It’s time to get the party started at the next CCI5* on the 2023 calendar: Longines Luhmühlen, which takes place just to the south of Hamburg in the north part of Germany. This staple on the eventing fixture list is known for its technical, winding cross country track and high-atmosphere arenas. We’re also treated to a CCI4*-S class, most of which will be competing for the Meßmer Trophy — the German National Championship.
A star-studded entry list in the 5* headlines the weekend, with 43 horse and rider combinations entered. Another 50 pairs will compete in the 4*-S division running concurrently.
This weekend’s 5* Ground Jury is presided over by Great Britain’s Nick Burton, who is accompanied by Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT) and Joachim Dimmek (GER). The 4*-S Ground Jury is helmed by Seppo Laine (FIN), accompanied by Ernst Topp (GER). Mike Etherington-Smith is the cross country designer here for both divisions. The jumping tracks will be laid by German designer Marco Behrens.
As is tradition here at EN, we’ve dug into the archives and our mind palaces to bring you all the bits and bobs we can muster about each horse and rider entered in the Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* division. Keep scrolling for a list of all pairs, each horse’s age and breeding, and fun facts about each.
Tilly Berendt is our roving reporter this weekend, and she’ll be doing a monster of a job bringing you the latest updates at the end of each day. Cheg Darlington and Sally Spickard will be helming live updates for dressage and cross country, and the rest of the EN team will be working weird hours to make sure you have all the information you need and want at your fingertips. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@goeventing) for more, and you can also catch all the action live on Horse & Country (subscription or one-time pass required — you can save 15% on an annual H&C+ membership using code EVENTINGNATION15, by the way!). You can find scheduling info and more on the live stream in our info post here.
Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [<a href=“https://eventingnation.com/luhmuhlen-form-guide/“ target=“_blank”EN’s Form Guide]
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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 last name; sections in alphabetical order by country and last name):
Bill Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z (BEL)
Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU)
Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)
Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis (FRA)
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien (GER)
Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS (GER)
Jerome Robine and Black Ice (GER)
Laura Collett and Dacapo (GBR)
Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)
David Doel and Ferro Point (GBR)
Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (GBR)
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (GBR)
Harry Meade and Tenareze (GBR)
Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby (GBR)
Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)
Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey (GBR)
Izzy Taylor and Happy Days (GBR)
Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs (GBR)
Oliver Townend and Tregilder (GBR)
Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)
Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty (IRL)
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding (NZL)
Tim Price and Happy Boy (NZL)
Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser (USA)
Hallie Coon and Global Ex (USA)
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (USA)
Matthew Flynn and Wizzerd (USA)
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA)
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)
Tamra Smith and Solaguayre California (USA)
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AUSTRALIA
Bill Levett and Huberthus AC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Bill Levett and Huberthus AC (AUS)
Eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Douglas – S. Anubertha 16, by Voltaire). Owned by Elisabeth Murdoch, William Levett, and Keith Tyson. Bred by A. Cornelese.
Eventing fans will be familiar with the name Bill Levett, who, at 60, is one of the most experienced riders in the field. Based in Britain since 1994, Australian Bill is rerouting from Badminton where he retired after a 20 on a very muddy cross country day with Huberthus AC, or “Bart” as he’s known in the stable. As Badminton was the gelding’s first CCI5*, given the difficult ground conditions, Bill’s intention was to see how the horse found it on the day and retire if he felt the experience wasn’t as positive as he’d like for Bart’s first 5*. The ground shouldn’t be an issue at Luhmühlen — with its sandy base, it can easily cope with serious rainfall, so it’ll be interesting to see how Bart enjoys what will be his second 5* start in more favorable conditions.
Bart was produced by Chris Hall and Emily Oppenheimer, joining Bill’s team in 2019. He stepped up to the Advanced level in 2021, finishing 27th in the Bicton 4*-L and 21st in the 4*-L at Blenheim, where he added just 4 show jumping penalties to his dressage of 32.8. Bart didn’t compete in 2022, coming back in 2023 with a run in the 3*-S in Montelibretti, where he finished 6th. He returned to Italy the following month for the 4*-S, finishing 6th and adding just 4.8 cross country time to his 30.7 dressage. The first phase has seen his most inconsistent scores, from very low 30s to very low 40s, but his most recent form suggests we’re likely to see a low to mid-30s test – he posted a 32.5 at Badminton. His cross country record is where he shines, jumping clear in all but two of his thirteen FEI runs. He does tend to add time, and with Bart being inexperienced at the level it’s unlikely Bill will have his pedal to the metal, but he has shown he can make the time at 4*-L, and the most he’s added due to the clock this year is 15.3 in his first run of the season. On the final day, he has had a pole more often than not, but in his last two runs (except Badminton, where he didn’t show jump) he’s left them up, completing with only cross country time added to his dressage scores.
Bill represented Australia at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships and was named traveling reserve for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. He was an Event Rider Masters regular, taking fifth, fourth and third placings in the 2018 series. When he’s not training or riding, Bill works as part of the Monart Sales team, helping to select top-quality young horses for the luxury off-season auction.
AUSTRIA
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)
Sixteen-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Ostermond xx – Pia, by Laretto). Owned by Marianne Mühlböck. Bred by Josef Fuchs.
Don’t let her young age and limited CCI5*-L experience fool you, Lea Siegl comes to play. After contesting the Junior and Young Rider European Championships, she and DSP Fighting Line stepped into her first year at the senior level in a big way by being the youngest competitor at the Tokyo Olympics where she finished in 15th place. In 2022 she and Fighty once again represented Austria on the world stage, by placing in 25th place at the World Equestrian Games held in Pratoni.
Lea contested her first CCI5* with Cupido P at Luhmuhlen last year, but withdrew at the second horse inspection.
In 2023, she has seven(!) FEI horses competing, with Luhmuhlen hopefully completing her CCI1* to CCI5* hat trick. She and Fighty have had a somewhat quiet spring, with only one FEI event, but they stepped out in style winning the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup at Montelibretti in Italy, adding just 0.4 time penalties to their (personal best) dressage score of 24.5. (note: the same weekend she also won the CCI4*-L with Van Helsing P – this girl knows how to win).
She and Fighty may be contesting their first CCI5*-L together, but look for them to lay it down in all three phases, especially when the pressure is on.
BELGIUM
Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z (BEL)
Fifteen-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Klarion Dancer xx – Great Thinker, by Bis de la Mare). Owned by the rider. Bred by Damiaan van Hollebeke.
The 22-year-old Seppe Vilain is making his CCI5*-L debut this week with longtime partner Kawa de la Cour Z. Seppe has brought “Kawa” through all the International ranks, which includes two Junior and one Young Rider Championship, before being called up to his first senior team for the Nations Cup at Boekelo in 2021.
This weekend’s sole Belgian entry stepped up to the 4* level two seasons ago with Kawa, and while he’s had scores as low as 30.5 at the level, we’ll likely see the pair go mid-30s at 5*. Kawa has a very strong cross country record, and he hasn’t had a jump related penalty in this phase since 2019. He’s also proven he can go quickly as well: the pair went double clear in the CCI4*-L at Kronenberg three months ago.
Show jumping could be the pair’s most influential phase in terms of their finishing result, and more likely than not they will have some penalties here, but Seppe will be looking to finish as neatly as he can for his first 5* result and all the education that this weekend can offer the up-and-coming Belgian rider.
ECUADOR
Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy (ECU)
Sixteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (My Happy Guest xx – Nottfelderin, by Caletto). Owned by Monique Deyme, Frank Wettstein, and the rider. Bred by Meyer Friedrich.
Despite many years at the top level of the sport together, this is only technically “Happy’s” second CCI5*. His debut was here at Luhmühlen five years ago where the pair finished in the top 20. He’s spent the years in between focused on the 4* level with two World Championships sprinkled in.
This weekend will be a big test for Nico and Happy. The pair historically produced many successful cross country rounds, but their record on the endurance phase has been less than sparkling in the last few years. They started — but did not complete — two CCI4*-Ls earlier this season, one due to a higher-than-average dressage score and another because of a lost shoe on cross country, but they have produced two top ten finishes at 4*-S this spring, which is a boost of confidence coming to this weekend’s big test.
Based in Switzerland, Nicolas holds three passports thanks to a Swiss father and a French mother. He previously rode under both the Swiss and French flags until he swapped nationalities to Ecuador in 2011 after he became eligible through marriage. Since then, he represented Ecuador at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2022 World Championships. He was also the first representative from Ecuador to ride at Badminton. When he’s not in the saddle, Nico keeps plenty busy with a full time job as a director of a pharmaceutical company.
FRANCE
France’s Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour (FRA)
Twelve-year-old Selle Francaise stallion (Diamant de Semilly – Macy van Leut, by Elanville). Owned by Rider. Bred by Eric Levallois.
Amateur riders everywhere will love to follow full-time farrier Florian Ganneval, brings forward the 12-year-old stallion Blue Bird de Beaufour to his third 5* start this weekend. Having twice competed at Pau – unfortunately running into elimination in their second start at Pau last year after the Ground Jury opted to pull the pair up on account of Blue Bird de Beaufour being tired – they’ll make their first start at the level at a different venue this weekend.
Florian refers to Blue Bird de Beaufour as a “good student” who aims to please in his work. On the flat, he works to keep the horse engaged and in front of the leg, naming him as a bit on a lazy side in this phase. While this pair has squeaked into the 20s in the past, at the 3* level, they’re more likely to earn a low-to-mid-30s mark from the Ground Jury this weekend to start off their competition.
Having gone to England in 2022 for some additional practice and exposure, Florian has spent this season closer to home and will be looking to have a strong experience this weekend in Germany.
Gireg Le Coz and Caramel d’Orchis (FRA)
Eleven-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Grafton – Jacarilla Verte, by Apache d’Adriers). Owned by Rider. Bred by Monique, Phillipe, and Pascal Gatesoupe.
Gireg Le Coz brings forward a 5* debutant horse in this 11-year-old French-bred gelding. Despite it being this horse’s first go at the top level, he’s far from short on experience at up-to-standard events: he’s contested the tough 4*-L at Bramham, finishing 30th overall in 2022, as well as earned a top-10 finish at Strzegom’s 4*-L and a fifth place in 3*-L competition at Le Pin au Haras back in 2020. He also capped off his 2022 season with a top-10 finish at the 3*-L level.
Riding a high of being recently named to the French long list for the Paris Olympics next year, Gireg will focus his attentions on this lesser experienced partner of his. While this week will be firmly focused on experience for this young gun, Caramel d’Orchis stands to make a good impression as his cross country record gets stronger and his dressage marks slowly whittle down. We’d love to see this pair squeeze out a high-20s effort on the first day of competition, but a low or mid-30s score is more likely to see in this debut.
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or (FRA)
Fifteen-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Yarlands Summer Song – Fee du Logis, by Prince Ig’Or). Owned and bred by Marie-Christine Duroy-de Lauriere and Rider.
Still owned by breeder Marie-Christine Duroy-de Lauriere, Unum de’Or is a veritable member of the Lyard family, having been produced for the majority of his eventing career by the French Olympian.
This Anglo-Arab gelding made the step up to the 5* level in 2021, with Cedric opting for Pau as the horse’s debut. It was a successful first trip – the pair finished ninth overall. While an early 2022 trip to Badminton would eventually end up in retirement on cross country, the pair rebounded nicely to contest Burghley later in the year. Unum de’Or made good on that bet, finishing inside the top 20. He would have finished higher, would it not have been for a couple of unfortunate poles down on the final day of competition.
Now, they’ll add another new 5* venue to their CV with a start in Germany at Luhmühlen. If they’re able to go quick on Saturday and leave the poles up on Sunday, a low-30s mark in the first phase – which has historically been where this pair has left the most points on the board – will put these two into good standing when the dust settles.
GERMANY
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.
Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)
Thirteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Timolino xx – Windgold, by Carlos D Z). Owned by Jutta and Michael Spethmann. Bred by Ole Lehmann.
Nicolai Aldinger will bring forward a debutant horse this weekend in the 13-year-old Timmo, with whom he’s earned some well-deserved recognition as he’s made his way up the levels. He’s been thoughtful with his production of Timmo, who began his FEI eventing career with Danish rider Peter Flarup in the irons. After transferring to Nicolai, the gelding moved up to the 4* level in 2020 but has spent the intervening seasons gaining experience and getting steadily more competitive. It’s a good example of not pushing to make that last leap to the top level too soon – Nicolai and Timmo went from finishing mid or late-pack to consistently finishing inside the top 10 and top 15 of events starting in 2021.
In 2023, Timmo has won once at the 3* level and finished fifth once at the 4* level. This pair was also a part of the gold medal-winning team contesting the FEI Eventing Nations Cup leg at Le Pin au Haras last summer, and with a strong performance here could find themselves at least on the long list for Germany at this year’s FEI Eventing European Championships. They did compete here at Luhmühlen in 2022, finishing 14th overall in the 4*-S division that also serves as the German National Championship.
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Arne Bergendahl and Luthien (GER)
Eleven-year-old Westphalian mare (La Calido – Taramanga, by Templer xx). Owned by Helmut Bergendahl. Bred by Heinrich Bergendahl.
This weekend will be a 5* debut for both Arne Bergendahl as well as the 11-year-old mare, Luthien 3. Long-listed to the German squad for the FEI Eventing World Championships in 2022, this pair made an impression on the selectors as they climbed the levels together. They’ve been partnered since the outset of Luthien’s FEI eventing career, and have been campaigning at the 4* level since 2021.
Opting to compete primarily in the Netherlands, Arne and Luthien have found success at venues such as Strzegom and Baborowko, finishing fourth together in their first 4*-L as a pair in the spring of 2022. A trip to Boekelo didn’t quite end so well, as the pair were spun at the final horse inspection Sunday morning, but they’ll have put that experience behind them and will be firmly focused on the task at hand this weekend.
Dressage would not be the phase where you’ll see this combination make the most moves; a mid-30s effort would likely make Arne quite pleased, as Luthien is typically more likely to pull a score closer to the 40 mark on most days. They’ve got a darn impressive cross country record though, with nary a jumping penalty on their record at the 4* level save their very first attempt back in 2021. They’re also keen to leave the jumps where they belong on show jumping day, so if Arne can put all the pieces together, we could be looking at a strongly-placed pair of debutants come Sunday afternoon.
Emma Brüssau and Dak Desire GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS (GER)
Fourteen-year-old Hanoverian mare (Don Frederico – Cantate, by Carismo). Owned by Jürgen Brüssau. Bred by Bernd Gehrdau-Schroeder.
Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS have been paired together since Emma was a teenager, and they’ve developed much of their respective eventing experience together. Along with valuable experience and mileage, this pair has also become a major “one to watch” on the international radar – bringing to mind the junior-rankings success of one Yasmin Ingham. Together, Emma and “Desi” have taken the golden crown at the 2019 FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders as well as a silver medal at the level below in the previous years’ championship. These accomplishments add to success Emma had previously found at young rider championship level, and she eventually went on to make her senior squad debut with the 14-year-old mare in FEI Nations Cup competition in 2019. They were most recently named as reserves to the 2021 European Eventing Championships squad for the Germans.
So while this is a banner weekend for both Emma and Desi in terms of debut, it comes as the next step in the natural progression of a career whose star is surely just beginning to rise. They’re coming off a top-10 finish in 4*-S competition at Baborowko (Poland) this spring and will be coming into this important debut on home soil looking to put a solid first outing under their belt. While it may not happen in this first attempt, this pair is well-capable of a dressage mark in the 20s, and you’d be hard-pressed to find many flaws in their combined cross country record. Show jumping may prove to be this pair’s nemesis this weekend, but a solid debut may put this pair firmly on the radar (as if they weren’t already there!) of the German selectors ahead of this year’s European Championships and – dare we say – next year’s Olympics.
Jerome Robiné and Black Ice (GER). Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice (GER)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Vechta – Brookhall Lady, by Touchdown). Owned by Dorothea von Zedtwitz. Bred by Judith McClelland.
A product of the German Federation’s military-based Warendorf production system, Jérôme Robiné comes forward to make his debut at the 5* level on home soil this weekend with the impressively talented Black Ice. Very nearly the 2022 German National Champion here in 2022, Jérôme and Black Ice instead took home the under-25 title and now stand poised to build on that result this weekend. Despite it being a debut, we can’t help but think that this could be a well-ranked pair at the end of the day on Sunday. They have yet to incur a jump penalty on cross country since beginning their partnership during the pandemic in 2020. While they’ve been known to lower a pole when they can’t afford one, they could put themselves into good striking distance with a strong showing in the first two phases.
This partnership is a good example of one that just seems to gel naturally. Black Ice underwent several changes of jockey in the beginning of his international career, before joining Jérôme’s program. Since this consistency has been in place, the horse’s record has gotten progressively more competitive. Despite its lack of length, the bond horse and rider have built here is evident in their marks, and that strength should come in to play this weekend.
GREAT BRITAIN
Laura Collett and Dacapo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Laura Collett and Dacapo (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado-Tosca VII, by Canturo). Owned by Diana Chappell, Gillian Morris-Adams, Alison and Michael Smedley, and Carolyn Taylor. Bred by ZG Kirsten and Eggert Bock.
Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the “next big thing” to come out of Olympic Gold Medalist and Badminton 2022 winner Laura Collett’s yard: Dacapo, or “Cal” as he is known to his friends. Although he is the same age as his stable mate — the legendary London 52 — it would be fair to say that thus far at least, Cal has very much been in his shadow. Admittedly, an Olympic medal and a Badminton title is a tough act to follow, but perhaps 2023 will be the year we start to see his star begin to rise.
His jumping record is impeccable, marred only by the occasional coloured pole here and there and his first phase score is becoming similarly immaculate. He led the CCIO4*-NC-L at Boekelo from start to finish last season on a 21.9 dressage, adding just 4 jumping faults in the final phase. This followed a similarly polished performance in the CCI4*-L at Millstreet earlier in the year, where he also took the win with a 24.3 dressage.
Cal has continued this incredible form so far this season, with three out of three double clears and a win at Burnham Market CCI-S 4* in the Spring. Indeed, he showed promise at Badminton too, lying seventh after dressage with a formidable 25.2, although Laura ultimately made the decision to withdraw ahead of the jumping phases after the constant deluge saw the cross-country dissolve into a mud bath. Re-routing to Bicton CCI-S4* paid off though, and Cal romped home in third place, the perfect prep run for Luhmühlen .
Hopefully it is third-time lucky for Cal and Laura in Germany; his 5* debut in Pau 2021 saw him retire on cross country, but two years of experience could be just what he needed to show us what he is made of — let’s not forget it took the formidable London 52 a few years to come into his own — so watch this space. Cal could well be the one to watch, and if he keeps his head across country, he is more than capable of a top 10 placing.
Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos – Vernante, by Quinar). Owned by Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett, and the rider. Bred by Ocke Riewerts.
Where to begin with the eventing legend that is London 52?! Badminton winner, Olympic gold medalist… these are but a few of the accolades afforded this incredible horse who seems, like the finest of wines, to just keep getting better with age.
He did have an uncharacteristic run out at the World Championships in Pratoni last year, but then so did a fair few others, so we can’t hold it against him too much. Let’s not forget he had just posted an incredible 19.3 dressage score – their best international result to date. Indeed, Dan seems to have put this minor blip firmly behind him anyway, notching up three wins already this season. Most recently he stormed home to take the top spot at Bicton CCI4*-S, adding just a handful of cross-country time faults to his first phase score of 19.8.
The 5* here in Luhmühlen is certainly “Plan B” for Laura and “Dan” — he was originally destined to defend his Badminton 2022 title until he picked up a minor injury a few weeks out from the event and Laura made the brave but sensible decision to withdraw him. Now back to full fitness, Dan will surely be raring to go and strut his stuff in front of his adoring fans once more. He famously loves a crowd, and his dance moves in the first phase really are a thing of beauty. Laura has honed them to nigh on perfection — with help from Dressage legend Carl Hester — and so there is little doubt that they will be at the head of the leader board after dressage.
Admittedly, the last time Laura bought Dan to Luhmühlen — for the CCI-L4* back in 2019 – he was eliminated on the cross country. But he returned to form a month later, winning the CCI4*-L at Boekelo, confirming his place as a star on the world stage with a win at Pau in the 5* in 2020 – his debut at that level I might add. Thus, is stands to reason that London 52 could easily add another 5* win to his ever-growing honors list this weekend in Germany and earn his place in the Eventing Hall of Fame as one of the G.O.A.Ts.
David Doel and Ferro Point. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
David Doel and Ferro Point (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish-bred mare (Match Point xx – Ferra Jones, by S. Creevagh Ferro). Owned by Christine and Hannah Lees and Molly Nunn. Bred by Trevor Badger.
While likely most known for his recent string of successes aboard Galileo Nieuwmoed — including an eighth place finish at this year’s Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*, sixth at his Badminton debut, and fourth at Pau last year — David Doel has a rather full roster of horses campaigning across Europe. He cleaned up across the board at Kronenberg-De Peelbergen’s 2*-S and 3*-S in the Netherlands this March, taking top ten finishes on nearly all of his five horses’ runs. Currently sitting in 20th for the FEI World Athlete rankings, David attributes his success to a lot of prep and fitness work with one of his trainers Nick Turner, as well as support from his team at Reybridge Eventing – just a 20 minute jaunt from Badminton itself.
David’s Reybridge Eventing website names Ferro Point as “the nimble lady of the yard – an elegant picture with a really swanky walk.” Since taking 12th at Kronenberg’s 4*-S in 2022, “Ferro” managed a bronze medal at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Chatsworth just last month — one of only two ever top five international wins for the mare. David also ran Ferro in Pau last year with Galileo Nieuwmoed, but the pair were caught up by a frangible on course, as well as several poles on the final day, finishing the event in 20th place.
“She’s very cute but has kissing spine, which we manage with great care, and ultimately, she loves her job,” David explained to Horse & Hound. “We spend a lot of time working on her top line and don’t do anything too intense with her… In the stable she’s really reserved, but as soon as she gets out onto the cross-country, she’ll be pulling my arms out and she loves to gallop — she’s a cool little pocket rocket and quite a feisty little blood-type mare.”
Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (O.B.O.S. Quality 004 – unknown). Owned by Jane and Jonathan Clarke. Bred by Martin J. Collins.
The legendary Pippa Funnell returns on a Luhmühlen first-timer just days after her fourth win at the Bramham CCI4*-L on MCS Maverick. After such an exciting weekend, we are anxious to see how this week will turn out for her. With 27 5* runs in the last decade alone, the British Olympian is often most well-known as the “Eventing Grand Slam” winner on the late Primmore’s Pride, who she also placed individual third with at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
This will be the second international event this year for “Squirrel” after taking fifth place at Bicton’s CCI4*-S last month, just a handful of cross country time over his lovely dressage score of 22.8. The pair finished in the top 20 at Blenheim’s 4*-L in September, but were eliminated on cross country in both other events last year — Burnham’s 4*-S and the 5* at Badminton. Pippa also withdrew the gelding from two events out of five in 2021, but ended the year strong by taking fifth at the Hartpury Standard Show that fall.
We are hoping for a second 5* finish for Pippa and Squirrel at Luhmühlen this weekend. The 15-year-old nearly always comes out of cross country with a handful of time and a spare refusal now and then, but is frequently in the top five when finishing — including five of his last eight completions. The duo were the champions at Burghley in 2019 for Squirrel’s 5* debut, but were eliminated in last year’s Badminton — which we will see this time around?
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tinarana’s Inspector – Rehy Misty, by Big Sink Hope xx). Owned by The Sue Davies Fund. Bred by Noel L Russell.
In recent years, Yasmin Ingham has become more well known for her partnership with Banzai Du Loir, whom she piloted to become World Champion in 2022. However, Rehy DJ was the horse that first helped her to make headlines.
Sourced in Ireland as a six-year-old by the late Sue Davies and Janette Chin, “Piglet” has been campaigned by Yas all the way from Novice level, and together they won the British Young Rider Championships at Houghton Hall in 2018, finishing on their dressage score of 32.8. They would go on to be fourth at the Young Rider Europeans in Fontainebleau that same year, and it was with this horse that the World Champion was first selected for the senior British Team, as part of the Nations Cup in Aachen in July 2022.
Piglet has an impeccable jumping record, rarely tipping a pole in the final phase; cross country jumping faults are rare too. Yas is full of praise for her long-term partner, and says of him: “We know each other inside out… he is unbelievable.”
This, combined with his natural jumping ability and his rider’s natural talent, make them a formidable duo. Ever consistent at both short and long CCI4* level, this will be Piglet’s second 5* attempt; they made their debut at the level at Pau in 2020, with an impressive first phase score of 28.7, picking up 40 penalties cross country before being withdrawn at the second horse inspection. Now, with another 3-years worth of experience for both horse and rider, perhaps Luhmühlen could be the place for Piglet to step back into the spotlight.
Tom Jackson and Farndon (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old KWPN gelding (Hemmingway – Silvanda, by Marlon). Owned by Anne and Lain Slater. Bred by S and N Burton.
Farndon is a 5* debutant for British rider Tom Jackson this weekend, with two solid seasons at the Advanced and 4* under his belt leading up to this first start. Previously campaigned by Marcus Roberts and Francis Whittington, Tom first took the reins and began competing this son of Hemmingway in 2021, stepping right into competition at the 4* level. Tom has been notably pleased with the gelding’s work on the flat as he’s come on this season; the pair has begun to achieve mid- or high-20s marks more consistently to begin 2023, compared to scoring more steadily in the low- or mid-30s in previous seasons.
As an event horse matures into his or her job, oftentimes a drop in scores is seen as the horse gains strength in the body and maturity in the mind. At this point, now Tom has decided that the next level makes the most sense in the horse’s progression. It’s a good lesson for all of us to take away: completion at a level does not automatically mean “ready to move up”. With two full seasons and 14 4* competitions on his CV, this gelding has more than demonstrated his readiness to move up safely and, potentially, competitively. That thoughtful production could pay off in a big way this weekend.
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Camiro de Haar Z – Vanir Silver River, by Golden River). Owned by Fiona Breach. Bred by Kathryn Jackson.
This year’s Luhmühlen will mark the fourth CCI5* start for Fiona and Creevagh Silver De Haar, re-routing from this spring’s Badminton where the pair opted to withdraw before cross country on a particularly treacherous day.
These two know each other hand-in-glove by this point, with Fiona having brought “Hero” up the levels herself. The pair logged their first FEI start at the now-CCI2* level in 2015 and made their 5* debut in 2022 at Badminton, which was also Fiona’s first ride at the level. With Pau and Badminton completions under their belt (or girth?), these two are no longer newbies at the level, although this will be their first trip around Luhmühlen.
While they’re still seeking their first clear cross country run at the level, Fiona and Hero have delivered several of them at the 4* level. With a first phase score that is usually in the low 30’s and a clear show jumping rate of just under 50%, these two seem poised and ready to deliver a solid effort this weekend.
As an added bonus, Hero is actually three-quarters related to Piggy March’s incredible 5* winning mount Vanir Kamira. The two share a sire in Camiro de Haar Z, and Hero’s granddam Fair Caledonian (dam of Vanir Silver River) is Vanir Kamira’s direct dam. It’s in the genes for this one!
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR). Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Emily King and Valmy Biats (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Selle Français gelding (Orlando – Aurélie Du Prieuré, by Hadj A X). Owned and bred by Philippe Brivois.
Fresh off of a win at Thoresby Park in the CCI4*-S and a top 20 finish in the CCI4*-S at Burnham Market, Emily King and Valmy Biats are off to a strong start for the 2023 season — their third FEI year as a partnership. However, after a retirement on cross country at Badminton this year, the duo will be looking to reestablish their 2023 season at the 5* level.
Prior to their early Badminton 2023 retirement, King and Valmy Biats competed at the 5* level at Badminton and Pau in 2022 — their first 5* ended with a fall at Badminton, but an eighth place finish at Pau, adding some time and a rail to their impressive dressage score of 25.5. While they didn’t clinch their second complete at Badminton this year, Luhmühlen could prove a great opportunity for another top ten finish with their typical 20s dressage score and clear cross country.
Keep an eye on this duo to see how they’ll come off of their early 2023 success at Thoresby. With their usually impressive dressage scores, and continually developing partnership, they certainly look to be a pair to watch!
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (GBR)
Fourteen-year-old Selle Français gelding (Winningmood – Liane Normande, by Camelia de Ruelles). Owned by the late Sally Eyre, Diana Bown, Samantha Wilson, and Sally Lloyd-Baker. Bred by Sophie Floquet and Philippe Brivois.
A strong partnership, Kitty King first saw Vendredi Biats as a five-year-old at Lucy and Padraig McCarthy’s stable. Although she wasn’t incredibly impressed when she first saw him in the stable and he was known to be a bit cold-backed, once he started working under saddle, the team knew to move on the gelding, and syndicate owners Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson, and Sally Lloyd-Baker purchased the horse.
Kitty and “Froggy’s” FEI partnership started back in 2015 with a fourth place finish at the CIC1* at Somerford Park. While their first CCI5* competition at Badminton in 2019 was cut short with a rider fall on cross country, the pair has since won the 4*-L at Bramham in 2019, the 4*-S at Alnwick-Burgham in 2019, and have finished within the top ten at ten other 4* and 5* events.
The partnership recently delivered an impressive dressage score of 21.2 at Burghley in 2022. Despite a frangible pin and a bit of time on cross country, they ended with sixth place in the 5*. Their impressive dressage score at Burghley wasn’t uncommon, as the duo often delivers a mid-20s dressage score. While this has delivered consistent top ten results, they do typically pick up a handful of time, and possibly an occasional rail, which has kept them off the top of the board previously. While they have seen great success at the 5* level, after a fall at Badminton earlier this spring, this duo will be looking to get back to the top!
Harry Meade and Tenareze. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Harry Meade and Tenareze (GBR)
Sixteen-year-old Anglo-Arabian stallion (Jaguar Mail – Utopie du Maury, By Quatar de Plape). Owned by David Bernstein, Sophie Caruth, and Nigella Hall. Bred by M. Patrick Sisqueille and Castera Verduzan.
Harry Meade maintains quite the prestigious position in British Eventing at the moment, currently holding second place for cross country jump clears — 51 out of 55 runs this year. This puts him behind only Izzy Taylor at 56 clears — but with a better ratio, given she has completed 81. Harry’s most successful CCI5* moments thus far include his fifth place finish at Kentucky in 2021 and two consecutive seventh place finishes at the Maryland 5* in 2021 and 2022, all on his and Mandy Gray’s gelding Superstition.
Tenareze was the winner of the Six- and Seven-Year-Old Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in both 2013 and 2014, then piloted by French rider Thomas Carlisle, finishing on their dressage scores both years. His biggest successes include a seventh place finish at Millstreet’s 4*-S in 2022 after taking second place at their 4*-L the year prior. While this will be Harry’s ninth run at the level, Tenareze has only completed one 5* at Pau in October, where he and Harry sat in 11th position after dressage with a 29.3, but unfortunately dropped to 24th place after an uncharacteristic refusal on cross country — one of just five total in his career. The stallion gave a lovely dressage round at this year’s Badminton with a score of 26.9, but ultimately withdrew from competition on cross country.
Both Harry and Tenareze have shown a bit of inconsistency in recent competition results – while eight of Harry’s last 15 completions were within the top 10, his others have been in the middle to bottom of the pack. Since Tenareze’s 4* debut, he has also been in and out of the top 20s – although this has shown to usually be only due to cross country faults or time, as his dressage scores have regularly stayed in the mid 20s and he hasn’t dropped a show jumping rail in over two years. Tenareze has also had a much lighter international load the last few years, only having four starts and two completions since 2021. Despite these setbacks, we hope to see Harry’s experience pull off another memorable completion for this pair.
Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old British-bred Sporthorse mare (Roquefort – Billy). Owned by MS Team, Kim Pengelly, and Fran Reeve.
Imogen and Ruby earned themselves viral fame when a loose horse insistently interrupted their dressage test at Oasby Horse Trials back in 2019. Since then they have been knocking out CCI4* completions across Europe and will be making their first 5* attempt here at Luhmühlen.
Ruby topped the CCI2* (now 3*) at Le Pin au Haras back in 2018, which also happens to be the last time they jumped clean in show jumping at an FEI event. Ruby definitely gives it all across the country, having only two FEI events with jump penalties, and usually within striking distance of the optimum time.
Their dressage score is taking a lovely downward trend, most recently scoring a 24.9 at the Bicton 4*-S in May. While they will be looking for lady luck on Sunday to keep the poles up, Imogen will be using her experience to give this mare a confident 5* debut.
Will Rawlin and The Partner. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Iroko – Backhander, by Colourfield xx). Owned by Miranda and Andrew Rawlin and the rider. Bred by Hayley Togher.
“Conquer” may have been bred to be a show jumper, but he has found his niche in galloping across the country. Will acquired the horse as a six-year-old and has produced the gelding through the levels.
The big gelding is a sensitive fellow, with his team working hard to keep him relaxed while away at big competitions. His CCI4* results reflect this learning process, with top ten finishes at Burnham Market’s CCI4*-S in both 2020 and 2022, and the odd cross country penalty or high dressage score thrown in in other showings.
The team must be getting the relaxation process honed in, as the pair hasn’t seen a cross country jump penalty since 2021, and the show jumping is clear the majority of the time. Will will be looking to continue the progress and earn a 5* completion, and being a member of the younger generation of social media eventers, we will likely be able to follow the journey on his active social media pages.
Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Kylie Roddy and Carden Earl Grey (GBR)
Seventeen-year-old Anglo-European Sporthorse gelding (Last News xx – Palencia, by Corland). Owned by Earl Grey Tea Party-Goers. Bred by Didy Morgan.
One of Kylie’s first jobs as a teenager was making tea and coffee for clients in her mom’s hair salon, but it was manes and tails rather than bobs and mullets that Kylie dreamed of. She began working with horses when she left school aged 16, shortly afterwards making the move to work with Olympic gold medalist, Britain’s Leslie Law. Whilst working for Leslie she produced her first horse to CCI3*, which she made the difficult decision to sell in order to continue with her eventing dream. Kyrenejennella’s Boy went on to compete at Badminton and the Athens Olympics with Czech Republic rider Jaroslav Hatla.
This will be Kylie’s second trip to Luhmühlen — her first came as a Badminton re-route with SRS Kan Do (Arkansas – La Vie En Rose, by Touchdown) last year when she finished sixth. This year sees her return after rerouting from Badminton once more, this time with Carden Earl Grey, after deciding to withdraw following the dressage due to the very wet and muddy ground conditions on the cross country course. This will officially be the gelding’s third CCI5* start. Last year, the pair completed at Pau, where they put down a very respectable 30.9 in the dressage, but added 20 jumping and 38.8 time on cross country day to finish 28th. At Badminton this year, they squeaked sub-30 in the first phase, scoring 29.9 for a very solid effort between the white boards. In 19 FEI starts together, they’ve completed 15 times, only adding cross country jumping penalties on that one occasion at Pau. Their dressage scores do tend to hover around the 30 mark, but they’ve been as low as 26.9 in the 4*-L at Strzegom in 2019, where they finished eighth. They’re not the speediest around the cross country and can sometimes add time in the show jumping too. They’re more often than not clear jumping on the final day though — the odd 4 slips into their record, but they’d be really unlucky to have more than that.
Carden Earl Grey officially has my favorite stable name ever — “Early Whirly” — and his owners’ team name is just as splendid: the Earl Grey Tea Party Goers. He was originally produced by JP Sheffield before being competed up to CIC3* by Nick Gauntlett; Kylie took on the ride in 2018 and says the gelding is the love of her life and “the best unicorn ever”. As well as top-level eventing, Kylie is also a qualified Fellow of the British Horse Society. She owns AquAEquestrian, an equine water therapy and rehabilitation center, as well as running a livery yard and teaching. When she’s not busy with horses, she’s making them — saddle horses, that is, which she creates from upcycled furniture. She also breeds Jack Russells and enjoys boxing.
Izzy Taylor and Happy Days. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Izzy Taylor and Happy Days (GBR)
Eleven-year-old British-bred Sporthorse gelding (Cevin Z – Vale Brook, by Tudorville xx). Owned by Alex Colquhoun, Lavinia Taylor, and Caroline Wilson. Bred by Emma Humphrey.
Happy Days made his CCI5* debut at Pau last season, finishing 21st after a reasonably slow clear across the country and a three-rail final round. Since then, we’ve seen him out at a very wet Thoresby — where Izzy withdrew her whole string after dressage — and a rather drier Burnham Market, where he finally got a run in and finished fourth in the 4*-S, his best 4* result yet.
He’s very much a low-30s kind of horse, though he’s had a couple of trips down into the 20s — including a very good 25.9 at Burgham 4*-S in 2022 and a 29.3 at Blenheim 4*-L in 2021. Though he hasn’t quite yet had the experience or consistency up the levels going into his fourth season eventing, it’ll be exciting to see the prodigious young gelding aim to expand on his Pau experience.
Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around (GBR)
Twelve-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Bertoli W – Donnee, by Donnerhall 11). Owned by Mark Sartori and the rider. Bred by Christian Heinrich.
Monkeying Around started his FEI eventing career in 2017 with Izzy Taylor in the irons, finishing second in the CCI1* at Ballindenisk. The duo moved on up quickly to the CCI4* level in 2019, where we’ve seen them competing since.
We see this pair consistently lay down an impressive low- to mid-20s score in the dressage, but they run into some inconsistency across the country. In the 2020 and 2021 season, Izzy and Monkeying Around hit their stride with all three phases, maintaining clear cross country runs to finish in the 20s and at the top of the leaderboard. We saw recent success in 2022 at Hartpury in the 4*-S, where they finished 6th after adding just a bit of time and a rail to their dressage score of 24.7, and a win at Bramham in the 4*-L in 2022, adding only 1.2 time from cross country and show jumping to their dressage score of 24.
However, since then, we’ve seen some inconsistency creep back into their cross country rounds, and they have retired on cross country at the last three events, including their 5* debut at Pau last year after a few jump penalties. If Izzy and Monkeying Around can pull out a clear cross country round, we can expect to see them towards the top of the board!
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Valent – Bellaney Jewel xx, by Roselier xx). Owned by Paul W. Ridgeon. Bred by J.W. Rosbotham.
At nine years old, Cooley Rosalent is the youngest horse in this year’s 5* field, making her debut with Tokyo team gold medalist Oliver Townend in the irons. Oliver’s had the ride on this mare since the outset of her eventing career, bringing her up from her first events at BE100 and moving up to the Advanced level in 2022. This girl has an impressive CV to her name already, with just one finish outside of the top seven across 13 FEI starts. This year, she’s picked up at sixth place finish in 4*-S competition at Bicton in May. After finishing on the podium in second in her first 4*-L at the notoriously hilly Blair Castle to cap off her 2022 season, Oliver originally aimed the mare at Badminton for her 5* debut, but in the end opted to put some more mileage on her and aim instead for Luhmühlen. With that decision, she now has two more solid runs under her belt to prep for this weekend, where Oliver will aim to make the experience a strong one for what he hopes will be another 5* contender to add to his burgeoning string.
Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs (GBR)
Fifteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Chillout – Kilila, by Cult Hero xx). Owned by Diana and Paul Ridgeon. Bred by Maria Keating.
After facing elimination and a recorded warning from the FEI for pressing a tired horse – this horse, to be specific – at Badminton earlier this year, we now see Swallow Springs return for another go at the 5* level. The 15-year-old gelding rebounded from his time at Badminton well to finish second overall at Bicton’s 4*-S at the end of May. Oliver will now look to replicate or improve on the podium finish he achieved with this former Andrew Nicholson ride at Badminton in 2022.
The track here at Luhmühlen will have a distinctly different feel to it than the “Big B” 5*s Swallow Springs has contested to this point, being one that’s a bit more mentally-taxing and technically challenging than it is dimensionally large. This style could actually quite suit Swallow Springs nippier way of going, and should this guesstimate prove to be true we could be looking at a podium finish if the cards are dealt properly.
Oliver Townend and Tregilder. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oliver Townend and Tregilder (GBR)
Thirteen-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Royal Concorde – Trewins xx, by Hand in Glove xx). Owned by The Hazeldines and Mitchell Fox Group. Bred by Preci Spark LTD.
It’s been a couple of years now since we saw Tregilder finish in the top 10 (and would likely have finished higher would it not have been for an 11-penalty activation of a frangible device on cross country) at his 5* debut, the one-off “pop-up 5*” held at Bicton Arena to replace abandoned 5* events during the pandemic in 2021. Oliver did bring this British-bred gelding to Burghley last fall, but a fall on cross country would keep them from making good on a competitive dressage mark.
But more experience never hurt anyone, and now Tregilder finds himself a bit more seasoned at the 4* level before making this next attempt at the next tier. Like stablemate Swallow Springs, Tregilder’s style could find itself well-suited to the nippy nature of Luhmühlen’s cross country laid out by Mike Etherington-Smith. He’s certainly capable of making it around inside the time, and we know Oliver is not one to hang around on Saturdays. We should see Tregilder finish the first phase in a decent standing to make a strong bid over the following days, and it’s never a good idea to count Oliver out of the running to take the win on one of his many entries.
IRELAND
Susie Berry and Monbeg by Design. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)
Eleven-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Pacino – Eskerhills Lexi, by Puissance). Owned by Helen Caton. Bred by Fiona Molloy.
Susie has taken the eventing world by storm in the last three years. She struck out on her own as recently as 2020 after working as a stable jockey for Piggy March (née French) for the previous five years. Only in her mid-twenties now, she’s been competing at the FEI level since 2011. She has had a bit of a rough start to the 2023 competition season — she had big plans to ride at Thoresby with Ringwood LB, which were unfortunately sidelined when she picked up a hand injury at Lincolnshire in March. Since recovering, she has been busy competing at the FEI level with Ringwood LB, Wellfields Lincoln, Kilcandra Capitol, Clever Trick, and Jesmond Renard.
One horse that hasn’t seen international competition yet this year is her Luhmühlen mount, Monbeg by Design (“Arthur”). This 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding hasn’t been out at the international level since last year’s World Championships at Pratoni where the pair finished 27th, after adding 8.4 time faults to their dressage score of 38. Susie has campaigned Arthur for the entirety of his FEI career, starting at the CCI1* level in 2018 and winding up at the Eventing World Championships at Pratoni just four years later, where they were instrumental in securing Team Ireland a spot in the 2024 Olympics.
According to Horse & Hound, Susie describes Monbeg by Design as a horse with a lot of heart. “He wouldn’t naturally find it that easy and he tries so hard. It makes me a bit emotional talking about him, because he is such a trier,” Susie says.
Arthur has had four British Eventing competitions to get his feet wet before Luhmühlen. The pair has improved their dressage scores since Pratoni — they’ve shown scores consistently in the low thirties so far this spring, although they’ve yet to break that coveted sub-thirty score. Their biggest weakness this season has been time faults in the cross country phase, particularly at Cirencester Park and Burnham Market. Based on his most recent result at Tweseldown and on last season’s scores, Arthur is capable of getting the time if he and Susie put the pedal to the metal at Luhmühlen. With only four rails in the entirety of his eventing career, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that Arthur and Susie can jump the last fence on Sunday with a double clear ride and finish on their dressage score.
Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty (IRL)
Twelve-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Orestus – Edge of Reason, by Senang Hati xx). Owned by James O’Callagham. Bred by Miriam de Feu.
Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty, barn name “Cuba,” have hit the ground running this season. After one run around the E110 level at Lisgarvan House, they quickly jumped up to the FEI level and have so far completed the Ballindenisk CCI3*-S, the Marbach 4*-S, and the CCIO4*-NC-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials. The 2023 season also marks their highest placing in international competition, which occurred at the Ballindenisk 3*-S where the pair came in second place, with a score of 33.9, adding just 0.8 time faults to their dressage score.
Felicity took the ride on the 16.2-hand black gelding from Andrew Kavanaugh before the 2017 competition season. Since then, she has produced Cuba from the EI110s to the five-star level. Together, they have only one cross country retirement on their record, which occurred at Pratoni in 2022. Besides that, Felicity and Regal Bounty have completed every single cross country course they’ve ever taken on, with only a few time penalties being the norm. Dressage scores for the duo typically land in the mid-thirties. Show jumping is clearly their toughest phase, with a total of 28 jumping penalties so far in 2023. However, Cuba is quick on his feet and usually makes the time or comes in less than a second outside the time.
The 2023 Luhmühlen Horse Trials marks both their second time at the venue, as well as the second CCI5* they’ve ever attempted. Their 2022 run at Luhmühlen landed them solidly in the middle of the pack, just five shy of the top ten, in a competition that saw more than 40 percent of the field eliminated or retire. Felicity and Cuba have improved their dressage scores since last season, with their lowest score since 2018 (33.1) achieved at the Ballindenisk 3*-S. If they can maintain their stellar cross country record, and bring their dancing shoes, they could easily improve upon last year’s 15th place finish to earn a coveted top ten spot in 2023.
LITHUANIA
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)
Twelve-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Viegaard’s Come Back II x Nione Fortuna, by Abantos NRA STB 83 4). Owned by M. and B. Kloeve-Mogensen.
This very experience pair from Lithuania comes forward to contest what stands to be their sixth 5* competition this weekend, and their third trip to the 5* here in Germany. Aistis Vitkauskas are something of Lithuanian eventing legends, having reached the top tiers of the sport as individual competitors at the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships as well as the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships in Italy. Despite his Lithuanian passport, Aistis actually bases his operation in Denmark, traveling about Europe with Commander VG in tow. This year, Aistis will be looking at Europeans as well as, looming in the not-so-distant future, the Paris Olympics with his longtime partner, who he’s had since the beginning of the Danish gelding’s eventing career.
While this pair won’t be ones to make a bid for the top on the first day of competition, they can be generally relied upon to come home on cross country day. They’ve got a few penalties on their record for activating frangible devices, so Aistis will want to make sure he’s got the handiness in check as he sets out around this traditionally technical track. Should they get home with few time penalties, they’ll be in a good position to make some jumps up the board. Show jumping has proven to be this pair’s undoing in the past, so a fault-free round would be a huge success on Sunday.
When Commander VG isn’t busy tackling giant cross country fences, he can typically be found doling out pony riders to Aistis’ daughter – the true mark of an invaluable horse, if you ask me.
NEW ZEALAND
Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Muzi Pottinger and Just Kidding (NZL)
Seventeen-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding (Fusaichi Pegasus xx – Gypsy Princess xx, by Sadler’s Wells xx). Owned by the Pottinger Family. Bred by Chelsaus and Orpendale.
This will be 15.2-hand pocket rocket Ferg’s fifth CCI5*-L start; he already has two top ten placings at Adelaide to his name and flew around his first Badminton last year. Sadly, he did not fare so well there this year, with an elimination cross county after a promising start, hence their nifty re-route to Germany this weekend.
The former racehorse, who Muzi bought off the track as a five-year-old, posted a 31.5 dressage at Badminton. However, they are capable of much lower: they pulled off a 25.9 at Badminton 2022, so here’s hoping they can find that form again this weekend. Despite the blip earlier in the year, Ferg is usually a reliable kind of guy across the country. Muzi says it “still astounds her how he manages to get his little body over those fences,” but somehow he does, with all the gusto and more of horses a fair few inches higher than he. Hopefully he will put Badminton behind him and attack the cross country at Luhmühlen like only he can.
The real chink in this old stalwart’s armour though is his show jumping. His tendency to drop a few poles in the final phase has seen him drop way down the leaderboard on more than one occasion, despite his solid performance in the cross country and dressage. Indeed, he tipped four out of their cups at Badminton and the World Championships last year — frustrating to say the least. With that in mind, it is unlikely that Just Kidding and Muzi will be within the top ten at the close of play, but it will still be a delight to see this courageous little horse and his long-term partner return to their best form cross country and put their misdemeanor at Badminton firmly behind them. Perhaps if that is the case, we might see them tackle their first Burghley later this year. Pure speculation on my behalf, but you heard it here first…
Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tim Price and Happy Boy (NZL)
Eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Indoctro – W. Amelusina 17, by Odermus R) Owned by Susan Lamb and Therese Miller. Bred by A. Rijpma.
The current FEI world number one and 2019 Luhmühlen winner brings forward a CCI5*-L debutant this week, the 2019 Le Lion d’Angers Seven-Year-Old champion Happy Boy. Owned by long-term supporters of Team Price, Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, Happy has a knack for finishing on his dressage score, a helpful habit which earnt him a top ten finish in all of his FEI runs last year, and indeed saw him top the leader board in the Nations Cup in Boekelo in autumn.
His dressage is ever improving — it rarely strays above the 30 mark and can dip to mid-20’s, as it did when he won Boekelo on a 25.6. His jumping record is what really stands out though; both his show jumping and cross country record are remarkable — he knocked just two poles last season and often leap frogs his way up the placings as a result. Tim has described him as “the consummate all-rounder, who just really loves his jumping.” Always a helpful thing to love as an event horse, and something that will stand him in good stead on his 5* debut.
Tim gave him a steady prep run in the CCI4*-Sat Millstreet earlier this month, where he added just cross country time to his dressage score, and hopefully this will have filled him with the necessary confidence for a good run in Germany this weekend. Indeed, Happy certainly has all the credentials to make a very good impression at his first 5*. His dressage score may not trouble the leaders, but should still see him within contention heading into the jumping phases, and given his penchant for a double clear, a top ten placing would not be out of the question for him.
SWITZERLAND
Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Felix Vogg and Colero (SUI)
Fifteen-year-old Westfalian gelding (Captain Fire – Bonita, by Bormio xx). Owned by Jürgen Vogg. Bred by Heinrich U. Stephan.
Last year’s winner is back to defend his title! Felix became a bit of a national hero with last year’s Luhmühlen win, becoming the first Swiss rider to win a CCI5* since 1951 — on his birthday, no less.
Felix and his long-time partner Colero will be looking to bring that magic forward, and they have every chance for a repeat here. Expect a dressage score near the top of the leaderboard and the ability to stay on or near it by the end of the weekend. While they’ve had a couple blips lately, including a pin at last fall’s Pau followed by a very uncharacteristic five rails, these two are a very established pair and have been logging international starts together since 2015.
After last year’s win, Felix said of Colero: “You have to have him as your friend. He can be like a dog, but he can also be like a total princess, and if you don’t push him to make a mistake, or you don’t go against him in the warm up, he doesn’t [end up making] a mistake in the ring. If you keep him happy and confident, then he’s trying his hardest.” Let’s hope that Colero is feeling happy and confident again in 2023!
UNITED STATES
Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser (USA)
Sixteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Abdullah xx – An Cailin Donn, by Dawn Review xx). Owned by the rider. Bred by Jane Scully.
Hopefully Katherine has dried out after finishing 23rd at a very wet Badminton with Monbeg Senna. She now brings RLE Limbo Kaiser to Luhmühlen, looking for her second (and hopefully more dry) CCI5* finish of the year.
RLE Limbo Kaiser is a relatively new ride for Katherine. He was introduced to eventing by Ireland’s Michelle Kenny, and then brought to the 5* level by Great Britain’s Rosa Onslow — who completed Pau in 2020 before Katherine acquired the ride.
Taking on the ride of an experienced advanced horse is hardly easy, and Katherine has been using the time to form a partnership with RLE Limbo Kaiser. In the lead up this spring, they have added only some time on cross country at both of their FEI starts, and at Bicton Arena International, they matched their personal best dressage score at the 4*-S level.
Although being based in the UK has made Katherine slightly more used to inclement weather, I’m sure she will be hoping for things to be a bit more dry at Luhmühlen than they were at Badminton, and checking the 5* box for her and RLE Limbo Kaiser’s partnership.
Hallie Coon and Global Ex. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Hallie Coon and Global Ex (USA)
Fourteen-year-old KWPN mare (Contador – Wesely Wonderfly, by Horse la Loi II). Owned by Helen Coon. Bred by Trainingsstal Jeantien.
These two will have a shorter trip than most Americans to Luhmuhlen, as they’ve spent the 2023 competition season in Great Britain, thanks to a grant from the Wilton Fair Fund. Hallie has been competing Global Ex – aka “Dolly”– since 2020 when she took over the ride from USA’s Katherine Coleman. Together, they’ve competed everywhere from Barroca d’Alva in Portugal to Boekelo in the Netherlands. Now they’re adding yet another stamp to Dolly’s passport.
Luhmuhlen will be Hallie and Dolly’s second CCI5*, their first five-star event being the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021. The pair had a few issues at LRK3DE, which resulted in 20 jumping penalties and 22.4 cross country time faults, as well as just two extra poles in the show jumping round. Since then, Hallie and Dolly have put in a few good rounds at the three-star and four-star level. The best event on their record in recent years was a CCI3*-S at Stable View, where the pair finished in the top ten. They’ve put in some excellent efforts at top events, such as the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Boekelo in 2021.
Dolly has been pulling dressage scores in the low to mid-thirties so far this season and has had only one rail in show jumping. Despite their consistency and solid efforts in the dressage and show jumping phases, cross country tends to be a bit of a bug-a-bear for the pair. When they’re on form, the pair can come in inside the time and with no jumping faults, but can swing to the opposite end of the spectrum with a refusal or run-out scattered throughout their record together. Boekelo was among their top events, so let’s hope that Luhmuhlen’s technical course will play to their strengths.
Sydney Elliot and OC Diamantaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (USA)
Thirteen-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diarado – Lantana, by Sandro Hit). Owned by Carol Stephens. Bred by Berthold Gerdes.
I am a big fan of this horse — and no, I’m not just biased because he’s a big, beautiful, black gelding… although that does help quite a bit. Described as quiet, sweet, and mellow, this handsome fellow is much more laid-back than most top-level eventing horses you’ll typically see. In the Chronicle of the Horse’s Behind The Stall Door interview with groom Emilie Mudd, she says “Q” has been “quite a joy to work with. He’s very unassuming in the barn. I don’t expect him to come out and be this big showman. Once you put his braids in, and he takes his little nap, and then [Sydney] gets on and he’s a totally different horse. He loves his work… But he’s also easy to work with on the ground compared to a lot of the upper-level horses. He comes off cross-country, and he grazes while we ice him and rinse him off. That’s all he wants. No antics, no craziness. He’s just happy to do his job.”
This talented pair took an impressive third place in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky this year, falling just behind Karl Slezak’s Hot Bobo and Tamie Smith’s Solaguayre California — the latter of whom she will be competing against once more this weekend. Luhmühlen will be Sydney and Q’s third 5*, after an eighth place finish in last year’s Kentucky and a top 20 score in their debut the year before. Although they have traveled to Aachen the last two years and took a very strong fifth place at Boekelo in 2021, this will be the pair’s first international at the 5* level.
Out of 35 total international runs, only nine of these have ended outside the top ten. Sydney’s personal record is also nearly as clean as her horse’s — she comes ready to place with top ten finishes in each of her last six runs, on both Q and her 4* mount Commando D’Osthuy, owned by Arden and Carol Stephens. While typically ending dressage on a score in the high 20’s to low 30’s, Sydney and Q have only ever had three refusals on cross country in international competition, with just small handfuls of time faults across the board. It wouldn’t be unusual to see a pole dropped on their final day, but we look forward to seeing how this team fares this week in Germany!
Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Matt Flynn and Wizzerd (USA)
Fourteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wizzerd WV – Amai, by Oklund). Owned by Kathleen and A. Patrick Flynn and Merry Go Round Farm. Bred by M.C.J.M Burgers and C.A.M. van den Oetellaar BV.
The jumper-bred Wizzerd was imported by Matt as a five-year-old, and together they have climbed through the levels. Luhmühlen will mark the pair’s sixth CCI5* start. While based in the US, Matt used his degree from the University of Delaware School of Business to develop a successful import and sales business — usually selling between 10-15 horses a year. While competing a lot of sales horses gave Matt a lot of competition experience, Wizzerd was the only one who hung around long enough to bring him to the 5* level. Together they were the 2015 Young Horse National Champions, and contested — and completed — their first 5* in 2019 at Kentucky.
After receiving the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant to compete at Boekelo in 2021, Matt and Wizzerd have been enjoying the luxury of experience that is granted to UK based US riders. In 2022, the pair rerouted to Luhmühlen and finished in 17th position after retiring on course at Badminton. They then concluded their fall season with a 26th place finish at Pau. Both finishes were coupled with 20 jump penalties on cross country.
While the pair usually averages right around the 30 mark for day one and is consistently leaving the poles up on the final day, Matt will be looking to jump clear around the Mike Etherington-Smith course and erase the trend of having 20 penalties come up at FEI events.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Thirteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Clooney – Paulien B, by Fedor). Owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate. Bred by G and G.F. Brinkman.
Boyd rides in honor of the late Annie Goodwin, who was “Bruno’s” previous rider. Annie’s family asked Boyd to take over the ride after her death in 2021 in what he describes as “a massive honor to continue Annie’s work with Bruno.” Boyd describes Bruno as a “one-person horse”, and the pair had to take time to grow roots in the partnership, but it has certainly blossomed in the time since.
Their top finishes include winning the Tryon CCI4*-L in May of 2022 as well as their 4*-S last month. They also were seventh at Boekelo last year in addition to winning the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field at the start of 2022.
Though this will be Bruno’s 5* debut, this pair could be a big threat for the top. The two have been able to reliably produce sub-30 results on the flat and have proven both at Boekelo and Tryon that they can finish cross country clear and within the time. In addition, Boyd and Bruno have never had a rail together in their International career, making them a good bet for a top five finish.
Boyd & Luke 140. Photo by Kim Miller.
Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (USA)
Twelve-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos I – Omega VI, by Limbus). Owned by Luke 140 Syndicate. Bred by Georg Clausen.
Fresh off the heels of winning the 2*L, 3*L, and 4*S at the MARS Bromont CCI, Boyd is going to tackle Luhmuhlen with Luke 140, as well as Fedarman B and Tsetserleg TSF. Boyd took over the ride on “Luke” from Swedish Eventer Malin Petersen in 2018. Since then, the pair have become a regular feature at four-star events across the United States.
This will be Luke’s first European voyage since his time with Malin Petersen and his second time at Luhmühlen. Luke and Malin tackled the Luhmühlen CIC1* in 2018, where they came in second place with an impressive total score of 25.9. While the Luhmühlen 5* will be Luke’s first event at this level, it’s just another notch on Boyd’s already jam-packed belt.
Luke has had a quiet past two years after being pulled from the Olympic Team for Tokyo after sustaining a leg injury in 2021. In 2022, he completed a CCI2*-S at MARS Great Meadow International, where the pair took it a bit slow on the cross country course. In 2023, it appears Luke and Boyd are back at the top of their game. So far this season, Luke has successfully completed the Tryon CCI4*-S in May, earning a fourth place finish against a competitive field of riders.
Boyd and Luke have historically swung to both sides of the spectrum when it comes to placings. They’ve either been in top five or found themselves finishing in the lower half of the pack, a trend that also chased Luke throughout his career with Malin. For his first five-star event, I’d expect to see Luke with a sub-30 dressage score and a double clear show jumping round. Cross country will be the deciding factor for where they fall in the ribbons, as Luke has been known to have a few time faults in the cross country phase. However, Luhmühlen’s historically mentally challenging track with its technical lines instead of stamina-sapping length could work in Luke’s favor.
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA)
Sixteen-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall – Thabana, Buddenbrock). Owned by Christine, Thomas IV, and Tommie Turner. Bred by Timothy Holekamp.
Is there anything left that superstar Thomas hasn’t done? As it turns out, yes… Luhmühlen.
While this wasn’t their Plan A — Boyd opted to reroute to Luhmühlen after an early glance-off and subsequent retirement at Kentucky CCI5* this spring — I feel like fans of this pair can’t help but feel a bit excited about their Plan B. Thomas is a PanAm winner, a 5* National Champion, an Olympian, and a World Equestrian Games veteran. Why not have a go around a European 5* for funsies?
It might be the first trip around Luhmühlen for Thomas, but Boyd is no stranger to the track. He’s made a total of five starts at the venue, with his best result coming in 2014 aboard Shamwari 4. This year marks his first trip back since 2018.
Despite their uncharacteristic blip at Kentucky — their first cross country jump penalties at an international event in almost five years — there’s no doubt that a pair with this much experience will be primed and ready to go this weekend. Expect a dressage score solidly in the 20’s, with potential to sit Boyd and Thomas at or near the top of the leaderboard, and a speedy trip across the country. Thomas does have the occasional pole or two in the showjumping, but still, we would expect a solid result for this pair as one of our top US representatives.
Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (USA)
Twelve-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse mare (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall ASK). Owned by Julianne and David Guariglia. Bred by Haras Solaguayre.
What more can I add to what’s already been said of our first US Kentucky champion in 15 years? Besides, of course, the fact that she was the first female victor since 2011, or the first champion from the West Coast in nearly four decades. Can’t forget that. We all know at this point that Tamie is a force to be reckoned with, so look out Luhmühlen — she’s coming for another victory.
Rather, we shall focus on the CCI5* debut for a truly impressive up-and-coming mare. I remember this horse seemingly coming out of nowhere in 2021, proceeding to clean up at 3*s across the board in California and on the East Coast the following spring. Bred and trained at Haras Solaguayre in Argentina, the 12-year-old mare was a respectable show jumper in her previous career. After a bit of a “rough start”, including an ankle fracture from a fall off California at the beginning of 2021, Tamie was very pleased when they took a fast and clean first at Morven Park’s 4*-L last fall, finishing just one time fault over her dressage score. More recently, they took a nice complementary second place to Tamie’s 5* victory at Land Rover Kentucky’s 4*-S, only two seconds behind Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo’s win. They followed up with a strong third place finish last month in the 4*-S at Tryon.
The pair hold only five completions outside the top five, one of which was still quite a respectable top-20 finish at Boekelo in 2021, and with most of the rest being due to her only cross country refusals on record. The mare really shows her experience on the third day, with only seven poles in total ever dropped in competition, always giving fast rounds under the time. Although we may expect a handful of time on cross country, their dressage scores have been trending in the high 20’s, so we can expect quite the competitive score from this powerful duo.
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