Saturday evening at Partner Pferd Leipzig carried the kind of electricity only top sport can create. The CSI5*-W 1.55 Championat der Stadt Leipzig unfolded in front of a packed and passionate crowd that followed every stride as the riders guided their horses through the course.
Seventeen horse-and-rider combinations mastered the first round without fault, setting the stage for a highly competitive jump-off. In the end, it was Steve Guerdat (SUI) who rose above the rest, delivering a masterclass in the jump-off with Is-Minka (Mylord Carthago x Flyinge Quite Easy). A daring turn from Guerdat set a benchmark no one else could match, sealing a memorable victory and drawing a roar of appreciation from the stands. Gerrit Nieberg (GER) and IB Queen (Quasimodo Z x Whistler) claimed second place, closely followed by Rik Hemeryck (BEL) and Navarro van het Eelshof (Jappeloup vh Dauwhof x Poleander).
Leipzig’s knowledgeable and engaged audience once again proved why Partner Pferd is such a special fixture on the calendar. Below, the images capture the atmosphere and emotion of the Championat der Stadt Leipzig.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Catch them if you can! Steve Guerdat delivered a masterclass with Is-Minka, and was over two seconds quicker in the jump-off than runner-up Gerrit Nieberg.
A very happy Steve Guerdat, who recently returned to competition after having gone through two back surgeries during 2025.
Second place went to Gerrit Nieberg and IB Queen.
Kisses for IB Queen.
Rik Hemeryck and Navarro van het Eelshof placed third...
... and was clearly delighted about it!
Big smile from Rik Hemeryck's horse owner Hérica Ravel.
Simon Delestre and Golden Boy DK finished fourth.
Jur Vrieling and Iron Wish RW also produced a double-clear, ending fifth.
Denis Lynch and Chicago in action. The duo finished 6th, with the last double clear of the class.
Pieter Devos and Jarina J produced a fast jump-off, but unfortunately had to see one pole fall to end 7th.
Simon Rousic ready with a treat for Jarina J.
Ludger Beerbaum was in Leipzig to give advice to Ciaran Nallon, who finished 8th with Casalla Blue PS.
Geir Gulliksen celebrating a clear in the first round aboard Island V G. The Norwegian rider was one of many who had to see a rail fall to the floor in the jump-off, only six of the 16 pairs jumped a double clear.
Frederic Vernaet and the expressive Quatre Mai-L, clear in round one. With four faults in the jump-off, the two had to settle for 11th.
Niamh McEvoy and Be Kentucky were clear in round one, but had one rail in the jump-off to end 12th.
A delighted Nicolas Toro after a clear in round one aboard Le Macho BH. With eight faults in the jump-off, the two finished outside of the ribbons.
Harm Lahde celebrates a clear in round one with Lafocolo Crazy Stud.
Blue and yellow flags wave in support of Malin Baryard-Jonsson and Hennessy.
Is-Minka with her groom Sara Repo.
Steve's back!
Then