Luhmühlen 2026: Julia Krajewski leads after Day 1 in the CCI4*-S; American Hallie Coon leads in the CCI5*-L

Julia Krajewski won’t be competing until tomorrow with her Olympic horse Nickel, one of the Road2LA horses. She is expected to be the second-to-last competitor on Friday at the Luhmühlen stadium at around 12:14 p.m. Today, she rode the Irish horse Tullabeg Platinum. The Olympic champion was more than satisfied with his ride, which earned 27.2 penalty points: “He was great; we’re continuously improving our dressage scores. It’s certainly not easy for him, but he always gives his best, and that’s exactly what he did today. I really enjoy riding here at the Luhmühlen Stadium. It’s very large, but it has a great atmosphere. Maybe it’s because of the decorations—the horses seem to feel right at home. But ultimately, when I feel good as a rider, that energy transfers to the horse.”

Besides Krajewski, only Samantha Lissington, a New Zealander based in England, remained under the 30-penalty-point mark. For her Diarado daughter Delarado, it was the first time in her career that she had achieved this score. The rider was understandably pleased. In April, the pair had won the CCI4*-S competition in Strzegom.

Behind 25-year-old U.S. rider Cosby Green and the Irish horse Highly Suspicious (31.0)—who placed fourth last year in the CCI5*-L in Luhmühlen—came three German riders.

German trio in fourth through sixth place

Vanessa Bölting and Ready to Go NRW (31.8), Christoph Wahler and his gray horse Gainsbourg de Bedon (32.8), which he acquired last year, and Nadine Marzahl with Victoria (33.5) are thus in a good position heading into Saturday’s cross-country test. Wahler also has the experienced D’Accord FRH with him in Luhmühlen. He will present the seventh-place finisher from Badminton 2025 in the arena tomorrow. For the pair, it’s also about making a case for a nomination to the German World Championship team.

You have to be agile if you want to be a contender

For the cross-country course designed by British rider Mike Etherington-Smith—with support from Kai-Steffen Meier for the first time—rideability is key. That’s Julia Krajewski’s impression: “The obstacles are all clear, and it’s a beautiful four-star course. I think time will be a decisive factor, especially because of the many turns. The ground is very good. Since the sandy soil needs a lot of moisture, the organizers are watering it regularly and thoroughly, and I expect that will continue through Saturday.”

Interim Results for Dressage in the CCI4*-S After Day 1

American Rider Leads After the First Half of the CCI5*-L in Luhmühlen

Hallie Coon is riding the KWPN gelding Kapriccio at the five-star level for the first time in Luhmühlen. With a score of 27.8, she leads the CCI5*-L after nine of 20 competitors have finished. Many British riders withdrew at the last minute, so the field is smaller than expected. Hallie is just as happy as the horse in second place—whose first name is Happy. “He’s simply the best horse I could ever ask for. You just have to make sure he feels comfortable—then he gives you his whole heart. It’s a wonderful feeling, and I wouldn’t want to ride any other horse in the world.”

Coon finished ahead of world No. 1s Tim Price and Happy Boy. Two rhythm errors in the medium trot caused his scores to drop. The New Zealander ended up with 31.7 penalty points. Behind Britain’s Stephen Heal and Hagonda (33.6), Price’s wife Jonelle and Grappa Nero are in fourth place.

5-Star Debutante from Luhmühlen in Luhmühlen

Two Germans are making their debut in the most challenging category that eventing has to offer. For Katharina Meyer, a true local hero—the mother of a three-year-old who rides for the ZRFV Luhmühlen—her appearance with Aspen T by Canstakko was special in many ways: “Just being able to ride here in front of this backdrop was an honor for me. I was there when he was born; I spent the whole night with him in his stall. To now master this challenge together with him here is, of course, very emotional.” The local favorites finished with 41.4 penalty points.

Interim Results: Dressage, CCI5*-L, Luhmühlen 2026