June 19, 2026 
It’s King versus Coon on the CCI5*-L leaderboard after dressage at the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials.
On Thursday, USA’s Hallie Coon and 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding Kapriccio took the overnight lead with the only sub-30 score of the day of 27.8 penalties with their harmonious and expressive test. Emily King of Great Britain and longtime partner Valmy Biats edged them out of the top spot on Friday on a score of 27.
“We know each other inside out and are incredibly in tune with one another,” said King. “He responded beautifully and we worked really well together. He stayed with me throughout the test and felt balanced the whole way.”
Coon, who is based in Britain, now sits 0.8 points behind the leader. New Zealand’sJames Avery, also based in the UK, moved into third on Dallas 13 with the only other sub 30 score and new personal best of 29.6.
“I’m really happy because we’ve worked hard for a long time to achieve a score below 30 in a five-star competition,” he said. “To finally do that here in Luhmühlen makes me especially proud.”
A reduced field of just 20 combinations was presented at Wednesday’s first horse inspection, with that number dropping further following the withdrawal of Australia’s William Levett and RNH Tom Tom R ahead of the dressage.
Coon and the 11-year-old Kapriccio, who is making his five-star debut, will go second in cross country.
“He’s just the best horse I could possibly have underneath me,” Coon said after dressage. “He’s the type of horse that if you hold his hand and make sure he’s comfortable, he’ll give you his heart on a plate. It’s a really lovely feeling and I wouldn’t want to be on any other horse.”
Designed by Mike Etherington-Smith, King has momentum and optimism on her side.
“It’s a lovely course with plenty of questions and some intense combinations. The challenges are spread throughout the track, and every fence requires full concentration. My horse is a fantastic jumper, so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is streaming on Horse & Country.
