Fence 13
Gooooood morning to you, fellow insane eventing fans!
It’s just before 1 a.m. here in Northern California and I’ve had a bit of an early-evening nap and a weird-feeling latte to get me back up and running for one of my favorite activities: cross country live updates!
I’ll be posted up here to bring you updates from the action as the 5* cross country gets underway at Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials, live from Germany. The better experience, if you’re able to, is to tune in to the live stream via Horse & Country. You will either need a H&C+ subscription(good for live and on-demand viewing) or a one-time event pass (good for live and on-demand viewing for 30 days) to watch Luhmühlen. If you aren’t already an H&C+ subscriber, you can save 15% on an annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15.
H&C+ subscriptions start at $12.99/month or $99.99/year. A pay-per-view event pass for Luhmühlen only costs $19.99 and provides access to the event for 30 days, including the live stream. Click here to select the option you’d like to purchase.
Germany is one hour ahead of British time, six hours ahead of Eastern time, and nine hours ahead of Pacific time. I’ve gone ahead and converted times for all you other early birds to keep track of.
Top 5:
- (3) Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (26.8): 10:02 a.m. local / 4:02 a.m. EST / 1:00 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
- (2) Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street (23.1): 10:12 a.m. local / 4:12 a.m. EST / 1:12 a.m. PST — CLEAR, 15.6 time
- (5) Emily King and Valmy Biats (28.4): 11:26 a.m. local / 5:26 a.m. EST / 2:26 a.m. PST — 20 penalties, 39.2 time
- (4) Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (27.5): 11:46 a.m. local / 5:46 a.m. EST / 2:46 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
- (1) Laura Collett and London 52 (20.3): 12:02 p.m. local / 6:02 a.m. EST / 3:02 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
U.S. Riders:
- Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg – 9:38 a.m. local / 3:38 a.m. EST / 12:38 a.m. PST — 20 penalties, 33.2 time
- Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire – 9:58 a.m. local / 3:58 a.m. EST / 12:58 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
- Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser – 10:18 a.m. local / 4:18 a.m. EST / 1:18 a.m. PST — 40 jumping, 66.0 time
- Hallie Coon and Global Ex – 10:26 a.m. local / 4:26 a.m. EST / 1:26 a.m. PST — Retired
- Boyd Martin and Fedarman B – 10:54 a.m. local / 4:54 a.m. EST / 1:54 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
- Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California – 11:34 a.m. local / 5:34 a.m. EST / 2:34 a.m. PST — Retired
- Matt Flynn and Wizzerd – 11:42 a.m. local / 5:42 a.m. EST / 2:42 a.m. PST — Eliminated (RF)
- Boyd Martin and Luke 140 – 12:10 p.m. local / 6:10 a.m. EST / 3:10 a.m. PST — CLEAR inside time
You can follow live scores, including a running fence report, here and see the starting order here. And be sure to stick around for the 4*-S division following this one — I won’t be doing live updates for that division, but the live stream will continue on H&C+ and you can find live scores/starting orders here.
For reference, the U.S. ride times in the 4*-S are as follows:
- Dan Kreitl and Carmango – 2:33 p.m. local / 8:33 a.m. EST / 5:33 a.m. PST
- Hallie Coon and Cute Girl – 2:45 p.m. local / 8:45 a.m. EST / 5:45 a.m. PST
Mike Etherington-Smith’s track will run in a different direction that recent years, with an optimum time of 11 minutes. There are 46 total jumping efforts set across 28 numbered obstacles. You can read more in Tilly’s analysis here and in the rider reactions summary here.
The first pair out of the box this morning will be Great Britain’s Oliver Townend with the 5* debutant Cooley Rosalent at 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. EST. Keep this page refreshed periodically for updates! Here’s to safe and clear rides for all. Go Eventing!
Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [How to Watch] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
EN’s coverage of Longines Luhmühlen is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.
6:25 a.m. ET: I was wrong! Boyd finishes 4 seconds inside the time with Luke 140 and will go into fourth place overnight as the top-placed U.S. rider. What a smashing debut for both of Boyd’s first-timers here. Laura Collett will hold her lead with London 52, followed by Kitty King and Yasmin Ingham filling out the podium. A look at the top 20 is below.
The cross country will continue with the 4*-S division beginning at 1:15 p.m. local time / 7:15 a.m. EST. I won’t be running live updates for the 4*, but you can follow along live on H&C+ here. Tilly will be along later today with the full report! Thanks for tuning in.
6:21 a.m. ET: Boyd has about 20 seconds to get home as he comes to the last couple of fences. I don’t think he’s going to quite get there..
6:19 a.m. ET: Luke is clear at the final water and really impressing me here. I think this horse just needed a 5* to get his brain working at the right speed!
6:17 a.m. ET: Swallow Springs finishes really strong here with plenty of time and gas left in the tank. A nice rebound for this guy after an unfortunate end to his Badminton weekend. Boyd is clear through 20 and approaching the final water.
6:16 a.m. ET: I missed the GIF, but Luke had a really handy and bold ride through the water at 13. Luke would probably be one of the toughest rides on Boyd’s string — he’s always a bit of a powder keg and his smaller stature makes him very maneuverable (in a way that makes him quick to get out from underneath you!). BUT, that nippiness actually lends itself quite well to a track like this, and if Boyd can manage rideability this is going to be a serious 5* horse for the future.
6:14 a.m. ET: Boyd showing me why I’ll never be a 5* rider — just look at him carve this distance out of stride early on course:
GIF via H&C+.
6:13 a.m. ET: Luke 140 is very strong with Boyd at the first combination but is able to get back in time to make the distance work. London 52 is well inside the time as he finishes and Laura will hold the lead overnight.
6:12 a.m. ET: Laura is clear through the final water and has only a few fences left to jump. It’ll be interesting to see where she ends up on time — she has about 16 seconds in hand.
6:10 a.m. ET: Laura relies on her partnership with London 52 to hustle him through the turning questions at the arena. Oliver has a big jump into the water at 13 with Swallow Springs and is clear here. Our final pair in the 5*, Boyd Martin and Luke 140, are on course.
6:09 a.m. ET: Lots of shuffling through the water at 17 for Laura and Dan, but they’re still clear! Felix and Colero are home clear and 8 seconds inside the time to remain on their dressage mark of 33.3 and current seventh place.
6:08 a.m. ET: A look at an elated Jerome Robine finishing:
GIF via H&C+.
6:07 a.m. ET: Laura has a strong ride into the first water at 13 with London 52 and is clear there. Colero uses his footwork a bit up the step at 15 but is clear still. Oliver Townend is away with Swallow Springs.
GIF via H&C+.
6:05 a.m. ET: Jerome Robine comes home clear with a handful of time and looks absolutely thrilled! A nice round from this pair. Laura is clear at the coffin at fence 11.
6:03 a.m. ET: Now away are Laura Collett and London 52, your overnight leaders! They do have some time in hand, but we’ll see if they wind up needing it. This would be a different sort of track to what you’d generally peg “Dan” to relish, but Laura will know exactly how to get the best ride out of her Tokyo and World Championships partner. Felix and Colero are clear through 15.
6:01 a.m. ET: Cedric Lyard comes home 18 seconds over time with Unum de’Or.
5:59 a.m. ET: Joining us now are Jerome Robine and Black Ice as well as 2022 winners here Felix Vogg and Colero.
5:57 a.m. ET: Spencer updates us that Tamie said she pulled California up as she felt the mare wasn’t feeling up to the task to finish. No injuries or health issues, it appears, which is good news! Meanwhile, Yasmin stops the clock clear inside the time with Rehy DJ — what a ride from the World Champion!
5:55 a.m. ET: A lovely trip through the coffin for Cedric and Unum de’Or:
GIF via H&C+.
5:53 a.m. ET: Just five more pairs to see today after the two we have on course. Yaz is riding Rehy DJ pretty strong, but the efforts are paying off as they’re clear so far and coming towards home. Cedric flies over the ditch and brush on the Anglo-Arab Unum de’Or and approaches the coffin at 11.
5:50 a.m. ET: Yasmin is clear through the coffin and heading to the big water at 13. French pair Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or are the latest starters.
5:46 a.m. ET: Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ are our next on course. Bill Levett’s day comes to an end with a runout now at the A element at the hedges in the arena. He came around to re-present before realizing he was now eliminated. Yasmin has the course to herself now.
5:45 a.m. ET: Wow, I guess Hubertus had actually jumped the wrong side of the hedge on the first attempt. Rats. He will carry on with 2 refusals now.
5:44 a.m. ET: Ah, man. Matt Flynn will sadly not get hardly any cross country done today after a fall at fence 2. What a gutting end for this pair. We also pick up with Bill Levitt, who’s had an issue at the angled hedge up the bank at 15. He’s jumped the wrong side of the flag on the re-attempt, which is another refusal.
5:41 a.m. ET: We aren’t getting much of Tamie on the feed, but I can tell you she has retired at fence 15. The problem is showing at the A element of 15, a big table before the step up, but it’s now showing that she incurred penalties here so I’m not sure. I’ll try to get an update for you. Meanwhile, Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS stop the clock about 30 seconds over but with an impressive clear round. Keep an eye on this pair!
5:39 a.m. ET: Emily King finishes with just under 40 time penalties – she’ll be disappointed with that outcome but hopefully will be leaving with that much more gumption for the next go. Now on course are Badminton re-routes Bill Levett and Huberthus AC, repping Australia. Tamie is clear through the big water at 13 as well as 14.
5:37 a.m. ET: Tamie has a nice ride through the first combination, a pair of narrow houses at 7AB. Emma and Desi are clear through 18.
5:34 a.m. ET: Spencer updates us that Imogen pulled up Roheryn Ruby ahead of the water at 17 because she felt the horse wasn’t quite right. We are now joined by Kentucky 5* winner Tamie Smith with 5* debutant Solaguayre California.
5:33 a.m. ET: No! Emily takes a half-halt on Valmy Biats and got way off her line to the arrowhead, and she has a drive-by here. That will drop her out of the competitive placing here this weekend. Real bummer. A look at the issue:
GIF via H&C+.
5:32 a.m. ET: Lovely up the big step at 15 for Emily and Valmy Biats. We’re also joined by German pair Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS.
5:29 a.m. ET: Just 4 seconds of time, pending the decision at 17, for Seppe and Kawa de la Cour Z. Super round from this pair, who clearly know each other exceptionally well! Emily is clear through the coffin.
5:28 a.m. ET: Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z have a ?? on their score at 17C — the second water jump.
5:27 a.m. ET: Emily King and Valmy Biats are now on course and will look to hold or improve their current fifth place position. Nicolais Wettstein did withdraw Meyer’s Happy ahead of cross country, so we won’t be seeing them today.
5:25 a.m. ET: Monbeg by Design gets really clever at the final Longines Water — wow! Also, a really impressive ride so far from Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z, who’ve been together all the way up from the junior rankings.
GIF via H&C+.
5:22 a.m. ET: This is, of course, a very different track to the likes of what we’d see at another 5* — each venue has its own characteristics that make it unique. That being said, I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate the influence of this track without there being much “scary” happening. I’ve seen most all horses finish very well in themselves and not looking gutted, and so far — touch wood — we’ve had no horse falls. Yet the leaderboard has changed considerably, so I would challenge any purists out there who believe cross country must still look like it “used to” to rethink what a successful day of sport looks like. Hopefully I’ve not spoken too early on that thread!
5:21 a.m. ET: Harry Meade stops the clock three seconds inside the time with Tenareze after a lovely round. Really nice.
5:19 a.m. ET: Belgian pair Seppe Vilain and Kawa de la Cour Z are the next to join us.
5:17 a.m. ET: Harry Meade and Tenareze are straight and clear through the water at 17.
5:14 a.m. ET: Lea looks like she pulled up with lots of pats after the water, so maybe this was a planned retirement. We will try to find out! I’m sad I missed the GIF of her ride through the water as she lost her right stirrup and still made it look like a gymnastic ride. Meanwhile, Florian’s question marks have been cleared and no penalties were applied. Susie Berry now joins us with 5* debutant Monbeg by Design.
5:13 a.m. ET: Whew, Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line have a wonderful and gutsy ride at 13, but now it looks like she may be retiring? Unsure. I wonder if this…was the plan for this horse? That seems not right, though.
5:11 a.m. ET: Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour have a ?? at fence 13C, which would be the final element of the Le Mieux water. Also on course now are Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line.
5:10 a.m. ET: Our next starters are Harry Meade and Tenareze.
5:10 a.m. ET: A look at Will and The Partner making things slightly more challenging:
GIF via H&C+.
5:07 a.m. ET: Wow, Will Rawlin and The Partner jump the very tall left side of the second angled brush at 21! This issue later springs up again but sadly results in a drive-by at the first hedge at the Longines Water. Also, a look at the big effort made by Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour at the out of the coffin:
GIF via H&C+.
5:05 a.m. ET: Six seconds inside the time for Boyd and Fedarman B; they’ll remain on their dressage mark of 32.4 ahead of tomorrow. What a debut for this incredible horse! For now, this pair will go into fourth.
5:02 a.m. ET: Boyd and Bruno are clear through the two questions in the arena. We also get an update from Spencer Sturmey in the commentator’s booth that Tim Price informed him that Happy Boy was withdrawn due to a slight cough picked up from shipping fever. No point in risking things at the horse’s first 5*, he says. Meanwhile, we’re joined by Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour on course. Boyd is heading for home.
5:01 a.m. ET: Oliver picks up three seconds (1.2 penalties) of time to go onto a 31.1 with Tregilder.
5:00 a.m. ET: A beautiful ride through the big water at 13 for Boyd and Bruno as we are also joined by Will Rawlin and The Partner. Oliver is on the way home with Tregilder, still sitting on a quick clear.
4:59 a.m. ET: A look at Boyd and Bruno through the coffin:
GIF via H&C+.
4:57 a.m. ET: Tregilder gets a big pat from Oliver after navigating the water complex at 17.
4:56 a.m. ET: Straight and forward through the first combination at 7 for Boyd and Fedarman B.
4:55 a.m. ET: Tregilder stands off from the right-handed corner at the Le Mieux water at 13, but has no trouble making it work and is clear on the direct line.
4:54 a.m. ET: Boyd Martin is underway with 5* debutant Fedarman B.
4:53 a.m. ET: Tom Jackson stops the clock 9 seconds inside the clock with Farndon — nicely done!
4:51 a.m. ET: Ah, sadly after a giant leap into the Le Mieux water Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG run into trouble at the right-handed corner. Aistis elects to retire here rather than keep going, and this is an experienced horse that doesn’t necessarily need the extra wear and tear with any chance of competitiveness now gone.
4:51 a.m. ET: Oliver Townend joins us again, this time with the more experienced Tregilder.
4:48 a.m. ET: Another candidate for Biggest Climber this year, Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG, are now on course.
4:47 a.m. ET: Esib runs into more trouble with a duck out at the A element of the angled brushes in the arena. She’s put her hand up and will call it a day here.
4:45 a.m. ET: Ah rats, Senza Fine grinds to a halt at the top of the step up question at 15. They’re clear on the second attempt. David Doel comes home the quickest of the day so far, stopping the clock almost 20 seconds inside the time with Ferro Point.
GIF via H&C+.
4:43 a.m. ET: Esib clearly draws her line for the long route at the water at 13, and she’s reasonably quick through there even on the long route. Now joining us are Tom Jackson with Farndon.
4:42 a.m. ET: David Doel lives dangerously at the angled brushes in the arena but manages to close the door on the right side to stay true.
4:39 a.m. ET: Riding for Ireland and joining us now are Esib Power with Senza Fine — and major apologies to Esib, as it appears we’ve left her off of our Form Guide!
4:37 a.m. ET: Fiona Kashel is coming home clear and almost inside the time with Creevagh Silver de Haar. We’ve also been joined by David Doel with Ferro Point.
4:32 a.m. ET: Ok, some updates: looks like Hallie Coon has picked up 20 at fence 5 early on and looks to have retired. Katherine Coleman and RLE Limbo Kaiser have picked up another 20 at fence 23, an upright gate to an angled log.
4:30 a.m. ET: Pippa’s going to lose her position here with at least 30 seconds added on the clock here. “Squirrel” looked like he got a little strong out there, which of course can make it really hard to go fast, especially on a track like this! Katherine Coleman is clear through the water at 17. Fiona Kashel with Creevagh Silver de Haar are on course, as are Hallie Coon and Global Ex.
4:27 a.m. ET: Rats! Katherine has a nice bold jump into the water at 13, but she sadly couldn’t quite get there on the direct route and has to go long after picking up a 20 drive-by here. I also apologize as my GIF app has gone a bit funny so I’m a bit short on visuals at the time.
4:26 a.m. ET: Pippa really commits to the narrow brush arrowheads at the water at 17 and kicks away to get back up on her minutes.
4:24 a.m. ET: We’ve sadly not seen much of Felicity Ward today but she is heading for home on a clear round. She is our third home clear inside the time, which will be encouraging for the riders yet to come.
4:22 a.m. ET: Muzi Pottinger comes home just one second over the optimum of 11 minutes with Just Kidding. Our next U.S. rider, Katherine Coleman, is out of the box with RLE Limbo Kaiser. Pippa is clear through the water at 13, going the long route after a bit of a scramble in over the drop. She’ll have lost some time on the winding long route here.
4:19 a.m. ET: Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street, 2019 Burghley winners and currently second-placed here, are now away. Muzi Pottinger is heading for home sitting on a clear with Just Kidding. Felicity Ward is clear through 17.
4:17 a.m. ET: Kitty is on a solid redemption trip here with Vendredi Biats as she heads for home sitting on a clear round. She should be pretty good to finish inside the time as well, and she puts herself well in line to have a hope to capture the podium — or maybe even the win — this weekend.
4:15 a.m. ET: Kitty King and “Froggy” are straight as an arrow through the angled brushes in the arena. Muzi Potting has a lovely trip through the coffin at 11, and we’re joined by Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Just Kidding has a rough jump into the big Le Mieux water, but what a gutsy little horse as Muzi is able to keep him on the line for the direct route.
GIF via H&C+.
4:13 a.m. ET: Sydney finishes INSIDE THE TIME – YES GIRL YES! She will remain on her dressage score of 37.8.
GIF via H&C+.
4:11 a.m. ET: Muzi Pottinger and her OTTB Just Kidding are away. Kitty is clear at the big water at 13. Sydney is just a couple from home and is not hanging about so I’ll be keen to see her time.
4:10 a.m. ET: Sydney is clear through the angled brushes at 21 in the arena that have caused some trouble so far.
4:09 a.m. ET: Sydney grits her teeth and really makes the direct route happen at the top water at 17. Nice riding! Kitty is clear at the combination at 7, two narrow houses.
4:07 a.m. ET: Ok, we’re back underway! Hopefully it was just a fence repair issue but if I do get an update I will let you know. Sydney is clear through the step up at 15. Kitty King is away with Vendredi Biats.
4:05 a.m. ET: Kitty King looks to be being sent back to warm-up to stay loose, so this could be a longer hold. No news yet on what’s happening, I’d only assume it’s due to Imogen as she would be the only one on course ahead of Sydney.
4:02 a.m. ET: Looks like Imogen Murray has retired Roheryn Ruby at the second water at 17. Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire put their first water demons to rest with a bold ride through the direct route at 13. Get on, girl! Sydney is also now being held — could be an issue with Imogen’s trouble at 17. Kitty King is also being held at the start with Vendredi Biats.
4:01 a.m. ET: Arne is home CLEAR and just barely over the optimum time, 2 seconds over. What a ride! They’ll go onto a score of 41.1 for tomorrow.
I’ll take three Luthiens please! GIF via H&C+.
4:00 a.m. ET: Luthien just makes this look like a Novice round. She and Arne are very nearly home and could be our first clear round. I’ll be curious to also see their time!
3:58 a.m. ET: Our next U.S. rider is away: Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire come to cross country day with a score of 37.8.
3:57 a.m. ET: Arne and Luthien are making good on my prediction that he’ll jump up the board after cross country, with a very quick and gutsy ride at this water:
GIF via H&C+.
3:56 a.m. ET: Next away will be Imogen Murray and Roheryn Ruby. Arne Bergendahl and Luthien are clear through 15.
3:54 a.m. ET: According to the live scoring, Gireg has picked up a refusal in the main arena at fence 21. A very interesting runout here as the pair really seemed to be on their line before the horse ducked his right shoulder.
3:53 a.m. ET: Gireg le Coz has a really nice trip through the big Le Mieux water with Caramel d’Orchis. What an interesting day so far! Sure we have only seen three come home, but that’s three Olympians (albeit, on two very green horses early in their 5* career) to pick up trouble on a track that won’t be buzzy for size, but more so for technicality.
3:51 a.m. ET: Next away are Arne Bergendahl and Luthien. Laura Collett is giving Dacapo a really skillful ride as they reach the last third of the course. Dacapo has looked a tiny bit green around this mentally taxing track, and now that comes to grief again with a runout at the angled brushes in the arena. Now he’s run out a second time and that will be it for their day today.
3:49 a.m. ET: Boyd and Tsetserleg are home in a time of 11:33. He’ll be more than disappointed about that glance-off in the water, but he’s got two more rides to get a better feel today.
3:48 a.m. ET: French rider Gireg le Coz is next away with Caramel d’Orchis. Boyd is through the arena questions and heading for home. Dacapo almost slides to a stop in front of the big, angled trakehner into the water but slithers over and Laura opts to go long.
GIF via H&C+.
3:46 a.m. ET: Boyd gives Thomas a strong ride through the gymnastic-looking water at 16 and 17. Laura Collett is approaching the Le Mieux water at 13.
3:43 a.m. ET: Oh no – Boyd and Thomas jump pretty big and straight into the big, buzzy water at 13 and cannot get to the corner on the right stride. That’s 20 here, and Boyd picks up to jump the long route. Meanwhile, Laura Collett is underway with her first ride, Dacapo.
GIF via H&C+.
3:42 a.m. ET: Boyd and Thomas are clear through fence 12. Cooley Rosalent comes home looking fresh, with those 20 penalties on the card but a decent debut for this 9-year-old mare today.
GIF via H&C+.
3:39 a.m. ET: And here we are with Boyd and Tsetserleg, coming forward on a dressage mark of 30.1. This course should suit Thomas pretty well. They’re clear through the first combination at 5ABC.
3:38 a.m. ET: Oliver now comes into the arena, where fences 20 and 21 await. Boyd Martin is next to leave the box aboard Tsetserleg TSF.
3:37 a.m. ET: Oops! Cooley Rosalent ducks to the left at the very skinny arrowhead at the water at 17, so Oliver comes around for the very long route around. Just a green mistake here.
3:36 a.m. ET: Oliver gives Cooley Rosalent a strong ride into the big Le Mieux water and goes long but he’s clear and now approaching fence 17.
3:32 a.m. ET: Ok, and I seem to have fixed my issues and we’re live! Oliver Townend is the first away with the debut mare, Cooley Rosalent, and they’re clear through fence 9.
3:25 a.m. ET: We’re off to a bit of an inauspicious start this morning as the H&C+ live stream seems to be a little late getting online today. I’ll start us off as soon as it’s up and running!
