Captain Mark Phillips has been Luhmühlen’s course designer since 2005, its first year as a CCI4* event. In 2013 his contract was extended by three year’s and will end after this year’s event, whereupon Mike Etherington-Smith will step into his shoes.
The outgoing designer took a moment at this year’s event to reflect on his relationship with the German four-star and its team, and express the principles underlying his cross country design philosophy.
We’re all looking forward to seeing how tomorrow’s course rides — you can click here for a preview.
It’s garnered positive first impressions from the riders, including CCI4* dressage leader Julia Krajewski, who remarked, “The course is definitely at four-star-level. Technically, every question is asked of horse and rider. However, all fences are fair and inviting. Riding clear lines and getting into a good rhythm will be important. The ground is perfect and I am hoping for a strong round tomorrow.”
This animated course preview gives a good feel of the winding track, which will have riders paying extra close attention to their watches. Commented Great Britain’s Oliver Townend, who sits 11th on Black Tie: “There are many positive challenges on this course. Due to the course looping a few times, I think the round will feel rather lengthy. Staying within the optimum time might be difficult but should be achievable.”
By all accounts the footing looks superb, as was pointed out by Australia’s William Levett: “I am so happy the ground is looking so good. There are many corners and skinnies on the way, so concentration will be important tomorrow. I think staying within the optimum time will be a challenge due to the many turns along the way. The water complex is definitely four-star and requires precision and positive riding.”
Germany’s own Andreas Dibowski, currently in fourth with It’s Me xx, said, “The course has been designed to give even horses with little experience a positive round, which is what Luhmühlen stands for. All questions are clearly defined and the combinations have been set out to be variable, giving each rider plenty of options.”
Stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. The FEI TV broadcast of CCI4* cross country starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. EST. You can watch live at this link.
Luhmühlen: Website, Orders of Go, CCI4* Live Scores, CIC3* Live Scores, Course Preview, FEI TV, Facebook, Twitter
Go Eventing.
