Hannes Ahlmann Claims Victory in 1.45M GumBits Grand Prix
Kronenberg, Netherlands (February 21, 2025) – The first-ever Longines Ranking 1.45M class presented by GumBits, Chewing Gum For Horses, at Peelbergen delivered an exciting showdown as Germany’s Hannes Ahlmann and Coquetto took first place. The CSI2 1.45M GumBits Prix* saw top international riders at the start, with Ahlmann, his compatriot Stefan Engbers and Belgium’s Thibeau Spits fighting for first place in a closely contested jump-off.
Ahlmann and the 11-year-old gelding Coquetto stopped the clock at 32.04 seconds, edging out Engbers and Baju Nrw by just 0.6 seconds. Spits and Conrad Quality Z followed closely, finishing third in 32.82 seconds.
A closer look on the winner: Hannes Ahlmann (GER) & Coquetto – 0/0, 32.04
Hannes Ahlmann, a young German rider from a well-established equestrian family, has steadily climbed the ranks in international show jumping. Currently ranked No. 88 in the FEI Longines Rankings, he has built a reputation for consistency and competitiveness in major CSI2 and CSI3 events.
Ahlmann has previously secured strong finishes in top European competitions, including the Young Riders European Championships and the German National Championships. With a background in producing young horses, he has successfully developed multiple mounts to Grand Prix level. His winning horse, 11-year-old gelding Coquetto, has been one of his standout partners. The pair has been competing together for several seasons, with notable placings in Neumünster, Oliva, and Riesenbeck.
GumBits Makes Its Mark at Peelbergen
This event marked an exciting new chapter in Peelbergen’s partnership with GumBits, the innovative equine training treat that promotes relaxation, salivation, and bit acceptance. As the new Arena Name Partner for Peelbergen’s Main Indoor Arena, GumBits is committed to supporting top-level equestrian sport.
Shereen Fuqua, owner of GumBits, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to see such an incredible level of competition at the first GumBits Prix in Peelbergen. It is an honor to support these talented riders and provide a product that enhances the performance and well-being of horses at all levels.”
GumBits will continue to sponsor classes throughout the season, including other CSI events.
About Peelbergen Equestrian Centre
Located in Kronenberg, Netherlands, Peelbergen Equestrian Centre is a premier venue for international show jumping and dressage competitions. Hosting top-tier FEI events, Peelbergen continues to be a hub for world-class equestrian sport.
About GumBits: Chewy Sugar
Dubbed “chewing gum for horses," GumBits are currently used by a selection of the world’s top Olympic & International Equestrian Competitors. Bite sized pieces of chewy sugar are the perfect blend of treat and training tool for use with or without a bridle. The taste and texture encourage soft chewing and salivation, giving a better connection with the bit. Tense, grinding, or dry mouthed horses in particular benefit from their use.
▪FEI Legal Ingredients, all natural 89% sugar, 10% beeswax, 1% gum arabic & flour▪Promote chewing activity increasing salivation▪Encourage relaxation & stops teeth grinding
All disciplines benefit from a softer, more focused horse, from high performance Dressage, Jumpers, and Eventing to Driving, Vaulting, Arabian sport horses, Barrel Racing, and more.
Shereen Fuqua of Collecting Gaits Farm, former title sponsor of the USEF National Dressage Championships & Olympic Trials and presenting sponsor of USEF Pony Finals from 2003-2020, founded GumBits in 2005, and expanded internationally since 2012 into many countries in Europe and throughout Australia and New Zealand. In 2024, Fuqua partnered with PSI Events, company led by Germans Kasselman & Schockmohle, in addition to Peelbergen Equestrian Centre of The Netherlands in 2025 for FEI CSI & CDI Show Jumping & International Dressage Competitions and The Ridge at Wellington Groves USEF Level 2 Jumpers for the Florida season. GumBits is the US Equestrian Official Training Treat & Supplier of the US Teams.
To learn more, and to find a retailer, visit www.GumBits.internationalor follow them on Instagram (@gumbits_horse_chewing_gum)
Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.Equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992
