Andre Thieme ruled out of European Showjumping Championships

Pictured reigning European champions Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria — RIESENBECK - FEI Jumping European Championship Riesenbeck 2021 THIEME Andre (GER), DSP Chakaria Second Qualifying Competition - Round 2 Team Final Hörstel-Riesenbeck, Reitanlage Riesenbeck International 03. September 2021 © www.sportfotos-lafrentz.de/Stefan Lafrentz

(Image credit: Hippo Foto)

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

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

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

TOPICS

Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

‘Her wellbeing is the most important thing’: European champions ruled out to injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also be interested in:

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships 2023

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