The Maison du Grand-Duc released photos and videos on social media, documenting the Grand Duke’s visit to a horse stable in Elvange. There, Luxembourg’s Head of State met with dressage rider Nicolas Wagner-Ehlinger and his horse, Quarter Back Junior.
Wagner-Ehlinger, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics and secured 25th place in individual dressage, shared his preparations for the upcoming Paris Games with the Grand Duke, 50 days before the event begins.
During the visit, Grand Duke Henri took the opportunity to ride a horse, joining Wagner-Ehlinger and his 15-year-old Hanoverian for several laps. The Grand Ducal Court also confirmed that the Grand Duke will attend the Paris Olympics as a spectator in two months.
The riding lesson was arranged by the newspaper L’Essentiel. Despite a 20-year hiatus from horse riding, Grand Duke Henri remarked that it felt like riding a bicycle, “you don’t lose that skill.”
In related news, Victor Bettendorf, who was set to be Luxembourg’s first show jumper at the Olympics, will no longer be able to compete in Paris, as confirmed this week.
