Julia Krajewski (GER) is over the moon to have won again, this time not only the class but also, for the first time, thenational title. “The pressure was definitely on when wecame into the final phase today. Although Sam is a very good show jumper, who rarely makes a mistake, I did feel a little nervous. Having one fence in hand helped me staycalm and focused though.” As Julia only just got back fromcompeting her second horse at Bramham, England, she had to leave Sam in the capable hands of her team, whoprepared him just right: “Because I have been away, I really did not expect this. I feel immensely proud!”

Ingrid Klimke (GER), who had one fence down in the final show jumping, feels this might be a good omen for the restof the season, as last year’s only mistake was here too and she won the European title later in Strzegom. “Bobby wasfit and fresh today. He jumped his heart out and a pole down can happen anytime. In the end, a clear round would not have made a difference for the end result.”

For Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) and The Duke Of Cavan this third place felt particularly special: “Tobe up here in such a strong class feels absolutely amazing! My horse is usually very strong and can get a little hot in dressage. But this week he seemed proud to be performing in the stadium. Because he gets so strong in cross-country I made some minor changes, which seemed to have done the trick. He was listening, which helped with this technical course. In the show jumping again, he can get very strong but he did not seem to mind the atmosphereand jumped even better than he normally does.”

Bettina Hoy (GER), last year’s National Champion, is ecstatic to be up on the podium again: “This was my first outing with Designer this year, because I have been so busy with the Dutch team. Therefore I am even happier to have won a medal again. Designer is a very experienced horse at this level now, so I trusted him to do well. To come fourth in the CIC*** behind one of my former pupils makes me particularly proud!”

Hans Melzer, Germany’s chef d’equipe, announced the long-list for the World Equestrian Games in Tryon (USA): Andreas Dibowski, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke, Julia Krajewski and Kai Rüder are the top five. Reserve riders are Sandra Auffarth, Jörg Kurbel, Josefa Sommer, Felix Etzel, Andreas Ostholt and Claas Herrmann Romeike. All riders will be competing at CHIO in Aachen, Germany or in Strzegom, Poland later in the year as a final test before a decision is made who is going to represent Germany in Tryon.

Report: Uta Helkenberg
Photos: Thomas Ix
Results:rechenstelle.de

This year’s Badminton winner has done it again! Jonelle Price wins the four-star-event 2018 in Luhmühlen on her little but very feisty grey mare Faerie Dianimo: “This mare can be a little crazy at times – she can be difficult in dressage, very strong in cross- country and jumps like she is huge - but this is what makes her as good as she is!” Jonelle continued by saying she never ever thought earlier in the year, when she tried to get back to full fitness after having had her little boy last August, she would be winning two four-star competitions in a row. She thanked Julia Otto and the whole team from Luhmühlen for the fantastic organisation and hospitality and that she is already looking forward to coming back next year!

Places two and three were decided by the faster cross-country time – although on the same score, Laura Collett stayed within the optimum time, which gave her the edge over her team colleague Rosalind Canter: Laura said: “I am so incredibly happy with my horse, who came to me as an unbroken four-year old. This makes it so much more special! We work so hard with our horses and there are definitely more lows than highs in our sport, so we really enjoy moments like this. Mr. Bass tried his heart out for me this week, he knew when it mattered most – I am so proud!” According to Ros Canter, Zenshera was a real super star from start to finish: “He really gave it his all in dressage, ran as fast as he could in yesterday’s cross-country and jumped incredible today – especially because show jumping is normally his weakest phase. I really could not have asked for more!” Boyd Martin, rider from the US, and overnight leader after the cross-country, had to withdraw Shamwari before this morning’s trot-up, as he is thought to have strained a tendon.

Alec van den Abeele, chef d’equipe for team Belgium, thanked Julia Otto, event manager TGL, and her entire team on his and Chloe Raty’s behalf for the support and help she and her horse Axel Z received after yesterday’s devastating accident. Chloe has travelled home but felt she wanted to express her gratitude for all the care and attention they received from beginning to end.

Report: TGL
Photo: Thomas Ix

To stay within the optimum time in the three-star course proved to be tricky but not impossible. Only three riders managed to stay without time faults: Julia Krajewski (GER), Ingrid Klimke (GER) and Niklas Lindba¨ck (SWE). Krajewski and “Sam” definitely delivered the round of the day: “We had so much fun out there today. Sam was amazing. He is a very quick and efficient horse, who doesn’t lose time anywhere. He seems to thrive on technical challenges and I feel a little bad for doubting he might not be able to make the time. The course rode really well. It was perfectly prepared and Sam just got better and better. As he is a very strong show jumper, I am excited for tomorrow!”

Ingrid is equally happy: “Bobby travelled round the course as if pulled by a string. We had so much fun from beginning to end. The conditions could not have been better and the spectators really carried us round.” Pietro, who competes in Luhmu¨hlen for the first time, reiterated how well everything is prepared and organised. “Barraduff is a strong cross-country horse and we had a super round today. I feel honoured to be up there with Ingrid and Julia – it is quite something! I have had my horse for nine years now and we are constantly improving, however, show jumping is not our strong point, so we will see how it goes tomorrow.”

Mike Etherington-Smith summed up the cross-country day by saying that he is pleased to have seen so many strong rounds in both classes today. However, the accident in the four- star is terrible and extremely sad and he would like to express his condolences to Chloe and her team. The many riders he spoke to commented on how much their horses grew in confidence along the way and how well the tracks were prepared by the team. “I am getting used to the venue now, I am settling into it, and I am looking forward to next year.” It has been a very long cross-country day today and event director Julia Otto explained how she spoke to Chloe just before the end of the day: “Chloe is inconsolable for losing her partner Axel Z, but I ensured her that we would do anything to help her cope with her loss. We are here for her if she needs someone to talk to.” She continued by saying how proud she feels for working with such a fantastic team. Everybody is doing their best to ensure horses and riders, team members and spectators are looked after the best they can be. The cross-country team has worked tirelessly to ensure the ground and jumps were in perfect condition for the competitors. I would like to say ‘thank you’ for all their efforts. And last but not least Julia wanted to congratulate horses and riders for performing superbly throughout the day!

Report: TGL
Fotos: Diana Jung

Boyd Martin took the lead after a phenomenal round in today’s four-star cross-country: “It was a fantastic course and my horse gave me the most amazing round today! To me, Shamwari is the best horse in the world and coming to Luhmühlen proved to be the right decision. I wanted to come here because I knew the footing and the course would really suit him.” Jonelle Price (NZL), who was just three seconds over the time limit, climbed from sixth after dressage up into second: “Cross-country is simply her thing. The mare absolutely loves it! She does tend to get a little strong but she was amazing today.” British rider Laura Collett, who rode four-star first-timer Mr Bass, is ecstatic: “My horse was out of this world today. He gave me the best round ever and I am so proud! The course rode superbly and I could not be happier.” Their super fast round moved them up from18th after dressage into third place.

It is with great sadness and regret that we announce that Chloe Raty (BEL) and Axel Z an 11-year old gelding had a fall at fence 18b, an upright, while competing in the CCI**** at Luhmühlen on 16 June 2018. The horse received immediate veterinary attention and was transported to the veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, spinal injuries were diagnosed and Axel Z sadly could not be saved. The rider was taken to hospital for thorough examination, which revealed no injuries.

Report: TGL
Fotos: Diana Jung

Tim Lips had plenty to smile about: “Bayro was super today! Even after losing my stirrup in the first canter and feeling a little silly not being able to get it back, the gelding seemed to go from strength to strength. My trainer came over from Holland specifically, which gave us a huge boost. I really could not be happier today.” Tim continued by saying how he is looking forward to tomorrow’s x-country: “I have been riding Bayro in Luhmühlen for the past three years and he gave me a good round every time. So I am fairly confident we are going to have fun tomorrow. The course is definitely tougher than last year, but all questions are very clear. Every course I have ridden which was built by Mike Etherington-Smith rode particularly well, so I’m sure it’s not going to be any different this time.“

Jesse Campbell agreed: “You’ve got everything in there. The course is challenging but fair and with concentration and accurate riding, we should be able to produce a good round tomorrow.” Jesse was particularly pleased with his horse in the dressage today, as he can be a bit of a handful. They changed his routine only this week, which was a risk but luckily it worked out all right!

Shane Rose, who only arrived from Australia a couple of days ago, is over the moon: “Although we only had two days to prepare for this four-star, my gelding performed really well this afternoon. Apart from the first flying change - which I messed up -the test was almost flawless. I could not have asked for more! Now I am excited to get round the cross-country tomorrow, as I believe the course really suits my horse. The footing is perfect and although the course is much tougher than it has been previously, I think it’s going to be great if the gelding is as fit as I think he is. The course requires accuracy, which will also influence how close you get to the optimum time.”

Report: TGL

Photos: Thomas Ix

The second day of dressage started out to be very exciting with many exceptionally good tests from horses and riders. Perfect weather conditions brought plenty of spectators to the arena. In the lead, after the end of the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy dressage is Julia Krajewski with Samourai du Thot. Their performance was almost perfect, earning them the brilliant score of 19.9. “Sam was super today! Although he is much more a jumping pony than a dressage horse, he really did a fabulous job today.

To take the lead in such a strong class is amazing. I am a little overwhelmed! Now I am looking forward to this very exciting new course tomorrow, which really has everything to offer! Riding within the optimum time will probably be a challenge, but one we are happy to take on.” Bettina Hoy, who is riding her first three-day-event on Designer this year as she has been busy coaching the Dutch team, is completely elated: “Designer loves competing here in Luhmu¨hlen. He just delivered just as I expected he would. I can’t fault him in any way – he was brilliant! He is very experienced at this level, so I know he would come out and be his best. Now I am looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country, which is challenging but extremely well-built. I think Mike Etherington-Smith has done a great job designing this new course after getting to know the event last year.”

Ingrid Klimke was equally ecstatic after ‘Bobby’s’ performance in today’s dressage: “I’m just so happy, he could not have done it any better! He was fresh but relaxed. I felt he was very expressive, especially in his extended trot and canter.” Ingrid carried on saying how much she is looking forward to tomorrow: “The course looks amazing. It has everything you want from a good three-star course. If you want to get near the optimum time however, you will need to set up the right pace throughout your round.”

Report: TGL

Photos: Thomas Ix

Kitty King was particularly pleased with her horse’s performance, whohas not competed in a big event since the Olympic Games in Rio2016: “He has performed really well for me today and I could not have asked for more!”

Boyd Martin, who rode his big German horse Shamwari 4, was equally pleased. With a new coach they managed to really improve the canter work, which he felt made a big difference today.

Vittoria Panizzon’s Checkers Playthe Game is competing in his first four-star this weekend, making her extremely proud how well he delivered throughout their test. “Only one of the flying changes didn’t quite turn out as planned, but the rest was brilliant. He has a fabulous walk, which earned us three nines from the judges – definitely something to be proud of!”

All three riders felt the DHL presents CCI**** course is asking plenty of questions of horses and riders and requires full concentration and precise riding throughout. With technical challenges and big jumps everything you would want from a four-star course is in there. Vittoria Panizzoni sums it up: “I’m so excited to ride this beautifully built course and looking forward to Saturday.”

Text by TGL Luhmühlen
Photos: Thomas Ix

Julia Mestern, who is also a successful dressage rider, delivered an almost perfect dressage test today: “This was by far our best test! I was smiling the whole way through, which is a sure sign things were going well for us today. There were only a couple of things we could have done better – coming down the first centre line and two of the flying changes were not a good as they could have been. The rest was brilliant! The atmosphere is electric in the stadium but my horse kept his cool and listened to me throughout.”

Closely behind Julia is team colleague Josefa Sommer (GER), who could not be happier with her gelding ‘Hannes’ today: “He has improved from test to test this year and today he really gave it his all. The canter work still needs a little work but I really could not have asked for more. Even our changes were pretty good today, which I managed to improve after getting some useful tips from Ingrid Klimke.“

Thoughts on the CIC*** Cross Country Hans Melzer: “This year’s course is definitely more difficult than last year’s. There are many questions for horses and riders, however, they are clear and fairly build with easier passages in between. Well-prepared horses should be able to make the time.”

Julia Mestern: “The course has a number of technical questions which require concentration and precision. There is a lot to jump, however, this is a three-star competition and therefore should be challenging. I am really looking forward to Saturday!”

Text by TGL Luhmühlen
Photos: Thomas Ix

After “familiarization” in the main arena, the horses were exquisitely prepared for the first horse inspection. The riders presented their horses not only to the ground jury but also to the many spectators who were eager to see the athletes of this year’s competition. Only one horse, Master Tredstep, ridden by Aidan Keogh (IRL) was eliminated.

Photo: Andreas Dibowski/GER with FRH Llanero and Emma McNab/NZL with Fernhill Tabasco

Tomorrow’s dressage is going to be kicked off at 8.10am by Peter Thomsen (GER) with Horseware Nobleman in the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy. Later, at 1.10pm, Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo are going to be guinea pigs for the DHL presents CCI**** before Jesse Campbell (NZL) and Amsterdam 21 take to the arena at 1.30pm as first competitors.

Video of the day ...

Text by TGL Luhmühlen
Photos: Thomas Ix

Ahead of the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Luhmühlen’s entries promise exciting competitions. Sandra Auffarth, Ingrid Klimke and Andreas Dibowski are some of Germany’s top-class riders who are going to compete at Luhmühlen’s DHL presents CCI**** and the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy alongside outstanding eventers from twelve other countries.

Some of the best eventers from around the world as well as a number of newcomers have entered the DHL presents CCI**** and the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy.

“In the four-star, I’m excited about Andreas Dibowski, whose FRH Llanero is very fast in the cross-country phase and also a good show-jumper. Dibo is extremely experienced, so these two could definitely be candidates for one of the top spots. Marina Köhncke is another experienced rider, who has already competed at World Championships and Olympic Games in the past. She’s riding Let’s Dance, an exciting horse that is going make its four-star debut at Luhmühlen”, says Team Trainer Hans Melzer.

Here an interview with Andreas Dibowski (german language) ...

The competitors from England include Kristina Cook, Nicola Wilson and Pippa Funnell, who were all part of the silver winning Olympic team from Rio. Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell won the European Championships in Luhmühlen 1999 but she has yet to win Luhmühlen’s CCI****.

Nicola Wilson nearly won the CCI**** on Bulana last year, when she finished just 0.6 penalties behind Julia Krajewski. Jonelle Price (NZL), who has just won the prestigious CCI**** in Badminton, and her husband Tim Price will also be competing at Luhmühlen this year. Just like Nicola Wilson, Jonelle Price has already come very close to winning the CCI**** in Luhmühlen – 2015 she finished a mere 0.1 penalties behind Ingrid Klimke.

Hans Melzer explains why so many German horse-and-rider combinations have decided to compete in the CIC*** Meßmer Trophy: “Some of our top riders are going to compete in the three-star, as they have already achieved their qualification for the World Equestrian Games and now want to give their horses a motivational round on their way to the championship. Since Luhmühlen is going to host the European Championships next year, Germany is allowed to enter twelve riders. Therefore a large number of riders want to get a feel for the course and the atmosphere. Also, there are a number of young riders who are already competing at three-star level and are now looking to establish themselves to become part of the national team.

Current World Champion Sandra Auffarth, who has just impressed the international show-jumping scene with an amazing third place in the Hamburg Derby, is going to ride two horses in the CIC***: “I’m really looking forward to competing Daytona Beach and Viamant du Matz in the three-star. Luhmühlen’s cross-country-courses are usually very motivating because they ride so well and the ground is superb which is ideal for younger or less experienced horses as it gives them a chance to grow and gain confidence.”

European Champion Ingrid Klimke will compete Horseware Hale Bob: “Luhmühlen holds a special place in my eventing calendar. It provides perfect conditions for horses and riders. Also, winning the CCI**** with Escada in 2015 and retiring Braxxi have been extremely emotional moments in my career. I’m really looking forward to taking Bobby round Luhmühlen again.”

Ride with Ingrid Klimke an Escada around 3star-cross-country 2013 ...

Three-time Olympic medal winner David O’Connor is Luhmühlen’s patron

David O’Connor is one of the great ambassadors of the sport who looks back on an amazing career in eventing. He has won Badminton and Kentucky as well as three Olympic medals and now runs a successful training centre with his wife Karen O’Connor. As the new Chairman of the FEI Eventing Committee and member of the FEI Risk Management Steering Group, he is actively working towards making the sport safer: “It is quite amazing just how much David is involved in all areas of the sport. He has been part of our event so many times – as a competitor, trainer and as an official for the FEI. We are very proud that he is now acting as Luhmühlen’s patron as well”, says event director Julia Otto.

Entries 2018

Text by TGL Luhmühlen

• Heather Reimer // editor
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