Maxi-Kira von Platen Breaks Barriers with Lusitano Mantovani’s Nuelo at 2025 CDI Hagen

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2025 Covalliero Dressage Days

German professional Maxi-Kira von Platen and the Lusitano stallion Mantovani's Nuelo das Lezirias delivered one of the weekend’s most meaningful performances at the Covalliero Dressage Days at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen on 6 - 7 June 2025.

Over two days of competition in a high level field, the pair progressed from a solid third place in the Prix St Georges to a breakthrough win in the Intermediaire I, marking another symbolic moment for Lusitanos in modern dressage sport.

A Confident Start

Competition at the Covalliero Dressage Days in Hagen began on 6 June with clear skies and a good atmosphere, ideal conditions for focused riding.

The class was won by Charlott Maria Schürmann aboard the 2024 World Young Horse Champion, the 8-year old stallion Life Time FRH (71.912%), followed by Kasselmann's team rider Lydia Jordan on Furst Ampere (71.176%). Von Platen finished third (70.882%) in her second ever international PSG test on the 8-year old Nuelo (by Escorial x Quixote), only a few months after taking over the ride from Mantovani team rider Joao Oliveira (BRA).

It was a special day as Maxi celebrated her birthday, which added emotional weight. Her mother, judge and dressage trainer Ute von Platen, was there to support her, giving a personal and grounding presence that carried into the performance. Trainer Norbert van Laak helped guide her in the warm-up.

"Maxi is developing very well with Nuelo,” said Van Laak. “My role is simply to help her stay in the zone, to bring clarity to everything we’ve been working on for months. Maxi and Nuelo looked sharp and synchronized. Their connection was more confirmed and showed growth in their balance and consistency."

Breaking Barriers and Beating World YH Champion

On Saturday 7 June rain trickled down and temperatures dropped, setting a new atmosphere for the Intermediaire I, which Nuelo mastered with maturity.

In a compelling competition between Nuelo and World Champion Life Time, it was the Lusitano who topped the leader board and set another milestone for the Iberian breed which beat the traditional warmblood in the lion's den, Germany. Von Platen and Nuelo rode with strength, calm, and precision and achieved a personal best score of 72.549%. Schürmann and Life Time FRH were second with 72.206% while Jordan and Furst Ampere placed third with 70.686%.

For owner Thiago Mantovani, the victory in Hagen was the embodiment of his believe that athletes can build confidence through connection.

“To help a horse and rider perform at its best, you have to build an atmosphere that works for both," said Thiago. Maxi does that through her presence and timing. Nuelo trusts her and that makes all the difference.”

Escorial Bloodline: Genetics Delivering Results

Nuelo is the son of Escorial, one of the most respected Lusitano stallions of the last decade, approved by five major German studbooks. Escorial’s offspring are known for combining temperament, athleticism, and trainability, traits clearly visible in Nuelo’s two performances in Hagen.

The sire is quickly becoming a key name in the next generation of Lusitanos for dressage sport, not just because of his own results in the Olympic and World Championship arena, but for his ability to pass on quality traits to his foals.

"What Maxi Kira von Platen and Nuelo showed in Hagen wasn’t just about results. It was about potential," Thiago added. "As they continue to compete at this level, they will refine their connection, grow in confidence, and hopefully raise their scores. With each new ride they have achance to show judges, audiences, and the dressage world the depth and power that the Lusitano horse can offer to high-level performance sport."

Interesting in buying a foal from Mantovani's Genetic Program? Check out the 2025 Mantovani Foal and Youngster Collection