Raupach and Francis Drake claim Junior Individual Test in Lier
Germany’s Martha Raupach claimed victory in the Junior Individual Test in Lier, scoring 71.863% with her ten-year-old partner Francis Drake OLD. The result earned the pair the top spot in the Interfloor Prize class, in what proved to be a closely contested competition.
Second place went to Denmark’s Alberte Josefine Harsbo and Napoli TH, who followed closely with 71.618%. Team Test winner Rikke Maria Schoubye Johansen, also representing Denmark, completed the podium in third place with Baunehoejens Carpaccio on 71.520%, underlining how evenly matched the leading combinations were.
Prince of the stable
Raupach was delighted with her performance and praised her horse after the test. “It went super well. We had a really smooth test. He stayed with me today, but was still full of energy,” she said. “He is the prince of the stable, also here in Lier. He is very sweet, but at the same time he knows that he is the best,” she laughed. Raupach has been riding Francis Drake for around four and a half years. The partnership began at Children level and has now progressed successfully through the Junior ranks. “We started together in the Children, and now we are competing as Juniors. I just want to enjoy the rest of this season, as it is my last year at Junior level. After this, we will start preparing for Young Riders,” she explained.
Martha Raupach (GER) – Francis Drake Old
CDI Lier 2026
© DigiShots
Lier a favourite venue
Lier clearly holds a special place for the young German athlete. “This is really one of my favourite shows,” Raupach said. “With my pony, I rode my first international competition here, which was about six years ago. With Francis Drake, I also competed here last year.” The pair enjoyed notable success at the venue in 2025, winning the Team Test and finishing third in both the Individual and Freestyle. Looking ahead to the Freestyle, Raupach is hoping to focus on enjoyment. “I really love riding to music, although my horse can sometimes be sensitive to it. I am hoping for a similar ride to today,” she concluded.
