Latest from Horse & Hound in Julia-krajewski

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

Becky Murray — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:05:22 +0000

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel are back-to-back German national champions after topping the Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy results.

Julia and Bernd Heicke’s 12-year-old gelding added .8 of a time-penalty to their 26.9 two-phase score, to complete on 27.7.

“He jumped mega, and I couldn’t have done anything better this week,” said Julia, who has put herself in a brilliant position for selection for the World Championships in Aachen later this summer.

“He is the most genuine horse I’ve ever had. He just never thinks of doing something other than what’s in front of him. He loves Luhmühlen and he loves the crowd.

“I think it’s exactly what we needed to get him hyped up, and hopefully prepped for bigger things this summer.”

The showjumping track tested combinations right to the end, producing only seven clear rounds inside the time from 40 starters. One of those was from Julia and her other ride, Michael Sperl’s 12-year-old Tullabeg Platinum, who finished second on a score of 34.4.

“I knew I could have a pole or two and had some time [spare] with Nickel, but obviously you want your horse to jump clear,” said Julia.

“I had a very good round with Tullabeg and that gave me quite a lot of confidence.”

Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Bodil Ipsen’s 14-year-old Carlitos Quidditch K rounded off an all-German podium after jumping clear with .8 of a time-penalty, finishing just behind Julia and Tullabeg on 34.6. They too will be vying for a spot in Aachen this summer.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy results: the top six

Switzerland’s Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco, owned by Peter Attinger and Martin Zak, enjoyed an incredible climb from 32nd after the dressage to finish fourth. They were the quickest cross-country round yesterday, where no one made the optimum time, to add .4 of a time-penalty to their 35.1 dressage. Today that same speed and precision earned them a clear showjumping round.

Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier and her home-bred Kiarado d’Arville had a frustrating pole and 1.6 time-faults to drop them from overnight third to fifth.

Eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy and 17-year-old Vassily De Lassos were another big climber, rising from 16th after dressage to finish sixth. The reliable pair showjumped clear inside the time to finish on 37.5, having added just 4.8 cross-country time-faults to their dressage score.

Ahead of the weekend Andrew confirmed to H&H that he came to Luhmühlen Horse Trials with his eyes on a team spot at the World Championships. If selected, it will be their fourth championships together

“With him being healthy and me being healthy, if he’s feeling well and got the performances, then that’s something we want to do. Vassily is a horse that just absolutely loves competition,” said Andrew.

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Two horses sent to the holding box and three withdraw before Luhmühlen final trot-up

Becky Murray — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:02:33 +0000

All 15 horses have passed the CCI5* Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials final horse inspection this morning and proceed to the final showjumping phase – but the CCI4*-S loses three competitors.

The small five-star field presented before the ground jury of Britain’s Nick Burton, Austria’s Christian Steiner and Edith Scless-Stortenbecker of Germany, all looked fresh and well after yesterday’s cross-country. No one was sent to the holding box.

Seven nations remain represented in the five-star competition; Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand and the USA.

Caroline Harris and D. Day pictured in the CCI5* Luhmühlen Horse Trials final horse inspection. Credit Peter Nixon. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Britain holds the top two places going into the final phase. The pressure is on overnight leaders Caroline Harris and D. Day (owned by Lucy Matthews, Fiona Olivier, Marie Anne Richardson and Heather Royle) – they come forward on a score of 31.1.

Only 2.7 penalties separate Caroline and D. Day and Emily King with Valmy Biats, owned by Emily and her father David, who are on a two-phase score of 33.8. US rider Boyd Martin and Shanroe Cooley, owned by Dallac LLC, are in third on 38.1.

Brits Harry Horton and Cooley With Ambition, owned by Ballinger Equine and the Ambition Syndicate, are on their way to their first five-star completion. The pair are 10th going into the showjumping.

CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy Luhmühlen Horse Trials final horse inspection

Forty horses were presented before the ground jury of Joachim Dimmek and Joanne Jarden in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy.

Two horses were sent to the holding box; Germany’s Anna Haag and her own Little Caterpillar and New Zealand’s Daniel Jocelyn with his own and Panda Christie’s Blackthorn Cruise. Both were accepted on re-inspection.

Finnish rider Axel Lindberg was asked to trot up Maria Lucander-Aminoff’s 11-year-old mare Quelle Bonne a second time, but was then passed.

Three horses did not come forward to the Luhmühlen Horse Trials final horse inspection. Hannah Klep and her own Tulara Chicouve and home side rider Felix Etzel withdrew Ulrike Malter’s TSF Polartanz. Hannah was 39th after the cross-country and Felix was in 12th. The other withdrawal is US rider Cosby Green, who was lying in ninth with her family’s Highly Suspicious.

Defending champions Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel are on the cusp of back-to-back wins, they go into the final phase on a score of 26.9. Julia and Nickel have a 4.2 penalty buffer ahead of Belgium’s Lara de Liederkerke-Meier and home-bred Kiarado D’Arville, owned by Five Star Eventers and Larga Sprl, who are in second on 31.1. Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Bodil Ipsen’s 14-year-old Carlitos Quidditch K jumped proceed to the showjumping in provisional third, 33.8.

The CCI5* showjumping takes place at 10.25 UK time (11.25am local). The CCI4*-S showjumping begins at 1.10pm UK time (2.10pm local).

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World Championship selection plays on riders’ minds in influential Luhmühlen CCI4*-S cross-country

Becky Murray — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:19:06 +0000

Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel have maintained their lead following the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy cross-country at Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials.

The defending champions are on track to retain their crown having jumped clear around course-designer Mike Etherington Smith’s track, adding just four time-penalties to their superb 22.9 dressage. Not only does this class decide the German national eventing champion, but team selectors have their eyes peeled ahead of the World Championships in August.

Julia described Bernd Heicke’s 12-year-old gelding’s round as “faultless”.

“He’s really pro at this level,” said Julia. “I was very happy that I didn’t take too many pulls and could really just ride him very fluent, which is how he can be quick.

“He doesn’t have the highest speed, but he’s really always on the lines. He’s just a very genuine horse.”

The withdrawal of Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas before the Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI4-S cross-country left 50 starters. Of these, 37 jumped clear but no one made the 6min 40sec optimum time, on what was a hot and humid day in Germany. Switzerland’s Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco were the closest, coming home a second over to incur .4 of a time-penalty – putting them into overnight fifth on 35.5.

Julia’s other ride Tullabeg Platinum, owned by Michael Sperl, had 7.2 time-penalties, which dropped them from third to overnight fourth.

“The time was very tight, it always is at Luhmühlen, so it didn’t surprise me that no one made it inside,” said Julia.

“Tullabeg is a bit less experienced at this level, and has a massive jump and stride, so needed a bit more adjustment and preparation here and there. He answered everything perfectly and felt very comfortable in the atmosphere. Both horses were phenomenal.”

“I’m aiming for Aachen”

Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier stopped the clocked at 6min 50sec for four time-penalties on her home-bred Kiarado d’Arville. This boosted them from fourth after the dressage to second ahead of tomorrow’s final phase.

“I’m really happy. He’s a 10-year-old and although he’s done a lot already, he’s never come to an event like here at Luhmühlen,” said Lara.

“I’m aiming him for Aachen, if everything stays the way I hope. That’s why we came here, I think it’s a little bit similar. It’s a twisty track and it’s a bit like we’re going to have I think, so everything is in preparation for the next couple of weeks.”

Cross-country pathfinders Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Bodil Ipsen’s 14-year-old Carlitos Quidditch K jumped clear with 6.8 time-faults. This dropped them from second after the dressage to provisional third ahead of the showjumping.

New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington had mixed fortunes across country. She opted to retire her first ride Delarado (owned by Rachel Bessell, Kate Maitland, the McGrigor family and Samantha), who had been lying in overnight sixth, after a miscommunication at fence 14a.

“I was just missing a little bit of match practice with Delarado and came a little too keen out of the start box so unfortunately she wasn’t quite with me,” Samantha told H&H.

“She’s been a little bit light on work the last month or so and probably missed a little bit of training, and I guess it showed today. We’ve got a little bit of homework to do before she comes out again.”

Later in the afternoon Samantha jumped a super clear with Lucas Stone, owned by Fiona Edwards, Neil Robertson, David Taylor, the Dubowskis and Samantha. The pair incurred 8.8 time-faults to move down the leaderboard from sixth after the dressage to 11th.

“Luca was great, there’s a fair amount of pressure in these last couple of events before the selection for the World Championships, so I think I probably just had that in the back of my mind,” said Samantha.

“It was a lot of pressure to cope with, but I’m really pleased to get the job done and come home safe, and hopefully post a good score on the board tomorrow.”

Eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy on the Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI4*-S cross-country

Australia’s Andrew Hoy is another rider bidding for World Championship selection, with the experienced double Olympic medallist Vassily De Lassos, owned by Dreams Come True V LLC-owned. They stopped the clock on 6min 52sec for 4.8 time-faults, having jumped all the obstacles clear.

Andrew told H&H it was “a very good course”.

“Mike Etherington-Smith’s courses always walk beautifully, and then when you come to ride them, they always ride a fraction stronger than they walk,” he said.

“It was a proper four-star course, no one got the time but if you rode well, the fences jumped well, so that was really good.”

Andrew gave full credit to 17-year-old Vassily De Lassos.

“He’s just an exceptional horse in all areas,” said Andrew. “I’m very privileged to ride a horse like that, who I’ve got a 10-year relationship with.”

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‘Today was perfect’: Olympic horse brings his A-game at Luhmühlen Horse Trials

Becky Murray — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:17:20 +0000

Olympic rider Julia Krajewski heads a German top three in the CCI4*-S Memser Trophy following the conclusion of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials dressage.

Julia and Bernd Heicke’s Uelzener’s Nickel were clapped out of the arena by an enthusiastic crowd after delivering a dazzling 22.9. This gets the pair off to a flying start as they defend their German national champion crown.

Julia and Nickel started as they meant to go on, receiving eights from judges Joachim Dimmek at C and Joanne Jarden at E for the first three movements. The test showed ease and confidence from the 12-year-old Paris Olympic gelding and the judges rewarded the wonderful partnership on display with an 8.5 and nine for harmony of horse and rider.

Julia Krajewski said “today was perfect” following her Luhmühlen Horse Trials dressage.

“Nickel really loves this stadium. He can be a bit tense sometimes, depending where we go, but he knows this place,” she said.

“There’s always things that I know I want to improve on. I’d say canter work is his strength. The trot is not the most forward naturally, but I think the judges have got used to it. I was very happy with the halts and just his general attitude, he was very workman-like and I could really ride him.”

Julia added that Nickel is a “crowd favourite”.

“Once he’s done, it was the same in Paris, he walks out of the arena like: ‘Ok, this is what I deserved, come and cheer for me’,” she said.

“It’s really nice that he feels comfortable in this atmosphere.”

A German top three

Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Bodil Ipsen’s 14-year-old Carlitos Quidditch K hold provisional second on a score of 27 – just 0.2 of a penalty separating them and Julia on her second ride, Michael Spurl’s 12-year-old gelding Tullabeg Platinum. This class is a key selection trial for the German team ahead of the World Championships; five horses from the A squad are among the entries including Malin and Carlitos Quidditch K and Julia with both her rides.

Last to go in the dressage was Belgium’s Lara De Liederkerke-Meier and home-bred Kiarado d’Arville, son of her former championship ride Nooney Blue. They are fourth overnight on 27.3.

There are no Brits on the CCI4*-S card this year, but British-based riders to make the journey include New Zealander Samantha Lissington who held her own in this first phase. She is currently fifth with Lucas Stone – owned by Fiona Edwards, Neil Robertson, David Taylor, the Dubowskis and Samantha – and sixth with mare Delarado, owned by Fiona Edwards, Neil Robertson, David Taylor, the Dubowskis and Samantha.

Samantha told H&H “Luca” is still fairly new to the level, having stepped up at Blenheim last autumn, and still gaining confidence in the arena – but “nailed it” today.

“He was really with me, so it was very exciting. He’s got a lot of presence and a lovely frame,” she said.

Samantha bought the 10-year-old from Finland having found him using the EquiRatings Horse Search Complete, a data-driven equine sourcing service.

“He was someone’s only horse and he’s forever in your space. He’s a real people person, so he’s a fun member of the team with a lot of character,” she said.

“When I saw him I thought he had an athleticism about him that I really liked and a natural respect for the fences, and quite a lot of presence that I spotted fairly early on in his videos.”

Samantha posted the second best score of the day yesterday on Delarado, slotting her behind Julia and Tullabeg Platinum overnight.

“Delardo is Miss Consistent. She’s so rideable and easy and straightforward. The atmosphere never bothers her,” said Samanatha.

Aiming for Aachen

Samantha originally had Delarado entered in the CCI5* class, but switched to the CCI4*-S with her eye on the World Championships.

“I changed my mind just to get these two fit, on the road ready for Aachen. They’re both ready to do the five-star, but we’ve decided to prioritise selection for Aachen this year,” said Samantha, who has an exciting string with Defender Bramham CCI4*-S runner-up Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ also in team contention.

“I don’t think I could have done much better the last couple of days. It’s quite satisfying to deliver at an important event and have these first two days ticked, and I hope we can tick the next couple.”

Looking ahead to the cross-country tomorrow (20 June), Samantha thinks the clock will be a prominent factor.

“The main area is a lot kinder than last year, but the last minute and a half is very busy so I think the time is going to be fairly challenging to get,” she said.

A late entry

Belgium’s Senne Vervaecke and Google Van Alsingen got proceedings under way in the CCI4*-S today. The pair were a late entry having been hampered by paperwork issues, taking the starters in this class to 51. They scored 37.4 for overnight 40th.

At the halfway break this morning no one had broken the sub-30 barrier; Danish Olympic rider Peter Flarup was the closest with a 30.5 on his own 10-year-old gelding H.Carald Z, after receiving consistent scores from the judges. They will start the cross-country in seventh place.

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‘It’s been quite a journey’: Olympic rider aims for back-to-back titles as she lands personal best at Luhmühlen

Becky Murray — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:42:11 +0000

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.

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Can history repeat itself? Ros Canter and Izilot DHI set to defend Luhmühlen CCI5* title

Becky Murray — Wed, 20 May 2026 16:01:09 +0000

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI are among the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials entries (18-21 June), as the pair look to defend their CCI5* title.

Ros could be on track for history to repeat itself; last year she won Badminton with Lordships Graffalo in May then Luhmühlen five-star with Izilot DHI in June. She showed she is in phenomenal form at this year’s Badminton when Lordships Graffalo won his history-making third title. She is also entered with Lady Milnes Coates and Deirdre Johnston’s MHS Seventeen, who finished 19th in the German five-star last year.

This year’s Luhmühlen Horse Trials takes place just eight weeks before the World Eventing Championships in Aachen (13-16 August) and only 30 are entered in the five-star class, of which 13 are British combinations. Fiona Kashel and Monbeg Cazador are on the list and would make 31 entries, but the pair are already shown as withdrawn.

Pau five-star 2024 winners Caroline Harris and D Day (owned by Lucy Matthews, Fiona Olivier and Marie Anne Richardson and Heather Royle) will make the trip to Luhmühlen; Laura Collett will bring forward Lucy Nelson’s Hester, who finished seventh here last year, and Harry Meade is entered with 11-year-old five-star first-timer Jet Fighter, owned by Abigail Bernard. Sam Ecroyd will ride Mister Big Ears (owned by Julie and Michael Hall and Penelope Ecroyd), who is also making his top-level debut.

There are two home-side riders in the CCI5*; Heike Jahncke and Mighty Spring FRH (owned by Carsten Küst and rider) and Katharina Meyer and Aspen T (owned by Monika Tietz and rider). Jonelle Price will ride her own and the Grape Syndicate’s Grappa Nera and Tim Price is entered with Susan Lamb, Therese Miller and his own Happy Boy. Last year’s Luhmühlen five-star runner-up Samantha Lissington will ride Delarado, a five-star first-timer owned by Rachel Bessell, Ella and Magnus McGrigor, Kate Maitland, Braydon Lissington and Samantha.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials entries for the CCI4*-S

The CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy, which incorporates the German national championship, has 63 entered, including Emily King and Valmy Biats, who finished 39th at Badminton following some miscommunications across country. The other Brits are Gordon Murphy with Kevin McNab’s Highmoon and John Tilley and his own Licence to Cooley.

Among the 18 German entries are last year’s champions Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel (owned by Bernd Heicke), Christoph Wahler and Stefan Haupt and Hendrik von Paepcke’s D’Accord FRH and Calvin Bockmann with his family-owned Altair de la Cense.

Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith has introduced “several tweaks” to this year’s tracks.

“It’s a privilege to design at events like this. Luhmühlen is a top-class event and that’s exactly why riders enjoy competing here. All the fences are now in place and we are working on the final details,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to work alongside Kai-Steffen Meier, who brings a great deal of experience and is an excellent sounding board for ideas.

“The course is just that little bit more demanding this year to ensure riders stay focused and continue making decisions all the way round depending on how their horses are feeling. We are also using more frangible fences throughout the course to further enhance safety.”

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Mare who won Olympic gold welcomes her first foal: ‘A sweet but protective mum’

Pippa Roome — Wed, 07 May 2025 07:14:01 +0000

Tokyo Olympic eventing champion Amande De B’Neville has successfully given birth to her first foal, a colt – and they are both doing well.

German rider Julia Krajewski announced the retirement of “Mandy” from eventing due to a hoof issue in January 2024 and then confirmed her pregnancy in June last year. The foal is by Cascadello I, who belongs to Mandy’s co-owner Professor Bernd Heicke.

“Amande De B’Neville delivered a perfect little colt foal that looks exactly like her with the addition of some tail sparkles that also his father Cascadello I has,” said Julia. “Everything went very smoothly and she’s been taken care of perfectly, I did only watch via camera and cheered them on.

“To no one’s surprise, she is a very dedicated and sweet but protective mum and we are all very happy and very proud of her.”

The 15-year-old Selle Français mare, by Oscar Des Fontaines, helped Julia make history at the Tokyo Games, which were delayed a year by the Covid-19 pandemic, when the German rider became the first female event rider to claim the individual Olympic title.

At the time, Mandy was relatively unknown; Julia had been ruled out of team contention with her previous top horse Samurai Du Thot when he lost an eye due to an infection in the spring of that year. The mare only came into focus as a team contender after she won Saumur CCI4*-L in April.

Julia and Mandy franked their Tokyo form with individual silver and team gold at the 2022 World Championships, but the mare did not compete again after that due to the “undramatic hoof issue”, which did not improve despite various approaches to treatment.

“While [the hoof issue] does not make her uncomfortable in normal life, there is a risk that it might get way worse when the pressure of performance is put on,” said Julia when the mare’s retirement was announced.

“While I am very sad that I will not feel her incredible power, clever mind, scopey jump and sheer determination, which then sometimes peaked into this unreal connection I felt in Tokyo or Pratoni again, I am very much at peace with the decision to retire her now and hopefully have some nice foals from her in the future.”

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‘He is wonderful across country – like he’s done it all before’: meet Chilli Morning’s three clones

Pippa Roome — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:16 +0000

The cloning of Badminton Horse Trials winner Chilli Morning came into the spotlight last autumn, when one of the three clones, Chilli Morning IV, won the seven-year-old World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers – while another of the clones, Chilli Morning II, also competed there, finishing sixth. Remarkably, the pair scored exactly the same dressage mark.

The clones all belong to the original Chilli’s owners, Chris and Lisa Stone, and they are ridden by Britain’s Gemma Stevens (Chilli Morning IV, known as Quattro), Germany’s Julia Krajewski (Chilli Morning II, known as Deuce) and China’s Alex Hua Tian (Chilli Morning III, known as Tres). We spoke to the three jockeys to find out a little more about the horses’ characters…

All three riders praise the clones’ brains and ability.

“My one has been very easy to train,” says Gemma. “With their brains, it’s like ticking boxes and once they have learnt something once, they never forget.

“The showjumping is his weakest phase, but he tries and is getting stronger. He is absolutely wonderful across country – like he’s done it all before. He’s so positive and loves to gallop. He doesn’t get uptight in the start box, he just genuinely seems like he loves it.”

Gemma knew Chilli as an older horse – she competed alongside him at the Rio Olympics and he retired to her base at Tattleton, which belongs to Chris Stone, for a couple of years before his death in 2020.

“It’s hard to compare because these are young horses, but there are real similarities. Their walk is just like Chilli’s walk,” says Gemma. “My one has a prettier head than the original, though I think Julia’s looks very like him.

“And there are certain things that are weirdly similar – like the way they do a flying change, the way they sort of hold themselves in a frame. Then there are differences – we think my one might trot slightly better. And mine is slightly smaller than Chilli.”

Alex echoes Gemma on his charge’s cross-country prowess, particularly.

“Tres is a very self-confident, intelligent, worldly-wise, cheeky chappy,” he says. “He’s a bit spooky. The first time he went out of the start box, it was like, ‘Whoa, this is really weird’ – I’d never sat on anything that comes out the first time ears pricked, looking for the first fence, super mature, with such a natural engine.

“Talking to Gemma and Julia, they’ve felt very much the same with their two – that strain of genetics obviously has a really strong affinity to the cross-country phase.”

With Alex’s being the biggest of the three clones, he says: “I was warned by Chris, Lisa and Gemma that the Chilli Morning offspring do take a bit of time to get going physically and Tres followed that as a four- and five-year-old. There were multiple flashes of brilliance, but he felt like a very rangy, weak horse who hadn’t grown into his body yet.

“There were weeks when he felt amazing, then weeks where it felt like he’d lost 20 stone and was growing again. His development has been marked by that – he’s clearly an exciting horse who needs a little bit more time physically.”

Julia calls Deuce by his progenitor’s name, Chilli – “we have problems saying Deuce so he’s Chilli to us”.

“He’s always been very straightforward – I don’t think there are many things he’s questioned,” she says. “He’s very good to work with, but he’s a two-sided personality – he can be a bit ignorant, not care much for everything, then can suddenly be quite sweet and cuddly.

“I find it fascinating to speak to the other riders – I chat with Gemma quite often and ask how is this or that with yours? Often we’ve had the same sort of issue in the same time frame, or she says that’s totally normal with Chilli offspring at this time.”

Read more about the Chilli Morning clones, including how Chris chose their riders, why they have all been castrated and their competitive plans for this year, in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (issue dated 6 March).
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Olympic champion relocates to new country for the winter

Pippa Roome — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:04:19 +0000

Germany’s Julia Krajewski, the 2021 Olympic eventing champion, has a new base, having relocated to Italy for the winter season.

Julia had worked out of the German national training centre at Warendorf for more than 17 years, since she left school at 19, but moved in December to the family base of her boyfriend, Italian championship rider Pietro Roman, just outside Rome. Pietro’s father Federico was the 1980 Olympic champion at the Moscow Games and his brother Luca is also an Olympian; Pietro and Luca competed at the 2016 Games in Rio.

Julia told H&H the weather is considerably warmer in Italy at this time of year and the ground in better condition.

“I took 11 horses with me and one was here already,” she said. “Moving the horses was the smallest problem – I had to move out of my apartment so it’s all that stuff, all the horses’ stuff… just putting horses on the lorry and trailer was way easier than moving everything else! I have done the trip a few times for competitions as it’s the same area as Montelibretti or Pratoni, so I know the road.”

Julia Krajewski plans to stay at her new base in Italy until April, then return to Germany for the summer season, probably around the Warendorf area but not at the centre.

“It has benefits, being in the centre of everything, but I’m ready for a bit more peace and quiet,” she said.

Following the retirement of her Olympic champion Amande De B’Neville, who is in foal, Julia’s string for this year is headed by the promising 11-year-old Nickel 21, who won Aachen CCIO4*-S and Boekelo CCIO4*-L last year, as well as finishing 11th at the Paris Olympics after a late call-up. Julia said she may aim him at Luhmühlen five-star, but her chief focus will be a return to Aachen and championships, with the European Championships at Blenheim in September in mind.

Also among her rides is one of the three clones of Chris and Lisa Stone’s world and European medallist Chilli Morning, Chilli Morning II, who will be aimed at the eight- and nine-year-old class at Blenheim.

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‘I’m beyond proud of him’: Olympic eventing cross-country pathfinder delighted with performance

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 09:45:00 +0000

The Paris Olympics cross-country is well and truly underway and Germany’s Julia Krajewski will have given her fellow competitors plenty of confidence as she jumped an assured clear round in the Olympic eventing aboard Nickel 21.

Julia picked finished 12 seconds over the 9min 2sec optimum time, picking up 4.8 time-faults to now sit on 31.7 with the relatively inexperienced 10-year-old.

“I’m beyond proud of Nickel,” said Julia, who was individual champion at the Tokyo Olympic riding Amande De B’Neville (‘Mandy’). “Before I thought, okay, he’s not Mandy and he’s not here to take me around, I’m there to take him around and hold his hand and and make it happen. But then I set off on him and he just did it as if I’ve done an Olympic course on him twice before. He’s so genuine and honest and trusting.”

Speaking of her slightly slow time, Julia said: “Maybe was a little bit careful in the beginning with the ground because, it’s not bad ground but it changes a lot on the way around, so we lost a bit of time here and there.

“For me, the most important thing was that he’s happy and fit for the last three minutes, so I didn’t want to push him too much in the beginning and that worked out perfectly.”

Julia explained she was “a bit brave” at the final water.

“But he took me along and I said okay, we’ll do it on five strides and five strides and I went the direct route as the time was running away, and he just did it like a pro. So that makes me very, very proud of him.”

Julia said that the course rode “as she thought and hoped it would”.

“You are aware that they have little options with a stride more or less in places, but it all really actually happened as we thought.”

The USA’s Caroline Pamukcu, who was sixth out on course aboard HSH Blake, was the first combination to fault on-course although she has said that she hopes the 20 penalties she incurred at fence 16c, The Viewpoint over the Grand Canal, will be removed by the ground jury.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete and I’ve got to say the course was riding like a dream,” explained Caroline. “Then I came to that bank and he fell in the ditch, so I did the smartest option said ‘going long’ and jumped the different elements.

“He was fabulous and honestly most of it felt pretty easy. He feels like a seasoned pro and was super rideable in the beginning, and answered all the questions and I was really on my minutes markers, so I’m disappointed that I had to slow down after taking that long option.”

Sweden’s Sofia Sjoborg was the first to finish inside the optimum time when crossing the finish line with 13 seconds to spare aboard Bryjamolga VH Marienshof, but has been awarded with 15 penalties for missing a flag – this may be removed by the ground jury at the end of cross-country day.

“She just flew, so that was really cool,” said an understandable chuffed Sofia.

End of day update: Julia Krajewski now sits in 14th individually, Caroline Pamukcu is in 47th and Sofia Sjoborg is in 37th.

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‘A lot of head scratching’: riders share their thoughts on the Paris Olympics cross-country

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 18:19:49 +0000

Competitors have been sharing their reactions after walking the 2024 Paris Olympics cross-country course, which is designed by French course-designer Pierre Le Goupil. So here is the lowdown on the fences on the Paris Olympics eventing cross-country course that the riders think are likely to determine who wins the Olympic eventing medals.

Check out every fence on the Olympic cross-country course

British pathfinder Tom McEwen echoes many rider’s sentiments in saying it is a “well-designed” and “beautiful” track.

“I think it’s a fantastic course. If I compare it to Tokyo, it’s slightly different with the ideas and questions, but I think it very cleverly opens you out,” he explains. “There’s galloping areas – it’s not just twisty – but I think at the end is when you’re going to slightly get caught out as there’s lots of twists and turns, not just fences.

“I see the optimum time being quite tight, and I think it will be intense to ride – I’d compare it to a nine-minute version of Luhmühlen.”

One fence that sticks out in Tom’s mind is the second water complex at fence 10 – The Vauban Citadel (pictured top).

“For me, I think it’s a big question. It’s a big jump in over the direct route and it’s at the highest point of the course,” he explains. “Then I think there’s a few different questions elsewhere and I think it will be an accumulation of effort for horses and riders. You could build the easiest course in the world, but it is the Olympics, and people will make some mistakes.”

Tom’s teammate and dressage leader Laura Collett says that there has been “a lot of head scratching” due to the number of combinations and options available.

“There’s a lot of options at fence 10 and we haven’t seen a shape of fence like the jump into the water before, plus it’s at the top of a long uphill pull,” she continues. “To be honest, I think it’s like any other cross-country course in that you’ve got to be on your A game from start to finish and you’re not home until you’ve gone through the finish flags.”

Ros Canter, who is anchor rider for the British team agrees with Laura in that “there’s plenty to jump”.

“The time is going to be a big factor and that’s where mistakes creep in. I’ve got a plan – I’m open to that plan changing, but I’m going to try and stay in my bubble,” she states.

Germany’s Michael Jung thinks the continued rain that the area has experienced over the past 24 hours will be “good for the ground”.

“When I first looked at the course a couple of days ago, I thought that the ground was maybe a bit hard in places,” he continues. “We have not much experience here, but my feeling is that cross-country will be amazing.”

Paris Olympics cross-country course: “It’s very clever”

Michael’s compatriot and reigning individual Olympic champion Julia Krajewski says that the course “shouldn’t be underestimated”.

“It’s very clever. I think if you ride forward and bravely and have an honest horse, you probably will do well,” she concludes.

Switzerland’s Felix Vogg was another to comment on the beautifully presented track, but with an interesting word of caution.

“It’s the prettiest course I have ever seen – I think it’s maybe a little bit too pretty and everyone feels comfortable. If a rider is on their line, maybe they’ll be lulled into forgetting how to ride a little bit,” he explains. “If you are not really focused and riding like it’s a cross-country, I think it will be tough.”

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor said to keep an eye out on ground conditions, owing to the heavy rain.

“The ground is getting soft and it’s certainly going to change the complexion of the competition – hopefully the blood horses will come to the fore,” he says. “Pierre Le Goupil is a very, very clever course designer – fair, but clever.

“It’s quite intense and it’s going to be quick, but you will need to have enough petrol. I think from seven minutes onwards it will be interesting with the riders that are having a real go. ”

Austin pinpoints fences 5abc and 7ab – The Ménagerie Pond and The Ulysees’ Companions – as jumps to look out for.

“The water at five will sort people out early on the course and fence seven, which is a step up to a rail, will either fill horses with confidence or suddenly have them thinking early on. I think from the word go, it’s all got to be respected,” he states.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Switzerland’s Robin Godel suggests that the time will be “difficult” to achieve and that people should keep an eye on the final water, The Etoile Royale Waters, at fence 23abcd.

“The angle is not so easy to ride at this fence and it comes after the eighth minute. We have to pay attention to the end and be on a good line and also, when the horse is a bit tired and long, we have to react and be ready.”

Jonelle Price, who is riding in her fourth Olympics for New Zealand, says that Pierre’s job as course designer for this Olympics is “not an easy brief”.

“Where you’ve got the world’s best combinations, but also some of the lesser nations as well – that can be tricky, but I think he’s done a really good job. There are some things we haven’t really seen before and Pierre has been creative. The dimensions are fair and you can make up some time in the third minute, but that’s about the only place you can on this course – during the second minute, I think there’s seven jumping efforts and it will be about minimising the damage to your time in those busy patches.”

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‘It’s a new page’: defending Olympic champion sets Paris 2024 campaign off to positive start

Lucy Elder — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 09:13:26 +0000

Defending champion Julia Krajewski set the standard in the Paris 2024 Olympic eventing dressage with rising star Nickel 21.

The German gold medallist was the final eventing competitor to leave the arena in Tokyo – where she became the first woman to land the individual Olympic title with the great mare Amande De B’Neville – and the first to enter the arena three years later in Paris.

Coming into these Games, set in the spectacular grounds of the palace of Versailles, is a different ask. Nickel at 10 years old, owned by Sophia Rössel, is less experienced than some here, but has more than proved his talent to mix it with “the big boys”.

It was by virtue of their performance at Aachen a little under a month ago that the pair moved up from the third group of named combinations on the German entries to take the alternate spot. When Sandra Auffarth and Viamant Du Matz withdrew from the German team earlier this week, Julia and Nickel stepped up.

The pair’s first phase score of 26.9 is a little off their personal best performances, but not out of keeping in the context of their past results.

“I’m very pleased,” said Julia. “He had a little spook in the corner left of C, but it speaks for him that he has an ear with me to say, ‘Mum, if you say it’s fine, I will try and go’ –and that’s really his character.

“He really tries his best and whenever he’s not quite sure he waits for me to tell him what to do. He’s a very nice treat of a horse to be so trusting and genuine.

“He didn’t do much wrong; I think the rein-back wasn’t quite perfect and maybe some little wobbles here and there. I said a score of 27 would be my aim, considering he’s the first starter and it’s the Olympics – they’re not going to throw marks at us – so I just made it.”

The weight of that individual Olympic gold sits lightly on Julia’s shoulders.

“This is a new horse, new games, it’s a new page and I wouldn’t want to put the weight of stepping into those shoes on Nickel, because it’s different – people recognize me more but that’s okay,” she said.

“To be honest, I didn’t have the Olympics marked on my calendar as a case that I’m probably going – it was more like okay, that’s the Olympics, don’t book an expensive holiday there just in case!

“I planned the season for the horse and it turned out that he felt ready and has proved that he’s really able to play with the big boys, and then I was very happy to go as number four.”

That alternate spot requires riders to be ready to step in – when Julia got the nod, she changed her mindset to get her head in the zone and perform for her country.

“I’m proud to be here and I will see what the week brings,” she said.

Caroline Pamukeu leads the way for USA

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake – the joint youngest horse in the field at nine years old – were the first US combination to take the arena in the French drizzle. This combination landed individual gold at the Pan American Games in Chile last year, the senior championship debut for both horse and rider.

“He’s such a little unicorn,” said Caroline, who produced a score of 30.4 with the gelding she owns with her husband Deniz, mother Sherrie Martin and Mollie Hoff.

“The whole goal for this weekend is not individual performance, it’s team performance. I’m here to give the best consistent dressage test, the best consistent cross-country and the best consistent showjump round because again, team medal is more important than anything else, especially looking towards LA.”

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Reigning Olympic champion called up to Paris team slot after individual medal contender withdraws

Pippa Roome — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:47:40 +0000

Sandra Auffarth has withdrawn Viamant Du Matz from the German eventing team for the Paris Olympics. The chestnut was not 100% fit on Tuesday evening, at the last health check before moving from the training camp at Deauville to the Olympic site at Versailles.

Julia Krajewski will be promoted from the alternate spot to compete with Sophia Rössel’s Nickel 21. The rider became the first female to win the Olympic individual gold in eventing when she won in Tokyo on Amande De B’Neville, and she now has a chance to defend her title.

The German team have lost an experienced combination from their Paris Olympics eventing squad with the withdrawal of Sandra Auffarth and Nikolaus Prinz Von Croy’s 15-year-old Tokyo Olympic veteran Viamant — they were world team gold medallists in 2022 and claimed European individual bronze last year, leading the Germans to team silver.

Nickel is less experienced at just 10 years old, so the German team have sacrificed some reliability in this swap, but he is potentially brilliant. He and Julia clinched their spot on the squad with a win in the prestigious CCI4*-S at Aachen earlier this month.

Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom Of The Opera, who were second at Aachen, have been named as the new alternate combination. Calvin, 23, will be the youngest event rider at the Games.

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Reigning Olympic champion boosted to alternate position for Paris after Aachen

Pippa Roome — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:51:29 +0000

Julia Krajewski has been named as the alternate for the German Olympic eventing team following her win at CHIO Aachen last week.

Julia and the 10-year-old Nickel 21 were only in the third group of named combinations on the original German longlist so it looked likely the reigning Olympic champion – who won in Tokyo on the now-retired Amande De B’Neville – would not be heading to Paris. But they were elevated following their victory in the prestigious CCI4*-S last week and will travel to the Games as alternates for their nation.

Nickel has had eight top-10 results at four-star, so he has plenty of good form, but he is also relatively inexperienced compared to many horses who will make the trip to Paris. He has only run twice at CCI4*-L and was eliminated for a fall on his first attempt at the level at Boekelo last year, so it would not have been surprising had he been passed over for a horse with more mileage.

German Olympic eventing team

Sandra Auffarth with 15-year-old gelding Viamant Du Matz

Owner: Nikolaus Prinz Von Croy

Breeder: Roger Sevette (FRA)

Breeding: by Diamant De Semilly out of a mare by Voltigeur Le Malin

Michael Jung with 16-year-old FischerChipmunk FRH

Owners: German Olympic committee for equestrian sport, Klaus and Sabine Fischer, Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff

Breeder: ZG Meyer-Kulenkampff

Breeding: by Contendro I out of a mare by Heraldik

Christoph Wahler with 15-year-old Carjatan S

Owners: Lena Thoenies and rider

Breeder: Carl-Friedrich Soehrmann

Breeding: by Clearway out of a mare by Galant Vert

Alternate

Julia Krajewski with 10-year-old Nickel 21

Owners: Sophia Rössel

Breeder: Hindrick Stuevel

Breeding: by Numero Uno out of a mare by Lorentin

Julia congratulated her compatriots, “the ones that got the call and also the ones that didn’t quite make it this time”, and described Nickel as “the horse that keeps on giving” and “the best buddy a rider could wish for”.

She added: “Am I disappointed to be number four and not in the top three? After contemplating with myself for about 30 seconds (being Olympic champion, I’ve been asked that question often these days) I can confidently say no! I am very proud to be selected for the Olympic Games the third time in a row and very keen to be the best back-up possible if needed or if not, the best support for the other three along the way.”

Julia was the reserve rider for the German team at the 2016 Olympics and was called in after the trot-up. She and Samourai Du Thot took home team silver, although they were the discard score after three refusals across country.

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British eventers triumph for second year in a row at prestigious CHIO Aachen as course juggles leaderboard

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 19:06:39 +0000

The British team led from start to finish to take top honours in the prestigious SAP-Cup at CHIO Aachen.

The squad, made up of Kirsty Chabert (Classic VI), Izzy Taylor (SBH Big Wall), Laura Collett (Dacapo) and Emily King (Valmy Biats), proved unassailable, finishing on 112.8, ahead of the USA in second on 123.7 and Ireland in third on 138. The German team were fourth on 147.5.

Laura, who finished best of the Brits in third individually aboard Dacapo, a 15-year-old owned by Diana Chappell, Gillian Morris-Adams and Michael Smedley, said: “Everything here is so special – the atmosphere, the crowds. We don’t get to jump in a stadium like this anywhere else in the world.”

There had been musings among competitors that the cross-country track, designed by Rüdiger Schwarz for the final time after many years holding the role here, was softer than in previous seasons. However, from 44 cross-country starters, 28 jumped clear, with two making the optimum time of 6min50sec.

British chef d’equipe Philip Surl commented of the CHIO Aachen result: “It was a great result and an interesting competition in the end looking at the statistics after the cross-country – it was maybe not what everyone thought it would be after walking it earlier in the week.”

Laura said of the track: “It was a go-cart course, one obstacle followed the next – it’s always demanding here but Dacapo loves the crowds – he switches off around long, galloping tracks, so he loves Aachen.”

This is the fourth time since 2011 that the British team have won here – previously in 2011, 2021 and 2022 – proving their strength in depth in terms of the riders the nation has in their arsenal.

The USA team, consisting of James Alliston and Karma, whose speedy cross-country round meant they finished ninth individually, having been 33rd after the dressage, plus Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, Hallie Coon and Cute Girl and Liz Halliday with Shanroe Cooley, proved they have firepower for the future, both in equine and human form, given that the former three combinations were making their first visits to Aachen.

“For three of our team never to have competed here before and to step up and jump four clear rounds in the showjumping was incredible,” said Liz. “Plus a lot of great cross-country rounds from us today is very exciting, especially as some of us are on younger horses. It was great that we could fight until the end.”

Bar Joseph Murphy’s Calmaro, the Irish team were also fielding a team of less experienced horses in the shape of Millridge Atlantis (Ian Cassells), Ballyneety Rocketman (Sam Watson) and Isazsa (Austin O’Connor).

“To finish third against two big nations with big budgets is very pleasing – sometimes we have to go to the charity shop, but we’re coming for you,” joked Sam Watson.

“Our owners that support us and our personal sponsors make a big difference, but for me, it’s my team mates and Dag Albert, who is our eventing team manager, and the attitude of the likes of Lucy Latta, who was second at Badminton this year, Austin, who won the five-star at Maryland in 2023, and the team winning the Nations Cup at Millstreet earlier this year; Ireland keeps chipping away and when we can get the support to be as professional and have a system around us – we couldn’t afford to have our team coaches here – we have the attitude and we’ll always be here.”

There was a shake up in the individual competition when two-phase leader Michael Jung withdrew FischerChipmunk FRH before cross-country.

“It was always the plan not to run him across country,” said Michael of the 16-year-old, owned by the German Olympic committee for equestrian sport, Michael’s father Joachim and Klaus and Sabine Fischer, who is named on the German team for the looming Paris Olympics. “FischerChipmunk is in such great shape at the moment and better than ever, but we need two or three more gallops before Paris.”

CHIO Aachen: individual shake-up

Julia Krajewski riding Nickel 21 at Aachen in 2024. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Germany’s Paris-bound combinations of Chistoph Wahler and Carjatan S, who were third after two phases, and Sandra Auffarth and Viamant Du Matz, who were seventh before the cross-country, both retired two-thirds of the way round the cross-country – as was always the plan.

Christoph and Carjatan S made what they jumped look incredibly easy, however Viamant Du Matz flew past a narrow triple brush at fence 10ab.

“I think I got my line wrong and wasn’t totally focused so my horse was never totally focused on the fence,” said Sandra.

Their compatriot Julia Krajewski ultimately took individual honours with an incredibly consistent Nickel 21, who is still only a 10-year-old. She added 6.4 cross-country time-faults to her 23.9 dressage.

“Winning in Aachen is, of course, always very, very special,” said Julia, who last won here on Chipmunk FRH in 2018, before he was sold to Michael Jung to ride. “It is almost like a championships. But there is so much between hoping to win and actually winning. I wasn’t predicted to win, which makes it all the better when it is a surprise. I still can’t really believe that it actually happened.”

Germany’s Calvin Böckmann, who is 23 years old, was second with The Phantom Of The Opera. Calvin becomes the youngest rider to finish on his dressage score in this class at CHIO Aachen, and was one of the two to finish inside the optimum time across country – the other being Australia’s Chris Burton, who was fourth with Clever Louis.

“I think my horse and I have grown together incredibly over the last two-and-a-half-years,” explained Calvin, who took on this 13-year-old, who he co-owns with Jason, Liam, Roger and Simone Böckmann, from Sandra Auffarth. “We were at the five-star in Kentucky at the beginning of this year and I think that has bonded us even closer together – I trust him totally and he trusts me, which makes it possible to take the first distance and cut turns.”

Emily King and the consistent Valmy Biats had the win at their mercy when setting off on course, with a buffer of 2.3 penalties to finish ahead of Julia. However the 15-year-old gelding finished 12 seconds over the optimum time to complete on 32.8 in fifth, 2.5 penalties adrift of Julia.

“With the intensity of the course, he definitely felt different, which he never had before – we were up on our minutes at the beginning but he went a bit foggy in his brain, but he was still amazing and is such a big, bold, strong horse, so it took a bit more time for me to set him up,” explained Emily of her first-time Aachen performance with this gelding, who is owned by her father David King, his breeder Philippe Brivois and the Valmy Biats Syndicate.

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who is fresh from her five-star victory at Luhmühlen, once again impressed, finishing sixth and seventh aboard Ducati D’Arville and Hermione D’Arville respectively at CHIO Aachen.

‘We are pregnant’: joy as Olympic champion expecting first foal

Becky Murray — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 19:51:30 +0000

Germany’s Julia Krajewski has announced her Olympic eventing champion Amande De B’Neville is in foal.

“We are pregnant,” said Julia. “I am delighted to share the news that ‘Mandy’ is in foal by Cascadello.”

Julia and 14-year-old Amande De B’Neville (Oscar Des Fontaines x Elan De La Cour) made history when they won individual gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021, with Julia the first woman to win an individual Olympic eventing title.

They were part of the gold medal-winning team at the World Eventing Championships in Pratoni in 2022, where they also won individual silver, in what would be the mare’s final international competition. Julia announced Mandy’s retirement in January 2024 owing to an “undramatic” hoof issue, which had failed to improve despite “all sorts of approaches in treatment”.

Julia said Mandy’s pregnancy had been “safely confirmed”, but that it is “obviously early days, so fingers crossed”.

“I wanted to let you know because it made me very happy and some people have been asking,” she said.

“As to the father to be, Cascadello was a bit of the obvious choice for her first foal. As some might know, he is owned by Professor Bernd Heicke, who also owns Mandy with me. To have a foal by your own stallion, out of your own Olympic gold medallist mare, is probably something every breeder/owner dreams of, so that was a no-brainer”.

Julia said that “time will tell” if the foal will be an eventer, but joked that she is “pretty sure” he or she will be able to jump.

“For now I hope for no complications and that Mandy can enjoy the time with her mare crew in the field,” she said.

Earlier this week the German longlist for the Paris Olympics was announced. Three blocks were named in order of likely preference, but Julia Krajewski is likely to miss out on defending her title as she is only named in block three with her current top rider Nickel. Block one – the probable team – consists of newly crowned German national champions Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH, Sandra Auffarth with Viamant Du Matz, and Christoph Wahler with Carjatan S.

FischerChipmunk FRH – the unluckiest horse ever to hold an eventing world record?

Pippa Roome — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:30:23 +0000

FischerChipmunk FRH is perhaps the unluckiest horse in eventing at the moment. He is the holder of the record finishing score at five-star level and the winner of an extraordinary 23 international events – and yet he has never claimed an individual gold medal.

The beautiful bay, by Contendro I out of a mare by the thoroughbred stallion Heraldik, started his career under Germany’s Julia Krajewski, who was later the Tokyo Olympic champion riding Amande De B’Neville. He first came to the attention of British fans when he was third in the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Blenheim Horse Trials in 2017 and then won at the same level at Bramham Horse Trials the following year.

Already at this stage Chipmunk was signalling his brilliance in the dressage – at Bramham, as a 10-year-old, he won on his 19.4 dressage mark.

“I’ve had him since he was four and he’s a tall horse with long legs, so it’s taken him time to grow into his body,” said Julia after the pair’s Bramham win. “Now he’s strong through his back.

“He’s the kindest horse, like a dog. He wants cuddles all the time, but he’s also brave and has learnt he can trust the rider and people around him. Even when things aren’t going well, he tries again — sometimes you have to save him from himself.”

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH win Bramham 2018. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The pair broke the 20-barrier again at the Tryon World Equestrian Games later that year, scoring 19.9. H&H reported that, “Chipmunk could have escaped from the pure dressage arena next door, such was the uphill shape of his outline and his suppleness, submission and energy.”

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH at the 2018 WEG. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

But their challenge unravelled on cross-country day when they had a run-out at the second corner at fence 14.

Chipmunk FRH becomes FischerChipmunk FRH

In February 2019, Chipmunk moved from Julia’s yard to her compatriot, double Olympic individual gold medallist Michael Jung.

Julia said it was a “very sad day” adding: “After six very successful years together, the contract I had with the owner [Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff] 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.”

Chipmunk moved into the ownership of the DOKR (the German Olympic commitee for equestrian sport), Klaus and Sabine Fischer, with Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff also retaining a share. It was at this point that the bay acquired the Fischer prefix.

Michael said: “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. 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].”

Michael and FischerChipmunk FRH quickly formed a formidable partnership, finishing their first year together with individual silver and team gold at the Luhmühlen Europeans, where one showjump down cost them the title.

“FischerChipmunk is a really great horse, he has a lot of power and is really clever,” said Michael in Luhmühlen. “He’s a pretty horse and a super mover for the dressage.”

H&H reported: “In FischerChipmunk FRH, Michael has a deadly weapon… probably the most talented horse Michael has ever had — and that’s a pretty terrifying prospect for the rest of us.”

Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH at the European Eventing Championships 2019. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

And yet, it has never really come together at championships for Michael and Chipmunk since.

They have led the dressage at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, the 2022 World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro and the 2023 Europeans in Haras du Pin. But in Tokyo they broke a frangible pin, finishing eighth, in Pratoni they led until the final line of showjumps, where a second fence down left them fifth, and in Haras du Pin they had an uncharacteristic fall across country. Team gold in Pratoni and silver in Haras du Pin will have been scant recompense for their lack of individual gongs.

Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH at Kentucky 2022. (Image credit: Amy Dragoo)

Between these championships, the pair won their only non-championship five-star, at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2022, when they finished on their 20.1 dressage score and set a new record finishing score at the top level.

Going into the Paris Olympics, Michael will be acutely aware that this could be 16-year-old FischerChipmunk’s last major championship and he will no doubt be out to right the horse’s record and put a shiny individual gold on his CV – as well as claiming his own third individual Olympic title.

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Olympic eventing gold medallist who made ‘dreams come true’ will not return to sport

Lucy Elder — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:32:21 +0000

Olympic champion Julia Krajewski has announced the retirement of her Tokyo individual gold medal-winner Amande De B’Neville who made her “dreams come true”.

The 14-year-old mare was last seen in international competition at the 2022 World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, where she secured individual silver and helped Germany to the team title.

Julia, who owns the Selle Francais mare with Bernd Heicke, said Amande De B’Neville (“Mandy”) will not return to sport owing to an “undramatic” hoof issue, which has failed to improve as hoped despite “all sort of approaches in treatment”.

“I suppose many people are wondering how Mandy is doing and what’s next for her. First of all she is doing absolutely fine, spending her life in the most horsey way (lots of field time) and being her usual proud self,” said Julia.

“About what’s next for her – to be able to give a reliable answer to that question has taken quite some time and consideration. She is an incredibly special horse to us and every decision about her has to do her the best justice possible.

“To make it short, she will not return to sport but hopefully become as wonderful as a mummy as she was in eventing.”

She added that the decision was taken with Professor Heicke, who is the “most supportive owner” and “always has the horses’ best interests in mind”.

“While [the hoof issue] does not make her uncomfortable in normal life, there is a risk that it might get way worse when the pressure of performance is put on. Even though there also is a little chance it could work, we decided against trying it,” said Julia.

“Everyone is to judge himself what chances are right to take, but I felt that Mandy gave me so, so much, being the most outstanding horse, making all my dreams come true, that my biggest fear would have been to fail her in return and not deciding in her best interest.”

The Oscar Des Fontaines daughter was bred in France and started her career showjumping. She was sourced for Julia as a six-year-old by Myriam Meylemans.

The mare scored promising results on her rise through the eventing ranks and made an impressive four-star debut in the Event Rider Masters section at Chatsworth in 2019, finishing fourth.

In 2021, the pair won Saumur CCI4-L and finished fifth in the German Championship CCI4-S at Luhmühlen before they securedthe historic gold at the Tokyo Games, where Julia became the first woman to win an individual Olympic eventing title.

“While I am very sad that I will not feel her incredible power, clever mind, scopey jump and sheer determination, which then sometimes peaked into this unreal connection I felt in Tokyo or Pratoni again, I am very much at peace with the decision to retire her now,” she said. “And hopefully have some nice foals from her in the future.”

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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.

British team pair seek to prove themselves again with entry to Blenheim Horse Trials

Pippa Roome — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:13:49 +0000

Britain’s world champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir are among the Blenheim Horse Trials entries for next week’s event (14-17 September), as they seek to prove themselves again after a run-out at the eventing European Championships last month.

Yasmin and The Sue Davies Fund’s Banzai have form at Blenheim Horse Trials as they won CCI4*-L in 2021. They join 99 other entries in this flagship class this year.

Olympic champion Julia Krajewski also has a horse in this class, the nine-year-old rising star Ero De Cantraie, who won Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI4*-S in June.

Recent European double gold medallist and new world number one Ros Canter will ride the three-time CCI4*-S winner Izilot DHI in this class, as well as Rehy Royal Diamond, who was second to Izilot DHI at Blair Castle Horse Trials a few weeks ago. Ros also has the popular Dassett Cooley Dun in the CCI4*-L.

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Last year’s Blenheim eight- and nine-year-old winner, the stallion Halo, returns to the Oxfordshire venue this time, stepping up to the CCI4*-L class with Piggy March.

A number of horses with five-star experience contest the CCI4*-L, including Billy Walk On (Pippa Funnell), Classic VI (Kirsty Chabert), Jalapeno (Gemma Stevens) and RSH Contend Or (Felicity Collins).

The Blenheim Horse Trials entries for the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S are headed by Caunton First Class and Cooley Rosalent (Oliver Townend), Flow 7 (Mollie Summerland) and MHS Brown Jack (Tom McEwen). There are 100 entries in this section, too.

“We are thrilled that so many great names are coming to Blenheim,” said event organiser Katrina Midgley of the new horse trials management team, Stable Events.

“It promises to be a cracking competition and, as is traditional, the place to see stars of the future – last year’s Blenheim winner, Malin Hansen-Hotopp on Carlitos Quidditch K, went on to make her German team debut and won a silver medal at the Europeans last month.”

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‘You dare to dream’: Olympic gold medallist wins individual medal at World Eventing Championships

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 14:59:57 +0000

Reigning individual Olympic champion Julia Krajewski secured the individual silver medal position after an immaculate clear showjumping round at the eventing World Championships in Pratoni Del Vivaro, Italy on Sunday (18 September).

Riding her brilliant mare, Amanda De B’Néville, Julia rose from fifth place after cross-country, such was the technicality of Uliano Vezzani’s showjumping track. Just 12 competitors from 68 starters jumped clear inside the time allowed.

“You dare to dream of this result before – I have got an amazing horse and I really wanted to finish on my dressage score because I know she can do it,” said Julia, who completed on her 26 dressage score, 2.8 penalties behind new world champions, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir.

“I really had a good feeling in the warm-up and then she came in and jumped superbly – I think it was one of her best rounds ever and she didn’t touch a pole. She was super with me and it makes me very, very proud.”

The German team clinched gold and Julia reflected on this achievement after her eventing World Championships showjumping performance.

“I think we’ve had some quite unlucky years, where just not everything came together, but this week was a real team effort – we really worked together and we had a great atmosphere.

“The team behind us was amazing. I think everyone always puts the work and the effort in and it’s no less effort if you don’t win a medal, so it’s just so deserving to get this gold medal.”

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‘Dressage is not her favourite thing to do’: reigning Olympic champion gets her Worlds campaign underway

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 09:37:25 +0000

German team rider Julia Krajewski put in a solid performance in her eventing World Championships dressage test in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, today (16 September).

Riding her individual Olympic gold medal-winning mount, Amande De B’Néville, Julia posted a score of 26 to sit in fourth place at this stage of the competition.

“I’m very happy with her. Dressage is not her favourite thing to do, but she really kept herself together,” said Julia. “She did an amazing extended trot and canter and I think the flying changes were good and the halts were quite good for her.”

Bar being awarded fives and 5.5s from the judges for their medium walk, Julia and the 12-year-old mare, whom she co-owns with Bernd Heicke, scored plenty of sevens and eights, with nines across the board for their extended canter.

“The key to her is to not do too much dressage – she’s a showjumper in the end – so she’s doing amazingly. I wanted to score around 25, and we managed it.”

Ireland’s hopes were boosted when Padraig McCarthy posted a score of 29.4 with the 13-year-old mare, Fallulah.

“I was really really happy with her – I had a very good feeling from her,” said Padraig after his eventing World Championships dressage test. “I was a little bit disappointed with the mark as she got 24 at Pau last year, and I feel she’s come on since then.”

France’s Gaspard Masked has snuck into 10th place with Zarazoga at this stage of the competition with 27.4.

“She was very good. She came in and wasn’t fazed by the atmosphere. She just went in and just did what she had to do,” said Gaspard. “She’s a bit of a grumpy princess, but she came in here today and was very focused and did the job.”

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Germany names World Championship eventing squad – including rookie daughter of Olympic gold medallist

Pippa Roome — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18:02:14 +0000

The German team for the World Eventing Championships in Haras du Pin, Italy (15-18 September) has been named.

The team consists of:

Sandra Auffarth with Viamant Du Matz
Michael Jung with FischerChipmunk FRH
Julia Krajewski with Amande De B’Neville
Christoph Wahler with Carjatan S

The individual rider is Alina Dibowski with Barbados 26.

Sandra, Michael and Julia all represented Germany at the Tokyo Olympics last year on the same horses, with Julia and “Mandy” taking individual gold. The German team finished fourth there.

Christoph has ridden at two championships as an individual, finishing seventh at the European Championships in Avenches last September, but this World Championships will mark his senior team debut.

Alina, the 21-year-old daughter of 2008 Olympic eventing team gold medallist Andreas Dibowski, will be riding at her first senior championship. She has previously ridden Barbados at two young rider and two junior European championships, landing young rider team gold in 2021 and junior team bronze in 2018. The pair confirmed their Pratoni spot with third individually in the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S at Haras du Pin last week, behind Michael on Chipmunk and British pair Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden.

Nicolai Aldinger has been named first reserve for the German World Eventing Championships team with Timmo and Sophie Leube first reserve for the individual spot with Jadore Moi.

The other reserves are Dirk Schrade (Casino 80), Malin Hansen-Hotopp (Carlitos Quidditch K) and Ingrid Klimke (Equistros Siena Just Do It).

H&H’s horse of the day: Amande De B’Neville – the mare who helped make history

Becky Murray — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 16:51:30 +0000

German rider Julia Krajewski thought her hopes of competing in the Olympic eventing at the Tokyo 2020 Games looked uncertain when her potential medallist was retired – but a special mare not only stepped up to get her there, they claimed individual gold and made history.

In a shock announcement earlier this year Julia announced her top ride Samourai Du Thot had been forced to retire after losing an eye. When H&H spoke to Julia in May, it looked like 11-year-old mare Amande De B’Neville would be aimed at the European Championships, but the German rider said “in theory it could still be the Olympics”.

A win in the Saumur CCI4-L in April put the pair in the Tokyo picture, and they followed this up with fifth at the Luhmuhlen CCI4-S in June, securing their place on the German Olympic team.

On Friday (30 July) Julia and ‘Mandy’, by Oscar Des Fontaines, scored 25.2 in the dressage – which put them in fourth place going into the cross-country. While the rider found the new Olympic dressage test “intense”, she was happy with the mare, whom she has owned since she was six – with Bernd Heicke.

“She’d been showjumping until then in France, and she’d always been a bit of the underdog in the stable because of Chipmunk and Samouri Du Thot – they’ve always been a bit more known to people.

“But I’ve always found her really cool and she has got quite some character – she’s a real mare. She’s a princess and queen!” said Julia.

Julia and Mandy, who is described as a “galloping machine”, set out as pathfinders for Germany on cross-country day. They produced a solid performance returning home on a clear jumping score, with 0.4 time-penalties.

Julia said the mare was “a little bit surprised” with the surroundings of Derek de Grazia’s course, and got “a bit distracted” by the moving camera.

“Generally she just showed me what a cool mare she is,” she said. “She was jumping, super galloping, even if she was a little bit off the line, she has the biggest heart and she’s the biggest lion and huge fighter. I would like to say it was all fun, but probably three-quarters was real fun, then I had to do a bit of work, but she was really cool.”

Going into the team showjumping Julia sat in provisional individual silver behind Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. An unlucky fence for Oliver in the qualifier pushed Julia and Mandy into the provisional top spot for the individual final – and when Oliver had a further pole in the second round, it was Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser that sat less than a fence behind her on 29.3, meaning a clear round was needed from the German rider for the win.

Julia and the mare put on a stunning performance with space to spare. The pair produced a clear jumping round, and added just 0.4 time-penalties to finish on 26, crowning Julia as individual Olympic champion – and the first female in history to take the title.

“I’m super proud of my horse,” said Julia, adding she was “relieved and happy” to make it happen. “Before we went in, I said ‘Mandy, we’re going to get it’ and I think she knew it was a special day.”

Julia Krajewski makes history as individual Olympic eventing champion

Becky Murray — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:50:05 +0000

German rider Julia Krajewski has made history by winning the Olympic eventing individual gold medal and being crowned Olympic eventing champion at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Julia has become the first ever female to win the title, with the 11-year-old mare Amande De B’Nevill. Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser took silver, and Andrew Hoy and Vassily De Lassos won bronze.

Julia and Amande De B’Nevill produced a consistent dressage test on Friday (30 July) for 25.2 with Julia stating that dressage wasn’t the mare’s “main strength”. They set out as pathfinders for Germany on cross-country day and came home clear with just 0.4 time-penalties to add – good enough for provisional silver going into the showjumping, behind Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class.

While Oliver had four-faults in the team showjumping round, Julia produced a solid clear round and moved into provisional individual gold position on 25.6.

In the individual final, Oliver eased the pressure on Julia slightly after having a rail early on course, but there was still no room for error with Tom less than a fence behind her on 29.3. But Julia and Amande De B’Nevill showed no signs of feeling the pressure or tiring, as they sailed around giving the fences plenty of air. The pair picked up 0.4 time-penalties to finish on 26.00 to claim the individual gold medal.

“I’m super proud of my horse,” she said. “I’m relieved and happy that I made it happen. I’m very thankful to everyone who’s been with me all the way.

“I won my first pony European title 20 years ago, and since then it’s been a rollercoaster. It’s quite unreal.”

Julia, who nearly did not make it to Tokyo when her top horse Samurai Du Thot was forced to retire after losing his eye earlier this year, said to be at Tokyo is “the stuff dreams are made of”.

“For some time I thought the Olympics would happen without me – and that was fine. Then going to Saumur CCI4*L and winning there, and feeling that ‘Mandy’ really stepped up a level and could deliver something big, I thought ‘maybe I’ve got a little chance of going’.”

Reflecting on the competition, Julia said she was “surprised” to be fourth after the dressage and thought she would have been further down the leaderboard.

“The cross-country went super good; it was quite good for me that I went early because I couldn’t watch too much. I just did my thing,” she said.

“After the cross-country I was fairly positive we could finish well because she’s such a good jumper and I thought, ‘if it goes wrong it’s all in your hands’. Before we went in, I said ‘Mandy, we’re going to get it’ and I think she knew it was a special day.”

Julia said she did not find it “too hard” waiting for everyone else to jump in the final.

“Every time you’re in the lead you go last so I’ve had this situation a few times,” she said. “I’ve got such a belief in my horse and obviously I felt some pressure, but I really didn’t think it’s about an Olympic gold now, I thought ‘we’re going to get a great round – it’s like jumping at home’.

“Then when I finished I thought, ‘ok, now it’s Olympic gold’,” she said.

Brits in contention for individual glory ahead of final Olympic eventing showjumping round: German rider leads the way

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:14:41 +0000

All three British event riders are in contention for individual medals after the first team round of the Olympic eventing showjumping phase at the Tokyo Games.

Olympic eventing showjumping: individual standings going into the final round

After collecting four penalties for lowering a pole in the first round team competition, Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class have dropped one position, from individual gold to silver.

Their score is now 27.6, just two penalties behind Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Amande De B’Neville (pictured), who jumped a clear round, so rose from individual silver into the gold medal spot. The final round of showjumping, which will decide the individual medals, gets underway at 12.45pm BST.

A beautiful clear round of jumping from Britain’s Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser means that they have risen from sixth after the cross-country to individual bronze at this stage of the competition. They remain on their 28.9 dressage score.

Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 have slipped from bronze to fifth after they had a fence down in the first round, while Australia’s Andrew Hoy and Vassily De Lassos have capitalised on jumping a clear showjumping round to move from seventh to fourth on their 29.6 dressage.

Tim Price and Vitali, who had been in fourth after the cross-country for New Zealand, have dropped out of individual medal contention after they collected 12 penalties in the first round of showjumping. Their score is now 38.8 and they are in 16th.

Dressage leader, Michael Jung, put the disappointment of incurring 11 penalties for activating a pin on the cross-country, to jump a clear showjumping round with Chipmunk FRH. This means that they have risen four places into sixth going into the final round.

The top 25 riders will return to jump a second showjumping round for individual honours.

‘While I thought we weren’t going to be the fastest of the day, I was hoping we could be close’: Olympic eventing cross-country end of first team rotation result

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 01:26:08 +0000

At the end of the first team rotation in the eventing competition of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the British team maintain their lead. The Olympic eventing cross-country is action packed to this point.

A strong round, clear inside the optimum time, for Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, cemented things at this early stage.

The Australian team are in silver medal position, thanks to a clear jumping round from Kevin McNab and Don Quidam, but the combination clocked up 2.8 time-faults.

The United States are in team bronze, following a sold round from Phillip Dutton and Z, who again jumped clear across country, but incurred 4.8 time-faults.

Olympic eventing cross-country first team rotation results

Jonelle Price, the fist team member out on course for New Zealand, jumped clear across country, and picked up just two time-faults.

“He gave me a lovely ride, to be honest – he’s quite experienced now with the the two years I’ve had him and we’ve developed a really good partnership over that time,” Jonelle said after her round. “He wasn’t the fastest horse when I first got him, but he’s done nothing but improve, and while I thought we weren’t going to be the fastest of the day, I was hoping we could be close or thereabouts and, and we’ve certainly done that. Obviously I would have liked to have been five seconds faster, but we’re happy with it.”

Julia Krajewski, pathfinder for the German team with Amande De B’Neville, put in a great round to finish just one second over the optimum time, adding .4 of a time penalty to their 25.2 dressage. They currently hold individual silver position going into the final showjumping phase.

“My horse was a little bit surprised with the surroundings. She got a bit distracted by the moving camera in the middle of the course, but generally she just showed me what a cool mare she is,” Julia said after her round. “She was jumping, super galloping, even if she was a little bit off the line, she has the biggest heart and she’s the biggest lion and huge fighter. I would like to say it was all fun, but probably three-quarters was real fun, then I had to do a bit of work, but she was really cool.”

Julia Krajewski takes provisional third as Britain leads after first team riders in Olympic eventing dressage

Lucy Elder — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 02:23:20 +0000

Julia Krajewski and Amande De B’Neville set their individual and German team medal hopes alight as they slotted into provisional third in the Olympic eventing dressage at the end of the first rotation of team riders.

Britain’s Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class hold their early lead (23.6) by a narrow margin over China’s Alex Hua Tian aboard Don Geniro in third (23.9).

Julia and the 11-year-old mare, by Oscar Des Fontaines, produced a consistent test to go into the cross-country on a dressage score of 25.2.

“I was very happy with my mare – dressage is not her main strength,” said Julia, adding this new Olympic dressage test is “quite intense”.

She added Amande De B’Neville was “super-rideable” in the Olympic eventing dressage and was a little distracted once – “maybe she looked at the screen” – but was back with her “straightaway”.

“I’ve had her since she was six – she’d been showjumping until then in France, and she’d always been a bit of the underdog in the stable because of Chipmunk and Samouri Du Thot – they’ve always been a bit more known to people. But I’ve always found her really cool and she has got quite some character – she’s a real mare. She’s a princess and queen!

“She always wants to do right – she never lets me down when it matters and she’s a real galloping machine.”

She added the mare has really stepped up this year.

“Sometimes it’s when they sometimes feel they’re the number one in the stable. And she’s just super-cool, a real character,” she said.

German Olympic eventing team named: the defending champion and a mare who’s made an impression this year

Pippa Roome — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 20:51:12 +0000

The German Olympic eventing team for the Tokyo Olympics was named this evening after a final trial at Luhmühlen Horse Trials.

The team consists of:

Sandra Auffarth with Viamant Du Matz (reserve horse: Let’s Dance 73)
Michael Jung with FischerChipmunk FRH (reserve horse: FischerWild Wave)
Julia Krajewski with Amande De B’Neville

Andreas Dibowski is the alternate rider, with FRH Corrida.

Christoph Wahler is the second reserve, with Carjatan S, and Anna Siemer (FRH Butts Avondale) is the third reserve.

The three riders named for the Olympic eventing team were the top five in the CCI4*-S Meẞmer Trophy at Luhmühlen; Michael won (and was fifth in the CCI5* on FischerWild Wave), Sandra second and Julia fifth. Andreas finished seventh and Anna 12th, while Christoph was second in the CCI5*.

Michael, who will defend his individual title in Tokyo after golds at London and Rio, said: “I am overjoyed, FischerChipmunk jumped so well today. When you compete here, of course you want stay clear. Nevertheless, it’s important to relax so that the horse can stay relaxed, too. The title means a lot to me.”

Michael added the extra time due to the Olympic postponement may have worked in his favour as he and Chipmunk only became a partnership in 2019. The horse was previously ridden by Michael’s team-mate Julia.

“For my horse and me, it was probably even a bit lucky that the Olympics were postponed,” he said. “It gave us an extra year to grow together as a team.”

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It was a particularly emotional moment for Julia, who was almost certain of an Olympic place with Samourai Du Thot until she had to retire him earlier this year when he lost an eye. “Mandy” was very much an outside chance for the team until the pair won the CCI4*-L at Saumur. They dropped from second after cross-country to fifth with a rail down today.

“For the first 10 minutes after the jumping I was still a little upset about our mistake, especially because my horse jumped so well and it was an unnecessary rail,” she said. “But then during the prize giving I realised what Mandy and I have achieved together. That’s when it really hit me.”

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 out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Olympic eventer Julia Krajewski: ‘I thought about giving up, but being around horses is just what I love to do’ H&H Plus

Pippa Roome — Fri, 07 May 2021 08:00:39 +0000

Julia Krajewski ’s hopes of setting her Olympic record right in Tokyo may have been shattered, but she will be back. Pippa Roome meets her

TWO months ago Julia Krajewski was a potential individual medallist at this summer’s Olympics, as certain of her ticket to Tokyo as any rider. Now, the horse the German should have taken on that journey, Samourai Du Thot (pictured above), will never event at the top level again. He grazes in the field, sound and happy, but his cruel early retirement has been forced by the loss of an eye.

“He had this infection a while ago, but everything was going fine, I was training him with our eyes set on Tokyo,” says Julia. “Then, it turned worse. His eye was operated on twice, it didn’t work, he became blind. To keep the infection from going to his brain, they had to remove his eye.”

Speaking a week after announcing the retirement of “Sam”, Julia is admirably calm.

“It feels like some sort of error that his career ended so suddenly,” she says. “There are horses eventing with one eye, but he’s 15, he’s always been a nippy, slightly spooky horse. Maybe he could compete at the low levels, but it would feel strange to aim him at two-stars.

“He doesn’t have to prove anything to me and I don’t want to risk him getting frightened or having a fall.

“The last feel I have of him across country was winning the four-star long at Strzegom last October. He was super-cool to ride and I don’t want to change that. It was a quick decision.”

Sam’s record is incredible – out of 56 international runs, he was in the top five 40 times and won 18 classes, including the five-star at Luhmühlen in 2017.

Julia says: “He took me to my first five-star, my first Olympics, my first European team, won so much. No one thought that when he came. They asked if he could gallop enough, if he’d be good enough in the dressage. He turned out to be one of the fastest, most careful, most reliable horses.”

Julia pilots Samourai Du Thot to five-star glory at Luhmühlen in 2017 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Julia’s one regret is their championship record. The pair were called in from the reserve spot at Rio, but ended up as the discard score in Germany’s team silver after three refusals, a miserable result compounded by outrageously rude remarks on television during her round, for which commentator Carsten Sostmeier later apologised.

“The Olympics was way too early,” reflects Julia now, noting that Rio was the pair’s first event after their five-star debut at Luhmühlen, where they finished third. “Some time ago I watched the video of that Luhmühlen and saw how super-careful Sam was – maybe then going to the biggest cross-country that has been built in a while wasn’t the best option.”

A year later, they were disqualified from the Europeans and Germany lost team silver when Sam tested positive for controlled medication. Julia has always maintained she doesn’t know how the substance entered his system.

“Strzegom – we all know how that ended,” she says ruefully. “But for me, Sam was the most reliable horse. If he didn’t go well, there was always a reason for it, it was not that he just decided it wasn’t his day. Most times it wasn’t even difficult to do well on him.

“I would have wished for him finally to show what we were able to do at championship level. He did bounce back to winning everything else and he knows he’s special, but I would have liked to get that straight.”

Julia and Samourai Du Thot take the first of two German Championships at LuhmÜhlen (Image credit: creditUnknown)

JULIA started riding when her family moved to a rural area when she was five or six and her parents transformed an old pig farm into a little yard. When she was nine she started riding Cyrano 89, a pony stallion who was later gelded.

“He was a bit unruly and didn’t like dressage, so eventing was our choice and that’s how I ended up being an event rider,” she says.

She went to her first pony Europeans when she was 12 in 2001 and won double gold.

“It was foot-and-mouth year and everything was cancelled, I went to an event and didn’t even realise it was a selection trial,” she says.

She followed that with pony team gold and individual silver in 2002; two junior team golds and an individual silver came next in 2005 and 2006, riding Leading Edge 2.

“He was always doing funny new things: one year he didn’t like water, the next he spooked at the dressage letters,” she says. “He didn’t last long – he wasn’t made for eventing – but he’s 23 now and my mother still rides him.”

Julia took over her young rider horse, Lost Prophecy, from one of her two younger sisters, Greta, after an unfortunate incident.

“I went on holiday with friends after my A levels, but it was very short as I wanted to be there to help her at the junior selection trials,” says Julia. “I had just landed at Dusseldorf airport when my mother texted to say, ‘You can stay in Spain, your sister learnt the wrong dressage test…’”

Julia won double silver at the young rider Europeans and Lost Prophecy took her to her first three-stars (now four-stars).

“He was pure warmblood, bought to be a pre-novice horse, but he made me realise how much horses can achieve if they have the heart and want to do the job,” she says.

NOW 32, Julia has been based at the German national centre at Warendorf for 14 years, since she was invited to join the “Perspectiv Gruppe” in 2007.

“The goal was to help young people find their way in the sport as professionals,” she says. “But in the beginning I didn’t want to earn my money with riding, because I always felt it was a tough, insecure job.”

Nonetheless she did her basic exams as a professional rider after two years, spent three years in the army sports corps, then did a master’s degree in riding. After this, she spent a couple of years combining riding, working half the day in the federation office and studying part-time for a sports and coaching diploma in Cologne.

After a period as a fully employed national coach, at the end of 2020 she went self-employed. She has a 12-stable barn in a big block at Warendorf and still coaches, including being the national junior coach.

“I got brave enough to make the step,” she says. “It’s difficult, but after spending years in the business and knowing more people, I felt confident enough to do it.

“I wanted to be more flexible. If you’re fully employed it obviously brings pluses, but it’s eight hours a day and even though the federation was supportive of my riding, it had to fit in time-wise. I had collected a bunch of nice young horses and now I’m more focused on riding. That said, I can’t say I teach less… so maybe I just do more.”

Winning at Aachen 2018 on Chipmunk. The pair’s last event together was the 2018 World Equestrian Games (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Among Julia’s up-and-coming stars are the six-year-olds Great Twist (by the Gem Twist clone Gemini) and ChinTonic. The latter is a full brother to Chipmunk FRH, the Bramham winner on whom she also led the dressage at the World Equestrian Games in 2018 before the ride moved to Michael Jung and the horse gained the “Fischer” prefix.

“I would have liked to keep Chipmunk, but we had a contract with his owner and it expired. We came to an agreement. It happens. It’s two years ago; you get used to it,” she shrugs. “I still haven’t been to Badminton or Burghley, and Badminton was my plan for the 2019 spring with Chipmunk, but maybe his brother can do it.

“They have similarities but ChinTonic is a different type; more compact, a bit cheeky.”

Julia and Chipmunk FRH trotting up in Tryon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Julia moved from a small apartment to a house three minutes’ drive from the yard just before the first lockdown, and has become a keen gardener.

“Last year my mother gave me aubergine… it didn’t make it, but the roses are doing fine and I’m excited to see how my rhododendron bushes will grow,” she says. “It sounds a bit boring, maybe it makes me sound old?”

She enjoys city breaks and skiing and her bolonka dog, Teddy – “he’s little, very fluffy but doesn’t lose hair”. She has a boyfriend “but I keep things private,” she says, charmingly but firmly.

WITH Samourai Du Thot out of the picture, Julia’s championship hopes for this year rest on the 11-year-old mare Amande De B’Neville.

“She was unlucky as a young horse – she got stuck in the walker and had time off, she had a teeth problem and had time off,” says Julia. “She would really fight for you and dig deep. She only has to learn to contain herself and get stronger mentally and physically.”

Julia’s championship hopes rest on Amande De B’Neville (above) (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Realistically, the Europeans are the mare’s goal – “in theory it could still be Olympics,” says Julia, but she knows competition is tough. A win for the pair at Saumur last week will not have harmed their chances, though.

In terms of ambitions, Julia says she wants to “keep having fun” in eventing.

She explains: “A few times I thought about giving up because it was hard feeling the backlash – the positive medication or the Olympics – but when times were difficult, riding was something I chose to do to calm down and concentrate on something else. Being around horses is just what I love to do.

“I like to win, but I especially like things to go well. I like to bring horses up, to shape the rough diamond into a four-star or five-star winner. It’s so much work, time, planning and thinking, but the reward is so cool.

“A well-trained event horse is the ideal of how a horse should look – to achieve that with the horse and then go to a competition and smash it, that’s cool. If the horse made a huge step forward, I’m as happy as if I’m winning. That’s what I love about the sport, getting the best out of you and the horse together.”

For now, Julia knows she can’t rush other horses to fill Sam’s shoes.

“I know I can do well, I know I can bring up horses, I know I can win, but I also know things have to come together, the time has to be right and you shouldn’t push your horses or pressure yourself into it,” she says. “That’s maybe something I learnt over the years. To try to find your happiness in winning – that’s quite superficial.”

This interview can also be read in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 6 May

‘Thank you for everything’: medal-winning eventer retires after losing an eye

Lucy Elder — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:01:27 +0000

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.

Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot during the first trot-up at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

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(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

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

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

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.

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

Pippa Roome — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 17:33:57 +0000

Who is the best event horse in the world today? It’s a great subject for a bit of pub banter with your friends – in non-Covid times, of course – and at events such as the leading five-stars, the World Championships or the Olympics, we find out who is the best event horse on that particular day. But does that really tell us who’s the best in an overall, long-term way?

Now the equestrian data analytics company EquiRatings has devised a way of ranking event horses which could give us the answer to the question.

The system is called Elo, named after Hungarian physics professor Arpad Elo. The Elo rating system originates from chess and variations are now used across many sports.

“Our leading data guru at EquiRatings, Sean Murray, has taken the Elo rating system and re-designed it for our sport,” explains EquiRatings co-founder Diarmuid Byrne in an article on the company’s website. “As we have found over the past few years, eventing is pretty complex to code for. Were judges scoring easy or tough? Was the course difficult or not? Was the time tight and who was trying to make it? But rating the best competitors is actually pretty simple. It’s all about consistently beating high-quality opponents.”

The full methodology behind the eventing ELO is complicated, but to summarise, horses enter the system with 1500 points. They then gain points by taking them from horses they beat and lose them by giving them to horses who beat them. The best event horse in the world always has the most points.

“You don’t lose all your points in one go, but the changes occur gradually as you compete more,” explains Diarmuid.

“Beating horses with high Elo ratings is going to bump up your rating most effectively. Losing to low-rated horses is going to be most costly. This addresses one of the big issues when rating the ‘best of the best’ – not all competitions are equal. Winning some four-star shorts might entail beating a handful of first-timers, while winning Aachen, the same level of competition on paper, is likely to mean that a horse has beaten five-star winners and world medallists. Elo solves this problem, rewarding the better quality results with higher points.”

So, using the Elo, who are the best event horses in the world? EquiRatings have a page where you can check Elos and the current Elo rankings rate horses who have competed in the past two seasons. The top six horses are:

SAP Hale Bob OLD (Ingrid Klimke, Germany) – 2093 points
Samourai Du Thot (Julia Krajewski, Germany) – 2060 points
FischerChipmunk FRH (Michael Jung, Germany) – 2039 points
FischerRocana FST (Michael Jung, Germany) – 2028 points
Ballaghmor Class (Oliver Townend, Great Britain) – 2001 points
Allstar B (Ros Canter, Great Britain) – 1991 points

EquiRatings also let you find the out “all-time” (2008 onwards) Elo rankings. The top six in that listing are:

La Biosthetique-Sam FBW (Michael Jung, Germany) – 2173 points in 2017
SAP Hale Bob OLD (Ingrid Klimke, Germany) – 2113 points in 2020
Opgun Louvo (Sandra Auffarth, Germany) – 2108 points in 2017
Nereo (Andrew Nicholson, New Zealand) – 2084 points in 2017
Samourai Du Thot (Julia Krajewski, Germany) – 2060 points in 2020
FischerChipmunk FRH (Michael Jung, Germany) – 2055 points in 2020

The clever chaps at EquiRatings acknowledge that the rankings are skewed towards German horses – the rankings use international competitions only and German horses tend to run more in international competitions than those in countries such as Britain and the USA which have excellent circuits of national competitions, which do not count towards Elo ratings.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon and Sarah Farnsworth)

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“Unaffiliated eventing is about to become very exciting and we cannot wait to welcome you to the series”

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Jockey club regional managing director Ian Renton said it was “truly a great honour” to be awarded the five-year contract

(Image credit: Peter Nixon and Sarah Farnsworth)

What do you think? Do you agree with the Elo ratings on who is the best event horse in the world? Let us know by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com for the chance to be featured on the magazine’s letters page and you might win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger.

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

Pippa Roome — Tue, 19 May 2020 07:24:32 +0000

With the Event Rider Masters first leg of 2019, plus two other CCI4*-S sections, the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth Horse Trials last year provided numerous opportunities to see top horses and riders in action — here we take a trip down memory lane to make up for having to miss this year’s event, which should have taken place last weekend...

The 2014 Badminton winners, Australia’s Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh — owned by Dinah and Posford, Jules Carter and Sam — enjoyed a good warm-up for Luhmühlen with 11th place in section C.

Sam Griffiths (AUS) & Paulank Brockagh - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Lauren Blades (GBR) & Jemilla - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

A spin for Lauren Blades and Shelagh Morley’s home-bred Jemilla, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics under Mark Kyle.

Yasmin Ingham (GBR) & Sandman 7 - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Yasmin Ingham puts in a clear cross-country on Sandman 7, owned by Janette Chinn, Edwin and Sue Davies. Sandman 7 was a team silver medalist at the 2015 European Championships with former rider Pippa Funnell.

Sharon Polding (GBR) & FIndonfirecracker - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Top amateur rider Sharon Polding and her mare Findonfirecracker prepare for Luhmühlen with a double jumping clear.

Rachel Robinson (GBR) & MJI Limerick Bell - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Charlotte Bacon and Lucinda Froggatt’s Last Touch are also heading to the CCI5* (previously CCI4*) at Luhmühlen. They put in a steady clear across country at Chatsworth.

Izzy Taylor (GBR) & Monkeying Around - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Izzy Taylor and her own Monkeying Around, the former world six-year-old champion who is just stepping up to four-star level.

Becky Woolven (GBR) & DHI Babette K - CCI4* - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Becky Woolven prepares Julie Record’s DHI Babette K for Luhmühlen with a cross-country jumping clear.

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Bill Levett and his own and Clare Prentice’s Shannondale Titan contest the Event Rider Masters, finishing 16th after falling foul of the 15-penalty flag rule. This pair are stalwarts of the Event Rider Masters series, with seven top-12 places since its inception in 2016.

Bella Innes Ker (GBR) & Carolyn - Event Rider Masters- Round 1 - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Last year’s Blenheim winners, Bella Innes Ker and her mother the Duchess Of Roxburghe’s Carolyn, land ninth in the Event Rider Masters.

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Rising star Springpower, who belongs to Linda Mars, Jeremy and Andrea Brereton, bounces back from being retired on course at Badminton with an Event Rider Masters 10th place under Izzy Taylor.

Julia Krajewski (GER) & Amande de b'Nevile - Event Rider Masters- Round 1 - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Germany’s Julia Krajewski looks to have a new star in Amande De B’Neville, who took fourth in the Event Rider Masters.

Flora Harris (GBR) & Amazing VIII - Event Rider Masters- Round 1 - Chatsworth International Horse Trials - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, United Kingdom - 12 May 2019 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Flora Harris and her mother Caroline and Susan Nicholls’ Amazing VIII — a former runner-up in the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Blair Castle — take a spin round the Event Rider Master to finish 13th.

Pictures by Jon Stroud Media

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Individual medal contender out of the running for eventing European Championships as Germany names squad

Pippa Roome — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 06:11:26 +0000

Julia Krajewski will miss the eventing European Championships in Luhmühlen (29 August-1 September).

The German rider was a potential individual medal contender with Samourai Du Thot, the horse with whom she won the CCI4* (now CCI5*) at Luhmühlen in 2017. The pair have won seven of their past eight starts — withdrawing after dressage on the other one — but “Sam” was withdrawn from Aachen last month with a bruised foot and has not recovered in time to contest the Europeans.

Despite this, Germany puts forward a strong squad for the event. As host nation, they have the opportunity to field eight individuals rather than the usual two, and so have named a 12-strong squad. They have not yet confirmed which combinations will contest the team competition.

The selected horses and riders are:

Sandra Auffarth and Viamant Du Matz
Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida
Feliz Etzel and Bandit 436
Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH
Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD
Jörg Kurbel and Josera’s Entertain You
Nadine Marzahl and Valentine 18
Andreas Ostholt and Corvette 31
Kai Rüder and Colani Sunrise
Anna Siemer and FRH Butt’s Avondale
Josefa Sommer and Hamilton 24
Anna Vogel and DSP Quintana P

Reserves:

Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S
Frank Ostholt and Jum Jum
Claas Hermann Romeike and Cato 60

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(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Jonty Evans makes his eventing comeback at Smiths Lawn: ‘I was lucky to ride Art, he loved it’

The Irish rider who suffered a serious head injury last year competed in an open novice section today riding his

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

Gary the dressage foal who nearly died helped Brazil qualify for the Olympics in eventing

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Germany won the team gold last time the European Championships were held at Luhmühlen, in 2011, and followed up with victory at the 2013 European Championships in Malmö, Sweden and in 2015 at Blair Castle, Scotland. In 2017, Britain won the team gold in Strzegom, Poland.

Germany also achieved a clean sweep of the individual medals in 2011, with gold going to Michael Jung (La Biosthetique-Sam FBW), silver to Sandra Auffarth (Opgun Louvo) and bronze to Frank Ostholt (Little Paint).

Full preview of the showjumping, dressage and para European Championships in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (dated 15 August) and full preview of the eventing European Championships in the magazine the week after (dated 22 August).

Michael Jung takes on elite event horse from fellow German rider

Lucy Elder — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:19:07 +0000

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.

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(Image credit: Imago/PA Images)

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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

Piggy French holds bronze after day one of WEG eventing dressage: ‘He gave it his all’

Pippa Roome — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 21:16:23 +0000

Piggy French holds individual bronze position after the first day of dressage (Thursday, 13 September) in the Mars-sponsored eventing at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, USA, with Britain less than a mark outside the team medal zone.

Piggy put in a strong test this afternoon to score 27.8 with Jayne McGivern’s Quarrycrest Echo. The pair had a wobbly start when they cantered out of the first halt, but their canter work was excellent.

“He gave it his all — he’s 11 now and last year he was fairly inexperienced, but he’s strengthened up this year and there’s still more to come from him,” said Piggy.

Britain has another rider in the top group after individual Tina Cook scored 29.1 as the last rider of the day. She and Billy The Red — who belongs to Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson — lie fifth. This was a big question for the chestnut gelding as tension has badly marred his recent tests in big arenas, but he held it together, with just a few lower marks in the flying changes.

“I am really pleased — obviously I was a bit apprehensive because the last two times he went in big arenas he got a bit of stage fright,” said Tina. “I’m a bit cross with myself for the flying changes, but to come back and perform in that atmosphere, I have to be pleased.”

Gemma Tattersall led off for Britain this morning and she and Arctic Soul are in 19th at the end of the day.

Germany holds the team and individual gold medal spots after a spectacular test from Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH soon after lunch blasted them to the top of the leaderboard. They scored 19.9 and have a margin of 7.2 over the chasing pack.

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH at the 2018 WEG. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It’s a really nice feeling when your horse is with you and trusts you,” said Julia. “The dressage is the phase you can do most about and it’s all about preparation with him, right to the last day as he can peak too early.”

Boyd Martin currently holds second for the USA riding Tsetserleg. He scored 27.1.

“I’m thrilled. There’s always a big fear of not doing your best in the moment, but ‘Thomas’ was awesome,” said Boyd.

Australia holds second in the team standings, their effort headed by Chris Burton and Cooley Lands in fourth. France is third, just 0.8 of a penalty ahead of Britain.

New Zealand sits fifth after a slightly disappointing test for Mark Todd and McClaren left them 14th — the pair’s marks ranged from three to eight as some excellent work was interrupted by mistakes.

“He’s a horse in the making and while he has amazing presence and movement, he’s only in his second year of real training,” said Mark.

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Find out the British and Irish event riders’ dressage times at WEG

The eventing dressage times at the World Equestrian Games have been released — find out when the Brits and Irish

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Riders react to WEG cross-country course: ‘A real championship question; it’ll ride tough’

Competitors including Mark Todd, Gemma Tattersall and Chris Burton give their first impressions of the World Equestrian Games cross-country track

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Gemma Tattersall starts Britain’s eventing dressage effort: ‘I’m over the moon with him, but the judges were stingy’

The first morning of eventing dressage at WEG is underway, with France holding an early lead and New Zealand and

The dressage continues tomorrow, when Tom McEwen (Toledo De Kerser) and Ros Canter (Allstar B) will ride for Britain.

Horse & Hound has two journalists and a photographer in Tryon for WEG. Keep up to date with all the news on horseandhound.co.uk and in the magazine issues dated 20 and 27 September.

WEG eventing trot-up fashion: stylish dresses, men in uniform and clashy colours

Pippa Roome — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 03:01:57 +0000

Team uniforms were on display today (Wednesday, 12 September) at the first trot-up for the Mars-sponsored eventing at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA.

The female riders from the home nation, the USA, showed up in smart blue and white dresses. Here is Lynn Symansky with Donner.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. USA. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Belgian rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier presents Alpaga D’Arville wearing a smart neckscarf and white trousers.

Lara De Liedekerke-Meier and Alpaga d'Arville. BEL. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

We love a man in uniform — hello Lt Col Thibaut Vallette. The French team member rides Qing Du Briot ENE HN, his individual bronze medallist from the 2015 Blair European Championships.

Lt Col Thibaut Vallette and Qing du Briot ENE HN. FRA. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

The Australian team outfits featured specially embroidered shirts — check out Event Rider Masters series champion Chris Burton as he trots up Cooley Lands.

Christopher Burton and Cooley Lands. AUS. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Stylish dresses were the order of the day for the ladies from Canada. Below, Hawley Bennett-Awad presents Jollybo.

Hawley Bennet-Awad and Jollybo. CAN.Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

China’s sole representative, Alex Hua Tian, looks cool in shades as he appears with Ballytiglea Vivendi.

Alex Hua Tian and Ballytiglea Vivendi. CHN.Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Germany stuck to a classic blazer look — Julia Krajewski presents her Bramham CCI3* and Aachen CIC3* winner Chipmunk FRH.

Julia Krajewski Chipmonk FRH. GER. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Red trousers are the statement piece for Poland’s Pawel Spisak as he kicks off his event with Banderas.

Pawel Spisak and Banderas. POL. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

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Two horses held at first eventing trot-up at World Equestrian Games

Two nations had an anxious moment at the first horse inspection for the eventing at WEG this afternoon

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Find out the British and Irish event riders’ dressage times at WEG

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See the World Equestrian Games cross-country course in photos

Check out photos of the fences the riders will tackle on the cross-country course at the World Equestrian Games in

South Africa’s Victoria Scott looks smart in a green jacket and neckscarf as she presents Valtho Des Peupliers.

Victoria Scott and Valtho des Peupliers. RSA. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Japan made a statement with red trousers and pink shirts. Here are Ryuzo Kitajima and Queen Mary.

Ryuzo Kitajima and Queen Mary. JAP. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Another man in uniform — Italy’s Stefano Brecciaroli with Byrnesgrove First Diamond.

Stefano Brecciaroli and Byrnesgrove First Diamond. ITA. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

And finally, Meyer’s Happy shows some high spirits, tossing his head as Ecuador’s Nicolas Wettstein leads him up the strip.

Nicolas Wettstein Meyer's Happy. ECU. Eventing. Team and individual Horse Inspection before dressage. Day 2. World Equestrian Games. WEG 2018 Tryon. North Carolina. USA. 12/09/2018. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Sportinpictures)

Pictures by Elli Birch/Sportinpictures

Horse & Hound has two journalists and a photographer in Tryon for WEG. Keep up to date with all the news on horseandhound.co.uk and in the next magazine issues — full report on the eventing including exclusive opinion and full analysis of all phases in next week’s edition (dated 20 September).

Germany reveals on-form eventing squad for World Equestrian Games

Lucy Elder — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 18:15:10 +0000

Michael Jung heads the on-form German eventing squad for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

The world number six is named aboard his three-time Kentucky CCI4* winner FischerRocana FST.

He is joined by Ingrid Klimke riding the multiple three-star winner SAP Hale Bob. The pair won four internationals in a row between July 2017 and June 2018.

Julia Krajewski brings forward her consistent partner Chipmunk FRH, fresh from a hat-trick of three-star victories. The pair won Marbach CIC3* in May, before storming to victory in Bramham’s CCI3* on their dressage score of 19.4 and also took the CICO3* at Aachen.

Andreas Dibowski is named on two horses; he will ride either the 15-year-old FRH Butts Avedon or rising star, nine-year-old FRH Corrida.

Kai Rüder and his sixth-placed 2017 European Championship ride Colani Sunrise complete the squad.

Sandra Auffarth’s strong performance in Aachen and her CIC3* victory in Strzegom yesterday (12 August) have led to her being named as first reserve with the nine-year-old Viamant Du Matz.

“The horse has been in an absolutely ascending form since Aachen,” said national coach Hans Melzer.

“He has a lot of potential and, if used, would certainly be a worthy championship horse. But he is still quite young and has a great future ahead of him.”

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Olympic champion returns as fierce Kiwi squad named for WEG

Two Olympic champions, the 2018 Badminton winners and the top-ranked Kiwi eventer are among those on New Zealand’s WEG squad

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Irish eventing squad named for WEG — ‘Jonty Evans is in our thoughts’

The five-strong squad which will represent Ireland in the eventing at WEG has been selected and the team will ‘wear

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Brits in pole position on world rankings as World Equestrian Games approach

The riders in second and third have swapped places this month, while a New Zealander makes a dramatic leap into

Second reserve is Josefa Sommer with Hamilton, followed by Jörg Kurbel on Josera’s Entertain You.

The World Equestrian Games take place at Tryon International Equestrian Centre, North Carolina, from 11 to 23 September.

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

Disaster for Germany and Britain as New Zealand claim Nations Cup glory in Aachen

Polly Bryan — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 16:16:07 +0000

A hugely influential cross-country phase caused favourites and overnight leaders Germany to plummet down to fifth, and hand the Aachen Nations Cup victory to New Zealand.

All four of the home side fell foul to Rüdiger Schwarz’s deceptively tricky course, with Julia Krajewski eliminated after three refusals on her team ride Samourai Du Thot. Last year’s winners Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD had trouble at the same combination of skinnies with a run-out. Andreas Dibowski (FRH Corrida) and Kai Ruder (Colani Sunrise) jumped clear but each racked up the time penalties, with Kai’s 12-year-old gelding refusing to leave the start box for a full 40 seconds.

However, Julia on her second ride, Chipmunk (above), gave the home crowd what they came for, with a super round on the 10-year-old Contendro son to clinch the individual lead.

“My first round really didn’t go to plan and was frustrating, but I had to remind myself that it was another horse, and Chipmunk is very different to Sam,” Julia said. “He’s a young horse and I was thrilled with how he answered all my questions.”

Australia’s Chris Burton and Quality Purdey were the only combination to get inside the time, by just 0.01 of a second. Having raced into the lead, and seen the overnight runner-up Tim Lips and Bayro retire at fence 4, Chris had an anxious wait as Julia completed her round. The roar from the crowds as she crossed the finish line told him all he needed to know – despite clocking up 6.4 time faults, it was enough to secure her the victory by just 0.6 of a mark.

New Zealand produced an impressively consistent performance to rise up the rankings and take the team win. Clarke Johnstone (Balmoral Sensation), Mark Todd (Kiltubrid Rhapsody) and Tim Price (Cekatinka, below) all jumped clear, with the latter finishing third individually.

“The priority was a solid team performance and it’s thrilling that we’ve all gone out and delivered everything we wanted for the team,” said Tim.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

It wasn’t a good day for Britain, with the team finishing sixth. The best performance across country came from team first-timer Imogen Murray, who had been the drop score overnight, but finished as best Brit in 24th. She and Ivar Gooden jumped clear around what she described as an “intense” course, but was unlucky to pick up 20 penalties for a circle before the first water complex, that she thought she had got away with.

“I had a bit of steering malfunction, and that cost us time too,” she told H&H.

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Germany’s eventers lead in Aachen as Britain drops down the order

Germany leads after the showjumping in Aachen, with Britain currently lying fifth.

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Oliver Townend was best of the Brits overnight, but a very sticky jump over the skinny element of the first water resulted in him pitching over Ballaghmor Class’s side, and into the water. Both Oliver and the 11-year-old grey gelding were uninjured in the fall.

Luck was also not on the side of Britain’s other riders; Gemma Tattersall and Pamero 4 had a run-out at the skinny element of the second water complex, and Sarah Bullimore ran out at the same combination of skinnies that caught out the German riders, after Reve Du Rouet got distracted and didn’t really lock on to the fence.

“He was fabulous but he’s difficult with crowds and when we came in to that fence there were so many people and at the last minute he lost concentration and got confused,” Sarah said.

Don’t miss the full report from Aachen in next week’s H&H, on sale on 26 July.

Germany’s eventers lead in Aachen as Britain drops down the order

Polly Bryan — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:51:50 +0000

Germany hold the top spot on the leaderboard at the end of day one at the Aachen CICO3*, with Great Britain in fifth.

The home side led from the outset, with Julia Krajewski retaining her dressage lead after the showjumping with Chipmunk FRH (above), and also lying second with her team ride, Samourai Du Thot. Her teammates Ingrid Klimke and Kai Ruder (Colani Sunrise) each had a fence down, but such were the strength of their dressage scores that the team remains in front with a comfortable 11.5 penalty margin.

France moved up from the bottom of the pack into second after a series of clears around Frank Rothenberger’s course from Thibaut Vallette (Qing Du Briot ENE HN), Thibault Fournier (Siniani De Lathus) and Karim Florent Laghouag (Punch De L’Esques) left the team on their dressage score.

Britain had been lying third behind Germany and New Zealand following the dressage, but clear rounds eluded the four team riders and they dropped down into fifth, with Australia just ahead of them in fourth.

Oliver Townend produced a smooth, mistake-free dressage display earlier in the day with the 11-year-old grey gelding Ballaghmor Class (below) to lie sixth, but an unfortunate eight faults in Aachen’s huge main stadium shunted them down the order into 12^th.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It was a good course and the ground was perfect, but my round wasn’t good enough,” Oliver told H&H. “But this isn’t the main aim for the horse — that’s either Burghley or the World Equestrian Games (WEG). It’s just good to get him in big rings like this as he can still be a bit babyish when it comes to jumping towards the crowds.”

Despite a fence down, Gemma Tattersall has risen up the rankings to lie 16^th overnight with Pamero 4, while Sarah Bullimore (Reve Du Rouet) added eight penalties to her dressage score of 31 to lie 27^th and Imogen Murray (Ivar Gooden) sits 29^th.

Britain’s individual rider, Tina Cook, suffered disappointment in the dressage when Billy The Red repeated problems from Luhmühlen earlier this year, and misbehaved in each of his halts.

“I’m very disappointed — he got insecure and didn’t want to stand still. The rest of the test was actually very good,” Tina told H&H. “He was the same at Luhmühlen and I felt we’d addressed it by practising standing at home and incorporating more walk exercises, but it seems it’s back to the drawing board.”

The 11-year-old chestnut gelding somewhat redeemed himself with a super clear round later on, but Tina made the decision to withdraw him from the remainder of the competition.

The cross-country gets underway at 10am tomorrow, with Imogen riding first for Britain at 10.24 (9.24 BST), followed by Sarah at 10.52 (9.52 BST), Gemma at 11.28 (10.28 BST) and Oliver at 12.00 (11.00 BST).

Don’t miss the full report from Aachen in next week’s H&H, on sale on 26 July.

Julia Krajewski takes Bramham CCI3* as leaderboard juggled by showjumping

Pippa Roome — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 14:49:08 +0000

Julia Krajewski showjumped clear to take the Equi-Trek CCI3* at the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials this afternoon (Sunday, 10 June).

Julia and Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff’s Chipmunk FRH had two fences in hand entering the arena, but it never looked like she would need them and she finished the winner with 8.6 penalties in hand.

“When I was walking down I thought it would be really nice if he jumped clear, but he doesn’t always, so if he doesn’t, whatever,” she said. “I knew I had a fence in hand but I wasn’t sure about the other one, so I was just trying to go clear.”

“Obviously I’m delighted, the week couldn’t have been any better for me.”

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH win the CCI3* at Bramham 2018. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Behind her, there was a dramatic leaderboard shake-up. The overnight runner-up, France’s Karim-Florent Laghouag had the first fence down on Entebbe De Hus to drop to fifth. And Oratorio II was fighting William Fox-Pitt so ended up lowering fences 4a and eight, sending him from third after cross-country to 11th.

A clear round propelled Andrew Nicholson and Diana Ridgeon’s Swallow Springs from fourth to second for New Zealand.

“He can jump well, but he’s been a bit green with the people in the showjumping in the past, but today he felt more secure and grown up,” said Andrew.

Australia’s Bill Levett also moved up two places with a clear and finished third on Elizabeth Murdoch’s Lassban Diamond Lift.

“At a one-day event he can be a bit fresh and keen and have a rail, but today he was settled and showed what he can do when he’s relaxed,” said Bill.

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Emily King wins Bramham under-25 CCI3*: ‘I couldn’t be happier with Dargun’

Emily King put in a faultless showjumping round under pressure to claim top spot in the national under-25 eventing championship

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Julia Krajewski leads after Bramham CCI3* cross-country; William Fox-Pitt up to third

The young German impressed over Ian Stark’s cross-country track today to maintain her top spot, while William Fox-Pitt moved up

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Ros Canter leads Bramham CIC3* despite major bridle malfunction

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Kitty King finished fourth and best of the Brits with a clear on Vendredi Biats, who belongs to Diana Bown, Sally Lloyd-Baker, Samantha Wilson and Sally Eyre. Richard Jones (Alfies Clover) and Gemma Tattersall (Santiago Bay) finished on their dressage scores for seventh and eighth, while Francis Whittington (Nimrod II) made it four home side riders in the top 10 in 10th.

Full report from Bramham in H&H magazine next week (issue dated 14 June).

Julia Krajewski leads after Bramham CCI3* cross-country; William Fox-Pitt up to third

Pippa Roome — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 18:42:21 +0000

Julia Krajewski put in a faultless cross-country round at the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials this morning (Saturday, 9 June) to maintain her lead in the Equi-Trek CCI3*.

The German rider and her mount Chipmunk, owned by Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, were one of 10 pairs in this class to come home inside the 10min 24sec optimum time over Ian Stark’s cross-country course.

“He felt like he was enjoying it, his ears were pricked to the last,” said Julia. “I could take my time to set him up at the fences and give him one or two easier minutes.”

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH hold their lead on the cross-country at Bramham 2018. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Julia now has a fence in hand going into tomorrow’s showjumping. France’s Karim-Florent Laghouag finished 1sec over the time today on Entebbe De Hus and moved up from third after dressage to second.

“He was terrific and galloped well. All the strides came up exactly as I wanted them to,” said Karim.

A clear inside the time also elevated William Fox-Pitt and the syndicate-owned Oratorio II into third, from sixth after the first phase. William — who was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours last night — is now the best Brit in this class.

“He was a good boy — he’s still a green horse, but he has endless stamina and could have gone round twice,” said William. “My main concern was whether I’d be able to hold him and show him the fences, as he can be argumentative. But he was honest today and looking for the flags.”

Andrew Nicholson and Swallow Springs hold fourth for New Zealand with 1.6 time-faults today, while a clear in the time from Australia’s Bill Levett raised him and Lassban Diamond Lift from 10th to fifth. Kitty King moved up one spot to sixth with 2.4 time-faults on Vendredi Biats.

France’s Matthiew Vanlandeghem incurred 6.4 time-penalties today with the grey Trouble Fete ENE HN and so dropped from second to eighth. Similarly Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On added 7.6 to their dressage score and so slipped from fourth to 15th. Pippa pulled up her first ride, MGH Grafton Street, after two early run-outs.

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Emily King held on course but retains top spot in under-25 CCI3* at Bramham

The young British rider went clear inside the time to keep the lead heading into tomorrow's showjumping in the under-25

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Ros Canter leads Bramham CIC3* despite major bridle malfunction

The British rider managed to shed her bridle as she was leaving the arena after her test, but still scored

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Horse collapses and dies on cross-country at Bramham

A horse who had competed at four-star and proved an able schoolmaster for a young rider collapsed on the cross-country

Nicola Wilson, 11th after dressage, had the save of the day in avoiding a fall when One Two Many had an awkward jump over the first bird nest at the Womble Bond Dickinson Pond (21b) but she then retired.

More updates from Bramham online tomorrow and full report in next week’s magazine (issue dated 14 June).

Pippa Funnell best Brit in Bramham CCI3* as Julia Krajewski leads on stunning score

Pippa Roome — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 17:26:11 +0000

Germany’s Julia Krajewski retained her lead from yesterday at the close of dressage in the Equi-Trek CCI3* at the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials.

The Olympic team silver medallist scored 19.4 and remains more than five marks ahead of the field on Chipmunk FRH, owned by Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff.

“I know he can do a good test but to have him that good in the big atmosphere is extra special,” she said. “He travelled well and has given me a good feeling the past two days — normally I’m complaining about something but the only thing I’ve had to practise is my halts.”

“It’s nice to enjoy a test — it’s a good sign if you can smile during it!”

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH lead the dressage in the CCI3* at Bramham. Picture by Trevor Holt / Kingfisher Media Services (Image credit: creditUnknown)

France’s Matthiew Vanlandeghem held onto second place on 25.2 with Trouble Fete ENE HN and he was joined in the top three by compatriot Karim Florent Laghouag, who put in the best test today to score 25.9 with the experienced Entebbe De Hus, his team gold medal-winning partner from the Rio Olympics. The horse was castrated in December last year having competed as a stallion until now.

“We missed two flying changes which he usually does fantastically every time so I was hoping for better, but the trot was very good. I’m aiming to win!” he said.

Pippa Funnell’s test this afternoon with Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On earned her 26 and best of the Brits in fourth after this phase.

“I’m really chuffed with him and it’s nice to feel a really good score [like Julia’s] is in reach if he hadn’t had the immature mistakes,” she said.

Andrew Nicholson holds fifth on Swallow Springs, with William Fox-Pitt in sixth on Oratorio II.

“He’s not always delivered, although he’s promised loads. He’s never tense and silly, but he can be unfocused. I’m happy with how he focused in the atmosphere today and that he wasn’t a clown,” said William.

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Ros Canter leads Bramham CIC3* despite major bridle malfunction

The British rider managed to shed her bridle as she was leaving the arena after her test, but still scored

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Emily King tops under-25 CCI3* at Bramham after dressage: ‘I’m super pleased’

The young British rider cruised into the lead this afternoon with an elegant test on the chestnut Dargun

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Kitty King was left slightly frustrated by Vendredi Biats, who “uses things like cameras as an excuse” and put in a big leap at the C end of the arena during the trot-work.

“He’s more than capable and can do some really nice work, but he definitely wasn’t really with me today, which was a shame,” she said.

Check back for a report on the under-25 class at Bramham on horseandhound.co.uk later today and more updates over the weekend, plus full report in next week’s magazine (issue dated 14 June).

Oliver Townend second in Event Rider Masters leg: ‘I’m thrilled with the horse’

Pippa Roome — Mon, 21 May 2018 11:02:07 +0000

Oliver Townend took second for Britain in the second leg of the 2018 Event Rider Masters series, held at Wiesbaden, German, last week (18-19 May).

Riding Sally-Anne Egginton’s Cillnabradden Evo, who was instrumental in helping him secure the series title in 2016, Oliver was second throughout the competition. The pair scored 22.8 in the dressage, showjumped clear and had just 2.4 time-faults across country.

Ingrid Klimke won the class on her European champion SAP Hale Bob OLD. The German led the dressage on 22.2 and added 1.6 time-penalties in the final phase to finish 1.4 penalties ahead of Oliver.

“I am thrilled with the horse,” said world number one Oliver. “To get so close to Hale Bob is very special and I couldn’t be happier with how he has performed.”

Wiesbaden attracts big crowds and the cross-country winds through the tradestands, finishing in the main arena.

“Bobby did such a wonderful job today. It was the best feeling to ride through the Schloss Park with so many people cheering us on,” said Ingrid.

A second German also took a podium place when Julia Krajewski landed third with her 2018 Luhmühlen CCI4* winner, Samourai Du Thot.

“Sam loves it here and he’s always been really comfortable in front of all of the people watching him,” said Julia. “I was maybe a bit conservative at the start but by the end I could let him run and jump. He really loves his job and I love riding him. I am very proud to share the podium with two legends.”

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Piggy French speeds to Event Rider Masters victory at Chatsworth Horse Trials

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The Netherlands’ Tim Lips was fourth riding Bayro, with New Zealander Tim Price in fifth on Cekatinka.

Piggy French, who won the Chatsworth leg, and Ingrid are now tied for second place on the ERM series leaderboard ahead of the third 2018 ERM leg at Arville, Belgium (23-24 June). Tim Price holds the lead, six points ahead of them.

Full report from Wiesbaden in H&H this week (issue dated 24 May).

Germany loses Europeans silver medal after positive dope test

Lucy Elder — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 11:27:17 +0000

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…

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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.”

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Germany names likely squad for eventing European Championships in Poland

Pippa Roome — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 09:19:43 +0000

The German selectors have given an indication of the riders likely to make the six-man squad for the eventing European Championships in Strzegom, Poland (17-20 August).

A long-list has been drawn up, with riders named in three groups. The riders in group one (so most likely to go to the championship) are:

Andreas Dibowski (FRH Butts Avedon and It’s Me xx)
Bettina Hoy (Designer 10 and Seigneur Medicott)
Michael Jung (FischerRocana FST and Lennox 364)
Ingrid Klimke (Horseware Hale Bob OLD)
Julia Krajewski (Chipmunk FRH and Samourai Du Thot, pictured)

The riders in group two are:

Leonie Kuhlmann (Cascora)
Andreas Ostholt (Corvette 31)
Kai Rüder (Colani Sunrise)
Josefa Sommer (Hamilton 24)

The riders in group three are:

Jörg Kurbel (Entertain You)
Claas Hermann Romeike (Cato 60)
Falk-Filip-Finn Westerich (FBW Gina K)

The final selection will be made after Aachen (21-22 July), where Sandra Auffarth, Bettina Hoy, Leonie Kuhlmann, Ingrid Klimke, Jörg Kurbel, Andreas Ostholt, Kai Rüder and Josefa Sommer will start on one horse and Michael Jung on two.

Continued below…

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There are no real surprises in the five riders named on the top list.

Andreas Dibowski’s It’s Me won Luhmühlen CCI4* last year while FRH Butts Avedon has a long-term record of consistent top-level performances, although he was retired in the showjumping at Luhmühlen last weekend when he came down on his knees in the combination.

Bettina Hoy finished third at Luhmühlen CCI4* last weekend on Designer 10 and Seigneur Medicott has won four three-stars in a row (Blenheim CCI3* last year and three CIC3*s this spring including Luhmühlen).

Michael Jung and FischerRocana FST have won Kentucky CCI4* for the past three years, while Lennox 364 took fifth at Saumur CCI3* in May.

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob OLD were members of the gold medal-winning team at the Blair Europeans in 2015 and the silver medal-winning team at the Rio Olympics last year, as well as finishing ninth at Badminton this spring.

Julia Krajewski won Luhmühlen CCI4* last weekend with Samourai Du Thot and has had three top-10 placings in CIC3*s this spring with Chipmunk FRH, including second in the Event Rider Masters at Wiesbaden.

Full report of Luhmühlen in H&H this week, out Thursday, 22 June.

Nicola Wilson second at Luhmühlen for GB as Bettina Hoy loses top spot in final phase

Pippa Roome — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 14:17:18 +0000

Britain’s Nicola Wilson moved up to second in the CCI4* at Luhmühlen, presented by DHL, in this afternoon’s final showjumping (18 June) with only her three time-faults preventing her from taking top spot.

Nicola piloted Jo and James Lambert’s Bulana to a clear jumping round over a tough track designed by Martin Otto, but the 88-second time allowed was also influential and she finished three seconds over it to add three penalties to her overnight score of 38.7 and complete on 41.7.

Nicola Wilson and Bulana finish second at Luhmühlen CCI4*. Picture by Libby Law Photography (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rising German star Julia Krajewski’s mount Samourai Du Thot took the back rail off fence eight with his hindlegs to finish on 41.1, just 0.6 of a penalty ahead of Nicola.

“It was an expensive time-fault or two but Bulana gets better and better and better — she jumped magnificently,” said Nicola. “I’m thrilled with how she’s gone this week.”

Overnight leader Bettina Hoy therefore gained a fence in hand, but she looked tentative and Designer 10 hit the yellow upright at fence six. She cleared the rest of the fences, but it wasn’t enough — she too incurred three time-faults and dropped to third place, leaving Julia as the winner.

“The showjumping was really big — even bigger than last year,” said Julia. “My horse is quite small and I know he can jump everything, but I have to really ride him forwards, which was good as the time was tight. I didn’t worry too much about the time.

“If I hadn’t taken a pull he wouldn’t have hit fence eight as he didn’t want to touch a pole. After that, I thought ,’Damn’, but there were so few clear rounds and when Bettina had her fence and time-faults, that’s how it happens sometimes and you’re a four-star winner.”

Continued below…

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There were only four fault-free rounds and one of these moved the USA’s Marilyn Little up from ninth to fourth with RF Scandalous. The other clears came from France’s Maxime Livio on Opium Des Verrierers (up from 11th to fifth), Australia’s Shane Rose with Virgil (up from 14th to seventh) and Britain’s Pippa Funnell on Billy The Biz (up from 20th to 10th).

Britain’s Sarah Bullimore went into this final phase in fourth with Lilly Corinne, but she dropped two places when she had the oxer at fence five and the middle part of the treble at fence seven down.

Oliver Townend sank from seventh to 18th with 20 jumping faults on Black Tie, but Britain had a fourth pair in the top 10 when Ros Canter’s five faults moved her and Zenshera up from 10th to ninth.

There was drama for Germany’s Andreas Dibowski, sixth overnight, when he appeared to get lost early in of his round and then FRH Butts Avedon crumpled right down to his knees in the treble at fence seven, blundering through the next element. Andreas, who won this class last year on It’s Me, then retired.

Full report from Luhmühlen in H&H next week, out Thursday, 22 June.

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Julia, who owns the Selle Francais mare with Bernd Heicke, said Amande De B’Neville (“Mandy”) will not return to sport owing to an “undramatic” hoof issue, which has failed to improve as hoped despite “all sort of approaches in treatment”.

“I suppose many people are wondering how Mandy is doing and what’s next for her. First of all she is doing absolutely fine, spending her life in the most horsey way (lots of field time) and being her usual proud self,” said Julia.

“About what’s next for her – to be able to give a reliable answer to that question has taken quite some time and consideration. She is an incredibly special horse to us and every decision about her has to do her the best justice possible.

“To make it short, she will not return to sport but hopefully become as wonderful as a mummy as she was in eventing.”

She added that the decision was taken with Professor Heicke, who is the “most supportive owner” and “always has the horses’ best interests in mind”.

“While [the hoof issue] does not make her uncomfortable in normal life, there is a risk that it might get way worse when the pressure of performance is put on. Even though there also is a little chance it could work, we decided against trying it,” said Julia.

“Everyone is to judge himself what chances are right to take, but I felt that Mandy gave me so, so much, being the most outstanding horse, making all my dreams come true, that my biggest fear would have been to fail her in return and not deciding in her best interest.”

The Oscar Des Fontaines daughter was bred in France and started her career showjumping. She was sourced for Julia as a six-year-old by Myriam Meylemans.

The mare scored promising results on her rise through the eventing ranks and made an impressive four-star debut in the Event Rider Masters section at Chatsworth in 2019, finishing fourth.

In 2021, the pair won Saumur CCI4*-L and finished fifth in the German Championship CCI4*-S at Luhmühlen before they securedthe historic gold at the Tokyo Games, where Julia became the first woman to win an individual Olympic eventing title.

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In 2021, the pair won Saumur CCI4-L and finished fifth in the German Championship CCI4-S at Luhmühlen before they securedthe historic gold at the Tokyo Games, where Julia became the first woman to win an individual Olympic eventing title.