Reigning Olympic champions Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH spearhead the German team hunting for individual and team glory at the 2026 eventing World Championships (11 to 23 August).

Michael will start as one of the big individual gold medal hopes with the 18-year-old gelding, who has been a stalwart of German teams since the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. To win the individual world title on home soil with this remarkable horse would be a special moment for a man who has, really, won it all.

The pair, who won Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2022 and 2025, scored individual glory at Paris 2024 and finished runner-up to Laura Collett and London 52 at last year’s Europeans. Although the British team is yet to be announced, it’s likely those eventing heavyweights will meet again in Aachen. Add in three-time Mars Badminton Horse Trials winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo to the likely mix and the race for gold is shaping up to be a clash of eventing giants.

The German team is very strong, and competing on home ground should be an advantage. Although the word “should” must be taken with a pinch of salt in horse sport, as we saw with the unlucky Brits at their home Europeans last year.

Three combinations from last year’s victorious team at the Blenheim Europeans feature in the line-up for the 2026 World Championships: Michael and FischerChipmunk FRH, Malin Hansen-Hotopp with Carlitos Quidditch K and Libussa Lübbeke with Caramia FRH.

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel are back on the squad, after withdrawing their bid for selection for the 2025 Europeans. Julia, who was crowned Olympic champion in Tokyo with Amande De B’Neville, will be one to watch among the individual medal hopes, too, with this exciting 12-year-old.

Christoph Wahler, who helped the German team to gold at the last World Championships in Pratoni, also rejoins the squad after missing last year’s Europeans. He rides his five-star campaigner and championship debutant D’Accord FRH, with whom he has finished ninth at Kentucky and seventh at Badminton.

A notable absentee is Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice, part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2025 Europeans and who have finished in the top 10 on both their senior championship starts. The 16-year-old gelding hasn’t competed internationally this year and did not feature on the nominated entries, so is presumably on the sidelines this season.

German eventing team for the 2026 World Championships

The full squad, in alphabetical order by athlete surname, is:

Malin Hansen-Hotopp with 14-year-old gelding Carlitos Quidditch K

Owner: Dr Bodil Ipsen

Breeder: Miriam Kühl

Breeding: Quiwi Dream, out of a mare by San Patrignano Cassini

Michael Jung with 18-year-old gelding FischerChipmunk FRH

Owner: Klaus and Sabine Fischer, Joachim Jung and the DOKR

Breeder: Sabine and Dr Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff

Breeding: by Contendro I, out of a mare by Heraldik

Julia Krajewski with 12-year-old gelding Uelzener's Nickel

Owner: Prof Dr Bernd Heicke

Breeder: Hindrick Stüvel

Breeding: by Numero Uno, out of a mare by Lorentin

Libussa Lübbeke with 16-year-old mare Caramia FRH

Owner: Annelie and Dr Martin Lübbeke

Breeder: Annelie Lübbeke

Breeding: by Comte, out of a mare by Fabriano

Christoph Wahler with 14-year-old gelding D'Accord FRH

Owner: Hendrik von Paepcke and Stefan Haupt

Breeder: Christa von Paepcke

Breeding: by Diarado, out of a mare by Aarking

Reserves:

Arne Bergendahl with 10-year-old gelding Bronco NRW

Owner: Dr Susanne Dörner

Breeder: Helmut Bergendahl

Breeding: by Blockbuster, out of a mare by La Calido

Julia Krajewski with 12-year-old gelding Tullabeg Platinum

Owner: Michael Sperl

Breeder: Nicholas Cousins

Breeding: by Dignified Van't Zorgvliet, out of a mare by Cult Hero

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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.”

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.

“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.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The German showjumping team has been revealed for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11-23 August) – as the home side boldly states “the goal is clear: a team medal”.

The team includes current European champions Richard Vogel riding United Touch S and former European champions Andre Thieme with DSP Chakaria. Olympic and European medallist Daniel Deusser will ride Otello De Guldenbloom and 2025 European bronze medallist Sophie Hinners has been named with Iron Dames Singclair. Both Daniel and Sophie’s horses are making their championship debut.

Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42, who were part of the 2025 Europeans team alongside Richard and Sophie, are first reserves. Perhaps more notably, 2024 Olympic champions Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 are second reserve.

A German federation spokesperson said national showjumping coach Otto Becker, who has led the home side to 13 senior medals during his 17-year tenureship, selected a team experienced in championships – and that “the goal is clear: a team medal for Germany”. Of course, the Germans will also be eyeing one of the seven 2028 LA Olympic spots up for grabs.

The pressure will be on Germany to deliver in front of the home crowd. In the past 10 years individual medals have come thick and fast, but team gold has eluded them. They won bronze at the 2025 Europeans, 2018 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Rio Olympics – and silver at the 2021 home Europeans in Reisenbeck.

With this in mind, some fans might be left scratching their heads over the omission of legendary performer Marcus Ehning and reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk from the core team – but looking at current form across the six combinations shows just how enviable a position the German selectors were in.

In February the federation said that there was not a fixed selection for the showjumping team, “but rather an individually agreed-upon selection route” with Otto.

The record of Richard Vogel and 14-year-old super stallion United Touch S speaks for itself; the formidable European gold medal-winning pair won the Rolex grand prix at the Dutch Masters in March and the World Cup leg in Basel at the start of the year.

Another key factor is likely to be Aachen’s big grass arena. Richard and United Touch won the CSI5* Rolex grand prix of Aachen in May, and Sophie Hinners was third with 11-year-old Iron Dames Singclair – proving these pairs can deliver there.

They don’t have championship experience together, but last month Sophie and Singclair posted a double clear to help Germany to the runner-up spot in the La Baule Nations Cup leg. This was alongside Richard, Daniel and Andre – all on their Aachen rides – showing the four already work well as a team. They were beaten by France by just 2.55 penalties.

Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria have shown they are still at the top of their game five years after they won individual gold at the 2021 Europeans. The mare, now 16, had eight months out after picking up an injury in the summer of 2023 – but returned to win the Rolex grand prix of Aachen in July 2024. This year, they helped Germany to first place at the Ocala leg of the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in March and in May they won the Longines grand prix of Hamburg, another big grass arena.

Olympic team bronze medallist Daniel Deusser and 12-year-old Otello De Guldenboom, might not have a championship under their belt, but the pair are consistent at the top level. Among their multiple top placings this year, they were second in the World Cup Final in Fort Worth in April, and part of the Nations Cup squad at La Baule.

This isn’t to say Marcus Ehning and 13-year-old Coolio 42 or Christian Kukuk and 16-year-old Checker 47 are out of touch. Just last month Marcus and the 13-year-old gelding won the Longines grand prix of Switzerland – even while being chased by a loose dog.

Christian and Checker were part of that winning team at the LLN Ocala alongside Richard and Andre in March, having posted a vital double clear, and they have two recent Global Champions League team victories under their belt as part of Reisenbeck International.

Should Otto need to call on a reserve, he has two strong contenders waiting in the wings, who importantly, will be able to withstand the high pressure of being called upon at the 11th hour, if needed.

Under the showjumping rules, each national federation may enter a maximum of five athletes and five horses. The team will consist of four combinations (or three, for those countries that do not have four).

The substitution rules vary between disciplines. For showjumping, in the event of accident or illness of a horse or rider confirmed by medical certification, a substitution can be made up to one hour before the first horse inspection on 17 August.

The fifth horse and rider combination – in Germany’s case this is currently Marcus and Coolio – may participate in the training session on 18 August. The first competition session is on 19 August.

Chef d’equipes must declare in writing the members of the team by 5.15pm on 18 August. In cases of substitutions after this declaration, in the event of accident or illness, a substitution may be made until one hour before the first competition – with medical certification and approval of the president of the ground jury.

At the 2015 European Championships in Aachen the German team won silver, and at the 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games the team won bronze. Could 2026 be the year they bag a team gold in front of the Aachen crowd?

The German showjumping team for the 2026 World Championships (in alphabetical order of surname):

Daniel Deusser with 12-year-old stallion Otello De Guldenboom

Owner: Stephex Stables

Breeder: H Versnick

Breeding: by Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, out of a mare by Caretino

Sophie Hinners with 11-year-old gelding Iron Dames Singclair

Owner: Pegase Equestrian BV

Breeder: J AB Wannius

Breeding: by Singular Ls La Silla, out of a mare by VDL Cardento 933

Andre Thieme with 16-year-old mare DSP Chakaria

Owner: Pferdemanagement & Marketing GmbH

Breeder: Martin Juergens

Breeding: by CHAP 47, out of a mare by Askari 173

Richard Vogel with 14-year-old stallion United Touch S

Owner: Julius-Peter Sinnack

Breeder: Owner

Breeding: by Untouched, out of a mare by Lux Z Z

Reserves:

Marcus Ehning with 13-year-old gelding Coolio 42 (first reserve)

Owner: rider and Elmrok BV

Breeder: M Wirtz

Breeding: by Casalito, out of a mare by Quidam De Revel

Christian Kukuk with 16-year-old gelding Checker 47

Owner: H & Partner Gbr and Madeleine Winter-Schulze

Breeder: Wolfgang Kipp

Breeding: by Comme Il Faut 5, out of a mare by Loro Piana Come On

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 showjumping teams are taking shape – including the complete list of nominated entries from 59 nations

What a squad! Medal-winning veterans and rising stars feature on British showjumping World Championship shortlist

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Olympic dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is out of contention for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11 to 23 August).

On Sunday (28 June), Jessica shared the news that her current top ride, Times Kismet (“Kiss”), would not be contesting the selection trial for the German team in Hagen this week (1 to 5 July).

“I would have loved to take part in the second selection trial for the World Championships in Aachen next week, which makes the decision not to travel to Hagen an especially difficult one,” said Jessica.

“Together with Kiss’s owners, we have consciously decided to give her the time she needs. This is Kiss’s first grand prix season, and she has exceptional talent. Precisely because of that, it is important to us to develop her with patience and a long-term perspective.

“With every competition, we continue to grow and learn. Over the summer, we want to stay committed to this path, without added pressure, but with a clear focus on her long-term development.”

She added: “In competitive sport, it is often tempting to seize every opportunity. But responsibility sometimes also means letting an opportunity pass when you are convinced it is the right decision for the future.”

The 11-year-old mare is Jessica’s sole ride at international grand prix, so her withdrawal means Jessica is also out of the running for a place at her home world championships. Jessica’s former top ride TSF Dalera BB, with whom she was crowned Olympic champion in Tokyo and Paris, retired from competition in August 2024, and she sadly lost rising star Diallo BB to sudden illness at the start of the year. She has others coming up in her string, including Dancier Gold FRH, but none at this level yet.

Jessica and Times Kismet finished 10th in the grand prix at the German championships (3 to 7 June), but had to withdraw from the special and go into quarantine after the mare’s stable neighbour, Quick Decision FRH (ridden by Jessica’s brother, Benjamin Werndl), was diagnosed with a fever. Diagnostic tests came back negative for Quick Decision FRH, Times Kismet and Mondrian – Quick Decision’s other stable neighbour at the event, who was also taken into quarantine as a precaution.

Jessica posted on 5 June that Times Kismet and Mondrian were doing very well, and that Quick Decision was doing “pretty well” and his temperature was dropping. On 8 June, Benjamin said Quick Decision’s illness was “fortunately nothing serious”, that vets thought it was a minor viral infection that should pass as quickly as it came, and that the horse’s fever came down on its own.

Ingrid Klimke out of contention

Ingrid Klimke is also out of the running for the dressage World Championships.

Ingrid and Vayron NRW were part of the German side that won team gold at the 2025 Europeans, but on 18 June Ingrid said that the gelding “is not yet fit enough” to compete in Hagen.

The pair also missed the selection trial at the German Championships last month, and so are out of contention for the worlds squad.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

What a squad! Medal-winning veterans and rising stars feature on British showjumping World Championship shortlist

Golden Paris Olympic trio among British eventing entries for 2026 World Championships

‘The potential is enormous’: Olympic champion and mare formerly competed by Charlotte Dujardin make international debut

German national eventing coach and double Olympic team gold medallist Peter Thomsen is being treated in hospital following a riding fall.

The German equestrian federation said Peter, 65, is “on the road to recovery” from the accident on 14 June.

“He has been receiving medical treatment in hospital ever since. His health has improved significantly in recent days,” said a federation spokesperson yesterday (22 June).

“Due to the fall, Peter was unable to attend the German championships in Luhmühlen last weekend. The coaching team took over his duties there, supported by team manager Dr Annette Wyrwoll of Equestrian Sport Germany.”

The spokesperson added that the federation’s eventing coaching team will “continue to provide athletic support for the national team athletes in the coming weeks”.

“Rodolphe Scherer, eventing coach, will temporarily assume the role of head coach, particularly with regard to the final selection and nomination process for the World Championships in Aachen in August,” he said.

“He will be assisted by dressage coach Anne-Kathrin Pohlmeier and showjumping coach Lara Weber, as well as eventing specialist and under-25 youth coach Andreas Dibowski. This arrangement will remain in place until further notice.”

Peter enjoyed a highly successful eventing career before he took over as national eventing coach following Hans Melzer’s retirement at the end of 2021.

He won team gold at the 2008 Olympics with The Ghost of Hamish, and was part of the gold medal-winning team at London 2012 with Barny. He competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, seven European Championships and four World Equestrian Games. He was seventh in his final four-star event in 2020, and competed up to CCI2* until spring 2022.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

‘The most genuine horse’: Olympic gelding retains his Luhmühlen title, plus Andrew Hoy among those to impress

‘The horse bred to happy hack has gone and won two five-stars’: delight as British rider tops Luhmühlen podium

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Germany’s Julia Krajewski holds the lead in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy after the first day of Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials dressage, as she aims for back-to-back titles.

Julia and Tullabeg Platinum, owned by Michael Sperl, scored a personal best at this level of 27.2, to take an early lead this morning. The 50-strong class incorporates Germany’s national championship, won by Julia and her Paris Olympic ride Uelzener’s Nickel last year. 

Julia said she was “very happy” with her test.

“He basically showed everything he can do today. It’s very much about the little things with him like good halts and good changes. They’ve been a bit tricky because he’s not the biggest mover and doesn’t score super high in individual points – he really has to earn the marks through being consistent,” she said.

“I think that’s what’s really positive about him, and about the test, that he really showed what he’s capable of and he didn’t have any blips or mistakes. I think that made it a very good test and I’m delighted the judges had the same opinion.”

Julia has had the ride on the 12-year-old gelding for around a year and half and she stepped him up to four-star last year. The pair were runners-up at their two spring CCI4*-S events, Strzegom in April and Marbach in May.

Julia said the pair have been working hard to improve their dressage marks.

“He doesn’t have the most easy physique with dressage in mind, so it’s really a matter of getting him supple and then into self-carriage and collection, but still keeping him forward,” she said.

“It’s very much step by step with him; developing good flying changes and what the judges want to see. We’ve been working a lot on that and every couple of weeks he gets a little bit better.

“I’m very happy for him and his owners, it’s been quite a journey with him in dressage and it was a very good day today.”

Julia Krajewski will ride Uelzener’s Nickel in the Luhmühlen Horse Trials dressage tomorrow (19 June). This class is a key selection trial for the German team ahead of the World Championships and both of Julia’s rides feature in the A squad.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials dressage CCI4*-S standings

New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington and Delarado – owned by Rachel Bessell, Kate Maitland, the McGrigor family and Samantha – were the second combination down the centre line this morning and posted a pleasing 29.2, to hold provisional second. Samantha will ride her second horse, Lucas Stone, owned by Fiona Edwards, Neil Robertson, David Taylor, the Dubowskis and Samantha, tomorrow.

The overnight top three is completed by US rider Cosby Green and her family’s Highly Suspicious, who were last to go. The pair scored 31.0.

The five-star dressage begins at 1.30pm UK time (2.30pm); Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera will be first down the centre line. Emma Thomas and the Buzz Factor (1.38pm UK time/2.38pm local) and Stephen Heal and Hagonda (1.54pm UK time/2.54pm local) will be in action for the Brits.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

How to watch Luhmühlen Horse Trials 2026 live from anywhere in the world

One late withdrawal before Luhmühlen trot-up as Brits prepare to contest five-star title

More than 1,000 German riding schools have had support thanks to a three-year initiative in conjunction with the Aachen World Championships that aims to secure long-term access to equestrian sport.

The “100 School Horses Plus” initiative, launched by the German equestrian federation and World Championships organisers, is helping fund 100 riding school horses by the end of 2027.

As is the case in Britain, German riding schools are facing challenging times.

“Without additional support, 20 to 30% of riding schools will have to close in the next few years,” said Thomas Ungruhe, head of team equestrian development at the German federation.

Through the initiative, every three months riding schools can apply for support and funding via a lottery system. The opportunities available – thanks to donations from sponsors, businesses and equestrian partners – include up to €5,000 (£4,300) towards buying a horse, feed, equipment and bedding, plus coaching bursaries and competition entry fees.

To date 1,583 riding schools have received support amounting to €1.45m and the project continues to grow as new partners come on board. Today (27 May) it was announced that Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe – a finance group and partner of the World Championships – will contribute €5,000 to each of the 16 German states towards buying a new horse. This will be available via the lottery; the next takes place in June.

“Riding schools are places where young people not only learn to ride, but also gain experiences that shape them – from team spirit to a sense of responsibility,” said Heike Kramer of Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe.

“That’s why it’s important to us to improve the conditions for this valuable work and ensure access to equestrian sports.”

Stefanie Peters of Aachen-Laurensberger Riding Club said “every riding career begins on a school horse”.

“The support of Sparkassen makes a significant contribution to securing this foundation. Without a strong base, there is no top-level sport,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘A wonderful impact’: riding school’s work recognised with two awards

‘Hurry up if you want to be part of it’: some sessions sold out, a year before spectacular Aachen World Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Dressage superstar TSF Dalera BB, the multiple gold medal-winning ride of Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, has welcomed her first foal.

Jessica said the 19-year-old mare gave birth to “this magical little creature” – named Dolce Vita BB – at 1.40am on 9 March. The filly is by Vitalis.

“The BB in the name stands for Dalera’s owner Beatrice Bürchler-Keller,” said Jessica, adding that Beatrice was on her way to visit at the time.

“We are all so grateful, fulfilled, but also very tired.”

Jessica has been sharing videos of the mare and foal enjoying their time in the field and said the new arrival has been “keeping Dalera on her toes”.

Trakehner mare Dalera (Easy Game x Handryk) enjoyed a phenomenal career with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl; they won two team and two individual Olympic golds, two team and four individual European golds, team gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and two World Cup Final titles.

At the Paris Games in 2024 they successfully defended their Olympic title won in Tokyo, scoring +90% in the freestyle. They arrived in Paris as world number ones and reigning European champions, on an unbeaten streak of 35 international victories.

During a Paris press conference Jessica told media Dalera would soon retire, and the formal announcement was made on 27 August 2024. She retired sound, happy and at the top of her game aged 17.

“This journey has been something so special to me and fortunately it is not over yet. We can keep Dalera here in Aubenhausen until her last breath and I am already looking forward to many more wonderful years with her,” said Jessica at the time.

“Dalera has been so much more to me than just my sport partner over the last few years. I’ve never experienced anything before like connecting with a horse on such a soul level that we didn’t need words, which don’t even exist. We just understood each other and I always knew what she needed – and she always knew everything. She just understood me and still understands me today, and that is the beauty of it.”

Jessica revealed on 11 May last year, Mother’s Day in Germany, that Dalera was in foal – stating that she was sure Dalera would be a “wonderful mummy”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘She is out of this world’: Olympic champion defends title in gripping dressage finale at Paris 2024

‘She deserves the very best’: double Olympic champion retired from competition

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The German equestrian federation is sending a “clear signal” on young horse training – as changes to the prestigious Al Shira’aa Bundeschampionate are announced to prepare horses “in a more age-appropriate and horse-friendly way”.

Last month the federation held a young horse summit, attended by breeders, riders, trainers, vets and judges. The aim was to assess current young horse competition pathways and discuss: “How should the demands placed on young horses be structured so that training takes centre stage and over-exertion is more effectively avoided?”

Federation chairman Dennis Peiler said: “We have already taken important steps in recent years and have continuously developed further. However, our ambition must be to improve even more. This requires a high degree of willingness to change at all levels.”

Some of the first changes to take effect will be at the German national championships for young horses – the Bundeschampionate (25–30 August).

Among these, three-year-olds will only complete one ridden test instead of two, and the in-hand conformation test for both three- and four-year-olds has been eliminated and replaced by a single mark for overall impression and physical quality. Marking will have a particular focus on “age-appropriate fulfilment of the training scale criteria” and the youngest horses will have a training session at the venue the day before the competition.

Four-year-olds will still qualify through a riding horse test as previously, but for the first time the final will include a dressage test at A level (novice), and the horses will not be ridden by a different person.

“Our goal is to place greater emphasis on the requirements for a riding horse. It’s about the young horse’s relaxation, rhythm, contact, and responsiveness, but also the quality of its movement,” said Klaus Miesner, the federation’s managing director of breeding.

“Judges can assess all of these aspects very well in an individually ridden dressage horse test. The test with an external rider has been completely eliminated, also to reduce the time the young horses and ponies spend in the arena.”

Other changes include adjustments to the venue layout that will allow horses to have visual contact with each other – and a federation spokesperson told H&H “further steps are under discussion”.

“The aim is to introduce young horses to competition in an even more careful and horse-friendly way. Our goal is to keep improving – for the horses,” she said.

“We aim to reduce the time horses spend at the venue and in the competition arenas for the young horses. Further adjustments are also planned in prize-giving ceremonies.”

The federation has established an interdisciplinary working group to “thoroughly examine the entire training and presentation of young horses” in Germany.

“The young horse summit sends a clear signal; horse welfare is not a static state, but an ongoing requirement,” said a federation spokesperson. “Where we identify a need for reform, we intend to discuss and implement further improvements.

“The German equestrian federation sees itself as a platform for open, professional dialogue – with the aim of further developing equestrian sport, improving its quality, and ensuring its long-term social acceptance.

Katy Holder-Vale, a British Breeding Futurity senior evaluator and World Breeding Federation of Sports Horses (WBFSH) committee member, told H&H the changes are positive.

“It’s a big change for the Germans, where they have been very traditionalist for a long time. Worldwide horse sport has the social licence burden to bear, and [the equestrian world] needs to be publicly showing that they are doing something proactive to promote welfare,” she said, adding that the WBFSH is also looking at changes to its young horse championships.

“At the last showjumping WBFSH final, a lot of people felt that the five-year-old horses were under a pressure to go fast against the clock, which isn’t ideal and doesn’t look good. We are in the process of discussing a rule change to have a higher qualification to get through to the championships, so you don’t end up with so many horses going against the clock.”

Discussing young horse preparation more broadly, Ms Holder-Vale believes people are becoming “very conscious of welfare”.

“Everybody is much more aware of how their horses are feeling, if you’ve got a happy horse then they’re going to have a much better competition experience. In the UK, I think we’ve got a very strong young horse competition system,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Are young horses being ‘ruined’ by doing too much too soon? Experts debate

William Funnell on producing young horses: ‘The five-year-old world championships at Lanaken made uncomfortable viewing’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

German yards and stables that act as “role models” by putting horse wellbeing at the forefront away from rather than “glitz and glamour” are being rewarded by the country’s national federation.

The federation has opened entries for its annual stable of the year competition, recognising businesses that show “exemplary horse husbandry practices” – judged by a panel of vets and equine welfare experts.

“Horses spend the majority of their lives in their living environment, which has a decisive influence on their wellbeing. The competition highlights stables that take this responsibility seriously,” said a German federation spokesperson.

“We are looking for role models for species-appropriate horse husbandry. It’s not about glitz and glamour, but about the actual care provided. Not about perfection, but about responsibility. Whether it’s a free-range stable or paddock boxes, what matters is not the building’s design, but the daily care provided.”

In the first stage of the competition stables apply online and present their concepts. In round two, they submit photos and a virtual yard tour video. Those who make it through to the final stage are visited by the judging panel.

The panel is looking for businesses that “demonstrate in their daily practice what it truly means for species-appropriate horse husbandry: exercise, social interaction, light and fresh air”, as well as innovative concepts and ideas that prioritise horse welfare.

In 2025 two winners were crowned; Gstach’s Lindehof – which provided at least 10 hours of daily turnout and exercise, had well thought out herd management, highly professional staff, consistent health management and safe horse-friendly construction.

The other winner was Gut Schmuttermühle, recognised for its husbandry, spacious boxes, well-designed infrastructure and “competence and experience combined with loving care”.

Winners are crowned at the Al-shiraaa Bundeschampionate (25-30 August) – and those who have taken part and made it to the second stage receive feedback on their husbandry practices.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Take feedback from your horse’: experts highlight the risks of minimal turnout and unsuitable diets after ‘unhappy’ horse’s recovery

How making small changes could benefit your horse, the environment and your bank balance

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Luhmühlen Horse Trials tickets are now on sale – so if you fancy a trip to Germany’s only five star to witness some top-class pairings, here’s everything you need to know about the tickets.

The 2026 Luhmühlen Horse Trials will run 18–21 June and tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials tickets: General admission

We’re currently in the window for early-bird tickets, which means booking now guarantees you the best possible price. The early-bird window closes on 28 February 2026 and prices will then increase. I’ve included the box office prices with each session for comparison.

Prices listed include entry and parking fees.

Family tickets admit two adults and two children, but do not include seating. Child tickets are valid for ages 7–16, children aged six and under can enter free.

Thursday 18 June (Dressage)

Free entry for all – on Ticketmaster it will show as unavailable/limited tickets, but you do not need to reserve a ticket in advance. You can turn up on the day.

Friday 19 June (Dressage)

• Adult: Early bird €15 (box office €23)
• Child: Early bird €8 (box office €15)
• Family: Early bird €35 (box office €65)

Saturday 20 June – Cross-country

• Adult: Early bird €40 (box office €50)
• Child: Early bird €20 (box office €30)
• Family: Early bird €100 (box office €140)

Sunday 21 June – Showjumping

For the showjumping, you can choose between general admission tickets, which give you access to unreserved standing room, or grandstand tickets, which includes covered unreserved seating.

Unreserved

• Adult: Early bird €25 (box office €35)
• Child: Early bird €15 (box office €25)
• Family: Early bird €65 (box office €105)

Grandstand

• Standard (all ages): Early bird €60 (box office €65)
• Disabled: €30

Season tickets for all days

Unreserved

• Adult: Early bird €75 (box office €90)
• Child: Early bird €45 (box office €60)
• Disabled: €37.50

Grandstand

• Standard (all ages): Early bird €105 (box office €115)
• Disabled: €52.50

Members Club tickets

These tickets are only available for the whole event and must be purchased in advance. The ticket includes entry, parking, food and drinks, start and results service and a programme.

• With grandstand seating: €350
• Without grandstand seating: €300

Luhmühlen Horse Trials discounts

Children aged six and under can enter for free, while children aged 16 and under qualify for reduced standing tickets.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount.

Entry on Thursday 18 June is free for all visitors.

You may also be interested in:

‘I’m so glad I’ve been able to show the world what a good horse he is’: career-best result for New Zealand rider at Luhmühlen while Laura Collett finishes third

Tickets now on sale for the second-ever running of Scone Palace International Horse Trials

H&H’s guide to 2026 London International tickets, plus exclusive discount code

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp won the grade V freestyle at the European Para Dressage Championships to take a hat-trick of gold medals on her wonderful 10-year-mare Pramwaldhof’s Bayala championship debut.

In the latter stages of the grade V competition (7 September) the scores continued to rise with each combination. Sweden’s Lena Malmstrom posted 75.62% with Fabulous Fidelie, then Britney de John upped the ante to land 76.50% with Caramba NOP for the Netherlands.

Regine, who had won individual gold in the grand prix A on Thursday (4 September) and helped Germany to its historic team gold on Saturday, was last to go with Pramwaldhof’s Bayala, and the pair knew what they had to do. The lovely mare looked a little unsettled as they made their way around the outside of the arena, but as soon as they turned down the centre line, Pramwaldhof’s Bayala focused on nothing but her rider.

The pair’s routine, to music that included Chain Reaction by Diana Ross, showed off Pramwaldhof’s Bayala’s elasticity and athleticism, making use of shoulder-ins, half-passes and simple changes. Their highlight was their final centre line as they powered down towards the judges in extended trot.

“The last line was our highlight, but every step felt so nice. We got here and she said ‘I trust her’ and it felt so nice,” said Regine.

Regine had taken Pramwalhof’s Bayala to Ermelo for the mare to gain championship experience. Her top horse is Highlander Delight’s, whom she won three silver medals at the Paralympics.

“I’m so proud of her,” said an emotional Regine, after finding out she had won her third gold medal of the competition.

Britney de Jong won a hat-trick of silvers with her long-term partner Caramba NOP, the pair also making their championship debut.

“I was hoping for this but I didn’t expect it,” said Britney, highlighting her half-passes and pirouettes as their standout movements from their freestyle.

“He loves to be in the arena, it’s always ears forward ‘we’re going’.”

The bronze went to Lena Malmstrom and Fabulous Fidelie, who also won bronze in the individual grand prix A.

“She was the best today and we did it as well as we could,” said Lena.

“I didn’t expect to receive two medals, but I thought the competition was open and I backed myself, I believed it could happen. I’m so happy that we delivered something people enjoyed watching.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Meet the 65-year-old grandmother of four who’s just won her first gold medal

‘I’m honoured to have him in my life’: Jemima Green and Fantabulous win second European medal with personal best

Historic team gold secured at European Para Dressage Championships as competition goes down to the wire

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany has won a historic team gold at the 2025 European Para Dressage Championships – as Britain finished just off the podium in fourth.

The team medals remained open right until the final combination of the day, Britain’s grade IV Nicola Naylor and Humberto L, rode their test, resulting in a thrilling competition in Ermelo, the Netherlands, today (6 September).

Germany finished on a final score of 224.454 for gold, the Netherlands won silver on 223.362, and bronze went to Denmark 221.974. Great Britain finished just outside of the medals on 221.267.

“It’s incredible. It’s like a dream right now,” said German chef d’equipe Nico Hörmann. “Thank you to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Great Britain for the great competition. It was really close, and we were on the right side today.”

Germany’s oldest team member, 70-year-old grade II Heidemarie Dresing, said she was “very proud of the team”, praising their “great team spirit”.

“We are proud of winning the gold medal for the first time – it’s a little bit of a surprise,” said Heidemarie.

How the action unfolded

On the second day of team action the sun came out for the grade IV and V riders and there was a buzz of excitement at the Netherlands’ National Equestrian Centre. Denmark had sat in provisional gold overnight (221.766), Britain in silver (221.267) and the Netherlands’ in bronze (220.567) – all with one rider to go. But Germany still had two big scorers to come.

The grade V got under way first, and Isabel Nowak and 14-year-old gelding Siracusa Old kept Germany in the hunt for gold with 72.82%, producing a test she was thrilled with as she threw her hands in the air in celebration after the salute.

The pressure fell on the home-side’s final rider, Britney de Jong and her long-term partner Caramba NOP. Britney showed off the 18-year-old gelding’s big extended trot, trending early at 73%. They exhibited control and athleticism in their lateral movements, before a bold extended canter, breaking the 74% barrier. They completed on 74.40%, at the top of the rankings in this section – giving the Netherlands a final team score of 223.362.

“We know what we can do, so it was a case of ‘We need to do that now’,” said Britney, about her test, having just missed out on individual gold on Thursday (4 September).

“Overall I was really happy about the test. He was more forward, we had some more expression, things like the half-passes were better than Thursday.”

All eyes then turned to Germany’s Regine Mispelkamp and Pramwaldhof’s Bayala – who had won individual gold in this grade two days earlier. The 10-year-old mare had a big spook on the outside of the arena, moments before turning down the centre line, and the first halt looked a little unsteady, but they promptly regained their composure and their marks began to climb.

The extended canter allowed Pramwaldhof Bayala to really shine, but the final rein back dropped their marks slightly, the pair completing on 74.11%. The score was just shy of Britney and Caramba’s, but enough to put Germany in front at this stage on a final score of 224.454, ahead of the Netherlands.

Regine said Pramwaldhof Bayala “felt a bit nervous, but in a positive way”.

“She was so light in the hand, and she went into the corners much better. She trusted me more today, and we worked together,” she said.

“I think we had a strong extended canter, and the half-pass to the left she felt great. On that side I’m not as strong, but she said ‘Ok, I have to help you’, and that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Turning to the grade IV riders, it was Denmark’s chance to keep themselves in the mix, and their final rider Pia Wulff Jelstrup came forward with nine-year-old mare Zafia. A mistake in their medium trot proved expensive, resulting in two 5s and their trending score to fall to 68%, but they pulled it back to post 72.22%. This slotted Denmark into the bronze position on 221.974, but the door was still wide open for Great Britain.

The team competition goes down to the wire at the European Para Dressage Championships

Final combination of the day and championship first-timers, Nicola and Humberto L started positively, but the sensitive 13-year-old gelding looked more aware of his surroundings than during their individual bronze-medal winning performance of Thursday. A spook in the collected trot transition was costly – one judge giving a four – but they recovered well, to finish on 71.41%.

“I’m really pleased with him, he did really well. I went in there today with a bit more expression, and when I got in there I could feel that he was a bit nervous, so it was sort of a quick decision of how much do you go for, and how much do you hold his hand? I could feel that he was just a little bit unsure,” said Nicola, who owns Humberto with Rosalind Emery Kay.

“His medium canter was really lovely, I was pleased that he was able to relax into the walk work and I think he did one really nice pirouette. Of course we got the spook; the problem is that I can’t see whatever it is he sees, I can just feel it in his body and then I know he’s nervous.

“But he was great, I had to hold his hand and keep my leg on, and he went past whatever he was looking at. Whatever monster he found, he got through it.”

In the team medals, only the best three scores count and so Nicola’s score was dropped. Britain’s 221.267 was the result of Jemima Green and Fantabulous (72.100), Gabby Blake and Strong Beau (74.000) and Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg (75.167).

What dreams are made of

Britain was fielding a new team at this year’s European Para Dressage Championships; Nicola and Jemima Green were making their championship debut, Gabby Blake returned to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Europeans, and Mari Durward-Akhurst was on the team in Paris last summer.

“It’s lovely to be part of the team, it’s what dreams are made of,” said Nicola.

“We’re a completely new team, we’ve all pulled together. It would be wonderful to walk home with a team medal, but it was all so close, so we’ve got everything to look forward to and nothing to complain about.”

British Equestrian para dressage performance manager Georgina Sharples told H&H the feeling was “mixed emotions”.

“I’m incredibly proud of this group of riders. We obviously have a new team here, two championship debutants, a seven-year-old horse, and the fact they came out and performed the way that they did. Three individual medals and a fifth place out of three grades was phenomenal,” she said.

“I’m disappointed for the team, we are ambitious and I think it’s well within our grasp – you can see how close it is. It’s literally points of percentages that make the difference. But that said, these guys are going to learn so much by coming here.”

All four Brits have qualified for the individual freestyle tomorrow (7 September). Times to follow.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

How many medals are given, how do the grades work, and other often-asked para dressage Europeans questions answered

Britain in silver position after dramatic thunderstorms at European Championships

‘I feel pressure after Paris’: grade III gold for home rider and ‘very special horse’ at European Para Dressage Championships

‘She’s going the best she ever has’: Mari Durward-Akhurst delivers Britain’s second medal at 2025 para dressage Europeans

‘I wasn’t expecting this’: Britain’s Jemima Green thrills at European Para Dressage Championships to claim individual medal

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ingrid Klimke is among the riders who will represent Germany at the European Dressage Championships (26-31 August) – as she makes her second team appearance in her second discipline.

On 5 July the five-time Olympic eventer was named on the dressage team with 14-year-old stallion Vayron NRW, the day after the pair won the Aachen CDI4* grand prix special with 74.13%. Ingrid took the ride on Vayron in November; he was formerly campaigned by Daniel Bachmann Andersen, including at the Paris Olympics.

The 2025 Europeans, in Crozet, France, will be Ingrid’s second team appearance at a dressage championships. She was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the 2022 World Dressage Championships with Franziskus. The pair missed out on Paris as Franziskus sustained an injury, and his retirement was announced in December.

The German team features old and new faces; Isabell Werth and Frederic Wandres return – having represented their country at the Paris Olympics, the 2023 Europeans, and the 2022 World Championships – and Katharina Hemmer steps up to make her championship debut.

The German team for the European Dressage Championships (in alphabetical order):

Katharina Hemmer and 13-year-old gelding Denoix PCH

Owners: Nancy Gooding and Hubertus Schmidt

Breeder: Friedrich Kuhlmann

Breeding: by Destano, out of a mare by Pik Noir

Ingrid Klimke and 14-year-old stallion Vayron NRW

Owner: Rudolk Spiekermann

Breeder: Heinrich Sterthoff

Breeding: by Vitalis, out of a mare by Gloster

Frederic Wandres and 15-year-old gelding Bluetooth OLD

Owner: Hof Kasselmann

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: by Bordeaux 28, out of a mare by GB Riccione

Isabell Werth and 11-year-old mare Wendy De Fontaine

Owners: Chateau De Fontaine and Madeleine Winter-Schulze

Breeder: Kurt Gosmer

Breeding: by Sezuan 2, out of a mare by Blue Hors Soprano

Isabell’s reserve horse is Special Blend

Owner: Helgstrand Dressage

Breeder: Hannelore Weber

Breeding: Sezuan 2, out of a mare by Blue Hors Hotline

The reserve combination is:

Matthias Alexander Rath and 12-year-old stallion Destacado FRH

Owner: Gesutat Schafhof and Friderike Lohse

Breeder: Henrich Giesselmann

Breeding: By Desperados, out of a mare by Londonderry

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Tributes have been paid to highly respected German dressage coach Jonny Hilberath, who has died aged 69.

Jonny led the German team to silver at the London Olympics, and alongside Monica Theodorescu, was behind 40 championship medals.

A spokesperson for the German equestrian federation said Jonny died yesterday (5 March) following a short and serious illness.

“Jonny was a trainer and instructor with all his heart. His sudden death has left us all very sad and stunned. We will miss him very much,” said Dennis Peiler, the German federation’s managing director of sport.

Jonny’s career started with working horses in rural Kellinghusen, Germany. He began riding, and competed in dressage, showjumping and eventing, before the “decisive turning point” came when he met dressage rider Rosemarie Springer. He trained with Rosemarie, and later Herbert Rehbein, who had “a lasting impact on his sporting career”.

During the early 1990s Jonny rode for Detlef Saul’s stable in Bremehaven, winning a number of grands prix and the 1992 professional dressage championship. In 1995 Jonny and his wife Annika set up in their own yard in Abbendorf, Lower Saxony, where they trained riders from all over the world including Mexico’s Bernadette Pujals, Japan’s Yuko Kitai, Australian rider Hayley Beresford, and Nathalie Hobday from South Africa.

Jonny took on the role of Germany’s dressage team trainer in 2012 following the death of Holger Schmezer, whom he’d been regularly assistant to. Jonny led the German team of Dorothee Schneider, Kristina Sprehe and Helen Langehanenberg to a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

The following year Monica Theodorescu took on the role of dressage team trainer, as Jonny wanted to devote more time to his own riding, but his plans changed and he became co-trainer with Monica. Under their training Germany won 40 championship medals, including team and individual gold and individual silver at Paris last summer.

“The news of Jonny’s death has hit me hard. I’m not only losing a great colleague, but also a good friend,” said Monica.

“We had the same philosophy when it came to dressage riding and training, and that always connected us. I will miss him very much.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl said Jonny was not only her trainer of the last 14 years, but her “very close and wonderful friend”.

“Jonny, you were such a special horse person who had a great influence on me and supported me so much over many years,” she said.

“I am incredibly sad and will miss you so much. At the same time, I am filled with gratitude for this gift of being able to learn from and with you.”

Carl Hester knew Jonny for more than 35 years, having first met him when Jonny was a work rider at a dealer’s yard in Germany.

“I’ve deeply admired his journey from those early days to becoming the German national trainer, a role he carried with grace, diplomacy, and unwavering respect from all who knew him,” he told H&H.

“Coaching the German team is one of the sport’s most sought-after positions, yet Jonny wore it lightly. He had time for everyone – regardless of nationality – and was always the first to offer congratulations for a well-ridden test. He simply loved good riding and good training, and his presence will be greatly missed.”

Grand prix rider Nicola Buchanan was based with Jonny for “a couple of incredible years”, and said she was “incredibly sad” to hear of his death.

“Jonny was passionate and gave his all when training. He was always so supportive and instrumental in developing my own knowledge and passion for dressage,” said Nicola.

“I will always have fond memories of my time with Jonny and am for ever grateful for the path he forged for me. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

*Exclusive* ‘Dalera is a great communicator – I am a good listener’: Paris dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on the home routine that yielded Olympic success

British Olympic medallists to recreate the magic of Paris at Royal Windsor

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany’s Ingrid Klimke has announced the retirement of her top dressage horse Franziskus FRH, aged 16.

Ingrid and the Fidertanz 2 stallion were on the German team that won world bronze in 2022, and were twice in contention for an Olympic place.

“After 11 intense, emotional and unforgettable years, I am saying goodbye to major sport with Franziskus FRH,” Ingrid said today (12 December).

“Together with Wilhelm Holkenbrink and his family, we experienced many ups and downs and went the long way from the World Championships for young dressage horses to the Olympic squad.”

Ingrid took on the reins of Franziskus son in 2013, and the following year they competed at the young horse World Championships. They won their first CDI4* in 2017, and continued to post top results, resulting in selection for the German Olympic dressage squad.

Franziskus was ruled out of Tokyo selection in 2021 when he picked up an injury, but the following year the pair flew the flag for Germany at the World Championships in Herning, where they were part of the team that won bronze. That November, they scored a personal best at the time, to win the Stuttgart World Cup qualifier with a +83% freestyle.

In June 2023 Franzikus sustained a hairline fracture when he overstepped on his way back to the stable from a training session. He underwent successful surgery, and came back in spring 2024 with the aim of selection for the Paris Olympics.

Ingrid and Franziskus competed successfully at the Aachen CDIO5* in early July, finishing second in the grand prix, fourth in the special, and third in the freestyle – and were named Germany’s alternate combination for the Paris Olympics. But on 18 July Ingrid announced that Franziskus had picked up an injury that “required immediate treatment”, ruling them out. Aachen was their final competition together.

“My dear Franz, you are an extraordinary horse and over the many years we have managed to grow together into a great team,” said Ingrid, describing their bronze medal at Herning as “one of our most beautiful successes”.

“Your charm and charisma have thrilled your fans. Our legendary Hulapalu ride in the Frankfurt Festival Arena, followed by an obedience jump, will never be forgotten.”

Ingrid added that Franzikus knew their freestyle “inside out” and the trot work was his favourite part.

“You always enjoyed travelling with us to the tournament and loved letting Carmen (Thiemann) pamper you all day long,” she said.

“We came pretty close to our dream of participating in the Olympics twice, but sometimes things turn out differently than you think. Thank you Franz, and thank you Holkenbrink family and team for the many unforgettable moments we were able to experience together.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Rider aims for Paris Olympics in two equestrian disciplines: ‘We’ll go for it’

Five-time Olympian Ingrid Klimke ruled out of Paris Games

Olympic event rider wins dressage World Cup leg

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Famoso OLD, the world team bronze medal-winning ride of Germany’s Benjamin Werndl, has been put down following a field accident.

“I don’t want it to be true. And yet I have to tell you with a heavy heart, Famoso is no longer alive,” said Benjamin today (3 April).

Benjamin said the 15-year-old Farewell III x Welt Hit II gelding fractured a leg in the field.

“We don’t know exactly how it happened,” he said, adding that there was “no chance of it healing”.

Benjamin said his “world has collapsed”.

“He was so special. So intelligent, mischievous, playful, cheeky and sweet. And so talented. We still had so much to do, especially this year,” he said.

“He came to us in Aubenhausen at the age of seven. His owner Flora Keller entrusted him to me and I quickly realised that he was something very special.”

Benjamin said technical work was “very easy” for Famoso, so piaffe and passage soon became their “favourite lessons”.

“I will never forget this feeling on him, this lightness, this melting in the movement and this joy of walking,” he said.

Famoso made his international debut with Benjamin at the Mariakalnok CDI3* in Hungary, where they won the prix st georges. The following year Famoso stepped up to international grand prix.

The pair were selected for the German squad, and Benjamin said although “minor injuries set us back from time to time, they never stopped us”.

In 2022 Benjamin and Famoso were part of the German team at the Aachen Nations Cup, finishing second. That year they made their championship debut at the World Championships in Herning, where they were on the team that won bronze, alongside Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz, Frederic Wandres and Duke of Britain and Ingrid Klimke and Fraziskus. The following day Benjamin and Famoso went on to record a personal best grand prix freestyle score of 85.89%, for individual fourth.

“2022 was our year; a dream come true for me. I had the feeling back then that he not only gave everything for me, but even more,” said Benjamin, who added that last year the pair had an “unintentional break”, but were ready to “attack again this year”.

“He was 15, in his prime and very fit. But things turned out differently,” he said.

Benjamin added that Famoso “always loved being the centre of attention”, and his groom Aniko granted his “every wish”.

“He was the undisputed king in my stable and made all the horses and people around him feel this in a loving and mischievous way,” said Benjamin.

“He really enjoyed his life in Aubenhausen and I would have loved to give him so many more years with us.”

You might also be interested in:

‘There’s a lack of transparency’: Richard Davison on FEI rule changes

Solo British entry for FEI dressage World Cup Final as Jessica von Bredow-Werndl will not defend her title

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Reigning European showjumping champions DSP Chakaria and Andre Thieme have been denied the chance to defend their title after the mare sustained an injury.

The combination had been due to compete on the German team at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy, next week (29 August to 3 September). In 2021 Andre and the 13-year-old mare claimed individual gold on home soil in Riesenbeck, two days after helping Germany to team silver.

A statement from the German federation said that in “consultation with team management”, Andre and DSP Chakaria would not start in Milan due to a “slight injury”.

Andre said the decision is “purely a precautionary measure”.

“Chakaria means everything to me – that she is healthy and above all stays healthy in the long term is my top priority,” he said.

“I’m so sorry that I can’t ride for the team. It’s very difficult for me not to be there, but her wellbeing is the most important thing,”

The German national coach Otto Becker added that he was “incredibly sorry” that Andre cannot start.

“It’s also a weakness for our team if the reigning European champion isn’t there,” he said.

Gerrit Nieberg and 12-year-old gelding Ben 431 will replace Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria, in the pair’s championship debut. Gerrit and Ben finished 13th at the World Cup final last year in Leipzig. Christian Kukuk will now compete as an individual with 11-year-old stallion Mumbai. The pair were part of the European silver medal-winning squad in 2021.

You might also be interested in:

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships 2023

Be prepared for serious yard envy – take a look at British team hero Tim Gredley’s incredible stables

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany’s Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi have been ruled out of the European Dressage Championships because the stallion has sustained a “minor injury” – as the medal-winning rider reveals he is due to become a father.

The nine-year-old Franklin son was due to make his championship debut with Sönke on home soil at Riesenbeck next month (4-10 September), where reigning champions Germany will be aiming to defend their title. Sönke was part of the 2019 gold medal-winning squad, and won individual bronze, on Cosmo 59.

Today (18 August) Sönke said the decision had been made that he and Fendi will not take part owing to Fendi’s “minor injury”.

Sönke and Fendi were part of the winning Nations Cup squad in Aachen in July, and won the grand prix and grand prix special at the Hagen CDI4* in April. Last year they won the prestigious Louisdor Prize final, a series for young grand prix horses aged eight to 10.

“Fendi is only nine years old and certainly at the beginning of his career. The wellbeing of my horse comes first,” said Sönke.

“Of course there is still a lot of time until Riesenbeck, but the thought has matured in me that I don’t want to put any pressure on Fendi, who at just nine years old, doesn’t have to fulfil all hopes and expectations. He gets the time he needs. His time will come, it feels like the coming winter is exactly the time we need to consolidate.”

Sönke thanked the German officials who “put their trust” in him and Fendi and selected him for the team.

“I wish the German team a successful home European Championships and keep my fingers crossed,” he said, adding that he has “another big event coming up”.

“Now I’m looking forward to the coming weeks as my wife (Svenja) and I are expecting our son in early September.”

The German team that will compete at the European Dressage Championships features Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD, and Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz. Matthias Rath and the 10-year-old Totilas son Thiago GS are first reserves, and expected to replace Sönke and Fendi.

Matthias last competed on a team at the 2015 Europeans with Totilas, where controversy arose over the stallion’s soundness, and the pair were withdrawn from the competition following the grand prix. Despite this the German team, featuring Kristina Bröring Sprehe, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth still went on to claim team bronze.

You might also be interested in:

Who will be representing their country in European Dressage Championship teams?

How to watch the European Dressage Championships 2023

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Wilhelm “Willy” Büsing, the Olympic medal-winning eventer, who was also a vet and breeder, died on 25 June, aged 102.

Born in Jade, Germany, in 1921, Dr Büsing became one of the most successful event riders in the country during the 1950s.

He was the son of a horse dealer, and became involved in horses from a young age. Following the second world war he initially had success with horses he had bred and produced, then in 1952 the German Olympic committee for equestrianism asked him to ride the Hanoverian gelding Hubertus. That year Dr Büsing and Hubertus won team silver and individual bronze at the Helsinki Olympics and in 1954 they won team silver at the European Championships in Basel, Switzerland.

Dr Büsing retired from competition to focus on his veterinary career and breeding. In 1956 he travelled to the Stockholm Olympics as the German eventing team vet, trainer and chef d’équipe. He then went to the Rome Games in 1960, the Tokyo Games in 1964 and the 1966 European Championships in Moscow.

When he later gave up his veterinary practice he devoted himself to breeding, with his wife Dorle, and their daughters Sabine and Heike. Some of their most notable horses included the Oldenburg champion mare Toga M by Manstein, and Don Gregory son Don Davidoff, who became an Oldenburg champion stallion, two-time Bundeschampion, and world champion of young dressage horses. Dr Büsing was awarded a gold medal by the Weser Ems Chamber of Agriculture for his breeding achievements.

Dr Büsing was one of the oldest living Olympic medallists. He died three months after his 102nd birthday.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riesenbeck International in north-west Germany is the stage for many large equestrian events, including the Longines Global Champions Tour and the 2021 European Showjumping Championships. This year it plays host to the European Dressage Championships (4–10 September, 2023).

If you’re planning a trip to the venue, check out these hotels near Riesenbeck International, plus B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. Accommodation is listed in order of distance from the venue.

Hotels near Riesenbeck International

You might also like:

Who will be representing their country in European Dressage Championship teams?

Places to stay near the European Eventing Championships at Le Haras national du Pin

Places to stay near the European Showjumping Championships in Milan

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Franziskus FRH, the 2022 World Dressage Championships ride of Ingrid Klimke, has undergone surgery for a hairline fracture.

Olympic eventer and top dressage rider Ingrid had been due to compete the 15-year-old Fidertanz stallion on the German Nations Cup team at CHIO Aachen, but withdrew on 27 June when Franzikus overstepped on his way back to the stable following training.

Yesterday (7 July) Ingrid said a “hairline crack” was found, and it had been “successfully” operated on at a vet clinic in Telgte, Germany.

“The surgery went well and I’ve already seen him. Now Franz gets the time he needs,” she said.

“I’m already looking forward to my next dance with Franz.”

Ingrid and Franziskus made their championship debut at the World Championships last summer, where they scored a then personal best of 75.68% in the grand prix and helped Germany secure team bronze. Since then the pair have won three World Cup legs, including scoring a freestyle personal best of 84.96% at the Amsterdam leg in January, where they were fourth. They were fourth in the final in Omaha in April, Franziskus’ last international outing.

Ingrid has had a difficult few weeks; she was injured in a cross-country fall from Equistros Siena Just Do it in the Luhmühlen CCI4*-S on 17 June. She had surgery to repair a broken collarbone and returned to the saddle just days later, with the aim of still riding at CHIO Aachen, but was replaced by Sönke Rothenberger in the team competition following her withdrawal. CHIO Aachen was the final German selection trial for the 2023 European Dressage Championships in September.

The German entries for the Europeans have since been revealed. The “longlist” features Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi, Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD or his reserve horse Duke of Britain FRH, and Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz. Matthias Alexander Rath and Thiago GS, Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH, and Bianca Nowag-Aulenbrock and Florine OLD, are the reserves.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

German championship eventing and dressage rider Ingrid Klimke’s remarkable efforts to be fit to compete at CHIO Aachen this week have come to nought after Franziskus picked up an injury.

Ingrid’s Aachen appearance was put in doubt when she broke her collarbone in a cross-country fall from Equistros Siena Just Do it in the Luhmuhlen CCI4*-S on 17 June. Ingrid had surgery, and returned to the saddle just days later, and at the end of last week she was declared fit.

Ingrid and her 2022 World Dressage Championship ride had been due to ride on the German Nations Cup team, alongside Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB, Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz, and Frederik Wandres and Bluetooth OLD.

Today (27 June) Ingrid confirmed she had withdrawn Franziskus from the competition.

“I worked Franziskus this morning with our national coaches and he was fresh and motivated,” said Ingrid, who added that on the way back to the stable the 15-year-old Fidertanz son must have taken an incorrect step and it “clearly showed”.

“The wellbeing of Franz comes first and we have cancelled our participation in the Nations Cup team for Germany, in consultation with the team vet and national coaches.”

Olympic rider Sönke Rothenberger will now ride in the team competition on nine-year-old stallion Fendi. The pair won their last international at the Hagen CDI4* in April, scoring 78.34% in the grand prix and 77.15% in the grand prix special.

Britain will be represented by Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep, Lottie Fry and Everdale, Laura Tomlinson and DSP Rose of Bavaria, and Annabella Pidgley and Vamos Amigos. The first team test gets under way at Aachen on Thursday (29 June).

You might also be interested in:

Five-time Olympic eventer injured in cross-country fall

Olympic eventer hopes for competition return a week after collarbone surgery

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

ALL welfare charges against Ludger Beerbaum have been dropped – but the previously allowed method of “touching” has been banned by the German equestrian federation (FN).

The former Olympic champion said last year that the allegations made by a broadcaster concerning his training were “demonstrably false” – he was accused of “parallel bars”, a practice similar to rapping, at home. He said it was “touching”, which is allowed, “performed by a skilled, experienced equine specialist”. He added that the object shown in the video met the FN requirements for touching, in terms of its dimensions and weight.

The FN disciplinary committee has now dropped the case.

“In January 2022, FN was presented with video material that was supposed to show the alleged use of illegal training methods in Ludger Beerbaum’s stable,” an FN statement said.

“Proceedings before the FN disciplinary commission followed, which have now been discontinued.

“The reason: There is no evidence that the horse was inflicted with significant pain in the video sequence on which the procedure was based. In its reasoning, the disciplinary commission is in line with the decision of the Münster public prosecutor’s office, which also dropped the criminal proceedings pending there in September.

“Although the FN was presented with several video sequences, only one sequence was the subject of the proceedings. In the remaining sequences, either the people involved could not be identified or the filmed behaviour did not give rise to any initial suspicion of a violation of the LPO.”

Ludger Beerbaum, who said last year he planned to take legal action against the broadcaster, said he considered the decision a “clear acquittal”.

“The whole procedure has taken far too long and this decision was foreseeable,” he said.

But since the accusations were made, FN has banned touching, which was described as “professional sensitising of the horse through targeted touching of the horse’s legs during the jumping process”.

“This stimulates a horse which has become sloppy to increase its attention and coordination again,” the former rule states. It is no longer allowed.

FN said that for a year, its experts had “dealt with the training method of touching horses at the jump and examined the method from all sides”, before the ban was decided on.

Secretary general Soenke Lauterbach said the experts had determined that the practice is now “not relevant” to animal welfare.

FN training manager Thies Kasparit added: “We have found that even experts often find it difficult to illustrate and convey where the limit of the previously permitted, professional touching is at the jump. For us, the wellbeing of the horses is our top priority. Our training system, which has matured over generations, is based on the classic riding theory, which is described in our guidelines for riding and driving and taught by our trainers. However, it is very difficult for the actors involved to carry out the touching at the jump exactly as it should be done according to the guidelines.

“There is a possibility that mistakes are made when touching the jump. There is almost no fault tolerance with this method. Small deviations can have negative consequences for the horse.”

Public acceptance of horses in sport was also considered; Mr Lauterbach said: “The public, whether close to horses or not, however, does not differentiate between parallel bars and touching at the vault and considers both methods unfair to the horse. We have not succeeded in making the differences clearly understandable. This is one of the reasons why we are now saying goodbye to touching on the jump. At the same time, we stand by our classic riding teachings, which we are the custodians of. And this also includes the professional use of equipment such as spurs and crops.”

You might also be interested in:

Ludger Beerbaum to take legal action over ‘demonstrably false’ welfare claims

Ludger Beerbaum makes thrilling return to German team at Hickstead – will there be more? ‘We’ll see’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

German dressage rider Helen Langehanenberg has announced the retirement of her European team gold medal-winning partner Annabelle 110.

Helen said after almost 10 years together, “a wonderful chapter ends”, and “Mausi” will now return to her breeder and owner Günther Fielmann to become a broodmare at his Schierensee estate.

Mausi, by Conteur and out of a Linaro 3 mare, is currently 13th in the FEI dressage world rankings, and bows out from competition aged 15.

Helen said the Fielmann family wants Annabelle to have some foals and it was the right time.

“Of course I’m happy that she’s going into breeding in top shape. But letting go is not that easy,” she said.

Helen took on the ride of Mausi in 2013, and the pair made their grand prix debut in 2018. Their first international win was the CDI3* grand prix special at Vilhelmsborg, Denmark, in 2020, where they scored 75.66%.

Helen has previously said Mausi was not always straightforward or easy, and described her as “sensitive”, but said she “liked her from the start”.

The pair continued to go from strength to strength and in January 2021 scored a then personal best +81% in the Salzburg World Cup qualifier, where they were third in the freestyle behind Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD, and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB. That year the World Cup final was cancelled owing to the European EHV-1 outbreak.

Helen and Mausi were travelling reserves at the Tokyo Olympics, and six weeks later were part of the German gold medal-winning team at the 2021 European Championships in Hagen, Germany. In November that year they won the freestyle at the Madrid World Cup qualifier on 80.50%, and at the World Cup final in April 2022 they were sixth in the grand prix and freestyle classes.

In December the pair scored another personal best, 82.14%, at the London International Horse Show. Their final international competition was last month in Göteborg, Sweden, where they were fourth in the grand prix, and scored 80.54% for fourth in the freestyle.

“I’ve been able to train her since the end of her fifth year and have been able to celebrate great successes with this dancing fairy – team gold, victories in the World Cup freestyle, sixth in the World Cup final and then we were reserves at the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” she said.

“But it’s not just the sporting successes. Above all, it is the common path. It’s the mutual learning from each other. I will miss that so much. Thank you very much, dear Fielmann family, for the long and very trusting cooperation.

“And thank you, dear Mausi. Have a good time and tell your hopefully many foals about our adventures together… I will miss you very, very much”.

You might also be interested in:

Owner Emma Blundell shares exciting update about Mount St John Freestyle

Six horses, five nationals tickets, three regional titles – why this rider is one to watch in 2023

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A stallion has been disqualified from a competition – resulting in the loss of a prestigious title – after failing a dope test.

Last September Bernadette Brune’s San To Alati was crowned the winner of the four-year-old stallion class at the 2022 Bundeschampionate, Germany, under rider Mareike Mimberg. This month the German equestrian federation (FN) announced San To Alati has been disqualified owing to the prohibited substance decyclopropylmethylfirocoxib, a metabolite of firocoxib (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication) being found during a medication check.

“San To Alati has now been disqualified and thus loses the title of Bundeschampion of four-year-old stallions,” said a federation spokesman.

FN added that the disciplinary procedure, in which it is to be clarified whether San To Alati’s rider is at fault as the “responsible person” and whether action will be taken against her, is “still ongoing”.

FN legal advisor Constanze Winters said the disqualification had initially been disputed, but “those affected” did not succeed in refuting the result of the medication test – and therefore the disqualification has been announced.

“Fair sport is one of the prioritised goals of the FN. For this reason, the FN carried out a total of 74 medication controls on participating horses at their own tournament, the Bundeschampionat in Warendorf, last year.”

Bernadette, of Brune Stud, told H&H they were “very surprised” at the result of the test as they had bought San To Alati two weeks before Bundeschampionate – and he did not arrive in their stable until October 2022, after the competition.

“Then when we had him in the stable and he was just fine, healthy and great to ride with the same quality as on the Bundeschampionat. So it made no sense why he would get medication whatsoever,” she said.

Bernadette added that San To Alati “remains a great breeding stallion” and they will concentrate on his sport career for the future. She also confirmed he will go for his stallion test in Verden on 15 March.

In a statement San To Alati’s breeder Kerstin Klose – who previously co-owned him with Philipp Hess – said the situation was “not only very sad”, but a “mental low point” in her career so far.

“Philipp and I have owned this wonderful horse together. San To Alati has had an exceptional and successful sports career up to the Bundeschampionat,” she said.

Kerstin added that Mareike Mimberg, Philipp’s wife, “stepped in” to ride San To Alati while his usual rider and trainer Stefanie Wolf was recovering from an injury sustained earlier in the year.

“I am incredibly sorry that Mareike now has to deal with a disciplinary procedure as a rider,” she said.

This is a heavy burden for me because I had the idea of asking Mareike to act as my deputy. But it is also a heavy burden for me because I am absolutely in favour of clean sport. I would never tolerate one of my horses being given illegal substances to compete.”

Kerstin added that San To Alati was in the care of another stables last year – the then base of Stefanie – and that he was “always healthy” and had no pain-related problems. She said there was no reason to administer medication, no instruction had been given to the stables to administer medication, and no vet had visited the horse.

Kerstin said she does not know how the drug got into San To Alati’s system.

“We consider ourselves innocent in every respect. I don’t see how we could have prevented this. It is impossible to clarify the true facts and how the administration came about and to arrest someone responsible for it. I never expected to be drawn into such a process,” she said.

Kerstin told H&H everything she does is “for my horses” and they continue to seek “clarification”.

“The horse is simply fantastic, has a very loving character, a rare charisma and, above all, is extremely healthy. I’m sure he will continue on his way,” she said.

You might also be interested in:

Trainer Gordon Elliott fined £1,000 in ‘mystery’ Cheltenham Festival contamination case

Disqualified Tokyo Olympic showjumper blames ‘sabotage’ for positive drugs test

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“If it always feels like this, I’ll do another one!” was the verdict of Germany’s Christoph Wahler, after his team won eventing World Championships gold.

After a day – and a week – of scores and positions changing by the round, it was Germany who took the team title on a score of 95.2, over a fence ahead of silver medallists the United States.

The team comprised Christoph (Carjatan S), Sandra Auffarth (Viamant Du Matz), Michael Jung (FischerChipmunk FRH) and Julia Krajewski (Amande De B’Neville).

Sandra and Viamant Du Metz lowered three showjumps, on what she said was an “exciting day”.

“I did not have not the best round; I have a really good showjumper but today he was a bit not concentrating, and impressed by the atmosphere,” she said. “After that we were all quite tense, it was exciting and then we were very happy at the end that we made it.”

Michael, who was in individual gold this morning but lowered two fences to finish fifth, said: “To lose and win a medal at the same time is a strange feeling .

“I’m very happy, it was a great day. My horse jumped amazing, he was in super form, all of us were in good form. We had good preparation, and thank you to all the big team we have around us, behind us, they helped us to come here, to have a good performance and to win the gold medal with the whole team is amazing.”

Christoph added: “This is my first World Championships; if it always feels like that, I’ll try to do another one!”

The US took silver, a first Olympic or world team medal for the Americans since 2004; Will Coleman (Off The Record), Tamie Smith (Mai Baum), Lauren Nicholson (Vermiculus) and Boyd Martin (Tsetserleg TSF) finished on a total of 100.3.

“I’m very proud to be American,” Boyd said. “To have five clears across country yesterday [including individuals Ariel Grald on Leamore Master Plan] was amazing.

“I’ve been on many championship teams and been so close, it’s just a massive sigh of relief. I can’t be prouder, it’s just awesome, I’m very thankful to the team of America and grateful to be here.”

Will added: “I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this group and part of US eventing; hopefully this is a great step forward for us as a country and we can build on it, it’s been magic to be part of it this week.”

It was also a first world or Olympic eventing team medal for New Zealand, who took bronze, since 2012. Tim Price (Falco), Jonelle Price (McClaren), Monica Spencer (Artist) and Clarke Johnstone (Menlo Park) finished on a total of 100.7.

“I’m happy to be here, always the biggest goal to come to a World Championships and win a medal, it’s been my focus and all our focus for a long time,” sad Clarke. “And to pull it off and get a medal round our necks for the first time in a long time is an amazing feeling.”

Tim added: “We’ve focused on this for years, this kind of major event with the team behind you, with a nation behind you, it means absolutely everything.”

Eventing World Championships 2022 team medals

You might also be interested in:

British team finishes off the podium on rollercoaster World Championships final day

‘The dream finish’: fairytale result as Britain celebrates new world champion in Pratoni

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Keep up with all of the breaking news, behind the scenes insight and the best of the action throughout the World Eventing Championships with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Sign up now. Plus enjoy our full 20-page magazine report (on sale 22 September) including opinion from Mark Phillips and ground jury president Christina Klingspor.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Following yesterday’s statement by former Olympic champion showjumper Ludger Beerbaum, on accusations made about his training methods, H&H has sought clarification on the practice called “touching” – Touchieren in German.

The rider, who intends to take legal action after the “demonstrably false” accusations, said he was using this technique, which is allowed under German equestrian federation (FN) rules. These state that touching may help with some training issues, if carried out correctly.

In summary, touching is the application of a pole, which must comply with certain parameters, to parts of the horse’s leg during jumping to encourage the horse to flex its joints more. If the pole is held by an individual, they must be “very experienced… with a lot of routine, feeling and sensitivity”, according to the German federation’s guidelines under which the technique can be used.

“If it is ascertained that deficiencies of the rider, defaults in the throughness of the horse, lack of coordinative skills or in the jumping technique of the horse, lack of conditional abilities of the horse, the design of the basic education and training or health factors are not the reason for unclean jumping, the problem seems to reduce on a negligency of the horse due to too much routine,” the rules state. “In this case a correctly done touching might help. Touching is a professional sensitising of the horse through targeted touching of the horse’s legs during the jumping process. This stimulates a horse which has become sloppy to increase its attention and coordination again.”

The rulebook states that the horse’s Durchlässigkeit, or submissiveness/throughness, must be good, that the horse must be willing to be ridden evenly to the fence and must have confidence in its rider.

“The rider – equipped with a solid basic education – must be well capable of assessing strides when he approaches single fences. In every situation, he must be able to give the horse a secure frame with his aids,” the rule states.

“The trainer who leads the touching pole needs a good understanding of the method, must be skilled and have the right feeling for using it.

“This training aid must be used in small doses and does not substitute the actual work of the jumping horse. Daily gymnastic exercises, training for condition and the jumping of fences to improve technique and as a confidence-building measure will always be the prevailing work of a jumping horse. Touching is only allowed in training, but not at events.”

Poles used may not weigh more than 2kg or be more than 3m long. They must be round, and with a smooth surface of material that does not splinter. They must not be made of metal.

“If the touching pole is held by somebody, this may only be done by very experienced horse people with a lot of routine, feeling and sensitivity,” the rules state.

“To that end, if the above-mentioned conditions are met, a small fence is jumped. The touching pole must be raised from the height of the upper pole of the fence. The trainer who does the touching holds the touching pole in a way that either the forelegs or the hind legs are touched during the sequence of the jump. The touching must be done in the first half of the jumping sequence or rather at the highest point of the trajectory over the jump. Any contact between the pole and the horse’s legs in the second half of the trajectory should be avoided under all circumstances.”

Also allowed is the fixing of a pole that is “light, harmless to the horse, droppable and well visible”, on to the jump.

“A general insensitivity or rather a lack of disposition can also be the reason for unclean jumping,” the rules state. “This problem cannot be solved even with touching. In such cases, the horse may not be used beyond its natural disposition. If problems arise in the training of a horse, this always has a cause that needs to be analysed. These causes can be due to the horse’s state of health or history, but are usually also to be found in the rider. Even with advanced and relatively experienced riders, mistakes sometimes creep in that lead to training problems. The elimination of these must be worked on systematically.

“An incorrect basic understanding of the interrelations within riding and jumping can also be the cause of problems that arise. Therefore, self-critical analyses with the support of trainers or colleagues should be a matter of course for every jumping rider.”

The FN set up a commission in January 2021 to “deal with training methods in equestrian sport and in particular with the topic of touching”.

Rapping, a practice that is banned by the FEI, is defined “to include all the artificial techniques intended to induce the horse to jump higher or more carefully in competitions”.

The rule states: “It is not practical to list every possible means of rapping, but in general it consists of the athlete and/or dismounted assistants, for whose behaviour the athlete is responsible, either hitting the horse’s legs manually with something (no matter with what or by whom) or deliberately causing the horse to hit something itself, whether by building obstacles too large and/or too wide, setting false ground lines, placing trotting poles or the elements of a combination at a false distance, intentionally pulling or pushing the horse into an obstacle or otherwise making it difficult or impossible for the horse to negotiate the practice obstacle without hitting it.

“In the case of rapping or any other abusive schooling practice within the period of jurisdiction of the ground jury, the athlete and the horse concerned will be disqualified from all competitions for at least 24 hours. In addition, the ground jury may take any further action it deems appropriate under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, disqualifying the athlete and/or horse from the entire event.”

You might also be interested in:

Ludger Beerbaum to take legal action over ‘demonstrably false’ welfare claims

Ludger Beerbaum, and other things the horse world is talking about today

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Killer Queen, the ride of world number one Daniel Deusser, showed just how much she enjoys her job in what looked like an effortless round in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier at the Tokyo Games.

The Belgian-bred 11-year-old by Eldorado Vd Zeshoek produced a polished clear with her ears pricked the whole way as she navigated the course with her German rider. The combination have qualified for the individual final tomorrow (4 August).

“When I entered the ring she was quite excited,” said Daniel.

“It was the first time here in the stadium under the lights. The warm-up is different and the fences are smaller – she knew exactly the warm-up was a warm-up and the competition started today.

“I’m very optimistic and I’m looking forward to the final.”

Daniel explained Killer Queen is a forward-thinking mare who makes jumping big fences feel easy.

“In general she is a little bit aggressive [to the fences]. She always wants to go forward, rarely do I have to push her in the ring – I always have to hold her a little,” he said.

“In a championship or when the fences are getting bigger, normally I would say it’s an advantage for her. She’s very energetic and she wants to go forward. She’s very scopey, she jumps these fences very easily and she doesn’t have to push herself.”

The mare is no stranger to the top of the sport with consistent grand prix placings around the world, including a World Cup win in Mechelen, Belgium, in late 2019. In February 2020 the mare was crowned the FEI’s horse of the month, and at the time Daniel predicted Killer Queen was “a horse for the future”.

Her jumping career began in 2016 under Belgian rider Walter Lelie, who bred her with Ann and Dirk Bruggeman-Carpentier. She won the four-year-old Belgian young horse championship with Walter, then Stephan Conter bought her as a seven-year-old and Daniel took on the ride.

You might also be interested in:

Bruce Springsteen’s daughter Jessica makes her Olympic debut: ‘You definitely get a little bit more jitters going in’

Ben Maher in pole position ahead of showjumping final: two Brits in the mix for individual medals

Ben Maher will be the last rider to jump on the final day of the Europeans, with Holly Smith also

‘That’s what makes a championship’: Scott Brash and Jefferson qualify for Olympic showjumping individual final

‘He comes out, digs in and fights so hard’: Harry Charles on his Olympic showjumping individual qualifier round

‘He tests you from fence one’: riders reflect on Santiago Varela’s Olympic showjumping individual qualifier course

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and her “real dancer” of a mare, TSF Dalera, capped a trio of +80% German performances to secure Tokyo Olympic dressage team victory for the side.

The pair’s captivating performance in the grand prix special was rewarded with a sea of 10s, giving them a final score of 84.68% and tightening defending champions Germany’s grip on team gold.

Expectations were high for the combination, who also helped the German side to victory at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and 2019 Europeans, and they came into the special off the back of an 84.4% grand prix performance.

Jessica and the 14-year-old mare looked in perfect harmony, with their soft and elegant test to a rousing soundtrack, interspersed with the gentle lilt of Grieg’s Morning Mood.

They scored 10s for their piaffe, transitions and halt. The only fractional dip in marks came in the one-time changes, where the mare did two- instead of one-time changes to start.

“It was super, except for the pooing in the beginning of the one-tempis,” laughed Jessica.

“I should have waited until she’d done before I started, but I didn’t realise that she was doing it, and that’s already a step forward because she didn’t stop cantering to do it!

“But all in all it was beautiful to ride her. She’s amazing. She’s always giving her very best for me; she was so focused and she’s a real dancer.”

On the pressure of riding for gold, she added: “I didn’t think about it. Luckily, I was just very grateful when these two ladies [Isabell Werth and Dorothee Schneider] came back with their high scores that the pressure was a little bit lower for me. So that I didn’t need a personal best or something like that for us to win gold.

“But I always want to give my very best, and we did it again and Dalera also gives her very best, so it’s good to have such a strong partnership with your horse.”

You might also be interested in:

Down to the wire: team anchor Charlotte Dujardin secures medal for British side

Tokyo Olympics team dressage final: medals for Britain and a knockout US test

Germany win Olympic gold in Tokyo, while Britain claim bronze, USA silver

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Lottie Fry keeps her cool to maintain Britain’s Olympic silver medal position

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A top contender for the German eventing team at the Tokyo Olympics has been ruled out owing to injury.

Ingrid Klimke’s 2020 national eventing champion SAP Asha P suffered an injury while training, she announced today (30 April).

The 10-year-old mare by Askari 173, owned by Ingrid and Dr Andres Lauber, was one of the German star’s two Olympic eventing hopefuls; she is also qualified with her 17-year-old Rio Olympic partner SAP Hale Bob OLD.

In August last year Ingrid and SAP Asha P were second at the Strzegom Nations Cup leg in Poland, which Ingrid won on SAP Hale Bob OLD. Ingrid and the mare went on to victory at the national championships at Luhmühlen in October, and followed this up with a win in the CCI4*-L at Pratoni del Vivaro in Italy in November.

Ingrid said it would take a “while” before SAP Asha P, with whom she won the seven-year-old title at the young horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in 2018, is fit again.

“This year we will have to take a break from competition. We are very sad and need patience now,” she said.

“We are all the more looking forward to being able to get started again together.”

Continued below…

‘He never let me down’: Farewell to top event horse

“He was huge in my personal life, professional life, and will be missed. I can’t ever see that there will

Who is the best event horse in the world? Data experts build a ranking to find out…

Data analytics experts EquiRatings have built a ranking to identify the best event horse in the world – do you

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The blow comes just 10 days after Ingrid’s Tokyo dressage contender Franziskus was ruled out owing to injury. Ingrid and “Francis” had been part of the German Olympic dressage squad since 2019.

On 20 April she said the Tokyo dressage dream had “burst” owing to the 13-year-old Hannoverian stallion suffering an “acute injury”.

“The most important thing now is that Francis gets well again quickly,” she said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

German eventer Julia Krajewski’s five-star winner Samourai Du Thot has been retired from competition after losing an eye.

The 15-year-old gelding’s phenomenal eventing career boasts 18 international wins from 56 starts, two national championship titles and Olympic team silver.

Julia, who produced the 2017 Luhmühlen CCI4* (now CCI5*) winner from a young horse and partnered him throughout his stellar career, said she is devastated.

“He got struck by a very severe infection and battled it tremendously, but sadly wasn’t able to completely beat it. To save his life, his left eye had to be removed,” she said.

“He has shown me many times how much of a fighter he is, but seeing how he always kept his spirits and never gave up during the hardest of times for him, leaves me even more in awe of my little pocket rocket.”

Julia added they achieved “more than could ever be hoped for” when she first got him as a “cheeky” five-year-old.

The combination finished in the top five 40 times at international events, including claiming third at Luhmühlen CCI5* the year before their win, and won back-to-back German national championships in 2018 and 2019. They won six CCI4*-L/S together, including multiple Luhmühlens, where they secured their national titles, Chatsworth, Strzegom, Arville and Boekelo.

They were on the silver medal-winning team at Rio 2016 and also represented Germany at the European Championships the following year.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Who is the best event horse in the world? Data experts build a ranking to find out…

Data analytics experts EquiRatings have built a ranking to identify the best event horse in the world – do you

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Throwback: Medallists, a Badminton winner and Rio Olympians – 13 top horses flying round Chatsworth 2019

With the Event Rider Masters first leg of 2019, plus two other CCI4*-S sections, the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse

“I would have loved to cruise round some more cross-country courses with him and hoped for a happy ending to the very last, but it wasn’t meant to be. Thank you, Sam, for everything you gave for me,” Julia added.

“Despite everything he is in fairly good spirits now and we will make sure that he gets the sort of retirement life that suits him.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany proved unstoppable yet again to take their fifth British eventing Nations Cup title on the trot.

To say the Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International Horse Trials (23-26 May) is a happy hunting ground for the German side would be an understatement, with the team making it five wins in five years.

The youthful team led from the start, with Ingrid Klimke and the exciting young mare Asha P in pole position after the dressage on 23.2 and team-mate Christoph Walher and Carjatan S in second.

Two rolled poles for Ingrid gave other nations a glimmer of hope that they could be caught. Clear showjumping rounds from all four of the Brits resulted in the team moving up from sixth to fourth ahead of cross-country.

Christoph, 25, and Carjatan S produced a masterclass in how to ride Alec Lochore’s influential track, coming home five seconds inside the time to win individually and secure Germany’s victory.

But the result was close, with just 0.6 of a penalty separating Germany (90.6) and second-placed Sweden (91.2), who are chasing Olympic qualification this year.

The Swedes showed their team’s consistency, with three riders inside the top 10, headed by second-placed Louise Romeike and Waikiki 207.

The British side, made up of three senior team debutants and Badminton winner Piggy French, continued their strong performances to record four clear jumping cross-country rounds and finish third on 99.2.

“We like it here!” laughed German chef d’equipe Hans Melzer.

“Every time we have come with a different team and everybody is so motivated to compete here.

“I thought in the beginning that the course was more twisty than in the past, but once we had walked it two or three times you could see it and in the end it was good to ride so I think Alec did a super job.”

Ingrid, 11th individually, added it is “always a pleasure” to win as a part of a team.

“It was really worth coming as it was a wonderful competition and I had two really lovely cross-country rounds with my two young mares,” she said, adding her horses “learned a lot” from the design of the course. “They showed me their quality and were a pleasure to ride.”

Jerome Robine (Quaddeldou R), who finished seventh, and Felix Etzel (Bandit 436), 19th, completed the winning side.

British team anchors Piggy French and Cooley Monsoon enjoyed a beautiful cross-country round, with the 10-year-old gelding’s ears pricked the whole way. The pair added nothing to their dressage score of 29.2 to finish fourth.

Civil engineering student Richard Coney was among the trio making their first British team appearance. The 20-year-old and his junior horse Kananaskis gave a confident performance to finish ninth individually.

“A huge amount of people put their names forwards, so to get picked is very nice, especially considering the calibre of the people here,” said Richard.

“You can never be sure how they are going to perform on the day, but he is pretty consistent across country, so he had it in him to go fast and clear, which is what he did. He was really on form.”

Bubby Upton, 20, added it was “a real honour” to be selected with Fernhill Rock Star.

“I said at the beginning of the week that I wanted a run that was fault free in every phase and that’s exactly what he did,” she said.

“He was quite feisty at the start of the cross-country and I was thinking, ‘come on, let’s concentrate on the fences here’, but he knows his job so well and really helped me out, especially in the water when I lost a rein. He just said, ‘I’ve got it, Mum’. He knows exactly what he is doing and I love him so much.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Belton and Gatcombe replacements to be confirmed by summer

‘This is a high priority for the BE fixtures team’

Because we can’t get enough of Piggy French… pictures from her five brilliant Rockingham wins

The Badminton winner continued to show tremendous form on the weekend at Rockingham, piloting nine horses into the top four

Eliza Stoddart was “absolutely thrilled” with the consistently improving Dick O Malley and said being part of the team was “an amazing experience”.

“It’s my first team appeareance and it was a huge honour to be selected,” she said.

“I’ve had the horse for just over two seasons now, so this is amazing for his owners [the Flint Syndicate]. This was brilliant preparation for Luhmühlen, where he heads next, I hope I can build on this in the future.

“He is an unbelievable jumping horse and he really travels and gallops. His dressage is improving all the time. When he came to me he didn’t know anything on the flat, so there was a lot of work to do there and I’m sure there’s still lots to come from him.”

For the full report from Houghton, plus all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday, 30 May

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top German eventer Julia Krajewski has lost the ride on one of her elite string, with Michael Jung taking over the reins.

The 11-year-old gelding Chipmunk FRH, who was produced by Julia from a four-year-old to recording numerous wins at three-star (now four-star), will be ridden by Michael this season.

Julia said after some “very emotional months” she has lost the ride on “this very special horse”.

“Today [5 February] is a very sad day as Chipmunk FRH is leaving us to go to his new home,” said a statement from Julia, 30.

“After six very successful years together, the contract I had with the owner expired, was not renewed for personal reasons of the owner (which I can understand) and it was decided to sell Chipmunk.

“I will remember him as this kind, genuine, brave yet sensitive horse who always gives his all and did so much to do us proud! And despite being very sad to see him go there are so many little and big moments I am thankful for and I wish him a very happy life with his new rider.”

The pair had a phenomenally successful partnership, winning 10 of their 30 international starts.

Last season they won a back-to-back hat-trick of three-stars — Marbach CIC3*, Bramham CCI3* and Aachen CICO3*.

In 2018 they also produced three sub-20 dressage tests at international events, including at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. However a run-out at a combination of corners on the cross-country put paid to their medal hopes.

The combination also won Strzegom CCI3* in 2016, when the horse was an eight-year-old, and finished third in Blenheim CCI3* the following year.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Julia Krajewski takes Bramham CCI3* as leaderboard juggled by showjumping

The German kept her cool for a foot-perfect performance in a final phase, but behind her faults sent William Fox-Pitt

Snippets of wisdom from Michael Jung — and other things you might not know about him

The Olympic eventing champion reveals his tips for turnout, philosophy about giving his horses a break and a few other

Michael Jung confirmed this morning that he has “a new top horse in the stable”.

“When I was informed at the end of last year that Chipmunk could not stay with Julia, but there was the opportunity to hold him for Germany and me, I tried to achieve this,” he said.

“In the end, I owe it to the support of many sponsors and all of my great partner Fischer that I have a new future [star].”

He added it is a change for him to have a new horse that is already competing at top level, as he tends to produce them himself.

“I thank Julia for the great years of training and I’m curious as to what Chip and I can expect from the next few years,” he said.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ingrid Klimke triumphed in front of a home crowd at the eventing indoor derby at the Stuttgart German Masters, pipping Britain’s Ros Canter to the win.

In a turn of events reminiscent of the 2018 World Equestrian Games, Ros was the provisional leader with Ingrid the last to jump.

In Tryon, a showjumping clear by Ros and a rolled pole from Ingrid secured team and individual gold for Ros and the Brits, while Ingrid dropped to third.

But in a reversal a fortune, a speedy clear from the German rider in Stuttgart on Wednesday (14 November) clinched the win, with Ros and Las Vegas close behind in second.

“I’m so happy,” said Ingrid, who was riding the 14-year-old Trakehner gelding Parmenides.

“They were 150 seconds of pure fun today. It’s such a joy to ride here, the support you get from the crowd is incredible.”

Ros had a quick turnaround to make it back to Britain in time for a demo at Hartpury on Thursday night.

“That was a lot of fun,” she posted on social media.

“How cool is Las Vegas? Just pipped by Ingrid but it’s definitely given me the [eventer derby] bug.”

In third was British-based New Zealand eventer Jesse Campbell riding the eight-year-old Diachello.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

11 things you might not know about eventing world champion Ros Canter

Here’s a run down of some facts you might not know about eventing’s first lady...

Ros Canter’s showjumping clear secures fantastic double gold for Britain at WEG

Britain claimed the team and individual gold medals in the eventing at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, this

A cheering crowd of 7,500 spectators watched the class on the opening evening of the show.

Laura Collett and Parkfield Quintessential were the next best of the British contingent, finishing 10th.

Imogen Murray and Shannondale Vintage, Guy Woods and Algorithm and Fiona Kashel and The Rebel County completed the British line-up.

US rider Tiana Coudray’s 17-year-old grey sustained a soft tissue injury during his round and was transported out of the arena to the stables, where he was cared for by vets.

Tiana thanked everyone for their messages of support and said the horse was resting comfortably in his stable that night. He has since been given the go-ahead by vets to travel home.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany will lose its team silver medal from the 2017 European Eventing Championships in Strzegom.

The news comes as the German federation revealed that the B sample from Julia Krajewski’s ride Samourai Du Thot tested positive for controlled medication firocoxib.

The combination finished 18th individually at the championships, held in Poland from 17 to 20 August, helping the team to second place behind Great Britain.

H&H reported yesterday (9 November) that the A sample had tested positive for the substance, which has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Controlled medications are substances commonly used in equine medicine, but must not be present in a horse’s system on competition days.

“Now it is [a] sad certainty: The [FEI] has informed the Deutscher Reiterliche Vereinigung today about the positive B-sample of a medication control, which was carried out during the European Championship of the eventing riders in Strzegom (POL),” said a statement from the German federation.

“Krajewski is subsequently disqualified, so the German team falls in the classification and loses the silver medal.

“Krajewski has now formally 21 days to decide whether she accepts an administrative punishment [by the FEI] or goes to FEI tribunal.”

The administrative penalty is a fine of 1,500 Swiss francs and 2,000 Swiss francs of administrative costs, but no ban on competition.

But the German chef d’equipe Dr Jens Adolphsen, a former chairman of the FEI tribunal, added taking this to tribunal “only makes sense” if Julia can prove how the substance came to be in Samourai Du Thot’s body.

Julia has said neither she nor her team has any explanation as to how the substance got into the horse’s system and “believe that it was not administered by any fault of our own”.

“Of course, neither I nor anyone around me has given this substance,” she said, adding she is “seriously worried” about what has happened.

“As part of the German team, which traveled to Strzegom as a co-favourite, I was aware that my horse would most likely be sampled at the championship.

“I am 100% behind our doping prevention system and fully aware of my responsibility and due diligence in dealing with this issue.”

This means Sweden will move up the team leaderboard to claim silver, while Italy will now take the bronze medal.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Rule Britannia! 14 triumphant photos of Britain on their way to GOLD at the European Eventing Championships

Spirits may have been muted in the British eventing camp after our team fifth place in Rio — but fast

Shock as German event star tests positive at Europeans

Germany will lose team silver medal if the B test also returns a positive result for the controlled substance

Riders react to European Eventing Championships cross-country course: ‘It’s like a go-kart track’

The competitors believe Saturday’s challenge will have a strong influence on the rest at the European Eventing Championships

Investigation

In a statement on social media, Julia said the horse returned a negative test during routine sampling of the team horses heading to the championships on 3 August.

“Furthermore, there was not just a trace, but a substantial amount of firocoxib detected [in the sample taken at the championships on 20 August],” said Julia.

“The detected level together with the relevant decomposition time suggest an administration between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning (after dressage, before cross-country).

“Together with the result of sample B, we hopefully receive documents that may hopefully allow further conclusions about the exact time or amount of the ingestion.

“Unfortunately, there is no video camera survey in the stables in Strzegom, thus we can not fall back on video analysis, but have to rely on medical data.”

She added other possibilities have been investigated and they have eliminated the possibility of accidental feed contamination.

“To be absolutely sure, Sam has been tested again a short time ago, the result was negative,” said Julia.

“As we have never used or even handled Equioxx [the sole equine pharmaceutical containing firocoxib], it was not present in our equipment or environment, thus an administration to Sam by oversight (eg confusion with dewormer, vitamin doser) is not possible.

“One source of accidental contamination may be the dog medicament Previcox: It contains a much higher dosage than Equioxx.

“We are currently investigating the possibility of a causality of dogs and the positive result of Sam’s test.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Get up to speed on the super-coach and eventing philosopher Christopher Bartle, who put British eventing back in the spotlight on Sunday (20 August 2017) at the European Eventing Championships

Much of the credit for Germany’s meteoric rise as the dominant force in eventing in recent years was given to team trainer Christopher Bartle. But since swapping sides to Team GB in January this year, he seems to have worked his magic on his home nation already, watching the British eventing team clinch the team gold in Strzegom, Poland on Sunday (20 August 2017) at the European Eventing Championships.

“I can’t put it into words how impressed I am — I just couldn’t be more proud,” he said. “They all rode exactly as they trained and what they’re capable of. We now want more golds, for as long as we can.”

Here are nine facts you need to know about Christopher, who has competed internationally in both dressage and eventing:

1. Christopher runs the Yorkshire Riding Centre with his sister Jayne Bartle-Wilson.

2. He was educated at Ampleforth College and read economics at Bristol University.

3. While at university he rode hunters and point-to-pointers, and was an amateur on the National Hunt circuit for a couple of years.

4. Christopher spent nine months learning French and training with Commandant de Parisot, chief trainer at Saumur before moving to Chantilly. “He was inspirational in the way he sat on a horse and rode, and that set me off on a path whereby dressage was not just a necessary evil in order to event,” says Christopher.

5. That interest was developed further when Christopher and his sister Jayne were trained by Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke, gold medallist in eventing at the 1952 Olympics — and owner of the horse that won gold in the dressage, ridden by Henri St-Cyr, as at that time it was not permitted to do both.

6. Christopher and Wily Trout finished sixth individually in the dressage at the 1984 Olympics — the highest placing of a British rider until Charlotte Dujardin in 2012 — and finished second in the World Cup Final in 1986.

7. In 1994, Word Perfect II came along. They were part of the British eventing team that won gold at the 1997 Europeans, despite Christopher falling off across country.

Continued below…

Liked this? You may also enjoy reading these articles…

Britain wins gold and bronze at European Eventing Championships

The British team held on to their overnight

9 common cross-country queries solved

We ask the experts to tackle some common

8. The following spring (1998), Christopher and Word Perfect II won Badminton.

9. In 2000, Christopher and Word Perfect II were reserves for the Olympic team.

Don’t miss our full report from the European Eventing Championships in the 24 August 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The horse world is continuing to clamp down on riding styles and training techniques in order to promote a positive public view of the sport.

Last month the board of directors of the German Equestrian Federation decided to implement a new rule based around “good riding”.

The rule reads: “When it comes down to team nomination for championships, not only the potential for success will count, but also the strict following of the guidelines for riding, driving and vaulting.

“The federation disapproves of any training methods that go against the guidelines.

“This means explicitly any aggressive riding or training methods which entail a forceful handling of the horse.”

Last year the Swiss Equestrian Federation banned draw reins in warm-ups and competition at national shows to try to improve the profile of showjumping.

They were previously allowed under Swiss showjumping rules during the warm-up prior to the first fence and in prize-givings.

However, from 1 January draw reins are no longer permitted at national shows, in an attempt to improve the profile of horse sport.

The Swiss Equestrian Federation said it wants to “engage continuously and proactively in the welfare of the horses and the reputation of equestrian sports”, adding that draw reins paint a negative image for non-riders.

A Swiss federation spokesman added: “Equestrianism is often the focus of public attention, but not always in a positive way. An image suggesting violence undermines the reputation of equestrian sports.”Germany is now looking at rules regarding draw reins following Switzerland’s announcement last week that the national federation was taking a stand and banning the training aids at shows at national level.

A spokesman for the German Equestrian Federation told H&H that the “use of draw reins at riding shows in Germany is under discussion”. Currently they are allowed in prize-givings and flat work before jumping.traint

At shows run under FEI rules draw reins would still be permitted in the warm-up. However, it is hoped by some riders, including trainer Christopher Bartle, that the rule change could have far-reaching consequences and lead to riders training differently.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany is now looking at rules regarding draw reins following Switzerland’s announcement last week that the national federation was taking a stand and banning the training aids at shows at national level.

Draw reins are currently allowed under Swiss showjumping rules during the warm-up prior to the first fence and in prize-givings.

However, from 1 January 2016 they will not be allowed at national shows, in an attempt to improve the profile of horse sport.

The Swiss Equestrian Federation said it wants to “engage continuously and proactively in the welfare of the horses and the reputation of equestrian sports”, adding that draw reins paint a negative image for non-riders.

A spokesman for the German Equestrian Federation told H&H that the “use of draw reins at riding shows in Germany is under discussion”. Currently they are allowed in prize-givings and flat work before jumping.

Draw reins are already banned everywhere except prize-givings under Dutch rules.

H&H asked British Showjumping if it was considering taking action, but the organisation didn’t answer the query. The British Equestrian Federation declined to comment.

At shows run under FEI rules in Germany and the Netherlands, draw reins would still be permitted in the warm-up. However, it is hoped by some riders, including trainer Christopher Bartle, that the rule change could have far-reaching consequences and lead to riders training differently.

H&H readers agreed with the ban to be enforced by Switzerland.

“About time. If your horse is correctly trained then draw reins aren’t needed. They are a poor excuse for poor training regimes,” said Beth Scott.

Sylvia Frehner also said it was “about time this happened,” while Millie Wilkinson said she “completely agrees with this move”.

Lauren Hoare added: “Well done Switzerland.”

However, many countered that in the correct hands they can be useful.

“There’s nothing wrong with draw reins if used in the correct manner by the right person as a training aid,” said Kay Edwina Coates.

What do you think? Email hhletters@timeinc.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A gold medal-winning German dressage pony has died at the age of 16 following a bout of colic.

Deinhard B won multiple golds at pony European level and started his dressage career in 2005 with Anna von Negri.

His owners, the Rothenberger family, said the pony had seemed unwell on 13 October.

The vet was called and the pony was treated and closely monitored for the following two weeks.

On 24 October, the family said that “Deini” had colicked severely overnight, leading to the decision to operate.

The following day, they added he was awake, had an appetite and was “doing well under the circumstances”.

They also thanked people for their support.

However, on 28 October Semmieke Rothenberger revealed that “Deini” had died.

In her tribute to him she wrote that he will “always remain in our hearts”.

“You were not just one pony, but a family member,” she said.

“I hope you now gallop in the sky and enjoy it. I know that you will always look down and support me in everything I do.

“You’re my little personal guardian angel who is always watching from above. I love you infinitely.”

The pony, by Dornick B, won his first medals at Freudenberg, Germany, in 2007, where he picked up team gold and individual bronze.

Deinhard B went on to win team and individual gold at the 2008 Pony Europeans as well as gold and silver medals at the 2009 championships.

Lena Charlotte Walterscheidt took over the ride in 2010 and went on to win silver and bronze medals with the palomino stallion at European level.

The following year he went to Semmieke, who has also enjoyed numerous successes and medals with him at European and international level.

These included triple gold at the 2014 Pony European Championships at Millstreet, Ireland.

Deinhard B has been in the top three at every international competition he has competed at over the past five years and this year he took titles in Nice, Hagen, Vidauban and at Addington.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

After 10 years of competing for the Ukraine, showjumper Katharina Offel will be returning to her roots and representing Germany in future.

Since 2005 Katharina has competed at three European Championships, three World Equestrian Games and two Olympics for the Ukraine. The country has also qualified for Rio 2016.

“I have decided to stop the co-operation for good and will no longer be at the team’s disposal,” she said.

“As a natural development I will return to represent Germany from 1 January 2016. This is a choice I feel very happy and relieved to finally have taken. I have already spoken with the German Federation and Bundestrainer Otto Becker about my decision.”

Owner Alexander Onischenko’s horses — Air Chin Z, Zipper and Quebracho Semilly — all returned to his stable Gut Einhaus, Germany on 11 September.

“The current plan for Charlie — who I have had since he was a six-year-old — is that he stays with me until he has been sold,” she said.

She added that now she runs her own stable she has more freedom.

“I believe my decision to leave the Ukrainian team will allow me to focus on what I love doing; developing young and talented horses for the top level of the sport — working with a long term perspective for each horse and owner in the stable. Also, it will allow me to spend more time on training talented younger riders,” she said.

“My decision will of course affect my sports career. A temporary step down from the highest level of the sport is a natural consequence of the situation I find myself in. I still believe I will be able to return even stronger than before with a more diverse group of supporters and owners.

“I do have a small group of very talented horses that I keep on aiming for the higher level of the sport; Umeunig Z, Sky FIy SB and Vita 24. I am also lucky to have some promising youngsters in the stable, with the 7-year-old Con Air Z as my big hope for the future.”

Katharina was born in Germany and spent her youth working as a groom for Alexander Moksel in Buchloe — where Ludger Beerbaum, Markus Beerbaum and Ralf Schneider were all based.

She rode her first German Championship on Stroke of Luck and started to work for Robert Schiffelholz in 1996. She won the Germany Championship in 2004 however, she realised she would not get the opportunities she wanted in Germany so started competing for Ukraine in 2005.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Matthias Rath and Totilas will spearhead the German team at the European dressage championships in Aachen (11-17 August).

The news was announced yesterday (Sunday, 12 July), ahead of the final grand prix freestyle at CDIO Hagen (8-12 July).

They are joined by Kristina Bröring-Sprehe on Desperados FRH, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (Unee BB) and Isabell Werth, who will ride Don Johnson FRH after her mare Bella Rose was withdrawn from selection last week.

Klaus Roeser, head of the German dressage committee, said: “It was our intention to put an end to speculations and provide all riders the opportunity to completely concentrate on the task ahead.”

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino FRH are the reserve.

Totilas made his comeback at Hagen CDI in Germany this weekend, winning both his tests with plus-80%.

The popular German dressage stallion, pictured at the 2011 European dressage championships in Rotterdam, was last seen out competing at Aachen’s CDIO5* show in July 2014, but has had time off due to injury.

Before Aachen, the combination enjoyed a run of eight consecutive wins in a row.

On Friday, (10 July) Matthias said he did not feel not nervous ahead of Totilas’ return to competition.

“However, I was nevertheless a bit surprised when I came around the corner with Totilas today to let him graze and saw all the photographers and visitors,” he said.

Matthias and the 15-year-old black stallion scored 80.36% to win the CDI4* grand prix and 80.039% in the CDI4* grand prix special.

Speaking after the grand prix special on Sunday (12 July), Matthias said: “Toto was willingly performing today, and particularly piaffe and passage were even better than in the grand prix.

“Unfortunately, we had some more severe, but unnecessary mistakes, for example the salute and the first pirouette.

“But now we have the time to work on it.”

Host Ullrich Kasselmann said they saw “extraordinary sport”.

He added even though this was the third big equestrian event within a couple of weeks, there was a huge audience who gave the riders fantastic support.

Read the full report in this week’s H&H, out Thursday, 16 July

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany dominated the first two days of competition in Vidauban (1-2 July), winning authoritatively in the junior section and imposing themselves over Holland in a closely-fought battle for gold in the young rider division.

The brand-new German team, led by last year’s European pony gold medallist Semmieke Rothenberger, included three of the top four-placed combinations (as well as Semmieke on the Gribaldi mare Geisha, Hannah Erbe/Carlos and Paulina Holzknecht/Wells Fargo, with Kristin Biermann/Zwetcher as discard score).

“This is very special for us, as we are a very young team: it was a lot of fun and we are very happy with the way it ended,” said Semmieke, who led the individual rankings with 76.35%.

Holland took silver and Denmark bronze. The GB team, composed of Chloe Vell/Kaja Di Valentina (67.67%), Erin Williams/Bolsan B (69.62%), Amber Barton/Labiat (67.83%) and Charlotte Dicker/Sabatini (63.86%) finished in eighth place overall.

In the young rider division things were much tighter, with Germany and Holland on very close scores and the team ranking decided by the countries’ last rides.

With Germany having the edge after the first three riders, Holland’s Dana Van Lierop and Equestricons Walkure produced an assured test to win the class with 76.5%, putting enormous pressure on Bianca Nowak and Fair Play RB.

The German did deliver (75.26%), although only 0.3% ultimately separated the two countries.

“I tried to calculate what I needed to score after Dana’s ride, and that wasn’t a very good feeling,” said Bianca.

Her teammate Vivien Niemann added: “We felt sick after Dana’s fabulous ride, but we really believed Bianca could get us gold. It was incredibly nerve-wracking trying to calculate the scores, with Bianca coming out of the arena and looking at us interrogatively.”

“This is a silver medal with a golden edge: we really fought for it and couldn’t be more delighted with our rides and our horses,” said Dana Van Lierop, promising revenge in the individual tests.

Bronze went to Sweden – their first European medal in 14 years.

The GB team of Lottie Fry/Z Flemmenco (69.21%), Robyn Smith/Foold Uz (68.13%), Claire Gallimore/Annette Ballerina (66.78%) and Rebecca Edwards/Ufano (66.52%) finished 7th.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Ingrid Klimke will head up the German challenge at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (6-10 May) this year.

Ingrid — who has competed at Badminton several times before, including finishing second in 2006 on the lovely grey Sleep Late — will bring her Pau CCI4* winner Horseware Hale Bob (pictured) to the Gloucestershire four-star.

She will be joined on the starting list by Bettina Hoy and Designer 10, who makes his four-star debut, and young British-based German Niklas Bschorer. Badminton first-timer Niklas brings forward his Bramham under-25 runner-up Tom Tom Go 3, as well as Lord Shostakovich, who jumped a double clear at Blenheim last year.

Also heading to Badminton for a first tilt at “The Great Event” is Claas Hermann Romeike, 22, whose father Hinrich Romeike was sixth at Badminton in 2007 on Marius Voigt-Logistik who went on to be Olympic champion in 2008. He rides Cato 60, with whom he had good CIC3* form in 2014.

German superstar Michael Jung’s plans remain up in the air, although he definitely intends to run both La Biosthetique-Sam FBW and FischerRocana FST at a four-star this spring. The decision on whether he heads to Badminton or Kentucky (23-26 April) rests on finance, as the German riders do not receive central funding for competition trips to America.

Badminton final scores

Andreas Dibowski has secured the support to make the journey this year and will be off to Kentucky with his European team gold medallist FRH Butts Avedon.

More Germans head to four-stars this spring than in other years because the later placement of the European Championships in the calendar, as well as the fact it is sometimes considered a less important championship than an Olympics or World Championships, means it is more feasible to also fit in a big four-star run in the spring.

However, world champions Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo will stick to CIC3*s in their preparation for the European Championships at Blair (10-13 September).

“That’s what the riders are planning at the moment, but of course with horses everything can change in five minutes,” said team trainer Christopher Bartle.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There are concerns that the German equestrian industry could be adversely affected if courts allow a new tax on horses to be introduced.

Riders in Germany are anxiously awaiting a decision on the legality of the controversial proposal.

Over the past three years, a growing number of town councils have tried to introduce an annual levy called the “pferdesteuer”, ranging from €250 to €750 per horse, despite ample evidence of devastating outcomes from the rural economy.

The German equestrian federation (FN) has led the national lobby against it, applying to the courts for a “Normenkontrollverfahren” (a ruling that horse tax law contradicts other laws), backing a nationwide petition and supporting local action groups in the municipalities at risk.

Popular campaign merchandise carries a logo that reads “Pferdesteuer? Nein danke!”

Sönke Lauterbach, chief executive of the FN, spoke recently at the World Horse Welfare conference in London (13 November) and discussed the worrying attitude of Germany’s town councils who assumed all horse-owners were rich.

The German sports horse industry is substantial, with state funding of studs and a strong culture of breeding by private individuals and public subsidies that historically have acted as an incentive to farmers to keep a few breeding mares.

The FN has also highlighted that 86% of horses are used for “leisure” purposes, owned by people who invariably make “financial sacrifice”, that 70% of active German riders are aged under 21, and for every horse, four jobs are generated.

The FN also highlights the contradiction in taxing a publicly-funded pastime which is one of just six recognised by the German Olympic sports confederation as having a “therapeutic” value.

Mr Lauterbach added: “I am very concerned to hear about the extent of fly-grazing in Britain. It’s something we just don’t see yet in Germany, but I guess that could all change if the horse tax becomes widespread,” he said.

Three towns — Allendorf, Kirkheim and Schlangenbad — have applied the pferdesteuer so far, though most riders who have received tax bills have refused to pay and have lodged appeals, which are taking a long time to process. Other municipal authorities backed down after horse owners organised demonstrations.

Unlike Britain, Germany is made up of 16 states that each retain some sovereignty, and may impose local taxes on any items or services that are not already taxed by central government.

Horse owners seem most at risk in the historically wealthier west of the country. But no town councils are considering it in Bavaria — whose most famous equestrian resident is Olympic eventing champion Michael Jung.

In 1982, the Bavarian administrative court declared that local controls on riding horses were inadmissible.
 Campaigner Jan Toejnes said: “Something supported by public money can’t be subject to a tax. For example, “hippo therapy” is of public interest — so how can you put a tax on horses used for working with disabled people?”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Gold medal-winning eventer FRH Butts Abraxxas has been officially retired.

German eventer Ingrid retired her long-term partner at a ceremony at Luhmühlen last weekend (14-15 June).

Bred by Friedrich Butt by the prolific thoroughbred Heraldik, Braxxi joined Ingrid as an 8-year-old.

The partnership competed at 6 championships for Germany in a row from 2007 to 2012, winning team gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as the 2011 Europeans.

They also finished in the top 10 at 3- or 4-star level 20 times.

The horse excelled in the dressage — he led after the first phase at the 2011 Luhmühlen Europeans with a score of 30 (80%) — and has been strong across country bar the odd blip, but the showjumping was his weakness. He lost the individual gold in 2011 with 6 down and Ingrid elected not to showjump him for an individual place in the 2nd round at London.

H&H looked back through its picture archives to celebrate some of this amazing eventer’s best achievements.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Germany will be allowed to participate in remaining Nations Cup qualifiers, after withdrawing from St Gallen due to deteriorating conditions.

FEI rules state that points will be forfeited for failing to take part — but the governing body made exceptions due to the “exceptional circumstances”.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (20 June 2013)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“We don’t do a medium, madam,” says the barista in Stansted. “Yes you do,” I scowl.

They do. I know they do. In my book, anywhere that sells coffee in three sizes does one that could, and should, be referred to as a medium. Not so Starbucks. At least the kid serving had the sense not to ask me for my name to write on the cup. At 5.30am my patience is thin.

But it was the obscenely early start that enabled photographer Kevin Sparrow and I to be at the Bockmann stallion station by 11am that day. We joined our group, led by James Crawford of Elite Stallions to start whistle-stop tour of some of the best stallions in Germany at one private stallion parade and two public.

Bockmann’s light and airy indoor played host to breeding greats Fidertanz, Check In and Canto Blanco as well as younger prospects. Horses and riders were immaculately turned out — the professionalism only clouded by the copious cigarette smoke from staff in the corner. Germans smoke. A lot.

The British-owned Dimaggio is here too for his second season — his laminitis meant they wouldn’t bring him out for us, but we were told he still toddles to the field daily and he has the end stable in a barn so he can look out.

In the afternoon we paid a trip to planet Schockeomohle — there’s pretty much nothing you wouldn’t want that they don’t sell in their enormous tack shop, and it all matches.

We also had a quick look round the yard — the value of the horses there, including supersires Metall, Balou De Rouet and Sandro Hit — who was on a treadmill — is mind-blowing.

It’s easy to forget as you leaf through the stallion catalogue each year that in reality they are horses just like yours and mine.

That night was the Sprehe stud show — the first of the two public parades, held in the Oldenburg headquarters in Vechta.

Despite the tight organisation, the show got off to a shaky start when the rising three-year-old Self Control laughed in the face of his namer by getting loose, then the next horse Lloyd George reared up and boxed his handler, sending him running off clutching his face.

If that wasn’t enough, a spectator passed out under the over-zealous heating.

Things settled after he was stretchered out, with attention turning to the quality collection of stallions presented — including Furst Wilhelm and the Cola son Cola Zero, who wowed with amazing reflexes and desire to get to and over the fences quickly and cleanly.

A just-backed three-year-old by Elite D’Olympic proved popular — especially among our group — as he is called Dujardin.

Last in was Desperados, looking tubbier than he had at the Games and more regular in the hindlegs in the piaffe/passage work. He is still a flagship stallion for the stud, but the recent purchase of the internationally proven grand prix sire Diamond Hit takes the pressure off.

Diamond Hit was shown in-hand and presented with a black rug covered in fistfuls of diamonds — powering around sparkling under the spotlight in his mega trot, he looked a million dollars.

Any stud whose front of house guy is called Mr Funke has got to be doing something right.

Stallion shows here are huge social affairs — the hall was packed with a sold out, fashionable, knowledgeable crowd. A major advantage over the British parades I’ve been to is that the Oldenburg base is a stone‘s throw from the centre of Vechta town. There’s also a major party atmosphere and pictures from the arena are beamed onto a big screen in the bar, where there’s lots more smoking. It’s like cross-country day at Badminton for breeders.

One of my favourite touches was the huge Oldenburg brand shaped door handles.

There’s a massive party tent with great big plates of schnitzel, cheap beer, excellent pick ‘n’ mix sweets, dancing and punchy tropical cocktails that come with free luminous bracelets (or, if you like, bracelets that come with free cocktails). In Germany, breeding is very cool.

We have lots to learn.

The introduction of the BEF’s Futurity evaluation scheme has made strides in furthering the cause of British breeding, but the need for the scheme to make money and be seen to be fair (ie the refusal to crown a winner) has jeopardised its power to attract the best and act as a showcase. The recent rule change allowing only stock from graded stallions goes some way towards addressing that.

I wonder whether we could go one better and invite evaluators from a range of studbooks to attend some sort of multi-discipline final? Perhaps three-year-old colts could be evaluated in front of them — and an audience — and inspectors could invite those that impressed them forward to some sort of second-round licensing. It would make for a good spectacle and potentially give the studbooks a chance to add some new blood to their books. Plus the competitive nature of life would mean there would be pressure to make the right picks…

Sure, the idea needs more fleshing out, but I think you get my drift.

What we have now in then UK is child’s play compared to the well oiled, popular and serious machine that is the German industry.

Alice

Read German stallion tour de force: part two

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Kristina Sprehe has taken the German Olympic dressage team into the lead three-quarters of the way through the grand prix.

The 25-year-old scored 79.812% on Desperados to jump straight into the number one position ahead of Britain’s Carl Hester, who led the first day with 77.72%.

This means that Charlotte Dujardin, the third and final team rider for Britain, will have to post a score of around 80% to put Britain in gold medal position before Tuesday’s grand prix special, which for the first time forms the other half of the team competition.

Carl Hester and Laura Bechtolsheimer remain second and third, ahead of Germany’s Dorothee Schneider in fourth.

And Germany’s strongest combination, Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill, are yet to come.

Richard Davison, Britain’s individual rider, scored a strong 72.812% on the 13-year-old Artemis for 11th place at the moment.

“Boy, did I work hard!” he said. “When the heavy rain came 10 minutes before my test and everyone put their umbrellas up, Artemis got really scared and jumpy, so the final 10 minutes of my preparation were not what I wanted.

“At the beginning of his test he was still nervous, but as time went on he started to come back to me. If I get through to the special, I will get a better ride out of him, I’m sure.”

The top seven teams and the top 11 individuals can compete in the grand prix special.

Charlotte Dujardin’s test is at 2.10pm today, and British fans will have to wait nervously until the final rider, Helen Langehanenberg at 3.20pm, to see how the British and German teams will fare at the end of this round.

Full 13-page report on the team dressage in H&H out next FRIDAY, 10 August

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The German Olympic showjumping team will now include Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna after Philipp Weishaupt’s horse Monte Bellini suffered a fever and infection late last week.

Mr Weishaupt was competing at Hickstead when he heard, on Friday, that the 10-year-old Westphalian stallion would not be travelling to London.

In a statement, German chef d’equipe Otto Becker said: “I am very sorry for Philipp, he and the stallion presented themselves really well over the whole season and Philipp was so happy about his first Olympic Games.”

Michaels-Beerbaum and Bella Donna were named as reserves for the team after finishing third behind Michael Whitaker in the Aachen Grand Prix.

Now Thomas Voss and Carinjo move into the reserve slot.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now