knocking-off of rust ahead of a big run.

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Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo (SWE) | Groom: Vilma Essman

Christoffer’s second ride is a late 5* debutant in Hippo’s Sapporo, who steps up at the age of 16, having been a consistent team campaigner for his rider over the last number of eight years.

This is an interesting horse, because he’s not always an easy one to predict: he can throw down an excellent sub-30 dressage score and put himself right in the hunt straight off the bat, or he can go into the top end of the 30s just as easily. On cross-country though, “Alfie” is game, clever, and naturally quick, and while he’s not seen a course of this level or length before, he does have super CCI4*-L form (including a win at Strzegom last October) and he’s had plenty of happy rounds here at Luhmühlen at 2* and 3* level throughout his career, too.

Sunday is another mixed bag in terms of shaking the magic eight ball and getting the right answer; he used to be a pretty reliable one-rail horse, but more recently has been prone to two, three, or even four down, which he had at Kristianstad CCI4*-S earlier this spring.
And so, for a wide open, wholly noncommittal summary: if he’s at his best this week, he could place. If not, you’ll see him somewhere halfway down the order. Either way, you’ll find his splashy white face the cutest in the field.

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Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA) | Groom: Jeanna Epping

Corvett’s wildly impressive jump and Emily’s stickability of recently-viral proportions make these two great fun to watch around the cross country course. Now 17 years old, with six 5* events under his belt, “Barry” has seen a number of 5* tracks, including Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, and Maryland, and has finished 10th at Kentucky in 2023. Earlier in June, we saw this duo as part of Team USA’s Millstreet CCIO4* silver medal team. These two will be bringing their experience to their Luhmühlen debut this year — keep an eye on them as they fly around the course!

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Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR) | Groom: Ruth Holroyd

Here we have another 5* debut pair, and if their recent form is anything to go by, these two are more than ready to make the step up to the top level. Consistent from the early days of his career, D. Day has a very impressive international record, marred by just a smattering of jumping penalties here and there. Their dressage scores are just as good, hovering around the low-30’s to high-20’s — and on recent outings they are trending more and more towards the latter. As such, they have notched up several notable results, including top 10 in the CCI4*-S at both Blenheim and Chatsworth last year, and win in the CCI3*-S at Thoresby earlier this year. Their final run before Luhmühlen was also a successful one, with a top-15 placing in the CCI4*-S at Bicton, adding just cross country time faults to their dressage score of 29.4.

Fiona Oliver bred the Billy Mexico gelding as a potential hunt horse for her son’s girlfriend, though when that pairing came to an end, she sent him to Caroline to produce — a happy ending for Caroline, at least! “He has a heart of gold, and tries so hard for me,” she says of the 10-year-old D. Day, though there is no doubt that Caroline’s own talent also plays a big part in their success thus far throughout their career. Fingers crossed that their recent form continues in Germany this week, giving them the 5* debut that they so deserve.

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Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR) | Groom: Alison Bell

Yasmin and Rehy DJ have been together since the 2017 season, when “Piglet” came to Yasmin’s stable from Irish rider Aoife Quigley. Since 2017, we’ve seen this duo develop all the way from the 1* to 5* level, where they finished third in their first 5* together at Luhmühlen last year. Since then, we’ve seen multiple top placings at the 4*-S level, most recently with a fifth place finish at Bicton this May. These two often deliver a dressage score in the upper 20s and typically jump clear with some time. They’ll be coming back to Luhmühlen for their second 5* start, where we hope to see another stellar podium finish — just to keep things neat.

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Isabella Innes Ker and Highway II (GBR) | Groom: Izzy McKeeman

Bella and Highway made their 5* debut in Pau last October, although it seems hard to believe that that was Bella’s first crack at the level, since she seems to have been present at the upper level of the sport for as long as anyone can remember. Incredibly talented from a young age, she earned her stripes with the legendary William Fox-Pitt, before setting up her own yard in 2022. The youngest-ever winner of Blenheim CCI4*-L with Carolyn, a mare that she achieved many a Junior and Young rider success on, Bella — who originates from the beautiful Floor Castle in the Scottish Borders — has produced Highway II from the very beginning of his career. Together they have built up a solid international record, including several notable 4* completions, as well as a Nations Cup appearance for Team GB at Boekelo in 2022.

Highway’s cross country record is marred only by the occasional 20 jumping penalties — as was the case on their 5* debut in Pau — but more often than not, he can be relied upon to pull off a clear round. His show jumping record is less consistent, and although he has proved himself more than capable of leaving the poles in their cups, he is just as likely to have a rail or two — or four, as was also the case on their final day in Pau. That combined with a dressage score that tends a little too much towards the higher end of the 30’s may put a spoiler on a top-20 finish, but Bella is heading to Germany with a realistic optimism. “My goal would be to improve on Pau last year, and try to have a solid competitive run,” she stated — cheers to that Bella, you certainly deserve it!

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Melissa Joannides and Patch Ali (GBR) | Groom: Ali Joannides & Kate Baldock

Patch Ali, cheekily known as “Jeff,” arrived in Melissa’s yard back in 2017 for her to produce for his owner, Peter Rhodes. However, when Peter’s work became increasingly busy, he made the decision to hand over the reins to Melissa full time, and they have now been together for six seasons. Luhmühlen will be a first 5* for both horse and rider, and Melissa’s main aim for the event is to have a happy and safe completion and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

A completion is well within their capabilities if recent form is anything to go by. Aside from an unfortunate fall at Cornbury House last September, they have jumped clear in all but one of their last 15 cross country runs, with top 20 placings in the CCI4*-S at Thoresby and in the CCI4*-L at both Mallow and Ballindenisk last season. Jeff’s showjumping is not altogether too reliable though — although they have jumped double clear on two of four runs this season, he had at least one rail down on all but one occasion last year. That may not bode well for the final day of their first 5*, when even the most experienced of 5* campaigners can tend to be a little weary following a long and testing cross country, but there is always room for improvement, and it’s always nice to have something to work on, right? Go well, Melissa and Jeff!

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Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR) | Groom: Lauren Underhill

Fiona and her long-time partner love a 5*, and they love Luhmühlen: last year, we saw them finish 12th here to top off what seemed like the jolliest week of all time. They’d road-tripped down with Fiona’s great friend Kylie Roddy, had more laughs than everyone else on-site combined, and both went home with super placings to their name, leaving us all wishing we were cadging a lift in the lorry to join in with all the giggles.

No news yet on who Fiona’s ridesharing with this time (though we didn’t get the invite again, and we’re devastated), but we do know one thing: returning to a happy hunting ground can be a really potent positive influence, and Fiona will have her eye on cracking that top 10. It’s a bold goal, but not an unattainable one — although Luhmühlen last year was actually the gelding’s first 5* clear, he’s been on great form since in the few runs he’s had. He was fast and clear around Arville’s CCI4*-S in late summer, though four uncharacteristic rails dropped them down the leaderboard, and in his four national runs this year, he’s placed every time. Best of all? Though he’s ordinarily a mid-30s scorer at all levels, he put a mid-20s zinger of a score on the board in an OI at Tweseldown just last month. He’s also not had a single rail in 2024. We reckon we could see Fiona grinning again by the end of this week.

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Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS (IRL) | Groom: Maxine Rae

We have yet another duo making their 5* debut in Luhmühlen in the form of young Irish rider Robbie Kearns and Richard Ames’ Ballyvillaine OBOS. Robbie only took the ride on him last year, but Richard bought him as a three-year-old. Although he was actually viewing another horse at the time, it was “Sparky” who caught Richard’s eye when he trotted across the field, hence he left with him in the horsebox instead! In the short time that Robbie and Sparky (or “Sparkly”, as Richard’s three-year-old granddaughter likes to call him) have been together, they have formed a solid and consistent partnership.

They have yet to have a cross country jumping fault, and similarly have had just the one rail down in the show jumping too. This is a form that Sparky’s had from the start of his competitive career: never lowering more than one rail, and even then only on the odd occasion, and he has not had a single cross country jumping fault throughout the whole of his international career thus far. He is fast too — he and Robbie notched up a win on only their second international outing together last year, taking the CCI3*-S in Ballindensisk when they added nothing to their first phase score of 28.7. That score was something of a PB for these two: their dressage marks usually range from mid to low 30’s, which will leave them there or thereabouts ahead of the jumping phases in Luhmühlen, and stand them in good stead for an impressive first run at the level.

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Jennifer Kuehnle and Polly Blue Eyes (IRL) | Groom: Leagh Daniels

Jennifer and Polly Blue Eyes hit the headlines a few weeks ago as part of Ireland’s Nations Cup winning team out in Millsteet, where they finished best of the Irish in individual eighth place. Theirs is a long and happy partnership: they have now been together for six years and featured on both Junior and Young Rider Teams, winning a few team medals in the process. Selected for the Senior European Championships last year, earning Jenny her first senior cap, they pulled off a personal best in the first phase — though Jenny then made the decision to withdraw before the cross country, stating “the ground conditions weren’t great, and she has absolutely nothing to prove to me.” Wise move! This will be both of these ladies’ 5* debut, as well as that of Jennifer’s other ride, Sammy Davis Junior, so her main aim for the week is to finish with two happy and healthy horses.

This is not their first trip to Luhmühlen — they finished in the top-20 here in the CCI4*-S last year, adding just a rail and show jumping time faults to their first phase score. The dressage is perhaps the only chink in this gusty little mare’s armour — “she’s a full thoroughbred so it’s not her favourite phase” according to Jenny! Still, what she lacks in that phase she makes up for in the jumping ring. Rarely adding more than a pole — if that — on the final day, she has proved herself to be quite the cross country machine, with a top-10 finish in the CCI4*-L in Kronenberg earlier this season to prove it. “She’s not the biggest, but she has the biggest heart,” says Jenny, and that should put her in good stead for an impressive 5* debut this week in Germany.

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Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL) | Groom: Leagh Daniels

Sammy Davis Junior started his eventing career with Jennifer’s other half Cathal Daniels, who campaigned him all the way up to 4*-L before Jenny managed to “rob him 3 years ago!” Already enjoying several success with Cathal, “Sammy” has since gone on to win an Irish Team Bronze medal at the Young Rider Championships with his new jockey; they were also fourth individually on that occasion, too. They jumped double clear around Boekelo last year and posted a PB in the first phase at Millstreet last month, although they unfortunately retired on the cross country. Still, that is something of a blip for Sammy — his jumping ability is just as good as that of his stable mate Polly Blue Eyes, and in fact often jumps around 1.40m show jumping tracks. His dressage scores are ever-improving, sitting around the low-30s mark, so they should be well in touch heading into cross country.

Like Polly, Jenny describes him as “the biggest fighter” (as well as the “monkey of the stable!”) so he hopefully will also make an impressive 5* debut. “A placing would be great,” says Jenny, and it doesn’t seem out of the question on either of her horses here this week, 5* debutants though they may be. Assisted by Cathal, who is no stranger to the level, Jenny is increasingly proving herself as a force to be reckoned with, and a good result this week could well see her sliding into the view of the Olympic selectors. Fingers crossed!

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Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien (GBR) | Groom: Barbara Yallop

Lauren first laid eyes on Hacien when she was hoodwinked into a trip to Hungary to vew some young horses. Upon arrival, she found herself in an unassuming family’s back garden, complete with various sheds full of young horses. Undeterred by the less-than-professional setup, she left with the eye-catching “Captain”, then a three-year-old stallion. Produced by Lauren from the very beginning of his career, Captain is, as of four years ago following an unfortunate incident with a black thorn, partially sighted in one eye.

His sight has not hindered his eventing career, and he has since jumped clear at some of the toughest tracks in the sport, including the CCI4*-L at Bramham and a start at Burghley last year (his first attempt at the level), where he and Lauren did sadly part company on the cross country, bringing their competition to an early finish. They will be looking to put that experience behind them this week: Lauren, who made her 5* debut back over a decade ago now with her Young Rider horse One More Step, is keeping everything crossed that they can finish in the top 50%, earning them that much-coveted Badminton qualification.

With an average dressage score that tends to hover between the mid- to low-30s, such a result could certainly be within their capabilities, as Captain is a reasonably careful show jumper, rarely lowering more than a pole or two. Just the small matter of a 5* cross country track to conquer, but we have every faith that Lauren and Captain will rise to the challenge in fine style!

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Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL) | Groom: Jamie Mallon

One of the rising stars of the Kiwi eventing scene, Samantha arrived in the UK with no real fixed accommodation, no car, no lorry… nothing. That did not stop her from making quite the name for herself at the top level of the sport, with a couple of 5* completions thus far and great results at every level — including the Young Horse Championships in Lion D’Angers where she was 5th last year with Quantas R. In between doing all of that, she and husband Brayden have also managed to find a permanent base and made the decision to stay in the UK long-term last year. Good call guys! Sam has also built up quite the string of horses in the last few years, and Lord Seekonig — “Charlie”, or “King Charles” when he is on his best behavior — is the latest rising talent to emerge from her stable.

Until 2022, he was competed by Ireland’s Alex Power, who took him to the CCI3*-L level, but he and Sam finished in the top-20 on all of their outings in their first season together. “A lovely horse to ride on the flat,” the German-bred gelding never fails to impress in the first phase. They were lying eighth after dressage in the CCI4*-L at the Blenheim last year on a 28.7, and were it not for a missed flag on the cross country, they would have finished towards the top of the leaderboard after jumping clear on the final day. So don’t be surprised to see these two sitting pretty after day one, and if all goes according to plan cross country, Charlie could pull of a very respectable 5* debut.

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Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 (GER)

It’ll be a 5* debut for Libussa, who is just 23 but has already enjoyed a stacked career, which has seen her represent Germany at European Championships at Pony level once and Young Rider level twice. All three times, she took home gold or silver team medals.

Libussa’s also a mature and considered rider with a love for learning — and that’s evidenced by her participation in the prestigious Warendorf programme for Germany’s brightest up-and-coming talents. There, she and her compatriots train full-time under the auspices of head coach Julia Krajewski, and when they head out to competitions, they do so with their Warendorf family in situ to help support them. That’s important for a few reasons: first of all, it’s actually just really lovely to see them all dashing to help one another out and laughing and crying and celebrating and commiserating together — but also, crucially, it allows them to learn from one another, and Libussa particularly will be the grateful beneficiary of feedback from Jerome Robine — who made his own 5* debut here last year, finishing 10th, and contests the CCI4*-S class here this week as one of the long-listed German riders.

In Caramia, who she’s had since 2019 when she inherited the ride from her brother Fritz, Libussa has a formidable partner. They finished 14th together at the Young Rider Europeans in 2022, and were 14th individually and part of the fourth-placed German team at the Nations Cup finale at Boekelo that autumn. They were 12th in the CCI4*-S here last year before contesting Aachen, where they had a flag penalty but were still very impressive. They can go sub-30, though they may be more likely to sit low-30s in their first five-star test, and they’re a naturally swift, catty pair across the country. Sunday tends to be a two-rail affair, but they’ve turned it into a one-rail one this season. They should have a week they can be very proud of.

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Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)

It’ll be a sixth 5* for 16-year-old Unum de’Or and his hugely-experienced pilot. We saw them here last year when they finished 22nd, and they retired on course at Pau in October, but they do have some very good form at the level too — they were in the top 20 at Burghley in 2022 and ninth in the gelding’s first go at the level at Pau in 2021.

This year, they’ve got just one FEI run to their name so far, but it was a good one: they finished 11th in the CCI3*-S at Fontainebleau, jumping two steady clears in prep for this, their long-format goal for the first half of the season. While they’re unlikely to win, they’ll certainly be looking to try to crack the top 15. They can do so if they go low-30s in the first phase — which they did at that ninth-placed Pau — and if they jump a quick clear, which they frequently do. Come Sunday, they might go clear or they might have two rails, but last year’s Luhmühlen final-day performance was marred by a major fright from an audience member opening an umbrella, so without that factor this time, they should be able to keep on the ball and record a smart finish.

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Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR) | Groom: Adam Short

Because fighting for a spot on the British team, as he’s doing in the CCI4*-S with JL Dublin, evidently isn’t enough work and pressure, Tom “Ice In His Veins” McEwen is also bringing two horses along for the 5* too, just for funsies. Actually, who are we kidding — Tom doesn’t do things just for funsies, he does them to be competitive, or at least to further his horses’ education.

The first of his two rides, both of which could be very, very cool this week, is Brookfield Quality, or “Nervous Norris”, who was piloted by fellow Brookfield rider Piggy March until 2022 when she and Tom decided, in conjunction with Brookfield, to give Tom a go with the talented gelding.

It’s been a very smart match so far: in four FEI runs together, they’ve never finished lower than fourth. Norris is a sensitive soul, but he’s also been produced by empathetic jockeys, and that’s helped him to deliver some very, very good first-phase scores — he’s a mid- to high-20s horse who can (and has) gone to the low-20s at 4* — and rather a lot of quick, breezy clears across the country. He also hasn’t had a rail down in over two years. At 15 years, he’s a late debutant to the level, but one that you mustn’t overlook, because he actually stands a chance of being a surprise winner of the whole thing.

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Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR) | Groom: Adam Short

The second of Tom’s rides in this class is catty, cool mare CHF Cooliser, or “Eliza”, who finished second at Pau on her debut in 2021, jumped clear around Badminton the following year for a top-30 finish, and was 12th at Burghley later that year — even with a MIM activation. She then spent all of 2023 out of action and returned this year with a steady run in the CCI4*-S at Kronenberg, as well as several similarly steady clears in national classes.

Will this week be the week the handbrake comes off? We reckon so — and when it does, she’s not a slow horse by any means, though she wouldn’t be the absolute speediest in the field either. She did go inside the time at Pau though, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility to see her do it again here, where time does tend to be a touch more catchable.

Her first phase will be a mystery until it happens; she can be a low- to mid-30s horse, but she can also go mid-20s as she did at Burghley, or high-20s as she did at Pau. She’s often prone to a rail, too -– but where she’s pretty predictable is in cross-country reliability. Other than that spare frangible activation, she’s never had a cross-country jumping penalty in 21 FEI runs. Cheer her on because sure, she could win — but also put your support behind her because she’s the best kind of feisty, clever redheaded mare, and it’s really nice to see her back in action.

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Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing (NZL) | Groom: Amy Bliss Bennett

Full thoroughbred Good Timing — affectionately (or not) known as “The Shark” at home, or “Johnny” when he is behaving — made his 5* debut in Pau last year. Unfortunately, their French adventure ended early when they slipped agonisingly close to home, but hopefully the super-size studs that are on the packing list for this week will stop that happening again. Muzi describes Johnny as “a groom’s nightmare,” although he makes up for that by being very good at his job — his second career after he proved too slow for the race track.

A little pocket rocket at just 16 hands, he had his big break on this side of the pond as part of the New Zealand Nations Cup team at Pratoni back in 2022. He finished in the top 20 there, thanks to a speedy cross country clear and just one down in the show jumping. This is typical of Johnny; he may well be small, but boy is he mighty, jumping double-clear more often than not. His dressage is becoming increasingly consistent too, tending more and more towards the mid- to low-30’s — indeed, he posted a very respectable 35.4 back in Pau –so a good result is well within his capabilities.

Muzi — daughter of Kiwi Olympian Tinks Pottinger — is perhaps better known for her results with Just Kidding, a horse who took her to her first 5*, but since his retirement last year, it is now time for Johnny to take the spotlight and prove himself as the next big (little) thing.

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Tim Price and Viscount Viktor (NZL) | Groom: Kerryn Edmans & Rosie Thomas

Team Price are going to be as busy as ever in Germany this week with several rides apiece in the CCI4*-S, and Tim also has the young superstar Viscount Viktor in the 5* too. Might as well make the trip worthwhile, right?

The cross country didn’t quite go according to plan on Viktor’s debut at the level in Pau last year, with 60 jumping penalties — a shame, given that he pulled a 28 out of the bag in the first phase. Still, at just 10 years old (nine on his debut), Viktor is still a relatively inexperienced horse, so hopefully that was just beginner’s nerves. Former FEI World Number 1 Tim certainly wouldn’t be taking him to Luhmühlen if he didn’t think he was capable, either. He has jumped clear across the country on all of his four starts this season, including in the CCI4*-S at Bicton on his final prep run — he posted another 28 in the dressage there too, proof of his potential to be a top class horse. His show jumping is not always the most reliable, with an annoying pole or two more often than not, but with a dressage score in the 20’s, that can certainly be forgiven.

We are all aware of the magical talent that Tim possesses for bringing out the very best in his horses, so don’t be surprised to see these two finish comfortably within the top 20, and confirm Viscount Viktor as the next superstar to emerge from the Price stable.

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Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)

Will and The Partner have developed their FEI partnership over the last eight seasons, working up from the 1* to 5* level. We saw them finish 23rd in their first 5* attempt at Luhmühlen, adding a 20 with some time on cross country and a rail with some time in show jumping. Their dressage often floats between the upper-20s and low-30s, which gave them a top-10 finish at Burnham Market’s 4*-S in 2022. We most recently saw this duo retire at the Bicton 4*S on cross country after a lovely 29.5 in dressage and a double clear show jumping. We’ll be looking forward to seeing how they tackle the questions asked at Luhmühlen this year!

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Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA)

Talk about a warhorse: 19-year-old Rubis de Prere has traveled the world with his best pal Pietro, and along the way, they’ve tackled two 5*s, two European Championships, a World Championships, and countless Nations Cups and 4*s. This’ll be their first Luhmühlen; previously, they’ve tackled Pau in 2022, where they picked up a 20 on course, and Badminton in 2019, where they jumped a steady clear.

This season, Rubis has started the way he finished last year: with a win. He closed out 2023 with victory in the CCI4*-S at Montelibretti in November, and last month, he took the CCI4*-S in hilly Pratoni, which was the site of the 2022 World Championships.

We’ll be looking for a low-30s starting point — they put a 30.6 on the board at that Badminton, and have gone sub-30 several times at 4*, but we often see them creep up through the 30s, too; their last FEI dressage score was a 33.8. On cross-country, they tend to be very reliable — helped by the fact that they know each other so well that they’re basically sharing a brain on cross-country — and they’re a naturally quick pair too, though more so at the short-format level. This, though, is a course where it can be easier to catch the time, and many of the tough combinations have a short-format sort of intensity, which could work in their favour. On Sunday, we’ll probably see a rail, but they should finish with a smile on their faces.

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Julie Simonet and Sursumcord ‘Or (FRA)

Part of the winning Nations Cup Team in Jardy last year, young French rider Julie Simonet and her Young Rider championship horse Sursumcord’or are lining up for their first 5* in Luhmühlen this week. They have proven themselves more than ready for the challenge with a roster of top results, including an individual 12th place in the Young Rider Championships at Hartpury in 2022, where they were also part of the fourth-placed French team. Unfortunately, they were eliminated at Bramham later that year, despite a promising start. Since then, this formidable pair have finished in the top 10 at all of their international runs, including a podium finish in the CCI4*-L at Lignières in 2022 and again in Kronenberg last year. A speedy double clear back in Lignières — this time for the CCI4*-S — earlier this year left them in eighth place, the perfect prep run for their first 5*.

Capable of a smart dressage test, their first phase score tends to average around the low 30’s, so their names could well be amongst some of the more established partnerships going into the jumping phases. Their jumping is not to be sniffed at either with a cross country record that remains unblemished since their elimination at Bramham, and they certainly don’t waste too much time out there. Other than a rogue pole, the show jumping rarely causes this pair any trouble, so we could well see them finish very strongly indeed, despite their inexperience at the level.

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Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR) | Groom: the rider!

This will be a first tilt at 5* for both Storm and “Pitchie”, although eventing is in Storm’s blood: her father Nick was the winner of the inaugural Bramham Horse Trials, and her aunt is multi-Olympian Karen Dixon. Storm is also one of those incredible superhumans who manages to combine her equestrian pursuits with another career, as she works full-time for Howden Insurance. Her boss is none other than David Howden — creator of the “Howden Way” and president of the Cornbury House Horse Trials — so as Storm points out, he understands the time commitment required to compete at the top level of the sport, more so than other bosses may have been!

Storm has already been incredibly successful on her way up the levels. Just this year, she and Pitchie won the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk, adding just 0.4 show jumping time penalties to their sub 30 dressage score. A double-clear is something that is becoming increasingly commonplace for these two, and has seen them finish within the top 20 at Blair and in the Eight/Nine-Year-Old class at Blenheim Palace too.

An incredibly sensitive horse, Storm and her dressage trainer Nicola Naprstrek have worked very hard to eliminate the tension that Pitchie tended to bring forward in the first phase, and it has certainly paid off — their first phase score is constantly improving, and a low-30 score would not be out of the question for their first 5* test. Storm’s main aim for Luhmühlen is to have a safe run and to give “out-and-out trier” Pitchie a positive experience. Just the small matter of a full day of training for her “other” job on the Tuesday first…

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Mollie Summerland and Flow 7 (GBR) | Groom: Georgie Porter

The Luhmühlen crowds will be thrilled to cheer on Mollie Summerland, who is the youngest-ever winner of this 5*, having taken it in 2021 in extraordinary circumstances with Charly van ter Heiden. Now, following the sad sale of Charly — one of the tough but often necessary parts of the business — she’s back in action with debutant Flow, who is proving to be a seriously exciting next-generation horse for her, and who she’s produced through his career as she had with Charly.

What’s also doubly lovely is that Flow’s owners, Paula and Adrian Cloke, get to be here to enjoy the fun this week — in 2021, the tricky Covid Luhmühlen, they stepped up to the plate to help Mollie achieve her win, lending their lorry, their emotional support, and their remote cheerleading duties, despite not even being owners of her ride at the time. This week, we hope they’ll get the buzz and the thrill that they so richly deserve.

There’s always a question mark hanging over a first-time 5* horse, because no one knows yet whether the increase in distance and difficulty will be a step too far. But Flow’s career has shown so much promise so far: he’s finished in the top 10 in exactly 50% of his FEI starts, and while he’s still green and learning how to manage his supermodel-long legs, Mollie’s even admitted that she reckons he could be better than dressage supremo Charly on the flat once the pieces of the puzzle come together. For now though, he’s still getting the changes down pat, and so while he should be a sub-30 scorer, much will rest on those. On cross-country, he’s naturally incredibly fast, and has two placings at 4* to his name this spring — including third at Ballindenisk CCI4*-L — but he had a couple of green mistakes last year that it would appear he’s learned from. Show jumping would be his weak phase right now, and he’ll likely have one or two on Sunday — though he was clear and finished on his dressage score at Ballindenisk. He could win, or he could learn, or he could be very lucky and do a bit of both this week.

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Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)

A regular name at the event since 2019, Aistis brings Commander VG for their fourth run in Luhmühlen’s 5*. Despite retiring on course last year, this pair has already placed 11th and 13th in the event in the two years prior (and a 14th placing in the 4* in 2020 as well), so we can only assume that they’re back to finally break that top-10 barrier.

Although they had some rough luck at the 5* level last year — also including three dropped poles and a slow-going cross country round at Badminton, a horse fall at Burghley, and a refusal on course at Pau — Aistis and Commander have been crushing it at the 4* level. They haven’t been out of the top-10 in nearly two years at a 4*, already adding a fifth-place finish in the 4*-S at Kristianstad and a finish in eighth at Strzegom’s 4*-L this spring. Aistis also competes up to CSI3* in show jumping, having already ridden at several Nations Cup events for Lithuania this year alone. Provided they can avoid any more issues on cross country this weekend, they should have a fair chance at the clean 5* finish they deserve.

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Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL) | Groom: the rider!

Another of Ireland’s rising stars — seriously, the Irish have it nailed when it comes to breeding talented young riders — this will be a first 5* for both Patrick Whelan and his ride Ikoon Lan. Originally produced by his good pal Cathal Daniels, Patrick bought “Brutus” a couple of years ago, and they have quickly formed a strong partnership. The 11-year-old gelding only stepped up to 4*-L at Millstreet last June, and barring a frustrating 11 penalties on the cross country, he coped well with the challenge. He has continued to show his class since then, jumping around the CCI4*-L at Blenheim last year too.

Dressage would not be this horse’s strong suit — expect a score in the high 30’s — and although he can show jump clear as evidenced at Millstreet last month, he is more likely to roll a pole or two. Still, for their first run at the level, Patrick will more than likely be hoping for a safe and steady completion first and foremost, and Brutus has proven himself more than capable of that. Patrick was part of the victorious Irish Nations Cup team at Millstreet with Altitu, and Ikoon Lan also jumped a steady double clear in the CCI4*-L, setting themselves up well for their run here this week.

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The Big Luhmühlen Cometh: Two Held, All Accepted in First Horse Inspection

By on Jun 12, 2024 12:45 pm -

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Welcome to the fourth CCI5* of the 2024 season – and forgive us for a moment for a bit of wildly unprofessional total partiality, because the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials really is one of EN’s absolute favourites. Nestled in the almost insultingly pretty heathland of the Lower Saxony countryside, it’s a colourful, bold, and incredibly friendly little haven for the horse-mad, featuring two phases on a surface and a Mike Etherington-Smith course that strikes a sweet balance between continental technicality and galloping, bold questions. It’s not as colossal or stamina-testing as Burghley, nor is it as twisty and go-karty as Pau, but rather, it’s a comfortable medium that sees it attract both big name horses and riders as well as those contesting their first go at the level.

The focus this week is split right down the middle: there’s the feature five-star on the cards, of course, but alongside it, we’ve also got a red-hot CCI4*-S class, which hosts the German National Championships but is also a final selection trial before the Olympic selection deadline, and boy, does the entry list – and the serious course built for it – reflect that.

But enough about that four-star, because this afternoon, it was all about the big one. 42 horses and riders, representing ten nations, came forward this afternoon to present at the first horse inspection, which was presided over by a ground jury made up of Denmark’s Anne-Mette Binder, Germany’s Dr. Joachim Dimmek, and Great Britain’s Sandy Phillips.

The good news? All 42 have been accepted to start the competition, which begins bright and early tomorrow morning with the first lot of dressage tests. The slightly more bum-clenching part? Two of them endured a stint in the holding box en route to that welcomed decision.

Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The first of those was Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskas and his seasoned partner Commander VG, who are tackling their ninth five-star together. The thirteen-year-old Danish-bred gelding wasn’t in the box for long, though, and upon re-presentation, sailed through to begin his bid to improve on his best-ever result at the level, an eleventh-place finish here in 2021.

Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The second pair to be held was Italy’s Pietro Sandei and the nineteen-year-old stalwart Rubis de Prere. They, too, were accepted on their second trip up the jog strip, and there was no shortage of support for them in the stands: even before they’d returned to the ground jury and gotten the nod, they were being cheered on by their Italian cohorts.

Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg also had a slightly nervy moment when he was asked to immediately trot again with his second ride, Hippo’s Sapporo. They were accepted on their second run, though, with no need for further inspection.

One of the biggest crowd-wide whoops of approval came for the very last horse and rider to present. That was locally-based Nicolai Aldinger and his excellent Timmo, and it came with good reason: poor Nico and Timmo have had a bit of rotten luck in their attempts to start at this level. At Luhmühlen last year, they withdrew from the holding box at the first horse inspection after the gelding stumbled on his way down from the stables. Though there was no lasting injury – they were able to reroute to Aachen just a couple of weeks later – Timmo was just sore enough from the stumble that Nico opted to pull him from contention to ensure his gelding’s wellbeing. This year, they had an entry in for Kentucky, but in their final prep run at Strzegom, Timmo pulled a shoe and stepped on the clinch, which cost him a valuable final few days of fitness preparation, and Nico once again had to make the tough call to wait for another day. And now, that day has come: they’re starting at five-star. A thrill for him, a thrill for his compatriots cheering him on, and a thrill, most of all, for Timmo, who responded to the applause with a riotous spook that probably wasn’t what Nico’s stress levels needed in any way at all.

“Can u not plz” – Nico Aldinger, probably. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Dressage will get underway tomorrow from 8.30 a.m. local time (7.30 a.m. BST/2.30 a.m. EST, if you’re an intrepid sort of dressage nerd), and will see the CCI4*-S take the focus until the lunch break. Our first up to bat in that class will be Australia’s Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, and throughout the session, we’ll see a number of key contenders from a variety of nations as the Olympic race commences, including Tim Price and his Maryland 5* winner Coup de Coeur Dudevin, France’s Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza and Tom Carlile and Darmagnac de Beliard, Germany’s Dirk Schrader and Casino 80, and US-based Aussie Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight. You can view the starting order and times in full here – just subtract one hour for British time, and six for Eastern US time.

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The CCI5* will begin after lunch at 14.15 p.m. (13.15 p.m. BST/8.15 a.m. EST), with Tom McEwen‘s first horse, former Pau runner-up CHF Cooliser, leading the way. Some of the class’s key contenders tomorrow include last year’s third place finishers Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ, US competitors Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, British-based Kiwis Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing, Belgian superwoman Lara de Leidekerke-Meier and debutant Hooney d’Arville, and fan favourites Alice Casburn and Topspin. The times for tomorrow can be found here.

All the action will be live-streamed via Horse & Country TV, and if you’d like on-the-button access to vital information, including start times, entry lists, course maps, coverage, and more, be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Guide to Luhmühlen for everything you need to make the most of this brilliant week of sport. We’ll be bringing you lots more shortly from Germany, including a packed CCI5* form guide, to keep it locked on EN and, as always, Go Eventing!

EN’s coverage of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Longines Luhmühlen: Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | EN’s Coverage

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jun 12, 2024 12:01 am -

And so we find ourselves at the midpoint of the 5* season, with Adelaide, Kentucky and Badminton in the rearview and Luhmühlen looming large this weekend. As well as the 5* competition, the 4*-S looks set to be hotly contested by Olympic hopefuls and German riders with designs on the National Championship alike, in what’s sure to be a big weekend of eventing.

Of course, we’ll be here for all of it, with boots on the ground courtesy of Tilly and a whole team of chinchillas scurrying around backstage to bring you all of the action. As well as our customary daily reports detailing each phase of the competition, we’ve got live updates from the 5* cross country headed your way, cross country previews and a round-up of what the riders think of the course, as well as a bunch of Instagram content @goeventing and a whole lot more. Stay tuned ENers, it’s going to be a good one.

Eyes on for EN’s epic form guide to all the 5* runners and riders – coming soon!

Some times to note:

Wednesday
4:30pm CEST / 10:30am ET – First Horse Inspection

Thursday
8:20am CEST / 3:20am ET – 4*-S Dressage
2:30pm CEST / 8:30am ET – 5* Dressage

Friday
8:15am CEST / 3:15am ET – 4*-S Dressage
2pm CEST / 8am ET – 5* Dressage

Saturday
8:30am CEST / 3:30am ET – 5* Cross Country
12:15pm CEST / 6:15am ET – 4*-S Cross Country

Sunday
7:30am CEST / 2:30am ET – Final Horse Inspection
9:25am CEST / 4:25am ET – 5* Show Jumping
12:15pm CEST / 6:15am ET – 4*-S Show Jumping

H&C+ will be livestreaming the entire event (subscription required) – check it out here.

Last year’s 5* champs Laura Collett and London 52 will go in the 4* this time around as they make their preparations for – perhaps – Paris. The team are manifesting no drama for the llama on their barn whiteboard (above), whilst white unicorn Hester is having another go at the upper echelons of eventing with some valuable experience under her cinch after rerouting from Badminton. It’ll be all to play for at Luhmühlen – bring it on!

Let’s go eventing!

Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+]

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Events

Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+]

Wednesday News and Reading

The third leg of the FEI Nations Cup happened last weekend over in Switzerland, with the home side making their play for the title. With three legs now done, and four to go, Switzerland and Italy are tied at the top of the clubhouse leaderboard. The series moves on to Strzegom in Poland next weekend. But before we set our sights on the next leg, find out how the Swiss team conquered in Avenches.

We’ve been following Shane Rose’s journey back into the saddle and onto the road to Paris with awe. And we’re not the only ones. EquiRatings’ Nicole Brown spoke to him about, well, everything, for the latest installment of ‘When Nicole Met…’. From his eventing beginnings in Australia and how he manages to finance his, frankly, incredibly spendy career choice, to his foray into racing and, of course, his epic comeback – it’s all here.

Oliver Townend has hung onto his spot as World No. 1 this month, in no small part thanks to his exceptional young mare, 2024 Kentucky champ, Cooley Rosalent. We’re waiting with baited breath to find out which four combinations from the totally stacked Team GB longlist will be heading to Paris this summer, and Oliver’s got a chance to add to his gold medal from Tokyo with his up-and-coming star. (Ballaghmor Class has been withdrawn from the nominated entries list.) Oliver’s talented mare is FEI’s Horse of the Month, and, although we don’t yet know if she’ll get her Olympic cap this time around, one thing’s for sure, the future’s looking rosy for Rosie.

And speaking of Oliver, his withdrawal from Badminton meant an end to the Grand Slam dream, for now at least. It’s the third time his attempt to win the triple crown of eventing has been scuppered, but he’s not alone in seeing his chance at the ultimate eventing title slip away. But hey, to even be in with a shot is a huge achievement, so finding yourself on this list of failed attempts isn’t actually a bad thing.

And finally, Modern Pentathlon has really been through the wringer since Tokyo. Paris will be the last time that show jumping is part of this multi-discipline sport, with a new ninja-style obstacle race replacing the horsey element for the LA Games. It’s not a universally popular decision, and the current Olympic and World champion is considering hanging up his sneakers because of it. Britain’s Joe Choong is preparing to defend his title this summer, but things aren’t looking so certain for his parter, and fellow Modern Pentathlon competitor, Liv Green. Find out why Paris may be the end of both of their Olympic dreams.

Video Break

Check out Andrew Hoy’s horsemanship tips for kids in this informative – and super cute – video offering:

The Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials

By on Jun 11, 2024 7:35 pm -

THE COMPETITION: There are two key competitions taking place this week: the Longines CCI5*-L, which is the fourth five-star of 2024, and the Meßmer Trophy CCI4*-S, which incorporates the German National Championship and is also, crucially, basically the final major European box-ticker ahead of the Olympic selection deadline, other than Strzegom to follow. Both classes feature some seriously sparkling entries, but the four-star in particular is about as spicy as it gets, with a bit of a Diet Olympics feel as many horses and riders that we’ll see in Paris come forward to put in one last serious bid for the nod from selectors. Like Paris, we’ll see the first and final phases on a surface here, and the CCI4*-S runs with showjumping on Sunday, so it’s a great way to put these horses and riders to the test in a simulation of what’s to come in Versailles.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: Well, Olympic selection, of course, if we’re focusing on the four-star, which sees a particular focus from British, German, Belgian, Aussie, Kiwi, and Swedish competitors. A great or disappointing run could rewrite a rider’s summer. And over in the ‘other’ class, the chance to fight for one of the most coveted titles in sport and join the small, über-elite ranks of the five-star winners’ club. Plus, there’s some cash on the line, too: a €125,000 prize pot in the five-star, and a €20,000 prize pot in the four-star.

THE OFFICIALS: Denmark’s Anne-Mette Binder will preside over the CCI5* ground jury, which also includes Sandy Phillips (GBR) and Joachim Dimmek (GER). The CCI4*-S President is Xavier Le Sauce of France, who will be joined by Germany’s Edith Schless-Störtenbecker. Mathias Otto-Erley will be the Technical Delegate for the competition, assisted by Rob Janssen of the Netherlands. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed something interesting: both Ground Jury Presidents this week are members of the Paris Olympics ground jury, so we’ll be looking closely to see the marks from C and what they tend to like to reward.

Once again, Mike Etherington-Smith returns as cross-country course designer, assisted by fellow Brit David Evans, who’s also chief course builder. Marco Behrens (GER) will design the showjumping tracks, which are renowned for being at the top end of their levels in difficulty.

THE ENTRIES: Bold and beautiful, baby. There’s 44 in the CCI5*, representing ten nations, and a serious mix of established and up-and-coming talent. Leading the charge is European Champion Ros Canter and her quirky, but very, very capable, Izilot DHI, who won Blenheim CCI4*-L and Pau CCI5* last year but comes to Luhmühlen off the back of an early retirement at Badminton. Will he be wiser for the experience and back in his element here, or will this be another learning week? It’s a tough call, but on his day, he’s a formidable competitor and on paper, he’s the hot favourite to win this one. He’s joined in the list of could-be winners by 2021 champion Mollie Summerland, who debuts the young star Flow 7 this week, and last year’s third-placed finishers Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ. We’ll also see Burghley runners-up David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, whose favourite hobby is picking up placings at five-stars, and who’ll have a firm fan following after the disappointment of their withdrawal from Badminton before cross-country. Tim and Jonelle Price come in with a horse apiece: the super-experienced but mercurial McLaren for Jonelle, and for Tim, it’s five-star sophomore Viscount Viktor, who made his debut at Pau and had an educational, rather than competitive, week there – but Tim has described the 10-year-old as his next superstar, so he’ll be worth following closely. Local rider Nicolai Aldinger will start with Timmo, who has had a bit of rotten luck in his attempts to step up to five star with two unfulfilled entries so far – and this week, we hope, it’ll be third time lucky with a serious cheering section behind him.

In the CCI4*-S, trying to pick a winner is an enormously painful activity that we recommend wholeheartedly, frankly, because that’s our favourite kind of debate. Will it be Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH? Laura Collett and London 52, who won last year’s CCI5*? World Champs Yas Ingham and Banzai du Loir? Tom McEwen and the exceptional JL Dublin, two-time runners-up at Kentucky? Tim Price and his World Champs ride Falco? Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz? Who’ll make the British team? The Belgian team? The Swedish team? Will those sneaky Aussies throw a few spanners in the works? Will our blood pressure rise and rise and rise again until steam comes out of our ears and we have to drink strong German beers for breakfast to avoid a nervy b? PROBABLY!

The competition will be streamed in its entirety on Horse & Country TV, and you have a few options where subscriptions are concerned. If you’re already a member, Luhmühlen will be included in your package, or, if you’d prefer to take an a la carte approach to event viewing, you can purchase an event pass for the week.

There’ll be plenty of social media coverage of the event, too, with some of Europe’s best platforms giving it their all. First of all, the Luhmühlen Instagram page is a super starting point, with lots of behind the scenes coverage and videos, and you’ll be able to ‘walk’ the courses virtually, too, with the CrossCountry App. Follow Horse & Country for on-site videos and excitement, and friend of EN Juliane Barth, or JulisEventer, will be creating her top-notch video content through the week, which is always unmissable. Don’t forget to follow EN, too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need! (And if you’d like to see the real behind-the-scenes life of an EN journo on tour, you certainly can. #shamelessplug) Want to know the juiciest stats throughout the competition? Make sure you follow EquiRatings.

Wednesday, 12 June:

  • 4.30 p.m. (3.30 p.m. BST, 10.30 a.m. EST): First horse inspection CCI5*

Thursday, 9 May:

  • 8.30 a.m. – 13.10 p.m. (7.30 a.m. – 12.10 p.m. BST, 2.30 a.m. – 7.10 a.m. EST): CCI4*-S dressage
  • 14.15  p.m. – 17.00 p.m. (13.15 p.m. BST – 16.00 p.m. BST, 8.15 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. EST): CCI5* dressage

Friday, 10 May:

  • 8.15 a.m. – 13.00 p.m. (7.15 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. BST, 2.15 a.m. – 7.00 a.m. EST): CCI4*-S dressage
  • 13.30  p.m. – 16.40 p.m. (12.30 p.m. BST – 15.40 p.m. BST, 7.30 a.m. – 10.40 a.m. EST): CCI5* dressage

Saturday, 11 May:

  • 8.45 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. (7.45 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. BST, 2.45 a.m. – 6.00 a.m. EST): CCI5* cross-country
  • 12.40 p.m. – 16.00 p.m. (11.40 a.m. – 15.00 p.m. BST, 6.40 a.m. – 10.00 a.m. EST): CCI4*-S cross-country

Sunday, 12 May: 

  • 7.30 a.m. – 8.00 a.m. (6.30 a.m. – 7.00 a.m. BST, 1.30 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. EST): Final horse inspection CCI5*
  • 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. (7.00 a.m. – 8.00 a.m. BST, 2.00 a.m. – 3.00 a.m. EST): Final horse inspection CCI4*-S
  • 9.25 a.m. – 10.45 a.m. (8.25 a.m. – 9.45 a.m. BST, 3.25 a.m. – 4.45 a.m. EST): CCI5* showjumping, followed by prize giving
  • 12.15 p.m. – 14.40 p.m. (11.15 a.m. – 13.40 p.m. BST, 6.15 a.m. – 8.40 a.m. EST): CCI4*-S showjumping, followed by prize giving

THE FORM GUIDE: 

To Germany We Go: Your Form Guide to the 2024 Longines Luhmühlen CCI5*

FRIDAY, JUNE 14:

Bold and Beautiful: The Luhmühlen CCI5* Cross-Country Course Gallery

“We Haven’t Come to Be Middle of the Pack”: Ros Canter Takes Luhmühlen CCI5* Dressage

A Very Good Feeling: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH Take Luhmühlen CCI4*-S Dressage Lead

THURSDAY, JUNE 13:

Laura Collett Leads Luhmühlen, The Sequel: Hester’s On Top in CCI5* Day One

A Star Is Born: German Up-And-Comer Takes Luhmühlen CCI4*-S Lead Ahead of Eventing Greats

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12:

The Big Luhmühlen Cometh: Two Held, All Accepted in First Horse Inspection

PRE-EVENT COVERAGE:

Taxiing for Takeoff: Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight Head to Luhmühlen

The Final Countdown to Paris: Luhmühlen Entries Go Live with Two Red-Hot Line-Ups

EN’s coverage of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse — thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!

Longines Luhmühlen: Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | EN’s Coverage

Oliver Townend Withdraws 5* Winner Ballaghmor Class from Paris Consideration

By on Jun 11, 2024 12:03 pm -

We won’t be seeing Oliver Townend’s 5* winner and Olympic team gold medal partner (Tokyo) Ballagmor Class lining up for the defending champion British this summer in Paris as the 17-year-old Irish gelding has been withdrawn from the nominated list.

“In full collaboration with British Equestrian Eventing Performance Manager Richard Waygood, Oliver Townend and owners Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan have made the difficult decision to withdraw Ballaghmor Class from the eventing nominated list for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” a press release from British Eventing states.

There is still a strong chase we will yet see Oliver in Paris, though, as he’s also nominated for the team with Kentucky 5* winner Cooley Rosalent, though the British are flush with depth ahead of a difficult decision to pick the eventual team of three combinations plus one traveling reserve.

We expect the final British team to be named next week, following some final runs from some pairs at Luhmühlen’s CCI4*-S this weekend.

“We are disheartened to withdraw Ballaghmor Class from Team GB Olympic selection,” Oliver’s team stated. “As his preparation for a long-format event in the first half of the season was interrupted, we could not secure the final qualification for the Olympics without compromising his best interests. This is so disappointing for the whole team, but Thomas means the world for us and at the end of the day, his welfare and happiness is more important than everything else.

“He is one of few special horses that has an Olympic gold to his name and while he will be aiming for an autumn 5*, we hope that stablemate Cooley Rosalent will fly the flag in our bid to be selected for the Games. Huge thanks to British Equestrian, Thomas’s owners, our sponsors and the team around us who have showed unwavering support in making this decision.”

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here.

The Future of Eventing Lies in The Caribbean

By on Jun 11, 2024 9:30 am -

If you ask Hollywood, x marks the Caribbean Islands as a place of adventure; a location on a map that’s shrouded in mystery, where pirates abound and mermaids lounge along the shores. Today, I want to show you a different side of the Caribbean. It may indeed be the location of the Fountain of Youth, but instead of giving Jack Sparrow eternal life, it may breathe new life into the eventing industry.

As long as eventing remains a sport only practiced in the Western world, namely the United States, Europe, and Australia, its probability of a long lifespan is low. Eventing is also the equestrian discipline that is arguably most accessible in terms of money and horsepower, and can open up new paths of access to the international stage for those who have been routinely denied that access. This is the story of three women who, despite living oceans apart, have been slowly building a beneficial partnership to achieve both those aims.

Our story begins with underdog Monique Archer, the President of the Eventing Federation in Barbados and the FEI Deputy Chair for group IV, which encompasses Barbados, the Cayman Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti, Canada, and Trinidad & Tobago among others. In 2016, Monique decided that she would go to the Central American and Caribbean Games for eventing. But she had just one problem, she had never evented before and the CAC Games were just two years away. On top of her own personal riding background, there were many obstacles in her way.

Monique Archer and her mare. When there’s no aquacizer in Barbados, you make do with the ocean! Photo by Charlotte Headley.

“In small countries, you have limitations that prevent you from making a team or achieving the MERS. Funding, opportunities to compete, coaching, horsepower– all of that is a major obstacle when you live in little tiny places. It really is a challenge. We [import] everything here. Every single thing that you can think of to run a stable,” Monique said.

Land is also in short supply (unfortunately you can’t import that) and today, there is only one cross country course on Barbados, and it’s in Monique’s backyard. Financial difficulties were also an obstacle in her path, with sponsorships unheard of in the small country. “I think trying to get sponsorship for any sport in Barbados is a challenge,” Monique said. “I would reach out to people and say, ‘Oh, this is what I’m doing and I’m from Barbados.’ I feel like as soon as they hear that, and they’re like, ‘No, we’re not interested.’”

Despite the hurdles she had to jump before she even left the startbox, Monique and her team, including her daughter Zoe Archer, won the first equestrian medal in the country’s history by taking bronze at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games. That bronze medal would start a fire that would spread across the Caribbean.

Three cheers for Barbados! The team won the first eventing medal in the country’s history at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2018. Photo courtesy of Liz Halliday.

“I know that that really inspired the entire Caribbean, because people felt inspired knowing that all three of us were Barbadians living in Barbados and we managed to do this,” said Monique. “It just made people think, ‘maybe this is a more accessible pathway than showjumping.’”

Less than a mile across the ocean, Patrice Stottlemeyer in Trinidad & Tobago watched Monique gallop onto the international stage. Now the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association, Patrice saw the path Monique had paved and knew that this could be Trinidad’s chance to step into the big leagues in equestrian sport.

“Our long term goal is to go international, in a manner that’s affordable to us. And you know, the cost of the warmbloods for dressage and jumping is beyond most,” Patrice said.

While warmbloods are expensive worldwide, they’re particularly expensive for those living in small countries with few resources. Trinidad does, however, have access to a different type of horse: off the track Thoroughbreds.

Riders working over makeshift cross country fences in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo by Clive Fletcher

“We in Trinidad have done the normal, straight show jumping and straight dressage for many, many years, but our real issue was that the horses that we have are Thoroughbreds off the track. And the Thoroughbreds off the track can jump to a certain level and can handle dressage to a certain level, but not to the level that exists in the FEI,” Patrice said. “It was really very, very hard to get the horses up to these levels. But eventing was something that we really had not started until the FEI introduced a world eventing challenge, I guess about three years ago. So, because of our horses, we started introducing eventing, and the FEI has helped us by introducing a Retraining the Racehorse program.”

While Monique and Patrice connected over their shared goal of using eventing as an accessible way to reach the upper levels for riders in the Caribbean, Monique also connected Patrice with CCI5* eventer Sara Kozumplik, one of Monique’s coaches on her journey to her bronze medal, who she had grown very close with.

“[Sara and I] are very much kindred spirits in terms of really wanting to promote the sport and help riders. We’re both very, very passionate about growing the sport,” Monique said.

Sara Kozumplik teaching in Barbados. Photo courtesy of Sara Kozumplik

Sara has traveled across the Caribbean giving clinics; she even teaches lessons to Rómulo Roux, who is running for president of Panama, at her home base in northern Virginia. Acting as a missionary spreading the good word about eventing, Sara believes that eventing will only survive with global support.

“I personally think the biggest threat to eventing worldwide will be loss of venues. Yes, of course safety is an issue. But we need to get more countries involved in this sport. It can’t just be the United States and Europe and Australia,” Sara said. “We have to get more countries involved in the sport. And so we have to involve ourselves down there and not turn our noses up. We have to get more people involved and more venues involved worldwide.”

Sara is practicing what she preaches. Just last month, she hosted a Pony-Club-style camp for riders who flew in from Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. “A lot of these kids they’ve certainly never gone cross country. They’ve never even hacked down the road, right? They’ve never been out of a ring. They hadn’t really done any dressage. And we do basically a glorified pony club type camp, only much more sophisticated in the sense of the people putting it on,” said Sara.

Riders from Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados at Sara Kozumplik’s week-long camp. Photo courtesy of Sara Kozumplik

Instructors at the week-long clinic included highly experienced five-star groom Max Corcoran, cross country course designer Megan Rowsell, and dressage judge Debbie Adams, among others. Needless to say, it was a hit.

“You can see how excited they are to be able to come to this farm and see the open space and all of that kind of stuff. You can hear their excitement, they’re all stopping the car and taking videos and pictures and for them to be able to go canter across the field– it’s not something they get to do. So they’re all really really excited,” Sara said.

The group of ten ranged in age from adults to young kids. The Ocala community came together to make the week a success, allowing Sara to lease out their experienced event horses to make sure the riders from the islands had a safe and fun introduction to eventing. Even Sara’s former 5* horse Rubens D’Ysieux stepped up to the plate after one of the horses developed an abscess.

“He certainly wasn’t supposed to be doing that, although he is one that I would do that sort of thing with like, let them just trot around and things like that, simply because I trust him implicitly,” Sara said. “But he was supposed to just go have a few stretchy days and then just chill out after TerraNova because he’s had a pretty busy season showjumping. But also it wasn’t like it was very hard work. He enjoyed it.”

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’Ysieux and a rider from the Caribbean. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

During the week the riders went cross country schooling, rode in a dressage show judged by Debbie Adams, had their own mini show jumping show, and got to watch the Grand Prix at the Florida Horse Park. By the end of the week, the group was feeling inspired to say the least.

“We have some very fired up youngsters for sure and some people that are now willing to invest in their own horses or lease their own horses or just try to find a way to take those next steps. So that was really encouraging to see coming out of [the clinic],” said Monique.

Looking to the future, Monique and Patrice both say that they hope to see their countries represented at first the CAC games, then the Pan American Games, and someday, hopefully, the Olympics.

“One of the main goals from this trip was not just to introduce the kids to eventing and see the scene over here, it was also to set them up in the future. If they wanted to further their education and wanted to try to become riders that could represent Barbados for the Central American and Pan American Games, they would have connections that they could trust to come and train with,” Sara said. “It’s really a very big world and you don’t know where you should be going or who you can trust or who’s capable of doing these sorts of things, right? So it just opens up new doors so that then you have someone you can connect with and you can ask them questions or advice and figure out the best path forward.”

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

There’s a long road ahead for these island riders, but there’s also a lot of passion and hope to help them along the way. “It’s all stepping stones and it all starts somewhere with a little bit of passion. This is kind of what lit a fire within the Caribbean and made people think that this could be a fun path [to the international stage],” Monique said. “For me this is a sort of legacy. Just to pass this along to future generations and make sure that we have a really big group and this doesn’t just die after a year or two. So, it’s exciting to see countries like Trinidad and Jamaica, following in my footsteps and looking to [start eventing] as well and make it a reality.”

This small group of riders from a collection of very small islands has a big dream riding on their backs. Not only to elevate equestrian sport in the Caribbean, but also to breathe new life into the sport of eventing at a time when we’re on the cusp of ever so slowly fading into the background.