Katharina Offel, July

July opened up with Kathi travelling to the CSI4* show in Mons, Belgium, where she ended up being awarded as best lady rider following consistent results. On Thursday, Air Chin Z was the best jumping a clear round to finish 10th in the 1.50 Grand Prix qualifier. Air Chin continued to impress on Friday, and was once again double clear in the second Grand Prix qualifier — this time finishing 7th. Pin Up Ouistreham was also on great form at her first show with Kathi, and jumped clear in all her three classes. On Saturday, Kathi and Pin Up jumped a fantastic clear round in the 1.50 class —and it was fast enough for third place.

On Sunday the two were placed again in the 1.50 class.The weekend after it was Kathi’s new ride Quebracho Semilly that brought home the best result. Surprising us all — considering their very short partnership — Quebracho and Kathi finished fifth in the five star Longines Grand Prix in Falsterbo. This was Quebracho and Kathi’s second show, and first Grand Prix, together. The two opened with a clear round in Thursday’s 1.50 class, but Kathi saved Quebracho the rest of the weekend with the Grand Prix in mind. The tactic paid off, and Quebracho jumped a beautiful first clear round. In the second round Kathi was unlucky and lost her stirrup in a sharp turn to the penultimate vertical, and also a little balance — with a rail falling as a result. Nevertheless, it was good enough to end fifth. Katharina Offel Sporthorses, Arnsberg 3, 51688 Wipperfürth, Germany Tel: 0049 175 9328912 E-mail: katharinaoffel@gmail.comThe last show in July before Kathi and the horses took a small break, was CHIO Aachen. Unfortunately the results were not as expected, although the reliable Pin Up Ouistreham was clear and placed fourth in a 1.45 speed class and also clear in the first round in the 1.45 Best of Champions where the lady team ended second. A selection of the rounds from this month’s events can be watched on the Katharina Offel Sporthorses’ You Tube account.The international shows Kathi has planned in for August are; CSI2* Valkenswaard, CSIO5* Dublin, CSI3* Ommen and CSI3* Stephex Masters. Remember that Kathi always can be followed through her website www.katharinaoffel.com, and her official Facebook and Twitter accounts for up-dates from the shows.