United States Eventing Association

Tim Lips and Bayro Lead the Field in the 2018 Luhmühlen CCI4*

After an exciting finish of today’s dressage, we have Tim Lips (NED) and Bayro with just 24.10 penalties in first, Jesse Campbell (NZL) with Cleveland (24.60) in second, followed by Shane Rose (AUS) on CP Qualified (25.50) in third place.

Tim Lips (NED) had plenty to smile about at the conclusion of today's dressage competition as he and Bayro sit at the top of the 50-horse field headed into tomorrow's cross-country competition. “Bayro was super today! Even after losing my stirrup in the first canter and feeling a little silly not being able to get it back, the gelding seemed to go from strength to strength. My trainer came over from Holland specifically, which gave us a huge boost. I really could not be happier today.”

Lips continued by saying how he is looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country. “I have been riding Bayro in Luhmühlen for the past three years and he gave me a good round every time. So I am fairly confident we are going to have fun tomorrow. The course is definitely tougher than last year, but all questions are very clear. Every course I have ridden which was built by Mike Etherington-Smith rode particularly well, so I’m sure it’s not going to be any different this time.“

Jesse Campbell agreed with Lips' assessment of the course. “You’ve got everything in there. The course is challenging but fair and with concentration and accurate riding, we should be able to produce a good round tomorrow.” Campbell was particularly pleased with Cleveland in the dressage today, as he can be a bit of a handful. They changed his routine only this week, which was a risk but luckily it worked out alright!

Shane Rose, who only arrived from Australia a couple of days ago, is over the moon with CP Qualified. “Although we only had two days to prepare for this four-star, my gelding performed really well this afternoon. Apart from the first flying change - which I messed up - the test was almost flawless. I could not have asked for more! Now I am excited to get round the cross-country tomorrow, as I believe the course really suits my horse. The footing is perfect and although the course is much tougher than it has been previously, I think it’s going to be great if the gelding is as fit as I think he is. The course requires accuracy, which will also influence how close you get to the optimum time.”

At the conclusion of two days of dressage competition, Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4, The Shamwari 4 Syndicate's 16-year-old Hanoverian (Star Regent xx x Donnice), sit tied for 8th place just 3.3 points from the leader. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties' 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL x Zonne-Trend), will head out on course tomorrow in 17th place.

Click here to view dressage scores for the CCI4*.

Julia Krajewski is Overnight Leader in the Meßmer Trophy CIC3*

With a brilliant dressage performance in today’s three-star competition, Julia Krajewski (GER) took the lead on Samourai du Thot with just 19.9 penalties. They are closely followed by Bettina Hoy (GER) and Designer 10 (21.2), and Ingrid Klimke (GER) with SAP Hale Bob OLD (21.9).

The second day of dressage started out to be very exciting with many exceptionally good tests from horses and riders. Perfect weather conditions brought plenty of spectators to the arena. In the lead at the end of the Meßmer Trophy CIC3* dressage is Krajewski with Samourai du Thot. Their performance was almost perfect, earning them the brilliant score of 19.9. “Sam was super today! Although he is much more a jumping pony than a dressage horse, he really did a fabulous job today. To take the lead in such a strong class is amazing. I am a little overwhelmed! Now I am looking forward to this very exciting new course tomorrow, which really has everything to offer! Riding within the optimum time will probably be a challenge, but one we are happy to take on.”

Hoy, who is riding her first three-day-event on Designer 10 this year as she has been busy coaching the Dutch team, is completely elated. “Designer loves competing here in Luhmühlen. He just delivered just as I expected he would. I can’t fault him in any way – he was brilliant! He is very experienced at this level, so I know he would come out and be his best. Now I am looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country, which is challenging but extremely well-built. I think Mike Etherington-Smith has done a great job designing this new course after getting to know the event last year.”

Klimke was equally ecstatic after SAP Hale Bob OLD, or ‘Bobby’s’, performance in today’s dressage. “I’m just so happy, he could not have done it any better! He was fresh but relaxed. I felt he was very expressive, especially in his extended trot and canter.” Klimke carried on saying how much she is looking forward to tomorrow. “The course looks amazing. It has everything you want from a good three-star course. If you want to get near the optimum time however, you will need to set up the right pace throughout your round.”

Click here for CIC3* scores.

Tomorrow’s cross-country kicks off at 9:00 a.m./3:00 a.m. EDT with the four-star followed by the three-star competition at 1:45 p.m./7:45 a.m. EDT. Live streaming will be available here.