Leon Hüsgen Will Not Compete in the World Vaulting Championships in Aachen

Today was the day for the vaulters at the World Championships in Aachen to have their horses undergo the veterinary check. But one horse was missing: Rockemotion, ridden by Leon Hüsgen. According to the FN, the 18-year-old gelding developed a lameness and was withdrawn. This means Hüsgen’s dream of competing in the World Championships has been dashed.

Jannik Heiland will replace Hüsgen on the men’s team. The 33-year-old was, among other achievements, a World Cup champion in 2023 and 2024, won silver in the individual event at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, won individual medals at the World Championships in 2021 and 2022, and has earned two silver and one bronze medal at the European Championships. In Aachen, he will compete on Rey Rubino, lunged by Lars Hansen.

Men, Pas de Deux, Women, Group – the participants

Also competing in the men’s division: Thomas Brüsewitz on Belistano HF, lunged by Alexandra Knauf, and Bela Lehnen on Max, lunged by Sara Krauß.

Heiland would have had one appearance in Aachen anyway—namely, in the pas de deux with Kimberly Hyks, riding Crashkurs on the lunge line led by Andrea Harwardt. The second pair representing Germany are Philine Lindhorst and Cjell Aaron Richert, riding Chagall on the lunge line led by Andrea Lindhorst.

In the team category, the highly successful NORKA Automation team from VV Köln-Dünnwald was nominated.

In the women’s competition, Alice Layher will perform with FBW Candy, lunged by Daniel Zembrodt, and Kathrin Meyer will perform on Capitain Claus OLD, lunged by Gesa Bührig. Annemie Szemes with Rubinio and Nina Vorberg will also be competing in the center of the circle.

Both Thomas Brüsewitz and Kathrin Meyer want to use the World Championships on home soil as the crowning achievement of their respective illustrious careers.

The vaulters will kick off the World Championships on Thursday with their compulsory routine.