Reigning European Champions André Thieme (GER) and DSP Chakaria (Chap 47 x Askari 173) will not take part at the 2023 FEI Jumping European Championship in Milan at the end of the month to defend their title, the German Equestrian Federation announced today. 

Due to a light injury, Thieme will not be competing his 13-year-old mare – and will be replaced by Christian Kukuk and Mumbai (Diamant de Semilly x Nabab de Reve) on the German team.

"This is purely a precautionary measure. Chakaria means everything to me – that she is healthy and above all stays healthy long-term is my top priority. I'm so sorry that I can't ride for the team. It's very difficult for me not to be there, but Chakaria's well-being is the most important," Thieme commented. 

"I'm incredibly sorry for André that he can't compete and it's also a weakness for our team that the reigning European Champion isn't there," German national coach Otto Becker added.