The Grand Prix of OWL provided an exciting jump-off, for which twelve pairs qualified. In the end, Finja Bormann (Harsum) was delighted with the victory with her long-time companion A Crazy Son of Lavina.
With her victory, she relegated none other than Marco Kutscher, double European Champion of 2005, with Kalejandro D to second place. Simon Heineke came third with Chairman.
Finja Bormann and A Crazy Son of Lavina have known each other all their lives, as the gelding with the unusual name was bred by Finja's father Franz Bormann. In the stable he is called Lavino or simply "the lion" because of his great courage. The two of them went through all stages of training together and have already been able to shine on many international show grounds. At the Paderborn Schützenplatz they already won the Championships and placed high in the Grand Prix. They also secured the title of German Show Jumping Champions in 2020. At the OWL Challenge, the two of them made full use of their experience and really left the competition standing. "The last time we were here was three years ago. I think Lavino still knew what it was like to win here in Paderborn," beamed the 26-year-old from Harsum in Lower Saxony. "He fought tremendously for me, the jump-off was a real goosebump round!"
However, high praise did not only go to her horse: "We are very grateful to Volker Wulff for allowing us to ride here. The OWL Challenge is simply a beautiful tournament and the atmosphere is great," Finja Bormann enthused. For the time being, she and Lavino will have a break and a holiday. Only then will they start planning for the winter season.
The last jumping competition of the medium tour in the IDEE KAFFEE Prize took place on Sunday morning. Here the Dutch rider Gerben Morsink won in the saddle of Carina Z. Second place went to the two-time European Vice-Champion of 2009 and 2011 Carsten-Otto Nagel (Wistedt) with Drumiller True Blue. Third place went to Benjamin Wulschner (Dahlen) with his Derby horse Bangkok Girl PP.
"Even though the Paderborn Schützenplatz did not show its sunniest side every day this year, everyone felt very comfortable again at the OWL Challenge," summarised Show Director Volker Wulff. "It is simply one of the most beautiful tournament grounds in Germany and we hope that with our combined efforts and the support from the OWL region as well as the city of Paderborn, we will be able to celebrate more anniversaries here."
