Spectators will be back at Luhmühlen, as will Andreas Dibowski (seen here at the first horse inspection in 2019) and maybe his daughter, European Young Rider team gold medallist, Alina
Plans are going swimmingly for the 2022 Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials, where riders will be aiming for selection for the World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy and spectators will be back after the event took take place without visitors in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic
“Due to the current development of the COVID pandemic and the resulting positive prospects we are looking forward to the upcoming event” explains event director Julia Otto.
“The advance ticket sales are mirroring the spectators’ anticipation and we hope that, in coordination with the authorities and taking everyone's health into consideration, we will be able to run Luhmühlen as we did in 2019.
An event like the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials thrives on the atmosphere of the spectators. The backdrop is also so important for the athletes - riders and horses - to perform at their best.”
Germany’s new Chef d’Equipe, Peter Thomsen agrees that “Luhmühlen is the annual meeting point for the eventing family: top riders, fans, horse owners, sponsors and course designers. It always feels like coming home.
In 1982, I watched the World Championships in Luhmühlen and on the same day I decided to ride there as well. Since the end of the 1980s I have ridden in Luhmühlen almost every year, including many championships and will always remember the individual and team medals at German and European Championships.
Now I have the opportunity to take over from Hans Melzer and I am looking forward to the challenge. My goal is to find a team for the World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, via the selection of our top German riders in Luhmühlen 2022.”
According to Peter Thomsen, many top German riders will try to win a medal at the German Championships, which will be part of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy. Likely starters in the Longines CCI5*-L will include Andreas Dibowski, Dirk Schrade and Sophie Leube.
Dibowski confirms Thomsen’s plans, saying “I’m definitely planning to ride Brennus. Depending on the upcoming events, I would prefer to compete him in the Longines CCI5*-L. Alternatively, I am planning to take part in the German Championships.”
Luhmühlen could become a family event for the Dibowski’s this year. “My daughter Alina would love to take the next step and compete in the German Championships in Luhmühlen" said Dibowski.
40 years of World Championship history
Luhmühlen has been the venue for major eventing competitions for over 60 years - including six European Championships in 1975, 1979, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2019 and the World Equestrian Games in 1982
In addition to sporting highlights, Luhmühlen's history will also be in the spotlight in 2022 as 40 years ago, in 1982, the eventing World Championships were hosted here.
To celebrate this special anniversary special activities are planned - some involving special guest Lucinda Green, who won the World Championship title with Regal Realm in 1982.
Valuable partners
The success of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is largely due to the commitment of the sponsors. “We are very grateful to be able to rely on sponsors and partners who have supported us for many years and have made the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials what it is today: one of the six biggest eventing competitions in the world” explains Julia Otto.
The list of partners is headed by Longines as title partner, followed by the main sponsors Meßmer, LVM Versicherung Bernd Bamberger and Lotto Niedersachsen. Additional support is ensured by local companies.
“It’s marvellous that quite a few businesses from our area are interested in supporting us. Now we’re pleased to be backed by the Nord-Pool GmbH, Salzhausen as another main sponsor” says Julia Otto.
Nord-Pool GmbH is the official Artesian Spas trade partner in Germany and will use the tournament to present a selection of their high-quality pools on site.
“We at Nord Pool are delighted to support the wonderful eventing venue Luhmühlen with our sponsorship. As the official distributor of Artesian Spas products throughout Germany, the highly acclaimed Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials are an ideal opportunity to present our company. On site, we can welcome our customers in a special atmosphere and present our SwimSpas, whirlpools and saunas to the visitors.
We would like to thank Julia Otto and her team and wish all participants good luck for this year's Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials!”
Germany’s new Chef d’Equipe, Peter Thomsen, has ridden at Luhmühlen Horse Trials many times
