What’s the first thing memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen? Winning last year!
With preparations for its first Longines CCI5*-L well underway, Luhmühlen has set its sights on some of the world’s top eventing riders who have fond memories of Luhmühlen and plans to compete there again in 2019
Luhmühlen is one of six five-star-events worldwide and has hosted five European Championships (1975, 1979, 1987, 1999 and 2011) and one World Championship (1982) in over 60 years of eventing history.
This year Luhmühlen is going to host two exciting events, the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (13th -16th June 2019) and the Longines FEI Eventing European Championships a few weeks later, at the well-known venue situated about 45 miles south of Hamburg in the Lüneburger Heath where you can enjoy a great family day out, to enjoy top level equestrian sport as well as great hospitality and shopping options.
Oliver Townend – World No. 1
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The horses - they are the ultimate all round athletes.
Are you planning to compete at Luhmühlen this year?
I’m planning to come and aiming for the CCI5*-L, not sure about the horses yet.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Black Tie, as he loved it there and went so well – and the fantastic working arenas.
Ros Canter – World No. 2 and reigning World Champion
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The relationship that your whole team gets with the horses, and learning all about the different personalities of the horses we get to ride. The feeling of pride and achievement when it goes well.
Obviously, you won’t be competing at Luhmühlen this year – but are you planning to return next year?
Yes, I would love to return again with Zenshera as it is his favourite event!
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Feeling very proud in the lap of honour of Zenshera for jumping a clear round in the show jumping last year to finish in third place, and the lovely atmosphere that the crowd created.
Tim Price – World No. 3
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Partnership. The leading horses and riders have to demonstrate an incredibly broad range of skills.
To do this successfully and consistently means the partnership is a real one.
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
I am planning to bring two horses to Luhmühlen this year - Ascona is aiming for the CCI5*-L and Falco is aiming for the CCI4*-S.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
I came on foot to support my then girlfriend (and now wife!) Jonelle in 2006. It was my first experience of German hospitality, plus it was very hot that year, so the beer tasted very good!
The focus has often been on the rivalry between you and Jonelle – but how much do you actually support and rely on each other?
We are each other’s biggest drivers at the end of it all, pushing each other every day to improve. Without Jonelle I would not be where I am.
Michael Jung – World No. 4
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The versatility is absolutely fascinating. It‘s such a challenge to train a horse for the three phases, so for me that’s part of the excitement. And obviously the cross-country phase: the feeling of complete happiness after a great cross-country round outshines every dressage or show-jumping achievement
Are you planning to ride at Luhmühlen this year?
Yes, I‘m planning to ride the CCI5*-L and the CCI4*-S but at this stage I’m not sure which horse will compete in which class.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
There are many great eventing competitions but Luhmühlen and Kentucky (USA) are the only ones with perfect dressage and show-jumping conditions for the horses. There are so many great memories, for example my first four-star win or winning at the European Championships in 2011. But an absolute highlight was competing in my first two-star at Luhmühlen with Sam many years ago. At the time I was still quite inexperienced, so it was a tremendous experience.
Jonelle Price – World No. 7
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
There is nothing else in the world quite like it. It requires elegance, adrenalin, intensity, endurance, stamina, skill, heart, determination...
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
Sadly I am not planning to ride there this year.
What’s the first thing memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Winning last year!
The focus has often been on the rivalry between you and Tim – but how much do you actually support and rely on each other?
Eventing is one of very few sports in the world where men and woman compete on equal terms so it’s very unusual to have a married couple compete on the world stage against each other. So, the rivalry factor is regularly at the forefront but behind the scenes we very much work as one unit. Whether it be planning, eyes on the ground, asking for some advice - were constantly feeding off each another.
Piggy French – World no. 8
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Eventing is the ultimate test of the horse and rider partnership so you really need a mutual trust and understanding to be successful. This makes for a really special relationship with the horses to get the best from them across three different disciplines.
Are you planning to ride Luhmühlen this year?
Hopefully I will be selected to represent Team GB at the Europeans in 2019.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
I’ve been to Luhmühlen three times before and it’s been a good but not quite lucky place for me so far! I was leading the 4* on Flying Machine after cross-country in 2011 but had fences down in the show-jumping to finish 4th, I then won Team Bronze with Jakata at the Europeans in 2011 and finally had a really frustrating 50 penalties for a missed flag with Quarrycrest Echo in the 4* in 2018. I hope that one day I can come back to win the CCI5*-L!
Ingrid Klimke – World No. 9
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
The partnership and the trust between rider and horse is at its best in the cross-country phase, training in nature and the wonderful competitions.
Are you planning to ride at Luhmühlen this year?
Yes, I’m planning to ride Asha P CCI4*-S in June and SAP Hale Bob OLD at the European Championships in August.
What’s the first memory that comes to your mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
For me, Luhmühlen is an outstanding event where riders and horses can compete in a terrific atmosphere. I used to love coming to the cross-country day as a child. Watching Lucinda Prior-Palmer win the European Championships was extremely impressive.
