Latest from Horse & Hound in Ludger-beerbaum

Olympic gold medal-winning stallion dies aged 35: ‘We look back with gratitude and pride’

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:18:51 +0000

Olympic showjumping stallion Goldfever has passed away at the age of 35. The legendary chestnut enjoyed a stellar career with German showjumper Ludger Beerbaum, including winning gold medals at the 2000 Olympics and the 2003 European championships.

“Goldi”, who was owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze, was retired from the sport in 2009 and enjoyed a second career as a breeding stallion before retiring to Ludger Beerbaum’s Riesenbeck stables, where he passed away in his home stable this week.

“Of course, we are all very sad today that Goldfever is no longer with us,” said Ludger. “But we also look back with great gratitude and a little pride on his successes and the time we shared.”

He expressly credited Marie Johnson, who looked after Goldfever during his time on the showjumping circuit, and Petra Schmid, who “looked after him every single day until the very end”.

Ludger Beerbaum at home with Goldfever, who has died at the age of 35. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Goldfever by name and nature

The iconic partnership between Ludger Beerbaum and Goldfever spanned over a decade. The son of Grosso Z was born in Germany on 6 May 1991, bred by Sigurd Hockmuth in Meerbeck.

As a youngster, Goldfever realised a high price at auction having been one of the top jumpers at the stallion licensing at Verden in 1993 and he was produced by Claudia Freise in his early days before he caught the eye of Ludger Beerbaum and the pair soared to the top of the sport.

As well as helping Germany secure team gold at the Olympics and Europeans, Ludger Beerbaum and Goldfever won individual silver at the 2003 Europeans, triumphed in the $1 million CN grand prix at Spruce Meadows in 2002, landed the Top 10 Final in 2001 and claimed back-to-back victories in the Aachen grand prix, in 2002 and 2003.

Goldfever eventually retired in 2009 with winnings of more than €2m.

He went on to become a hugely successful breeding stallion and several of his progeny of reached the top level, including the great mare Gotha FRH, who competed with both Ludger and Henrik von Eckermann.

Together with Goldfever’s owner Madeleine Winter-Schulze, the whole team at Beerbaum Stables said: “Thank you, Goldfever, and farewell”.

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Showjumping legend makes ‘spontaneous’ decision to retire, weeks before his 60th birthday

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‘New chapter’ for Olympic champion as he leaves top jumping stable

Lucy Elder — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:05:45 +0000

Olympic showjumping champion Christian Kukuk will set up on his own after 13 years of being based with Ludger Beerbaum.

Christian, who won individual gold at Paris 2024 with Checker 47, has been a rider at Beerbaum Stables in Riesenbeck, Germany, since 2012, and will leave at the end of the year.

“Everything I have learned in terms of sport, I learned from Ludger Beerbaum. He has played the biggest part in my riding and my successes and I am eternally grateful to Ludger for that,” said Christian.

“I am aware that it will be difficult to make my way without his protective hand and unique experience. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life.”

The now 35-year-old German rider had just turned 22 when he made his international career debut as a rider for Ludger’s stable. He has had success from young horses to his crowning moment at last year’s Olympic Games, and helped the German team to European silver in 2021 and bronze last month.

Ludger added: “As a young athlete, Christian has developed into a figurehead of our stable/team over the past decade.

“The fact that, in addition to our working relationship, we also have a particularly good, trusting personal relationship will allow us to continue working together in the coming years.”

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‘It was an uphill task, but I’m so proud’: sensational silver for Ireland at European Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:02:37 +0000

Ireland have delivered an outstanding team performance to win the silver medal at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

The Irish squad had come into Friday’s medal decider in fourth position, less than a penalty behind leaders Germany. But in an afternoon of extreme highs and lows, their key rivals Switzerland and Germany dropped away – the latter after the shock withdrawal of Marcus Ehning and Stargold – and Ireland held their nerve to finish second to gold medal-winners Sweden, with Austria chasing them home in third.

“I’m not really surprised to find ourselves on the podium,” said Team Ireland’s chef d’equipe Michael Blake with a smile. “Obviously, I knew we had an uphill task. We had one or two changes coming into these championships, but I suppose one thing we’re most proud of is that we could make two, three, four or even five changes to our team – we have a lot of strength in Ireland.

“We’ve used in excess of 30 riders on the five-star Nations Cup shows this year and I think that’s phenomenal. I’m so proud to be able to be involved with people that are that good and love the sport that much. And, you know, they really put the country first – they make my job really easy. OK, sometimes it’s a bit of a headache, you know, with a lot of people vying to get on teams. But that’s a good thing.”

European Showjumping Championships: “The future looks good for Ireland”

The Irish quartet consisted of Michael Duffy (Cinca 3), Trevor Breen on Highland President and Shane Sweetnam riding James Kann Cruz with Eoin McMahon as anchorman on Mila. They completed on a team score of 19, behind champions Sweden on 9.51pen, and just ahead of surprise bronze medallists Austria.

Shane Sweetnam was part of Ireland’s gold medal-winning team at the 2017 European Showjumping Championships, “As the Swedish riders will remember well!” he joked.

“But they’ve been going great guns since. This is special – I was talking to [Irish Olympian] Gerry Mullins last week and I was just saying that the first medal is sometimes a career highlight, especially for Irish riders. So to now get two medals is special. Then the way the younger riders are coming on, with Eoin, Michael and this is Trevor’s first championship, and there’s such depth. Then we’ve won with the juniors, the young riders, the ponies this year, so the future looks good for us. World domination isn’t too far away!”

Team Ireland: “Great team spirit, all the lads got stuck in”

Trevor Breen agreed that competing at these championships, particularly on his home-bred Highland President, was “very special”.

“It’s my first championship at any level so it was a big thing for me to get the nod from Michael Blake,” said Trevor. “We’ve had really great team spirit – these are a great bunch of lads and we all got stuck in as best we could.”

For Eoin McMahon, who only teamed up with Ludger Beerbaum’s great mare Mila earlier this year, this championship was unexpected.

“Everything was a bit of a surprise, a bonus – it’s starting to come together now,” said Eoin, who is based in Riesenbeck with the legendary German rider. “To get a silver medal is really special.”

Michael Duffy and Cinca 3, who have jumped clear throughout these championships, are currently in the individual bronze medal position going into Sunday’s final medal decider.

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‘A great finish’: Ireland’s medal chances fortified on day one of European Showjumping Championships

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:35:30 +0000

Team Ireland have made an assertive start to the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September), completing day one in fourth position behind early leaders Sweden.

Ireland’s pathfinder Michael Duffy with Cinca 3 described Uliano Vezzani’s track, over footing that some riders weren’t happy with, as “jumping tough”. But this super partnership set the bar with a clear in 76.34sec.

“It’s a funny old course. The ground is very mediocre,” said Michael. “So it’s catching a good few faults and it probably rides bigger than it is. But it’s a championship, so that’s to be expected.

“I was maybe half a second slower than I wanted to be, but it’s jumping tough. I thought I’d be further down the leaderboard than I am when I jumped, so I’m happy enough,” said Michael, who finished the day in 19th place individually.

“My mare always gets better for jumping more. I was first in, so I was going to try to be a bit quicker than most but not do anything scary. We only bought her in January, but she’s 14 and she’s been to the Olympics, so she’s no stranger to these courses and these championships.”

Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 in action for Ireland at the European Championships in Milan, Italy. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

European Showjumping Championships: “Hopefully we can contribute to a team medal this week”

Trevor Breen and his home-bred Highland President followed with a lovely clear, but in a slower time, which would end up as the team’s drop score, before a quick four-fault round converted into a competitive 77.72sec and a 25th place individually for Shane Sweetnam riding the exciting James Kann Cruz.

“There’s still a long way to go and my horse was in very good shape, so fingers crossed for tomorrow,” said US-based Shane of the Irish-bred son of Kannan x Cruising. “He’s a great horse – he’s still learning, obviously, and this is his first championship. So hopefully we learn a lot about each other. But he always comes out jumping, trying his best. He loves his job.

“Hopefully, we can contribute to the team and maybe get a team medal this week and then see where we’re at. He’s very talented. He’s got a big presence about him, he’s big and grey and a lively fellow. So he really does stand out. When he’s working with you, he’s a nice ride, but he’s all energy!”

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz competing for Ireland at the European Championships in Milan, Italy. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Team Ireland, led by chef d’equipe Michael Blake, concluded the first qualifier for team and individual athletes at the European Showjumping Championships with a smashing clear from a relatively new combination, Eoin McMahon riding Ludger Beerbaum’s great mare Mila. They are one of three combinations in action at the European Showjumping Championships from the world-famous Ludger Beerbaum stables.

“There was no plan B or C, everything was plan A,” reflected 27-year-old Eoin, who is eighth in the individual standings. “We’re getting there – we had a couple of a couple of teething problems, just while we were getting to know each other… she’s a mare, she has a lot of blood! But she’s brilliant, I’m delighted and that’s a great way to finish the day.”

Sweden are currently in the gold medal position, just a fraction ahead of Switzerland with Germany currently in third. Great Britain finished day one in 1oth position.

Ireland’s individual contender Denis Lynch and Vistogrand are also helping to fly the Irish flag in 23rd position.

Showjumping legend makes ‘spontaneous’ decision to retire, weeks before his 60th birthday

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:07:44 +0000

Legendary showjumper Ludger Beerbaum has retired from the sport at the age of 59, after an illustrious career spanning four decades. The German maestro is one of the most decorated riders in the world, winning four Olympic gold medals, the World Cup Final, countless grands prix and a further 16 championship medals.

In a surprise announcement at the CHIO Aachen on Sunday (2 July), shortly after jumping his top mare Mila in the Rolex grand prix for four faults, Ludger revealed that he would be stepping back from the sport.

In front of 40,000 spectators on home soil he bid his final farewell and left the international ring for one final time, marking the end of an incredible era for the sport.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision but I have been thinking for a while, ‘Should I, should I not?’,” Ludger told H&H.

“Originally I hadn’t planned to ride in Aachen as I’d passed Mila on to Eoin McMahon, who is my colleague here at the stables. But then he broke his arm, so I rode her a bit and I thought why should she not go to Aachen? She’s been there several years, so she knows the place well. I asked if it was possible and fortunately I got a wild card.

“I had quite a good week there, we qualified for the grand prix and she just had a fault at the water, but she jumped good. Then as I was leaving the arena, I thought ‘Well actually maybe this is the right moment’. So it was quite spontaneous!

“Aachen is a special place, especially for us Germans, so I thought that was the right place to do it,” added the Olympian.

“It was not an easy decision and there’s never a right time – it will take a bit of time to adapt to the situation I’m sure – but there is also something in me saying it was the right thing to do. That final lap of honour was very touching.”

Ludger Beerbaum retires: ‘I’ve had so much support over the years, which I really appreciate’

Ludger began riding at the age of eight and began his winning ways in young riders, going on to become core to Germany’s reign in the sport for so many years and he long held the position of world number one. His first appearance for the German Nations Cup team came at Dublin, Ireland in 1985 and he represented his country 133 times and made 24 championship appearances. He has ridden and produced some incredible horses such as Goldfever, Ratina Z, Chaman and Couleur Rubin.

Ludger has won all the top prizes including the Aachen grand prix three times and the CN International at Spruce Meadows. His Olympic team gold medals came in 1996, 2000 and 2008 and he was crowned individual champion in 1992 riding Classic Touch. He won European titles at every championship between 1997 and 2003 and was part of the gold medal-winning German team at the world championships in 1994 and 1998.

Seven years ago, Ludger had taken the first step down from the top rung of the sport when he announced he would no longer ride on national teams, although he made a brief comeback for the Nations Cup at Hickstead last year when the chef d’equipe was short of available riders.

Ludger Beerbaum riding Classic Touch at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, where he won individual gold. Photo by David Madison/Getty Images (Image credit: Getty Images)

He was regularly competing at the top level until in March this year, Ludger broke his leg in a fall while competing in Doha, Qatar, and was out of action for nearly three months. He returned to competition last month, taking in shows on home soil before jumping in the Longines Global Champions Tour five-star shows of Paris and Stockholm before bowing out at the equestrian mecca of Aachen, where he has jumped in the grand prix 35 times.

“If someone had told me when I started out that I would be bowing out at the age of 60, no way would I have believed them!” said Ludger. “Because I wasn’t born to do the sport like Marcus Ehning or John Whitaker. So I’m pleased I’ve had so many opportunities and I’ve had so much support, which I really appreciate.

“There are probably three moments that stand out for me from my career – winning individual gold in Barcelona with Classic Touch, becoming the first German to win the World Cup Final in 1993, and then winning the Aachen grand prix for the first time in 1996.

“I am probably different to many other riders who have one horse who really stands out – I have been very fortunate to have a lot of really nice horses. There was Ratina, Goldfever, Classic Touch and last but not least there’s Mila, who’s 11 years old and probably at the peak of her time. But maybe next year now she can go to the Paris Olympics with Eoin – that would be really good.

“There’s so much going on here with the young horses, which is very motivating and I will continue to ride at home a bit. I will really miss competing – but I will not miss the travelling!”

Former Olympic champion’s animal welfare charges dropped – and ‘touching’ training method banned

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:28:17 +0000

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

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

The FN disciplinary committee has now dropped the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legendary showjumper sidelined with broken leg

Becky Murray — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:58:07 +0000

German Olympic showjumper Ludger Beerbaum has undergone surgery after breaking his leg in a fall.

Ludger was competing at the Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Doha (2-4 March) along with Philipp Weishaupt and Christian Kukuk as part of the newly formed GCT team Riesenbeck International. The riders previously competed as Berlin Eagles and were the 2022 Global Champions League (GCL) champions.

On Thursday (2 March) Ludger was 27th in the CSI5* 1.45m on Mila, but in the next class – also a 1.45m – he had a fall from Christians Carado.

“Ludger immediately felt that this was more than a harmless fall,” said a Reisenbeck spokesman, adding that it was confirmed in hospital that Ludger had fractured his thigh.

Ludger underwent surgery to have stabilising plates and screws inserted into his leg, and in an update yesterday (5 March) it was confirmed the operation went well.

“Ludger has successfully been operated on and is now on the road to recovery,” said the spokesman.

“We would like to thank you all for the outstanding sympathy and well wishes in the last few days.”

Philipp and Christian continued to have a successful show, with Philip and 13-year-old gelding Coby 8 and Christian and 11-year-old stallion Mumbai helping Riesenbeck International claim victory in the GCL competition. The St Tropez Pirates featuring Simon Delestre and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli were second, while Marcus Ehning and John Whitaker picked up third for Valkenswaard United.

Philipp went on to be victorious with the nine-year-old mare Just Be Gentle in the competitive grand prix class. Christian and 10-year-old mare Nice Van’t Zorgvliet were second.

“It is a very special moment, the nicest story in this whole situation is when we have one down like what happened with Ludger’s accident; it could not have happened in a better place,” Philipp said. “We felt like the whole country of Qatar was helping us, the hospital was amazing and he almost felt like he was at home.”

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

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 12:53:16 +0000

Six years after announcing his retirement from team competitions, the legendary German rider Ludger Beerbaum made a welcome return to the national squad, finishing an agonisingly close second to France after a three-way jump-off for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at the Longines Royal International Horse Show on Friday (29 July).

Ludger, 58, and the 10-year-old mare Mila (Monte Bellini x Linton) jumped an immaculate clear in round one, just picking up four faults in the second round of the team competition. The pair were joined on the German side by Marcus Ehning (A La Carte NRW), Philipp Weishaupt with Asathir and Tobias Meyer on Greatest Boy H, who just lost out to Frenchman Marc Dilasser by barely one second in the jump-off to decide top honours.

“It feels really, really nice – it doesn’t feel like I’ve been out for six years,” Ludger told H&H. “But I think that’s also because of the horse – she does it really easy and she gives me a very secure, good feeling. It’s simply a pleasure.

“We four riders were fighting together – Nations Cups really bring the riders who are selected together, I think it’s really cool,” he said.

Ludger Beerbaum was only drafted back on Germany’s Nations Cup team for Hickstead after chef d’equipe Otto Becker found himself struggling for contenders due to the event’s close proximity to the world showjumping championships in Herning, Denmark, at the start of August.

“Otto was a bit short of people – the others are heading to Herning and didn’t really have a second or third horse,” said Ludger. “In the end I called Otto to say ‘Listen, if you’re short of someone, I’d like to go back to Hickstead’.

“We didn’t quite win, but it was all good – if you’d said to me the day before that we’d finish second, I’d have signed for it.”

When asked if Friday’s comeback for Germany could mark the start of some more team appearances, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said: “That’s not planned, no, but we’ll have to see – if another time he’s short of people or horses again, we’ll see.”

Ludger Beerbaum, 58, makes German team comeback – for one day only

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 16:06:45 +0000

Six years after announcing that he was retiring from the German showjumping team, four-time Olympic gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum is set to make a welcome comeback.

The German legend announced in 2016 at the age of 52 that he was retiring from team sport, although he has continued to compete as an individual in the six years since. His final team appearance came at the FEI Nations Cup Final in 2016.

But showjumping fans will have the chance to enjoy the maestro in action once again wearing the German team colours as he lines up to compete in Friday’s Nations Cup competition at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

However, it has been stressed that Ludger, who turns 59 next month, will be flying the German flag for one day only — this is not a permanent return to the team fold. A statement from Ludger Beerbaum’s stables said: “Due to a shortage of riders this close to the World [Championships], Ludger will exclusively be joining the German team for this show and does not plan on a comeback.”

Ludger will be competing this week on his top mare Mila and he will be joined in Sussex by his German team-mates Marcus Ehning, Tobias Meyer, Sven Schlusselburg and the Beerbaum Stables rider Philipp Weishaupt.

Ludger was described by former FEI jumping director John Roche as “a legend in his own lifetime, a complete horseman and a man who is deeply involved in the development of the sport.”

He said after announcing his retirement six years ago: “I won’t get bored. I’m grateful that I was able to represent Germany as a rider. Now this job is for my younger colleagues.”

Ludger is now heavily involved with his Riesenbeck International Equestrian Centre in his native Germany but has been on great form this year in the saddle, winning the five-star Longines Global Champions Tour grands prix of Mexico City and Doha.

Ludger’s first appearance on a senior championship team for Germany came in 1987. He has won two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at world championships and six gold, three silver and two bronze at European championships, as well as his four Olympic gold medals and one bronze medal at his final championship in Rio in 2016.

Owners of Palm Beach International EC buy new businesses to expand Global Equestrian Group

Sarah Eakin — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:29:59 +0000

Global Equestrian Group, which acquired the Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre (PBIEC) – home to the Winter Equestrian Festival – in July 2021, has obtained two new companies in the United States to expand and support their market operations there.

Gold Coast Feed, official feed and bedding supplier to PBIEC, is one of the acquisitions by the company that according to the Global Equestrian Group website has a vision “to become the world’s leading equestrian company”.

“We see tremendous potential in Gold Coast Feed,” said Global Equestrian Group CEO Andreas Helgstrand. “The company has a prime location and good range of quality products. Gold Coast Feed already supplies PBIEC, so we are familiar with the company and their services. By adding this company to our group, we can enhance both service level and our great outreach to the equestrian market in Florida.”

ShowGrounds, LLC is the second acquisition. Located in Shelbourne Falls, MA, the company operates as the show management and streaming provider for equestrian events across the United States and Canada, currently assisting 17 major showgrounds in operating their results, schedules, orders, videos, and more.

“The Show Grounds Live platform fits perfectly with our group,” said Andreas. “We have already started an extensive journey on digitalization and acquiring Show Grounds Live will allow us to take another huge step on this path. With the combined efforts of Show Grounds Live and Global Equestrian Group, we can lift the equestrian event experience to a completely new level.”

Show Grounds Live retains an extensive content library with over a million videos and accommodates more than 200,000 unique streaming users. The organisation employs more than 25 people, including seasonal video operators.

Global Equestrian Group was established at the beginning of 2021. In February 2021 German showjumper Ludger Beerbaum Stables was acquired and joined the group as co-owner.

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

Lucy Elder — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:31:21 +0000

1. Ludger Beerbaum

The German Olympic showjumper is to take legal action after welfare-related accusations were made against him in a programme shown by TV broadcaster RTL. Ludger has stated the allegations are “demonstrably false” and that his horses’ wellbeing is his top priority. The report included footage of a rider labelled “Ludger Beerbaum”, allegedly showing what the report described as the practice of “parallel bars” or “bars”, similar to rapping, which is illegal in Germany and under FEI rules. The broadcaster said that a two-year project by an “investigative journalist” had led to the report. Ludger said that the video had “nothing to do with parallel bars”; he said it was “touching”, which is allowed under German rules, “performed by a skilled, experienced equine specialist”. He added that the object shown in the video met the German equestrian federation’s requirements for touching, in terms of its dimensions and weight.

Read the story in full, including reaction from the FEI and German federation

2. Tragedy on the road

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Two horses suffered fatal injuries and their riders were seriously injured on a stretch of road for which locals have been campaigning for safety measures for years.The riders, twin sisters, were taken to hospital after the collision on Woodgreen Road, near Epping Forest, on 7 January. A local horse owner told H&H that riders and pedestrians have been campaigning for safety measures on the stretch of road for years. “Things have to change now,” she said. Essex Police said the driver of the vehicle has been reported for careless driving and is appealing for information on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Read the story in full

3. In the genes… for horses and riders

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Showjumping fans are used to watching younger generations of Whitakers following in the footsteps of their relatives, but the grand prix victory at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex (5 January) was extra special. Jack Whitaker, the 20-year-old son of Michael, partnered Negredo De Muze to the win, who is a son of Michael’s former top grand prix mare, Portofino. Jack followed his father’s advice to seal the win, which was: “It’s gone 9pm, give it your best shot and don’t fanny about!”

Find out more about this exciting partnership

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

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:12:12 +0000

Ludger Beerbaum is to take legal action after welfare-related accusations were made against him, stating that they are “demonstrably false”, and that his horses’ wellbeing is his top priority.

TV broadcaster RTL showed a report on the German former Olympic champion last night (11 January), including footage of a rider labelled “Ludger Beerbaum”, allegedly showing what the report described as the practice of “parallel bars” or “bars”, similar to rapping, which is illegal in Germany and under FEI rules. The broadcaster said that a two-year project by an “investigative journalist” had led to the report.

Ludger said today the video had “nothing to do with parallel bars”; he said it was “touching”, which is allowed under German rules, “performed by a skilled, experienced equine specialist”. He added that the object shown in the video met the German equestrian federation’s requirements for touching, in terms of its dimensions and weight.

Learn more about the German federation’s rules on “touching”

“The contribution of RTL extra is demonstrably false, defamatory and in many ways slanderous,” Ludger said. “Of course we will take legal action against this. It is unacceptable that secret recordings were made on my private property.

“With regard to the accusations against me and my team: the wellbeing of the horses is a top priority for me and my team. Only a horse that is properly treated, professionally cared for and fed, trained and managed can perform in sport. The horses are our capital that we take care of day in and day out.”

Ludger added that his yard is run as an “open stable”, with groups of visitors welcomed as guests daily, customers pick up horse feed and “interns are welcome”.

“Here you can ride in open areas and complete daily training,” he said. “Nothing is hidden or forbidden.

“The fact that the supposedly two-year ‘investigation’ could only reveal four scenes showing the touching of a horse shows that this permitted training method is used very rarely and is not part of our daily work.”

Ludger Beerbaum said the “polygonal posts” found in a barn by the “alleged intern” are wooden posts used only for construction and repair of pasture fences, and that isolators for the fence tapes are clearly visible in the footage.

“Once it is claimed that these are used for parallel bars, this is incorrect,” he said.

“The same applies to the bars with the ‘buttons’ in the attic. I can only say that these elements have been there for years. These come from a purchased inventory of hurdles and have been selected so that they are not used. They are also not used when training with horses.

“How any of these parts, polished and clean, get between the common obstacle poles, I can only speculate. To me, it is obvious that one of these poles was placed there explicitly for contribution. This is where we will investigate further.

“I also note: The withdrawal of my 2004 Olympic gold medal was not based on doping, but on medication that was banned at the time.

“The area on the practice field called the ‘Styrofoam slab’ is a perfectly normal catch basin that is used daily. This is also an indication that the article lacks sufficient expertise.”

German federation (FN) secretary general Soenke Lauterbach said that, as FN had told RTL in 2020 and 2021, it takes the allegations very seriously.

“This is precisely why we will carefully analyse the footage broadcast on Tuesday evening and then draw appropriate conclusions on how to proceed,” he said. “In order to be able to make a serious assessment of the facts, all video and evidence material is required, we therefore call on RTL again to make this available to us in full.

“Even now, regardless of the contribution shown, we can clearly say that the use of square bars and dimpled or spiked bar material is unacceptable and not in accordance with the principles of fair equestrian sport.”

FN has previously stated that RTL had been in touch to say it planned to report on bars and claimed that it had “video material that may show behaviour contrary to animal welfare”, but that the broadcaster had not made the footage available to the federation.

“Because the association cannot fulfill its responsibility for animal welfare in equestrian sport, the FN has informed the police,” an FN spokesman said at the time.

The federation is to deal with the matter by checking whether regulatory proceedings can be initiated, and by informing prosecutors about the RTL report so they can assess the facts.

“In addition, the FN commission, which was set up in January 2021, continues to deal with training methods in equestrian sport and in particular with the topic of touching,” the spokesman said.

He added: “In recent years, the FN has asked RTL several times to make the complete video material available for a technical review and to name the people involved. To this day, RTL has not complied with the requests.”

H&H has contacted RTL for comment on the intention of Ludger Beerbaum to take legal action, and the FN’s statement.

An FEI spokesman said: “The FEI is aware of the allegations made in the documentary and is making enquiries regarding the matter. We are already in touch with the German national federation and will continue to liaise closely with them in order to assess the appropriate course of action.

“The welfare of the horse is central to everything that the FEI stands for and we strongly condemn all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare. The FEI has stringent rules in place to protect horse welfare which allow action to be taken both at FEI events and elsewhere. The FEI absolutely condemns any form of horse abuse.

“The FEI will provide an update as soon as further information is available.”

Moving a river to build stables: have a peek at Ludger Beerbaum’s world-class base

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 18:32:02 +0000

The team at Riesenbeck International, the site of this year’s European Showjumping Championships, has moved mountains to make the world-class venue what it is — or a river, at any rate.

At this base of multiple medal-winning showjumper Ludger Beerbaum, which is owned by Baron Philipp Heereman, the 312 permanent stables in six buildings were completed on 23 August, eight days before the first trot-up at the championships.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The team at Riesenbeck, in the Westphalian region in northwest Germany, had wanted to build permanent boxes for years; at the first international show there in autumn 2015, horseboxes had to be towed off the grass parking field. At the second show, the following weekend, the lorries had to be towed into their parking places. It rained throughout and the temporary stabling was not ideal.

“We thought we were super smart doing two shows in a row, to use the stable tents twice,” said European Showjumping Championships show director Karsten Lutteken.

“It maybe wasn’t the best idea. The riders said the arena was beautiful, the competing side absolutely perfect but the stables… we had to improve the infrastructure.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The first step was a hard surface for the car park, which was accomplished, but the permanent stables were a bigger challenge. Close to the proposed building site was a small river, and the land was where excess water could go if the river flooded.

“So it was a no-go for building, but we always had a dream of permanent stables,” Karsten says. “We asked what we could do, and in the end we found a solution.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We were standing on the bridge with [a member of a planning authority] and said ‘What can we do?’ He said ‘Easy, you just move the river’. We thought he was joking.”

He wasn’t, and the river now flows peacefully on its new course, with land around it suitable for being flooded when necessary. The area will be allowed to be natural, while water from the river will be used for maintenance of the grass arena.

The stables, so new they almost squeak, have big windows, plastic walls that are easier to clean and disinfect between shows, airy surroundings with big skylights, no drinkers, to avoid the possibility of contamination from that source, lots of taps and wash bays; all designed after feedback from those who had groomed at shows all over the world.

Elsewhere is the second grass arena, used for the vet checks at these championships and on which riders can practise jumping on grass; it is also used for driving competition.

There’s even a snack bar for the horses by the entrance to the main ring (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The main indoor arena is 80x40m, with a 60×25 across the corridor, used as a warm-up for the main ring, and also by the local riding club.

There are also two big outdoor surfaces, one used for the warm-up for this week’s championship and the other for the CSI classes. The aim is to hold 10-12 international events per year, and also “highlights” such as this championship every year.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

There’s also a model goat tied to a post outside the stables.

“This is the first time I’ve seen that,” Karsten says. “I’m not sure it fits with the concept.”

Riders with combined age of 123 years claim top spots in London GCT CSI5* speed class

Sarah Radford — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:47:29 +0000

Legends of the sport Ludger Beerbaum, 57, and John Whitaker, 66, showed the younger riders how it’s done when they claimed first and third in the penultimate five-star class at the London Longines Global Champions Tour.

John, fresh from his second place in yesterday’s grand prix, laid down a great round with the Old Lodge’s 11-year-old gelding Sharid in Sunday’s CSI5* 1.45m speed to collect third place, 1sec behind the USA’s Eve Jobs (Charleville).

Ludger, who will host the European Championships at his Riesenbeck base at the beginning of next month, found a remarkable 1sec advantage with his experienced LGCT partner Mila to take the top spot.

The German’s target from 12th draw proved untouchable — although Brit Scott Brash (Hello Shelby) trumped the time, it was at the expense of a rail.

The third place in a rankings class was another boost for John, who was appearing at only his second five-star since 2019.

“It’s been a really good week, I’ve had the chance to make the most of it,” he said. “There are so many good riders now, the standard is so high, once you slip down rankings it’s hard to get back up. When you are at a five-star, you have to take a chance.”

John has partnered Sharid for the past two years and he is one of six horses he currently rides for Prince Torki.

“The horse is a really good all-rounder, he’s jumped some four-star grands prix,” John said. “He’s a really good horse — although I don’t think I could have found an extra 2sec today!”

Meredith and Shutterfly, Rodrigo and Baloubet, John and Milton — who was your favourite World Cup winning legend?

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:24:36 +0000

This week (15-19 April), we were due to be dazzled by the world’s best showjumpers contesting the 2020 World Cup Final in Las Vegas, USA. Sadly, the worldwide pandemic has brought the sport to a standstill, so instead we decided to dip into the archives to remember some of the legendary partnerships to have won multiple World Cup crowns in the competition’s 41-year history.

1. Rodrigo Pessoa and Baloubet Du Rouet: winners in 1998, 1999 and 2000, placed in 2001, 2002 and 2003

Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa remains the only rider to secure a consecutive winning hat-trick of World Cups on the same horse, achieving the feat with the great chestnut stallion Baloubet Du Rouet in Helsinki, Gothenburg and then Las Vegas in 2000. They came within a whisker of making it four-in-a-row in 2001 when finishing second, going on to claim two more podium spots together.

“He was a horse of a lifetime and a freak of nature,” Rodrigo told H&H. “He had everything – the power, the health, he was careful and intelligent. We as riders are just fortunate to be able to cross paths with horses like that.”

2. Hugo Simon: winner in 1979 on Gladstone, then in 1996 and 1997 on E.T

Representing Austria, Hugo Simon won the inaugural World Cup in Gothenburg in 1979 and then, after a 17-year hiatus, returned for back-to-back victories in 1996 and 1997 with the renowned E.T. His third win came about on a return to the Scandinavium arena in Gothenburg when Hugo was 55.

3. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly: winners in 2005, 2008 and 2009, runner-up in 2004 (pictured)

American-born Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum represents Germany and she is the only female rider to win three World Cups. After narrowly missing out on the crown in 2004, Meredith made amends with her first victory in Las Vegas the following year with her phenomenal partner Shutterfly. The pair’s hat-trick came in the same city four years later, where the then world number one rider led throughout all three legs — Shutterfly didn’t touch a pole throughout — en route to claiming the title. “That was my most perfect victory,” said Meredith at the time. She describes her beloved “Petey” as “the most perfect horse in the world. He only became great when he entered the ring. There he knew he had ability and he became confident,” she says.

4. Marcus Ehning: winner in 2003 with Anka, 2006 on Sandro Boy and again in 2010 riding Noltes Kuchengirl and Plot Blue

Esteemed German horseman Marcus Ehning’s first World Cup success came in the 25^th running of the World Cup, held in Las Vegas, the day before his 29^th birthday.

“I never thought I would win,” he said. “If you think about it too much, it can hurt, so I tried not to overthink it but it really couldn’t have turned out any better.”

Less than a fence separated the top three riders going in to the final round but another faultless performance with the 12-year-old mare Anka claimed the top spot. In 2010 in Geneva he became one of the elite group of riders, now standing at five, who have won three World Cups.

5. Steve Guerdat: winner in 2015 riding Albfuehren’s Paille, 2016 on Corbinian and again in 2019 with Alamo; he finished second in 2013 on the great Nino Des Buissonnets

The reigning World Cup title-holder Steve Guerdat of Switzerland misses the chance to claim a historic fourth win in Vegas this year but still rules as one of the most successful riders in the competition’s history.

“The first one was amazing, the second one was amazing, the third one… I don’t know what to say,” said an emotional Steve after claiming his hat-trick in Gothenburg last year. “I just love being a part of this championship.”

6. John Whitaker and Milton: champions in 1990 and 1991, runners-up in 1989 and again alongside Grannusch in 1993. John went on to finish second again in 1997.

The legendary pairing of John Whitaker and the great Milton, one of the sport’s most popular combinations, couldn’t have come closer to claiming a World Cup hat-trick, but the achievement just eluded them. The duo’s victories came in Dortmund and Gothenburg, with the latter being one of the mighty grey gelding’s final major successes.

“He was a brilliant jumper and he just felt special from the very first fence I jumped on him,” John told H&H. “I’ve been very spoilt with some of my horses but he was so careful — when you went up in the air on Milton you felt as though you were never going to come down.”

7. Ian Millar and Big Ben: title-holders in 1988 and 1989, runners-up in 1986

In this Who’s Who of showjumping legends, the Canadian Ian Millar and his great partner Big Ben join John Whitaker as a rider to have come agonisingly close to a World Cup hat-trick. The pair gained three top 10 finishes between 1985 and 1987 before taking top spot in Gothenburg in 1988 and again in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The Belgian-bred Big Ben, who captured the hearts of showjumping fans around the world, goes down in World Cup history as the first horse to win the title back-to-back.

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8. Ludger Beerbaum: winner in 1993, with 12 top six finishes between 1992 and 2014

Despite only having one World Cup Final victory to his name, German legend Ludger Beerbaum is one of the most consistent performers in the competition, qualifying regularly over an astounding 30 years. His crowning moment came in Gothenburg in 1993 when he and the phenomenal mare Ratina Z triumphed.

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Final farewell to celebrated jumping stallion who won €1.8 million

Lucy Elder — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:52:40 +0000

Ludgar Beerbaum’s former top jumping stallion Chaman has died peacefully at home aged 20.

The son of Baloubet det Rouet, out of an I Love You mare, won around €1.8m (£1.6m) during his glittering competition career.

The pair won major classes across the world, including the 2014 German Masters in Stuttgart, plus seven other international grands prix. These were at Paris CSI5* (2014), Wiesbaden CSI4* (2011) Dortmund CSI3* (2012), Hannover CSI3* (2012), Lyon CSI3* (2013), Munster CSI4* (2012 and 2015) and Lausanne CSI5* (2014).

He also had numerous other major wins and placings, including second in the 2014 World Cup final in Lyon.

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The stallion retired from the sport at the international indoor horse show in Riesenbeck in 2017 and had been standing at stud in his retirement.

“We’re very saddened to let our breeders and friends of Chaman know that the stallion passed away on Saturday afternoon,” said Ludger.

“I associate many fond memories with Chaman. He was easy and very nice to ride.”

A statement from the German showjumping legend added that after Chaman’s daily routine of “breeding, horse walker and grazing in the paddock”, the 20-year-old KWPN stallion passed away peacefully in his stable in the afternoon.

Chaman’s first set of foals were born in 2014 and are already showing talent in the early stages of their careers.

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

‘It was emotional, even for an old guy like me’ — Beerbaum hails new Super Grand Prix a ‘milestone’ event

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 02:12:11 +0000

Edwina Tops-Alexander has won the inaugural Super Grand Prix on the Longines Global Champions Tour. The Australian rider fended off 15 of the world’s top riders, including German legend Ludger Beerbaum, to take top honours on Saturday night (15 December) riding the great mare California.

“It is a huge honour and one of the most prestigious grands prix I have ever won,” said Edwina.

This brand new competition in the O2 Arena at the new GC Playoffs in Prague brought the 2018 LGCT championship season to a glittering conclusion. The sixteen riders, who had qualified from each of the grands prix in the series, battled it out over two jaw-dropping tracks set by Uliano Vezzani. But it was Edwina Tops-Alexander who collected the silverware ahead of Ludger Beerbaum of Germany on Casello in the runner-up spot, with Dutchman Frank Schuttert third riding Chianti’s Champion. All three riders on the podium finished with four faults after two rounds of jumping, with less than half a second separating the top two competitors.

“After I had the fence down, I thought I have just got to go for it,” said Edwina, who collected a whopping €313,333 (£280,000) top prize.

The Australian rider won the Longines Masters of Paris at the start of this month with California, then followed up with victory in the World Cup of La Coruna last week on new ride Vinchester before coming to Prague to claim a festive hat-trick.

“I’ve had the most amazing three weeks of my life and to finish by winning the LGCT Super Grand Prix is incredible,” she said.

Runner-up Ludger Beerbaum added: “It was quite emotional, even for an old guy like me. To me this event is a milestone and I enjoyed being part of it.”

Two British riders, Scott Brash and Ben Maher, had qualified for this €1.25million competition and Ben took fifth with a second round clear on Explosion W after picking up eight faults in round one.

“Today wasn’t our day,” said Ben, who finished just ahead of Scott in seventh. “It’s easy to forget Explosion W is only nine and has limited experience indoors but I’m happy he grew so quickly in the second round. I can’t be disappointed when he’s had such an amazing year.”

Only Edwina and Harrie Smolders had jumped clear in round one but the world number one crashed out when his ride Zinius took a strong dislike to the Rolls Royce vertical — for the second time this week — and the Dutchman once again hit the deck for elimination.

There was another hard luck story for Irishman Shane Breen, who had been vying for top honours in third on Ipswich Van De Wolfsakker after round one but elected to retire after the faults began accumulating in round two.

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 20 December, for the full report from this brand new event in the equestrian calendar.

Showjumping legend requires surgery after serious fall

Rachael Turner — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:20:48 +0000

German showjumping star Ludger Beerbaum sustained multiple fractures in a fall in a World Cup qualifier on 30 December.

Olympian Ludger was competing at Mechelen, Belgium, with Chacon.

The pair finished the course with eight faults, but after the final fence, 12-year-old Chacon mistakenly jumped part of a double in the wrong direction and Ludger fell.

He left the arena on a stretcher and was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a multiple fracture on his upper arm. He was operated on that evening.

Chacon was not injured.

“Ludger is hoping to make a speedy recovery following his operation,” said a spokesman for Ludger Beerbaum Stables.

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by so many kind messages and well wishes. Thank you so much for your support.”

A spokesman for the FEI wished the 54-year-old a quick recovery.

“German ace, Ludger Beerbaum, already had four [faults] on the board with Chacon before getting four more for an awkward jump at the last and then hitting the deck when Chacon mistakenly took on part of the double at fence five in the wrong direction,” she said.

“The man who claimed Germany’s first-ever World Cup title back in 1993 is under medical care and the horse world is wishing him a very swift recovery.”

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The class was won by the Netherlands’ Harry Smolders riding 13-year-old gelding Zinius.

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann was second with Mary Lou and Italy’s Luca de Lorenzo third riding Halifax Van Het Kluizebos.

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

8 reasons why we will always be in awe of Ludger Beerbaum

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 11:25:36 +0000

The legendary German showjumper Ludger Beerbaum bowed out of team competition at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona last week (24 September) marking the end of a momentous era for the sport. Ludger rode in his first senior championship in 1987 and over the intervening 29 years won an astounding 12 gold medals for his country — including four Olympic crowns — as well as five silvers and six bronze medals. As the master horseman takes a step back from team duties to concentrate on other equine avenues, we take a look back at some of his greatest achievements and revel in eight very good reasons why Ludger is a genius in the saddle.

1. He’s ice cool

Ludger Beerbaum rode a clear round to cinch the win for Germany in the SSL Final, Barcelona 2008. (Image credit: ERIN COWGILL)

Pressure — what pressure? You don’t become world number one without a certain resilience to the tensions of competitive sport and Ludger always appears ice cool — even when he wins.

2. He’s a master in the saddle

Ludger Beerbaum riding Goldfever (Image credit: IPC media)

Watching Ludger in the ring is akin to a showjumping masterclass — his natural affinity and poise in the saddle is something we would all like to emulate and it’s helped him to win trophies all over the world. He’s also fearless — at the 1992 Olympics, he jumped-off on Classic Touch at a full gallop because his rein had broken and at the age of 15 in a horse fall he broke five ribs and spent a week in a coma. He had a third of his lung removed and it took him six months to train himself to breathe properly again.

3. He’s conquered Europe a phenomenal six times

Ludger Beerbaum and Gotha FRH (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

Ludger has lined up to represent Germany at 11 European championships, winning gold six times — the final of which came with Gotha FRH (pictured) as part of the triumphant team in Madrid in 2011

4. He’s Germany’s golden hero

Ludger Beerbaum GER riding Casello during the 2nd Qualifier for the individual Competition and the 1st round of the Team Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 16th August 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Riding at his seventh Olympics in Rio this year, Ludger and Casello (pictured) helped the German team secure a bronze medal, adding to his three team gold medals he’s collected and the individual title he won on Classic Touch in 1992. The honour of being German flagbearer was bestowed upon Ludger at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Games in Athens.

5. He finds and produces the most brilliant horses

Ludger BEERBAUM ( GER ) riding Chiara 222, in the The Olympia Grand Prix (Class 25), at The London International Horse Show 2015 at Olympia, London, UK on 21th December 2015 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Sadly most of us will never know what it feels like to ride a horse of the calibre of Ratina Z, Chaman, Goldfever or the ever consistent Chiara (pictured), but Ludger has formed long and brilliant associations with so many talented equines. He can also seemingly bring out the best in any horse — at the 1988 Olympics, he helped his team win gold on a catch ride called The Freak.

6. He’s head and shoulders above his rivals

Team Germany (L to R; Otto BECKER, Janne Friederike MEYER GER riding GOJA 27, Ludger BEERBAUM GER riding CHIARA 222, Meredith MICHAELS-BEERBAUM GER riding FIBONACCI 17 and Patrick STUHLMEYER GER riding LACAN 2) winners of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup during the Royal International Horse Show at The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, West Sussex, UK on 29 July 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Standing at 6ft2in tall he literally is head and shoulders above the competition as one of the tallest riders on the circuit. However, Ludger’s CV is almost unrivalled in its list of accolades and achievements. The hugely popular and respected rider can boast of wins at nearly every major grand prix, including the historic CN International at Spruce Meadows and he’s a three-time winner of the legendary Aachen grand prix in his home country: “It’s a special feeling to enter the ring in front of your home crowd,” he says.

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7. He knows how to spray champagne in style

Scott Brash celebrating his win with a Champagne battle with Ludger Beerbaum (2nd) and Maikel van der Vleuten (3rd) after winning the Grand Prix presented by Qatar throwing his rosette to the crowd at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London taking place on Horse Guards Parade in central London on 15 August 2014 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

It’s a prerequisite for any successful showjumper to be able to a) pop a champagne cork effortlessly b) spray it in the general direction of your rivals and c) duck / leg it before your own dry cleaning bill escalates. Ludger nails it every time.

8. And finally…. He bowed out with the best farewell

Ludger Beerbaum of Germany riding Casello in The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2016 Barcelona, 24 September 2016.Photo Jim Hollander/FEI (Image credit: EPA)

Ludger, 53, bowed out of team competition in stupendous style at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona at the end of September, having helped his country to a glorious win. The venue was the scene of his individual Olympic gold in 1992 and a fitting stage for the final curtain call on his team career. It truly was a night to remember for a wonderful rider we’ll never forget.

Olympic showjumper to retire from national team

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 17:06:11 +0000

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum has jumped in his last Games for Germany.

The 52-year-old, who helped his team secure bronze in Rio this week on Casello (17 August), has announced his retirement from the national team.

Ludger, who has also won two gold medals, one silver and one bronze at world championships and six gold, three silver and two bronze at European championships, “had always planned to stop with a success”, said a spokesman.

“It was a tough decision,” said Ludger, adding that he is not completely quitting the sport.

“I do have a lot of projects going. I will focus on my stable at home and training and selling young horses.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

FEI jumping director John Roche described Ludger as “a legend in his own lifetime, a complete horseman and a man who is deeply involved in the development of the sport“.

Ludger will still compete as an individual, the spokesman confirmed, adding that as president of the Longines World Equestrian Academy, the rider will “support the development of the showjumping market in Asia”.

Ludger will also be kept busy with Riesenbeck International Equestrian Centre, a joint venture with Baron Constantin Heereman and his son Philipp, which offers national competitions, clinics and international seminars.

“I won’t get bored,” Ludger said.

“I’m grateful that I was able to represent Germany as a rider. Now this job is for my younger colleagues.”

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Ludger had qualified for today’s (19 August) individual Olympic final but the rules only allow the top three riders from each country to take part, and as he was the lowest-placed German rider, he will not jump.

Ludger’s first appearance on a senior championship team for Germany was in 1987. Next month’s Nations Cup final in Barcelona (22-25 September) will be his last appearance in the red German team jacket.

German dressage and showjumping teams announced for Rio Olympics

Pippa Roome — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 14:55:35 +0000

The German dressage and showjumping teams have been announced for the Rio Olympics at a press conference held in Aachen today.

Dressage:

Kristina Bröring-Sprehe (above) on Desperados FRH
Sönke Rothenberger on Cosmo
Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD
Dorothee Schneider on Showtime FRH
Travelling reserve: Hubertus Schmidt on Imperio

Showjumping

Christian Ahlmann on Taloubet Z
Ludger Beerbaum on Casello
Daniel Deusser on First Class Van Eeckelghem
Marcus Ehning on Cornado NRW
Travelling reserve: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on Fibonacci 17

Meredith’s listing is to be confirmed as she has to check her owners are happy for the horse to travel on the reserve basis.

The dressage team is exactly the same as the quartet which has dazzled this week in Aachen, winning the Nations Cup with three plus-80% scores in both the grand prix on Thursday and the special today. Sönke is an Olympic debutant, but the other three all have Games experience.

The showjumping team also has one Olympic first-timer in Daniel Deusser, who was the World Cup champion in 2014.

The Germans won the showjumping Nations Cup in Aachen last Thursday evening, when Meredith was in the team and Daniel was left on the bench. Casello and Fibonacci were on that Nations Cup team, with Christian riding Epleaser Van’t Heike and Marcus on Pret A Tout.

The German eventing team is expected to be announced imminently too, after the conclusion of the Aachen Nations Cup this morning. Germany finished second to Australia, but this will not cause the reigning Olympic, world and European champions any concerns as they were only fielding one of their expected Rio quartet in the team. Michael Jung won the class individually on FischerTakinou, who is his preferred mount for Rio.

Full report from Aachen in H&H this week, out Thursday, 21 July.

‘I’m utterly devastated’: Drama on final night of Olympia as winner is eliminated VIDEO

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 23:44:26 +0000

There was drama until the very end at the Olympia Horse Show tonight (21 December) when the winner of the Olympia Grand Prix, Bertram Allen was eliminated.

The Irish competitor rode a blistering round in the 15-strong jump-off on Quainton Stud’s Quiet Easy to finish double clear in a time of 30.45 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than his nearest rival, Michael Whitaker.

But as soon as Bertram left the international arena, the drama unfolded as it was discovered Quiet Easy had blood coming from a small cut on her offside caused by Bertram’s spur.

Bertram Allen riding Quiet Easy 4 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The 20-year-old was visibly emotional after it became apparent that he was eliminated.

“I’m utterly devastated, just speechless,” he says. “I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses and their welfare is paramount. My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy’s side as I was riding against the clock. He’s a sensitive horse and it was just a tiny nick,” he continued.

Bertram says that the discussion between the horse’s owners and officials in ongoing and that “they will probably appeal the decision”.

In a show of real sportsmanship, Michael Whitaker, who was promoted to the top spot as a result of the ruling riding the super-consistent 13-year-old Viking, gave his first place rosette to Bertram.

Michael said: “This is a bittersweet victory for me. Bertram won this really, and that’s the feeling among all the riders here this evening. This class belonged to him — I was second. I saw his horse when he came out of the arena and could barely see a mark on him.

“I’m very pleased with Viking though. He was fast and if it hadn’t been for me adding a stride to fence two in the jump-off I think I would have been a lot closer to Bertram’s time,” continues Michael who last won this class in 1992.

Michael Whitaker riding Viking (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Second place went to Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum who was paying his first visit to Olympia in eight years.

Riding the impressive 12-year-old mare Chiara, the three-time Olympic champion clocked a double clear round in a time of 32.09 seconds.

Ludger said: “I’m pleased with my horse’s performance, but I’m not happy about the final result this evening. Bertram and his horse were the best combination in this class and they deserved to win. I had to put my glasses on to see where the tiny mark was.”

Third place went to Germany again. This time it was Marcus Ehning riding Gin Chin van het Lindenhof, who jumped clear in a time of 32.13 seconds.

Of the 32 starters, 15 jumped clear in the first round, with the middle part of the treble combination catching many riders out.

There were then eight clears in the jump-off.

Robert Whitaker was the next best placed British rider in sixth place riding Catwalk IV who jumped clear in a time of 32.43 seconds.

Scott Brash looked to be in with a chance riding Hello Forever, when a very tight turn to the second-last resulted in a stop.

For the full Olympia report, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 24 December.

Aachen Europeans showjumping: Brits still in the hunt after dramatic day VIDEO

Pippa Roome — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:16:56 +0000

Britain’s riders performed brilliantly again today (20 August) to remain in the hunt for medals — and crucially, for a Rio 2016 Olympic qualification — at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Having been third after yesterday’s speed leg, the team now hold fourth place. They are just 2.59 penalties behind the Germans in bronze position and within one fence of the Dutch, who are lying second before tomorrow’s final team contest.

Joe Clee was one of Britain’s star performers again today in the Mercedes-Benz-sponsored class and his clear with Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines means he retains third individually.

“I was more relaxed than yesterday,” said Joe. “My horse jumped great — he was a bit too good in the beginning [jumping too big] but he settled down after fence four.”

Joe Clee and Utamaro D’Ecaussines hold third place during the second day of action at the European Showjumping Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The pressure was on Britain’s final two riders, Joe and Michael Whitaker, after mixed fortunes for the first two.

Pathfinder Ben Maher was having a superb round until the last combination, which was meant to be taken on two strides. But Ben’s ride, Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II, took off after one stride, landing in the middle of the final oxer in a scatter of breaking poles. Ben did a fantastic job just to stay on the 10-year-old chestnut mare.

“She felt perfect the whole way and I purposefully took a longer line to the last double, to create a lot of pressure for her [to jump this double of big oxers],” said Ben.

“I put pressure on her at the first — and she took off a stride early. It became a survival moment — four faults wasn’t a bad round today, but if I’d been on the floor it would have all been over.

“She’s still inexperienced and young. I don’t think I could have got it any better if I did it again. But she jumped as good as any horse and that’s the way it goes. It’s still a solid round for the team and hopefully it gives the others confidence.”

Individually, the error pushed Ben from seventh last night to 22nd, but Michael Whitaker said he deserved a medal just for staying on the mare.

Jessica Mendoza was next in and was unable to improve on her two fences down yesterday, with Sarah Mendoza’s Spirit T knocking down the last two parts of the treble at fence five, plus the silver Mercedes upright at 12.

With 12 faults on the board, it was clear that to remain competitive the British would need to drop Jessica’s score. Joe rose to the occasion — and then anchorman Michael Whitaker did the same, putting in a clear with Beverly Widdowson’s grey stallion Cassionato.

Michael Whitaker and Cassionato jump clear on the second day of the European Showjumping Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Afterwards, Michael was clearly emotional.

“I said when I came out of the ring I’ve never felt pressure like that — if I’d gone in and cocked it all up that would have been it, we wouldn’t have been going to the Olympics,” said Michael.

And he was right — had the team had to count Jessica’s 12 faults, they would have missed the cut for tomorrow’s final team competition, as only the top 10 teams go through, and it would all have been over for Britain’s Rio hopes.

Michael is now 22nd individually. The top 25 contest Sunday’s individual final.

Ireland also made it through to tomorrow, with a clear from Cian O’Connor (Good Luck) helping the team to ninth.

The Irish are also looking for Rio 2016 qualification, which goes to the top three nations here excluding those already qualified. The teams still in the mix for those crucial Olympic places are Great Britain (currently fourth), Switzerland (sixth), Spain (seventh), Denmark (eighth) and Ireland (ninth).

France take control

Germany dropped from first overnight to team bronze today, having to count one four fault round alongside two clears. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s grey Fibonacci 17 had a toe in the water, while Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z took the back bar off the Turkish Airlines oxer at fence six.

But clears from Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara 222) — who retains second individually — and Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) kept the team in the medals.

“I wasn’t fully aware of all the other results, but I knew we needed a clear to stay in the game,” said Daniel.

France recorded three faultless rounds today, with Penelope Leprovost keeping her individual lead with Flora De Mariposa. She was backed up by Simon Delestre (Ryan Des Hayettes) and Kevin Staut (Reveur Du Hurtebsie HDC). They moved up to take the gold position overnight.

Penelope Leprovost and Flora De Mariposa keep their individual lead by jumping clear on the second day of the European Showjumping Championships 2015. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Netherlands also added nothing to their score from yesterday and so bounced up the leaderboard from fifth to second.

Individual standings

Team standings

Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.

Aachen Europeans showjumping: Britain in team and individual bronze after speed competition VIDEO

Pippa Roome — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:46:38 +0000

Britain’s showjumpers made a fantastic start to their campaign at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, Germany, today (19 August).

The team sit in bronze position after the Turkish Airlines-sponsored speed and handiness competition, with Joe Clee also third individually.

Placings in today’s competition are converted into points to determine the team standings. Riders then carry these points with them throughout the team competition (Thursday and Friday) and, for the top 25, into Sunday’s individual final.

Joe was the final team member today and he rode tight, economical lines to finish clear in 69.67sec on Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines.

“I was aware I had to go fast and he’s a great horse to go fast on — the faster you go, the more he tries,” said Joe. “But I was worried about going fast for the first time in the arena as the faster you go the bigger he jumps. But he handled it well and the further round I went, the more risks I felt I could take.”

Joe Clee and Utamaro D’Ecaussines in the speed competition at the 2015 European Showjumping Championships. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Britain’s first and second team members in, Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher, put the team in a strong position.

Michael was sent in first for the team as his horse is not particularly fast. His clear with Beverly Widdowson’s Cassionato put him 41st of the 92 starters today in 76.56sec.

“My horse is pretty inexperienced and not very fast because he jumps so high,” said Michael. “I did as good as I can today and I just need to carry on doing that, but the other three need to be faster than me.”

Ben was next in on Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II and had a fantastic round for seventh place in 70.78sec.

“I played it safe to one jump, the Mercedes fence at number 10,” he said. “I saw one less stride quite a way back, but I felt her lose balance a bit [so I added a stride].”

Ben Maher and Diva II during the speed competition at the 2015 European Showjumping Championships. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jessica Mendoza took the number three slot today on her senior championship debut with Sarah Mendoza’s Spirit T. She started off well, but had the second part of the double at fence 8 down and then also fence 11, a purple oxer off four strides from the Mercedes upright. Her time was fast, but with 8sec added for the knockdowns she sits 56th on a total of 79.35sec.

“It wasn’t my best round,” said Jessica. “The first fence was a bit unlucky, then I pushed her on and she found the distance a bit short in there [to fence 11]. I try not to get nervous, but today I was a bit nervous.”

Britain’s focus here in Aachen is to win qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, which means finishing in the top three, excluding the teams already qualified (the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, the Ukraine). The team certainly got off the start blocks towards that aim in great style today.

Home side lead

Germany leads the team competition after today’s speed class. Three of their riders went clear, with Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara 222) sitting second, Christian Allman (Taloubet Z) eighth and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Fibonacci 17) 11th.

“We’ve only done a third of the team competition, so no one went completely flat out like you would in a jump-off, but I’m happy with my performance and that of my team,” said Ludger.

The fourth home side pair, Daniel Deusser and his 2014 World Cup champion Cornet D’Amour, had the gate at fence six down to sit 22nd — this was the largest fence on the course at 1.53m. This was one of the two places where course-designer Frank Rothenberger had given riders a choice of an inside or outside line over different fences, but the slower outside route was barely used.

France holds silver position, spearheaded by Penelope Leprovost, who retained the individual lead she took as the seventh rider into the arena today. She scorched round in 67.67sec on Flora De Mariposa.

“I was too long to the triple bar, but she was amazing,” said Penelope. “I didn’t think I would be so fast.”

Penelope Leprovost and Flora De Mariposa win the speed competition at the 2015 European Showjumping Championships. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The ground in the arena felt a little soft underfoot today after some rain over the past few days, but riders said it rode well. Frank Rothenberger explained that he avoided setting any tight turns to protect the ground with nearly 100 horses running over it.

All the competitors progress to tomorrow’s team competition. After that, only the top 10 teams (out of 23 who have started today) and the top 50 individuals will move forward to Friday’s class.

Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.

Scott Brash loses world number one ranking

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:19:40 +0000

Scott Brash has lost his spot as the world number one after a reign totalling 16 months.

In the latest Longines world showjumping rankings revealed today (Tuesday 7 April), Germany’s Daniel Deusser, 33, has risen from number three to become the new world number one.

Scott now stands at number two, with Ludger Beerbaum, also of Germany, dropping one place to third.

Scott first topped the rankings in November 2013, taking over from his team-mate Ben Maher. The Hertfordshire rider was the first British showjumper in more than 20 years to hold the number one spot, and stayed there for three months.

In November 2014, Scott became the first showjumper since 2006 to hold the number one spot for an entire year.

Scott’s 16-month reign at the top of the world means he narrowly misses out on beating the record set by Germany’s Marcus Ehning, who held the top spot for 17 months from August 2005 to December 2006.

“After the London Olympics this has always been a goal and to have achieved it, is fantastic,” said Scott when he first became world number one.

Nineteen-year-old Bertram Allen of Ireland celebrates making it in to the top 10 in the world for the first time. Ben Maher remains the next highest British rider — he drops three places to 22nd, followed by John Whitaker (35th) and Michael Whitaker (45th). There are now three USA riders in the top 10, with Beezie Madden remaining the top ranked female rider in the world.

Current top 10 in the Longines world rankings:

1. Daniel Deusser (GER)

2. Scott Brash (GBR)

3. Ludger Beerbaum (GER)

4. McLain Ward (USA)

5. Kent Farrington (USA)

6. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE)

7. Beezie Madden (USA)

8. Kevin Staut (FRA)

9. Steve Guerdat (SUI)

10. Bertram Allen (IRL)

John Whitaker meets Ludger Beerbaum

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 10:55:17 +0000

Showjumping legend John Whitaker is Horse & Hound’s guest editor this week (2 April issue) and he gave himself the assignment of interviewing world number two Ludger Beerbaum. You can read the full feature in the magazine but here are the two friends, and rivals, in conversation.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Ludger: That’s difficult to answer — I’ve had a lot of experiences that have helped me. John was one of the riders who, just by watching, gave me a lot of advice. Believing in his own strength, knowing what he was doing, staying focussed… especially in the beginning when I was doubting myself, I saw he had such self-confidence and calm.

John: One piece I’ve had which stuck with my from when I was quite young came from David Broome. He said in a jump-off, you have to go as fast as you can, but clear. Not just as fast as you can! That stuck with me.

What is your favourite show?

Ludger: Coming from Germany, it’s definitely Aachen — it’s a fantastic show anyway, but it’s a special feeling to enter the ring in front of your home crowd and try to win.

John: Aachen has got to be right up there for me too, because it’s not often you ride with 45-50,000 people watching you. That doesn’t happen in our sport.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever read about yourself?

Ludger: Being tested positive in Athens [Olympics, 2004] and being found guilty as a doping person when I used betamethasone cream on the heels of my horse because he was really sore and not knowing at that time that was wrong. Reading all those headlines was pretty tough. People in the media sometimes exaggerate things also — they say I am a superstar but that’s a complete joke and makes me laugh.

What is your biggest regret?

Ludger: Athens again. My colleagues and I won the gold as a team but, because of my failure with the cream, I gave away the medal — I didn’t feel good about that.

John: There are lots of horses I should have bought when I had the chance and lots of horses I shouldn’t have bought! And not being part of the team in London 2012 — it doesn’t worry me in the slightest, but that was a once in a lifetime opportunity to jump at your own Olympics. Don’t get me wrong, I was there, rooting for them to win that gold medal, but afterwards I thought it would have been nice to be in the team.

What is your earliest memory of riding?

Ludger: My first ever show was just a simple riding test and I came third from 14 or 15 people — I was pretty proud!

John: My mother encouraged all four of us and I remember riding my first pony, a Welsh Mountain called Silver, round the farm.

What is your biggest extravagance?

Ludger: I don’t think I have one! I’ve had cars for many years but they don’t mean anything to me. I’ve won Volvos, Audis, Volkswagens… I’m an easy, happy person!

John: I’m a bit like Ludger in that respect — cars don’t mean much. It’s nice winning them though! I’ve won about 90. If I’ve had money to spare I’ve invested in land.

When do you feel at your happiest?

Ludger: Obviously when you win, but I like to be productive — when what you’re doing turns out to have a good result, even if it’s bringing up a horse at home. Family is another very nice aspect — I don’t know if it keeps you young but it’s very positive to have happy, healthy kids and I really enjoy the relationship I have with my English wife! She motivates me a lot.

John: My guilty pleasure is farming — I’m probably not going to get rich out of being a farmer but I enjoy it.

What is your set-up at home?

Ludger: I would say half a day I ride my horses and the other half I run the yard. We have around 85 horses at home and Henrik [Von Eckermann], Philipp [Weishaupt] and two other boys ride for me and we train young horses. We also have a stallion station — we had 1,600 mares to cover last year. So there’s enough things to do, even with 30 people employed.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

John: There’s not much I would have done differently. I was travelling the world, I felt really privileged. Finding Ryan’s Son when I was 18 that was the biggest change in my life and the family’s.

Scott Brash wins the 2014 Longines Global Champions Tour

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:57:07 +0000

Scott Brash has retained his title as the Longines Global Champion Tour winner for the second year in a row.

Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Casall Ask won the grand prix of Doha, Qatar on Saturday night (15 November) under the spotlights of the Al Shaqab stadium and finished the 2014 Tour with 243 points. Scott Brash finished fourth in this three-round season finale – which rumbled into the most nailbiting of competitions – with the 12-year-gelding Hello Sanctos, to complete the season on equal points with Rolf. However, Scott’s three wins over the season versus Rolf’s two, meant that the overall title went to the world number one. He collected a cheque for 294,500euro for his win, plus 45,000euro for his grand prix fourth.

“He’s a winner, a horse in a lifetime,” said Scott, who jumped a double clear but picked up an uncharacteristic time-fault in the opening round. “I could have slapped myself for that!

“I often wonder if he’s been jumping a lot, but his strike rate is phenomenal.”

Ludger Beerbaum came in to the final round as the Tour leader but, when his top mare Chiara had to be stood down after a mild bout of colic, the German rider had to rely on number two string Zinedine. A hefty 17 faults in round one meant Ludger had to sit back and await his fate while his two rivals Rolf and Scott progressed and he was resigned to finish third in the standings.

“Everyone can understand my disappointment, but what these two [Rolf and Scott] did today was world class,” he said.

Hello Sanctos’s owners Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham travelled to Qatar to witness their gelding help Scott to a second GCT championship, just a week after Scott celebrated holding the world number one spot for a whole year. Scott’s wins on the 2014 tour came in Cannes, Estoril and in front of his home crowd at the London leg of the Global Champions Tour.

We’ll bring you all the action, interviews and photos from the 2014 season finale in next week’s Horse & Hound (out Thursday 20 November) – don’t miss it!

Scott Brash bids to retain €450,000 GCT title

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:55:52 +0000

Scott Brash lines up tomorrow (Saturday 15 November) in a bid to retain the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) title he claimed 12 months ago — and claim the lion’s share of over €1.7 million in prize-money.

Forty of the world’s leading showjumpers are at the Al Shaqab stadium in Doha, Qatar, this week for the final five-star LGCT grand prix of the season. But all eyes are on the three riders who remain in contention for overall honours, to be decided in Saturday evening’s grand prix — worth a cool €450,000 to the winner.

The Scotsman, who has held his spot as number one in the world for a year now, brings his top horse Hello Sanctos while Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, the world number two, takes the reins on Zinedine after his top mare Chiara was ruled out of the season finale. The final contender from the top of the LGCT rankings is Sweden’s Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, who rides the in-form stallion Casall Ask.

Coming into the final round Ludger holds the lead in the overall standings, with Rolf in second and Scott third. However, Scott has one less counting round which makes things tight at the top.

In order to retain his crown, Scott needs to finish fifth or higher — and have the mighty German rider behind him.

If Ludger finishes anywhere higher than Scott, the title is his, while the pressure is on for the Swedish rider, who has to win Saturday’s big class in order to earn enough points for victory.

Scott has already enjoyed a sensational season on the Tour, winning a record-breaking three grands prix with Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding Hello Sanctos.

“I will do my best to win the Championship again this year,” said Scott. “I have had a fantastic season and Sanctos has been incredible, but Ludger is still in the lead at the moment and he will be a tough man to beat.”

Ludger added: “I will be watching him [Scott] closely.”

Rolf, who led the standings early on in the season, knows he has a tough job ahead.

“It’s not impossible, but both Scott and Ludger will be super-motivated,” he said.

See the full interview with the three riders ahead of Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour decider below:

Find out how who claims the title — and read the full report from the Longines grand prix of Doha — in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday 20 November).

WEG Showjumping: Leading riders pull out of individual championships

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:44:24 +0000

Kent Farrington (USA) and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann are among a group of riders to have pulled out of the penultimate round of the individual championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Christian and Codex One were in 10^th position in the individual standings, 5pen behind the leaders, going through to Saturday’s top 30 decider. They had also been part of the fourth-placed German team. But, in a joint-decision with his national coach Otto Becker and the horse’s owner, Christian has elected to withdraw as he felt he could no longer contest a podium place.

“I will not go in the final round with Codex One,” he says in a statement. “Codex has already yielded great performances this year, having won the Aachen and Valkenswaard grands prix and I want to protect him.”

Kent Farrington, part of the bronze medal-winning USA squad at WEG with Voyeur, has made a similar decision. He was ranked 27th individually. A statement reads:

“The decision was made after consideration with Voyeur’s owners. Kent feels that there is a lot of jumping still to do in the individual qualifying competition; a lot of ground to make up in the leader board and the likelihood of qualifying for the individual final on Sunday, with the standard of jumping this weekend is not likely. He is very pleased with the way Voyeur jumped this week and is very pleased to have had the honor of being awarded a bronze medal with Team USA.”

Ludger Beerbaum is reported to have pulled out from 30th in the individual classification and Canada’s Yann Candele (Showgirl), ranked 22nd, has also withdrawn.

“Due to the mare’s age [14], between Yann, myself, and Mark [Laskin, chef d’equipe], we made the decision that it was too much to put her through,” explained Eric Lamaze, who is one of Showgirl’s owners. “If they were in the top 10, we would consider sending her, but being in 22nd and having so many riders in front, it is not possible for them to advance to ‘The Final Four’. There are several other riders who have also made the decision not to go on Saturday for this reason.”

Great Britain’s Scott Brash pulled out of the individual competition on Wednesday (3 September).

The top 30 combinations are due to jump again on Saturday, after which the leading four go through to Sunday’s horse-swapping final. Beezie Madden (USA) is the current leader, with barely one fence separating the top eight riders.

Don’t miss the full reaction to these shock withdrawals, plus the full report from WEG, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out 11 September.

Scott Brash triumphs in London GCT thriller

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 19:22:14 +0000

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos jumped a sensational triple clear in front of the home crowd in London to win the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix and pocket a cool €148,500.

“I feel like the luckiest person right now,” said Scott, 28, who heads to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France as part of the Great Britain team at the start of September.

Last year, it was his British team-mate Ben Maher and Cella who triumphed in the inaugural London GCT at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in one of the greatest jump-offs of the series. This year, it was Scott who soared round 5sec faster than Ludger Beerbaum and Zinedine, demoting the legendary German rider to the runner-up spot.

“Jumping in front of our home crowd gives us all a real lift,” added Scott, who received a standing ovation and rapturous applaud from the packed grandstands in the Horse Guards Parade Ground in central London.

Taking third was Dutchman Maikel Van Der Vleuten riding VDL Groep Verdi who faulted against the clock with last-drawn rider Katherine Dinan of USA unfortunately hitting the deck when her horse refused at the double in this four-rider jump-off.

Don’t miss the six-page special report with all the action from the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, analysis and verdict on this new venue in next week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 August.

Elite horses fly into China making history

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:30:15 +0000

A plane-load of elite showjumping horses arrived at Shanghai airport earlier today (Tuesday 3 June) in a historic moment for equestrian sport. This is the first time that foreign horses have been allowed to compete in mainland China after strict quarantine restrictions were lifted.

The horses landed ahead of the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) in China this weekend (6-8 June) and more than 100 local journalists waited through the night to greet the equine arrivals.

China has a growing international showjumping circuit but, until now, foreign riders have had to compete on borrowed horses. Last year, the European Commission and Chinese authorities signed off legislation that allowed for the temporary importation of horses to Shanghai.

Riders taking part in this leg of the GCT include Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker, Ireland’s Billy Twomey, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and France’s Kevin Staut. They will compete for a record $2million in prize-money, with a substantial $363,000 going to the winner of the grand prix.

Read all about how the landmark event unfolded in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (out 12 June).

Would you give up prize money for a better warm-up surface? [H&H VIP]

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 21 May 2014 08:00:57 +0000

Would riders forfeit some prize-money if they could have better warm-up rings? Top German showjumper Ludger Beerbaum thinks so.

As equestrian sport grows — both in participation and revenues — expectations of surfaces have increased.

“We are all obliged to improve footing — not just at shows but at home,” said Ludger.

“We should never be riding on mud and hard ground. I think most showjumpers would be happy to save 5-10% on prize-money to be invested into the warm-up — if you have a small arena with hard ground, you have a problem.”

The comments came at the FEI Sport Forum (29 April) during a discussion on the Equine Surfaces White Paper — a four-year project to explore which surfaces work best.

The findings should help riders and organisers in best practice for surfaces. Some 400 competition and training surfaces were analysed, both with the use of a mechanical hoof and rider evaluation. More than 300 riders were quizzed on firmness, cushioning, grip, uniformity and consistency.

A guide on the paper aims to educate equestrians, identifying what is best for welfare, as risk of injury is largely down to how a surface is used.

This means that riding intensity, speed, duration and frequency, as well as the type of work done in the arena are as important as what the surface is made from.

“It’s also about compromise — what is an ideal surface for landing is not ideal for take-off,” said Lars Roepstorff, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Maintenance is key.

“It’s a daily issue. You can’t just let an arena go, as it will alter the performance of the horse dramatically,” he added.

Ludger added: “If people can be educated by this paper, it is fantastic. Everyone needs to be aware that maintenance is essential. At home you need to check [the surface] every week — seasons make a change, this could do so much for welfare.”

World Horse Welfare supports the study. The charity’s Roly Owers said: “We often receive calls asking about the building and maintenance of arenas. This study will offer a much better picture than has previously been available.”

Visit: www.fei.org/fei/about-fei/publications/fei-books

Scott Brash finishes third to Daniel Deusser in thrilling World Cup final

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:24:23 +0000

Great Britain’s Scott Brash soared up the rankings on the final day of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final in Lyon, France, to finish 3rd with Ursula XII.

“It’s my first World Cup final and I’m happy to be sitting on the podium in third,” said the world number one.

Germany led the way in a nailbiting finale with 32-year-old Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) taking the 172,500euro top prize, just ahead of Ludger Beerbaum riding Chiara 222.

“He touched the first rail, which was good for him being awake, but not the best for my nerves — it was a bit scary,” said Daniel. “In the warm-up, I was concentrating on me and my horse, I didn’t see the others.

“When I went in, the pressure was on, but after the first fence my concentration came back. To win a championship like this is an unbelievable feeling.”

Great Britain’s other representative Michael Whitaker finished just outside the top 10 in 11th.

Don’t miss the full report from the FEI World Cup in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (out on 24 April).

Young riders hoping for place on elite program

Lydia Symonds — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 08:00:46 +0000

One British and 2 Irish riders are among 29 young showjumpers gunning for an elite place on a new European program designed to help future professionals.

The academy, developed by non-profit association Athenaeum, will give 5 talented riders aged 18-23 a free six-month training placement with a top showjumper. Besides riding, the programme includes education in communication, business and economics, veterinary and legal practice related to the sport to help young riders develop associated managerial skills.

“This project represents a completely new concept for promising riders with a broad formula to help future professionals,” said Athenaeum’s Breido Graf zu Rantzau.

Fellow board member Eleonora Moroni added that she hoped it would “transform training”.

“The goal is not just to help athletes, but to educate them to a modern sport system which requires further skills.”

Each European Federation was allowed to put up to 4 candidates forward, or riders were selected on the basis of results at young rider and junior European Championships.

29 have been selected to compete at CSIs at either last weekend’s Toscana Tour, Italy (10-13 April) or next month’s Landgestüt Redefin, Germany (9-11 May).

A selection panel, consisting of Otto Becker, Jean-Maurice Bonneau, Emile Hendrix and Sven Holmberg, will pick the final 5 at the end of May, who will train with Ludger Beerbaum, Rolf Göran Bentsson, Dietmar Gugler, Gilbert de Roock or Kévin Staut.

While the British Equestrian Federation did not submit any candidates, English rider James Shore, successful at pony and junior level, is in the running. Bertram Allen and Kellie Allen represent Ireland. Out of the 13 nations, there are 4 riders from Italy, 3 from Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Switzerland.

The academy is backed by the European Equestrian Federation, the International Jumping Riders Club and Rolex.

Are riders turning their backs on the Nations Cup?

Horse & Hound — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:00:54 +0000

Is the new-look Nations Cup circuit in danger of falling flat? Global horse sport’s governing body, the FEI, restructured the Nations Cup series last year, backed with massive funding from the Saudi Federation, under the “Furusiyya” banner.

But with Germany, bizarrely, unlikely to qualify for the Barcelona final (26-29 September), jumping legend Ludger Beerbaum launched a broadside about the series at Hickstead last week (2 August).

And as the Global Champions Tour circuit expands, luring the world’s best combinations to compete for mammoth prize money, some top riders are querying whether the sport’s traditional leading annual international team contest can thrive alongside it.

Read the full story, including German riders’ thoughts and a guest comment from Graham Fletcher, in the current issue of H&H magazine (8 August), on sale now.

Equestrian coaching that money can’t buy

Flora Watkins — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:00:29 +0000

Have you always dreamt of being trained by one of your equestrian heroes or heroines? We take a look at some of the training opportunities that the stars are offering and how you can get your hands on them.

Ludger Beerbaum

The Olympic gold medallist is offering a weekend clinic at his yard in Germany (3-4 September) for 20 budding showjumpers and their horses. It marks Ludger’s 20-year association with Eskadron — to enter, riders need to buy a pair of Flexisoft tendon boots. For more information, email info@pikeur.de

Piggy French

This year’s winners of the British Riding Clubs BE80(T) championships will enjoy a lesson with one of eventing’s leading ladies, at her Leicestershire base, over the winter.

Sir Mark Todd

Riders who take part in Toddy’s “Bridging the Gap” sessions for those aiming at advanced can apply for a scholarship with the veteran horseman. He promises mentoring and individual tuition — but can’t guarantee you’ll win Badminton on your first attempt… Visit keyflow.co/mtbtg

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (23 May 2013)

Ludger Beerbaum out of London 2012 Olympic Games

Charlotte White — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:20 +0000

The German showjumping team will have to do without one of its star combinations at Greenwich, after Ludger Beerbaum ruled himself and top horse Gotha FRH out of selection.

The pair were part of the German team that grabbed maximum points in the fourth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2012 series at Rotterdam last month.

But after racking up 15 faults in the first class at Aachen on Tuesday, Ludger decided that he would ride his mare Gotha FRH only in the smaller classes during this week’s show.

“The mare is simply not in shape”, he said. “Therefore, I am no longer available for participation at the Olympic Games.”

Don’t miss H&H’s special Olympic preview magazine, on sale 19 July

Isabell Werth suspended after horse Whisper fails drugs test

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:57:03 +0000

German dressage rider Isabell Werth has been suspended from competition after her horse Whisper tested positive for a banned substance.

Small tour horse Whisper tested positive for Fluphenazine at CDI Wiesbaden in Germany on 30 May.

Ms Werth — who has won five Olympic gold medals — has been suspended immediately.

She will not be allowed to compete at CHIO Aachen, Germany (26 June- 5 July).

Prohibited substance Fluphenazine is a sedative that is usually prescribed as an antipsychotic in humans to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Breido Graf zu Rantzau, president of the German Equestrian Federation, said in a statement: “This is a catastrophe for the horse sport. But we don’t let ourselves be discouraged by all this negative news as we pave the way to a fair horse sport.”

A tribunal hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow (25 June) by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to decide whether suspension will be temporary or not.

Ms Werth has requested a B sample be tested.

Less than a month ago (28 May) the German equestrian team was disbanded and show jumper Ludger Beerbaum was suspended after doping allegations.

FEI calls in professional investigators to look into German doping allegations

Charlotte White — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:58:53 +0000

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is urging anyone with information about alleged doping by German national riders to contact the investigation they have set up.

The FEI set up an ethics panel to look into the actions of German riders after Marco Kutscher claimed he had used unregistered medication on his horse at the 2008 Olympics.

Then in an interview with a German newspaper, on 24 May, German number one Ludger Beerbaum admitted using illegal practices in his horses.

The German federation reacted by dissolving all its national teams and on Friday (29 May) the FEI announced it was passing on the probe to the professional investigators Quest.

The FEI says it wants to know whether rules have been broken, is so by whom and whether this has affected any Olympic medals.

In a statement the FEI said: “The panel is of the opinion that there may have been breaches of FEI rules by riders, team officials and national federation representatives. It concludes that it should carry out a detailed investigation in order to make specific recommendations to the FEI president on these matters.”

The FEI asks anyone with information to contact Quest in confidence on 0044 20 7224 4004.

Germany disbands show jumping, dressage and eventing teams

Charlotte White — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:10:02 +0000

Germany has disbanded all its national dressage, show jumping and eventing teams, and suspended show jumper Ludger Beerbaum from competition, in the wake of further suggestions of doping and medication of horses.

And the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has called for the suspension of the former secretary general of the German equestrian federation — Deutsche Reilterliche Verinigung — Hanfried Haring from the FEI bureau.

Yesterday (28 May) the German federation stated all teams had been shelved and that any rider wishing to ride for Germany would be vetted by an independent panel to be set up by the German Olympic committee.

The panel will meet next month to look into the allegations.

On 4 May rider Marco Kutscher admitted using arnica and lactanese on his horse Cornet Oblensky in an interview with a German magazine (news, 14 May).

Following the revelation the FEI announced the setting up of an ethics committee to investigate the actions of German show jumpers at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Kutscher’s team mate Christian Ahlmann was among five show jumpers whose horses tested positive for prohibited substances in Hong Kong last August (news, 28 August 2008).

Now Beerbaum has told a German newspaper that he has also used illegal practices on his horses.

“In the past I had the attitude that anything that could not be detected was allowed,” he is reported to have told Frankfurter Allgemeine.

FN president Breido Graf zu Rantzau said: “We want to take an important step towards credibility with the disbanding of the squads.”

The FEI has requested the suspension of Marco Kutscher and former team vet Bjorn Nolting from all FEI activities pending the results of the ethics committee.

And it says Mr Haring should also be suspended from the FEI Bureau “on the basis that he had knowledge of the relevant facts and did not report them to the relevant authorities”.

Ludger Beerbaum and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum are not being investigated for doping, says FEI

Charlotte White — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:17:07 +0000

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has categorically denied rumours that German show jumpers Ludger Beerbaum and his American-born sister-in-law Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum are being investigated for a doping incident at the Olympics.

FEI spokesman Malina Gueorguiev said: “We have said that the case of Rodrigo Pessoa was the final to be investigated from the Olympics and that is the case. We are not investigating the Beerbaums.”

There have been six cases of alleged doping of horses at the Olympics in Hong Kong — show jumpers Bernardo Alves of Brazil and Chupa Chup and his team mate Rodrigo Pessoa and Rufus, Christian Ahlmann of Germany and Cöster, Denis Lynch of Ireland and Lantinus and Norway’s Tony Andre Hansen and Camiro and American dressage rider Courtney King and Mythilus.

Rumours had abounded that the FEI was to announce two more cases today but Ms Gueorguiev had denied those suggestions.

USA finally claims Olympic jumping gold

Horse & Hound — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 14:20:30 +0000

After seven months of uncertainty, the Olympic team show jumping gold medal is to be awarded to USA, with Sweden taking silver. The decision follows the rejection of German rider Ludger Beerbaum’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his disqualification from the competition. The German team drop from gold to bronze medal position.

Beerbaum and Goldfever 3 (pictured) were initially placed 16th individually and helped the German team to win the gold medal. But Goldfever failed a test for prohibited substances immediately after the Athens competition and counter tests on a second sample showed he tested positive to the anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone. Beerbaum admitted that he had treated his horse with an ointment to cure a skin irritation.

Although the FEI Judicial Committee accepted that the medication was a “legitimate treatment” and that Beerbaum had no malicious intent to enhance performance when he administered it, they felt he had not followed the procedure required by the federation’s veterinary regulations, leaving them “no other option than to disqualify the horse Goldfever 3 from all competitions at the Olympic Games Athens 2004.”

Beerbaum was also fined CHF1,500 (£682) and another CHF750 (£341) for the costs of analysing the B-sample.

Beerbaum appealed to the Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) against the FEI decision, hoping rumours that betamethasome might be declassified as a prohibited substance would come true. But yesterday the Court of Arbitration for Sport concluded that the FEI Judicial Committee had taken the only possible decision in the interest of the sport.

Despite being aware that Goldfever 3 received no unfair advantage as a result of the administration of the prohibited substance, and that the treatment was undertaken to preserve the horse’s health, the CAS underlined the indisputable consideration that Beerbaum could and should have sought authorisation before using the substance.

With so much resting on the CAS decision, the newly crowned American show jumping team and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have been following the case closely. But throughout the proceedings they have been determined that Beerbaum should get every opportunity to appeal.

“Mr Beerbaum deserves the respect afforded to every Olympic athlete throughout the entirety of this process and clearly the process has not run its course,” USEF spokeswoman Sarah Lane said at the time, “The USEF respectfully awaits the outcome of these legal proceedings along with the rest of the world.”

Although touched by America’s support, Beerbaum is still troubled by his error, which has cost the German team their gold medal. His spokesperson Susanne Strübel said: “Ludger made a mistake. It was not doping but it was still a mistake and [he] felt responsible for his colleagues. It’s really harsh for him that they lose the medal for this. It’s really hard to accept that.”

The FEI has officially informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who will redistribute the medals.

Team spirit prompts Beerbaum appeal

Horse & Hound — Mon, 14 Feb 2005 11:08:51 +0000

Ludger Beerbaum has announced that he decided to lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week because he “felt responsible for his colleagues.”

The FEI decided in December that although Beerbaum had not set out to enhance the performance of Goldfever 3 when he gave him a cream containing betamethasone in Athens, he had broken the Federation’s rules and would be disqualified from the Olympics. As a result, the German team would lose their gold medal.

Last Monday, Beerbaum appealed to the Court for Arbitration of Sport against the FEI decision. Initially, “Ludger didn’t want to do that,” explains his spokeswoman, Susanne Strübel. But she said that the German rider is distraught that his error would cost the team their gold medal and feels he should try everything to make it up to his team.

“Ludger himself thinks it’s a 1% possibility to get the medal back,” says Strübel. “[But] he doesn’t want to look back and think: ‘Oh, if I had done that.’ He says: ‘I will do everything I can, but I don’t know what the task force will decide.’”

His hopes rest on rumours that the FEI doping task force may recommend declassifying betamethasone from prohibited substance to regular medication. “If betamethasone is a regular medication then maybe this is a new thing for CAS. He discussed this with his colleagues and they came of the opinion that if there only is a small possibility to have a different result [from the FEI decision], they will try the CAS appeal,” says Strübel.

Neither Strübel nor the FEI yet know when the CAS will meet. “The usual procedure is that a session of the CAS will convene. At this session the decision will be taken and it’s final,” says an FEI spokeswoman. “When they do meet the decision is taken [but we have] no dates yet.”

The United States Equestrian Federation is also following the case closely because the American show jumping team stand to win gold if Beerbaum is disqualified. Displaying a rare fair play that it is more reminiscent of bygone Olympics, the Americans think that the German rider should be entitled to every possibility to argue his case.

“Mr Beerbaum deserves the respect afforded to every Olympic athlete throughout the entirety of this process and clearly the process has not run its course,” says USEF spokeswoman Sarah Lane. “The USEF respectfully awaits the outcome of these legal proceedings along with the rest of the world.”

American rider Beezie Madden was so supportive that she released an open letter last month where she said that Ludger and his team “won their gold medal decisively”.

“Ludger has always been a leader and a great representative of our sport,” she wrote. “What happened to him could just as easily have happened to one of us. We all need to be patient and let this situation be resolved as best it can.”

Although touched by this display of support, Beerbaum is still troubled about his error, according to Strübel. “Ludger made a mistake. It was not doping but it was still a mistake and [he] felt responsible for his colleagues. It’s really harsh for him that they lose the medal for this. It’s really hard to accept that.”

Beerbaum reclaims world number one title

Carol Phillips — Thu, 06 Jan 2005 11:02:14 +0000

Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, 42, is back on the top of the FEI Gandini World Riders Rankings with a score of 2610 points, after scoring well in Munich and Geneva during December 2004. Previously the undisputed leader of the rankings from January 2001 to June 2003, Beerbaum also headed the leader board in February, March, April and September last year.

Brazil’s only representative inside the top 20 is runner-up, Rodrigo Pessoa, with 2530 points. He scored 100 points in Geneva, where he won the World Cup, 55 in La Coruna and another 60 at the FEI World Cup Qualifier at Olympia.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum’s reign as the only woman to ever head the rankings lasted for one month. The German rider won the FEI Gandini Top Ten Final, supported by Rolex, in Geneva during December, but did not score well elsewhere and is down to third place. Michaels-Beerbaum compatriot, Marcus Ehning, remains in fourth place.

Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs continues his climb back up the rankings after being forced to miss the first two months of 2004 with an injury. Just five points adrift from Ehning he looks poised to reclaim a top three place soon, although his top ride Tinka’s Boy has been sidelined after sustaining a severe tendon injury in the grand prix in La Coruna.

In eighth place, Robert Smith is Britain’s highest placed rider in the rankings following strong performances in Geneva, Olympia and Belfast. Nick Skelton is on an upward surge, jumping from 15th to 12th place, while Michael Whitaker moves in the opposite direction from 11th to 15th. The only other Briton inside the world’s top 50 is Robert Whitaker in 40th place.

The rankings can be viewed in full on www.horsesport.org

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Ludger Beerbaum retires: ‘I’ve had so much support over the years, which I really appreciate’

“There are probably three moments that stand out for me from my career – winning individual gold in Barcelona with Classic Touch, becoming the first German to win the World Cup Final in 1993, and then winning the Aachen grand prix for the first time in 1996.

“There’s so much going on here with the young horses, which is very motivating and I will continue to ride at home a bit. I will really miss competing – but I will not miss the travelling!”

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Former Olympic champion’s animal welfare charges dropped – and ‘touching’ training method banned

The FN disciplinary committee has now dropped the case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Legendary showjumper sidelined with broken leg

On Thursday (2 March) Ludger was 27th in the CSI5* 1.45m on Mila, but in the next class – also a 1.45m – he had a fall from Christians Carado.

“Ludger immediately felt that this was more than a harmless fall,” said a Reisenbeck spokesman, adding that it was confirmed in hospital that Ludger had fractured his thigh.

Ludger underwent surgery to have stabilising plates and screws inserted into his leg, and in an update yesterday (5 March) it was confirmed the operation went well.

“Ludger has successfully been operated on and is now on the road to recovery,” said the spokesman.

“We would like to thank you all for the outstanding sympathy and well wishes in the last few days.”

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

“We didn’t quite win, but it was all good – if you’d said to me the day before that we’d finish second, I’d have signed for it.”

When asked if Friday’s comeback for Germany could mark the start of some more team appearances, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said: “That’s not planned, no, but we’ll have to see – if another time he’s short of people or horses again, we’ll see.”

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

“The contribution of RTL extra is demonstrably false, defamatory and in many ways slanderous,” Ludger said. “Of course we will take legal action against this. It is unacceptable that secret recordings were made on my private property.

Ludger added that his yard is run as an “open stable”, with groups of visitors welcomed as guests daily, customers pick up horse feed and “interns are welcome”.

“Here you can ride in open areas and complete daily training,” he said. “Nothing is hidden or forbidden.

“The fact that the supposedly two-year ‘investigation’ could only reveal four scenes showing the touching of a horse shows that this permitted training method is used very rarely and is not part of our daily work.”

Ludger Beerbaum said the “polygonal posts” found in a barn by the “alleged intern” are wooden posts used only for construction and repair of pasture fences, and that isolators for the fence tapes are clearly visible in the footage.

“Once it is claimed that these are used for parallel bars, this is incorrect,” he said.

“The same applies to the bars with the ‘buttons’ in the attic. I can only say that these elements have been there for years. These come from a purchased inventory of hurdles and have been selected so that they are not used. They are also not used when training with horses.

“How any of these parts, polished and clean, get between the common obstacle poles, I can only speculate. To me, it is obvious that one of these poles was placed there explicitly for contribution. This is where we will investigate further.

“I also note: The withdrawal of my 2004 Olympic gold medal was not based on doping, but on medication that was banned at the time.

“The area on the practice field called the ‘Styrofoam slab’ is a perfectly normal catch basin that is used daily. This is also an indication that the article lacks sufficient expertise.”

German federation (FN) secretary general Soenke Lauterbach said that, as FN had told RTL in 2020 and 2021, it takes the allegations very seriously.

“Even now, regardless of the contribution shown, we can clearly say that the use of square bars and dimpled or spiked bar material is unacceptable and not in accordance with the principles of fair equestrian sport.”

FN has previously stated that RTL had been in touch to say it planned to report on bars and claimed that it had “video material that may show behaviour contrary to animal welfare”, but that the broadcaster had not made the footage available to the federation.

“Because the association cannot fulfill its responsibility for animal welfare in equestrian sport, the FN has informed the police,” an FN spokesman said at the time.

The federation is to deal with the matter by checking whether regulatory proceedings can be initiated, and by informing prosecutors about the RTL report so they can assess the facts.

“In addition, the FN commission, which was set up in January 2021, continues to deal with training methods in equestrian sport and in particular with the topic of touching,” the spokesman said.

He added: “In recent years, the FN has asked RTL several times to make the complete video material available for a technical review and to name the people involved. To this day, RTL has not complied with the requests.”

H&H has contacted RTL for comment on the intention of Ludger Beerbaum to take legal action, and the FN’s statement.

An FEI spokesman said: “The FEI is aware of the allegations made in the documentary and is making enquiries regarding the matter. We are already in touch with the German national federation and will continue to liaise closely with them in order to assess the appropriate course of action.

“The FEI will provide an update as soon as further information is available.”

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Moving a river to build stables: have a peek at Ludger Beerbaum’s world-class base

The main indoor arena is 80x40m, with a 60×25 across the corridor, used as a warm-up for the main ring, and also by the local riding club.

There are also two big outdoor surfaces, one used for the warm-up for this week’s championship and the other for the CSI classes. The aim is to hold 10-12 international events per year, and also “highlights” such as this championship every year.