Biography

It is a first Badminton for German amateur rider Arne Bergendahl (34) who is based in Hamminkeln in North Rhine-Westphalia, close to the Dutch border. In 2023 with Badminton entry Luthien NRW Arne was placed 14^th at Luhmuhlen CCI5* – a first 5* for rider and horse.

Arne who works for the city council of Wesel comes from an equestrian background – his father Helmut competed at 4* in the 80’s and now runs a successful breeding programme specialising in eventing. Ingrid Klimke’s 2020 6-year-old young horse world champion Cascamara was bred by Helmut as was Cool Tonic, Julia Krajewski’s 5-year-old reserve champion at last year’s Bundeschampionat.

Arne has therefore always ridden but mostly producing young horses. He has however in the last few years competed several horses up to 4* level. Arne trains with his father Helmut, Bettina Hoy and the National squad trainer

Luthien NRW owned and bred by Helmut Bergendahl is a 13-year-old Westphalian registered mare. She is by La Calido out of Taramanga by the thoroughbred Templer GL (a grandson of Blushing Groom). (Taramanga is one of several successful horses out of Soul Sister – by the thoroughbred Sir Shostakovich – who also produced 4* horses Lord Shostakovich and Checkovich).

Taramanga is also the dam of 4* horses Lamango, (Antonia Baumgart) and Carmango (Dan Kreitl), Ingrid Klimke’s 3*L winner Cascamara and Julia Krajewski’s young horse Cool Tonic. Arne has produced Luthien through the levels since 2018 – they gained their first international win in the 4* at Maarsbergen last year and have completed one 5* at Luhmuhlen.

Note: Westphalian registered horses and ponies that have proven success have been awarded the “NRW” suffix to their names to promote the popularity of Westphalian horses. The award also recognizes the breeders, owners, and riders.