World of Showjumping
World of ShowjumpingWorld of Showjumping
Menu

Christian Ahlmann – My 2018

Friday, 04 January 2019
Interview

Photo (c) Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping. Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z in Leipzig at the beginning of 2018, where they won the Longines FEI World Cup and where the stallion was retired after an incredible career. Photo (c) Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.

“Overall my year was really good. I had some good results, but the most important for me is that some new horses really improved over the year. That gives me hope for next year; that I can make a step up again and do the biggest competitions. I haven’t lost the contact with the top of the sport, and haven’t fallen too far on the world ranking either, even though two-three of my most important horses were missing during the year. Normally, it is really hard to compensate for that – but we managed it quite well. So in that way I am very positive ahead of next year. 

My highlight in 2018 was the retirement of Taloubet Z. It was very emotional to thank off such a special horse. For the rest my focus in 2018 was to make Grand Prix horses out of my really good young ones, and this we managed very well. Tokyo and Clintrexo Z not only stepped up to 5* Grand Prix level but also competed in for example Aachen, and other very demanding venues – over and over proving themselves. 

For 2019 I don’t have any specific goals. It’s more about continuing the work from this year and to get to know the horses even better. Then take it step by step and make the plan along the way. 

At the moment it is out of the question to ride championships, as I have not signed the agreement with the German Federation. It is not an issue I really think about, but I have had talks with the federation and we are trying to find a solution for this.

Looking towards other riders, some that have really impressed during 2018 are Harrie Smolders, Peder Fredricson and Steve Guerdat – they are the riders that have been dominating this year. And of course, Simone Blum impressed at the World Equestrian Games. It’s not like she and Alice are a new couple, but they still surprised when they went to the top with a bang. Ben Maher was also very consistent this year, and did an unbelievable Global Champions Tour season with Explosion W."


Text and photo © World of Showjumping

No reproduction without permission



This photo has been added to your cart !

Your shopping cart »
This website is using cookies for statistics, site optimization and retargeting purposes. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website. Read more here.