Former European champions André Thieme and DSP Chakaria have withdrawn from the German team for next month’s World Championships.
The 2021 individual gold medallists, who also represented Germany at the 2022 worlds, made the decision after the Nations Cup in Falsterbo, Sweden, last week, as “the trusting relationship with my horse” is his top priority.
“The deciding factor was some slight uncertainty at the water jump that had become apparent during the show,” a spokesperson for the German federation said. Marcus Ehning and Coolio move into the team and Olympic champions Christian Kukuk and Checker are the reserve.
André said: “In Falsterbo, I noticed that Chakaria wasn’t jumping the water jump with her usual confidence. Therefore, in the interest of my horse and the team, I’ve decided to withdraw from the World Championships.
“We don’t want to take any risks and will now work calmly to regain her full confidence over the water. Of course, I would have loved to be part of this fantastic team in Aachen. But for me, the trusting partnership with my horse is paramount. That’s why it’s the right decision, even though it’s a difficult one. Now I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed from home and wishing our team the best of luck.”
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The Germans had confirmed their team before the cut-off for definite entries (27 July) but “short-term adjustments were reserved in case sporting or veterinary reasons necessitated them”.
National coach Otto Becker said he supported André’s decision on the World Championships.
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“Such decisions are never easy in top-level sports, but unfortunately they are part of the game,” he said. “André Thieme assessed the situation with Chakaria very responsibly. His decision has my utmost respect. Marcus Ehning and Coolio, a pair with championship experience, will be taking their place.”
The German showjumping team for the Aachen World Championships is now Daniel Deusser (Otello De Guldenboom), Sophie Hinners (Iron Dames Singclair), Richard Vogel (United Touch S) and Marcus Ehning (Coolio). Christian Kukuk and Checker are the travelling reserves.
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
