The first 4 fences Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Sport-Physio-Bank (2), Bienenstock Oxer (3) and Picknick Tisch (4) are there to settle any nerves, give confidence, and get the horses jum- ping in a good rhythm and good shape.

The first 4 fences Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Sport-Physio-Bank (2), Bienenstock Oxer (3) and Picknick Tisch (4) are there to settle any nerves, give confidence, and get the horses jum- ping in a good rhythm and good shape.

The first 4 fences Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Sport-Physio-Bank (2), Bienenstock Oxer (3) and Picknick Tisch (4) are there to settle any nerves, give confidence, and get the horses jum- ping in a good rhythm and good shape.

The first 4 fences Auftakt der Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude (1), Sport-Physio-Bank (2), Bienenstock Oxer (3) and Picknick Tisch (4) are there to settle any nerves, give confidence, and get the horses jum- ping in a good rhythm and good shape.

The first question comes at the Heckenkombination (5abc). This is a mix of accuracy, conf idence, control and riding the correct line. The challenge is the last corner - a good approach and jump over the first element and it should all unfold well; a little too bold over the first will make getting to the last element not so easy with the consequential risk of a run out.

The Willke rail Kombination (6ab) is all about the line, neatness of the footwork, and control although I don’t expect any issues here before they head to the next question, the Ecken Kombination (7abc). Here we have a maximum spread followed by two new big frangible* open corners on a curving line. Line, confidence, boldness, and commitment are required here and a run out will be all too easy if there is any lack of concentration.

The Willke rail Kombination (6ab) is all about the line, neatness of the footwork, and control although I don’t expect any issues here before they head to the next question, the Ecken Kombination (7abc). Here we have a maximum spread followed by two new big frangible* open corners on a curving line. Line, confidence, boldness, and commitment are required here and a run out will be all too easy if there is any lack of concentration.

The Vogelnest (8), is a straightforward ‘let up’ fence even though it looks big sitting on top of the mound coming out of the trees as they head on to the impressive and imposing looking Lotto Jump (9).

The Vogelnest (8), is a straightforward ‘let up’ fence even though it looks big sitting on top of the mound coming out of the trees as they head on to the impressive and imposing looking Lotto Jump (9).

The Fehmbusch Coff in (10abc), the Hollow, remains similar to last year. This is a classic cross- country fence which needs good riding and athleticism from the horses. The narrow flower box as the last element needs commitment and the ability to hold a good line.

A long gallop then to two big yet straightforward fences, the MIM Tisch (11), another frangible fence*, and the Am Waldrand (12), before coming to the LeMieux Lagune, the first water combination on the course, and the start of a more intense part of the course over the next 800m.

A long gallop then to two big yet straightforward fences, the MIM Tisch (11), another frangible fence*, and the Am Waldrand (12), before coming to the LeMieux Lagune, the first water combination on the course, and the start of a more intense part of the course over the next 800m.

The LeMieux Lagune (13/14abc) includes the hanging log with its big drop followed quickly by the 2 offset brushes in the water. Riders need to have their horses in balance, hold a line, and maintain a good balance, and the horses need to be conf ident and athletic. This is another combination where a run out is all too easy.

The Porsche Wellenbahn (15abc) is an old favourite. This year the course goes uphill again and requires a bit more consideration than in previous years with the frangible stile as the first element to the step and then to the narrow brush at the top. Riders need to jump the stile cleanly, then move to the step to jump up well and to then keep moving to the last part which is not only narrow, it looks, and is, big sitting where it is.

Through the woods to the Mühlenhaus (16), a fence to set them up for the Meßmer Teich (17ab/18ab). There is always a big crowd here which creates an intimate atmosphere and an air of expectation as the horses emerge from the woods.

This year sees a new configuration of fences. A big MIM* rail at 17a demands neatness and confidence with the water in the background and then there is a choice – either they can bounce the 2 houses on the island (17b and 18a) or they can decide not to jump the bounce and use up a lot of time jumping 17b and then circling right-handed to come back and jump 18a separately. For those going the quick way over the bounce judgement of pace and athleticism is key; too slow and they’ll be underpowered, too fast and they don’t give their horses time to understand what is being asked. Then it is back into the water and up another slope to a triple brush which also has the option of the jetty in the water next to the island. This is a series of fences which requires really good riding and experience and for those who may feel not 100% on their game it may be sensible to use the time and go long.

For those who don’t fancy the quick route they can spend a lot of time ‘touring’ around the outside of the water which will use up a lot of valuable time.

The Reiterbar (19) and the Manzke Ecke (20) give a bit of a let up as they make their way to the Longines Kombination in the main arena.

The Reiterbar (19) and the Manzke Ecke (20) give a bit of a let up as they make their way to the Longines Kombination in the main arena.

Longines Kombination (21abc): I began this theme last year with the water trays and liked the look and so it is back again albeit with a slightly different question. From the rider perspective the question is all about having the correct balance and presentation, riding the first element, the Clocktower, at the correct pace then riding the bend well to get the horses on the correct line. It is very easy to have a run out here and so the riders must stay switched on.

The Gärtnerei Wrede ́s Rennbahnsprung (22) is part of the history of Luhmuhlen. It has a frangible rail at the front which does need respecting even though it is not a difficult fence.

The Holzkontor (23/24) are new and where they sit makes them look big. Riders need to be on the correct line in order to find the right distance between the two elements that will suit their particular horse. Horses need to be athletic and pace will be a key part of it.

Up the hill to the Longines Wasser (25/26ab). The groundwork from last year has now settled and this time I am asking them to jump the Barn (25) with a bit more control on a slight downhill approach to then enter the water and jump the boat at a slight angle (26a) to then curve right-handed to jump a new boathouse (26b) at the top of the slope out of the water. This is all about the riders riding a good line at the right pace with the horses being receptive and responsive.

The Tisch (27) is a big spread fence as they come back into sight and this is quickly followed by the Cottage (28) with its slight drop and the turn to the two frangible Voltaire Oxer (29ab) before they make their way to the last, the Longines Final Jump (30).

The Tisch (27) is a big spread fence as they come back into sight and this is quickly followed by the Cottage (28) with its slight drop and the turn to the two frangible Voltaire Oxer (29ab) before they make their way to the last, the Longines Final Jump (30).

The Tisch (27) is a big spread fence as they come back into sight and this is quickly followed by the Cottage (28) with its slight drop and the turn to the two frangible Voltaire Oxer (29ab) before they make their way to the last, the Longines Final Jump (30).

The Tisch (27) is a big spread fence as they come back into sight and this is quickly followed by the Cottage (28) with its slight drop and the turn to the two frangible Voltaire Oxer (29ab) before they make their way to the last, the Longines Final Jump (30).