On home soil, Germany delivered. Big time. In an electric atmosphere celebrating the centenary of the Reiter-Verein Mannheim, the Mannschaft secured a second consecutive victory in the Central Region leg of the Longines EEF Series. Behind them, Belgium limited the damage, while Ireland claimed a place on the podium. But on this track, there was only one team at the expected level: Germany.
Zero faults, a perfect copy
Two rounds, no penalties. A statement.
Powered by Michael Jung, Sandra Auffarth, Stefan Engbers and Gerrit Nieberg, the German team delivered with total control. A well-balanced mix of seasoned riders and combinations gaining top-level experience, all perfectly in sync.
Chef d’équipe Ralf Runge spoke about balance. He got exactly that. Engbers and Nieberg produced double clears, while Jung conceded just a single time fault. A minor blemish in a weekend where everything seemed under control.
Nieberg, ice-cold when it mattered
The scenario tightened down to the final ride. And it was crystal clear. A clear round meant victory, four faults would trigger a three-way jump-off, anything more and it was over.
In that moment, Gerrit Nieberg didn’t flinch. Riding IB Queen, he delivered a clean, precise round without the slightest hesitation on Christa Jung’s course. A quiet performance, but with immediate consequence: German victory.
Belgium chasing
Second place for Belgium, with reasons to feel a touch of frustration. The team didn’t collapse, but they let things slip too early.
The four faults picked up in the second round by Yves Vanderhasselt and Anthony Philippaerts gave Germany some breathing room. Behind them, Katja Haep and Jos Verlooy were flawless with two double clears, keeping the pressure on until the end. Not enough to change the outcome.
Ireland consistent
Third place for Ireland, confirming their collective strength. Max Wachman and Lt Michaeli Byrne both delivered double clears to keep their team in contention. But against a perfect German side, even the smallest mistake proved costly.
A deep field, clear gaps
Switzerland, the defending champions, finished just off the podium despite the consistency of Martin Fuchs. France took fifth thanks to a strong performance from Eden Leprévost Blinlebreton, while Austria, led by Katharina Rhomberg, followed closely behind.
Further down, the Netherlands never really found their rhythm, weighed down by a costly first round. The remaining nations, from the Czech Republic to Slovakia, played their part but never truly influenced the final standings.
Mannheim, the perfect stage
This German victory carries extra meaning in context. The Reiter-Verein Mannheim was celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the crowd showed up in force. Full stands, perfect conditions, and sporting tension to match the occasion. Show director Peter Hofmann called it a birthday present. Hard to argue.
What’s next
The 2026 Longines EEF Series is only just getting started. Next stop: Lier on Friday, where the circuit moves into the Western Region.
One question remains. Who can derail this already well-oiled German machine?
Full results of the Longines EEF Series Mannheim available here
(So Horse avec EEF. Photos © EEF/pferdefotografie-lafrentz_photos)