LEXINGTON, KY. US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games hosted from July 26 August 11, 2024. Eventing competition will be the first equestrian discipline on the overall Paris 2024 sporting schedule and held at the equestrian grounds of Versailles, beginning on Saturday, July 27, and concluding on Monday, July 29.The U.S. Olympic Eventing Team will be led by Chef dEquipe Bobby Costello alongside Team Leader Gemma Stobbs, and supported by team veterinarian Dr. Susan Johns, team equine physiotherapist Linda Vegher, team human physiotherapist Jennifer Mitchell, and team farrier Beck Ratte.This was a very thorough selection process and after speaking with each of our team members named to this Olympic team, I can say there is a palpable sense of optimism and determination as we enter these final six weeks of meticulous preparation heading into Paris, said Chef dEquipe Bobby Costello. We have firm but realistic expectations together as a team to continue pushing the needle forward for this program. Lets go USA!The following combinations have been selected to represent the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order.William Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Mary CageWilliam Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Arkansas x Ard Ohio) owned by the Off The Record Syndicate and cared for by Hailey BurlockDirect Reserve: Diabolo, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Aljano 2) owned by the Diabolo Group and cared for by Hailey Burlock & Erin JarboeBoyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Eurocommerce Washington x Fedor) owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate and cared for by Stephanie SimpsonDirect Reserve: Commando 3, a 2013 Holsteiner gelding (Conner 48 x Amigo XX) owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC and cared for by Stephanie SimpsonCaroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R. x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu and cared for by Chloe TeahanThe following combination has been selected as the traveling reserve.Elisabeth Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R. x Cobra) owned by Chris Desino, Rob Desino, Deborah Halliday, Liz Halliday, and Renee Lane and cared for by Abby StegerThe following combination has been selected as the first alternate combination.Sydney Elliott (Hoffman, N.C.) and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Diarado x Sandro Hit) owned by Carol Stephens and cared for by Caitlin MartinThe following combinations have been selected as team alternates and are listed in alphabetical order.James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma, a 2014 Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian & Ric PlummerJennie Brannigan (West Grove, Pa.) and FE Lifestyle, 2010 Deutches Sportferd gelding owned by Nina & Timothy GardnerWill Faudree (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Mamas Magic Way, 2011 Hanoverian gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver StablesElisabeth Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah PalmerElisabeth Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Shanroe Cooley, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Ocala Horse PropertiesThe U.S. Olympic Eventing Team will participate in a Mandatory Outing in Aiken, S.C. from June 21-23, 2024, at the Stable View Summer HT, before heading to Europe to begin their final preparations ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Edited Press ReleaseThe post US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Games appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Titan! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse. Adoptable Horse: Titan, an 11-year-old 14.3hh American Quarter Horse gelding []The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Titan appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Talk about unsociable: despite last nights party raging on until nearly three in the morning, and German party tunes still ringing in everyones ears, this mornings duo of final horse inspections at Luhmhlen still, rather rudely, started bang on at 7.30 in the morning.Everyone may have been a touch bleary-eyed, but the horses certainly werent. Despite running intense tracks yesterday, we saw horse after horse being flown like a kite, thanks, in no small part, to the truly exceptional ground that they all ran over yesterday.The CCI5* presented first to a ground jury comprised of president Anne-Mette Binder, and 31 of yesterdays33 finishers came forward after the overnight withdrawal of Britains Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit and Swedens Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic. Two horses were asked to trot again immediately: Irelands Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS were then promptly accepted, while Italys Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere were sent to the holding box for the second time this week. They were subsequently accepted and will go into this mornings showjumping in eleventh place. Ros Canter and Izilot DHI hold their lead overnight with two rails and a second in hand; its hard to imagine, now, a scenario in which the Pau winners dont win this class. Izilot hasnt had a rail down in an FEI class since his CCI2*-S debut five years ago.Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The CCI4*-S also had a horse inspection today, which is protocol when a short format class is held with showjumping last. Here, we had rather more drama in the form of morning withdrawals. Swedens Aria Ramkali pulled 34th placed Flanders overnight, and second-placed Laura Collett withdrew London 52 this morning due to a minor injury to his coronet band. Unfortunately London 52 managed to slice into his coronet band whilst out on the XC, writes Laura in a post on her Instagram account. Although a very minor injury I dont feel its in his best interest to SJ today therefore have made the very difficult decision to withdraw himAs always his welfare comes first and its my job to do whats right by him, however devastating it is. He was scintillating round the XC yesterday and we will be back fighting for the win soon.Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.This is a major moment for the competition itself, which now sees fellow Brits Yasmin Ingham and Tom McEwen in second and third place, respectively, with their Olympic prospects Banzai du Loir and JL Dublin but its also a tense moment for the British selection storyline, which reaches its denouement with this final trial ahead of an announcement in the next week or so. Its hard to imagine that the selectors will feel that London 52 still needs to prove himself in showjumping, at which hes a specialist, but what will remain to be seen is how quickly the injury can heal so the pair can get back on track with their fitness targets. And, of course, it now gives us a rather familiar one-two: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir will showjump in second place to Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. The last time we saw that was at the 2022 World Championships, where a shock two fences for Michi saw Yas take the title. Could it be another case of dj vu today?Antonia Baumgart and Lamango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Elsewhere in this class, we saw Germanys Antonia Baumgart held with Lamango, but accepted upon representation.52 horses and riders will go ahead to showjumping in this class. Well kick off with the 5* from 9.25 a.m. (8.25 a.m. BST/3.25 a.m. EST), followed by the 4*, which incorporates the German National Championship and this crucial Olympic stepping stone, from 12.15 p.m. (11.15 a.m. BST/6.15 a.m. EST). You can follow all the action live on Horse & Country TV, and join us later for an in-depth round-up of the biggest stories of the day.Until then Go Eventing!ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lara de Liedekerke (@laradke_x) Say it aint so weve reached the end of our last 5* before that horse show in Paris happening next month. Its been a soggy one, so our poor Tilly is still firmly soldered to her raincoat over in Germany (as shes been since last August, really) make sure to read up on her weather report featuring some horses before logging in to Horse & Country to watch the finale for both the excitement of the Longines CCI5* and the tension of the CCI4* Memer Trophy German National Championships. If, like me, youre here in the states and cant get your insomniac eyes to open early enough to watch everything live at the crisp hour of (*checks watch*) 3:30am, youll be able to go back and watch everything on demand at any point.As we head into the stadium this morning, our leaderboard currently stands as follows:CCI5* Rosalind Canter & Izilot DHI 26.9 Jennifer Kuehnle & Polly Blue Eyes 35.5 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier 35.6 CCI4*-S Michael Jung & fischerChipmunk FRH 26.1 Yasmin Ingham & Banzai du Loir 29.3 Tom McEwen & JL Dublin 29.6 It would be quite the feat for our queen Ros to be unseated from her incredible lead in the 5*, as the only one in the field with a sub-30 score and a nice two poles in hand. Jen Kuehnle and the leading German rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier are as neck-and-neck as possible, so well be interested to see if the leaders shake up! While sad that my trifecta pick for the 4* was dashed with Laura Collett withdrawing London 52 this morning due to an unfortunate coronet injury (and sending them our love), these three iconic names in European eventing will be battling it out today.Everyone stay tuned and #GoEventing!International EventsLongines Luhmhlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream H&C+] [ENs Coverage]U.S. Weekend ActionAspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Links to Start Your Sunday:Steps to Making Safety Accessible: Helmet makers address the limited options for many Black equestriansTamie Smith welcomes new mare to stable after mourning the loss of Solaguayre CaliforniaGet your own Valegro (a mini one, of course)The buzz about 2 rescue horses in US being a rare Mongolian breedSponsor Corner: The Ecovet giveaway closes TODAY! Its your last chance to enter to win a free bottle of EcoVets unique fly repellant! [Enter here.]Morning Viewing: While Lucinda Green spent most of yesterday commentating and Michael Jung took to the field with quite a handful of horses, they also doubled as judges for the most important event of the weekend. These are the real big stars, and Im obsessed. This is how I want to ride at Luhmhlen, honestly. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tilly Berendt (@tillyberendt) View this post on InstagramA post shared by LeMieux Deutschland (@lemieux_de)

Laura Collett and Hester. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Is this a touch of deja-vu were feeling here? Last year, we saw Laura Collett take the first-phase lead with London 52 in Luhmhlens five-star, and then hold it all the way through to take the win. Today, shes right back where she likes to hang out: on top of the leaderboard, this time with the much less experienced Hester.Okay, okay, we wont get ahead of ourselves here. Hester is, of course, in a much different stage of her career, and with different goals and intentions this week than her stablemate, who returns to the event, too, to tackle the CCI4*-S and, hopefully, secure his spot on the British team for the Olympics.For Hester, this is a reroute from Badminton, and a chance to learn from that experience, which saw her retired on course after going green after the Lake. And for Laura, its an opportunity to really get to know her and see what shes made of in the third year of their partnership.What a jolly start, though, isnt it? This afternoons CCI5* dressage felt like a bit of an uphill battle at times, because there wasnt an ounce of leeway in the marking and at the end of the session, none of the 21 horses and riders we saw in the ring today managed to go sub-30. And so a 30.6, which is what Laura and the thirteen-year-old British-bred Hanoverian mare scored, probably felt a bit like a 25 on any other day, even with a couple of changes that were, perhaps, slightly interpretive rather than textbook.Im absolutely delighted with her, says Laura, who scored a 34.1 with the mare at Badminton. Shes just getting better and better, and starting to trust me and realise its not going to be the end of the world when she goes into a dressage arena. So each time she goes in and doesnt lose her mind, its a step in the right direction, to be honest. Her trot work is stunning. She really feels secure in that now, and the next step is to try and get the canter just as secure. But to be honest for her, to get any flying changes is a massive highlight, so Im absolutely over the moon with her.Laura Collett and Hester. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The journey to getting to really know Hester, who was previously piloted by Tim and Jonelle Price and then Alex Bragg, has been a winding one, Laura explains.Ive had her nearly three years, but Ive never had a full run through [a season] with her, she says. Shes always had a little niggle here or there and had to have time off. Sosince Blenheim through to here has been the first time weve got any sort of consistent work into her.That consistent work had one simple goal: Its been figuring her brain out and to be honest, just getting her to take a deep breath. She can do all the moves, apart from the changes, as long as shes relaxed, so I only get on her ten minutes before, now. She lunges, just to switch her off, and weve found that process really, really helps and really works. She only makes mistakes from wanting to do it right and not actually waiting to be told what to do.One of the ways that Laura helps to take the pressure of Hester is by riding sans spurs.Now, shes looking ahead to Saturday, which remains something of a question mark but Lauras feeling confident that Hester is ready to step up to the plate after her early finish at Badminton.She started really well and felt great, and then I think, the amphitheatre of the Lake she just didnt know what was going on or what to look at or anything, and I think it was all just [a bit much], she says. Badminton is just a different level. Theres nowhere to put the wheels back on when they slightly fall off, and they very much fell off at the Lake. I then jumped a few more, and she just didnt feel like her at all. She was very cautious and every time I said go, she was backing off, so I thought, you know what, well go home and put the wheels back on.A few weeks later, she took her to run at Bictons CCI4*-S.Coming here was very much dependent on how she felt at Bicton, she continues. She came out of the start box at Bictonlike the normal Hester absolutely grabbing the bridle, ears pricked, and awesome. So I thought, while shes fit and well, just because weve had to miss so much with her, I thought, what else? Well bring her here. I think the track should suit her, but its a 5* and shes not a proven 5* horseyet but hopefully after this we can say that she is.Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Class pathfinder Tom McEwen held the lead for a fair stint with his former Pau runner-up CHF Cooliser on a score of 30.8, but will no doubt be happy enough to settle for provisional second overnight.Im delighted with the whole test, he says. I thought her trot work was really nice; sheactually showed some of her medium, and her lateral work was really nice and soft, and the walk was great.The one expensive mistake came in the reinback, which saw Eliza earn a 4, a 4.5, and a 5.5 after heading off in the wrong direction.Her halt and rein back is always her nemesis, so if we can usually get it over and done with as quick as possible it goes better but I thought the halt was so good I would wait a second, and so we went forward instead of backwards, laughs Tom. But she was great, and got all the changes, so for me that was a real good, clear round of a test.Eliza, whos often referred to as Queen Elizabeth at home to reflect her royal attitude, has often fulfilled a few of the more obvious stereotypes of a redheaded mare but now, at fourteen, the daughter of Womanizer is truly hitting her stride.With age, shes definitely growing up, says Tom. Shes seen a lot now this would be her fourth 5*, so shes been around andseen different things. So now shesreally maturing, whereas before, theres so much going on in this arena, shed have been looking around to see whats going on. I think a bit of it is maturing, and a bit of it is just continuous development of the way shes going.Tom will return tomorrow with a debutant horse in 15-year-old Brookfield Quality, as well as riding JL Dublin in the CCI4*-S in his bid for a spot on the British Olympic team.I couldnt have picked three more different ones to ride this weekend, laughs Tom. Im quite pleased that Eliza goes first, because she does her own thing. So then I can reassess on my riding and then go from there.Eliza loves cross country, so we let Eliza do what Eliza wants!Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney dArville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The most emotional finish of the day was that of Belgian dynamo Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who took third place with Hooney dArville on the eleven-year-olds debut at the level, scoring a 31.6.Its just so, so special when its one youve bred yourself, she says through happy tears. Hooneys mother, Nooney Blue, was a particularly special horse for Lara: she was her partner through five total Junior and Young Rider Championships, and then in her debut at Senior Championship level at the World Equestrian Games in 2010. The production of her talented daughter, though, has been something of a labour of love in more ways than one.With Hooney, it has been a long way Im going to be emotional again, she says with a laugh. It has been a long way, and it has been difficult. A lot of people said to me, shes so talented, butit was difficult all the way. She has been tricky in the past, but I think shes much more reliable now.And so, she says, today, I expected nothing just to enjoy riding a 5* again. Her mother had her last run here; she was brought down on cross country one combination beforethe last. So this is my little revenge on the past. Im delighted with the test.Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney dArville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Laras last ride at five-star was in 2017, when she rode here with Alpaga dArville and returning to this level took a bit of convincing, not of Lara herself, but of her husband, Belgian chef dequipe Kai Steffen Meier.Kai was a little bitnot convinced about me riding 5* here because of the Olympics, because I have a strong position. I have five horses qualified, which are all competitive, she explains. So he thought it was maybe a risk not to take the Olympics is every four years, while 5*s are all the time. But I felt I wanted to stay sharp and, you know, we can fall at home,so I dont need to be scared of my own shadow. I dont expect much from this 5* its just to keep me on the nice road for Paris.The track, she says, will suit her, I think. It requires a lot of forward riding; theres a lot of technicity with that. Shes quite okay with that. Im confident if I ride well, she will be good. Im not sure about the speed though she has blood, but she needs a lot of preparation for every combination, which is where Im losing a bit of time. I didnt have the gallops I wanted, because of the rain weve had in Europe, but she has a lot of stamina. The last two minutes could be quite something for her, because Im confident she wont be tired at the end. But I never did an eleven minute course with her, so I still have a lot of question marks but Im sure if I ride her well she might be really good.Im confident its the right choice, she continues. I had a super preparation. She was really good in Baborowko and Strzegom She had a super run up to here, so Im confident shes ready. It just depends how I feel when I leave the start box if she feels like shes ready to tackle the speed and everything. Im not going flat out to win it, but Im definitely a competitive person so Im going to try to make the best out of it.Luhmhlen is so often a fantastic showcase of up-and-coming talent, and today has been no exception: fourth place is held overnight by French debutante Julie Simonet and her Sursumcordor, who posted a respectable 33.3, while fifth place goes the way of young British rider Storm Straker, who put a 33.6 on the board with Fever Pitch. Irelands Ian Cassells and Master Point sit sixth on a 33.9, while Britains Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien are seventh on 34.Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The first of our two US riders in this class came forward today, and will sit eighth overnight on a score of 34.2. That was British-based Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, who come forward for the 14-year-old geldings sophomore five-star, having finished just outside the top twenty at 2023s tough Badminton.Im really pleased with him. He did a 31 of Badminton, and then he did a 29 in Kronenberg, and so theyre marking hard today, but he was so good, says Katherine. Hes kind of like a big, gangly thing, so the changes on that short side [in this test] are a bit like, oh, where are my legs! But Im really pleased with him.Katherine had originally hoped to take Monbeg Senna to Kentucky this spring, but a minor injury sustained while jumping out of his field derailed his preparation. But Luhmhlen, Katherine thinks, will be the perfect re-route and stepping stone on the way to targeting Boekelo this autumn, and then Kentucky next spring.For me with him, I think this is like, a 4* plus, says Katherine. What I need to work on with him the most, his kind of weakness or Achilles heel, basically, is his speed. Hes just a little slow, and he spends a lot of time in the air. So this, to me, is a wonderful course its well within his jumping abilities, so Im like, actually, this time Im going to go out and try and be a little bit quicker. Thats the main goal this weekend. At Badminton, which was his first 5*, nobody was getting around. I was starting out like, okay, I just want to finish, because you dont know what youre going to have. But he finished that so full of running and with so much energy. I was like, oh, I could have gone faster. This time I dont want to finish and think that I could have gone faster.Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig. Photo by Tilly Berendt.New Zealands Sam Lissington and her eleven-year-old five-star debutant Lord Seekonig very nearly stole the lead, until a few expensive wobbles in the canter work pushed their score down. Nonetheless, they sit in a very positive ninth place overnight on a 34.7.The quality is all there, and I think hes going to be a low 20s horse at 5*, she says. We had just a few little wobbles today which then meant all my aids then havd a little bit of a different impact, so those are just little work-ons. But for a first 5* test, I think the quality is all there and theres more yet to come.Tenth place is held by Britains Caroline Harris and D. Day, who scored a 34.9. The scores across the board are achingly tight just nine points covers the entirety of the class at this stage.Tomorrows 5* will continue from 13.30 local time (12.30 p.m. BST/7.30 a.m. EST), and will feature some big names including Pau winners Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. You can follow all the action on Horse & Country TV, and join us after the fact for an in-depth debrief on the layout of the leaderboard.The top ten after day one of dressage in the CCI5* at Luhmhlen.ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage

Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Just one year ago, then-21-year-old Anna Lena Schaaf made her debut in Luhmhlens CCI4*-S a class which, as the host of the German National Championships, is one of the most prestigious in the country.And when she did so, with her longtime partner Fairytale 39, it was to be a week that culminated in a swell of emotion: they finished fourth, and as bronze medallists in the German Championships, and not only is that an exceptional feat for a rider so young among the titans of the sport, but its also, fittingly, a bit of a Fairytale. The now-17-year-old mare was bred by Anna Lenas grandfather, and was born when Anna Lena herself was just five years old. When former Pony European Champion Anna Lena stepped up to horses, Fairytale was her first ride; theyd spent the prior seasons getting to know one another from the 80cm jumping classes onwards, but much, much more was yet to come. Theyve been to two Junior European Championships, winning individual gold in 2019, and they were individual silver medallists at the Young Rider Europeans, too, before stepping up to four-star and winning on their debut.Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.All in all, then, really, the sort of thing that dreams are made of but even the best stories come to an end one day. And thats exactly what Anna Lena has in mind with every start she makes with the mare these days.Maybe this will be my last year with her, so I really want to enjoy it shes seventeen, and so she might be ready to retire soon, says the Warendorf-based young rider, who was recently crowned the German Under-25 National Champion with the mare in the first-ever awarding of the title.Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Today, in the first day of dressage in Luhmhlens CCI4*-S, both horse and rider certainly achieved the enjoyment objective and in doing so, produced a fluid, expressive test that earned them a 26 and the overnight lead.I think the first part, the trot work, was really good she was really in front of me, and I could really ride her, says Anna Lena. The one section where the pairs scores dropped to 5.5, awarded by Xavier le Sauce, was in the middle of the lengthy walk segment within the test. There, they lost some of their established rhythm in the half-pirouettes.I dont really know what happened there, but she was a bit in a hurry, laughs Anna Lena.But, she says, the subsequent canter work was really good, though I think I could have ridden the flying changes a bit more in training, they were maybe a point better, but they were good today.The changes received quite decidedly split marks from the judges at C and E, which has proven to be a common theme in this mornings competition: their first, from right to left, earned them an 8 from Edith Schless-Strtenbacker at E and a 6.5 from Le Sauce at C, while their second, from left to right, earned them another 8 from E and a 5 from C.Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Anna Lenas closest competitor is another German, but one much further along in his storied career. Michael Jungs big ride, Tokyo Olympics ride fischerChipmunk FRH, is set to come forward in tomorrows CCI4*-S lineup, but today, he got his week off to a smart start with the eleven-year-old Kilcandra Ocean Power, who put a 27.1 on the board to lead for much of the morning.Hes a really, really nice horse hes very nice to ride in the dressage, hes a super jumper, and hes very, very, very easy in the cross country, says Michael of the gelding, who is making his Luhmhlen debut in his tenth four-star start, and does so as a CCI4*-L victor he won on his first start at the level in Strzegom last June, though he didnt compete for the rest of the season thereafter.Today, he says, I think the canter work was the best part from him. Hes doing really nice flying changes, but everythings not at the top at the moment, so theres still a lot to improve. But its very nice when you when you have a good test, but you still feel theres something to improve, to get better and thats very good to know.This CCI4*-S is serving as a crucial step on the pathway to the Paris Olympics, as well as an important championship in its own right, and though Chipmunk is once again Michaels first choice for the Games, Kilcandra Ocean Power will, he hopes, be his back-up ride.But with the Olympics as the top priority in the season, he wont necessarily ride either of his mounts in this class with a view to try to win here.I think nearly everyone wants to win this week. But for me, its still a little bit of preparation, in the end, for Paris, so we will have a few percent more control, he says.Tim Price and Coup de Coeur Dudevin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Former Luhmhlen CCI5* winner Tim Price sits third overnight with his 2022 Maryland winner Coup de Coeur Dudevin, who put a 28.1 on the board in this tough-scoring section.For Tim, the test felt like a significant improvement on recent work, even if the numbers didnt quite tell the same story.Wiesbaden was his last test, and it was the same test and whilst the Wiesbaden test scored better [they received a 25.4], I thought this was a better test, he says. But hes a proper authentic eventing horse, so hes not a top dressage horse, but he tries his hardest, and hes just a great cross country horse and jumper.One of the major improvements, he continues, was in the walk work, which represents a huge chunk of todays test.The walk was much better. He has this little toe flick thing; like, when hes going down a hill, he goes really slow and some horses do that sort of thing he demonstrates a Spanish walk with his arms and hes one of them. But I think he just relaxed a little bit more through his body and was able to swing, and he didnt peek out the sides at what was going on around him. I could just feel him concentrating really hard everywhere, so Im very happy with him.Like Michael before him, Tim is using this class as a way to firm up his A-team for Paris alongside Coup de Coeur Dudevin, he also has an entry in his World Championships bronze medallist Falco. But before he can even think about which of the two hed most like to ride in Paris, they have to qualify. So thats great fun, isnt it,trying to show off horses and not do anything stupid at the same time! he laughs.Tom Carlile and Darmagnac de Beliard. Photo by Tilly Berendt.A really awkward season spent trying to get Darmagnac de Beliard back to top-level competition after nearly a year out of action means that Tom Carliles World Championships ride wont be vying for Paris selection this year he was eliminated at the first horse inspection in Kronenbergs CCI3*-L in March, which put paid to Toms longer-term plan of securing the qualifying results hed need to try to make a bid for selection.But although thatll no doubt be an enormous disappointment to the Manchester-born Frenchman, hes still forging forward with his efforts to bring the talented eleven-year-old back to his peak.Those efforts have, most recently, seen him take second place in Fontainebleaus CCI3*-S, and today, they came good again as the pair took overnight fourth place on a 28.3 in this class. That mark was reached after an excellent trot tour, which had them trending well in the lead on a low-20s score, but some lost marks in the walk work meant that even a plethora of 8s and 8.5s in the canter couldnt quite push them back into the top spot.But, as Tom points out, hes still a relatively inexperienced horse.Hes a horse thats starting to come into collection, he says. He is a really, really serious horse he does have a lot of emotion, but he puts a lot of trust into me and even in an atmosphere, I know I can rely on him being serious. You can really ride your test and get him moving.Hed be one Id always be a bit cautious with in atmospheres, and I probably warmed him up ten minutes too much today, because he just started to shut down a little bit in the arena, he continues. He was very good, but the walks always something because hes quite flighty, you always want to have him nice and calm in the walk. But I probably had him a bit too switched off and missed the two pirouettes, which costs you.Tom has produced the French-bred gelding throughout his career, and has learned how to work with his inherent quirks.Hes always been a very shy horse; and he was always a bit spooky with the rider, he says. Its always an issue trying to get on him. You have to be very careful hes quite flighty like that. Hed be one to shy away from the subject , from the conflict. Hes very brave with what you put in front of him, but its in the relationship hes quite a submissive horse, and he was as a foal in the pack, too. He was always the one that followed the others. He didnt have much of an initiative.But that means that Tom has been able to inject his own quiet confidence into him and build a relationship off the back of it: hes one that, if you grab him by the hand firmly, he listens and you can get him to do it. When hes made confident like that, he really puts a lot of effort into that; it reassures him and then he can express himself.Emma Brssau and Dark Desire GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Fittingly, the top five in this class is completed by another young German rider who is part of the Warendorf training system for the next generation of top-level competitors. And, like Anna Lena Schaaf, Emma Brssau, who scored a 29.4, is mounted today aboard a mare thats been her partner through some of the biggest milestones of her career so far in Dark Desire GS.I think this is our seventh or eighth season. I started Juniors with her when she was seven and I was seventeen, and now shes 15 and Im 25, she says with a smile. We grew up together, and thats really nice.That means, she continues, that I think we both know each other inside out. Its just fun to ride her cross country and like getting into old shoes, you know? I dont know for how long she will be with me because shes already fifteen, and shes had a long time now in the competition life, and so I just enjoy all the big competitions I can ride with her. Im happy and grateful that I can ride at competitions like this, and Im just happy that I have her.Todays success, Emma says, came down to the mares rideability something that was helped along, she says, by some well-time physio sessions for Dark Desire this week.She was so relaxed and so calm sometimes she is a little bit uptight. But when shes like today, and she feels that happy, then I can actually ride her in the test and then it works out better, she says. When shes that little bit strong and tight, the changes are the most difficult ones. Today, I felt she was with me, and I actually could ride them, and that was really nice. When I did the second one, I was like, wow! Both changes were alright today!, and thats a nice feeling, because a few years ago when I started at 4*, always just one was good, or both were bad. But now this season, both changes are working, so thats really nice.Last year, the pair opted to make their five-star debut here rather than joining the majority of their compatriots in this class and that experience, Emma explains, taught both of them a huge amount.When we walked the course last year, [the coaches] said, you have to fight. lts not like [an equitation class], where we try to go really nice, and get graded for that, she laughs. So I think I learned that I really have to fight sometimes, and it wont always look nice, but you have to be brave. Sure, four-star is high and big, but 5* is a different level. You cant pull and push and Im the kind of rider who sometimes wants to add a stride in now and then! because thats not possible at 5*. When there are four strides, you have to do four strides,because the jumps are too high!But, she continues, its not only that now I also know that she can do it, and that I can ride like this. I mean, it was not the perfect round, but we learned so much from it.Marten Boon and Gravin van Cantos.Photo by Tilly Berendt.A duo of Belgians hold sixth and seventh place, giving the small, determined nation an excellent starting point for their big week ahead. Marten Boon and Gravin van Cantos scored a 29.8 to take sixth, while Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and the diminutive but powerful Formidable 62 posted a 30 for seventh.We had a fantastic year last year winning the Nations Cup, says Marten, remarking on the Belgian teams upswing of the last eighteen months, which saw them qualify a team outright for Paris at the European Championships. I was at four of the Nations Cups, not always in the team, sometimes as reserve but it was really fun. We have a very good team spirit andthats fantastic. Now, we need to continue it in Paris!Antonia Baumgart and Lamango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Germanys Antonia Baumgart is in eighth place overnight with Lamango, who was bred by fellow up-and-coming German rider Arne Bergendahls family. They posted 30.9 to put them ahead of Frances Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy, ninth on 31.3, and Italys Giovanni Ugolotti and Florencina R, tenth on 31.6.It was incredible, says the 24-year-old, who won a prep run at Strzegoms CCI3*-S with the 14-year-old this spring en route to this big mid-season goal. He just felt so concentrated its always so difficult to ride in such an arena, and Im so pleased with how he did his job. Im so happy normally we all hope for under 30, but it was a super good mark, and I think we can easily work with that. Theres two more phases to come, and I can really trust him there. So Im really looking forward to the next three days.Antonia, too, has a long and storied partnership with her horse: Ive had him since he was four, so ten years now! Hes like our family member, definitely. I have such a strong partnership with him, and Ive got through so many things with him two German championships with the Juniors and Young Riders, and the Young Rider Europeans, so really, its a long journey with him, and Im so pleased to start with him here.The second half of this classs first phase kicks off tomorrow morning at 8.15 a.m. (7.15 a.m. BST/2.15 a.m. EST), starting with Irelands Stephan Dubsky and Karla. Well see some serious heavy-hitters come forward tomorrow to fight for spots on their respective Olympic teams, including Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz, Laura Collett and London 52, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, Olympic gold medallist Julia Krajewski and up-and-comer Nickel 21, Astier Nicolas and Alertamalibor, Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, and plenty more besides so tune in via Horse & Country TV to watch it all unfold, and join us tomorrow for our unpacking of the stories you need to know. Well be back soon with a report from this afternoons five-star; until then, Go Eventing!The top ten on day one of dressage in the CCI4*-S.ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage

Look eventers, we get it. Life is tough out there. If youre like most of us, youre probably scraping together some pennies for entry fees or maxing out your credit card to pay off that vet bill. World Equestrian Brands and Eventing Nation are working together to make it just a bit easier with an amazing cross country prize pack. This is your chance to win the new tack youve been craving without spending a dime.The Cross Country Prize Pack includes a Vespucci Figure 8 Bridle, reins, and Equilibrium Cross Country Boots. Lets dive into what youre really getting if you win. The Vespucci Figure 8 Bridle is designed to disperse pressure with a padded leather figure-8 stabilizer. Plus, if you have a horse with sensitive skin, this bridle has a pad behind the stainless steel rings on the Figure-8 to protect the horse from rubs. Protect your horses legs on cross country day with the Equilibrium boots! Equilibrium has combined breathability, flexibility, protection, and lightweight materials to create one amazing boot.Dont buy yourself a new bridle and cross country boots save it for your next horse trial. Win some new tack from World Equestrian Brands instead! In total, this prize package is worth over $500 dollars.Winning is easy! To enter the giveaway, fill out the form below (and linked here) before heading over to Instagram or Facebook. Find our post on Eventing Nation (@goeventing) featuring the Cross Country Prize Pack. Like the post, tag a friend in the comments, and follow @worldeqbrands. Thats it! If youd like to get an extra entry, share the graphic to your stories and tag both Eventing and World Equestrian Brands.Stay tuned! The winner will be chosen at random and announced on June 21st.Loading

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Juliane Barth aka Julis Eventer (@julis_eventer) The First Horse Inspection has been and gone and we saw some very cool fits on the Luhmhlen catwalk jog strip not all of them weather appropriate, the Brits in particular seemed to have overestimated the early summer weather in Germany, but stylish all the same. The competition proper will be underway by the time Stateside ENers awake, unless youre a superfan and got up especially to tune in on H&C+, and if you did, we salute you!Heres the times you need to know if youre planning on following along:Thursday8:30am CEST / 3:30am ET 4*-S Dressage2:15pm CEST / 8:15am ET 5* DressageFriday8:15am CEST / 3:15am ET 4*-S Dressage2pm CEST / 8am ET 5* DressageSaturday8:30am CEST / 3:30am ET 5* Cross Country12:15pm CEST / 6:15am ET 4*-S Cross CountrySunday7:30am CEST / 2:30am ET Final Horse Inspection9:25am CEST / 4:30am ET 5* Show Jumping12:15pm CEST / 6:16am ET 4*-S Show Jumping If youre cheering on the Americans, heres when theyll be coming up the center line:Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna go at 4:20pm CEST / 10:20am ET today (Thursday).Emily Hamel and Corvett will have their turn in the dressage ring at 2:37pm CEST / 9:37am ET on Friday.Youll find the order of go for the dressage here: [Thursday] [Friday]H&C+ will be livestreaming the entire event (subscription required) check it out here.EN have got you covered for the whole competition. Heres some links to get you started: Our Ultimate Guide to Longines Luhmhlen Horse Trials. ENs epic form guide to the runners and riders in the 5* competition. Theres was a little drama and a fair bit of rain at the First Horse Inspection read all about it in Tillys write-up.Youll find all of our Luhmhlen content right here.Well be comin at ya with reports from every phase, live updates from the 5* cross country, course previews and the riders thoughts, IG content @goeventing, and well, all the Luhmhlen content you can handle basically, so keep it locked onto EN, and go eventing! Longines Luhmhlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream H&C+] [ENs Coverage]U.S. Weekend PreviewAspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]International EventsLongines Luhmhlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream H&C+] [ENs Coverage]Thursday News and Reading Call-out from Kiwi eventer extraordinaire Jonelle Price: Our friends @lovelauncestonhorsetrials need some entries! Andy the main man will do anything for his beloved event. Hes been mowing the grass since January, extended the show jump arena, re-seeded the dressage area and would love to welcome you to this fantastic little event. Dont be daunted by the Cornish post code, its just a hop over the border and easily accessible (2 miles) off the dual carriage A30. So if youve been balloted from Farley or hadnt planned to run that weekend, give it some thought I can personally vouch for the experience. Entries are open and the event will run on 22 and 23 June.Fancy working for a Badminton podium finisher? Team Bragg is recruiting. Interested? (Arent we all?) Click here.The FEIs Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan has been finalized and funding announced to support its launch. Based on feedback gathered from equestrians, scientists and other experts, the action plan aims to improve horse welfare across equestrian sport and will be implemented immediately. It includes a proposal for rule changes in the interests of safeguarding horse welfare, which will be made at the FEI General Assembly this year. Find out more.Love them or hate them, fireworks can cause big problems for horse owners, and theres very little we can do in terms of the law as things stand right now. A report published by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, and informed by barristers and veterinarians, amongst other professionals, found that the Animal Welfare Act just doesnt offer any protection, despite the fact that DEFRA refers to the Act when faced with the topic of protecting animals from firework-related problems. Campaigns and Policy Manager for Redwings, Helen Whitelegg, explains the intention behind the report: We hope that the publication of this report will mean that ministers will no longer hide behind the illusion that the Animal Welfare Act offers any protection or recourse for those whose pets are caused to suffer because of fireworks. Read more about the reports findings here.A love letter to Bridgerton may not be the most obvious choice for an equestrian publication but nevertheless, heres just that, woven together with a horsey-ish theme. Youre welcome. Well finish up today in true three-day format with some show jumping. First up, Britains Joe Stockdale was on course for a cricket career, but an injury saw him spending more time in the saddle. When his dad, Olympian and Chef dEquipe Tim Stockdale, sadly passed away, Joe had a choice to make colored poles or cricket whites? Well, lets just say, the bright lights of the show jumping ring and a good friend in William Funnell (if youre wondering, yes he is Pippas husband) convinced him to continue his dads legacy, and now hes on form for a trip to Paris this summer. Heres Joes story. Meanwhile, across the pond From grooming at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series a couple of years ago to winning the 5* Grand Prix there last weekend and being the first of his nation ever to do so Czech rider Vclav Stank sure knows how to jump onto a top-level sporting scene. Czech out how he did it. (Please dont excuse the pun, because, well, its fun.)Sponsor Corner The Ecogold team had a wonderful weekend at the MARS Bromont CCI! Watch the recap Were you at Bromont this weekend? View this post on InstagramA post shared by ecogold (@ecogold) Video BreakFrom serious injury last season to the Team GB longlist for Paris, Bubby Upton wowed us all at Badminton when she made her epic comeback. Here she is talking about how she overcame the odds and became the unstoppable Bubby Upton: View this post on InstagramA post shared by Official FEI (@fei_global)

After Adelaide, Kentucky, and Badminton comes our hump-day CCI5* Longines Luhmhlen! Much like our time round Kentucky this spring, we are seeing a few of our biggest names tackling the CCI4*-S Memer Trophy this weekend (especially amongst our British friends) rather than the 5*, hoping to potentially raise their hands from within the pools of their recently-released Olympic long- and short-lists. However, this doesnt mean our 5* pool of 42 rider combinations isnt just as varied and exciting! We have a huge percentage of first-timers this year, so chances are in favor of it potentially being anyones game. So turn on Horse & Country and keep our feed open Tilly is on the ground, and she our remote crew will be bringing you all the action step-by-step. You wont want to miss it!ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores/Draw Order | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage | ENs Ultimate Guide***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 country and last name; entries categorized by last name):Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney dArville (BEL)Sara Bech Strm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN)Arthur Duffort and Toronto dAurois (FRA)Cedric Lyard and Unum deOr (FRA)Julie Simonet and SursumcordOr (FRA)Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR)Katie Bleloch and Goldlook (GBR)Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier (GBR)Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR)Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR)Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR)Laura Collett and Hester (GBR)David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR)Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR)Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR)Isabella Innes Ker and Highway (GBR)Melissa Joannides and Patch Ali (GBR)Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR)Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien (GBR)Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR)Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR)Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR)Mollie Summerland and Flow (GBR)Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER)Libussa Lbbeke and Caramia (GER)Susannah Berry and Kilcandra Capitol (IRL)Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL)Ian Cassells and Master Point (IRL)Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane Obos (IRL)Jennifer Kuehnle and Polly Blue Eyes (IRL)Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL)Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL)Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA)Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL)Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing (NZL)Tim Price and Viscount Viktor (NZL)Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic 2 (SWE)Christoffer Forsberg and Hippos Sapporo (SWE)Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna (USA)Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA)*** Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo (GER) | Groom: Sarah LangeNico is one of Luhmhlens most local competitors and one of its most anticipated 5* debutants, too. Thats because this start is so, so achingly long coming: Nico and Timmo were on the list for last years class, but withdrew from the hold box at the first horse inspection. They quickly regrouped and headed to Aachen instead, jumping a classy clear, and then were selected for the European Championships, though they were eliminated for a horse fall on cross-country. They finished the year with a top-twenty finish at Boekelo CCI4*-L and started 2024 with all eyes on Kentucky but in their prep run at Strzegom CCI4*-S, Timmo stepped on one of the clinches in his shoe and his all-important final preparation was disrupted. So now, we hope, itll be third time lucky for this German talent and his game, exciting Holsteiner. They know this venue and the 4* side of this course so well, and theyve looked excellent in the lead-up, with very-low-30s scores, quick clears across the country, and one-rail rounds. Simply starting, and then completing, will feel a huge relief for Nico but he and Timmo are capable of much more this week.[RETURN TO TOP] Sara Bech Strm and Dicte Aldrup (DEN) | Groom: Jan BrauerItll be a 5* debut for 23-year-old Sara and Dicte, who have a remarkable relationship: both horse and rider have come up through the levels together, and neither has ever competed with another partner. Along the way, theyve represented Denmark in two Junior European Championships and one Young Rider European Championships, finishing in the top 20 twice, and theyve tackled 34 FEI competitions.Theyre generally consistent at CCI4*-S, with scores in the mid-30s, steady clears across the country, and a tendency to show jump clear, but CCI4*-L has been something of an educational level for them, with a few more wobbles along the way. But theyve absolutely learned from those experiences, which they proved last year at Millstreet CCI4*-L in June and Boekelos CCIO4*-L in October, where they delivered their long-awaited clears. Good runs at Burnham Market and Bicton CCI4*-S will set them up well for their debut this week, as will their ongoing coaching from William Fox-Pitt, with whom theyre based.[RETURN TO TOP] Susannah Berry and Kilcandra Capitol (IRL) | Groom: Crisy SalmonSusie is looking like quite the strong contender for Luhmhlen with her two entries, Kilcandra Capitol and Monbeg by Design. Owned by TruckEast Limited and Susie, Kilcandra Capitol won the Advanced division at Little Downham, which was his last preparation before the beefy 5* at Luhmhlen. Susie has been in the irons for the entirety of his eventing career, making the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horses first attempt at the 5* level a particularly special event. And what an impressive career it has been. Kilcandra Capitol is a cross country machine, with obstacle faults at only three out of a total of nineteen career starts. Theres still work to be done to drop his dressage scores below the 30s in the Advanced levels, but having achieved a 29.7 in 2023 at Bicton Horse Trials, a sub-30 score is within the bay geldings reach. He may be fast in the show jumping phase, but he does tend to pull a rail or three each season, which can mean the difference between a top ten and a middle-of-the-pack finish. If he isnt backed off by the size of the 5* fences and keeps the rails up in the show jumping, look for this long-time pair to finish in the middle of the pack. For his first 5* attempt, Id be willing to bet Susie isnt going to be taking any risks, and is looking to simply cross the finish line with a happy, healthy, and still confident horse. [RETURN TO TOP] Susannah Berry and Monbeg by Design (IRL) | Groom: Crisy Salmon2024 marks Susie Berrys second go-around at Luhmhlen, as she returns with last years partner, Monbeg by Design. In 2023, Susie and Arthur landed just outside the top ten in 11th place with a score of 44.5 points. What makes this achievement even more special is that it also marked their first attempt at the 5* level. The question now becomes, can they bring that score even lower this year?Owned by Helen Caton and the rider, Arthur has a lot in common with his fellow Irish travelmate to Luhmhlen Kilcandra Capitol. Both horses are cross country fiends who are held back with the ball-and-chain of a mid-30s dressage score. The phrase cross country penalty isnt in Arthurs vocabulary, as the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse has managed to spend the last six years competing at the FEI level without a single refusal or run-out. He may be brave, but speed isnt quite his forte. He regularly crosses the finish line with a small handful of time penalties. However, what he lacks in speed across the country, he makes up for in the show jumping ring with no time penalties in that phase on his FEI record. For his second time around Luhmhlen, Im hoping well see Arthur break into a top ten slot. With only 1.6 time penalties last year, just a little more gas in the cross country phase may just get him there.[RETURN TO TOP] Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit (GBR) | Groom: Jan BirleyWhen Laura Birley and her partner of nine-and-a-half years trot up in Germany this week, they will be surpassing all expectation even those of Laura and her connections. Bandit, who has no recorded breeding, was not bought as an event horse, and certainly not one destined for the top level of the sport instead, his intended career path was as a riding club horse for Lauras mum, Jan, who will be grooming for the pair out in Germany. However, when he proved a little over enthusiastic at his first few competitive outings, Laura took on the ride to produce up the levels and eventually sell.Bandit never stopped rising to the challenge, however, continuing to prove his worth at every level. Now, he and Laura are ready to tackle their first 5* together, providing the kind of fairytale story that make our sport so special. They may not break any records this week Bandit is not the fastest cross-country, and his show jumping record is checkered to say the least but he is consistent and brave, jumping clear around the notoriously-tricky Bramham two years running. Such form will certainly stand them in good stead for the challenge that lies ahead in Germany. Fingers crossed they deliver another safe and clear round, delivering the happiest of endings to an already dream-come-true story. [RETURN TO TOP] Katie Bleloch and Goldlook (GBR) | Groom: Gill BlelochThe field out in Germany this week is littered with both 5* debutants and amateurs that is to say riders who juggle another career alongside their equestrian pursuits. That term never seems to do justice to those riders who manage to pull off two careers side by side, for the dedication and work ethic that is required is certainly equal to that of the professional riders that they work to compete against. That aside, Kate Bleloch belongs to both of the aforementioned categories both a 5* debutant and one who manages to fit in a full time career in property for Lidl, too. Her ride in Luhmhlen, Goldlook, is also a first timer at the level; he and Katie have risen through the ranks together after James Hiatt Katies brother and farrier found him on Facebook as an unbroken four-year-old. Described by Kate as easy to back, and a dream to produce throughout his career, Lukes form certainly reflects that. He rarely has more than a pole down in the show jumping, and his cross country results are equally as good, with only a rogue 20 penalties marring an otherwise superb international record. Their dressage tends to hover around the mid- to low-30s, so the stage is set for them to make an impressive debut at the 5* level. Their prep so far this season would suggest so too, with 5 out of 5 jumping clears and a top-20 in the CCI4*-S at Thoresby. Ably assisted out here in Germany by her mum, Kate credits her home team for making it all possible: she has help from Sarah Stretton and Sarah Way with the riding out, whilst Lauren Hextall is tasked with washing the inevitable stains out of the grey gelding. No mean feat, given that that is the one thing that he hates![RETURN TO TOP] Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier (GBR) | Groom: Sarah WhatleyThis will be the second tilt at 5* for Ardeo Premier after his debut at the level in Pau last Autumn. Alex, fresh off the podium at Badminton, has had the ride on Eddie since he was a four-year-old, and thinks very highly of him. Hes an unassuming character, who doesnt really stand out, but [who] has always quietly ticked along and kept performing, pulling in some consistent results, said Alex of his partner. Amongst those results are a top-10 placing in his first CCI2*-L, 4th in the Seven-Year-Old World Championships in Lion dAngers with a double clear inside the time, and a top-20 placing in the Eight/Nine-Year-Old CCI4*-S at Blenheim.He stepped up to CCI4*L in similar style, pulling off yet another top-20 result at Millstreet with another double clear. It would seem that consistent is Eddies middle name, and hes fast too, rarely picking up more than a few time faults. His show jumping record is equally impressive, rarely lowering more than a pole. They had an uncharacteristic 20 penalties on cross country day in Pau, so Alex will be hoping to wipe that slate clean in Germany this week. Given his prowess as a cross country rider that should not pose too much of a problem, and this coupled with the consistency that Eddie has shown thus far throughout his career exemplified with a tidy double-clear in their recent 4*-S run at Bicton could see them finish comfortably within the top 20.[RETURN TO TOP] Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI (GBR) | Groom: Sarah CharnleyRos Canter is Great Britains It Girl of the moment, coming off multiple impressive wins at Badminton, Pau, Blenheim, Blair Castle, and taking the FEI European Eventing Championships for the Brits, all in 2023. Unfortunately, her start to the 2024 season has been a little rockier, characterized by retiring during the cross country phase at Badminton aboard last years Pau-winning mount, Izilot DHI. For his part, Isaac has as much to boast of as Ros. Three of Ross five wins in 2023 were aboard the 11-year-old bay gelding owned by Alex Moody and the rider who just started eventing five years ago at the age of six. In that short span of time, he has quickly become one of the strongest horses in Ros string. He regularly scores in the low 20s in the dressage phase, with an astounding 18 at Chatsworth in 2023. Its a good thing too, as he does have the occasional obstacle penalty across the country and typically crosses the finish line with a handful of time penalties. He makes up for it in the show jumping phase with just one. single. pole. on his FEI record and pretty quick times, often running through the timers under the time allowed. We would expect Ros and Isaac to knock it out of the park at Luhmhlen with at least a top-10 finish, making for a wonderful comeback after a false start to the season. [RETURN TO TOP] Alice Casburn and Topspin (GBR) | Groom: Caroline CasburnLuhmhlen will be Alice and Topspins seventh 5* together, coming shortly after their early retirement on Badmintons cross country earlier this spring. Weve seen competitive results from this partnership, with two top-10 finishes at the 5* level previously a fifth place finish at Burghley in 2022, and a seventh place finish at Burghley in 2023. Typically, we can expect a mid-30s dressage score from these two, and while we have seen a jump penalty here and there in both the cross country and show jumping, we have seen numerous clears that have made them top competitors in the past! Keep an eye out for them this weekend.[RETURN TO TOP] Ian Cassells and Master Point (IRL) | Groom: Leanne FosterIan Cassells has earnt himself quite the reputation for sympathetically producing horses through the ranks, and Master Point is no exception. Homebred by Bridget McGing, who still shares ownership of him along with Ian and her husband Brian, Duke has been with Ian since the tender age of four, progressing through the levels under his careful hand. He made his 5* debut in Pau last year, at the relatively young age of 10, pulling off a top-30 finish that belied his inexperience but then that is of no surprise, given Ians aforementioned talent for producing top quality horses. Named as the leading event rider in Ireland in 2020 after taking the most wins that season, his name continues to dominate results sheets in his native country.That top-30 placing in Pau came with 30 cross country jumping penalties and a rail down on the final day, so needless to say Ian is hoping to better that this week with two clear jumping rounds, and perhaps a sub-30 dressage mark to boot something he believes that the horse is more than capable of. Assisted by his amazing head groom by Leanne whom he heavily praised, saying she works so hard I would be lost without her, it seems safe to surmise that Ian who also holds a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin is a man on a mission to pull off a competitive result and prove his and Dukes worth at the very top level.[RETURN TO TOP] Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl (GBR) | Groom: Sarah-Jane TetlowKirstys teeny-weeny Opposition Heraldik Girl is one of several Badminton re-routers in this field, but unlike some of her fellow competitors, she didnt actually start cross-country at the Gloucestershire fixture. This will be the homebred mares third go at 5* she debuted at Pau last year, though didnt complete as she had a fall at the first water. This spring, however, the pair has looked on very good form again at Kronenbergs CCI4*-S, where they finished in 20th place after a steady clear round with one of their best tests a 32.2 and a classy clear showjumping round. They didnt run at Bicton CCI4*-S and rerouted instead to Millstreet for the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S, where they finished 21st and ran clear and inside the time on cross-country day. Kirsty will be intending to develop pint-sized Rockets education with an eye on the seasons to come. We suspect that patient development will be worth it; once Rocket gets the hang of a level, she tends to be quick, canny, and on the ball, and shes a very good showjumper to boot. On her very best form, she could be a dark horse for a top-15 finish here, but she does have a few things to prove.[RETURN TO TOP] Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna (USA)Although they base in the UK for the summer, one of just two US contenders in the 5* this year are Katherine and Monbeg Senna. This will be the pairs second crack at 5* after tackling Badminton last year, where they finished respectably mid-pack after an unfortunately-slow cross country round. Despite never being one to make the time on Saturdays, Sid typically provides Katherine with quite lovely tests in dressage, nearly always in the low-30s and even breaking into the 20s at Kronenbergs 4*-S last week, where they finished fourth at the end of the weekend.Katherine herself has been on a roll lately with her other mounts as well, also taking seventh at Kronenberg with ESI Baltic Breeze in the 3*-L and second place in the 4*-L with Sirius SB. Sids last break into the top five was nearly two years ago at Strzegoms 4*-L coincidentally also the last time he dropped a pole in show jumping, as hes been on a clean streak since. After putting five years in at the 4* level, and providing Luhmhlens course is kind to them, these two have a chance of making a great run for their second 5* finish.[RETURN TO TOP] Laura Collett and Hester (GBR) | Groom: Tilly HughesHester, too, is a Badminton re-router: she had some very nice moments while making her 5* debut there, but also some rather green ones, and Laura opted to put her hand up after the mare stopped at the ditch at the tough LeMieux Eyelashes at 15. Therell be plenty of experience and education to have taken away from the experience though, and itll be exciting to see how Hester who was formerly produced by Tim and Jonelle Price and latterly Alex Bragg before joining Lauras string has come on for it. Laura wont, probably, be riding to retain her title, which she won here last year with Paris frontrunner London 52, but rather to bring Hester on that bit more. But actually, on her day, she could be reasonably competitive, and a positive, steady run over Bictons tough terrain last month will have only helped. There, she also produced a mid-20s dressage score, in which theres been a glimmer of a promise. Expect Dressage Queen Laura to ride every step of her test this week in pursuit of a similar mark. Itll be masterclass in navigating a test on an inexperienced horse, if nothing else. [RETURN TO TOP] Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney dArville (BEL) | Groom: Justine Fery & Bettina CardiLike her stablemate Hermione, Hooney dArville will be contesting her first 5* here at Luhmhlen. Most recently, this Lara and Hooney finished seventh at Baborowkos 4*-S, adding only time to an impressive 28.6 dressage score. An occasional rail is possible, and some time not uncommon, which has kept them from the top of the leaderboards, but theyve jumped clear around some challenging tracks and could be making an exciting debut.[RETURN TO TOP] David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed (GBR) | Groom: Jade RobertsFinish-on-his-dressage specialist Galileo Nieuwmoed may not have been Davids cup of tea when he first met the gelding, but fast forward to today and theres no doubt that David will be very happy to have been proved so wrong. After a tricky first CCI5* following/during the Covid hiatus at the pop-up event at Bicton, his second attempt at the level in Pau 2021 really showed his mettle. With a clear inside the time on cross country day, Galileo was on track to win the whole dang thing, but for a couple of expensive poles in the final phase which saw them drop to 15th.The following year, the pair burst onto the Badminton leaderboard, finishing sixth with David as the highest-placed Badminton first-timer it was jumping clear all the way, adding just 1.2 cross country time faults to their dressage of 32.4. Later that season they returned to Pau for another clear inside the time, where just one rogue pole on the final day saw them tantalizingly close to the 5* podium in fourth. Since then, the gelding has really come into his own, finishing on his dressage score at five consecutive events, including Kentucky last year where he was eighth and Burghley in the fall where he was runner-up, just 0.7 behind the top spot. We were all excited to see him prove the stats right and come out at Badminton this year and take the win, but it wasnt to be, and David withdrew after the dressage. So here they are at Luhmhlen, looking to top the table and secure the 5* win that we all know is well within their grasp.[RETURN TO TOP] Arthur Duffort and Toronto dAurois (FRA) | Groom: Lonore (Leo) GignouxSeasoned campaigner Toronto DAurois comes forward for his eighth CCI5* start and first time at Luhmhlen, rerouting after withdrawing from this seasons Badminton before the dressage. Toronto was produced in France up to 2* by part-owner and friend of Arthur, Paul Gatien. The original plan was for the horse to be sold on; however, Toronto was so difficult that they couldnt find a buyer and he ended up staying. A bit of a shy guy whos easily spooked, his groom Leonore Gignoux says she would turn off the giant screen in the dressage arena for his test if she could. His best top-level result thus far came at Burghley in 2022 where he was 15th.The first phase typically sees this combination in the mid- to high-30s, but we all know that eventers are in it for what comes on Saturday. Until the end of last season, Toronto was incredibly reliable for clear jumping across the country, but a 20 out on course at Burghley in the fall saw them retire out on course; theyd had jumping penalties in their prep run at Hartpury too. They seem to have put that behind them over the winter though and have come out this year with two cross country jumping clears. They wont be the quickest round of the day, but they wont be the slowest either, and hopefully well see all this 17-year-olds experience come together for a great spin. They do tend to add on the final day Torontos generally a 4 or 8 kind of guy and the time can be tight for them in the show jumping ring too. It was disappointing not to see this stalwart eventer doing his thing at Badminton, so itll be cool if things align for him this week at Luhmhlen. [RETURN TO TOP] Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic 2 (SWE) | Groom: Vilma EssmanOver the last number of years, lanky Swede Christoffer has been busy contributing to his countrys team efforts, riding at plenty of Nations Cup legs and the 2021 European Championships at Avenches, where Sweden were team bronze medalists. That was his second Senior Europeans his first came in 2011 at Luhmhlen but prior to that, hed ridden at three Junior and three Young Rider Europeans. In short? Hes great at coping with pressure and thatll be a great tool to have in his box as he comes into this 5* week with two rides.Christoffer made his 5* debut back in 2010 at Burghley when he was 19, finishing an impressive 20th, but he didnt return to the level again until last season. That was with Con Classic 2, and was once again at Burghley but unfortunately, the pairs campaign ended early with a rider fall on cross-country. Now theyre back to give it another crack at Luhmhlen, where Con Classic has previously jumped well around the spring 3*. He comes in off just one FEI run this season a 16th place at Baborowko CCI4*-S, where they scored in the high-30s, jumped a steady clear across the country, and toppled two rails on the final day. Maybe not the most auspicious lead-in, but Christoffer has the experience behind him to translate that into a knocking-off of rust ahead of a big run.[RETURN TO TOP] Christoffer Forsberg and Hippos Sapporo (SWE) | Groom: Vilma EssmanChristoffers second ride is a late 5* debutant in Hippos Sapporo, who steps up at the age of 16, having been a consistent team campaigner for his rider over the last number of eight years. This is an interesting horse, because hes not always an easy one to predict: he can throw down an excellent sub-30 dressage score and put himself right in the hunt straight off the bat, or he can go into the top end of the 30s just as easily. On cross-country though, Alfie is game, clever, and naturally quick, and while hes not seen a course of this level or length before, he does have super CCI4*-L form (including a win at Strzegom last October) and hes had plenty of happy rounds here at Luhmhlen at 2* and 3* level throughout his career, too. Sunday is another mixed bag in terms of shaking the magic eight ball and getting the right answer; he used to be a pretty reliable one-rail horse, but more recently has been prone to two, three, or even four down, which he had at Kristianstad CCI4*-S earlier this spring.And so, for a wide open, wholly noncommittal summary: if hes at his best this week, he could place. If not, youll see him somewhere halfway down the order. Either way, youll find his splashy white face the cutest in the field.[RETURN TO TOP] Emily Hamel and Corvett (USA) | Groom: Jeanna EppingCorvetts wildly impressive jump and Emilys stickability of recently-viral proportions make these two great fun to watch around the cross country course. Now 17 years old, with six 5* events under his belt, Barry has seen a number of 5* tracks, including Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, and Maryland, and has finished 10th at Kentucky in 2023. Earlier in June, we saw this duo as part of Team USAs Millstreet CCIO4* silver medal team. These two will be bringing their experience to their Luhmhlen debut this year keep an eye on them as they fly around the course![RETURN TO TOP] Caroline Harris and D. Day (GBR) | Groom: Ruth HolroydHere we have another 5* debut pair, and if their recent form is anything to go by, these two are more than ready to make the step up to the top level. Consistent from the early days of his career, D. Day has a very impressive international record, marred by just a smattering of jumping penalties here and there. Their dressage scores are just as good, hovering around the low-30s to high-20s and on recent outings they are trending more and more towards the latter. As such, they have notched up several notable results, including top 10 in the CCI4*-S at both Blenheim and Chatsworth last year, and win in the CCI3*-S at Thoresby earlier this year. Their final run before Luhmhlen was also a successful one, with a top-15 placing in the CCI4*-S at Bicton, adding just cross country time faults to their dressage score of 29.4.Fiona Oliver bred the Billy Mexico gelding as a potential hunt horse for her sons girlfriend, though when that pairing came to an end, she sent him to Caroline to produce a happy ending for Caroline, at least! He has a heart of gold, and tries so hard for me, she says of the 10-year-old D. Day, though there is no doubt that Carolines own talent also plays a big part in their success thus far throughout their career. Fingers crossed that their recent form continues in Germany this week, giving them the 5* debut that they so deserve. [RETURN TO TOP] Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ (GBR) | Groom: Alison BellYasmin and Rehy DJ have been together since the 2017 season, when Piglet came to Yasmins stable from Irish rider Aoife Quigley. Since 2017, weve seen this duo develop all the way from the 1* to 5* level, where they finished third in their first 5* together at Luhmhlen last year. Since then, weve seen multiple top placings at the 4*-S level, most recently with a fifth place finish at Bicton this May. These two often deliver a dressage score in the upper 20s and typically jump clear with some time. Theyll be coming back to Luhmhlen for their second 5* start, where we hope to see another stellar podium finish just to keep things neat.[RETURN TO TOP] Isabella Innes Ker and Highway II (GBR) | Groom: Izzy McKeemanBella and Highway made their 5* debut in Pau last October, although it seems hard to believe that that was Bellas first crack at the level, since she seems to have been present at the upper level of the sport for as long as anyone can remember. Incredibly talented from a young age, she earned her stripes with the legendary William Fox-Pitt, before setting up her own yard in 2022. The youngest-ever winner of Blenheim CCI4*-L with Carolyn, a mare that she achieved many a Junior and Young rider success on, Bella who originates from the beautiful Floor Castle in the Scottish Borders has produced Highway II from the very beginning of his career. Together they have built up a solid international record, including several notable 4* completions, as well as a Nations Cup appearance for Team GB at Boekelo in 2022.Highways cross country record is marred only by the occasional 20 jumping penalties as was the case on their 5* debut in Pau but more often than not, he can be relied upon to pull off a clear round. His show jumping record is less consistent, and although he has proved himself more than capable of leaving the poles in their cups, he is just as likely to have a rail or two or four, as was also the case on their final day in Pau. That combined with a dressage score that tends a little too much towards the higher end of the 30s may put a spoiler on a top-20 finish, but Bella is heading to Germany with a realistic optimism. My goal would be to improve on Pau last year, and try to have a solid competitive run, she stated cheers to that Bella, you certainly deserve it![RETURN TO TOP] Melissa Joannides and Patch Ali (GBR) | Groom: Ali Joannides & Kate BaldockPatch Ali, cheekily known as Jeff, arrived in Melissas yard back in 2017 for her to produce for his owner, Peter Rhodes. However, when Peters work became increasingly busy, he made the decision to hand over the reins to Melissa full time, and they have now been together for six seasons. Luhmhlen will be a first 5* for both horse and rider, and Melissas main aim for the event is to have a happy and safe completion and enjoy the experience as much as possible.A completion is well within their capabilities if recent form is anything to go by. Aside from an unfortunate fall at Cornbury House last September, they have jumped clear in all but one of their last 15 cross country runs, with top 20 placings in the CCI4*-S at Thoresby and in the CCI4*-L at both Mallow and Ballindenisk last season. Jeffs showjumping is not altogether too reliable though although they have jumped double clear on two of four runs this season, he had at least one rail down on all but one occasion last year. That may not bode well for the final day of their first 5*, when even the most experienced of 5* campaigners can tend to be a little weary following a long and testing cross country, but there is always room for improvement, and its always nice to have something to work on, right? Go well, Melissa and Jeff![RETURN TO TOP] Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar (GBR) | Groom: Lauren UnderhillFiona and her long-time partner love a 5*, and they love Luhmhlen: last year, we saw them finish 12th here to top off what seemed like the jolliest week of all time. Theyd road-tripped down with Fionas great friend Kylie Roddy, had more laughs than everyone else on-site combined, and both went home with super placings to their name, leaving us all wishing we were cadging a lift in the lorry to join in with all the giggles.No news yet on who Fionas ridesharing with this time (though we didnt get the invite again, and were devastated), but we do know one thing: returning to a happy hunting ground can be a really potent positive influence, and Fiona will have her eye on cracking that top 10. Its a bold goal, but not an unattainable one although Luhmhlen last year was actually the geldings first 5* clear, hes been on great form since in the few runs hes had. He was fast and clear around Arvilles CCI4*-S in late summer, though four uncharacteristic rails dropped them down the leaderboard, and in his four national runs this year, hes placed every time. Best of all? Though hes ordinarily a mid-30s scorer at all levels, he put a mid-20s zinger of a score on the board in an OI at Tweseldown just last month. Hes also not had a single rail in 2024. We reckon we could see Fiona grinning again by the end of this week. [RETURN TO TOP] Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS (IRL) | Groom: Maxine RaeWe have yet another duo making their 5* debut in Luhmhlen in the form of young Irish rider Robbie Kearns and Richard Ames Ballyvillaine OBOS. Robbie only took the ride on him last year, but Richard bought him as a three-year-old. Although he was actually viewing another horse at the time, it was Sparky who caught Richards eye when he trotted across the field, hence he left with him in the horsebox instead! In the short time that Robbie and Sparky (or Sparkly, as Richards three-year-old granddaughter likes to call him) have been together, they have formed a solid and consistent partnership.They have yet to have a cross country jumping fault, and similarly have had just the one rail down in the show jumping too. This is a form that Sparkys had from the start of his competitive career: never lowering more than one rail, and even then only on the odd occasion, and he has not had a single cross country jumping fault throughout the whole of his international career thus far. He is fast too he and Robbie notched up a win on only their second international outing together last year, taking the CCI3*-S in Ballindensisk when they added nothing to their first phase score of 28.7. That score was something of a PB for these two: their dressage marks usually range from mid to low 30s, which will leave them there or thereabouts ahead of the jumping phases in Luhmhlen, and stand them in good stead for an impressive first run at the level.[RETURN TO TOP] Jennifer Kuehnle and Polly Blue Eyes (IRL) | Groom: Leagh DanielsJennifer and Polly Blue Eyes hit the headlines a few weeks ago as part of Irelands Nations Cup winning team out in Millsteet, where they finished best of the Irish in individual eighth place. Theirs is a long and happy partnership: they have now been together for six years and featured on both Junior and Young Rider Teams, winning a few team medals in the process. Selected for the Senior European Championships last year, earning Jenny her first senior cap, they pulled off a personal best in the first phase though Jenny then made the decision to withdraw before the cross country, stating the ground conditions werent great, and she has absolutely nothing to prove to me. Wise move! This will be both of these ladies 5* debut, as well as that of Jennifers other ride, Sammy Davis Junior, so her main aim for the week is to finish with two happy and healthy horses. This is not their first trip to Luhmhlen they finished in the top-20 here in the CCI4*-S last year, adding just a rail and show jumping time faults to their first phase score. The dressage is perhaps the only chink in this gusty little mares armour shes a full thoroughbred so its not her favourite phase according to Jenny! Still, what she lacks in that phase she makes up for in the jumping ring. Rarely adding more than a pole if that on the final day, she has proved herself to be quite the cross country machine, with a top-10 finish in the CCI4*-L in Kronenberg earlier this season to prove it. Shes not the biggest, but she has the biggest heart, says Jenny, and that should put her in good stead for an impressive 5* debut this week in Germany.[RETURN TO TOP] Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior (IRL) | Groom: Leagh DanielsSammy Davis Junior started his eventing career with Jennifers other half Cathal Daniels, who campaigned him all the way up to 4*-L before Jenny managed to rob him 3 years ago! Already enjoying several success with Cathal, Sammy has since gone on to win an Irish Team Bronze medal at the Young Rider Championships with his new jockey; they were also fourth individually on that occasion, too. They jumped double clear around Boekelo last year and posted a PB in the first phase at Millstreet last month, although they unfortunately retired on the cross country. Still, that is something of a blip for Sammy his jumping ability is just as good as that of his stable mate Polly Blue Eyes, and in fact often jumps around 1.40m show jumping tracks. His dressage scores are ever-improving, sitting around the low-30s mark, so they should be well in touch heading into cross country.Like Polly, Jenny describes him as the biggest fighter (as well as the monkey of the stable!) so he hopefully will also make an impressive 5* debut. A placing would be great, says Jenny, and it doesnt seem out of the question on either of her horses here this week, 5* debutants though they may be. Assisted by Cathal, who is no stranger to the level, Jenny is increasingly proving herself as a force to be reckoned with, and a good result this week could well see her sliding into the view of the Olympic selectors. Fingers crossed![RETURN TO TOP] Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien (GBR) | Groom: Barbara YallopLauren first laid eyes on Hacien when she was hoodwinked into a trip to Hungary to vew some young horses. Upon arrival, she found herself in an unassuming familys back garden, complete with various sheds full of young horses. Undeterred by the less-than-professional setup, she left with the eye-catching Captain, then a three-year-old stallion. Produced by Lauren from the very beginning of his career, Captain is, as of four years ago following an unfortunate incident with a black thorn, partially sighted in one eye.His sight has not hindered his eventing career, and he has since jumped clear at some of the toughest tracks in the sport, including the CCI4*-L at Bramham and a start at Burghley last year (his first attempt at the level), where he and Lauren did sadly part company on the cross country, bringing their competition to an early finish. They will be looking to put that experience behind them this week: Lauren, who made her 5* debut back over a decade ago now with her Young Rider horse One More Step, is keeping everything crossed that they can finish in the top 50%, earning them that much-coveted Badminton qualification.With an average dressage score that tends to hover between the mid- to low-30s, such a result could certainly be within their capabilities, as Captain is a reasonably careful show jumper, rarely lowering more than a pole or two. Just the small matter of a 5* cross country track to conquer, but we have every faith that Lauren and Captain will rise to the challenge in fine style![RETURN TO TOP] Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekonig (NZL) | Groom: Jamie MallonOne of the rising stars of the Kiwi eventing scene, Samantha arrived in the UK with no real fixed accommodation, no car, no lorry nothing. That did not stop her from making quite the name for herself at the top level of the sport, with a couple of 5* completions thus far and great results at every level including the Young Horse Championships in Lion DAngers where she was 5th last year with Quantas R. In between doing all of that, she and husband Brayden have also managed to find a permanent base and made the decision to stay in the UK long-term last year. Good call guys! Sam has also built up quite the string of horses in the last few years, and Lord Seekonig Charlie, or King Charles when he is on his best behavior is the latest rising talent to emerge from her stable.Until 2022, he was competed by Irelands Alex Power, who took him to the CCI3*-L level, but he and Sam finished in the top-20 on all of their outings in their first season together. A lovely horse to ride on the flat, the German-bred gelding never fails to impress in the first phase. They were lying eighth after dressage in the CCI4*-L at the Blenheim last year on a 28.7, and were it not for a missed flag on the cross country, they would have finished towards the top of the leaderboard after jumping clear on the final day. So dont be surprised to see these two sitting pretty after day one, and if all goes according to plan cross country, Charlie could pull of a very respectable 5* debut.[RETURN TO TOP] Libussa Lbbeke and Caramia 34 (GER)Itll be a 5* debut for Libussa, who is just 23 but has already enjoyed a stacked career, which has seen her represent Germany at European Championships at Pony level once and Young Rider level twice. All three times, she took home gold or silver team medals. Libussas also a mature and considered rider with a love for learning and thats evidenced by her participation in the prestigious Warendorf programme for Germanys brightest up-and-coming talents. There, she and her compatriots train full-time under the auspices of head coach Julia Krajewski, and when they head out to competitions, they do so with their Warendorf family in situ to help support them. Thats important for a few reasons: first of all, its actually just really lovely to see them all dashing to help one another out and laughing and crying and celebrating and commiserating together but also, crucially, it allows them to learn from one another, and Libussa particularly will be the grateful beneficiary of feedback from Jerome Robine who made his own 5* debut here last year, finishing 10th, and contests the CCI4*-S class here this week as one of the long-listed German riders.In Caramia, who shes had since 2019 when she inherited the ride from her brother Fritz, Libussa has a formidable partner. They finished 14th together at the Young Rider Europeans in 2022, and were 14th individually and part of the fourth-placed German team at the Nations Cup finale at Boekelo that autumn. They were 12th in the CCI4*-S here last year before contesting Aachen, where they had a flag penalty but were still very impressive. They can go sub-30, though they may be more likely to sit low-30s in their first five-star test, and theyre a naturally swift, catty pair across the country. Sunday tends to be a two-rail affair, but theyve turned it into a one-rail one this season. They should have a week they can be very proud of.[RETURN TO TOP] Cedric Lyard and Unum deOr (FRA)Itll be a sixth 5* for 16-year-old Unum deOr and his hugely-experienced pilot. We saw them here last year when they finished 22nd, and they retired on course at Pau in October, but they do have some very good form at the level too they were in the top 20 at Burghley in 2022 and ninth in the geldings first go at the level at Pau in 2021.This year, theyve got just one FEI run to their name so far, but it was a good one: they finished 11th in the CCI3*-S at Fontainebleau, jumping two steady clears in prep for this, their long-format goal for the first half of the season. While theyre unlikely to win, theyll certainly be looking to try to crack the top 15. They can do so if they go low-30s in the first phase which they did at that ninth-placed Pau and if they jump a quick clear, which they frequently do. Come Sunday, they might go clear or they might have two rails, but last years Luhmhlen final-day performance was marred by a major fright from an audience member opening an umbrella, so without that factor this time, they should be able to keep on the ball and record a smart finish.[RETURN TO TOP] Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (GBR) | Groom: Adam ShortBecause fighting for a spot on the British team, as hes doing in the CCI4*-S with JL Dublin, evidently isnt enough work and pressure, Tom Ice In His Veins McEwen is also bringing two horses along for the 5* too, just for funsies. Actually, who are we kidding Tom doesnt do things just for funsies, he does them to be competitive, or at least to further his horses education. The first of his two rides, both of which could be very, very cool this week, is Brookfield Quality, or Nervous Norris, who was piloted by fellow Brookfield rider Piggy March until 2022 when she and Tom decided, in conjunction with Brookfield, to give Tom a go with the talented gelding. Its been a very smart match so far: in four FEI runs together, theyve never finished lower than fourth. Norris is a sensitive soul, but hes also been produced by empathetic jockeys, and thats helped him to deliver some very, very good first-phase scores hes a mid- to high-20s horse who can (and has) gone to the low-20s at 4* and rather a lot of quick, breezy clears across the country. He also hasnt had a rail down in over two years. At 15 years, hes a late debutant to the level, but one that you mustnt overlook, because he actually stands a chance of being a surprise winner of the whole thing.[RETURN TO TOP] Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser (GBR) | Groom: Adam ShortThe second of Toms rides in this class is catty, cool mare CHF Cooliser, or Eliza, who finished second at Pau on her debut in 2021, jumped clear around Badminton the following year for a top-30 finish, and was 12th at Burghley later that year even with a MIM activation. She then spent all of 2023 out of action and returned this year with a steady run in the CCI4*-S at Kronenberg, as well as several similarly steady clears in national classes. Will this week be the week the handbrake comes off? We reckon so and when it does, shes not a slow horse by any means, though she wouldnt be the absolute speediest in the field either. She did go inside the time at Pau though, so its not beyond the realm of possibility to see her do it again here, where time does tend to be a touch more catchable. Her first phase will be a mystery until it happens; she can be a low- to mid-30s horse, but she can also go mid-20s as she did at Burghley, or high-20s as she did at Pau. Shes often prone to a rail, too - but where shes pretty predictable is in cross-country reliability. Other than that spare frangible activation, shes never had a cross-country jumping penalty in 21 FEI runs. Cheer her on because sure, she could win but also put your support behind her because shes the best kind of feisty, clever redheaded mare, and its really nice to see her back in action.[RETURN TO TOP] Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing (NZL) | Groom: Amy Bliss BennettFull thoroughbred Good Timing affectionately (or not) known as The Shark at home, or Johnny when he is behaving made his 5* debut in Pau last year. Unfortunately, their French adventure ended early when they slipped agonisingly close to home, but hopefully the super-size studs that are on the packing list for this week will stop that happening again. Muzi describes Johnny as a grooms nightmare, although he makes up for that by being very good at his job his second career after he proved too slow for the race track. A little pocket rocket at just 16 hands, he had his big break on this side of the pond as part of the New Zealand Nations Cup team at Pratoni back in 2022. He finished in the top 20 there, thanks to a speedy cross country clear and just one down in the show jumping. This is typical of Johnny; he may well be small, but boy is he mighty, jumping double-clear more often than not. His dressage is becoming increasingly consistent too, tending more and more towards the mid- to low-30s indeed, he posted a very respectable 35.4 back in Pau so a good result is well within his capabilities. Muzi daughter of Kiwi Olympian Tinks Pottinger is perhaps better known for her results with Just Kidding, a horse who took her to her first 5*, but since his retirement last year, it is now time for Johnny to take the spotlight and prove himself as the next big (little) thing.[RETURN TO TOP] Tim Price and Viscount Viktor (NZL) | Groom: Kerryn Edmans & Rosie ThomasTeam Price are going to be as busy as ever in Germany this week with several rides apiece in the CCI4*-S, and Tim also has the young superstar Viscount Viktor in the 5* too. Might as well make the trip worthwhile, right?The cross country didnt quite go according to plan on Viktors debut at the level in Pau last year, with 60 jumping penalties a shame, given that he pulled a 28 out of the bag in the first phase. Still, at just 10 years old (nine on his debut), Viktor is still a relatively inexperienced horse, so hopefully that was just beginners nerves. Former FEI World Number 1 Tim certainly wouldnt be taking him to Luhmhlen if he didnt think he was capable, either. He has jumped clear across the country on all of his four starts this season, including in the CCI4*-S at Bicton on his final prep run he posted another 28 in the dressage there too, proof of his potential to be a top class horse. His show jumping is not always the most reliable, with an annoying pole or two more often than not, but with a dressage score in the 20s, that can certainly be forgiven.We are all aware of the magical talent that Tim possesses for bringing out the very best in his horses, so dont be surprised to see these two finish comfortably within the top 20, and confirm Viscount Viktor as the next superstar to emerge from the Price stable. [RETURN TO TOP] Will Rawlin and The Partner (GBR)Will and The Partner have developed their FEI partnership over the last eight seasons, working up from the 1* to 5* level. We saw them finish 23rd in their first 5* attempt at Luhmhlen, adding a 20 with some time on cross country and a rail with some time in show jumping. Their dressage often floats between the upper-20s and low-30s, which gave them a top-10 finish at Burnham Markets 4*-S in 2022. We most recently saw this duo retire at the Bicton 4*S on cross country after a lovely 29.5 in dressage and a double clear show jumping. Well be looking forward to seeing how they tackle the questions asked at Luhmhlen this year![RETURN TO TOP] Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA)Talk about a warhorse: 19-year-old Rubis de Prere has traveled the world with his best pal Pietro, and along the way, theyve tackled two 5*s, two European Championships, a World Championships, and countless Nations Cups and 4*s. Thisll be their first Luhmhlen; previously, theyve tackled Pau in 2022, where they picked up a 20 on course, and Badminton in 2019, where they jumped a steady clear.This season, Rubis has started the way he finished last year: with a win. He closed out 2023 with victory in the CCI4*-S at Montelibretti in November, and last month, he took the CCI4*-S in hilly Pratoni, which was the site of the 2022 World Championships.Well be looking for a low-30s starting point they put a 30.6 on the board at that Badminton, and have gone sub-30 several times at 4*, but we often see them creep up through the 30s, too; their last FEI dressage score was a 33.8. On cross-country, they tend to be very reliable helped by the fact that they know each other so well that theyre basically sharing a brain on cross-country and theyre a naturally quick pair too, though more so at the short-format level. This, though, is a course where it can be easier to catch the time, and many of the tough combinations have a short-format sort of intensity, which could work in their favour. On Sunday, well probably see a rail, but they should finish with a smile on their faces. [RETURN TO TOP] Julie Simonet and Sursumcord Or (FRA)Part of the winning Nations Cup Team in Jardy last year, young French rider Julie Simonet and her Young Rider championship horse Sursumcordor are lining up for their first 5* in Luhmhlen this week. They have proven themselves more than ready for the challenge with a roster of top results, including an individual 12th place in the Young Rider Championships at Hartpury in 2022, where they were also part of the fourth-placed French team. Unfortunately, they were eliminated at Bramham later that year, despite a promising start. Since then, this formidable pair have finished in the top 10 at all of their international runs, including a podium finish in the CCI4*-L at Lignires in 2022 and again in Kronenberg last year. A speedy double clear back in Lignires this time for the CCI4*-S earlier this year left them in eighth place, the perfect prep run for their first 5*.Capable of a smart dressage test, their first phase score tends to average around the low 30s, so their names could well be amongst some of the more established partnerships going into the jumping phases. Their jumping is not to be sniffed at either with a cross country record that remains unblemished since their elimination at Bramham, and they certainly dont waste too much time out there. Other than a rogue pole, the show jumping rarely causes this pair any trouble, so we could well see them finish very strongly indeed, despite their inexperience at the level. [RETURN TO TOP] Storm Straker and Fever Pitch (GBR) | Groom: the rider!This will be a first tilt at 5* for both Storm and Pitchie, although eventing is in Storms blood: her father Nick was the winner of the inaugural Bramham Horse Trials, and her aunt is multi-Olympian Karen Dixon. Storm is also one of those incredible superhumans who manages to combine her equestrian pursuits with another career, as she works full-time for Howden Insurance. Her boss is none other than David Howden creator of the Howden Way and president of the Cornbury House Horse Trials so as Storm points out, he understands the time commitment required to compete at the top level of the sport, more so than other bosses may have been!Storm has already been incredibly successful on her way up the levels. Just this year, she and Pitchie won the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk, adding just 0.4 show jumping time penalties to their sub 30 dressage score. A double-clear is something that is becoming increasingly commonplace for these two, and has seen them finish within the top 20 at Blair and in the Eight/Nine-Year-Old class at Blenheim Palace too. An incredibly sensitive horse, Storm and her dressage trainer Nicola Naprstrek have worked very hard to eliminate the tension that Pitchie tended to bring forward in the first phase, and it has certainly paid off their first phase score is constantly improving, and a low-30 score would not be out of the question for their first 5* test. Storms main aim for Luhmhlen is to have a safe run and to give out-and-out trier Pitchie a positive experience. Just the small matter of a full day of training for her other job on the Tuesday first[RETURN TO TOP] Mollie Summerland and Flow 7 (GBR) | Groom: Georgie PorterThe Luhmhlen crowds will be thrilled to cheer on Mollie Summerland, who is the youngest-ever winner of this 5*, having taken it in 2021 in extraordinary circumstances with Charly van ter Heiden. Now, following the sad sale of Charly one of the tough but often necessary parts of the business shes back in action with debutant Flow, who is proving to be a seriously exciting next-generation horse for her, and who shes produced through his career as she had with Charly.Whats also doubly lovely is that Flows owners, Paula and Adrian Cloke, get to be here to enjoy the fun this week in 2021, the tricky Covid Luhmhlen, they stepped up to the plate to help Mollie achieve her win, lending their lorry, their emotional support, and their remote cheerleading duties, despite not even being owners of her ride at the time. This week, we hope theyll get the buzz and the thrill that they so richly deserve.Theres always a question mark hanging over a first-time 5* horse, because no one knows yet whether the increase in distance and difficulty will be a step too far. But Flows career has shown so much promise so far: hes finished in the top 10 in exactly 50% of his FEI starts, and while hes still green and learning how to manage his supermodel-long legs, Mollies even admitted that she reckons he could be better than dressage supremo Charly on the flat once the pieces of the puzzle come together. For now though, hes still getting the changes down pat, and so while he should be a sub-30 scorer, much will rest on those. On cross-country, hes naturally incredibly fast, and has two placings at 4* to his name this spring including third at Ballindenisk CCI4*-L but he had a couple of green mistakes last year that it would appear hes learned from. Show jumping would be his weak phase right now, and hell likely have one or two on Sunday though he was clear and finished on his dressage score at Ballindenisk. He could win, or he could learn, or he could be very lucky and do a bit of both this week.[RETURN TO TOP] Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (LTU)A regular name at the event since 2019, Aistis brings Commander VG for their fourth run in Luhmhlens 5*. Despite retiring on course last year, this pair has already placed 11th and 13th in the event in the two years prior (and a 14th placing in the 4* in 2020 as well), so we can only assume that theyre back to finally break that top-10 barrier. Although they had some rough luck at the 5* level last year also including three dropped poles and a slow-going cross country round at Badminton, a horse fall at Burghley, and a refusal on course at Pau Aistis and Commander have been crushing it at the 4* level. They havent been out of the top-10 in nearly two years at a 4*, already adding a fifth-place finish in the 4*-S at Kristianstad and a finish in eighth at Strzegoms 4*-L this spring. Aistis also competes up to CSI3* in show jumping, having already ridden at several Nations Cup events for Lithuania this year alone. Provided they can avoid any more issues on cross country this weekend, they should have a fair chance at the clean 5* finish they deserve.[RETURN TO TOP] Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan (IRL) | Groom: the rider!Another of Irelands rising stars seriously, the Irish have it nailed when it comes to breeding talented young riders this will be a first 5* for both Patrick Whelan and his ride Ikoon Lan. Originally produced by his good pal Cathal Daniels, Patrick bought Brutus a couple of years ago, and they have quickly formed a strong partnership. The 11-year-old gelding only stepped up to 4*-L at Millstreet last June, and barring a frustrating 11 penalties on the cross country, he coped well with the challenge. He has continued to show his class since then, jumping around the CCI4*-L at Blenheim last year too.Dressage would not be this horses strong suit expect a score in the high 30s and although he can show jump clear as evidenced at Millstreet last month, he is more likely to roll a pole or two. Still, for their first run at the level, Patrick will more than likely be hoping for a safe and steady completion first and foremost, and Brutus has proven himself more than capable of that. Patrick was part of the victorious Irish Nations Cup team at Millstreet with Altitu, and Ikoon Lan also jumped a steady double clear in the CCI4*-L, setting themselves up well for their run here this week. [RETURN TO TOP]

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Welcome to the fourth CCI5* of the 2024 season and forgive us for a moment for a bit of wildly unprofessional total partiality, because the Longines Luhmhlen Horse Trials really is one of ENs absolute favourites. Nestled in the almost insultingly pretty heathland of the Lower Saxony countryside, its a colourful, bold, and incredibly friendly little haven for the horse-mad, featuring two phases on a surface and a Mike Etherington-Smith course that strikes a sweet balance between continental technicality and galloping, bold questions. Its not as colossal or stamina-testing as Burghley, nor is it as twisty and go-karty as Pau, but rather, its a comfortable medium that sees it attract both big name horses and riders as well as those contesting their first go at the level.The focus this week is split right down the middle: theres the feature five-star on the cards, of course, but alongside it, weve also got a red-hot CCI4*-S class, which hosts the German National Championships but is also a final selection trial before the Olympic selection deadline, and boy, does the entry list and the serious course built for it reflect that.But enough about that four-star, because this afternoon, it was all about the big one. 42 horses and riders, representing ten nations, came forward this afternoon to present at the first horse inspection, which was presided over by a ground jury made up of Denmarks Anne-Mette Binder, Germanys Dr. Joachim Dimmek, and Great Britains Sandy Phillips.The good news? All 42 have been accepted to start the competition, which begins bright and early tomorrow morning with the first lot of dressage tests. The slightly more bum-clenching part? Two of them endured a stint in the holding box en route to that welcomed decision.Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The first of those was LithuaniasAistis Vitkauskas and his seasoned partnerCommander VG, who are tackling their ninth five-star together. The thirteen-year-old Danish-bred gelding wasnt in the box for long, though, and upon re-presentation, sailed through to begin his bid to improve on his best-ever result at the level, an eleventh-place finish here in 2021.Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The second pair to be held was ItalysPietro Sandei and the nineteen-year-old stalwartRubis de Prere. They, too, were accepted on their second trip up the jog strip, and there was no shortage of support for them in the stands: even before theyd returned to the ground jury and gotten the nod, they were being cheered on by their Italian cohorts.SwedensChristoffer Forsberg also had a slightly nervy moment when he was asked to immediately trot again with his second ride,Hippos Sapporo. They were accepted on their second run, though, with no need for further inspection.One of the biggest crowd-wide whoops of approval came for the very last horse and rider to present. That was locally-basedNicolai Aldinger and his excellentTimmo, and it came with good reason: poor Nico and Timmo have had a bit of rotten luck in their attempts to start at this level. At Luhmhlen last year, they withdrew from the holding box at the first horse inspection after the gelding stumbled on his way down from the stables. Though there was no lasting injury they were able to reroute to Aachen just a couple of weeks later Timmo was just sore enough from the stumble that Nico opted to pull him from contention to ensure his geldings wellbeing. This year, they had an entry in for Kentucky, but in their final prep run at Strzegom, Timmo pulled a shoe and stepped on the clinch, which cost him a valuable final few days of fitness preparation, and Nico once again had to make the tough call to wait for another day. And now, that day has come: theyre starting at five-star. A thrill for him, a thrill for his compatriots cheering him on, and a thrill, most of all, for Timmo, who responded to the applause with a riotous spook that probably wasnt what Nicos stress levels neededin any way at all.Can u not plz Nico Aldinger, probably. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Dressage will get underway tomorrow from 8.30 a.m. local time (7.30 a.m. BST/2.30 a.m. EST, if youre an intrepid sort of dressage nerd), and will see the CCI4*-S take the focus until the lunch break. Our first up to bat in that class will be AustraliasKevin McNabandScuderia 1918 Don Quidam, and throughout the session, well see a number of key contenders from a variety of nations as the Olympic race commences, includingTim Price and his Maryland 5* winnerCoup de Coeur Dudevin, FrancesGaspard MaksudandZaragozaandTom Carlile andDarmagnac de Beliard, GermanysDirk SchraderandCasino 80, and US-based Aussie Ryan Wood andCooley Flight. You can view the starting order and times in full here just subtract one hour for British time, and six for Eastern US time.Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The CCI5* will begin after lunch at 14.15 p.m. (13.15 p.m. BST/8.15 a.m. EST), withTom McEwens first horse, former Pau runner-upCHF Cooliser, leading the way. Some of the classs key contenders tomorrow include last years third place finishersYasmin InghamandRehy DJ, US competitorsKatherine ColemanandMonbeg Senna, British-based KiwisMuzi Pottinger andGood Timing, Belgian superwomanLara de Leidekerke-Meier and debutantHooney dArville, and fan favouritesAlice CasburnandTopspin. The times for tomorrow can be found here.All the action will be live-streamed via Horse & Country TV, and if youd like on-the-button access to vital information, including start times, entry lists, course maps, coverage, and more, be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Guide to Luhmhlen for everything you need to make the most of this brilliant week of sport. Well be bringing you lots more shortly from Germany, including a packed CCI5* form guide, to keep it locked on EN and, as always, Go Eventing!ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage