Luke Dee is leaving no stone unturned as he heads into his last weeks of preparation before the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Switzerland.

He and Gangster WW have settled in well at Holger Hetzel’s northern Germany yard since they arrived in Europe last month. “Gangster lost a little weight on the trip over but has bounced back well and is feeling much fresher than I expected,” says the 31-year-old showjumper from Havelock North. “He is happy and bright and looking really well.”

The Kiwi combo have been working with German trainer Sebastian Freesey who is based with Cian O’Connor helping his clients and previously the main rider for Paul Schockemöhle for 18 years. “He’s very knowledgeable and I am enjoying training with him. We are learning a lot. He helped me iron out a few minor things.”

Luke and Gangster did one show in Denmark on arrival but opted to continue training with Sebastian over heading to another before the final. “Also, there aren’t too many big shows on at the moment that are nearby so it would be a lot of travel for Gangster,” said Luke. “It was good to get that show under our belts and work out what needed attention for the final.”

Today Luke, Gangster and Sebastian head to an indoor facility at Peelbergen. “We’ll set up a course and replicate as much as we can around what we could expect in Basel (at the final). We will jump big, different lines, trebles, doubles and practice lots of different things,” he says.

Of particular focus has been Gangster’s hotness and managing that. “When he is hot like that we tend to run into trouble at the combos, so it is about getting him to take his time at the fence, slow down and make sure he is using his body through them properly.” It helped the horse was a fast learner and Luke said having someone so knowledgeable on the ground was invaluable. “Having him there to remind me of all the things you know but adding more. That experience and knowledge is key and worth so much.”

Luke Dee rides Gangster WW. File Photo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Gangster had taken everything in his stride. “I am so proud of him,” said Luke. “The show we went to in Denmark had a huge atmosphere. It was like an ice hockey stadium with new jumps, a small arena, a new environment and a lot going on but he didn’t bat an eyelid.” They missed progressing through to the Grand Prix by a single place. “Gangster has all the talent and ability, so we are just fine tuning how that is all put together. The biggest thing is trying to keep him calm and giving me different ways of doing that.”

Luke is incredibly excited to be heading to the final. “I want to make the most of everything and am excited to see what opportunities come from that.” Just as thrilled about heading there are Gangster’s co-owner Fiona Hall and Luke’s girlfriend Amelia Clark. “I am extremely grateful every single day to have an owner like Fiona. They don’t come along often. She has been on board 100% from when we first started talking about buying a horse from Europe. She wanted a potential Olympic and World Champs horse and I was up front about doing it properly,” says Luke. “She is extremely generous and backs my decisions fully. It’s what dreams are made of.”

Nine-year-old Gangster WW is an Oldenburger Springpferd by Grand Slam VDL out of Korsika who is by Kannan. He started his international career in 2022 with Samantha McIntosh when she was riding for Cian O’Connor who Fiona and Luke bought the horse through.

They got the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Longines World Cup Final after series winner Julie Davey declined the invitation to attend.

WHAT: Longines FEI World Cup Final
WHERE: Basel, Switzerland
WHEN: April 1-6, 2025
MORE INFO: https://www.basel2025.com

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ