The early fences — Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Equistro Tisch (2) and Holzstapel (3) — are there to get the horses up in the air and into the shape the riders want. They are built to the maximum permitted dimensions, as all courses must remain within the rules governing height, spread and drops, but they are nevertheless straightforward opening fences.

The early fences — Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Equistro Tisch (2) and Holzstapel (3) — are there to get the horses up in the air and into the shape the riders want. They are built to the maximum permitted dimensions, as all courses must remain within the rules governing height, spread and drops, but they are nevertheless straightforward opening fences.

The early fences — Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Equistro Tisch (2) and Holzstapel (3) — are there to get the horses up in the air and into the shape the riders want. They are built to the maximum permitted dimensions, as all courses must remain within the rules governing height, spread and drops, but they are nevertheless straightforward opening fences.

The first set of questions comes the Longines Water (4) (5abc). This year, horses and riders jump a set of frangible rails with a drop before continuing down the slope to the boat, then on to a skinny brush in the water and quickly back up the slope to the final element. This first combination is not intended to be overly difficult, but it is designed to make sure horses and riders are switched on and paying attention.

They then continue to the Reiterbar (6) and Volksbank (7) as they head towards the main arena.

They then continue to the Reiterbar (6) and Volksbank (7) as they head towards the main arena.

The three elements that make up the Longines Combination (8abc) are a test of rideability and control. These are big fences, two of them frangible, and they require scope, accuracy and a horse that is listening to the rider. As with the more difficult combinations, there is a longer option for those not quite on their A-game on the day, but it will use up a lot of time. This is one I am looking forward to watching.

The CARLITOS Birkenoxer (9) is another maximum, though straightforward, fence before one of the new questions this year: the Trainingsplatz-Kombination (10abcd). Here, riders have a choice of routes. The direct route — a corner on top of the mound, followed by the coop and another corner — requires good presentation, accurate riding and a horse that is neat, honest and confident. It is a proper CCI5*-L question.

The CARLITOS Birkenoxer (9) is another maximum, though straightforward, fence before one of the new questions this year: the Trainingsplatz-Kombination (10abcd). Here, riders have a choice of routes. The direct route — a corner on top of the mound, followed by the coop and another corner — requires good presentation, accurate riding and a horse that is neat, honest and confident. It is a proper CCI5*-L question.