Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto dominated the dressage in the Longines CCI5*-L on day one of the Luhmühlen Horse Trials with Brookpark Vikenti (Master Imp x Tullineaskey Butler's Simon), Japan Racing Association's 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, on a score of 25.2. He is followed by Tim Price (NZL) and Ascona M (Cassaro x Naomi), Mrs. Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster, and Sir Peter Vela's 11-year-old Holsteiner mare, in second place on a score of 25.8. Alexander Bragg (GBR) and Zagreb (Perion x Renera), Philip and Sally Ellicott's 15-year-old KWPN gelding, round out the top three on a 29.7.
Tomoto was over the moon after his performance this afternoon. “I can’t believe we took the lead today. This morning my horse was slightly tense, so I tried to make him feel as relaxed possible. The horse is naturally a very good mover, so my plan worked out!”
Price was equally happy with his mare, Ascona M. “I am very glad my horse was performing the way she did today. I didn’t want to risk too much and she could have been a little more uphill, but she was concentrating on the job so I am very pleased.”
Representing the United States, Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect (Eastern Echo x Miners Girl), the Sound Prospect LLC's 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, currently sit in 12th place on a score of 38.5. The second half of the CCI5*-L will perform their dressage tests tomorrow starting at 2:00 p.m. local time.
Thoughts on the Longines CCI5*-L Cross Country
Kazuma Tomoto: “I think it‘s a typical CCI5*-L course. There are many technical questions and a lot of turns along the course which require well-ridden horses. However, the fences are not too big and I am looking forward to riding my naturally fast horse around this beautiful course.”
Andreas Ostholt: “The cross-country course is not what you would call ‘old school’ with plenty of big and wide jumps. There are a number of technical questions, which require concentration from riders and horses. Especially the water complexes are demanding a lot of foresight and concentrated riding. However, all fences have been built with clear questions, which makes this a very fair course.”
Tim Price: “It’s a technical course with plenty of questions and variety. The grounds have been beautifully prepared, providing the best possible basis for this exciting course. Staying within the optimum time, however, might be challenging.”
Click here for more photos from the first day of dressage at Luhmühlen.
Helpful Links
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to announce a request for expressions of interest to host the first standalone USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships in 2026 and 2027. With the success of the inaugural joint championships in 2024, the USEA is confident that the progression of these programs lends to a standalone event for these hardworking students in 5th through 12th grade and undergraduate college programs.
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is easily one of the most influential weeks in the sport of eventing in the U.S. and this year it is headed to Seattle, Washington, Dec. 12-15. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown talks about all the details surrounding this year's Convention with USEA CEO Rob Burk and USEA President Lou Leslie. From important discussions around safety and horsemanship to a charity poker tournament and more, there is so much going on in Seattle this year that you won't want to miss!
The following is an excerpt from 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by equine training and conditioning expert Jec Aristotle Ballou. Strength routines and this workout are for horses and riders with a good existing level of fitness who are working toward increased strength and endurance.
Being the last rider in the final competition of the day can be an unenviable position. Molly Duda felt the pressure all day while gearing up for her ride on her own 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence).