Strong performances by the first two German riders have put their team in the lead after the first day of dressage at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (GB).
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K (pictured) head the leaderboard on 27.8 and team pathfinder Libussa Lübbeke is now in second place on Caramia 34 with 28.3.
Yasmin Ingham, who was first to go for Great Britain with Rehy DJ, is in joint third place with France’s Sebastian Cavaillon riding Elipso de la Vigne on a score of 29.
Piggy March is fifth on the stallion Halo, on 29.4, putting the British team second at this stage.
Malin, 47, who runs a farm in rural east Germany, already has the advantage of good form around the undulations of the beautiful park at Blenheim as she and the 13-year-old Holsteiner Carlitos Quidditch K won the CCI4*-L here in 2022.
“My horse was fabulous three years ago, but I know that I will still need to be focused,” said Malin, who was team pathfinder in Germany’s silver medal team at the 2023 European championships at Haras du Pin, France.
“It’s really special to be back here on the German team, and I must admit I am a little bit happier not to be first to go this time – Libussa is a really cool rider.”
Libussa, 24, is making her senior team debut on a 15-year-old Hannoverian mare that was bred by her parents and has already taken her to team gold and silver medals at Young Rider level .
“It’s a big step up to a senior championship and we never thought that she would reach this level so this is like a dream to be representing Germany and we are just enjoying it.”
World champion Yasmin, a member of the winning British team in 2023 on Banzai du Loir, is also riding her Young Rider medallist, another 15-year-old, who she has been competing for nine years.
“We are a great partnership and I was delighted with him,” she said.” He tried so hard, he was accurate and his flying changes were amazing. It’s so exciting to be here and a real honour to be pathfinder for the British team.”
Sebastian Cavaillon, France’s second rider, also comes to Blenheim with good form, including a third place at Bramham in June. “We know that the course here will be strong, and that Captain Mark Phillips is a very good designer, but we are ready for that – that’s why we came to Bramham, to prepare for the hills here.
“My horse has a great galloping stride and is a very good show jumper. A mark of 29 is bad for him actually, and I am quite disappointed, but that is the sport.”
Other riders to perform their dressage tests today include the hugely experienced Belgian rider Karin Donckers, for whom this is a 30th senior championship and a 15th Europeans. She scored 34.9 on Ceres de la Brasserie, a daughter of her former team ride Gazelle de la Brasserie, and is in 15th place.
Karin is one of only a few riders to have ridden at the 2005 Blenheim Europeans, where she finished fourth individually. “It’s nice to be back again and see the Palace again,” she said. “Everything is so ‘horsey’ in England, and it’s so green and lovely.
“Representing my country never gets old and as long as I have the right horse and am able, I will keep going.”
At the other end of the experience spectrum, Kumru (Kuki) Say made history as the first Turkish rider to compete at a championship. She and Baladin de L’Ocean LA are in 21st place on 37.1.
Tomorrow, the third and fourth team riders will perform their dressage tests, starting at 10.30am.
In the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old CCI4*-S, Britain’s Gemma Stevens is now in pole position riding the Rex Syndicate’s Cooley Park Muze on a score of 22.9. Fiona Cashel is second on Monbeg Cazador on 25.0 and Ireland’s Sian Coleman is third on Kilroe Frolic on 26.8.
German team pathfinder Libussa Lubbecke has made a great start on her senior team debut, taking an early lead in the dressage phase at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (GB).
She scored 28.3 penalties on her family’s home-bred Caramia 34, to put her 0.7 ahead of Great Britain’s first team rider, Yasmin Ingham on Rehy DJ.
“It is like a dream,” said Libussa. “We bred this mare, my brother rode her and then I won medals on her at Young Rider level, but we never thought she would be a five-star or a championship horse, so we are just enjoying it. It was always an ambition to ride for Germany at senior level, which is a big step up, so we are enjoying it.”
Yasmin, the reigning world champion, was also riding her Young Rider medal-winning team horse, the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse Rehy DJ, known as “Piglet”.
“It is so exciting to be here at Blenheim, a real honour,” said Yasmin, a member of the winning team at the 2023 Europeans in France.
“I am delighted with his test, he was fabulous. He tried so hard and was so accurate and his flying changes were amazing. We’re a great partnership – I have been riding him since he was six. He is Piglet by name and piglet by nature!”
Switzerland’s Nadja Minder had the daunting role of championship pathfinder and, although she was disappointed that her horse, Toblerone, was lit up by the atmosphere, she said: “There is no better horse to go first. It is fun and an honour. I think the cross-country terrain will suit him and it won’t be a dressage competition!”
Nations’ second team members will perform their dressage tests this afternoon, starting at 2:30pm.
In the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old CCI4*-S, Australian rider Kevin McNab has taken an early lead on Sofia Von Moltke’s Wilfred Lancer, scoring 29.4. He leads New Zealander Samantha Lissington, riding Lucas Stone by just 0.1 of a penalty.
Tom Jackson was the highest-placed British rider, third on United 36 on 30.2.
IMAGES © PETER NIXON
Riders representing 17 nations have arrived in the magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Great Britain, for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship, which start tomorrow (Thursday, September 18).
As they gathered for a moving opening ceremony in the main arena, Blenheim’s host, the Duke of Marlborough, said: “The Palace itself owes much of its existence to civilisation’s historic reliance on the strength and dependability of the horse.
“It is therefore a great privilege to gather here today, on the 35th anniversary of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, within our rolling parkland — the vision and creation of Capability Brown, the renowned 18th-century landscape architect — which provides the perfect setting for this prestigious event.
“This year, we are especially delighted to host the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship. The last time these Championships were held here was 20 years ago, however today we welcome riders and their horses from across Europe, each bringing with them passion, skill, and dedication to this world-class competition.”
All 55 horses passed the first horse inspection and Swiss team pathfinder Nadja Minder riding Toblerone will be first into the dressage arena tomorrow at 10.30am in front of judges Sandy Phillips (ground jury president, GB), Katrin Eichinger-Kniely from Austria and Valerie Pride from the USA.
Nine nations will field teams. Great Britain, the defending champions, have been drawn seventh in the order of countries, with reigning world eventing champion Yasmin Ingham, riding Rehy DJ, as team pathfinder. She will be followed by Piggy March with the stallion Halo and Olympic team gold medallists Tom McEwen (JL Dublin) and Laura Collett (London 52) will perform their dressage tests on Friday.
Germany’s Michael Jung, the only former individual European champion in the field, will be his team’s anchor, riding his Olympic gold medallist FischerChipmunk FRH, competing toward the end of Friday afternoon.
The drawn order of nations is: Norway*, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Turkey*, Belgium, Great Britain, Netherlands*, Hungary*, Lithuania*, Sweden, Finland*, Germany, France, Ireland, Czech Republic*, Luxembourg* (* denotes individuals only). Kumru Say makes history for Turkey, as the first representative of her country to compete in an eventing championship.
Also starting tomorrow is the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old CCI4*-S, which has attracted a field of nearly 100. First into the dressage arena at 10am is Gemma Stevens riding Chilli’s Jester.
THE SPEEDI-BEET TROT UP
At the first Speedi-Beet trot up of the event, the Best Dressed, with thanks to HiHo Silver, went to Pietro Majolino (ITA) and Lea Siegl (AUT – above).
The Best Turned Out, with thanks to British Horse Feeds, went to Sarah Ennis’ Dourough Ferro Class Act, groomed by Emily Singleton (IRL).
Jess Blackford, Area Sales Manager for British Horse Feeds, who sponsor the Speedi-Beet Trot-up commented, “It is such a privilege to see so many well-presented horses in superb condition at the Trot-up here at the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace. British Horse Feeds, home of Speedi-Beet stands for feeding fibre first as the starting point for a natural and healthy diet. It provides the basis for all equine diets which suits all types of horses in all levels of work. Combining Speedi-Beet with the additional concentrates required for event horses at the top of their game enables the horses to maintain a healthy working digestive system whilst providing the necessary slow and fast release energy for performance. We wish all of the competitors the best for the exciting competition ahead.”
IMAGES © PETER NIXON
Next week, over 150 horse and rider combinations will compete in the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship (CCI4*-L) and coveted GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class(CCI4*-S). This 2025 Championship sees 33 Olympians, 17 first-time competitors and two debut nations gracing the Blenheim Palace grounds.
The biggest names in European Eventing are set to go head-to-head, with a golden showdown promised between Paris 2024 team gold medallists, Tom McEwen (GB) and Laura Collett (GB), and the Paris 2024 individual champion – and Eventing’s most decorated European rider – Michael Jung (GER). All three riders return on the same horses from the Olympics; JL Dublin, London 52 and fischerChipmunk FRH, respectively. Although the spotlight will be on Great Britain and Germany, as the two most successful nations to date at this level, their European competitors should not be ignored. Sweden is coming off the back of their first-ever Nations Cup victory in Strzegom, Switzerland has their solid Paris 2024 quartet, and Belgium brings experience with their selection of world number 20 Lara de Liederkerke-Meier and 14-time European Championship competitor Karin Donckers.
With a thrilling course conceived by legend Captain Mark Phillips, horses and riders will be challenged on a world-class track designed to test the best without over facing newcomers.
It is not just the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship drawing the crowds this year, with entries for the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class ensuring a competition just as nail-biting. Gemma Stevens has a strong line-up, bringing the current 7-year-old World Champion Chilli Morning IV, Millstreet CCI3*-L winner Cooley Park Muze and Chilli’s Jester. Izzy Taylor is also eyeing-up a win, entering the 2023 6-year-old World Champion Barrington Alice, and the 2024 Retraining of Racehorses Elite Eventing Award winner Bayaanaat.
Tom Bird and his horse Lenny are another pair to watch, with the duo securing 10 double clears from 12 starts this season, including a win in the Intermediate at Little Downham in May. Austin O’Connor brings forward his National Novice Champion Diamond Mistress, and French rider Amaury Choplain brings Gin Tonic D’Aury off the back of an individual win in the CCI4*L at Strzegom.
The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is also profiling riders of the future, hosting this year’s evoke™ Eventer Challenge, a guaranteed crowd pleaser, highlighting grassroots riders from across the UK as they take part in a fast-paced cross country and show jumping round.
The event will also welcome Meg Elphick on the Thursday and Esme Higgs, better known as ThisEsme, who will meet and greet fans on Saturday. Official Charity Partner, Riding for the Disabled Association, will have a number of exciting events over the weekend, including a Chat Stage talk with Free Rein’s Joe Ashman on Sunday, course walks with international Event riders Bill Levett and Kirsty Chabert on Thursday and Friday, and an opportunity to ride mechanical horses, Charley and Anton.
There really is something for everyone. In addition to four days of thrilling eventing, visitors will be treated to a plethora of exciting experiences, such as Mutts & Butts Dog Agility, falconry displays, a visit from the Heythrop Hunt Hounds and the incredible Shetland Pony Grand National.
For those looking for a spot of relaxing retail therapy, there will be over 200 exhibitors in the shopping village ready to be perused, as well as exclusive hospitality options and delicious local food and drink.
If an appetising treat is on the cards, Fortnum & Mason will be on hand with its scrumptiously iconic picnic hampers. Available to pre-order and collect on site, the hampers will be ready to enjoy at leisure, full to the brim with tasty treats, perfect for a jump-side banquet.
Event Director Katrina Midgley comments, “We are thrilled to welcome such an incredible line-up to Blenheim Palace this September. With a world-class course ready to test the very best, and the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class showcasing the exciting next generation, this year promises to be a true celebration of eventing at every level. It’s an honour to see the sport’s brightest stars and future talent compete against the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace.”
General admission tickets are available with under 12s going free. VIP ticket options are also on offer from £165, and include in-show parking, breakfast, lunch, access to the VIP Pavilion, garden and lounge, a live stream of all the action, and unlimited tea and coffee.
For tickets, hospitality, and the latest updates, visit www.bpiht.co.uk
If you are unable to attend in person, you can keep an eye on all the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship action on FEI TV (Worldwide).
The Agria FEI Eventing European Championship will also be broadcast live on BBC Sport across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the app. Coverage will also be available on demand for 30 days after the event.
Broadcast schedule (all times BST, subject to change):
Saturday 20th September – 10:45 to 15:30
Sunday 21st September – 10:50 to 12:10 (Jumping – Group 1)
Sunday 21st September – 13:50 to 15:00 (Jumping – Group 2)
Horse & Country will be live streaming the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old class throughout the week.
IMAGE © LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY
With just two weeks to go, the anticipation is building for the prestigious Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace from 18 – 21 September. All nations have now released the names of their team riders, showcasing a plethora of talent, from first timers to seasoned champions – it is sure to be the event of the season.
The team lists are a ‘who’s who’ of eventing royalty, with Germany’s team featuring Grand Slam winner, triple Olympic gold medallist and triple European Champion Michael Jung and Arville FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 winners Calvin Böckmann and Libussa Lübekke. Great Britain will present Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett MBE and Tom McEwen, as well as World Champion Yasmin Ingham, and renowned five-star riders Piggy March, Caroline Harris and Bubby Upton.
From further afield, Turkey will put forward a sole rider, as Kumru Say flies the flag for her country’s first ever appearance at this level of the sport, whilst Norway’s Yasmin Olsson-Payne will make her debut at senior European level riding the nine-year-old Cos Me Will.
Sweden has a strong selection for contention, looking to secure a podium position again after their team bronze at the Europeans in 2021. Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo TSF, who were a part of the 2021 team, are joined by Frida Andersen who has two Olympics, two European Championships and a World Championships under her belt. Sofia Sjöborg, will bring Govalent for his first Championship, with Amanda Staam and Corpoubet AT – who were part of the Swedish team at the European Championship 2023 and Olympic reserves in Paris, rounding out the team.
Olympians are dotted throughout, with Nicholas Touzaint – former dual European Champion – making the French team following his team silver medal at Paris 2024, and Ireland’s selection consisting of Olympians Susie Berry and Sarah Ennis. Switzerland’s rider selection mirrors that of their Paris selection, with Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder and Felix Vogg announced, but only Nadja Minder will ride the same horse she took, partnering up again with Toblerone.
Blenheim is preparing to host what promises to be a fiercely contested Championship. The blend of world-class titleholders and first-time competitors will make this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship a weekend to remember.
To find out more, and book your tickets, visit bpiht.co.uk
Please find the full entry list below:
AUSTRIA
Harald Ambros, with Vitorio Du Monete
Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati, with Renegade
Lea Siegl, with Van Helsing P
BELGIUM
Wouter De Cleene, with Quintera
Lara De Liederkerke – Meier, with Hooney d’Arville
Karin Donckers, with Ceres De La Brasserie
Senne Vervaecke, with Google van Alsingen
CZECH REPUBLIC
Jaroslav Abik, with Madock
Pavel Brezina, with Turin
FINLAND
Sanna Siltakorpi, with Bofey Click
FRANCE
Sebastien Cavaillon, with Elipsco De La Vigne
Luc Chateau, with Cocorico de L’Ebat
Alexis Goury, with Je’Vall
Benjamin Massie, with Figaro Fonroy
Astier Nicolas, with Alertamalibo’or
Nicolas Touzaint, with Absolut Gold HDC
GERMANY
Nicolai Aldinger, with Timmo
Calvin Böckmann, with The Phantom of the Opera
Malin Hansen-Hotopp, with Carlitos Quidditch K
Michael Jung, with fischerChipmunk FRH
Libussa Lübbeke, with Caramia
Jérôme Robiné, with Black Ice
GREAT BRITAIN
Laura Collett, with London 52
Caroline Harris, with D. Day
Yasmin Ingham, with Rehy DJ
Piggy March, with Halo
Tom McEwen, with JL Dublin
Bubby Upton, with Its Cooley Time
HUNGARY
Noémi Viola Doerfer, with Piltown Harry
Balázs Kaizinger, with Herr Cooles Classico
IRELAND
Susannah Berry, with Clever Trick
Ian Cassells, with Millridge Atlantis
Aoife Clark, with Full Monty De Lacense
Sarah Ennis, with Dourough Ferro Class Act
Robbie Kearns, with Chance Encounter
Padraig McCarthy, with Pomp n Circumstance
ITALY
Daniele Bizzarro, with Stormhill Riot
Pietro Majolino, with Vita Louise DH Z
Vittoria Panizzon, with DHI Jackpot
Arianna Schivo, with First Lady de Belheme
Giovanni Ugolotti, with Duke of Champions
LITHUANIA
Aistis Vitkauskas, with Commander VG
LUXEMBOURG
Christian Chabot, with Flora-B-Lux
NORWAY
Yasmin Olsson-Payne, with Cos Me Will
SWEDEN
Frida Andersen, with Stonehavens Baby Blue
Christoffer Forsberg, with Hippo’s Sapporo TSF
Sofia Sjoborg, with Govalent
Amanda Staam, with Corpoubet AT
SWITZERLAND
Robin Godel, with Global DHI
Mélody Johner, with Erin
Nadja Minder, with Toblerone
Felix Vogg, with Frieda
TURKEY
Kumru Say, with Baladin De L’Ocean La
You can find the full list of entries for this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship here.
IMAGE © LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY
A New Champion Crowned in a Thrilling Finale at Luhmühlen – Ros Canter and Izilot DHI Triumph
In a dramatic final twist worthy of the sport’s highest level, a new champion has been crowned at Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen: none other than Ros Canter and her exceptional equine partner, Izilot DHI. The Longines CCI5*-L concluded in spectacular fashion, with tension mounting to the very last second.
As the final phase of show jumping unfolded, the atmosphere was electric — you could have heard a pin drop. The pressure was immense, and the stakes could not have been higher. Ros Canter, fresh off her recent Mars Badminton victory, entered the arena with Izilot DHI and delivered a flawless, foot-perfect show jumping round. This clean performance piled the pressure on compatriot and defending champion Laura Collett (GBR), who had held the lead following cross-country.
Collett was the last to enter the arena aboard her phenomenal partner, London 52. With Canter and Lissington producing faultless rounds, Laura knew that she could not afford to make a mistake. At the last fence of triple combination a pole fell. With 29.4 points, the pair slipped to third place: “Obviously I’m very disappointed – as everybody would be in my situation. I really wanted him to win, because he deserves it so much. Last year I had a fence in hand and didn’t need it. Today I would have needed it – but that’s life. For me, London 52 is the perfect event horse. He might not have the best confirmation but he has a big heart and the right attitude. He’s my horse of a lifetime!”
Despite the heartbreak, Collett’s consistent performance across all three phases earned her a well-deserved place on the podium. She finishes the competition with both of her top horses — London 52 and Hester — ranked in the top ten.
For Canter, the Luhmühlen victory marks her second five-star triumph in just a matter of weeks, following her stunning performance at Badminton. Reflecting on the win, an elated Ros said of the 12-year-old gelding: “I’m just so thrilled. He hasn’t been an easy character, but he’s come out with so much confidence. He’s such a genuine, unique horse. Some people think he’s just a bit naughty but he’s genuinely spooky. I’m so thrilled that we’ve managed to build a relationship to overcome that and show him off to his best.”
Time allowed on the final show jumping course proved challenging for many, and Canter admitted it had been a focal point in her preparation after past experience: “I feel like last year I lost my first place due to time faults and I blame myself. I worked quite hard on the mental side behind it. We changed a few things, made sure I had more time, and I was more relaxed and gave him a much better ride. So, I’m just delighted with that.”
As she stood on top of the podium during the prize-giving ceremony, Canter extended her gratitude to the event and its supporters: “First of all, I want to thank Luhmühlen for putting on such a fantastic event, one of my favourites to come back to. A big thank you to the crowd for making it so special.”
After an incredible 1-2-3 in the CCI4*-L at Chaumont en Vexin, and podiums at Bicton and Belsay, New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington and her remarkable partner Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ finished in second place. The pair jumped clear on the final day, finishing with just 0.4 XC time penalties added to their dressage score. Their final tally of 29.3 secured another career accolade for Lissington, who is notably a student of Ros Canter. “He’s just amazing, such a pocket rocket. The jumps do seem rather large when you sit on him, but he’s got a big stride and a heart of gold. I’m just delighted with how he went all week.” We cannot wait to see what comes next for Sam, as this girl is on fire!
American rider Cosby Green also had a standout weekend, finishing an impressive fourth with Highly Suspicious, and placing eighth with JOS UFO de Quidam — a tremendous result at this level.
A strong showing from Austria’s Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line saw them climb steadily throughout the competition. After sitting fifteenth following dressage, a brilliant cross-country round moved them into eighth, and a strong final phase saw them finish fifth overall.
Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp, aboard Carlitos Quidditch K, bounced back from a costly MIM clip penalty on cross-country. A clear round in show jumping catapulted them into sixth — a testament to their resilience and poise under pressure.
Australia’s Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas also made waves. After holding fourteenth position through the first two phases, they jumped clear with just 1.6 time penalties in the final round, securing a strong ninth-place finish.
Closing out the top ten was Ireland’s Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter. After a gutsy cross-country performance that impressed many, they completed the competition in fine form, demonstrating grit and determination throughout.
It was also an encouraging event for a host of exciting 5* debutante horses. Among those who successfully completed the competition were:
- Jonelle Price (NZL) with Senor Crocodillo
- Francesca Reid-Warrilow (GBR) with Guilty Pleasure
- Heidi Coy (GBR) with Halenza
- Alice Copithorne (IRL) with Fort Arthur Little Dolly
- Sebastien Cavaillon (FRA) with Black Pearl Z
- Lea Siegl (AUS) with Van Helsing P
- Thomas Carlile (FRA) with Darmagnac de Beliard
Their completions mark the beginning of what could be very promising five-star careers.
Luhmühlen once again delivered on every front — world-class sport, emotional highs and lows, and unforgettable performances. For Ros Canter and Izilot DHI, it was a week to remember, one that firmly cements their status among the elite of eventing.
Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country course was far from a casual stroll through the countryside — it was a serious test of skill, bravery, and stamina, and it left a significant mark on the leaderboard. The design was both technical and influential, shaking up the standings and demanding precision from every rider.
Laura Collett (GBR) set the tone early in the day with a beautiful round aboard Hester, scoring 35.1 to sit fifth overall. But it was her ride on London 52 that truly captivated. The pair made the challenging track look deceptively easy, answering every question asked of them with poise and finesse, all while staying within the optimum time. As a result, they maintained their position at the top of the leaderboard on a remarkable score of 25.4. Afterward, a visibly emotional Collett shared her thoughts: “I’m absolutely ecstatic. Both of my horses have given me brilliant performances. They’re two very different horses to ride but they both love their job and it’s an honour to be sat on them. With London, now I just want to enjoy the moment. He owes me absolutely nothing. He’s been phenomenal all through his career – the places he’s taken me, the things he’s done. He’s so so special. Whatever happens tomorrow, he’s my horse of a lifetime.”
Meanwhile, Ros Canter and the talented Izilot DHI looked sharp and switched on for cross-country day. After dazzling in dressage, the pair seemed to step it up another level as they tackled the course with elegance and rhythm. We waited with bated breath as the ground jury reviewed a penalty inclusion for the duo at the first element of the LeMieux Water at 16A. This was quickly rescinded, adding just 2.8 time penalties to their dressage score for a total of 28.8. Canter was full of praise for her rising star: “I’m absolutely delighted. Izilot was so grown up out there. He was pretty spooky this morning, so I was a little nervous and he ducked and dived going in and out of the arena but when he was on his line to the fence he was 100 percent. He’s really good on lines and skinnies but sometimes worries about the people, sometimes the decorations around the fence catch him out. Today he was was fantastic. The course was a real challenge and I think some people underestimated it. It walked intense and it walked fast and it rode that way as well.”
New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington also rose to the occasion with her compact powerhouse, Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ. They put in a confident and speedy round, adding just 0.4 time penalties for a new total of 29.3 — good enough to hold third place. Reflecting on her ride, Lissington said: “I’m so happy. He’s such a champion. He’s small and compact. I’m really proud of him. It was amazing. It’s so incredible to be at Luhmühlen. He’s loving it here. He really opened up today and found that top-notch speed. I watched the arena this morning and it rode really well. Then I continued watching it for the next hour which did nothing for my confidence. I kept wondering what to do and I knew I had to ride off the seat of my pants and ride off feel – and that’s what I did.”
Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditsch K incurred a penalty after activating a MIM safety device at the entrance to the Meßmer Teich. They added a total of 12.6 points to their dressage score, bringing them to 41.5. Despite the setback, Hansen-Hotopp remained upbeat: “It was so much fun! He was full of running right until the end. It’s a pity about the broken MIM, that’s never happened to us before. I’ll have a look at the video later to analyse it, but perhaps I could have made him a bit rounder there. In the end, he was so confident and rideable everywhere. He’s just incredible.”
Fellow German Arne Bergendahl was also pleased with his effort, finishing on a 46.7 and sitting in 16th place. He said: “I am overjoyed. It was so much fun. I kept wondering how to tackle the Irish Bank beforehand. But it was super smooth to ride.”
Out of the 46 combinations that advanced to the cross-country phase, 32 successfully completed the course, with only four finishing within the optimum time. Eight riders made the decision to retire while on course, and six were eliminated. Importantly, there were no horse falls throughout the day — a testament to both the design and the riding.
Fence 8 emerged as the most problematic obstacle on course. Element B saw one MIM activation, six refusals, and one retirement. At element C, there were 15 refusals, two eliminations (including one rider fall), and another retirement. Across the entire course: 21 riders had one refusal, three had two refusals, one was eliminated after a refusal at the arrowhead, one missed a flag, three were eliminated overall, and two riders retired voluntarily.
It was, without a doubt, a standout day for the women in the field. Impressively, all of the top ten spots are currently held by female riders — an extraordinary show of depth and talent. Kitty King and Vendredi Biats delivered what many considered to be the standout round of the day, while Cosby Green, Laura Collett, and Lea Siegl each have two horses ranked within the top ten — a remarkable accomplishment.
It’s all to play for on the final day, with nothing separating the top three competitors.
Krajewski Maintains Lead in CCI4-S Meßmer Trophy
With a beautifully smooth round and just six seconds over the optimum time, Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel hold on to their lead in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy. Krajewski’s performance was both elegant and efficient, showcasing her experience at the top level. Reflecting on her round, she offered: “It was very good. It’s always great to compete here in Luhmühlen, the spectators are simply phenomenal. I wanted to deliver a safe, fast round, but I didn’t go for the very last second and I’m totally happy with Nickel – as he always wants to do everything right. Winning a title is, of course, always something special and, for Nickel, it would be his first title. But after the cross-country is before the jumping. We are now taking super good care of him, and then tomorrow morning it’s time to get in shape.”
The only riders to make the time were few and far between, with Germany’s Emma Brüssau and her long-time partner Dark Desire GS putting in one of just four clear rounds within the time allowed. Their efforts were rewarded with a move from fifth after dressage into a strong second place on a score of 34.1.
Brüssau, clearly emotional after her ride, praised her mare’s honesty and long-standing partnership: “I simply have an unbelievably great horse. She is so honest and always fights for me. That’s why I’m just so happy right now. It’s our eleventh season and when we bought her back then, I don’t think anyone expected that I would be sitting here at a press conference at some point.”
Another standout performance came from Australian rider Andrew Cooper, who travelled over 16,000 kilometers to compete at Luhmühlen for the first time. Riding the 12-year-old gelding Sharvalley Thunder, Cooper delivered a well-judged round to finish on a score of 36.1 and move into third place. “We travelled to Europe ten days ago and are training at Klosterhof Medingen during our stay in Germany. It’s my first time in Europe and I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s very special to be competing here. He is certainly not the fastest horse, but he is a really good jumper and we had so much fun out there today”, explained the Australian.
ADDITONAL STATEMENT:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news that Chiquita, ridden by Maj-Jonna Ziebell (GER), sustained a serious injury following a fall at fence 14C on the Luhmühlen CCI4*-S cross-country course.
Immediate veterinary care was provided at the scene, and she was transported to a nearby clinic for further treatment. Due to the nature of her injury and with the impact it would have on her, Chiquita was sadly euthanised.
This is the hardest kind of news to share. Our thoughts are with Maj-Jonna and all those who loved and cared for Chiquita. We offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
At the close of a somewhat slightly muted first day of dressage in the Longines CCI5*-L at Luhmühlen, Great Britain’s Selina Milnes tops the leaderboard with a score of 31.5 aboard Cooley Snapchat. The eleven-year-old Irish gelding delivered an impressive and composed performance, setting the benchmark for the rest of the field. However, no combinations managed to break the sub-30-barrier, and there were some noticeable discrepancies in the scoring among the judges.
Milnes expressed her delight with the horse’s effort, highlighting his calm demeanor and willingness to perform under pressure: “He was super, very relaxed and rideable. I don’t really know what else he could have given. All the changes were good. He always does do a nice test and today I felt like I could really go for it. I was obviously disappointed with the mark at C but as long as that stays consistently low it doesn’t matter. He’s still inexperienced at this level. He’s very easy and he has taken on every challenge he’s had so far. But the course is really intense. There are a lot of combinations and you really have to be on your game all the way round. It’s also quite twisty but he’s not strong and he likes to stay in a rhythm so I think it’ll suit him.”
Hot on her heels is fellow Briton Aaron Millar, who holds second place with a score of 31.6 on KEC Deakon. The combination impressed despite a slightly altered warm-up plan, as Millar explained: “I was massively pleased with him. He was really good, even though I slightly overworked him before going in. He had a year off last year so I felt it was better to have him a little underpowered going in. He doesn’t need much work beforehand, but I was very pleased with him. He’s a performer. He goes in and he wants to do a good job. Hopefully the cross-country will suit him, I’m really looking forward to it. There are a lot of acute angles that are going to keep us working and thinking. A lot of the combinations need accuracy, for example the angles in the arena.”
Reigning World Champion Ros Canter currently sits in third with MHS Seventeen on a score of 33.5, just ahead of fellow Brit Laura Collett and Hester, who hold fourth on 33.9. Both riders remain well within striking distance as the competition heads into the final day of dressage.
Germany’s Arne Bergendahl, lying in 11th after dressage, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to five-star level competition and the unique atmosphere at Luhmühlen: “After making our five-star debut in Luhmühlen two years ago, it feels great to be back. It’s just fun to compete in this stadium and she seems to enjoy the atmosphere. Of course there’s always room for improvement, but I’m quite happy. In my opinion, the Cross-country course will be quite influential. There are a lot of angled fences, a lot of corners, so we need to focus and make sure to ride the ideal lines – then it should be fun.”
Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith’s track has already drawn attention for its flowing but demanding nature, a sentiment echoed by British team coach Chris Bartle: “My first impression of the five-star is that it’s a beautiful course. The fences are beautifully made, inviting yet impressive. The track looks in very good condition. In terms of technical demands, it’s not the toughest five-star course but a very good introduction for horses and riders stepping up this level. I believe the time will be quite difficult to achieve because Mike Etherington-Smith has included quite a few phases where riders have to reduce speed in order to get the turn.”
With a tightly packed leaderboard and a challenging cross-country course awaiting, excitement is building at Luhmühlen. Riders and fans alike are preparing for a pivotal second day that promises to reshape the standings and test the mettle of horse and rider combinations from around the world.
NINA SCHULTES TAKES THE LEAD IN CCI4*-S MEBMER TROPHY
The 31-year-old rider from Frankfurt was very pleased with the performance of her 18-year-old sport partner Grand Prix iWEST. “I’m very pleased with our dressage test. There were a few small mistakes that could have gone even better, but basically I’m really happy. It was a correct test, he was very focused despite the large stadium. Even the flying change to the right worked out today. It’s a good start to the competition.”
Looking ahead to the cross-country, Nina shared: “The course is technically demanding. The first real task awaits in the stadium. The Meßmer water is not to be underestimated and the Irish Bank also requires a lot of concentration. Especially as it is a task that is quite unique. As my horse is very experienced, I’m really looking forward to the cross-country.”
Emma Brüssau and Dark Desire GS are currently lying in a promising second place (34.1) in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy. Two years ago, the successful duo celebrated their five-star debut in Luhmühlen. “I was very happy with my horse today. I can now really rely on her not to let me down in the arena. It was a confident, experienced round. Of course there is still room for improvement, you could always ride more correctly and precisely – but the flying changes were good and I was very happy with her, so it’s a bit of a shame that this isn’t reflected in the marks. But there are still two more disciplines to come.”
Hans Melzer, the former German chef d’Equipe shares the rider’s assessment that the cross-country course is quite demanding. “The course is full of technical challengesand must be ridden with concentration. It’s a fantastic course and absolutely worthy of a German Championship.”
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.
Lauren Nicholson, as she puts it, has “been the bridesmaid” more times than she can count at the CCI4*L level, but despite her tenure in the sport, she’s never caught the win before. That changed on Sunday at MARS Bromont CCI, riding Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Larcot Z to the victory thanks to a flawless double clear show jumping round. Nicholson’s was the sole double clear round on a challenging course set by USA-based designer Brody Robertson. She finishes the weekend on a score of 41.9.
“It’s funny – I’ve been trying to win a four-long for a very long time,” Nicholson said. “This is actually my first. I’ve been second at a lot of things. And honestly, after yesterday, I’d a little bit resigned myself [that], if it went well, I’d be a bridesmaid again. I was like, ‘Probably gonna be second again!’”
For Nicholson, the win and receipt of the MARS Equestrian Trophy is a special one in many ways. Ms. Jacqueline Mars was in attendance this weekend to watch her horses run and support the event, and Nicholson was able to deliver this milestone win in front of her biggest supporter. She’s also partnered with a horse that she describes as very special, and the patience she’s used to produce him to this point has paid off well this weekend.
“I’ve always preferred producing my own, because I do always feel it’s really hard to pick up other people’s rides,” Nicholson elaborated. “Even when we get a new horse, even if you get on great and have some great results, it really takes two years before you feel like you know them and they feel like yours. And that’s if you get on really well. I always feel like if I get [a horse] that’s already been started, it’s my responsibility to take my time and tick each box so I make sure there’s not a missing piece before I get to the level.”
New Zealand’s Hayley Frielick moved into second place with her own Sportsfield Lumiere, lowering just one rail to finish on a score of 48.2. Sophia Middlebrook and Christa Schmidt’s Prontissimo round out the top three, finishing on a score of 57.5.
Canada topped the leaderboard in the CCI4*S with Jessica Phoenix taking home the win on Charlotte Schickedanz’s Freedom GS (above, and victory gallop at the bottom). Despite one rail lowered today (no pairs in this division collected double clear rounds), she completed the win on a score of 48.7. Phoenix is traveling to Germany next month to compete at CHIO Aachen, and notes that this win will prepare her well for a first trip to compete at the prestigious equestrian festival.
“I was so proud of her in show jumping,” Phoenix said. “Bromont is such a huge fitness test. There is nothing like Bromont anywhere in the world. So for her to come in and just show all of her heart and jump as well as she did [was amazing]. I just got a little close to the liverpool and was maybe a touch flat, but the rest of the course, she just was a superstar. I was so proud.”
“A huge shout out to our Canadian Eventing High Performance Group for having the vision to send us [to Aachen],” Phoenix continued. “And a huge thank you to our entire community for the fundraising efforts that they’ve put in into getting us this grant because it’s just fantastic that we have the opportunity prior to the World Championships for our entire team management to get there and just see the lay of the land, see how it runs, get confident and comfortable with everything. It’s something we’re really looking forward to and really thankful for our entire community for the opportunity.”
World #5 Boyd Martin cemented a one-two finish in the CCI3*L, taking home the win and the Eaman Perpetual Trophy on Malmo Mob’s Kolbeinn (24.7, photo above) and finishing second on the Fetiche Des Rouges Syndicate’s Fetiche Des Rouges (30.3). Those who have followed these horses through their careers may recall that Martin brought these two horses to compete in the CCI2*L here at Bromont in 2024, finishing first and second as well (Fetiche Des Rouges was the winner, while Kolbeinn finished second).
Martin had to hop straight from horse to plane after his ride, so we weren’t able to catch up with him, but you can find interviews with him throughout the weekend on our YouTube channel here.
Ivie Cullen-Dean confirmed Fernhill Cardavega as a CCI3*L winner (photo below), taking the title in the U25 division on a final score of 70.2.
“I definitely had a couple doubts coming into this venue,” Cullen-Dean said after her ride, when asked what she had learned this weekend. “It’s a big track, and I knew that, but I had to be a little bit brave, a little bit confident in myself, and I had to believe in my horse. And for it being his first three-long, I kind of had to be braver than normal for myself. Believe in yourself and know that you can do what you put your effort and work into.”
The Canadian anthem played for the first of two times following the CCI2*L division, which was won by Olympian Collen Loach and Peter Barry’s Chiaro Z Excalibur (above).
“This horse has improved literally every day since I’ve got him,” Loach said of this relatively new partnership. “I think that definitely bodes well. Everything I’ve asked him, he just does easily and really tries hard. He’s got the talent to scope, so if I’m smart and play my cards right and treat him well, hopefully he’ll be a top horse.”
Finally, Lyman Ordway moved up from ninth after dressage to take home the win in the U25 CCI2*L, riding Winnett Ordway’s Exces de Folie to a finishing score of 35.9. This weekend marks the first-ever CCI2*L Ordway has ever done.
“I was definitely a little nervous!” Ordway said. “It was a big job to go and do. But I’m always feeling very lucky to be sitting on that horse. He’s a really good jumper, so I was just excited to go get it done.”
Ordway also takes home the Lafromboise Family U25 Legacy Award as the highest-placed U25 rider of the weekend. Robert Hamelin and Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon presented on behalf of the Laframboise family.
Competitors eager to experience the historic Bromont venue can enter Petit Bromont June 14-15, which offers FEI CCI1* and National levels and is an excellent opportunity for developing horses and riders. August 15-17, eventing competition will return to Bromont for FEI CCI1*-4* levels as well as some National levels on offer. And in 2026, join us for the 50th anniversary of Bromont, dating back to the 1976 Summer Olympics, which for equestrian sports were hosted at this very park.
Further content, interviews, live stream replays and more can be found on our social media and YouTube channels.
IMAGES © CEALY TETLEY
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