Let’s do this thing – the first fence. Photo via Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen.
Here we are at the halfway point of the season’s 5*s, on the best day – cross country day – and I’ll be with you right from the first “Gute fahrt” to the last. (Sorry to German speakers, I honestly have no idea if Google Translate has spat out any semblance of sense, but I am very much in favour of all cross country starters around the globe replacing the regular ‘Have a good ride’ with this German – maybe – interpretation.)
But first, dressage happened and it’s given us a rolling podium as we head into today’s cross country:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Top of the class is 2023 Luhmühlen winner, three-time 5* champ and two-time Olympic team gold medalist London 52 and Laura Collett who laid it all down between the white boards to sit on a score of 25.4, just 0.6 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Hot on their heels in second is Pau winner Izilot DHI and Ros Canter who floated their way to a score of 26.
3️⃣ 🇩🇪 Doing it for the home crowd, in equal third after the first phase is Kentucky 2024 fourth-placer Carlitos Quidditch K and Malin Hansen-Hotopp on a score of 28.9.
3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Joining Malin is Kiwi’s Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ and Samantha Lissington, here for the horse’s second 5* start after finishing top-10 at Pau last year – they’re also on a score of 28.9.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
Here are the links you need to catch up on all the deets of what went down over the last couple of days:
▶️ [Thursday Report]
▶️ [Friday Report]
German efficiency comes into play in the scheduling today, with an early start for me here in Britain, but not quite so early as for our American friends – huge shout out to any eventing superfans following this blog in the US, we salute you. It all kicks off at 8:40am CEST / 2:40am ET when Britain’s Aimee Penny will trailblaze her way around the track with the first of her two rides PSH Encore.
You can have a look at what’s in store for the 2025 contenders here and see Tilly’s take on the whole shebangright here. As ever, we’ve wrangled the riders for their insights into the track – read their reactions here.
Before get down to business, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
As you know, here at EN we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to bringing eventing superfans like ourselves every single scrap of the shenanigans at 5* events. You’ll find all of our crazy right here. And that’s not all. There’s also cool stuff going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.
Gute fahrt, guys, and go eventing!
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Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* (Germany): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
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6:44
UPDATE:
Ros Canter and Izilot DHI are now in 2nd on a score of 28.8 – the flag penalties were taken away on review. That drops Sam Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty into 3rd and Kitty King and Vendredi Biats into 4th.
Lea Siegl has had the 20 penalties from the Irish Bank taken away on review, meaning that she was clear jumping with van Helsing P with 11.2 time, leaving them in 10th spot.
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6:25
And so there we have it. Cross country day at Longines Luhmühlen has drawn to a close.
Here’s the provisional leaderboard. There are flags being reviewed, in particular for Ros Canter and Izilot DHI who would go into second if the 15 penalties are removed. But for now, this is how things look:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leading the pack is Laura Collet and London 52 who stormed round the track clear inside the time to land on a score of 25.4, 3.9 penalties ahead of the rest of the field – not a fence in hand for tomorrow.
2️⃣ 🇳🇿 Chasing the top spot is Sam Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ who showed their mettle across the country and sit on a score of 29.3.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, is Kitty King and Vendredi Biats who delivered a brilliant clear inside the time and are on a score of 31.2 heading into the final phase.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
Keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
Thanks for coming along for the live blog ride ENers, until next time, go eventing!
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6:15
🇬🇧 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and Izilot DHI
Dressage Score: 26
Place: 2
Ros and ‘Isaac’ are hot on it through the first water combination at 5ABC. We don’t see them through the arena but they show as clear on the live scoreboard and we pick them back up at the Messmer Water at 11/12/13 and they’re confident and smooth as you like. We’re seeing a question mark at 16A for a flag on the live scoreboard. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with that. We pick them up coming round to the Irish Bank at 20 and are clear through there, not wasting a second. Ros brings him back for the ditch combination at 25ABC and they’re really smooth through there. They’re coming for home now, carrying that 15 for the flag at 16. They finish with 2.8 time penalties. They go into 13th as things stand, but that flag penalty will be under review.
Meanwhile, Lea is still clear through the double of gates at 18AB. We’re not seeing a lot of her though, sorry. Oh dear, when we do see them it’s as they have trouble at the Irish Bank at 20ABC. The horse doesn’t seem to want to drop off the bank at A and looks to take some steps back. They’re given two refusals which Lucinda in the commentary box thinks is a bit mean. And it is, the live scoreboard updates it to one refusal – 20 penalties. They have another moment at the ditch combination at 25 and almost bank the log at the C element but they’re clear through there. They complete with 20 jumping 11.2 time.
Laura uses up a little luck at the combination at 21AB. She’s driving through and sitting back. Heart in mouth a little. They continue on towards home. She slows right up for the ditch combination at 25ABC taking no risks there. They’re good on the time. Will they hold their lead? They come up to the last and it’s CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! 5 seconds to spare and retains her overnight lead. Will London 52 take the Luhmuhlen crown for a second time? We’ll see tomorrow.
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6:10
🇦🇹 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Lea Siegl and van Helsing P
Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 6
Lea rides brilliantly through the combination in the Main Arena at 8. Very accurate and precise there.
Cosby is looking really confident as she nears the end of her round. She’s having a peach of a ride, for sure. They’re great through the final combination and then cruise toward the finish. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! Fabulous. They go into 3rd.
Laura’s riding bravely as she comes through the Messmer Water – she’s well up for this. She’s saving time all round the track, riding really efficiently. She has to give him a bit of encouragement at the Irish Bank but they fly on through.
UPDATES (exactly as we hear them):
Origi – has been X-rayed, no fracture, just sore.
Jalapeno – ruptured a tendon and has been put in a cast.
We’ll bring you more as we have it.
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6:06
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Laura Collett and London 52
Dressage Score: 25.4
Place: 1
Just two more combinations to go after Laura and London 52, which includes the clubhouse leaders – Laura and ‘Dan’ – and Ros and ‘Isaac’ who are sitting in second.
Will Laura hold onto the top spot? We’ll know soon enough.
Perfection for Laura and London 52 through the Main Arena at 8ABC.
Noor crosses the finish line absolutely delighted. They’re showing at having had a frangible device at 23A – the first of a double of corners. But they’ve completed 5* cross country. 30 time penalties for them.
Oh dear. We’re seeing Aimee on the ground at the Irish Bank at 20. The horse seems to be in the ditch and Aimee’s got hold of her. We then see them walking the mare round. The end of their competition but it looks like no harm done.
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6:02
🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious
Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 16
Highly Suspicious is very keen at the start of the round, really pulling Cosby along. They stand way off fence 4, just before the water at 5. They’re blisteringly quick through the combination there. The horse is truly up for this. Wow. They’re still flying in the Main Arena but he’s listening to Cosby, they make the turn and they’re easily clear through there.
We see Aimee come steady through the combination at 8 in the Main Arena and make the two strides between the B and C elements look easy. They went as straight as possible over the angle there. Very good.
Noor’s flying as she comes to the Irish Bank at 20ABC. They hunt through there looking like they’re having a great time out there.
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5:59
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Aimee Penny and PSH Gazelle
Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: 29
We’re into out final five combinations to go now.
Aimee’s back on track for the second time after getting us underway this morning on her other ride. She comes down for the first water at 5ABC and are very smooth through there.
Jonelle’s coming for home now. Oh, they slide over the rail coming into the ditch combination at 25 and the device comes down. It’s really dark in the shadows there. How frustrating so late in the course and after such a great round. They finish with those 11 penalties and 3.6 time.
Noor puts in a little trot stride coming into 12A on the island at the Messmer Water. So clever from both horse and rider. They’re confident through there.
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5:55
🇲🇦 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand
Dressage Score: 38.7
Place: 35
Noor gets a great ride through the first water at 5ABC, very efficient and clean through there. They show a beautiful partnership between horse and rider in the Main Arena, really working as a team as they clear the combination at 5 easily.
Jonelle’s horse looks to be really enjoying himself as he picks his way through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. He’s listening and galloping on from his fences with his ears pricked. They’re very neat through the Wave Track at 14ABCD. Quiet and smooth and very impressive.
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5:52
🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo
Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 23
The gelding stumbles a little on landing coming out of the Longines Water at 5 but then continues on without missing a step. He’s keen and fighting for his head as he comes to the maximum height and spread log pile at 6. Excellently done through the Main Arena, getting two strides between the B and C element at 8. That rode really well done like that.
Meanwhile Tom is coming to the end of the track. This really has been a smooth, confident round. They’re 25 seconds over.
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5:48
🇭🇺 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Balazs Kaizinger and Herr Cooles Classico
Dressage Score: 41.4
Place: 42
Balazs runs into troubles in the Main Arena. They have a run out at the C element at 5, come back round and run out again. They call it a day. A shame for their competition to end so early.
Tom is just perfect through the Wave Track at 14ABCD. Efficient and smooth, great cross country riding. They’re smooth through the LeMieux water at 16ABC. Confident all the way for them. The horse is picking out the flags as he gallops along.
Kitty is nearing home now, close to the time. Will she make it? BANG ON THE OPTIMUM TIME. Kitty King and Vendredi Biats are clear inside the time and go into 2nd.
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5:45
🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Thomas Carlile and Darmagnac de Beliard
Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 10=
A total masterclass happens in the Main Arena. Fabulous through the combination there at 8ABC. Really, it looked like nothing. But it’s so hard and so many people have had penalties there. For Tom, no problem.
Kitty gets the canter perfect for the water at 16ABC to make the stride between the brush corners there.
Cil Dara Dallas is pulling as they come into the final combination at 27. Isabel looks back to check the frangible device after giving the B element a rub but it’s good. They cross the finish line after a really great educational round – clear jumping 8.8 time.
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5:40
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Kitty King and Vendredi Biats
Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 8
We’re into the final 10 combinations to go.
Kitty has got off to a great start and is straight into a beautiful rhythm with ‘Froggy’. She’s very careful through the Main Arena. She gets him right back between the A and B elements and gets as straight as possible for those acute angles. Beautiful.
Oop, we see Mike have a moment at the ditch combination at 25. He’s popped right out of the saddle over the A element but then El Mundo’s jump over the ditch pops he back into the plate. Good boy. They make it through penalty free.
Meanwhile Isabel is still clear although we’re not seeing her on screen, sadly. Oh, now we are. She looks steady over the combination at 21 as she heads towards home.
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5:35
🇦🇺 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas
Dressage Score: 34
Place: 14
They’re quick into the Main Arena but then Isabel gets the gelding right, right back. They come through the tricky line through 8ABC really carefully. Very clean and precise for them. They’re very neat through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13.
Kirsty crosses the finish line with ‘Rocket’. There’s a flag question for them at 16A and 16B. If they’re judged as OK, it’ll have been a clear for them. If not, it’ll be 15 penalties for each flag. They’ve had 17.2 time.
Meanwhile, Mike is nearing the end of the course but we haven’t really seen him, sorry.
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5:30
🇨🇦 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Michael Winter and El Mundo
Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 22
We see Mike take on the combination at 8 in the Main Arena and make it through there neat enough. Mike works hard through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13 but El Mundo is responding to him and they continue along the track.
Wow, we see some superb reactive riding from Sam at the Bed and Breakfast fence at 21AB. It’s sticky, but it happens and they’re through and galloping on towards the last part of the course. She’s on track for the time. She’s going to do it! Is she? Not quite. 1 second over. Into the lead as things stand.
Meanwhile, Declan has crossed the finish line with his spotty pony carrying that 20 from the Main Arena and 43.2 time. We didn’t get to see a lot of his round, sorry.
Kirsty is flying with ‘Rocket’. She takes out flags at the water at 16 after a tricky jump at the A element. They look to be good though.
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5:28
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl
Dressage Score: 34.7
Place: 19=
Kirsty gets ‘Rocket’ right back through the Main Arena and then totally commits through the tricky turn between 8B and C. Perfection. Off they gallop.
Sam is great through the Wave Track at 14 – very neat and confident.
Declan takes the Irish Bank at 20 like a pro. Clever trot step from the gelding in the middle and they hunt their way through that combination happily.
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5:24
🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ
Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 3
In joint-third coming into cross country, Kiwi eventer Sam brings Sooty forward for his second 5*. Malin and Carlitos Quidditch K – who were also in 3rd – went earlier and picked up 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device. They make a superb job of 5ABC in the Main Arena and get their round off to a very confident start.
Seavaghn Ash chips in at the second of the brushes at 14D but Declan sits tight and they continue along the track.
Meanwhile, Piggy and Halo have crossed the finish line. 20 jumping 18.8 time.
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5:19
🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Declan Cullen and Seavaghan Ash
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 31
They’re in the Main Arena and Declan makes the turn happen to 8B but then they scoot along the front of the C element. He comes round for another go on a straighter line and make it over.
Janneke is shouting as she makes her way through the ditch combination at 25. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” she encourages over each element. She’s having a great time out there. They cross the finish and she’s thrilled, although Lucinda has something to say about riders not keeping a correct hold on the reins, no matter how excited you are. An important lesson from a great horsewoman. Just to be clear, Janneke didn’t drop her reins, just took one hand off for a delighted punch of the air. Clear jumping 13.2 time.
Urgh, Piggy has picked up a 20 at the Messmer water at 12B. Halo’s eye is just not locked on and they scoot by. That’s really a shame after their round was going so well. They continue on for an educational round.
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5:15
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Piggy March and Halo
Dressage Score: 29.9
Place: 7
Halo is the only stallion in the field today. Halo is on springs as he takes on the first water combination at 5. They fly into the Main Arena and Piggy sees a great stride to the A element. Spencer is just saying “Wow, wow, wow” as they make their way through that really difficult combination. Just total perfection. This is a very cool horse. He’s pinging away and looking like 5* is just nothing, on his debut at the level no less.
There’s more lovely partnership on show as Janneke and ‘Special’ make their way through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. They’re working as a team and hunting their way round the course. The mare looks down the trop at 14B and Janneke encourages her with her voice. The clear that combination and head on their way.
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5:12
🇳🇱 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Janneke Boonzaaijer and I’m Special N.O.P
Dressage Score: 38.5
Place: 33
They come into the Main Arena and squirrel the line through the combination at 8. What a sweet horse, she really tried hard for her rider there.
We catch up with Imo grinding to a halt at 14A – the Wave Track. She decides to call it a day there.
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5:08
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Imo Brook and San Solo
Dressage Score: 45.7
Place: 47
Ooo, Imo has an early moment at the corner at 7. Up and down over that, not ideal. They’re steady into the Main Arena and Imo makes it happen between B and C. They get underneath it and Imo’s pitched slightly, but in great balance. Through there clear.
No May Moon is flying round the track. She’s so zippy and keen, really quick thinking. She’s great through the Wave Track at 14. But then things come undone at the water at 16. She twists slightly over the corner in the water at 16B, Allison is unseated but tries to stay on. The mare’s still traveling though and runs into the C element. The fence stops her but Allison slides off onto the top of the table there. Such a shame for them. This is a truly exciting mare with plenty in the future, for sure. We see her being walked round and cooled off. Allison looks to be OK.
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5:04
🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Allison Springer and No May Moon
Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 25
We see them fly into the Main Arena. They’re really quick to 8A and then just squeak round for B. But then they just don’t make it to C and go out to the side. Such a shame as the mare is actually jumping really well, almost too enthusiastically. They come back round and hop right up over the C element. They gallop on for an educational round after that mistake, giving the mare valuable 5* experience on her debut at the level.
Meanwhile Phoebe Locke is delighted as she crosses the finish line. She’s carrying those 15 penalties from 8C and has added 38 time.
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4:59
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B
Dressage Score: 41
Place: 40
They come to the Main Arena for the combination at 8. They look to be in a good pace. They’re on the line. They’re through there clear. Beautifully ridden, spot on. Oh dear, they run into troubles at the Messmer water – the fence on the island – 12A. The horse just doesn’t lock onto the fence. They come back round and jump through 12AB but then Tom puts his hand up.
Phoebe has been given 15 penalties for a missed flag at 8C. That’ll be reviewed. They have a great ride through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13, really working as a team as they pick their way through there. They nail the line through the Wave Track. Careful and clean – super job. They’re just as good through the water at 16ABC. Very neat and together now after that trouble in the Main Arena.
We’re hearing from Lara. She says Origi twisted a fetlock landing over the final fence. She says it’s something that is very painful initially. He’s now back in his stable and comfortable.
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4:56
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Phoebe Locke and Bellagio Declyange
Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 21
The horse sets off with ears pricked and flies the first three fences before heading off into the trees for the long galloping stretch. We see them make nothing of the Longines Water at 5. They come into the Main Arena for the combination at 8. She looks to have got a good rhythm and pace. They’re good over A, and B but then C is a heart in mouth moment. They dive across the angled brush. The flags go. Phoebe’s pitched forward. She sits back up. Spencer in the commentary box is questioning whether they were inside the flags – there’s a question mark on the live scoreboard. They continue on.
Benjamin is restarted and looks to get back into a rhythm very quickly. We see them set up for the double of gates at 18AB and take them carefully. The come through the trees and head towards the Irish Bank at 20ABC. The horse has a little look into the ditch coming off the bank but Benjamin keeps his head up and they make their way through there neatly. They jump through the double of corners at 23AB beautifully. The ditch combination at 25ABC is flawless for them. They’ve really got things together after that early mishap and are having a great ride. They’re easy over the last. 20 jumping, 9.2 time penalties.
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4:46
We’re just on hold while Gemma Stevens’ horse Jalapeno is attended to next to the track. Gemma pulled up when she felt the mare wasn’t right. That’s all we know right now. The vets are with them and Jalapeno is being taken care of. We’ll update you as we have more information.
The live blog will continue when the competition restarts.
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4:37
🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Benjamin Massie and Filao de Perle
Dressage Score: 37.4
Place: 28
OK, there’s action in the Main Arena. They have a run out at the C element and then come back round on a very wiggly line. The horse stops, kind of, and then goes. That looked uncomfortable but they’re over and on their way. We then see them make a beautiful job of the Wave Track at 14ABCD. As good as any through there. They’ve been stopped on course.
Gemma’s pulled up with Jalapeno. She jumps off. It looks like the mare has gone lame. We’re seeing them surrounded by people using their water bottles to cool off Jalapeno. The eventing community spirit in real life, right there. The vets are with them. I’ll update you as I have information.
Malin’s now crossed the finish line carrying those unfortunate 11 penalties. It was a quick round with just 1.6 time penalties added. That’s a shame.
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4:33
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno
Dressage Score: 29.4
Place: 5
They come quick into the Main Arena but then Gemma gets the mare right back. Gemma growls into the B element. They’re through clear. Super. Jalapeno is really confident through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. They’re giving this a great crack. They’re very smooth and together through the Wave Track at 14ABCD. Beautiful partnership and a horse and rider thinking as one – lovely to see.
Alice comes to the last and the horse looks full of running. Clear jumping 18 time for them. We didn’t get to see a lot of it but that seemed like a great round for them.
Malin and Quidditch look great over the Irish Bank at 20ABC. They’re not thinking about those 11 penalties now.
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4:27
🇸🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K
Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 3
Sitting in joint-third place coming into today, Malin and Quidditch are now out on course. Malin gives us a master class in the Main Arena. Beautiful through there. But then, oh no. They break the frangible device going into the Messmer Water at 11. It looked like they just didn’t get high enough and take it with the horse’s belly. That’s a real shame, especially as they were in such a good position. They continue on.
Frankie puts a lovely little trot stride before the triple brush coming out of the Irish Bank combination. Clever pony. That comes up great for them. Frankie’s taking no chances. They’re cruising towards the finish now. She’s about to complete 5* cross country for the first time. She’s been at the level before but this is her first completion. She’s delighted. 20 jumping 33.2 time.
Alice is close to the flag at 14D at the Wave Track but they’re inside and they squirrel through. It’s elbows going to the C element of the water at 16. Really bold cross country riding going on.
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4:22
🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Alice Coppithorne and Fort Arthur Little Dolly
Dressage Score: 44.1
Place: 45
We see them in the Main Arena. They’ve very slow into the A element of 5. They show jump that. They’re slow again to B and then make the turn and clear C. Slow and steady, making sure those turns were there. That worked for them.
“Come on” Frankie says as she makes her way through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. The mare listens and they’re great through there. “Good girl” Frankie says. Very nice job. There’s another “Come on” through the Wave Track. They make a great job of that tricky combination too.
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4:17
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Francesca Reid-Warrilow and Guilty Pleasure
Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 16=
We see the mare have a sticky jump into the first water at 5 but Frankie sits tight and is in just the right spot to stay in balance. They come into the Main Arena. They’re steady into the A element and make the B element. Frankie’s working hard with her legs to keep the line, but it doesn’t happen. They pick up 20 at 8C. They come round and take it well the second time and continue on.
Halenza has a rub at the rails going into the ditch combination at 25 but it stays up. They make a lovely job at the final combination and then have a nice jump over the final fence. 20 jumping 33.6 time.
We’re hearing that Origi is being assessed by the vets, he’s comfortable and being taken good care of. We’ll update with further information as it comes in.
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4:11
🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Florian Ganneval and Erebor de Fleyres
Dressage Score: 41.5
Place: 43
They’re kind of slow into 5A at the water and Florian is tipped forward as they come to a bit of a stop on landing. He sits up and pushes on and they make it through that combination. They make their way to the Main Arena. They fly the A element, really big. They have to chip in at the second element but make it over. Then the horse says a bit of a no at the C element. He comes back round but it’s a no again. And then a clear no. That’s the end of their competition, I’m afraid.
Oh dear, we pick up Sam tumbling over Gratango’s head down the bank at the ditch combination at 25. The horse stopped at the A element, the frangible device broke, the horse’s head came down and gravity took Sam over the top. She’s straight up on her feet and the horse doesn’t look worried at all as she’s led off course.
Meanwhile, Heidi’s working hard as she comes to the end of the course. The horse isn’t quite in front of her leg but Heidi’s supporting the mare as they head for the finish.
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4:08
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Heidi Coy and Halenza
Dressage Score: 37
Place: 27
We see Heidi come into the Main Arena. They’re quick as they come in but then Heidi takes some of the pace away. Oh. They just don’t make the B element. 20 for them there. They come back round and clear it, then the second brush and continue on their way.
Graftango is much better through the second water than the first, really showing trust in Sam. She’s settling as she continues through her round and is looking more confident. We see them at the Irish Bank at 20. They kind of dive off the bank at B and then really dive through the brush at C. Sam takes a little turn to rebalance before continuing on down the track.
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4:02
🇦🇺 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Cesnik and Graftango
Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: 34
The mare’s a bit sticky coming into the first water, creeping over the A element at 5. They go through there clear though and gallop away happy. They’re good over the corner at 7 before coming into the Main Arena. They’re quick to the A element, then take the pace right off for the B element before pushing for the angled brush at C. Two strides for them in there and it worked. That was an example of how to ride for the line rather than the stride. Great. Lucinda agrees, that’s how that should be ridden. Don’t panic about the really long stride, give the horse time for the turn. And who are we to argue with Queen Lucinda?
Oh dear, we see Selina grind to a halt on the island at the Messmer Water. Not their day today, sadly. They opt to walk home.
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3:57
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Selina Milnes and Cooley Snapchat
Dressage Score: 31.5
Place: 9
The horse is lovely and brave as he pops into the first water at 5. They’re very confident at the start of their round. They come fast into the Main Arena and, oop, another one to pick up penalties. They don’t make it round to the C element. They come back round and continue on.
We see Jesse at the ditch combination at 25 and ugh, the first element is really tricky and the ditch at B is just too close to recover. They have a really awkward jump over there and have no chance to get to the C element. Jesse puts his hand up.
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3:52
🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte
Dressage Score: 43
Place: 44
Jesse has the course to himself as he makes his way through the first water at 5. It’s a little haphazard but the horse has his ears pricked on the flags and they’re through there no worries. But then we see more problems in the Main Arena. He has a run out at the C element. Lucinda says there’s a better route through there. We’ll have to see whether any of the riders are listening. He continues on carrying that 20.
Ooo, we see him at the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. The horse really leaves a leg at the rail going in but Jesse’s got his weight back and they scramble things back together to take 12A on the island. They continue through as though nothing happened. Great work Jesse. All’s back on track as they cruise through the Wave Track at 14. They’re really smooth through the next water at 16.
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3:48
🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Jennifer Caras and Sommersby
Dressage Score: 40.1
Place: 39
The horse backs off the water at 5A but Jenni’s sitting up and encouraging him forward. It’s a little sticky through there at the start of their round. They look better over the corner by the sponsor tent at 7. They get a great shot over the A element in the Main Arena at 8. They’re very steady though. It’s sticky at the B element and then they grind to a bit of a halt at the C element. The horse puts his feet into the water tray under that fence. He’s spinning, Jenni’s lost her balance. She tries but sadly is pitched out of the side door. A real shame for them.
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3:43
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tom Rowland and Quintilius
Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 16=
Tom has to work hard through the first water at 5ABC. They get deep to the C element but Tom’s sitting back and helping his horse along, encouraging him forward. We see him in the Main Arena and sadly, there’s more trouble in there. The horse didn’t really take him to the B element and it doesn’t happen. He comes back round and the same happens again. He decides to call it a day after those early mistakes.
Nadja and Toblerone are still totally together as they come to the end of their round. We’re seeing an 11 penalties for them at the ditch combination at 25A. They complete with 5.2 time penalties.
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3:39
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Heath and Askari
Dressage Score: 41.3
Place: 41
Matthew has an interesting jump over 4 before dropping into the water at 5. He really slows up for the Main Arena and get a good shot over the A element, but the turn doesn’t really happen and they go along the face of the fence at B. 20 for them, they come back round and it’s the same story. Matt puts his hand up.
Aaron’s riding sensibly as he nears home. The horse looks a little tired and Aaron’s just supporting him and not pushing at all. He’s still jumping beautifully. They cross the finish line clear with 16.8 time.
We see Nadja and Toblerone jumping away happily as they continue their round. This pair really are a lovely partnership and they look to be having a great time out there. They’re very quick through the water at 16.
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3:35
🇨🇭 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Nadja Minder and Toblerone
Dressage Score: 35.5
Place: 24
They get a huge jump at fence 4, just before the first water. This is a combination who know each other so well, having been together almost forever. They continue on through the combination confidently. They are brilliant through the Main Arena. No questions there.
Aaron’s smooth through the Messmer Water at 11/12AB/13. He’s making this look easy. They’re in a lovely balance and are popping their way over these enormous 5* fences. They’re equally impressive through the Magna Wave at 14. The horse looks really rideable and confident in his job. Lovely to see.
Meanwhile we see Lara and Origi cross the finish line. Origi seems to be pulling up lame. Lara gets straight off and the vet team will be there. We’ll update you with any information as we get it.
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3:32
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Aaron Millar and KEC Deakon
Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 10=
They make nothing of the first water at 5ABC and look to be having a great start to their round. Aaron really pushes into the B and C elements of 8 in the Main Arena, going straight over those acute angled brushes. Excellent.
Arne’s making his way towards home now. He makes nothing of the double of corners at 23 and gallops on, perhaps not quite so speedy as earlier in the round.
We catch up with Lara at the Irish Bank at 20ABC. She clicks as the horse looks down the bank and Origi works it out.
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3:28
🇧🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Origi
Dressage Score: 36.5
Place: 26
Last year’s winner, Lara, sets off with Origi. They make a great turn through the Main Arena combination and make it through the B and C element in 2 strides. They gallop on.
Robbie’s still going really well as we see him through the double of corners at 23. They fly the ditch and brush at 26 and are riding for home. This round has been really impressive. Confident and smooth and balanced. They finish just 5 seconds over – 2 time penalties.
Meanwhile Arne’s mare is super keen through the Messmer Water at 11/12/13. Blink and you’ll miss her! They execute the Magna Wave beautifully, Arne bringing the mare back for four strides to give her a chance to look at it.
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3:25
🇩🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 31=
Arne has set out super fast. They absolutely fly through the first water combination. Wow. That was smart. We catch up with him in the Main Arena and Arne really brings the mare back, she sees the line and they push forward. Really straight through there – that was impressive. The horse looks really keen.
Robbie’s really having a beautiful ride. So balanced and confident, really accurate. We see him through the water at 16ABC – so smooth.
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3:20
🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter
Dressage Score: 39.2
Place: 37
Robbie shows us how is should be done in the Main Arena – they’re perfect through there.
We catch up with Wills Oakden having trouble at the Messmer Water. They splash through the water and onto the island but then stop at 12A. They walk home. They had troubles in the Main Arena too. We didn’t see it but Lucinda in the commentary box tells us he came in really, really quick. There’s a question mark at 8B and a run out at the C element. All academic now as they have opted to call it a day.
We see Sebastien pick up a late 20 at the ditch combination at 25. It all looked to come apart a little and they miss the log at C. They comeback round and continue on home. 14.8 time and that 20 for them.
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3:14
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley
Dressage Score: 34.7
Place: 19=
The horse has a little look going into the first water at 5. He listens to Will though and they make it between B and C on one stride.
Ros approaches the Irish Bank at 20 and the pair show some smart footwork making their way through there. She’s took her foot off the gas by the looks of it after that 20 and is giving the horse a really confidence-building round. The cross the finish line 52 seconds over.
Sebastien is quick through Messmer Water at 12/12/13 and the horse looks to be really enjoying himself out there, really relishing it. Sebastien brings him right back for the double of gates at 18 and they’re neat through there.
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3:10
🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Sebastien Cavaillon and Black Pearl Z
Dressage Score: 38.1
Place: 30
We see them come through the first water at 4 and 5ABC. Black Pearl sure looks up for it. The gallop into the Main Arena at blistering speed. They jump the first element and then make it neatly through on one stride.
Ros takes the straight route through the Messmer Water at 11/12AB/13.
Meanwhile Lea has crossed the line clear with 3.2 time penalties.
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3:06
🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and MHS Seventeen
Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 12
We see Ros drop into the Longines Water at 5 and she gives us a masterclass in balanced riding. Beautiful through there. Oops, we pick them back up in the Main Arena. They have an up-and-down jump over the B element and then run straight past the C element. That’s 20 for them there.
Hester’s still galloping along as she nears the end of the course. Laura sets up for the Irish Bank at 20ABC and they’re really smooth through there. Hester’s really settled and is trusting Laura. She’s full of run and ears pricked as they gallop away from there. They’re very confident through the ditch combination at 25ABC, great to see after the mare looking a little like she was questioning Laura at the start of the course. They cross the line with just 1.2 time penalties.
We haven’t got to see much of Lea, sadly but she’s clear through fence 21AB.
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3:03
🇦🇹 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 15
‘Fighty’ has a bit of a spook as he sets off. This is such a lovely, longtime partnership, Lea’ll soon have him settled into his round.
Laura goes on 4 strides between the drop at 14B and the first of two offset brushes at C. She’s having to really help Hester out at times but the mare is growing in confidence all the time. Lots of pats for her.
Meanwhile Cosby has a moment at the ditch combination at 25 but she sits tight. She crosses the finish line just one second over the time. A great round from them.
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2:59
🇬🇧 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Laura Collett and Hester
Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 13
We pick Laura up at the first water at 4 and 5ABC. She works hard to give Hester confidence and they gallop on through. We see them in the Main Arena and Laura really brings the mare back to make the turn. Laura makes it happen. Big pats as they gallop out of the ring.
We see Cosby make absolutely nothing of the Wave Track at 14ABCD. The horse really locked on through there. They have a bit of a rub at one of the gates at 18, which is frangible, but no damage done. They continue on.
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2:54
🇺🇲 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Cosby Green and Jos UFO de Quidam
Dressage Score: 39
Place: 36
We see Cosby get a great shot over the table at 2 and then head out to the first water after jumping the brush oxer at 3. We get to see her really take no chances to be sure to make the turn at the combination in the Main Arena. Great job.
Meanwhile Aimee has cleared the new Irish Bank complex at 20 with no troubles. We see her through the ditch combination at 25ABC. She encourages the mare with a little click coming in and they make it through there perfectly. Nearly home now. They clear the last carrying that 20 with 16 time.
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2:45
🇬🇧 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore
Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 38
And we’re off!
They gallop out of the start box and over the first. The mare looks well up for it as she flies the table at 2 and then they bop the brush oxer at 3 and head to the first water.
They get a smooth ride through the Longines water at 4/5ABC. A great, confident start for them.
Ears are pricked and they’re in a great rhythm as they come into the Main Arena for the combination at 8. They get a great shot over the A element and then the second but sadly drive straight by the second of the angled brushes at C. It’s a really acute angle to that one and I suspect it’s not the only 20 we’ll see there today.
We pick them back up at the Messmer Water at 11/12AB/13. They take the straight route through there, navigating the island and back into the water really smoothly. The crowds sure have turned out in Germany, despite the early hour – it’s packed up at that water.
They make a great job of the Wave Track at 14ABCD – they’re careful off the drop at B and find the line through the offset brushes really efficiently.
The mare stills looks full of run as Aimee brings her back for the double of gates at 18.
Despite that 20 this round is really confident so far.
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Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* (Germany): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
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