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Gold for Julia Krajewski
Gold for Julia Krajewski
With Ero de Cantraie Julia Krajewski (GER) stayed clear in the show-jumping phase, thus winning the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy (30.6) and the German Championship. Christoph Wahler (GER) was runner-up with D'Accord (34.4). Third place went to Julia Krajewski and her second horse Nickel (36.3). Anna Lena Schaaf (GER) and Fairytale (37.8) won the bronze medal.
Olympic gold medalist Julia Krajewski crowned her successful weekend with the four-star win. In the prize-giving ceremony she thanked the audience for the great atmosphere: “All of you make the victory so special. Ero really seems to like the atmosphere here. Huge praise to the organisers - the conditions here are absolutely perfect. Luhmühlen is our favourite event - everyone is so incredibly friendly and professional at the same time and the horses feel really comfortable here.”
Before their jumping round, the German Champion was still in the lead with Nickel, but they had two unfortunate rails, finishing third. She had already competed her ultimately winning horse in the first half of the show-jumping and had thus secured her victory early on: “It was somehow surreal, to know that I’d won the title so early on. I could only have beat myself to it. All in all, I am overjoyed with the way the week went and incredibly proud of my young horses. I really didn't expect to be on the podium with both horses at the end of the week. Ero’s development in the last 12 months is absolutely amazing and Nickel was a bit unlucky today. He too would have deserved the win today."
Christoph Wahler had worked his way up the ranks: “The week didn’t start out so well But he’s so great in the cross-country phase, a naturally quick horse with a huge gallop. Every round I ride him he gets a little bit more comfortable with going faster so we were able to move up a couple of ranks. The clear round today put us right up there.”
Anna Lena Schaaf was very emotional after the end of the competition and was at a loss for words: “This horse just leaves me speechless. She means so much to me. The show-jumping was very challenging today and I’m so glad that we stayed clear.”
Julia Krajewski explained Anna Lena Schaaf's emotion with the strong bond between horse and rider: “In my opinion, the bond between a horse and its rider can be even stronger than interpersonal relationships. We do everything for our horses - it is incredibly touching when they trust us and go above and beyond."

Laura Collett (GBR) und London 52 win the Longines CCI5*-L
Laura Collett (GBR) und London 52 win the Longines CCI5*-L
With immaculate cross-country and show jumping rounds Laura Collett and London 52 held onto their dressage score of 20.3. Kitty King (GBR/27.2) and Yasmin Ingham (GBR/27,9) completed the British podium
With an outstanding performance in the final phase, Laura Collett and London 52 added yet another victory to their exceptional career.
“London is a sensational horse, a horse of a lifetime and I’m so lucky to get to ride him! He knows when it matters. He went like a dream in the dressage was so brave in the cross-country and today he showed off to the German fans. When the distance isn’t perfect he just jumps higher. Our partnership is the key, it’s all down to trust and a special bond - and I am so proud of him.”
A rail would have been costly for Kitty King but Vendredi Biats jumped like a dream and with a beautiful round they held onto second place. “I didn’t feel any pressure today. It’s been the perfect week so far and I would have been happy with any outcome. He felt great in the warm-up and I really enjoyed our show jumping today. He had a blast yesterday and absolutely loves jumping. I couldn’t be prouder of him!”
Reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham also showed everyone how it’s done, producing a fantastic clear with Rehy DJ: “I have a lot of trust in piglet. He’s such a super horse and I’m so happy to ride him. We call him piglet, because he’s always to happy. We share a special bond, I have had him for a long time now, I got him when he was six and we grew up together – from the Young Rider European Championships to 5-star level.”
Eventing High Performance Coach Chris Bartle was full of praise for “his” girls: “Of course they have super horses, as they keep pointing out but these girls are just brilliant, they build them up so well and have developed the special partnership between horse and rider. And this partnership is key!”

Double lead for Julia Krajewski in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy
Double lead for Julia Krajewski in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy
What a day for Julia Krajwski (GER)! She’s currently holding on to the top two positions before the show-jumping phase. Nickel is in the lead (27.5), closely followed by Ero de Cantraie (30.2). Calvin Böckmann (GER) is in third place with Phantom of the Opera (31.8).
After two outstanding cross-country rounds, Julia Krajewski and her two horses are at the top of the field and thus also on gold course in the German Championships. “I really didn't expect that. Both horses are still quite inexperienced at this level. Perhaps Iunderestimated Nickel a little when I first started to ride him, because he’s not really a flashy horse. But he keeps getting better and better. Today he tackled all the tasks like a pro – even the hedges in the arena. He always wants to do everything right and has gained so much confidence and that makes me incredibly happy.”
The Olympic champion was also full of praise for Ero, who is currently holding the runner-up position: “We have worked a lot on his self-confidence and on his trust in me. This year he was ready for four-star level and I think he is really a special horse. It's a great feeling to train young horses to this level and by now he absolutely knows what it's all about. I took it easy for the first two minutes because he is relatively inexperienced. But then he was doing so well that I was able to increase the speed and ride into time.”
For Calvin Böckmann it’s only the second season with Phanom of the Opera. The 22-year old rider was over the moon after his horse’s cross-country round: “Phanti was amazing, we had so much fun. Everything went according to plan and he was incredibly motivated. Last year I was still here as a spectator and dreamed of competing in the German Championships this year. Of course, my expectations were rather low, so it really is a dream that I am sitting here now. I have been riding him since the beginning of last year and took it easy at first to build up his confidence. By now I feel like I know him inside out and we've become a great team."
Event Director Julia Otto was delighted with everyone's team effort: “I would like to thank my huge team. The first ones arrived here at half past five this morning with big smiles and everyone just knows what to do. It makes me incredibly proud how we have grown together as a team over the years. Thank you to everyone and congratulations to the riders on their great rides. We saw some amazing horses, it was a brilliant day!”
How to watch
NDR live: Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15
Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv

Laura Collett and London 52 in the lead before show-jumping
Laura Collett and London 52 in the lead before show-jumping
With and outstanding cross-country round, Laura Collet (GBR) and London 52 kept their score (20.3) and held onto their lead in the Longines CCI5*-L. Kitty King (GBR) and Vendredi Biats (26.8) are currently in the runner-up position, closely followed by Yasmin Ingham (GBR) with Rehy DJ (27.5).
Twelve competitors managed to steer round Mike Etherington-Smith’s influential cross-country course clear within the time.
The podium positions are still held by British riders. Laura Collett and London 52 were an absolute joy to watch and the rider was overjoyed after her round: “That horse is absolutely sensational! I’m so lucky to ride him. He’s a dream to ride in the dressage arena and today he goes around the course like a demon. He’s just phenomenal He’s so tall and has got a massive stride but he rides like a pony because he’s so adjustable. A lot of us slightly underestimated parts of the course. You had to be on you’re A game at every single fence. The main thing now is to keep him happy and rested. Obviously, Kitty’s horse is an amazing jumper and tomorrow’s another day. Hopefully he comes out and jumps like I know he can to add another five-star title to his résumé but he owes me nothing. He’s done so much for my career and I’m just super proud of how he went today.”
Kitty King was also full of praise for her horse after a brilliant cross-country round: “We built our rhythm and our speed. It went by so quickly and he he was foot-perfect and super straight everywhere. It is such a relief how well he went here. I was starting to doubt myself but I know that he’s a five-star horse.” Yasmin Ingham’s round was like a cross-country masterclass: “I couldn’t be happier with piglet. He was absolutely incredible and helped me out a few times. He dug deep and moved up on all his minutes. I knew the first water was going to be a bit long because he tends to just pop in but I just shook the reins and he understood and he just took off and was a total pro. I’m very proud of him.”

Laura Collett in the lead after Longines CCI5*-L dressage
Laura Collett in the lead after Longines CCI5*-L dressage
Laura Collett (GBR/20.3) is in the lead before cross-country day. Pippa Funnell (GBR/23.1) and MGH Grafton Street are currently in second place followed by Kitty King with Vendredi Biats (GBR/26.8).
Laura Collett was over the moon after London 52’s picture perfect dressage test: “He felt amazing. He’s obviously got so good in this phase, I was having a whale of a time. He was just so with me. You can just show him off, he loves it! On the way to the last arena he tensed up but then he took a big breath and as soon as he went into the arena. It’s a fine line but he needs to be on it – and we got it right today. I just worked him lightly in the last couple of days. He knows the moves, so it’s about getting his brain right. Tomorrow’s course is challenging, there’s really no margin for error. There are a lot of three-stride distances and you’ve got to get it right, there’s no changing your mind.”
Pippa Funnell is now in the runner-up position, Kitty King and Vendredi Biats are in third.
The top seven positions are currently held by British riders. Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice are currently in 8th place (GER/30.1).
Cross-country day starts at 9.30 with Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent.
Thoughts about the Longines CCI5*-L cross-country course
Boyd Martin: “It’s a tough course, a lot of narrow fences, corners, a lot of turning excercises. It’s not the biggest track I’ve ever seen at five-star level but there are serious tasks all around the course.”
Chris Bartle: “It’s a beautifully presented track with clear questions – perhaps not quite as demanding as Badminton but there are some questions where the riders have to focus on good balance, line and impulsion. Overall a beautiful track and I’m confident that our horses and riders are ready for it.”
Tamra Smith: “The cross-country looks good. The first water is huge and the skinnies are the skinniest I’ve ever seen, so you have to be precise. The water in the arena shows scope and bravery. It’s the first five star for my horse but I think it’s a really great course for her.”
How to watch
NDR live: Saturday, 17 June 14.30 - 16.00 and Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15
Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv

CCI4*-Meßmer Trophy: Molly Summerland in the lead
CCI4*-Meßmer Trophy: Molly Summerland in the lead
Mollie Summerland (GBR) and Charly van ter Heiden are on top of the leaderboard before cross-country day. Julia Krajewski with Nickel (GER/26.7) and Ingrid Klimke (GER/28.3) with EQUISTROs Siena just do it are currently in second and third place.
Molly Summerland, Longines CCI5*-L winner 2021, was full of praise for Charly: „He was brilliant. He feels so at home in that arena. All week it’s been different to any other show. We’ve really not given him much work at all. He’s had about half an hour of work each day and lots of grazing. He’s just so relaxed here. When everybody clapped when we went
in he just loved it, it didn’t unsettle him at all. It’s lovely to be back. Everyone has worked so hard on the ground to create perfect conditions. It’s very much appreciated.”
Julia Krajewski was very happy with her horse’s performance: “I’m very proud of Nickel. He’s not that experienced yet and really went above and beyond today. We had some little
mistakes, so there’s still room for improvement but it’s so exciting to have such brilliant up and coming youngsters. Nickel’s extended trot and canter were amazing today. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. Both horses are genuine and honest. They trust me and try to deliver their best.”
Ingrid Klimke was also pleased with her mare’s dressage test: “I’m very happy. Siena did not get overexcited by the atmosphere but stayed focused and with me througout the test. There were some lovely highlights during the trot and canter phases. I took her to Balve and Wiesbaden specifically to prepare her for Luhmühlen and this really paid off today.”
Thoughts about the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy cross-country
Andreas Dibowski: “The four-star course is incredible: fair with clear lines and tasks. Visual effects were used and it really tests the horses' and riders' skills. It is technically demanding, but very motivating at the same time.”
Peter Thomsen: “The course is outstanding, worthy of a German Championship. It is technically demanding but not overdone. The ground preparation is absolutely perfect - both on the tracks and in the water complexes. The horses get off to a good canter due to the inviting start of the course and only then do the technical tasks follow. I think we will see great sport. It will be an exciting cross-country day.”
Ingrid Klimke: "It is a great cross-country course - of course there are technical tasks and you have to concentrate all the way round, so that the horses recognize the tasks but it’s very friendly and fair.”
How to watch
NDR live: Saturday, 17 June 14.30 - 16.00 and Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15
Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv

Pippa Funnell in the Lead of the Longines CCI5*-L
Pippa Funnell in the Lead of the Longines CCI5*-L
Pippa Funnell (GBR/23.1) and MGH Grafton Street are currently in the lead after the first day of dressage, followed by Kitty King with Vendredi Biats (GBR/26.8) and Laura Collett with Dacapo (GBR/29.7)
Pippa Funnell was delighted with MGH Grafton Street’s performance (GBR / 23.1): “I was really chuffed. He was with me all the way and I personally think it was one of his best – if not the best test – he’s ever done. I’m always trying not to overwork my horses. So I worked him in a jumping saddle for the last couple of days to keep him happy, because he gets bored otherwise. The course is very good – plenty of arrowheads, plenty of corners. So on Saturday I have to make sure that he’s focused on the tasks. If I get his eyes on and his focus is on the question he’s normally very good. So, it’s my job to get his eyes between the flags.”
Kitty King was also full of praise for Vendredi Biats: “I was absolutely thrilled with my test this afternoon. He stayed really with me. It was a test you could just ride and enjoy. He likes the stadium here in Luhmühlen. He went very well and confidently. He has improved a lot and has done a great test today. We’re looking forward to going round the cross-country on Saturday.”
How to watch
NDR live: Saturday, 17 June 14.30 - 16.00 and Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15
Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv
Updates, start- and result lists: www.luhmuehlen.de

CCI4*-Meßmer Trophy Overnight Leader: Nadine Marzahl
CCI4*-Meßmer Trophy Overnight Leader: Nadine Marzahl
Today, the first 24 starters competed against each other. Nadine Marzahl (GER) is currently in the lead (29.9), closely followed by Julia Krajewski (GER/30.2) and Ben Leuwer (GER/31.0)
Today’s dressage day saw two happy German ladies. Julia Krajewski rode the nine-year old up and coming Ero de Cantraie and was very happy with her horse’s performance. “I’m very pleased with our dressage. He’s still unexperienced, this is only his second four-star. He was relaxed and focused throughout the whole test.”
Only Nadine Marzahl and her 12-year old Hanoverian mare Victoria were able to beat Krajewski’s score today: „Victoria was brilliant. She presented herself so well, kept her cool and was super motivated. I never expected us to be in the lead after today, so I’m overjoyed”
The second half of the CCI4*-L Meßmer Trophy dressage will start tomorrow at 9.15 with Dan Kreitl (USA) and his 10-year old Carmango.
How to watch
NDR live: Saturday, 17 June 14.30 - 16.00 and Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15
Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv
Updates, timetable and start lists: www.luhmuehlen.de

Fit to Compete
Fit to Compete
Today, the Longines CCI5*-L competitors presented their energetic and wonderfully turned-out horses to the Ground Jury and FEI Veterinary Delegate Dr. Matthias Baumann. Forty horses were accepted. Three horses were sent to the holding box. Oliver Townend's (GBR) Tregilder and Florian Ganneval's (FRA) Blue Bird de Beaufour were accepted after their second trot. Nico Aldinger (GER) decided against presenting Timmo again. Tomorrow's dressage day will start at 9.30 a.m. with the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy / German Championship. The Longines CCI5*-L dressage test begins at 1:45 p.m. with Oliver Townend (GBR) and 9-year-old Cooley Rosalent. How to watch NDR live: Saturday, 17 June 14.30 - 16.00 and Sunday, 18 June 14.00 - 15.15 Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv
