Christian Kukuk joins German show‑jumping team for Aachen World Championships

Olympic champion Christian Kukuk, originally omitted from Germany’s home‑World Championships squad, has been added as a reserve rider for the Aachen event. He will compete with his gold‑coloured stallion Checker after André Thieme withdrew from the team.

Thieme, who had been slated to ride Chakaria, announced his decision following concerns over his mare’s safety in the water trench at the Swedish Falsterbo Nations Cup. He said, “In the interest of my horse and the team I have decided to withdraw. We do not want to take any risk.” Marcus Ehning moves into the four‑person lineup with his horse Coolio, while the German team continues to be led by European champion Richard Vogel on United Touch. Fellow team members include Sophie Hinners with Singclair and Daniel Deußer on Otello.