A Tragic End at the Luhmühlen Horse Trials
Tragedy Strikes at German Championship: Fatal Accident Claims Life of a Steed
Sunny skies graced Luhmühlen as 20,000 spectators gathered for the cross-country event at the Eventing Riders' Horse Trials. But the day soon took a turn for the worse.
In the German Championships, Maj-Jonna Ziebell (29) from Döhle, along with her 13-year-old horse Chiquita, faced a horrific fall at the end of the wave fence, a brush jump. The rider managed to get up, but the veterinarians quickly moved in, treating the mare on-site before taking her to a nearby clinic.
Towards evening, heart-wrenching news broke: Chiquita had sustained a catastrophic shoulder injury. The organizers made the heart-rending decision to euthanize the mare, citing a veto examination[1][2][4]. Ziebell, deeply affected by the loss, voiced her sorrow: "Chiquita was something very special. Anyone who had the chance to get to know her better—which she made sure happened herself—fell in love with the horse. I've lost my best friend, and I'm extremely sad."
Grief Overshadows the Sport
After the dressage and cross-country, Olympic champion Julia Krajewski (36) stood poised for her fourth German Master's title with Nickel (11). Krajewski opted for caution rather than taking risks to secure a safe return, incurring 2.4 penalty points for time over, which didn't concern her[3].
Ziebell and Chiquita's fall momentarily postponed Emma Brüssau (26) from Münster, who was riding on Dark Desire (16)—shortly after Ziebell's incident, it wasn't yet known how Chiquita was faring...
In the "big" CCI5*-star competition, double Olympic team champion Laura Collett (35) from England retained her lead over compatriot Rosalind Canter (39) and Izilot (12)[3]. The decisions in both competitions will be made on Sunday during the final show jumping (13:00, NDR)[3].
[1] Luhmühlen Tragedy: Chiquita's Fate After Fall in German Championships[2] Grief-Stricken Rider Loses Beloved Horse Chiquita After Fierce Fall[3] Eventing Roundup: Major Upsets and Tight Races Heading into Sunday's Show Jumping[4] Necropsy Confirms Chiquita's Broken Shoulder Following Cross-Country Incident*
At the Luhmühlen Horse Trials, the incident involving Maj-Jonna Ziebell and her horse Chiquita in horse-racing led to a tragic end. Despite their successful performance in the cross-country event, Chiquita suffered a catastrophic shoulder injury, necessitating euthanasia.
After the emotional event, Julia Krajewski, the Olympic champion, approached the final "big" CCI5*-star competition with caution, maintaining her lead over her competitors for the German Master's title.
