From 13 to 16 June 2019, the best riders in the world will come together for Luhmühlen, one of the most important eventing competitions in the world. As an integral part of the international tournament calendar since 2005, Luhmühlen ranks amongst the world’s six largest eventing competitions, attracting top international riders to northern Germany each June.
Ahead of the event, hear from some of the competition’s favourites on eventing, favourite Luhmühlen memories and competition plans.
Tim Price (New Zealand)
The current world ranking second, Tim Price from New Zealand brings two horses to Luhmühlen in 2019.
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Tim Price: Partnership. The leading horses and riders have to demonstrate an incredibly broad range of abilities. To do this successfully and consistently requires a true partnership.
Are you planning to compete at Luhmühlen this year?
Tim Price: I’m planning to bring two horses: I’m aiming for the CCI5 * -L with Ascona and the CCI4 * -S with Falco.
What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think of Luhmühlen??
Tim Price: In 2006, when I supported my former girlfriend (and now wife!) Jonelle from the ground. It was the first time that I experienced German hospitality. In addition, it was very hot that year – so the beer tasted particularly good!
The public focus is often on the supposed rivalry between Jonelle and you. But how do you support each other?
Tim Price: 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 today.
Oliver Townend (UK)
Also the current number 3 in the world rankings, Oliver Townend, makes his way to Luhmühlen.
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Oliver Townend: The horses. They are the ultimate all-round athletes!
Are you planning to compete at Luhmühlen 2019?
Oliver Townend: I’m planning to come and aiming for the CCI5 * -L, but I’m not sure which horses to compete with yet.
What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Oliver Townend: Black Tie, as he loved it there and went so well – and the fantastic working arenas.
Ingrid Klimke (Germany)
The current best German in the world rankings, Ingrid Klimke, is looking forward to Luhmühlen 2019.
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Ingrid Klimke: The partnerships 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 compete at Luhmühlen 2019?
Ingrid Klimke: Yes, I’m planning to ride Asha P in the CCI4* -S in June and SAP Hale Bob OLD at the European Championships in August.
What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
Ingrid Klimke: For me, Luhmühlen is an outstanding event where riders and horses can compete in a fantastic atmosphere. I used to love coming to the cross-country day as a child. Watching Lucinda Prior-Palmer win the Euorpean Championships was very impressive.
Michael Jung (Germany)
With Michael Jung, Germany sends a promising candidate for the podium places at Luhmühlen.
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Michael Jung: The versatility is absolutely fascinating. It is such a challenge to train a horse for the three phases, so for me that’s part of the excitement. And then of course the cross-country phase. The feeling of complete happiness after a great cross-country round outshines evry dresage or show-jumping achievement.
Are you planning to compete at Luhmühlen 2019?
Michael Jung: Yes, I’m planning to ride the CCI5 * -L and the CCI4* -S but at this stage I am not sure which horse will compete in which class.
What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think of Luhmühlen?
There are many great eventing tournaments, 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 Championship 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.
Rosalind Canter (UK)
Last year, the Brit with her horse Allstar B eventing world champion.
What makes eventing so special as a sport?
Rosalind Canter: The relationship that your whole team gets with the horses and learning about the personalities of each horse we get to ride. The great feeling of pride and achievement when it goes well.
Obviously you won’t be competing this year – but are you planning to return next year?
Rosalind Canter: Yes, I would love to ride with Zenshera again, it was his favourite event!
What memories do you associate with Luhmühlen?
Rosalind Canter: Feeling very proud during the lap of honour on Zenshara for jumping a clear round in the show jumping last year to finish third, and the lovely atmosphere that the crowd created.
Dont’ miss this world-class event, tickets for Luhmühlen 2019 are on sale now with Ticketmaster:
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