The traditional CSI5*-W 1.55m Stuttgart German Master turned out to be a nail-biting class to the very end, with 12 horse-and-rider combinations qualified to compete for the title.
The Stuttgart German Master is a traditional class that had its first edition in 1987 and it has a long list of legendary winners like John Whitaker with Milton, Ludger Beerbau with Ratina Z, P.S. Priamos and Gladdys S, Beezie Madden with Authentic, Marcus Ehning with For Pleasure and Anka, Malin Baryard-Johnsson with Butterfly Flip, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum with Shutterfly and Christian Ahlmann with Lorena, Colorit and Taloubet Z – to mention just some of the iconic pairs that have been victorious throughout the years.
This year, half of the riders cleared the first round and qualified for the jump-off, where one rider after the other seemed to do the impossible and pushed the leading time down. Eventually, Switzerland's 2024 Olympic silver medallists and the 2023 European Champions Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme took the title by the smallest possible margin as the last pair to go. Guerdat and the wonderful Dynamix de Belheme crossed the finish line in the six horse jump-off just 0.01 seconds faster than Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe, snatching the win.
With these photos, we take a look back at the action!
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Yuri Mansur and Vitiki were first to go and delivered the first clear round.
Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar jumping to their first clear during the evening class.
Third to go Teike Friedrichsen and Greece 5 delivered such a great round...
... all the way to the last fence, where a pole fell and unfortunately stopped them from joining the jump-off.
Roger Yves Bost and Ballerine du Vilpion had to settle for the 9th place after being the fastest 8-faulters of the class.
Martin Fuchs and Commissar Pezi finished 6th after a clear the first time out, and then twelve faults in the jump-off.
Henrik von Eckermann and Calizi jumping into the triple combination that stopped them from joining the jump-off. The last line with the triple combination at no. 11abc leading up to a bended line to the last oxer caused the most headache for the riders.
The stunning Calizi.
Michael Viehweg and Contario jumping in front of their home crowd.
The 18-year-old Catch Me Not S entering the ring eager as always.
Harrie Smolders and Mr. Tac had to see four faults added to their score in the first round.
Jörne Sprehe and Toys qualified after a 5th place in Thursday's qualfication as well an 11th place on Friday.
Giulia Martinengo Marquet delivered a clear with Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe.
Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme made sure the audience would be treated with a six-horse jump-off.
In the jump-off, Yuri Mansur and Vitiki looked like they would be very difficult to catch with their short turns. However, three other pairs managed to be quicker, with the winners being 1.75 seconds faster.
Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar finished fifth after a double clear in 41.67 seconds.
Martin Fuchs thanking the audience for their support, despite 12 faults in the jump-off.
Peder Fredricson's Catch Me Not S stumbled after the Masters-fence in the jump-off. However, they still they managed to shave off 0.03 seconds on Yuri Mansur's time.
Peder Fredricon and Catch Me Not S cutting the corner in their last turn.
Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe gave it their all in the jump-off and managed to shave off 1.01 seconds on the leading time of Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S.
Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe looked so proud of himself and Giulia Martinengo Marquet gave him all the credit after an incredible jump-off.
Last to go in the jump-off, Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme did what seemed impossible and finished 0.01 seconds faster than Martinengo Marquet and Calle Deluxe.
Full speed in the last turn, just hardly leaving the decorations intact.
With the smallest margin possible, Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme could celebrate the Stuttgart German Master-title.
“The German Master is my favourite competition – thanks to the Stuttgart audience. I love Stuttgart," Guerdat said after his victory.
Pure joy for Emma Uusi-Simola, Guerdat's long-time groom.
Steve Guerdat at the center of attention after ticking off another title from his bucket list.
Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe were definitely crowd favourites.
With Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme, Stuttgart German Master can add another legendary horse-and-rider combination to their long list of iconic winners.
Dynamix de Belhem; the Queen of Stuttgart!
Congratulations Team Guerdat!
Then