All Systems Go for Longines CCI5-L as Horses Pass First Inspection
The 2025 Longines CCI5*-L is officially underway following a successful first horse inspection on a picture-perfect afternoon in Luhmühlen. With the sun shining and anticipation in the air, smartly dressed riders and beautifully prepared horses took center stage, setting an elegant tone for what promises to be a thrilling week of top-level eventing.
Every horse presented passed the crucial veterinary check, confirming their readiness to compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious five-star events. The Ground Jury—Dr. Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT), Merel Schurink (NED), and Dr. Ernst Topp (GER)—along with veterinary delegate Dr. Matthias Bauman (GER), oversaw the inspection with meticulous attention to detail.
Only one horse, Declan Cullen’s Seavaghan Ash, was held for re-inspection but was later accepted, ensuring a full and competitive field for Thursday’s dressage.
The international line-up promises fierce competition, with several of the sport’s biggest names returning to Luhmühlen. Great Britain brings a powerhouse team, including Olympic and World Champion Ros Canter, who rides Izilot DHI—runner-up here last year and now fresh off a win at Badminton. Laura Collett also returns with her seasoned partner London 52, the pair having captured the Luhmühlen title in 2023.
Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier is back to defend her crown aboard her Olympic mount, Origi. After a standout performance in 2024, she’ll be aiming to repeat history on German soil.
Flying the flag for the home team are Malin Hansen-Hotopp with Carlitos Quidditch K and Arne Bergendahl aboard the promising homebred Luthien NRW. Bergendahl will be looking to bounce back after an early cross-country withdrawal at Badminton, where he showed promise in the dressage phase.
With all combinations through the first hurdle, attention now turns to the dressage arena, where the real battle begins. The stage is set, the athletes are ready, and Luhmühlen is primed for another unforgettable chapter in five-star eventing.
