United States Eventing Association

Luhmuhlen Wrap up From Tim and Nina Gardner

Despite the fact that Nina and I were just spectators today, and most of the show jumping occurred in gale-like weather (heavy rain and wind for much of the day with the temperature no higher than 50F), we enjoyed our final day in Germany and at Luhmuhlen. Will Faudree had a lovely clear ride on Andromaque, or Missy as she is fondly called by her connections. He moved up to finish in 11^th place and was in the arena on Andromaque for awards presentations, looking appropriately proud in his US team pink coat. Will and Missy are headed for the UK where he will train several of his horses with an eye on Burghley for Missy. We wish him well and congratulate him and his owner and strong supporter, Jennifer Mosing. We enjoyed spending some time with Jennifer and her eight year old son, Ben, who was a good sport, putting up with boring adult dinners and long periods of barn time.

Will and Julian Stiller finished their four-star rounds with respectable final scores after a rain-drenched and more difficult CCI 4* show jumping competition. There were only five clear rounds out of 28. Fence 4 was a difficult triple combination with a big oxer as the middle element that caused much of the trouble. Final results were very popular with three home team riders in the top three positions: Andreas Dibowski on a clear round in 1^st, with Sandra Auffarth and Frank Ostholt in 2^nd and 3^rd place. Piggy French, leader after cross-country, was 4^th and our old friend, Clayton Fredericks (Australia), moved from 8^th to 5^th on a clear show jumping round.

Jennie, Kelley, Ping and the Gardners are all headed home first thing tomorrow. Jennie is hanging in there despite her disappointment with Ping’s outing yesterday. She seems to be encouraged after a good talk with Mark Phillips today. On a positive note, Jennie is returning home with a sound horse and some additional seasoning. She is looking ahead to an exciting and busy schedule. All of us will remember Luhmuhlen 2011, pleased for Will Faudree and Andromaque, but wishing that things had gone better on cross-country for Jennie and Tiana.

Tim and Nina Gardner