Germany Triumphs in Mannheim at the Longines EEF Series Region Central

Home team delivers a flawless performance ahead of Belgium and Ireland

There was plenty for the home crowd to celebrate at the Reiter-Verein Mannheim, where Germany secured a thrilling victory in the opening leg of the 2026 Longines EEF Series Region Central, repeating last year’s success. The German quartet finished on a perfect score of zero penalties over two rounds, ahead of Belgium and Ireland, who claimed second and third place respectively.

The winning team combined experience and emerging talent: Michael Jung aboard Fischerheros Z, Sandra Auffarth riding Quirici H, Stefan Engbers with Baju Nrw, and Gerrit Nieberg on IB Queen. It proved to be a winning formula, as chef d’equipe Ralf Runge explained: “That was a very balanced team that simply delivered. We had a great mix in the team, with two very experienced horses and two horses for whom this was their first Nations Cup. They were all incredibly focused, which was brilliant”.

Runge also highlighted the broader significance of the series: “Our sport has become very demanding, and the series also gives younger horses and riders a chance to showcase themselves. That’s one side of it; on the other, many nations are also using the EEF Nations Cups to test their candidates for the World Championships this year. A big thank you from all of us goes to Longines, the EEF and Mannheim for allowing us to ride here at this fantastic venue”.

The competition carried added meaning as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the host club. Tournament director Peter Hofmann expressed his satisfaction: “Victory in the Nations Cup to mark the 100th anniversary of our Reiter-Verein Mannheim. That’s a wonderful birthday present. We had a full house, a great atmosphere, brilliant weather – it couldn’t have been better”.

The decisive moment came with the final combination in the arena, Gerrit Nieberg and IB Queen. The pressure was immense: a clear round would secure victory for Germany, while four faults would have forced a three-way jump-off with Belgium and Ireland. Nieberg held his nerve, guiding the 11-year-old KWPN mare to a flawless clear, sealing the win to the delight of the home crowd.

Afterwards, the rider said: “I was, of course, aware of the situation that I had to keep a clear round if we didn’t want a jump-off. I knew about the tension and the expectations, but I simply focused on myself and my horse. Queen jumped well in the first round and in the second I had an even better feeling. She’s in top form”.

At the halfway stage, Germany and Belgium were tied on zero penalties, with France and Ireland close behind on four. In the second round, the Germans maintained their consistency: double clears from Stefan Engbers with Baju Nrw and Gerrit Nieberg with IB Queen, while Michael Jung finished with just a single time penalty.

Jung reflected on his round: “At first, I was a bit annoyed [about the time fault]. Sometimes the outcome of a jumping round depends on a time fault. I felt I was actually riding at a good pace, but I then watched the ride back on video and in the second round I rode the short-side lines a bit faster. I am so proud of him. I think he is a very special horse with unlimited talent.”

Belgium secured second place despite four faults in the second round from their first two combinations, Yves Vanderhasselt with Pepper Vitseroel Z and Anthony Philippaerts aboard Gabell d’Arvor. Crucial clear rounds came from Katja Haep with Romy FZ and Jos Verlooy riding Nixon van ’t Meulenhof.

Ireland claimed third thanks to faultless performances from Lt Michaeli Byrne with MSH Claregalway and Max Wachman aboard Tipperary, finishing on a total of four penalties.

Just off the podium, defending champions Switzerland finished fourth, led by Martin Fuchs and Fortjump du Beaumenil, the team’s only double clear, for a total of eight penalties. France also ended on eight faults in fifth place, with the standout performance from Eden Leprevost Blinlebreton riding Barbie de la Roque Z EDB.

Austria finished sixth thanks to Katharina Rhomberg and Colestus Cambridge, while the Netherlands placed seventh on 16 penalties, despite a promising double clear from Party In de Hus, ridden by Willem Greve.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Norway, and Slovakia completed the standings. Attention now turns to the next leg of the series, set to take place in Lier, Belgium, on May 8.

Photo credits: © EEF/pferdefotografie-lafrentz_photos
Source: Longines EEF Series press release

© Rights Reserved.