Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo in 2015
Ahead of the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Luhmühlen’s entries promise exciting competitions. Sandra Auffarth, Ingrid Klimke and Andreas Dibowski are some of Germany’s top-class riders who are going to compete at Luhmühlen’s DHL presents CCI4* and the CIC3* Meßmer Trophy alongside outstanding eventers from twelve other countries.
Some of the best eventers from around the world as well as a number of newcomers have entered the DHL presents CCI4* and the CIC3* Meßmer Trophy.
“In the four-star, I’m excited about Andreas Dibowski, whose FRH Llanero is very fast in the cross-country phase and also a good show-jumper. Dibo is extremely experienced, so these two could definitely be candidates for one of the top spots. Marina Köhncke is another experienced rider, who has already competed at World Championships and Olympic Games in the past. She’s riding Let’s Dance, an exciting horse that is going make its four-star debut at Luhmühlen”, says Team Trainer Hans Melzer.
The competitors from England include Kristina Cook, Nicola Wilson and Pippa Funnell, who were all part of the silver winning Olympic team from Rio. Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell won the European Championships in Luhmühlen 1999 but she has yet to win Luhmühlen’s CCI4*.
Nicola Wilson nearly won the CCI4* on Bulana last year, when she finished just 0.6 penalties behind Julia Krajewski. Jonelle Price (NZL), who has just won the prestigious CCI4* in Badminton, and her husband Tim Price will also be competing at Luhmühlen this year. Just like Nicola Wilson, Jonelle Price has already come very close to winning the CCI4* in Luhmühlen – 2015 she finished a mere 0.1 penalties behind Ingrid Klimke.
Hans Melzer (above) explains why so many German horse-and-rider combinations have decided to compete in the CIC3* Meßmer Trophy
“Some of our top riders are going to compete in the three-star, as they have already achieved their qualification for the World Equestrian Games and now want to give their horses a motivational round on their way to the championship. Since Luhmühlen is going to host the European Championships next year, Germany is allowed to enter twelve riders. Therefore a large number of riders want to get a feel for the course and the atmosphere. Also, there are a number of young riders who are already competing at three-star level and are now looking to establish themselves to become part of the national team.
Current World Champion Sandra Auffarth (below), who has just impressed the international show-jumping scene with an amazing third place in the Hamburg Derby, is going to ride two horses in the CIC3*
“I’m really looking forward to competing Daytona Beach and Viamant du Matz in the three-star. Luhmühlen’s cross-country-courses are usually very motivating because they ride so well and the ground is superb which is ideal for younger or less experienced horses as it gives them a chance to grow and gain confidence.”
European Champion Ingrid Klimke will compete Horseware Hale Bob
“Luhmühlen holds a special place in my eventing calendar. It provides perfect conditions for horses and riders. Also, winning the CCI4* with Escada in 2015 and retiring Braxxi have been extremely emotional moments in my career. I’m really looking forward to taking Bobby round Luhmühlen again.”
Three-time Olympic medal winner David O’Connor is Luhmühlen’s patron
David O’Connor is one of the great ambassadors of the sport who looks back on an amazing career in eventing. He has won Badminton and Kentucky as well as three Olympic medals and now runs a successful training centre with his wife Karen O’Connor. As the new Chairman of the FEI Eventing Committee and member of the FEI Risk Management Steering Group, he is actively working towards making the sport safer
“It is quite amazing just how much David is involved in all areas of the sport. He has been part of our event so many times – as a competitor, trainer and as an official for the FEI. We are very proud that he is now acting as Luhmühlen’s patron as well”, says event director Julia Otto.
Nicola Wilson and Bulana
