Denmark is the official partner country of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2013 (June 21^st-30^th). Princess Benedikte of Denmark presented the partnership at a reception in the Danish Embassy in Berlin on Wednesday evening.

“We are happy and proud that our beautiful country is going to be the partner of the world’s largest equestrian sport event,” her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark told the just under 100 guests invited to the Danish Embassy.  Princess Benedikte has known the CHIO Aachen for many years and is always impressed by the atmosphere at the traditional showgrounds at the Soers in Aachen: “The atmosphere is unique and very international.  The CHIO Aachen really is a World Festival.”  Her daughter, Nathalie Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, who is a very successful dressage rider, represents Denmark – so she sees the CHIO from the perspective of the competitors: “It is always a great experience – for us riders as well as for the horses.  Being able to compete in Aachen is something very special.”

The more than 350,000 visitors, who make their way to the CHIO Aachen every year, are what turn the event into a unique experience. “Every athlete is celebrated here, regardless of whether they win or whether they come last, it is simply unparalleled,” commented Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH on the special ambiance. “Together with this fantastic audience we are looking forward to our Danish friends,” stated Carl Meulenbergh, President of the organising company, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V.. And their Chairman, Frank Kemperman, aroused our curiosity: Both the Royal Hussar Regiment and the Music Corps of the Royal Household Calvary will be visiting the Soers in June.  Kemperman also announced the participation of the famous Danish warmbloods and the golden royal carriage. Horses, riders and carriages will particularly turn the Opening Ceremony on June 25^th into a memorable experience (tickets are available from www.chioaachen.de or via the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111).

The guests at the reception also discovered something else: “The North Sea is not cold in Denmark, it is fresh.  And Copenhagen is not cold, it is cool,” joked Lars Ramme Nielsen, who in his capacity as the German Director of “VisitDenmark“ presented the economic/cultural supporting programme.  Among others the Northern Europeans will be bringing an original Danish holiday home with them to the Soers.  “Lots of work, lots of fun” – is how René Crone, Director of Crone & Co., summed up the current status of the preparations.  The agency Crone & Co. developed the “Experience Denmark” concept.

The  photo shows f.t.l.: Frank Kemperman (Show Director CHIO Aachen), Per Poulsen-Hansen (German Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark), her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Nathalie Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (highly successful Danish dressage rider), Carl Meulenbergh (President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennvereins e.V.) and Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, standing between two trumpet players of the Danish Royal Hussar Regiment. In the background: two members of the German mounted police.

www.visitdenmark.de

There is a high demand for tickets 150 days before the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2013: 120,000 tickets for the competitions in five disciplines have already been sold, however, tickets for almost all events are still available.

“We are delighted with the advance bookings,” said Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. In the meantime approx. half of all CHIO Aachen visitors book online, with an upwards trend – around a year ago the quota was only a third of the visitors. “Of course we are taking this development into account, it has long since been possible to browse through the completely animated stadiums and take a virtual look at one’s chosen seats before purchasing them – a super service for our visitors,” explained Mronz. This 3D offer is available on CHIO Aachen’s Facebook page.

In spite of all of these innovations: Tickets can of course still be ordered on-site at the CHIO offices or from the ticket hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111. The tickets are running short for many of the events, so far only the Deutsche Bank Prize, the Dressage Grand Prix of Aachen, as well as the vaulting competitions on the Sunday are already sold out. Tickets are still available for all other competitions, however there are only a few odd tickets left for some of the competitions.

Several hundred guests came to the traditional showgrounds at the Soers in Aachen, in order to be informed first-hand about next year’s event by Frank Kemperman, Show Director of the CHIO Aachen.  The CHIO organisers had invited loyal show visitors to join them for a glass of mulled wine in the special atmosphere of Stable 5.  Many people were delighted to take this opportunity to have a look behind the scenes of the major sporting event.
Many of the visitors took advantage of the occasion to chat with Frank Kemperman and the ALRV President, Carl Meulenbergh – but also to secure their tickets just before Christmas.  Since, with just 13 days to go until Christmas Eve and 191 days before the start of the CHIO Aachen 2013, tickets are in high demand.  Over 100,000 tickets have been sold for the coming World Equestrian Festival over the past months. “As a result of the high demand the tickets are running short in certain categories,” stated Michael Mronz, General Director of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH.  For instance in the dressage the Deutsche Bank Prize on Sunday, June 30^th as well as the vaulting competitions on the Sunday before are already sold out.  Tickets for all other competitions are still available via the hotline on +49-241-917-1111 or online at www.chioaachen.de.  Entrance tickets for the CHIO Aachen make popular Christmas presents.  According to the German post office tickets ordered by December 20^th, will be delivered on time up until Christmas Eve. Karli, CHIO Aachen‘s mascot and Santa both attended the reception at the stables and handed out lots of gifts to the youngest visitors.  The reception for the CHIO Aachen fans was a huge success – “I can well imagine that we will repeat this lovely evening again next year,” commented Frank Kemperman.

The current CHIO Aachen Magazine, in the meantime the 34^th issue, is hot off the press. Emotional and entertaining, it illustrates the fascination of the equestrian sport at the most famous showgrounds in the world.  For example, elaborate photo shootings of horses, the CHIO and riders were staged.  Riders posing with their dogs, photographed by Holger Schupp, and Photo Studio Strauch even did a double take of the vaulters: In their skin-tight competition wear and in their private outfits.  The magazine illustrates the winners of the most important CHIO competitions and also visited two equestrian sport celebrities at their own homes: Olympic gold medallist, Michael Jung, and the actress, Nadeshda Brennicke, who is a successful horse breeder.  Of course the publication also reviews the CHIO Aachen and the Olympic Equestrian Games in London.  The editorial team has also taken a look into the history of the CHIO.  On the other hand, you actually have to look twice at Peter Langenhahn’s photos.  He produces one single picture out of several hundred shots – a real challenge for the eye.
The CHIO Aachen Magazine costs €6.50.  It can be purchased from the CHIO Aachen offices at the showgrounds or ordered via the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART) (conny.muetze@chioaachen.de). All further information is posted here together with initial impressions from the magazine.

The Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) and the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART) are mourning Rolf Commes, who passed away on July the 26th at the age of 86. Rolf Commes engaged immediately after the war at the CHIO Aachen. In 1946 he was an employee and entered the tournament as a ARLV member. In 1961 he was a founding member of the Community Starter, target and obstacle judge "Der Pferdeschwanz". In 1980 he was made ​​an honorary member, 1999 Honorary Chairman. "With Rolf Commes we have lost a person who is like no other for the volunteer work," said ALRV President Carl Meulenbergh. Rolf Commes have accompanied the CHIO Aachen commitment over many decades and the community "Der Pferdeschwanz" to a "Öcher Markenzeichen" made ​​so Meulenbergh.

The Brit Michael Whitaker wins the ROLEX Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen. In total, three riders qualified for the jump-off, two jump clear (Whitaker and Voss), Michaels-Beerbaum comes third.

“I am not going to stop riding, until my name is on the winners’ board,” the 52-year-old British rider, Michael Whitaker, had announced on the eve of the ROLEX, Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen. And because Whitaker obviously wasn’t sure, after a few beers he wrote his name on the plaque, where the names of the winners of the Grand Prix of Aachen are eternalised, with a marker pen.  The only thing he didn’t get right was the name of the horse – he wrote Totilas on the board.  But all’s well that ends well: Whitaker won the Grand Prix live today with his 12-year-old Belgian gelding, GIG Amai.  He sped over the obstacles in the jump-off with the Nonstop/Bacara son and reached the finish line in 49.73 seconds, beating the time of 54.37 seconds set by the first rider in the jump-off, Thomas Voß (Holstein) with his Holsteiner stallion Carinjo by Cascavelle/Landgraf I.  Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum collected four faults in the jump-off with Bella Donna, a Holsteiner Baldini II/Calido I daughter, who is just 9 years old (4/59.96 seconds).

Janne Friederike Meyer, last year’s winner, withdrew her horse Cellagon Lambrasco. “Our long-term goal for the past year has been London and with the Olympic Games in mind, I decided to withdraw from the Grand Prix today. I will be back next year though,” commented Meyer, who was appointed a member of the German team this weekend. The course designer, Frank Rothenberger, was also satisfied. “If everything goes as planned, we should have an exciting jump-off,” he noted before the jump-off.

Hans-Dieter Dreher finished fourth with the 11-year-old stallion, Embassy II, an Escudo/Silvio son.

Helen Langehanenberg wins the Deutsche Bank Prize, Grand Prix Freestyle. Kristina Sprehe closes second, and Dorothee Schneider third.

“I am overjoyed,” a delighted Helen Langehanenberg said about her performance with Damon Hill.  The pair was awarded a score of 85.150 percent in the Deutsche Bank Prize, the Grand Prix Freestyle. “Our performance has improved here every day, I am super satisfied, but I must admit Damon Hill loves the freestyle. For me it was perfect today overall, but I’ll have to take a look at the fine details. I think there are a lot of top pairs at the moment, the respective form on the day is the deciding factor,” commented Helen Langehanenberg, whose stud stallion, Damon Hill, a Westphalian-bred Donnerhall/Rubinstein son, has already produced some very successful offspring.

Second place went to Kristina Sprehe with the 11-year-old Hanoverian stallion, Desperados, The pair scored 84.7 percent. “That was only my third freestyle. It felt great, everything went very well, even if we do have to improve the fine tuning slightly,” the 24-year-old said. “Simply fantastic,” was how Dorothee Schneider described her ride. “We are so much in harmony, it felt super and I really enjoyed myself,” said Dorothee Schneider, who finished third with her 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, Diva Royal, by Don Frederico/Warkant (81.1 percent).  Three Germans on the winners’ rostrum – the German national coach, Johnny Hilberath, was totally happy: “This was precisely the performance we were hoping for, the girls were already good at the German Championships in Balve, they are impressively constant and cool.  All three performed very well here.“  He was also very impressed by the CHIO Aachen: “The atmosphere here is unique worldwide, it is a special event for everyone.”

The Austrian rider, Victoria Max-Theurer, scored 80.975 percent, which placed her fourth in the rankings with Augustin OLD.  Two riders had to withdraw their horses at short notice: Delgado, the horse of the Spanish rider, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, had a swollen leg the evening before, which gave the Austrian rider, Renate Voglsang and her horse Fabriano, the opportunity to compete in her place. Then, shortly before the competition started, Imke Schellekens-Bartels had to withdraw the KWPN-bred gelding, Hunter Douglas Toots, also due to a swollen leg.

He already jumped to victory on Saturday evening in the hunting competition over ditches and banks, the Prize of the Sparkasse: Today, the British rider Guy Williams also won the SAP Prize, a penalty/time jumping competition. He crossed the finish line in a time of 56.01 seconds with his Belgian mare, Bijou van de Vijfheide, whom he had also steered to victory the evening before.

Second place went to the Spanish show-jumper, Sergio Alvarez Moya, who also had a clear round with his Belgian gelding, Wisconsin 111, in a time of 57.62 seconds.  The French rider Roger Yves Bost finished third  (0/58.94 seconds) with the Clinton/Randel Z son, Castle Forbes Vivaldo van Het, a BWP stallion – so all three top rankings in this competition were occupied by Belgian-bred horses.

The best German rider was Rolf Moormann in ninth place, who jumped clear with his Oldenburg-bred gelding, Londinium, in a time of 64.26 seconds.

The Netherlands wins the Fendt Nations Cup for the sixth time in a row. Boyd Exell is winner of the individual classification, Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, and Fredrik Persson wins the Prize of H & T Automotive Components.

“It was my goal and that of my private team to win the individual classification for the fourth time in succession.  I don’t see myself as being a legend like Michael Freund and Ijsbrand Chardon, but that was one target I wanted to achieve. Nobody has managed it to date,“ said the Australian driver Boyd Exell said joyfully about his victory in the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, the individual classification of the four-in-hand drivers. He won each of the competitions in the three different disciplines comprising of the dressage competition, the Prize of the company Horsch, der Entsorger; the obstacle driving competition, the  ZENTIS Prize and the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon, obtaining an overall score of 139.49 minus points. Second place in the individual classification went to the Dutch driver, Koos de Ronde (151.59 minus points), ahead of Christoph Sandmann/Germany (151.64 minus points).

The Dutch team drove to victory in the Fendt Nations Cup, the team classification, for the sixth time in succession.  The team comprising of Ijsbrand Chardon, Koos de Ronde and Theo Timmermann triumphed with a total score of 286.53 minus points. Germany ranked second with a score of 304.74 minus points – the team members were Michael Brauchle, Christoph Sandmann and Georg von Stein.  Sweden claimed third place with an overall score of 325.01 minus points. Their team comprised of Tomas Eriksson, Axel Olin and Fredrik Persson.  The Nations Cup score is an accumulation of the scores from the dressage competition on Thursday, the Prize of the Martello Immobilienmanagement GmbH und Co.KG, the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon and the obstacle driving competition on Sunday, the Prize of H&T Automotive Components. The Swedish driver, Fredrik Persson, won the latter ahead of Christoph Sandmann and Theo Timmermann.

The Australian Christopher Burton, who has started the second time at the Soers, wins the DHL Prize; Michael Jung in second place. The German Team wins the Nations Cup, ahead of Great Britain and Sweden.

“It is a wonderful course, everything went brilliantly for me today and I am very happy. It is only my second time here in Aachen and it is thrilling to win here,” commented Christopher Burton, who rode to victory in the DHL Prize with Underdiscussion. The 31-year-old has been living in UK-Gillingham since 2011 so that he can prepare for the Olympic Games. He didn’t make his international debut until 2010 and the very same year he participated at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In 2008 he was awarded the Anna Savage Medal for the best and fairest Australian eventer. He finished the 4,075 metre long course clear in a time of 7.04 minutes which was within the allowed time of 7.07 minutes. His total score was 38.80 minus points. Burton, who is married, rode two horses in the CICO3*:  He ranked first with the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Underdiscussion, a Lantham son, and came tenth with his second horse, the 10-year-old thoroughbred, Haruzac.

The best German rider was Michael Jung who finished second with his highly successful horse, La Biosthetique Sam FBW.  The pair galloped over the finish line in a time of 7.11 minutes, bringing their total score to 40.60 minus points. “I was very satisfied with our performance here. No, I didn’t take any real risks, in fact I took plenty of time for certain obstacles.  The course here in Aachen is super, you can always keep up a nice forward gallop. The crowd are 100 percent behind you, the conditions are excellent. Regarding the Olympic Games, we have still got some work to do. We have all seen that things don’t always go as planned in the dressage. We have got to improve our fitness. I think I have a good chance of being on the team in London, coming second in Aachen means you can take things a little more relaxed. We have a very strong team that is in great form and mentally very strong.”

Ingrid Klimke’s horse Butt’s Abraxxas ran out at one of the water jumps in the ROLEX-Complex. “I drifted to the side slightly before the obstacle. It was simply bad luck. The rest was really easy. As far as London is concerned, we will know more at three o’clock today, when the team is announced. We will have to wait and see. Abraxxi jumped very well yesterday, his dressage test was good, today was unfortunate, but on the whole I was satisfied. He mastered everything really well“.

Germany won the Nations Cup with an overall score of 136.40 minus points, ahead of Great Britain (141.00) and Sweden (176.80).

1^st place for Kristina Sprehe in the MEGGLE Prize, Grand Prix Special.

“The girls rode brilliantly here. Each of them had worked hard on the Grand Prix exercises that had shown room for improvement.  The horses are in top form and the riders all put in a strong performance. They were absolutely fantastic,” Germany’s national coach, Johnny Hilberath, said euphorically. Anabel Balkenhol got off to a great start too, but then she made a mistake that cost her dearly.” Until then her score was around 80 percent, but after that she dropped down to tenth place with a score of 73.978 percent.

I had a great feeling, I felt very confident. Desperados went really well and I think we have both made huge progress. I’d never have thought that I could be so successful here in Aachen,” said Kristina Sprehe, who after winning the Prize of the TESCHINKASSO, celebrated her second victory in Aachen today.  Her black stud stallion, Desperados, was awarded 81 percent for their ride. Helen Langehanenberg finished second (80.622 percent), just “a fraction of a second behind Kristina”, as the national coach, Johnny Hilberath, put it. “I am totally satisfied with Damon Hill. We have never reached the 80 percent mark at an international show before, he was fantastic and I really can’t complain about anything. The score was great, we will just have to wait and see about everything else,” Langenhanenberg reported. Third place went to the Austrian rider, Victoria Max-Theurer, who scored 77.600 percent with her stallion, Augustin OLD.
Dorothee Schneider was delighted at coming fourth with the 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, Diva Royal. The pair received a score of 77.378 percent. “We found a super, consistent rhythm, today’s ride was perfect and we harmonised well. I am absolutely thrilled,” reported Schneider, who runs the St. Stephan Stud in Framersheim, Rhineland-Palatinate.

Anabel Balkenhol was disappointed. “Dablino was in great form, then a few mistakes crept in. It shouldn’t have happened, I can’t explain what went wrong. I wasn’t under pressure, but Dablino was little hotter than in the Grand Prix.”

US-American Lauren Hough wins the Final of the Sparkasse-Youngsters Cup, as well as the special prize donated by the Sparkasse: A For-Pleasure-foal.

After already winning the second leg of the Sparkasse-Youngsters Cup, today she also claimed the victory in the Final and picked up the special prize donated by the Sparkasse, which is awarded to the best rider/horse in the three jumping competitions of the Sparkasse-Youngsters Cup: Lauren Hough won a chestnut colt with white markings bred in the Rhineland by Michael Röhrhoff, Mönchengladbach. The young colt descends from no other than For Pleasure, with whom Marcus Ehning won team gold at the Olympic Games in the year 2000.  Lauren Hough jumped clear with her Swedish mare, Ohlala, an eight-year-old Orlando/Cardento daughter in a time of 46.37 seconds.

Second place in the Final of the Sparkasse Youngsters-Cup was claimed by the German show-jumper Philip Weishaupt, who took 47.38 seconds to complete the course with his only 7-year-old Cordalme/Sandro son, Chico.  Germany also took third place: Marc Bettinger ranked third with the mare, Zydoctro vd Kapel, an 8-year-old Indoctro/Landwind daughter.

Gripping, emotional, moving, captivating!  Sometimes pictures say more than a thousand words. That is why the “Silver Camera“ media prize is awarded every year during the CHIO to pay tribute to the best equestrian sport photos from the previous year.  And the award ceremony was on Saturday evening: The three best photos were distinguished in the Main Stadium.  Janne Friederike Meyer’s victory in the ROLEX Grand Prix last year helped the German photographer, Ludwiga von Korff to win first place in the “Silver Camera“.  Second and third place went to the Netherlands:  Remco Veurinc came second and his fellow-countryman, Arnd Bronkhorst, third.

The “Silver Camera” is jointly organised by the Sparkasse Aachen and the Rheinischer Sparkassen- und Giroverband in cooperation with the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V.  The winner receives prize-money to the value of EUR 2,500, second prize is endowed with EUR 1,000 and third prize with EUR 500.

Christian Ahlmann wins the Prize of the AachenMünchener, closely followed by Laura Kraut (USA) and Ludger Beerbaum.

He was simply the fastest: Christian Ahlmann/Marl sped round the course on the 10-year-old Westphalian-bred mare, Lorena, and reached the finish line in 50.80 seconds.  The Larenco/Römer daughter didn’t pick up any faults – as the last pair in the winning round, Ahlmann was able to celebrate his triumph in the AachenMünchener class directly in the stadium. “When I walked the course I was expecting it to be quite easy. In the schedule it was described as a 1.50 metre competition, but this course didn’t have anything to do with a 1.50 metre course.  My horse is very talented, but inexperienced, so I was even considering withdrawing.   But Ludger Beerbaum gave me the courage I needed and in the end there were a lot more clear rounds than I had expected.  It was a fair course, just more difficult than I had counted on.“

The US-American, Laura Kraut, narrowly missed the victory with Teirra, the pair reached the finish line in 50.86 seconds.  The 12-year-old KWPN mare descends from Tolano van het Riethof out of an Aldatus dam. “Last year we came third in this class, this year second, perhaps we will manage to win it next year. Teirra is a top horse.”

Third place went to Ludger Beerbaum, who steered the 13-year-old KWPN stallion, Chaman, round the course in 53.17 seconds. “One mustn’t forget that today is the day before the Grand Prix.  Many of the top horses didn’t compete and considering this, it was a difficult course.  For example the obstacle over the ditch, we don’t jump things like that too often.  That is simply Aachen, here the horses have to trust their riders.“  Chaman descends from the three-time World Cup winner, Baloubet du Rouet, who was successful with the Brazilian rider, Rodrigo Pessoa, for many years.  Incidentally, Pessoa will be carrying the Brazilian flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Boyd Exell wins the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon. He alos triumphs in the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, the combined individual classification.

The victory in the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon went to the Australian driver, Boyd Exell. He steered his four-in-hand team comprising of the horses Capone, Winston, Rambo and Spitfire to victory with a score of 91.07 minus points. “I am always totally impressed and motivated by the crowd in Aachen.  I am very proud of my fans and hope I have been able to confirm their expectations,” commented Exell.  He won the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, the combined individual driving classification with an impressive score of 139.49 minus points. “Taking a brief glance at the Winner’s Table, where Michael Freund is eternalised with four victories in the combined individual classification, gave me additional motivation,” reported Exell, who won the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, three times in succession from 2009 onwards. In the combined individual classification the Dutch driver, Koos de Ronde, finished second with a total score of 151.59 minus points, ahead of Christoph Sandmann/GER (151.64).

Second place in the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon went to Michael Brauchle, who finished on a score of 98.28 minus points. “It was a demanding course and the weather was very close.  I wasn’t particularly satisfied with my result, I had a few small problems here and there,” commented Michael Brauchle after the Marathon. “But the atmosphere at the water obstacle for instance was overwhelming, you don’t just notice the spectators before you get to the obstacles, but after them too – and it is the same for the horses,” said Brauchle (22), who had a newcomer in his team. His grooms were his father Franz and his brother Steffen. Brauchle began driving at the age of five, but then opted for the riding sport instead. However, after his father handed over the reins of four horses to him, his interest in the driving sport returned instantly.  From 2001 he drove single and pair competitions, and since 2006 he has been a four-in-hand driver.  In 2008 he was appointed to the Championship squad and won team silver at the World Championships.  The Golden Riding Badge holder lives in Lauchheim in Baden Wurttemberg.

The driver from Odenwald, Georg von Stein, came third in the individual competition with a score of 99.93 minus points.

Sanneke Rothenberger wins the Prize of the Liselott and Klaus Rheinberger Foundation, the International U25 Piaffe Prize – FEI Grand Prix, for the second time.

Beaming from ear to ear, she is very happy: Sanneke Rothenberger was able to repeat her victory of the day before in the Prize of the Liselott and Klaus Rheinberger Foundation, winning today’s class with her De Niro son, Deveraux OLD, with a score of 71.233 percent. “Sanneke was the clear winner.  We saw some great rides and I am very confident with regards to our German young talents,” stated the German co-trainer, Jürgen Koschel, happily.

The Dutch rider, Danielle Heijkoop, claimed second place with the Gribaldi son, Siro, (70.093 percent). Third place also went to a rider from our neighbouring country – namely Lotje Schoots – who obtained a score of 68.767 percent with Equitop Torricelli LS, a 12-year-old Florestan/Pion son.  The young rider from Krefeld, Annabel Frenzen, followed in fourth place with her Holsteiner Cristobal (67.93 percent).

Germany also won the team classification: The trio of young riders comprising of Sanneke Rothenberger with Deveraux, Annabel Frenzen with Cristobal and Kirsten Sieber with Charly ranked first with a total score of 283.847 points, ahead of the Netherlands (276.592) and Denmark (261.654).

Victoria Max-Theurer wins the WOTAX Prize, Intermediaire I, while  the favourite Patrik Kittel was eliminated, since his horse had blood on its mouth.  Best German rider was Helen Langehanenberg with Rohjuwel.

They were the favourites in this competition after winning the Prize of the VUV – Vereinigte Unternehmerverbände Aachen – on Wednesday: The Swedish dressage rider, Patrik Kittel, and his 8-year-old Danish mare, Uno Donna Unique.  But, unfortunately, after getting off to a fantastic start the bell rang and he was eliminated – the judge Wim Ernes saw blood around the horse’s mouth.  Until then Kittel was in the lead with his Don Schufro daughter, Uno Donna Unique – who already won some impressive titles as a youngster – Vice World Champion of the Young Dressage Horses as a 5-year-old, World Champion as a 6-year-old. “The horse had a little bit of blood round its mouth during the test, it wasn’t very much, but the FEI regulations clearly state that the horse must be eliminated in such a case,” reported Wim Ernes. “The rider understood this immediately.”

The victory in the WOTAX Prize went to the Austrian rider Victoria Max-Theurer with the 9-year-old Oldenburg-bred mare, Della Cavalleria OLD, with a score of 73.447 percent. “I have only been riding Della for sixth months.  We bought her at the auction in Vechta, Kira Wulferding rode her at national level. We have already gelled together well, she is very well-behaved, has amazing quality and it is simply fun riding her,” commented Max-Theurer.  Helen Langehanenberg took second place with the Oldenburg-bred stallion, Rohjuwel, with a score of  71.184 percent. “I was very satisfied with him, I have been riding him since he was four, whereby he spent time at his owners every now again,” noted Langehanenberg, who also rode him in the German Championship Finals as a five and six-year-old.  Ingrid Klimke finished third with the stallion, Dresden Mann, an 8-year-old Dresemann/Florestan I son. “In comparison to the St. Georges test on Wednesday, when a carriage frightened him, Dresden Mann performed much better today, even if I did still notice that he was rather tense and now and again just kept holding his breath.  But then again he has never competed in a stadium like this before,” explained Klimke.  Aachen is also new territory for the Westphalian-bred gelding, Tatoo, who came fifth with Monica Theodorescu.  She bred Tatoo out of her former Grand Prix horse, Renaissance. “He is my first own-bred horse and Aachen is only his sixth competition ever.  Tatoo is very sensitive and has a great attitude, he is very light-footed.”  The pair received a score of 69.079 percent.

Guy Williams wins the Prize of the Sparkasse, Pius Schwizer comes a close second. Best German rider is Hans-Dieter Dreher in eighth place with Mi Sam des Landes.

Guy Williams sped to victory through the water and over the ditches and banks in the Prize of the Sparkasse. He crossed the finish line clear in a time of 79.06 seconds with his Belgian-bred mare, Bijou van de Vijfheide, which descends from Darco/Laudanum XX. “I bought her together with Trevor Coyles. We have had her since April. She was the leading horse in La Baule. It is no problem to ride her in competitions like this, because she is pretty flexible. She has a small stride and she is fast. This is only my second time in Aachen. I think I came third or fourth in this class last year. I will be riding Titus in the Grand Prix tomorrow, who I have only had back under the saddle for two and  a half weeks.”

Pius Schwizer was close at heels, the Swiss rider crossed the finish line with his bay Hanoverian mare, Graciella, a Graf Top/Acord II daughter, in a time of 79.14 seconds. Third place went to last year’s winner of this class, the Irish rider, Shane Breen, who jumped clear in 79.96 seconds with the Selle Francais Kannan/Caprice d’Elle daughter, Ominerale Courcelle.

The best German rider was Hans-Dieter Dreher, who finished eighth with the Selle Francais

gelding, Mi Sam des Landes. The pair finished on a final score of 86.55 seconds after picking up eight faults, which were then added to his time as penalty points.

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On Saturday evening entertainment was at the top of the agenda in the Main Stadium. Two, crowd captivating, floodlit jumping competitions were staged. In the “Best of Champions” class the motto once again was: Ladies vs. Men. In this jumping competition with two rounds the five best female show-jumpers competed against the five best male riders in the world.  Whereas in 2011 the ladies had the upper hand, this year the men claimed the victory.  Six riders reached the jump-off, including four men (Marcus Ehning, Pius Schwizer, Marco Kutscher, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson) and two ladies (Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough). In the jump-off the top three rankings were all occupied by men, so the outcome was a very clear result: The men finished on a total score of 33 points, whereas the ladies only managed to collect 4 points.

The “Best of Champions” was followed immediately by the Cellagon Prize, an accumulator penalty/time competition. It was a close competition, but ultimately the French rider Roger Yves Bost delivered the fastest time with Castle Forbes Vivaldo Van Het (65 points/50.33 sec.), although the Spanish rider, Sergio Alvares Moya, was close on his heels with Abab Van Het Molenhof (65 points/50.52 sec.).  Third place went to the Brazilian rider, Rodrigo Pessoa with HH Polouchin (65 points/50.70 sec.).

Hough and Dreher swap places in the second competition of the Sparkasse-Youngsters Cup.

Her ride was slightly delayed because the Swedish mare, Ohlala, lost a horseshoe in the warm-up arena.  The blacksmith nailed the shoe back on at lightning-speed and then the small Orlando/Cardento mare galloped to victory with Lauren Hough in the second leg of the Sparkasse-Youngster Cup (0/65.76 seconds). “She is simply fantastic, she has got a super nature and always wants to win,” is how Hough described the mare that she has been riding since November 2011.  Up until her ride, Hans-Dieter Dreher had ranked first with the Westphalian-bred mare, Canberra R, a Cyrano de Bergerac/Phantom daughter. “Oh, Lauren is faster,” he said as he watched her jump. “I have been riding Canberra since the beginning of the year, she is a super fighter, careful and fast,” commented Dreher, who is competing in Aachen for the second time this year.  The day before he won the first leg of the Sparkasse-Youngsters Cup –  and Hough had come second. Today, Dreher took just a fraction of a second longer (65.84 seconds) to cross the finish line than the rider from the USA.

The CHIO newcomer, Rolf Moormann, finished third after jumping clear with the 8-year-old Oldenburg-bred Couleur Rubin/Quattro B son, Cedric, in a time of 67.29 seconds. “We bred Cedric ourselves, he is a little spooky, but that also makes him very careful,” the rider from Ahlhorn in Lower Saxony explained. “It is a completely different experience to compete here at the Soers compared to other shows, the whole atmosphere is very impressive. You mustn’t let yourself be too overpowered by it, but we gradually got used to it and now it is great fun,” said Moormann.

The rider who has accumulated the most points after all three competitions will be awarded a special prize by the Sparkasse: A Rhenish foal bred by Michael Röhrhoff, Mönchengladbach. The sire of the foal is none other than Marcus Ehning’s successful stallion, For Pleasure, and its dam is sired by Landadel.

Concentrated power from the Netherlands triumphs in the Tank & Rast Jump & Drive. Ijsbrand Chardon and Piet Raijmakers claim first place ahead of the Swiss team comprising of Pius Schwizer and Ulrich Werner. Boyd Exell and Sheik ali al Thani in third place.

“That was super, totally exciting,” said a joyous Piet Raijmaker after jumping clear with his horse Van Schijndel’s Lys Platiere and speeding round the obstable course in the carriage of his fellow-countryman, Ijsbrand Chardon. The team reached the finish line clear in 128.66 seconds.

The Swiss team were narrowly pipped at the post: Pius Schwizer and Ulrich Werner had set the time to beat at 129.89 seconds, and only the very last duo managed to complete the course in a faster time, relegating the Swiss pair to second place ahead of the mixed team from Qatar and Australia: Boyd Exell and Sheik ali al Thani finished third with a time of 131.59 seconds.

In the ZENTIS Prize, the Four-in-hand Obstacle Driving competition,  the German Georg von Stein and the Australian Gavin Robson are joint winners. In total, Chester Weber (USA) is in the lead in the combined individual classification, the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family, ahead of Christoph Sandmann (GER) and Boyd Exell (AUS).

Georg von Stein (D-Modautal) and the Australian driver, Gavin Robson, drove into first place in the ZENTIS Prize with a clear round in 193.81 seconds. Daniel Schneiders also drove over the finish line clear in a time of 196.15 seconds, which meant third place also went to Germany.

The 46-year-old Gavin Robson was born in Melbourne, Australia, however he lives and trains in Ohio/USA.  The Australian, who competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, had saddled the horses Bajnok, Clinton Star, Diamond and Wallander. Georg von Stein, who will be celebrating his 40^th birthday in August, represented Germany in Kentucky too. He lives in Odenwald, where he runs a riding stables with approx. 200 horses and a restaurant. The 31-year-old Daniel Schneiders was previously very successful in the pony sport: In 2009 he was Pony Pairs World Champion and in 2011 he won bronze at the World Championships in Lipica. Schneiders is a blacksmith by profession and has in total won three bronze medals and silver at the German Pair and Four-in-Handing Driving Championships. Schneiders comes from Petershagen in North-Rhine Westphalia.

The US-American driver, Chester Weber, is currently clearly in the lead in the combined individual classification of the Prize of the Richard Talbot Family with an interim score of 36.54 faults.  Cristoph Sandmann (D-Lähden) is presently lying in second place on 45.93 faults in the overall standings, ahead of Boyd Exell (AUS) with 48.42 faults. The combined classification will be decided after the Wohnwelt Pallen Marathon on Saturday.

British rider Laura Collett ahead in the DHL Prize after the eventing dressage competition. The German team is in the lead in the team classification, followed by Great Britain and Australia.

With a score of 30.2 minus points, the British eventer Laura Collett is currently heading the field in the DHL Prize with Rayef. The 22-year-old, who has always wanted to be a professional rider, started riding at the age of two and has already got an impressive collection of medals: She has won individual gold three-times at the European Championships of the Juniors and Young Riders and has also won three gold meals with the British team.

The best German rider was 25-year-old Sandra Auffarth from Ganderkesee. She was awarded a score of 34.60 for her dressage test with Opgun Louvo, putting her into second place. The professional rider and sport and fitness administrator won gold with the German team in Luhmühlen at the European Championships in 2011 with Opgun Louvo, where the pair also collected individual silver. Her further major achievements include winning two team bronze medals as a Young Rider as well as claiming the German Championship title twice.

“I am totally satisfied, I hope not many more points will be added to my final score,” a pleased Frank Ostholt said, after obtaining the third best dressage result with Little Paint (35.8 minus points).  Ostholt will be competing for the German team in the Nations Cup together with Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas, Michael Jung on Leopin FST and Sandra Auffarth with Opgun Louvo.  Ingrid Klimke was also beaming after her dressage test with the 15-year-old FRH Butts Abraxxas: “Braxxi showed exactly the right mixture, he was relaxed and yet full of expression. It all felt very easy, he carried out all of the exercises on the spot, his flying-changes are relaxed. The halt was rather abrupt though and too sudden.  Otherwise it was a fantastic test,” reported the mother of two from Münster. She is currently joint third with Ostholt (35.80 minus points).

Germany is in the lead in the team classification with a total interim score of 110 minus points, ahead of Great Britain (118.60 minus points) and Australia (127.60 minus points). The national coach, Hans Melzer, was satisfied: “Everything is going well, nobody has fallen out of line. Of course we want to win the Nations Cup as well as doing well in the individual competition. There is a great atmosphere here and it is great preparation for the Olympic Games. We will nominate our team for London after the cross-country tomorrow.”

The jumping competition of the eventers is later this evening, before the riders set off on the cross-country course tomorrow. “At the first glance the course looks quite inviting, nicely built and very friendly at a nice flowing forward pace.  But there are a few very narrow obstacles, which will be rather tricky, where the riders will have to be very concentrated and have the horses exactly on the aids. Otherwise the horses could easily run out,” was Ingrid Klimke’s appraisal of the course built by Rüdiger Schwarz.

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The Swiss Steve Guerdat wins after an exciting jump-off with Ferrari, ahead of Hans-Dieter Dreher with Embassy and Laura Kraut/USA with Cedric in the RWE Prize.

The winner Steve Guerdat reached the finish line clear in 47.52 seconds, almost a second faster than Hans-Dieter Dreher, whose time of 48.62 seconds secured him second place.
”I risked everything from the first to the very last obstacle. My horse, Ferrari, is very careful, so I was able to turn very fast to the vertical,” the winner commented. The 30-year-old Swiss rider already looks back on a wealth of experience competing at Championships: He was a member of the bronze-winning Swiss team at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong, in Athens the team finished fifth.  He has participated in the World Cup Finals six times and has represented his country at eight European Championships – initially as a Young Rider.  He also competed at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Guerdat began riding when he was three and took lessons regularly from the age of seven upwards. His four-legged sports partner, Ferrari, descends from two of the best jumping stallions in the world: His sire is Furioso II and his dam’s sire is Polydor. The progeny of both have earned several millions in the sport over the years. Guerdat is fortunate enough to have three top horses, who could all compete in London. But Guerdat is “going to wait until the last minute to decide”.

For the RWE Prize, the 40-year-old German rider Hans-Dieter Dreher saddled his graded Hanoverian stallion, Embassy II, who descends from Escudo I/Silvio. The pair already won the Grand Prix in Munich earlier this year. “I had a super show here in Aachen in 2011, it looks like things could go the same way this year. My horses are all jumping very well.” The American rider Laura Kraut took third place with the Holsteiner grey gelding, Cedric, a Chambertin/Carolus I son. She jumped clear in 49.36 seconds. “I rode fast, but because I am riding Cedric on Sunday, I didn’t take any risks. We could have perhaps been a bit faster, but he jumped very well.”

The second best German rider was Ludger Beerbaum with Chiara – the pair crossed the finish line in 51.64 seconds, which meant eighth place for the four-time Olympic gold medallist. Staged for the first time in 1949, the jumping competition that is endowed with EUR 90,000 in prize-money is one of the most traditional competitions at the CHIO Aachen.

Deveraux and Sanneke Rothenberger win, with 73.684 per cent ahead of Annabel Frenzen and Cristobal,  in the Prize of the Liselott and Klaus Rheinberger Foundation, the U25-Tour, the Intermediaire II for young talented riders.

“It is incredible riding here,“ said Sanneke Rothenberger, who triumphed in the Prize of the Liselott and Klaus Rheinberger Foundation with the 11-year-old De Niro/Rohdiamant son, Deveraux OLD.  She was awarded the winning score of 73.684 percent and was ranked first by each and every one of the judges. “I am totally satisfied with my Devi, he went very well here.  It was the first time I rode without a whip and it went super,” the 19-year-old explained.  In total she has won the German Championship title five times as a Pony Rider, Junior and Young Rider; she has collected team and individual gold at European Championships thirteen times.  Sanneke lives with her parents at the Erlenhof Stud, near Frankfurt.  The Rothenbergers discovered Deveraux in 2007, after he won the World Championships of the Young Dressage Horses as a six-year-old.

Second place also went to Germany: Like Rothenberger, Annabel Frenzen, the 21-year-old from Krefeld also comes from a riding family. She and her 13 year-old Holsteiner gelding, Cristobal, achieved a score of 71 percent. Third place went to the Dutch rider, Lotje Schoots, with Equitop Torricelli LS (69.342 percent).

Laura Collett defends her lead in the DHL Prize Eventing – German team currently ranks first in the Eventing Nations Cup, the DHL Prize.

“Aachen is amazing, it is the first time I have competed here. My horse jumped very well, he is a bit spooky. The four faults were my fault,“ reported Collett, who moved up from the Young Riders classes just two years ago. She is at the top of the field in the interim standings of the eventing DHL Prize after the dressage and jumping with a score of 36.20 minus points, even though she picked up six faults in the jumping ring.  Sandra Auffrath and Opgun Louvo are close on her heels with a score of 37.60 minus points, ahead of Christopher Burton with Underdiscussion (38.80 minus points).

The German team is currently in the lead with a total interim score of 124.60 minus points, ahead of Great Britain (132.60) and Australia (140.60). “In a huge stadium like this, the many time faults are no problem at all, it is no disaster. All of the horses jumped well.  And tomorrow time will be the deciding factor – it is going to be difficult to stay within the allowed time in the cross-country. That is always the case,” the national coach, Hans Melzer, stated.

There were very few clear rounds in the jumping competition. However, Peter Thomsen, the eventer from Holstein delivered two of them.  All of the poles stayed in place during both his rounds with Horseware’s Cayenne and Horseware’s Barny. “Luck is simply on my side today. The time was very tight here so you had to take a bit of risk, otherwise you were sure to pick up time faults,” explained Thomsen. “Now everything is very close,” stressed Frank Ostholt after the jumping. He picked up one time fault and slid down to seventh place. “We’ll have to try and stay within the time tomorrow.“ Dirk Schrade is currently lying twelfth in the interim standings with his horse, King Artus. “I collected four faults with both horses, which was annoying, because both of them are actually very good jumpers. But our horses aren’t used to such big arenas, and it makes them feel very small and shy,” commented Schrade.

Viersen wins with an overall score of 18.4 points the Prize of the Handwerks, Quadrille Championship.

“The constellation of our team is new, because a horse had to be withdrawn in the run-up to the show. So, we are really delighted that we were able to win here.  It was no doubt also due to the fact that our horses get on really well together,” reported Julia Bergemann, who together with Nawaro rode for the Viersen team. Together with her team colleagues, Antonia Fernau on Huckleberry Finn, Rebekka Jütten with Pablo and Bianca Sopha on Flintstone, the team was awarded a total score of 18.4. Their team leader was Ulrike Seidel.

The Wesel District’s team had to announce a loss: Their team leader Helmi Abeck was kicked on the leg by a horse at her stables, which prevented her from travelling to Aachen with her team.  Essen’s team leader – Winfried Müller – spontaneously filled in for her.  The Wesel team comprising of Martina Binnenbrücker with Cayetano, Petra Wolf and Don Dooly, Julia Fedorczik with Quebec and Mareike Mondrowski on Baumann’s Leonardo finished second on a total score of 18.2.

Led by Susanne Rüben, Aachen’s team included Anna Fitcher on Sunny Dancer, Manuela Hein with Real Pleasure, Paulina Kraft with Desperado and Dagmar Lesniewski on Kinley BS. They ranked third with a score of 18.1.

The youngest competitor in the competition rode for the team from the District of Neuss: Karolin Müller, the 14-year-old took part with her horse Alesi, her team’s final score was 14.0.

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Isabell Werth wins the Lindt Prize, the Grand Prix Special with Don Johnson, followed by Theodorescu and Anne van Olst/Denmark.

“Isabell certainly gave her all, she had a great ride and demonstrated the full extent of her equestrian skills,” was how the German national coach, Johnny Hilberath, described Isabell Werth’s performance with her 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Don Johnson.  Achieving a score of 73.867 percent, she pushed Monica Theodorescu, who won the Grand Prix, the Prize of HAVENS Pferdefutter, back into second place. Theodorescu had decided to ride the Special at short notice – she had originally planned to compete in the freestyle with her 14-year-old Baden Württemberg-bred gelding, Whisper.  But then for reasons of improved comparability, as the national coach Hilberath stressed, Theodorescu opted for the Grand Prix Special just like Isabell Werth. “The team for London won’t be announced until all of the competitions are over. Whereby, it must be said that Isabell definitely made a very positive impression here,” stated Hilberath.

Monica Theodorescu was satisfied with her ride. “Whisper went very well and I was satisfied with our performance.  Of course one always wants to win, but the one pirouette to the left costs us quite a few points.“ The pair was awarded a score of 72.978 percent.  Third place went to the Danish rider, Anne van Olst, who scored 72.378 percent with the KWPN gelding Exquis Taikoen, a Negro son.

Swiss triumph in the Prize of the Handwerk: Werner Muff wins with Osiris du Goyen. The best German rider was Thomas Weinberg with Escobar in eighth place.

Ludger Beerbaum played it safe with his mare Gotha: The pair jumped clear in 86.02 seconds, which put them in 24^th place. Werner Muff, who competed at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen and at the 2007 European Championships in Mannheim with Plot Blue, started riding as a child. The family man, who grew up on a farm, is a professional rider.

Second place went to the Irish show-jumper Shane Breen with Ominerale Courcelle, who in spite of picking up four faults, secured second place in this speed jumping competition (61.13 seconds). The Swedish Kannan/Caprice d’Elle daughter is ten years old.

The Swedish rider Peder Fredricson, who jumped clear in 61.62 seconds, finished third with the Swedish gelding Holliday KLG, an 11-year-old Quite Easy/Uskudar des Malais son.

Hans-Dieter Dreher claims the victory in the Sparkasse-Youngster-Cup for Germany. The series of competitions focuses on talented seven and eight-year-old jumping horses.

The Westphalian-bred mare Canberra won the Sparkasse Youngster Cup at the CHIO Aachen 2012, the World Equestrian Festival. The 8-year-old jumped clear in 62.07 seconds under Hans-Dieter Dreher. She descends from Cyrano de Bergerac out of a Phantom dam. The 40-year-old rider flew in to Aachen straight from Monte Carlo, where he ranked second with Embassy in the Grand Prix at the weekend.

Second place in the Sparkasse Youngster Cup went to the American show-jumper, Lauren Hough, who had saddled the Swedish mare Ohlala, who descends from Orlando/Cardento. The pair took just a fraction of a second longer to complete the course, crossing the finish line in 62.61 seconds. The French rider, Roger Yves Bost, finished third with Qoud Coeur de la Loge, an 8-year-old Selle Francais stallion by Ideal de la Loge/Fana del la Loge.

Ludger Beerbaum has only been riding the graded KWPN stallion, Zinedine, a mighty jumper, for three weeks. The 8-year-old stallion that descends from Guidam/Heartbreaker, jumped clear in 73.28 seconds and although they only ranked 15^th overall, Beerbaum was very pleased with his performance. “He has super reflexes, enormous talent and he jumps fantastically,” said Beerbaum delighted with his 8-year-old newcomer. “I knew him already from videos his owner sent me last year. Then, he lost his rider this year, so he rang to ask if he could bring him over for a week on trial. I bought him straight away after the week’s trial,” commented Beerbaum.

Marco Kutscher steered the Con Capitol/Lavarino mare round the course in 67.19 seconds to finish ninth. “Caprice is a very elegant, uncomplicated horse, not at all spooky and she really fights for you.  I have been riding her for almost a year, we have already had some good results in 2012, including a few victories,” reported Kutscher.  He is looking forward to the Mercedes Benz Nations Cup this evening. “The last line of the course is going to be decisive.  It is really difficult.  There is a lot at stake and everyone wants to do as well as possible.  We’ll have to wait and see how things go.”

Chester Weber wins the Prize of the Martello Immobilienmanagement GmbH & Co. KG. The first leg on the way to the Fendt Nations Cup ended in a tie between the two drivers, Chester Weber and Boyd Exell.

Chester Weber’s horses were “too frisky” on the eve of the dressage competition, the Prize of the company Horsch, Der Entsorger. “We were much better prepared today. We didn’t arrive until Monday, the horses were too lively yesterday. So I am really happy that everything went so well today,” commented Chester Weber, who has been competing at the CHIO 2012, the World Equestrian Festival, since 2003.  He has won four times in the last four years – and he intends to repeat his series of success again this year. Today’s joint victory with the Australian driver, Boyd Exell, (Score: 79%) means he is already on the right track.

Third place went to the Dutch driver, Ijsbrand Chardon, who achieved a score of 76.9 percent.

The driving competitions continue on Friday with the penalties/time obstacle driving test, the ZENTIS Prize.

German team wins the Lambertz Nations Cup, Grand Prix CDIO5*, (233.554 points) ahead of Denmark (221.00) and the Netherlands (214.192), and Kristina Sprehe/GER wins the Grand Prix CDIO5*, Prize of the TESCHINKASSO, with Desperados.

79.702 percent was the score of Kristina Sprehe and her 11-year-old stallion, Desperados. “I am relieved and happy that we did so well in the first competition. But we can even do a little bit better,” Sprehe commented. “Desperados is often a little over-motivated during the first competitions at a new show, so you have to be very careful that he doesn’t make any mistakes in the rhythm. In the second competition we were able to risk a bit more.” Hence, the rider was able to take the victory ahead of her fellow team member, Helen Langehanenberg. The two-time German Champion, Langehanenberg, was unlucky, because it started raining while she rode.  Finishing on a score of 78.436 percent, Damon Hill made a few mistakes which ultimately cost them the victory. “Damon Hill was rather worked up, the weather made it difficult and of course there is a lot of pressure on the riders here,” the national trainer, Johnny Hilberath, summed up. “But there are no laws governing this, the stadium is of course very special and it makes a great impression on the horses. Nevertheless, there were a lot of highlights in the test, and it also gives us food for thought and there is still work to be done,” commented Hilberath.  He was very pleased with the team result in the Lambertz Nations Cup: “They all rode at a high level.”

Third place in the Prize of the TESCHINKASSO went to the Austrian dressage rider, Victoria Max-Theurer with the graded stallion, Augustin. The Oldenburg son of her former European Championship horse, August der Starke, was awarded a score of 77.894 percent. Anabel Balkenhol, who was placed fourth, was “very happy” with Dablino’s performance (75.426 percent). “This is our third show after a long break and I can now finally say that he has regained his old form. I can actually start riding again, he is in good spirits and he is keen, which is a great feeling,” Balkenhol explained.  The daughter of the former German national coach, entered the dressage ring second in the Grand Prix, the Lambertz Nations Cup. “With the Olympic Games looming, one takes a different approach when competing. You have to perform well, you can’t make any mistakes and we have got some super pairs, who are putting in top performance.  I would love to be on the team in London and I think my chances are quite good, if Dablino does as well in the next competitions.” After having experienced two unfortunate CHIO years – first of all Anabel Balkenhol caught the Noro virus, then Dablino went lame – she is now optimistic. “I have done a lot of things to make sure I stay fit here, including autogenic and mental training.” She already represented the German team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky with Dablino, a 12-year-old Hanoverian De Niro/Wanderbursch son.

Dorothee Schneider, who put in her first performance as a Nations Cup team member, also achieved a good result with the 10-year-old Don Frederico/Warkant daughter, Diva Royal: Sixth place, (74.277 percent). “I had my nerves under control,” she reported. “I was overjoyed at being able to compete here, I only found out a week ago that I would be on the Nations Cup team. Of course, I was nervous, but I also enjoyed it.” She is not thinking about the Olympic Games at the moment, she noted. “I want to perform well here and just stay cool.”

The British rider Scott Brash jumped clear in a time of 59.84 seconds with the 11-year-old Belgian gelding, Bon Ami, ahead of Roger Yves Bost with Castle Forbes Vivaldo van het Costersveld. The best German rider was Christian Ahlmann in third place with Lorena.

When the first riders competed in the Prize of the Soers this afternoon it was still hot and sticky, however shortly afterwards it started to rain. Nevertheless, this certainly didn’t stop the British rider, Scott Brash, from jumping clear in the best time of 59.84 second. Brash, who comes from Peebles in Scotland, started riding when he was seven, he was originally coached by his father – a jockey. Brash began competing at the age of nine, in 2008 he made his international debut and two years later he participated at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.  He already won a jumping competition earlier this year in La Baule with his horse, Bon Ami, an 11-year-old Belgian gelding by Pavarotti/Richebourg.

The French rider, Roger Yves Bost, finished second with the 14-year-old stallion Castle Forbes Vivaldo van het Costersveld, a Clinton/Randel Z son. The pair had a clear round in 60.08 seconds. Third place went to the German rider Christian Ahlmann with the 10-year-old Westphalian-bred mare, Lorena.  The Larenco/Romeo daughter, who also jumped clear, crossed the finish line in 61.33 seconds.

He is a horseman through and through, one of the most successful show-jumpers of all time – Hans Günter Winkler, many simply know him as “HGW”.  He won the ROLEX Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen three times and represented Germany on the Nations Cup team over 100 times.  When he retired from the professional sport in Aachen in 1986, he was able to look back on countless victories: Five Olympic gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal, two World Championship titles, he was European Champion and claimed the German Championship title no less than five times. His top horse, Halla, played an unforgettable role in his success story, which is why Winkler named the Halla Challenge Trophy, which he has been sponsoring at the CHIO Aachen since 1996, after the Hessen-bred mare.  Hans Günter Winkler ultimately changed his course 20 years ago and has since been organising national and international equestrian shows, such as the HGW Federal Junior Championships, which are staged annually.  Thanks to his commitment, especially in the young talents sector, the show circuit in Germany has become much more versatile.  HGW was appointed an honorary member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e. V. (ALRV) for his outstanding services and in the year 1954 he was awarded the “Golden Ring” by the ALRV.  He still has very close ties to Aachen – for instance at the CHIO Aachen 2011 he took part in the Opening Ceremony together with Piero d’Inzeo.  Today, “the ambassador of the CHIO Aachen”  was presented with the “Prize of the City of Aachen” by the Lord Mayor, Marcel Philipp, for his long-standing commitment in the field of equestrian sport.  Winkler, who was visibly moved by this gesture, addressed the public with the following words: “Dear people of Aachen, I have stood here so often.  Aachen is my second home and the CHIO is the best, greatest and most wonderful show in the world.  So, I am very happy to accept this prize here in this stadium this evening.“

The Prize of the City of Aachen has been awarded annually since 1995.  The list of award-winners ranges from Hans-Heinrich Isenbart through to the “loyal spectators of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen”.

France wins Mercedes-Benz Prize.

“We expected it to be exciting. And of course that’s what makes it such fun. Winning here again after 2009, is a great honour and something really special,” said a delighted Pénélope Leprovost, who delivered two clear rounds with her 12-year-old grey stallion Mylord Carthago. The French team comprising of Leprevost, Eugenie Angot with Old Chap Time, Pénélope Roger Yves Bost with Nippon d’Elle and Olivier Guillon with Lord de Theize secured the victory with an overall score of ten faults.  With just two faults more than France, the German team finished second on a total score of 12 faults. Ireland followed in third place with 20 faults.

Both Marcus Ehning and Christian Ahlmann jumped double clear, Ehning with the 15-year-old stallion Plot Blue and Ahlmann on Codex One. “I am very relieved, these two rounds here in front of our home crowd are of course very important for us and for London,” reported Ehning.  “I am pleased that Plot Blue jumped brilliantly here in front of the critical eyes of the national coach.  But it is still a long way to the Olympic Games yet.”  Last year he wasn’t part of the Nations Cup team, because his son Davy Andreas was due to be born any day.  “Codex One made a very good impression here, he passed the character test with flying colours, because he is still very young and it was the first time he had competed in this stadium. He was even more relaxed in the second round. Although, I must admit my heart was beating extremely fast, even if it did all look quite relaxed.  It’s not my decision as to whether Codex or Taloubet will compete in London. I am very pleased to have two such wonderful horses,” reported Ahlmann.  Incidentally, both of the horses with “clear rounds” are graded stallions – Plot Blue descends from Mr. Blue-Pilot and he is a Dutch-bred KWPN stallion, whereas the Hanoverian-bred Codex One descends from Contendro I/Glückspilz. Codex One was already well-known as a young horse: Vice-Champion of the Young Horses as a five-year-old, and came fourth at the World Jumping Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken as a 7-year-old.

Janne Friederike Meyer and Cellagon Lambrasco picked up four faults in the first round and eight in the second.  The 31-year-old, who already rode on the back of horses with her father at the tender of two, admitted after the first round: “I underestimated the oxer.” Both of Marco Kutscher’s rounds with the 13-year-old grey stallion Cornet Obolensky were disappointing. He collected 16 faults in both rounds – thus endangering his chances of competing in London. “The worst thing that could possibley have happened here, happened,” reported Kutscher, who was clearly disappointed. “Both performances definitely haven’t reinforced our chances of making the team for the Olympics, which is a shame because Cornet won two Nations Cups beforehand. But it is always a fine line with him, either he is top or it goes totally wrong.”

The national coach, Otto Becker, commented: “Cornet’s two rounds have left their mark on me. I am not disappointed at coming second behind France, but I have still got to digest what happened with Cornet.” Heinrich-Hermann Engemann, Jumping Discipline Trainer, stressed: “We have got to analyse the two rounds of the stallion in detail.”

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CHIO Aachen, Deutsche Sporthilfe and Deutsche Bank want to further promote the dressage sport in German

Several measures presented during the CHIO / Deutsche Bank extends contract with CHIO Aachen until 2016 / First main sponsor of the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015

The CHIO Aachen, the Deutsche Sporthilfe and the Deutsche Bank announced at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, today that they will continue to promote the German dressage sport in the future with a row of measures and that they would like to reinforce its competitiveness in Germany.  The Deutsche Bank and the CHIO Aachen are reaffirming their decade-long partnership: The World Equestrian Festival and the main sponsor are extending their contract.  The bank will also be taking on the role of main sponsor at the FEI European Championships that will be staged in Aachen in five disciplines.  The new contract runs until 2016 inclusive.

“The Deutsche Bank traditionally has very close ties to the equestrian sport, especially to the German domain of dressage.  The dressage sport unites passion and precision in a unique combination. Our Deutsche Bank brand also stands for these attributes and this has connected us with the CHIO Aachen since 1955,” commented Christofer Habig, Deutsche Bank Global Head of Brand Communications & Corporate Citizenship. “The contract renewal and the additional commitment of the bank demonstrates that together we have succeeded in turning the CHIO Aachen into an exceptional experience that demonstrates constant further development,” noted Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. “ At the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015, we will once again write a new chapter in the history of the equestrian sport together,” added Mronz.

Furthermore, the CHIO organisers presented their plans for the conversion of the Deutsche Bank Stadium. The currently U-shaped dressage stadium is to be turned into a closed stadium by adding an architecturally attractive new construction at the open side. “A wonderful idea, which we are totally in favour of,” stated Christofer Habig. “ The dressage sport and Deutsche Sporthilfe have enjoyed a very close partnership since 1967, not least in the shape of the two former Chairpersons and Olympic gold medallists, Josef Neckermann and Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff,” said Dr. Michael Ilgner, Chairman of the Deutsche Sporthilfe. “The Deutsche Bank sports scholarship that was recently presented is an innovative incentive measure for promising athletes, which aims to encourage them to pursue their professional career parallel to their sporting ambitions. This is great motivation for our young talents, also in the field of dressage. Jenny Lang, a member of the dressage prospect team, is one of 300 athletes, who profit from an additional EUR 300 a month.”

In 45 years of Sporthilfe (sport aid) history, 832 riders have been supported with funding to the value of almost 8 million Euros.  Currently 51 riders, including 14 dressage riders, are sponsored with a yearly budget of just under EUR 240,000. The result has been 58 Olympic victories, 32 in dressage alone. Since the introduction of the Sporthilfe, 730 medals have been won (180 bronze, 200 silber and 350 gold medals) in the Olympic disciplines (excluding four-in-hand driving) at European and World Championships or at the Olympic Games.

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Weil das Weltfest des Pferdesports, CHIO Aachen, längst auch ein gesellschaftliches Ereignis ist, gab es am Dienstag nach dem großen Sport noch die große Gala: Zahlreiche Gäste aus Sport und Medien, Politik, Show und Wirtschaft kamen zur traditionellen „Media Night“ auf das traditionsreiche Turniergelände in der Aachener Soers.

„Erst der Pferdesport in der tollen Arena, dann dieser schöne Abend hier – einfach super“, schwärmte die zweifache Olympiasiegerin und vierfache Weltmeisterin im Eiskunstlauf. Bis spät in die Nacht wurde im Champions´ Circle gefeiert, unter anderem waren Schauspieler Ralf Möller, Moderator Marco Schreyl, die drei erstplatzierten von Germany`s next Topmodel Luisa Hartema, Sarah-Anessa Hitschke und Dominique Miller, Sami Hyypiä, Teamchef des Fußball-Bundesligisten Bayer Leverkusen, der Generalsekretär der FDP Patrick Döring, Hans-Dietrich Genscher oder Schauspieler Sir Christopher Lee dabei.

Nick Skelton wins the WARTSTEINER Prize jump-off at a breakneck pace with Big Star 2 / Christian Ahlmann takes second place

Christian Ahlmann and his World Cup winning horse Taloubet Z had set the time to beat at 50.48 seconds. Only one other rider was able to master the 320 metre long final course designed by Frank Rothenberger in a faster time: Nick Skelton. The crowd already gasped as the 54-year-old took the first obstacle, because the British rider literally flew round the course on the “holy green” at the Soers. With a clear round in a time of 49.77 seconds, the number 5 in the world rankings steered his brown stallion to victory in the Prize of Europe. Third place went to the reigning Swiss Champion, Janika Sprunger, with Palloubet D Halong 2 (0/51.29 seconds). 12 pairs from the original field of 55 reached the jump-off over 1.55 metre high obstacles.

Skelton – who won double bronze at the 2011 European Championships in Madrid (team and individual) – revealed that he will also be saddling Big Star at the Olympic Games in London.  The self-confessed Warsteiner fan (“I really drink a lot of Warsteiner”) commented that the 9-year-old stallion is an excellent partner and “the best horse I have ever ridden,” and he has great hopes of achieving a good result in London. “Big Star is ambitious and always knows precisely what to do.  There is simply nothing he can’t do,” commented Skelton. He also mentioned that he may have been fast in the jump-off of the Warsteiner Prize, but hadn’t taken any unnecessary risks. “Fast, but safe” is the English show-jumper’s motto.

Christian Ahlmann was also satisfied with his result. “Taloubet is in good form,” the 37-year-old said happily.  He still is not shure whether he will ride Codex One or Taloubet Z in the Grand Prix of Aachen on Sunday. He had actually planned to ride Codex, but after Taloubet came second in the Warsteiner Prize, everything is up in the air again. “I have a very good alternative,” is how Ahlmann analysed his position – which is also a clear statement to his fellow-competitors.

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Dressurspezialist Chester Webber hat den Auftakt der Vierspänner-Fahrer beim CHIO gewonnen. Der 37-jährige US-Amerikaner siegte im Fahrstadion in souveräner Manier mit seinen Pferden Para, Senate, Splash und Uniek mit 33,54 Punkten vor den beiden niederländischen Mannschaftsweltmeistern Ijsbrand Chardon (42,24) und Theo Timmermann (44,80). Weltmeister und Weltcup-Sieger Boyd Exell musste sich in der Soers mit Rang vier zufrieden geben (44,93). Der amtierende Deutsche Meister Christoph Sandmann rangierte am Ende auf Platz fünf (45,18). Insgesamt waren 24 Teilnehmer aus neun Nationen im Viereck. Morgen steht mit dem Preis der Martello Immobilienmanagement GmbH & Co. KG ab 10 Uhr eine weitere Dressur für die Vierspänner auf dem Programm. Nachdem der heutige Durchgang nur für die Einzelwertung zählt, wird die Dressur morgen für das Mannschaftsergebnis gewertet.

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Vier der fünf Wertungsrichter sahen Patrik Kittel auf Rang eins: Mit 73,5 Prozent verwies der Schwede im Sattel von Uno Donna Unique die zehnköpfige Konkurrenz auf die Plätze. Damit sicherte sich der 36-Jährige, der in Nottuln bei Münster beheimatet ist, zum Auftakt der Dressurprüfungen im Deutsche Bank Stadion den Sieg im Preis der VUV – Vereinigte Unternehmerverbände Aachen. Mit 72,395 Prozent landete die Österreicherin Victoria Max-Theurer auf Della Cavalleria OLD auf Rang zwei. Die Österreicherin legte einen souveränen Ritt ins Viereck, war im Anschluss sichtlich zufrieden mit ihrer Leistung und streckte den Daumen nach oben. Platz drei belegte Helen Langenhanenberg. Die zweifache Deutsche Meisterin war mit ihrem Nachwuchspferd Rohjuwel unterwegs und verbuchte im Endergebnis 71,079 Prozent.

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Irischer Auftakt am zweiten Springtag des CHIO Aachen: Denis Lynch hat die Vorrunde des Preises der StädteRegion Aachen in memoriam Landrat Hermann-Josef Pütz gewonnen und liegt nun auf der Pole-Position. Der 36-Jährige absolvierte den Parcours im Hauptstadion auf Abbervail van het Dingeshof in 71,61 Sekunden am Schnellsten. Kurios: Die Springreiter aus dem Inselstaat stellen zur Siegerrunde (heute Abend ab 17:30 Uhr) ein Drittel des Starterfeldes. Vier weitere Vertreter der grünen Insel (Shane Breen/4., Dermott Lennon/5., Billy Twomey/9. und Cian O’Conner/10.) schafften es in den finalen Umlauf, bei dem 15 Paare um den Sieg reiten. Auch drei Deutsche haben Chancen auf den Triumph: Thomas Voß (6.), Jörg Oppermann (7.) und Thomas Weinberg (14.).

Am Ende sichert sich allerdings die 25-jährige Schweizerin den Preis der StädteRegion Aachen. Im Großen Preis von Europa lag sie noch auf Rang drei – im Anschluss an die Hauptprüfung des Mittwochs fuhr die junge Schweizerin dann ihren ersten Sieg in Aachen ein: Janika Sprunger siegte im „Preis der StädteRegion Aachen in memoriam Landrat Hermann-Josef Pütz auf JL’s Komparse. Im Sattel des elfjährigen Brandenburger Wallachs blieb die 25-jährige Tochter des einstigen Nationenpreisreiters Hansueli Sprunger, auch im finalen Durchgang in 46,66 Sekunden fehlerfrei und war damit die Schnellste Teilnehmerin der Siegerrunde. Insgesamt 17 Paare hatten sich mit ihrer 0-Fehler-Runde am Mittag für das Finale qualifiziert.

Auf Platz zwei landete die US-Amerikanerin Lauren Hough auf Blue Angel (0 Fehler/47,41 Sekunden). Dritter wurde der Belgier Ludo Philippaerts auf Quintender 2 (0/48,14). Mit Rang vier musste sich einmal mehr Marc Bettinger zufrieden geben. Bereits im Großen Preis von Europa war der amtierende Deutsche Meister am Nachmittag auf der französischen Rappstute Oh D’Eole auf diesem Platz gelandet. Am Abend war der 34-Jährige mit Quannan-R im Parcours unterwegs und blieb in 51,23 Sekunden ebenfalls ohne Abwurf. Der Ire Denis Lynch, nach der Vorrunde noch in Front, verbuchte auf Abbervail van het Dingeshof zwei Abwürfe und landete auf Rang 16.

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Monica Theodorescu hat den HAVENS-Pferdefutter-Preis auf Whisper gewonnen. Das championatserfahrene Duo setzte sich im Deutsche Bank Stadion im 22-köpfigen Starterfeld mit 74,319 Prozent durch. Platz zwei belegte – wie schon im „Preis der VUV – Vereinigte Unternehmerverbände Aachen“ am Morgen – die Österreicherin Victoria Max-Theurer, diesmal auf Eichendorff. Sie erhielt 73,83 Prozent vom fünfköpfigen Richterkollegium. Rang drei ging an Isabell Werth, die für ihren Auftritt im 4*-Grand-Prix auf Don Johnson 73,404 Prozent kassierte.

Everyone is talking about the dressage sport at the moment.  Since Totilas hit the scene even laymen are showing an interest in this fascinating sport.  Due to this huge popularity many of the dressage competitions at the CHIO Aachen were sold out well before the show started last year, foremostly the famous Deutsche Bank Prize. The same is true this year too. This was reason enough for the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e. V. (ALRV) to start thinking about expanding the Deutsche Bank Stadium at the traditional showgrounds of the CHIO Aachen. So, a few months ago in cooperation with the Aachen University of Applied Science the ALRV organised a design competition. 16 university students took part in the competition, which involved drawing up a draft and producing a model.

“I am impressed.” Christian Rummel, Head of Brand Management & Campaigning at Deutsche Bank summed up how much the jury had appreciated the students’ work. Before the first three winners were announced on Wednesday morning in the Aachen Lounge, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Wulf (Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the Aachen University of Applied Science) pointed out how tricky this design competition had been: “The design concepts don’t just have to meet the aesthetic and architectural demands, but also functional aspects, such as a wind deflector had to be considered.”  Frank Kemperman (Chairman of the ALRV) also praised the many innovative designs and added: “The participating students also had to occupy themselves with the dressage sport, in order to do justice to the demands of the “new” stadium.“ 16 excellent concepts were submitted, which certainly didn’t make the jury’s job easy. After short-listing five entries, the jury comprising of Prof. Wulf, Prof.ir. Lambertus van Bunningen (Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Architecture of the Aachen University of Applied Science), Hans Kauhsen (member of the Supervisory Board of the ALRV), Christian Rummel and Frank Kemperman ultimately came to their final decision.

The winners are:

1^st Prize – Awarded to two entries (EUR 1,000 each): Jascha Gerlinger and Karen Kreft

2^nd Prize (EUR 500): Friederike Nitschke

Each of the participating students also received entrance tickets for the CHIO today. The expansion of the Deutsche Bank Stadium will ultimately be carried out by an architect’s office, the student’s design concepts will possibly be integrated into the conversion plans.

The jumping competitions opened with a French victory: Roger-Yves Bost won the NetAachen Prize. The 46-year-old jumped clear in the fastest time with the stallion, Castle Forbes Vivaldo van Het.

At one o’clock on the dot the first winner of the CHIO Aachen had been determined. Bost prevailed against tough competition from 32 pairs who all jumped clear and secured himself prize-money to the value of EUR 2,500.  His 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion that is owned by Lady Georgina Forbes was the quickest to reach the finish line of the course designed by Frank Rothenberger. The team World Champion of 1990, who currently lies 24^th in the world rankings, was the eighth rider from a field of 99 to enter the stadium and he took 62.31 seconds to master the eleven obstacles (1.45 m high) of the 520 metre long course.

His fellow-competitors weren’t able to match his time, not even the Brazilian rider, Rodrigo Pessoa, who came second after crossing the finish line with HH Palouchin in 64.03 seconds. The best German rider was Marco Kutscher with Cornet’s Cristallo in third place. The rider from Riesenbeck completed the course in a time of 66.42 seconds. Hans-Dieter Dreher opened up the jumping competitions of the CHIO Aachen 2012. The man from Baden collected nine faults with his 11-year-old Argentine stallion, Magnus Romeo, and finished 84^th in the overall rankings.

The competition was followed by an unexpected surprise: Ludger Beerbaum definitively withdrew from the Olympic qualifiers. After competing in the opening jumping competition with Gotha (15 faults/89^th) the rider from Riesenbeck decided that he is only going to ride the Goldfever daughter in the smaller competitions at the show this week. "The mare is simply not in top form,” he wrote on his homepage. He noted further: "I am therefore no longer in the running to participate at the Olympic Games".

What a start for the Brazilian riders at this year’s CHIO in Aachen. Rio de Janeiro is the partner of the World Equestrian Festival. And the South Americans are scooping up the prizes. In the morning Rodrigo Pessoa finished second in the NetAachen Prize and in the afternoon his fellow-countryman Alvaro Miranda rode to victory in the STAWAG Prize.

The 35-year-old mastered the course of 1,50 m high obstacles in the fastest time with the Belgian gelding, AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno. The Brazilian rider took 68.50 seconds to reach the finish line of the 540 metre long course designed by Frank Rothenberger – he was too fast even for Hans-Dieter Dreher. Amid bright sunshine the rider from Baden claimed second place with Embassy (69.32 seconds), which made up for him coming 84^th in the morning after having to ride first in the NetAachen Prize. Third place went to the Dutch rider Harrie Smolders with Regina Z.

Luiz Roberto Giugni was especially pleased with the results. The President of the Brazilian Equestrian Association followed the action in the Main Stadium from Stand A and was present – like many of his colleagues – because the CHIO Aachen is serving as trials for the Olympic Games. Pessoa’s place on the team for London is considered to be confirmed. With his triumph in the STAWAG Prize, “Doda“, as the Brazilians call Miranda, has now secured his position in the team. “It is fantastic that we have got off to such a good start here,” said the overjoyed 52-year-old Association President, who will be flying back home to Sao Paulo after tomorrow’s competition to pursue his regular job as a dentist.

Miranda, who took a bad fall at the CHIO two years ago, got caught up in the stirrup and was dragged along, but luckily only sprained his ankle in the end, has quite obviously got over his shocking experience in Aachen. “I watched a few riders before it was my turn and I realised I’d have to be pretty quick. I am delighted that it sufficed,” he analysed. Incidentally, Miranda has only been riding AD Rahmannhof’s Bogeno since last October. The 12-year-old Baloubet du Rouet son was previously ridden by the Bavarian show-jumper, Jürgen Kraus.

The former ice-skater Katarina Witt awarded “The Silver Horse” media prize on Tuesday evening.  During the Opening Ceremony of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, she paid tribute to journalists who have presented excellent coverage on the sport.  In front of 37,500 spectators the prize in the category Print was awarded to Jan Tönjes (St. Georg), the category “Audio/New Media” went to the editorial team of DRadio Wissen and in the category “TV” the winner was Maren Höfle (NDR).  The media prize is awarded jointly by the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. and the German Riding & Driving Association.

The intention behind “The Silver Horse” media prize is to honour the commitment and the performance of these journalists.  The media competition has been staged for many years already and over the course of time it has developed into a famous award.  A fact that is confirmed among others by the high number of entries.  The three best entries in each of the categories “Print”, “TV” and “Audio/New Media” are selected from the material submitted from the current year and these are nominated for the prize that is endowed with EUR 2,600 in each of the three categories.

In total 82 entries were received (34 entries in the category TV, 13 in the category Audio/New Media and 35 in the category Print). The entries are judged according to diverse, predefined criteria: Selection of the theme and the journalistic performance of the individual entries are as equally important as theme research and how the theme is conveyed to the public, readers or listeners.

The panel of seven judges comprised of last year’s winners Maik Großekathöfer (winner of the Print category in 2011), Barbara Luzi (winner of the TV category in 2011) and Silke Frenzel (winner of the Radio category in 2011) as well as Nadine Capellmann (former two-time World Dressage Champion), Dr. Ute Gräfin Rothkirch (member of the Executive Board of the German Riding & Driving Association), Wolfgang Brinkmann (President of the German Riding & Driving Association) and Michael Mronz (General Manager, Aachener Reitturnier GmbH).

2011/2012 Winners:

“Print” Category: Jan Tönjes for his entry “With your permission, Carl, 44 relaxed”, published in issue 11/2011 of “St. Georg”

“Audio/New Media” Category: The DRadio Wissen editorial team with their entry “About the value of the horse – discussions on the theme of equestrian sport and horse breeding”, transmitted on July 15^th, 2011 on Deutschlandradio Wissen

“TV” Category: Maren Höfle and Henning Rütten with their entry “Hans Heinrich Isenbart: The horses’ voice”, broadcast on June 2^nd, 2011 on NDR

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Eine Samba-Bühne für den CHIO Aachen: Am späten Dienstagnachmittag wurde das Weltfest des Pferdesports mit einer feurigen brasilianischen Party von dem CHIO-Partner Rio de Janeiro eröffnet. Carl Meulenbergh, Präsident des Aachen-Laurensberger Rennvereins e. V., kündigte in seiner Eröffnungsrede eine tolle Turnierwoche an. Bei der Eröffnungsfeier gab es bereits eine erste Kostprobe: Das ganze Stadion tanzte mit, als die Tänzerinnen und Trommler der weltberühmten Grande Rio Samba School als Sambaparade formiert über den „Heiligen Rasen“ tanzten. Schillernde Kostüme in allen Farben, atemberaubende Tänzerinnen und mitreißende Sambarhythmen – der RIO-CHIO ist eröffnet! Aber natürlich ist ein Weltfest des Pferdesports ohne Pferde nicht denkbar. Daher brachten die Gäste aus Rio rund 100 Pferde aus ihrer Heimat mit: Die Mangalarga Marchadores, brasilianische Gangpferde, sowie eine freilaufende Herde Criollos, die Arbeitspferde der Gauchos. Unter den vielen Reitern der Mangalargas befanden sich auch zwei bekannte Springreiter: Rodrigo Pessoa und Alvaro Miranda de Neto, der kurz zuvor im Stawag-Preis siegte. Besonders bewegend war der Auftritt von Nelson Pessoa, Rodrigos Vater. Der gebürtige Brasilianer verbindet mit Aachen eine ganz besondere Liebe: „Vor 55 Jahren habe ich in Aachen den Nationenpreis gewonnen. Ich komme immer wieder gerne nach Aachen. Rio wird ein fantastischer CHIO-Partner sein.“

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Wer in den letzten Wochen durch Aachen flanierte, konnte an der einen oder anderen Ecke durchaus auf den Gedanken kommen, sich mitten in Rio de Janeiro zu befinden. Denn beim Schaufensterwettbewerb im Rahmen des CHIO Aachen wurden viele Geschäfte aus der Stadt und der StädteRegion Aachen im Zeichen des diesjährigen CHIO-Partners Rio de Janeiro geschmückt. Das Ergebnis konnte sich sehen lassen: Viele wunderschön dekorierte Schaufenster, die eine gelungene Mischung aus dem Weltfest des Pferdesports und „Rio Carnaval“ zeigten.

Am Soerser Sonntag wurden die Gewinner bei der Siegerehrung im Drivers‘ Club bekanntgegeben. Nicht nur Karli schaute bei der Siegerehrung vorbei, um den Gewinnern zu gratulieren, auch Oberbürgermeister Marcel Philipp und Hans Kauhsen, Mitglied des ALRV-Aufsichtsrat, nahmen an der Feier teil, um die hochwertigen Preise an die Gewinner zu übergeben. „Der Schaufensterwettbewerb stimmt jedes Jahr in eindrucksvoller Weise auf den CHIO Aachen und das Partnerland ein. Ich hoffe, dass wir diese Tradition noch lange fortsetzen können“, so Philipp. Die Teilnehmer hatten die Möglichkeit in zwei verschiedenen Kategorien zu gewinnen: Bei der Jury-Wertung und beim Publikumspreis. Beim Jury-Preis bewertete eine fachkundige Jury die vielen Schaufenster. Hier zählten Bewertungskriterien wie Kreativität, Unterhaltungswert, Themenbezug oder handwerkliche Leistung. Zudem hatte jeder die Möglichkeit, per Publikumspreis für sein favorisiertes Geschäft abzustimmen.

Das Geschäft „Brille am Jahnplatz“ wählte das Publikum auf Platz eins. Katharina Hick, die den Preis entgegennahm, war sehr glücklich: „Ich freue mich sehr über den ersten Platz. Wir haben uns ganz auf Rio de Janeiro konzentriert und haben sogar Karli in den Urlaub an die Copacabana geschickt.“ Beim Jury-Preis gewann das Geschäft „Roswithas Blumen“. Inhaberin Roswitha Brandenburg schmückte ihr Schaufenster unter anderem mit einer brasilianischen Tänzerin aus Rosenblütenblättern. Drei Tage nahm sie sich für die aufwendige Dekoration ihres Schaufensters Zeit. „Im letzten Jahr erreichte ich beim Publikumspreis den zweiten Platz, nun hat mich die Jury auf Platz eins gewählt. Das ist klasse“, so Brandenburg.

Der Schaufensterwettbewerb wird vom Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) gemeinsam mit dem Zeitungsverlag Aachen, dem Märkte- und Aktionskreis City (MAC) und der Stadt Aachen in diesem Jahr bereits zum 21. Mal organisiert. Bereits seit dem 4. Juni sind die Schaufenster von insgesamt 77 Geschäften geschmückt, noch bis zum letzten Turniertag am 8. Juli können die kreativen Dekorationen bewundert werden.

Die Gewinner:

Jury-Wertung:

1. Platz: Roswithas Blumen
2. Platz: Konditorei und Café „Birfeld“
3. Platz: Nobis Printen e.K. am Münsterplatz
4. Platz: Frankenne – Ihr Fachhändler für Büro, Schule und Kreatives
5. Platz (zweimal vergeben): notebookkontor – Bertram Daten- und Netzwerkmanagement GmbH sowie Wiener Caféhaus
6. Platz: glance Hairstyling

Publikumspreis:

1. Platz: Brille am Jahnplatz
2. Platz: glance Hairstyling
3. Platz: Straßer Kaffeehaus

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Morgen wird ab 17 Uhr nach dem Auftaktspringen der CHIO Aachen 2012 eröffnet. Mit einer spektakulären Show wird sich vor allem der diesjährige CHIO-Partner Rio de Janeiro präsentieren. Mehr als 200 Tänzer und 100 Pferde werden das Weltfest des Pferdesports in den „RIO-CHIO“ verwandeln. Höhepunkt wird die Grande Rio Samba School, eine der berühmtesten Sambaschulen der Welt, sein, die mit einer schillernden Samba-Parade durch das Stadion ziehen wird. Aber was wäre der CHIO Aachen ohne die Pferde? Bei der Eröffnungsfeier werden typische brasilianische Pferde präsentiert: Die Mangalarga Marchadores, brasilianische Gangpferde, und die Criollos, die berühmten Pferde der Gauchos. Mit dabei sind auch die brasilianische Springreitlegende Nelson Pessoa und sein Sohn Rodrigo sowie Alvaro „Doda“ Affonso de Miranda Neto. Wer nicht im Hauptstadion dabei sein kann, hat die Möglichkeit, die spektakuläre Show im Fernsehen zu verfolgen. Der WDR überträgt von 16.45 – 18.00 Uhr live aus dem Hauptstadion.

Für die CHIO-Eröffnungsfeier gibt es noch wenige Restkarten.

TICKETS und Infos:

(0241) 917-1111

The “Öcher” (inhabitants of Aachen) have already experienced quite a few carnival celebrations in Aachen’s market square, but nothing like the one on Monday evening. In front of the wonderful setting of the historical Town Hall this year’s CHIO partner, Rio de Janeiro, invited everyone to celebrate a Brazilian party.  The ingredients: Drumming, temperamental samba dancers, glittering costumes and horses.  Thousands of people from Aachen, including the Lord Mayor, Marcel Philipp, and Carl Meulenbergh, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., accepted this invitation and poured into the market square to give the guests from Rio an emphatic welcome on the eve of the opening day of the CHIO Aachen. Even Karli, CHIO Aachen’s beloved mascot, tried his hand at the samba.  60 horses and 80 people presented the various facets of the dazzling Brazilian metropolis in impressive style: Represented by one of the most famous samba schools in the world, the Grande Rio Samba School, the Brazilian “Mangalarga Marchadores” gaited horses as well as the Criollos, the Gauchos’ horses.

Several famous celebrities also made sure they didn’t miss out on the colourful spectacle.  For instance the legendary actor and UNICEF ambassador, Sir Christopher Lee, accepted a cheque for EUR 670,000 on behalf of the UNICEF, which was donated by the readers of the Aachener Nachrichten and Aachener Zeitung newspapers.  Brazil’s most famous show-jumpers also honoured the occasion with their presence:  Nelson and Rodrigo Pessoa as well as Alfonso Miranda de Neto. “Aachen and horses belong together. My dear people of Aachen, you can be very proud to live in such a beautiful city.  I am very proud to be your guest here today and I am looking forward to a wonderful CHIO Aachen,” is how Rodrigo Pessoa greeted the population of Aachen in German. The Honorary President, Klaus Pavel, returned this nice gesture, by greeting all of the “Cariocas” present – this is the native word for the inhabitants of Rio – in Portuguese.

Isabell Werth and Helena Lundbäck got everyone in the mood for dancing

First-class equestrian sport, classic music and high emotions – these are the ingredients of the “Horse & Symphony” show. The concert fascinates with a spectacular show programme to live music played by the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. The spectators in the sold-out Deutsche Bank Stadium enjoyed this special atmosphere on Saturday evening for the eighth year in succession.

Whether samba, waltz, ballet, high-stepping Island horses or flamenco: At the eighth edition of the “Horse & Symphony” the floodlit Deutsche Bank Stadium was transformed into a dazzling dancing stage.  Famous melodies such as “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel or “The Nutcracker” by Peter Tchaikovsky not only turned the unique event into a wonderful sight, but it was also a delight for the ears.

The whole overture was of course dominated by Brazilian style, because this year’s CHIO partner Rio de Janeiro sent the Bahia Dance Group into the arena. The group provided a temperamental opening to the popular show with their samba rhythms and Rio Carnival.  The samba troop was accompanied by the Mangalarga Marchadores, the famous Brazilian gaited horse breed.  The spectators in the sold-out Deutsche Bank Stadium didn’t have chance to sit still after the first racy show item either.  A dance festival around the whole world led the crowd from Spain to Hungary and back to Vienna.  An absolute hit: The high-stepping Island horses trotting over a wooden plank in their typical “tölt” pace, which created its own special sound –  accompanied by a drummer and the magnificent Michael Donnellan, one of the world’s best tap dancers.  But actually it was the ladies who invited everyone to get up and dance:  Isabell Werth, one of the best dressage riders in the world put in a particularly enchanting performance. While she let her horse “El Santo” dance, she was accompanied solely by Péter Halász, the principal conductor of the Aachen Theatre on the piano.  The exceptional trio created a goose-bump atmosphere at the Soers.  A further highlight of the evening was the Swedish show-jumper Helena Lundbäck’s impressive performance on the dance floor with her professional dancing partner Tobias Karlsson to the ABBA hits “Waterloo”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Mamma Mia”.  She had previously already proven her dancing talent in the Swedish edition of the dance show “Let’s Dance”. Now the spectators at the “Horse & Symphony” concert were given the opportunity to convince themselves of the successful show-jumper’s dancing skills live. Part of the proceeds will be donated to UNICEF and the “Fundacao Pavel”.

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33,000 visitors attended Soers Sunday, presented by Warsteiner, at the showgrounds of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2012.  The traditional open day offered an entertaining show programme with free admission.  “Sun, a fantastic atmosphere – what a lovely way to kick off the event,” Show Director, Frank Kemperman, said with delight.  On Tuesday the jumping competitions commence at 9.30 a.m. with the NetAachen Prize, followed by the STAWAG Prize. Then, at 5 p.m. the motto is “Rio-CHIO”, because the Opening Ceremony will be dominated by the special flair of this year’s partner region, Rio de Janeiro (broadcst live on WDR at 16.45 p.m.). Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are still available from the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-111.

The Germany I team won the Nations Cup, the final vaulting competition in the Albert-Vahle Arena. The team comprising of RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen, Erik Oese and Sarah Kay, triumphed with a total score of 25.989, ahead of Austria and the second German squad.  The sisters Joanne and Hannah Eccles secured themselves the victory in the pas-de-deux competition.  Bidding farewell to the five-time CHIO Champion, Kai Vorberg, proved to be the emotional highlight of the day.

There was no double victory for Germany this year.  The national coach, Ulla Ramge, was nevertheless satisfied with the results. “The other nations are close at our heels and some of them have even overtaken us,” the 49-year-old ascertained.  She added though that the unique atmosphere in Aachen certainly inspires the competitors to top performances.  For instance in the case of Erik Oese.  In the regular competition the 24-year-old from Dresden fell from his horse Sir Bernhard RS von der Wintermühle (lunger: Kai Vorberg).  However, in the Nations Cup he didn’t make any mistakes and contributed 8.572 points towards the overall score of the German team. Together with Sarah Kay from Sörup (8.166) on Fruerholms Cato and the reigning European Champions RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen on Arkansas he thus vaulted to victory in the Nations Cup. In this competition the scores of the team, comprising of a vaulting group and two individual vaulters (one man and one lady), are added together to a total score. The trainer and lunger of RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen, Jessica Schmitz, was also satisfied with the performance of her equestrian acrobats. “Every year I am absolutely delighted and can hardly believe it when we win,” the 31-year-old said.  Three of the six team members are new this season, yet they still managed to continue their series of victories at the Soers.

The pas-de-deux competition turned out to be very exciting. Nearly all of the pairs put in world-class performances in both rounds.  In the end the British vaulters, Joanne and Hannah Eccles, claimed the victory on W H Bentley.  They were awarded a score of 8.519 for their freestyles – with their father steering the lunge rein.  Second place went to Rosalind Ross and Devon Maitozo with a score of 8.372, incidentally they obtained the best score by far for the artistic execution of their choreography (over 9.1).

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He simply doesn’t do things without bags of emotion: Kai Vorberg, two-time World and European Champion, eight-time German Champion and five-time winner of the CHIO Aachen, the most successful vaulter of all time, retired from professional vaulting on Sunday.  An emotional and moving moment: The odd tear to two definitely fell in the Albert-Vahle Arena.  “Kai Vorberg is in a league of his own.  For us here in Aachen you are and always will be a World Champion,” is how Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), summed up the status of the exceptional sportsman. Some of Vorberg’s closest friends from the sporting scene said goodbye in true vaulting style.  For instance Patric Looser, Nicola Ströh, who had a baby just a few months ago, Are Tautz, Nadia Ehning (“I never wanted to mount a horse in public again – I am doing it especially for you, Kai!”) and Christoph Lensing gave a special vaulting performance.

“Discipline, the will to win, mental strength and determination are some of Kai’s traits. He will always remain the role model for the vaulting sport,“ the national coach, Ulla Ramge, said about the record-holding champion.  Vorberg, who presented his Mozart freestyle from the year 2006 on Sir Bernhard RS von der Wintermühle for the very last time, seemed relieved.  After suffering a slipped disc at the end of 2010, his sporting career came to a very abrupt end.  He even performed his flying dismount again. “Now, I can really close this chapter,” he commented.  Vorberg has since moved from Cologne to Warendorf, where he joined the German National Association (FN) in May as a Junior Executive.

A sexy dress instead of jodhpurs, high-heeled dancing shoes instead of riding boots: Helena Lundbäck will be floating over the dance floor this evening in the “Horse & Symphony” show.  An unusual, but at the same time very charming picture: Because normally one sees the successful Swedish rider in the show-jumping ring.  Swedish temperament meets Swedish music: Together with her dancing partner Tobias Karlsson, the popular professional dancer from the Swedish version of the TV programme “Let’s Dance”, she will be demonstrating her dancing skills to the ABBA hits “Waterloo”, “Money, Money, Money” and “Mamma Mia”.

The dress rehearsal was held at lunchtime today in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. It is difficult to believe that Lundbäck has hardly any dancing experience at all. She recently showed her hidden talent on Swedish TV in the “Let`s dance” series. “I have never learnt to dance professionally. I was surprised myself how much fun it is. When I was a little girl I always wanted to dance, but then I ended up in the saddle,” explained Lundbäck.  However, when asked if she intends to change sides, her answer was quite clear: “No, I am going to stick with jumping.  Dancing makes me very happy, but I do actually feel at home on the back of a horse.“  To Karlsson’s dismay: “She is a perfect dancer. She puts in 100% and has amazing body control. I think she ought to become a dancer.“  Lundbäck was quick off the mark with the appropriate answer: “The rider is only as good as his horse. And as far as dancing is concerned Tobias is the one who makes me look good,” she revealed with a wink.  Lundbäck and Karlsson only had a handful of opportunities to practice their demanding choreography, because the two successful sport professionals travel so much. “I am really looking forward to the show,” the 36-year-old show-jumper said enthusiastically, “Aachen is fantastic – both the sport and the accompanying  programme. So it is a great honour for me to be able to entertain the spectators in Aachen this evening.”

The crowd will of course also be able to watch Helena Lundbäck in the saddle next Tuesday, when she competes in the NetAachen Prize, which commences at 9.30 a.m. in the Main Stadium.

At the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen the RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen team impressively continued its run of victories. Jessica Schmitz’s team won the freestyle with Arkansas and thus also the Prize of the Sparkasse with a huge lead.  The vaulters from Neuss were rewarded with the highest score of the season for their freestyle routine on Saturday in the Albert-Vahle Arena on their 14-year-old Westphalian gelding, Arkansas.  It was an expected victory for this year’s German World Championship candidates in Le Mans (August 15^th-19^th).  However, nobody had expected them to dominate the show to this extent. Even Jessica Schmitz was a little surprised: “I think this is a freestyle that fits in magnificently with the atmosphere Aachen offers. In other words: A full house, music to the limit.“ VV Ingelsberg came second, ahead of the American team Mt. Eden Sun.  Fourth place went to UVT Salzburg Freisaal.

In the ladies competition Joanne Eccles secured an impressive victory. It was her fourth CHIO triumph to date. The British vaulter who already headed the field after the first two rounds, confirmed her current excellent form by also winning the freestyle competition, performing her routine to Enigma’s song “Turn around”. She remains unbeaten since April 2010. The reigning World and European Champion and her horse W H Bentley were awarded 8.669 – the highest score of the day. After all three rounds her overall score was 8.434. “It is a fantastic feeling to win here,” said the 23-year-old, whose goal now is to win her fourth Championship title in succession in Le Mans.

Rikke Laumann from Denmark ranked second (8.237) with Ghost Alvarvad Z (Lunger: Lasse Kristensen), followed by Simone Jäiser (8.171) from Switzerland with Luk (Rita Blieske). The German representatives Sarah Kay (Sörup), Regina Burgmayr (Kastenseeon) and Jennifer Braun finished 4^th, 5^th and 7^th respectively.

In the men’s classification the Austrian vaulter Stefan Csandl celebrated his first CHIO victory, which means he has now joined the “Winners’ Club”.  The 24-year-old from Vienna received a score of 8.704 for his freestyle, achieving an overall result of 8.242. The physiotherapist trainee who performed on the British horse Solitaire Legacy, lunged by Julie Newell, stated afterwards that is was “a huge honour to be ranked first in Aachen”. He added that his horse and his lunger had greatly contributed towards his success. “I have found my perfect team,” commented Csandl, who had recently flewn over to the island only every six weeks to train. In spite of not being able to practice more frequently, he put in a top vaulting performance in the Albert-Vahle Arena and will also compete at the World Championships in France with this successful new constellation. Viktor Brüsewitz finished second. The sports soldier from Garbsen performed the second best freestyle of the day on his horse Rockard H (8.372), achieving a total score of 8.025. Third place went to the Czech vaulter Lukas Klouda, who lives in Cologne, and Harry Potter RS von der Wintermühle (Lunger: Patric Looser/Score: 7.567), followed by Erik Oese (7,548) from Radebeul on Sir Bernhard RS von der Wintermühle (Lunger: Kai Vorberg) who fell back in the rankings after taking a tumble.

The highlight on Sunday is the Nations Cup, which starts live at 2.05 p.m. (broadcast live on WDR from 2.30 p.m. onwards). Each squad comprises of a team and two individual vaulters (one lady and one man). The competitions on Sunday are sold-out.

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Joanne Eccles (Großbritannien) gehört zu den erfolgreichsten Voltigiererinnen der Welt. Von 2009 an blieb sie in Aachen ungeschlagen, 2010 holte sie in Lexington (Kentucky) in der Einzelwertung der Damen den Weltmeistertitel. Dieses Jahr ist sie erneut die haushohe Favoritin bei den Voltigier-Prüfungen in der Aachener Soers. Gemeinsam mit ihrer Schwester Hannah startet sie auch im Pas de Deux.

Wer bisher dachte, dass die kunstvolle Akrobatik zu Pferd ihr einziges Talent ist, der hat sich getäuscht. Denn Joanne Eccles hat neben ihrer Voltigier-Karriere einen „bodenständigen“ Beruf gelernt. Am Dienstag hat sie an der Glasgow University ihren Bachelor in Dentalchirurgie (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) mit Auszeichnung abgeschlossen. Bislang wurde jedoch nicht gefeiert, denn kurz nach der Abschlussfeier ging es mit ihren Pferden WH Bentley und Tylers Kernel schon direkt Richtung Aachen, zum Weltfest des Pferdesports. Am Steuer des LKW saß natürlich…Miss Eccles persönlich!

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Die Bewährungsprobe hat sie bestanden. Heute überquerten die ersten Besucher, unter ihnen Marcel Philipp, Oberbürgermeister der Stadt Aachen und Carl Meulenbergh, Präsident des Aachen-Laurensberger Rennvereins e. V., die CHIO-Brücke bei der offiziellen Einweihung am ersten CHIO-Tag. Lediglich ein paar Feinarbeiten müssen nach dem CHIO Aachen 2012 noch an der Brücke durchgeführt werden. „Die CHIO-Brücke mit ihrer besonderen architektonischen Form hat sich schon jetzt zu einem prägenden Merkmal unsere Stadt entwickelt“, so Marcel Philipp. „Dazu beigetragen hat auch der ALRV, der mit seinem finanziellen Engagement den Bau der Brücke ermöglicht hat.“  15 Monate hat der Bau der geschwungenen Brücke mit dem charakteristischen leicht nach hinten geneigten 67,5 Meter hohen Pylon gedauert.

Nicht nur den Pylon schmückt ein CHIO-Logo, das im Dunkeln leuchtet, jetzt wird auch der Brückenfuß durch einen CHIO-Schriftzug verziert. Carl Meulenbergh geriet beim Anblick der fast fertigen Brücke ins Schwärmen: „Die S-Form der Brücke vermittelt das Gefühl, dass sie immer in Bewegung ist. Dies ist eine Eigenschaft, die sehr gut zum CHIO Aachen passt – auch wir sind immer in Bewegung und entwickeln uns weiter.“ Die CHIO-Brücke wurde vom Land NRW und vom ALRV finanziert. In Zukunft soll die Brücke sowohl den Besuchern des CHIO Aachen als auch den vielen Alemannia Aachen-Fans zur Verfügung stehen und diese sicher von der einen zur anderen Straßenseite bringen. „Ich bin mir sicher, dass die vielen Fans, unabhängig ob Reitsport oder Fußball, die wunderschöne Aussicht von der Brücke genießen werden“, so Carl Meulenbergh.

The favourites dominated the field in the opening vaulting competitions in the Albert-Vahle Arena. RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen (Rhineland) is in the lead after the compulsory test in the Prize of the Sparkasse, the team competition. Joanne Eccles (GBR) and Stefan Csandl (AUT) were in first place after two rounds (compulsory and technical tests) and intend to defend their positions in tomorrow’s final freestyle competition of the individual vaulters.

The RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen‘s run of victories is also continuing at the Soers: The vaulters trained by lunger Jessica Schmitz, who remain unbeaten so far this season, put in the best performance in the Prize of the Sparkasse in the Aachen arena. With their horse Arkansas, the team from Rhineland was awarded a score of 7.574 for their compulsory test at the “World Equestrian Festival”. All four judges placed the equestrian acrobats from the Nixhof in Neuss first. VV Ingelsberg (Bavaria) – are currently lying second with Adlon (Lunger: Alexander Hartl) on a score of 7.111. Followed by the Woodside vaulters from California (6.999) and the Austrian team UVT Salzburg/Freisaal (6.939) in third and fourth place, respectively.

In the ladies’ classification the British vaulter, Joanne Eccles, took up her customary ranking after completing her technical test with the best score of the day on W H Bentley. The serial winner in Aachen – the reigning World and European Champion – is heading the field with 8.317 points ahead of the Danish vaulter, Rikke Laumann (8.236), who surprisingly had a clear lead after the compulsory test. The Swiss equestrian athlete Simone Jaiser secured herself third place in the interim results (8.078). Fourth and fifth place both went to Germany, to Sarah Kay (7.823) from Sörup and Regina Burgmayr (7.796) from Kastenseeon.

In the men’s classification the Austrian vaulter Stefan Csandl is ahead after the first day. He dominated the compulsory test with Solitaire Legacy (Lunger: Julie Newell) in the morning and followed his first performance with the highest score in the technical test in the early evening. His total score after the two competitions was 8.011. “I am so pleased,” said the 24-year-old. Aachen is only his second international performance this year. Two German vaulters are hard on his heels before the freestyle competition: Viktor Brüsewitz (7.851) from Garbsen and Erik Oese (7.722) from Radebeul. Sports soldier Brüsewitz and his horse Rockhard H were particularly convincing in the technical test, namely the pair picked up the second best score. Oese was also very satisfied. The student teacher from Sachsen competes for RS von der Wintermühle, and he is fortunate to have CHIO serial winner Kai Vorberg as his lunger, as well as Vorberg’s horse, Sir Bernhard. It is only the second tournament for the trio in this combination.

The individual freestyle competitions start on Saturday at 2 pm (ladies) and 4.30 pm (men). Beforehand, the first round of the pas-de-deux competition will be held, starting at 9.30 a.m.  The team freestyle, the Prize of the Sparkasse, starts at 10.30 a.m.  For the German individual vaulters the Soers is the deciding competition as to who will be representing Germany in Le Mans (August 15^th–19^th).

Acrobatics on the back of a horse. It sounds very demanding. It is spectacular to watch. And when presented perfectly, it unites graceful elegance with effortless strength and body control.

No other vaulting tournament in the world attracts the equestrian acrobats as much as the CHIO Aachen. “Aachen is perfection. Aachen is the be-all and end-all. Aachen is simply wicked,” explained Jessica Schmitz, RSV Neuss-Grimlinghausen’s trainer. This year the 31-year-old sports scientist has managed to book a ticket for herself and the Rhineland team for the World Championships for the first time since the legendary World Equestrian Games. Their competitors from Neuss are also championship material: Especially the three-time World Champions from VV Ingelsberg. Lunger Alexander Hartl’s team is really excited about the special atmosphere in the Albert-Vahle Arena: “We can’t wait for Aachen to start,” said the 46-year-old.

It is not merely about prestige, for the German individual vaulters it is about securing a place at the World Championships. The best four vaulters of the Republic of Germany have qualified. Three of them will receive the coveted ticket to Le Mans (August 15^th-19^th). After the qualifiers so far Erik Oese is the favourite among the men. The 24-year-old student teacher from Dresden hopes to make his first Championship participation perfect at the Soers. The person at the end of the lunge rein of Wintermühle’s grey horse, Sir Bernhard RS, is none other than Kai Vorberg, several-time World and European Champion and four-time CHIO winner. The strongest national rival of the new dream trio of the German vaulting sport is Viktor Brüsewitz from the Regional Association of Hanover with Rockard H. The Austrian vaulter, Stefan Csandl’s first appearance of the season is also eagerly awaited.

With regards to the ladies‘ team Kristina Boe’s nomination is considered to be merely a matter of form. So far the medical student has won all of the qualifiers with Le Beau, she excels with her gracefully elegant freestyle routine to a beautiful, melancholy choreography based on Theodor Storms poem “The City” – an ode to her home town Husum. The 24-year-old is in top form and her aim is to give the top favourites a hard time: Joanne Eccles (GBR, reigning World and European Champion, World Cup winner), Rikke Laumann from Denmark and “American Woman” Mary McCormick.

The insider tip this year is the pas-de-deux competition. It is most likely that the crowd in Aachen will experience the best competition in this extremely new discipline (at the CHIO since 2010), that has ever been staged. In addition to German stars like Theresa-Sophie Bresch and Daniel Rein (Tübingen) and the British duo comprising of the sisters Joanne and Hannah Eccles, the vaulting world is especially looking forward to the performances of the two American duets: Blake Dahlgren and Megan Benjamin (World Champion at Aachen in 2006 in the individual classification) as well as Devon Maitozo and Rosalind Ross. The latter are the dream pair on the international circuit and they were members of the gold-winning host team at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2012. Maitozo, aged 36 meanwhile, is the absolute all-round equestrian athlete genius. In 1998 he won individual gold at the World Championships. In 2010 – twelve years later! – he secured the gold medal with the team. He is considered to be one of the favourites to take the pas-de-deux title that is being awarded for the first time ever. It would be a three-time triumph, which would turn him into a living legend. The basis for this historic success is to be laid in Aachen.

One of the most successful international vaulters says Goodbye! An official farewell ceremony for Kai Vorberg will take place in the Albert-Vahle Arena on July 1^st after the Nations’ Cup at the CHIO Aachen 2012.

Kai Vorberg has lots of fond memories of Aachen, where the 30-year-old won gold five times. “Everything is fantastic in Aachen: The special ambiance, the great atmosphere in the Albert-Vahle Arena, the organisation, the spectators, the media’s interest,” raves Vorberg, when anyone asks him about the CHIO Aachen, “this show has Championship quality.“ Can he even keep track of the manifold team and individual victories of his 17-year long professional career? In fact he enjoys looking back on each sporting achievement, “which makes it difficult to pick out one specific victory.“ However, on further enquiry, he does recall one particularly special moment in his career: “Winning the FEI World Equestrian Festival in Aachen was of course unique. I will never forget that feeling. Winning a World Championship title in your home country is a once in a lifetime experience.” There is no doubt whatsoever that Vorberg has largely contributed towards German vaulting gaining the popularity it enjoys today. “Kai Vorberg is an exceptional athlete, who can look back on an impressive sporting career. His victories at the CHIO Aachen will remain unforgettable. He wrote vaulting history here,” stated Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV).

And even if Vorberg is retiring from competition sport due to reasons of health, the “new life” of the vaulter from Cologne certainly doesn’t seem to be any less exciting. One thing is for sure: He will remain loyal to his four-legged friends, because “the equestrian sport is his life “. Since May the qualified master in horse management has been working for the FN (German Riding Association) as a Junior Executive in the Education & Science Department, where he will be able to put his expertise in the field of equestrian sport to good use. In October he will start a trainer diploma course at the Trainer Academy in Cologne, his home town, parallel to his job. After work he still jumps onto the back of a horse – but now in the role of a dressage rider. His private life is running perfectly too: In April Vorberg and his Nina tied the knot.

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Top sport, an unforgettable atmosphere accompanied by Brazilian weather: On Monday the organisers and riders got everyone in the mood for the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2012.

324 athletes will be travelling to Aachen from 33 nations, 1,050 horses will be taking part including the supporting programme. “We will experience world-class sport and with Rio de Janeiro as CHIO’s partner it is going to be 25 degrees and sunny of course,“ announced Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the organising company, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., with a wink.

Luciana Diniz, the show-jumper who rides for Portugal, was born in Brazil: “Yes, we will be bringing the sun with us, if not in the sky, definitely in our hearts,” heightening everyone’s excitement at the arrival of her fellow countrymen. Rio de Janeiro is especially going to dominate the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, July 3^rd, which more than 200 dancers and 100 horses will be taking part in. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony can be ordered via the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111 or online at www.chioaachen.de.

Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, informed the attendees of a Press Conference in the Aachen Town Hall about the budget, which totals 10.5 million Euros. The total prize-money amounts to 1.83 million Euros. The prize-money for the Deutsche Bank Prize, the Dressage Grand Prix of Aachen, increased from 100,000 to 150,000 Euros. “We also intend to increase the prize-money in other areas in the coming years,” announced Mronz. The media’s interest is huge, journalists from 30 nations have been accredited, this year we have particularly received a lot of enquiries from the Far East. 650 reporters and photographers will cover the event, plus a further 250 people who work for the TV industry.

“Great sport and great entertainment” is what ALRV President Carl Meulenbergh predicted for the CHIO Aachen 2012. He briefly presented the diversified supporting programme, from Soers Sunday to the CHIO School Children’s Day, through to the reception of the partner region at the Aachen market square this Monday, which the Lord Mayor, Marcel Philipp, is especially looking forward to: “The market has already experienced lots of Carnivals,” he grinned, “but not one like this yet.“ Whether at the market or at the Soers showground, one thing is sure: “We will experience a passionate audience in a wonderful environment,” commented Philipp.

Mercedes-Benz is supporting the show this year with over 40 vehicles. The star brand has been partnering the CHIO Aachen since 1954, “we are really looking forward to the show,” said Jochen Dimter, Director of the Mercedes-Benz Subsidiary in Aachen. He announced a special highlight for the CHIO: The new A Class will be on exhibition at the showgrounds even prior to its official market introduction.

During the ten days of the show the expected 350,000 visitors will experience 112 hours of sport in five disciplines. A further climax will be the Mercedes-Benz Prize, Part of the FEI Nations Cup^TM. Germany’s equipe comprises of Christian Ahlmann, Marcus Ehning, Marco Kutscher, Janne Meyer and Philipp Weishaupt, announced Frank Kemperman. The German riders are definitely also among the favourites to win the ROLEX Grand Prix. Luciana Diniz also has good chances even if she says that after coming 6th, 5th and then 4^th, it won’t be her time to win for another two years yet ... One of the top favourites in the dressage is Helen Langehanenberg, who isn’t showing any signs of pressure although the expectations are high after her winning the German Championships: “I will try and stay cool and just ride like I normally do – totally relaxed and enjoying it.”

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The dressage rider Helen Langehanenberg is the woman of the moment. Second in the World Cup, gold at the German Championships and top favourite to win the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen. We talked to the 30-year-old equestrian star a week before the dressage competitions begin at the traditional Soers showground in Aachen.

You have achieved incredible victories over the last few months. Have you spent more time celebrating than training recently?

Of course I also celebrated a bit too, especially after my victory at the German Championships in Balve. However, I quickly got back to normality and have been training hard – after all there are quite a few important competitions coming up, like the CHIO in Aachen for instance.

What is it like being the favourite?

I don’t spend time worrying about whether I am one of the favourites or not. I prefer to concentrate on my sport. I want to make as few mistakes as possible and ride as well as I can. Whether I am considered to be a favourite or not doesn’t interest me.

Don’t you feel any pressure?

Of course I have noticed that “Dami“ and I have been attracting more attention than usual lately, especially as far as the media is considered. Which is very nice, but it doesn’t change the fact that I train hard. The new situation doesn’t put me under pressure. We will simply ride like we always do – totally relaxed – and we enjoy ourselves.

Damon Hill has been at your stables since 2010, what makes this horse so special?

Dami is a world-class horse. He knows exactly what is going on. He is well-natured, very attached to people, he thinks ahead and always strives to put in a top performance. I always notice that just before I enter the dressage arena. I get the feeling he grows taller and prouder with every step he takes. Dami is a horse that really enjoys the dressage sport.

The dressage sport has changed radically over the last few years. How do you assess the current situation?

The sport was dominated by the duel between Isabell Werth and Anky van Grunsven for many years. What’s more, Germany held the exclusive rights for team gold. I am delighted that in the meantime other countries such as England and of course the Netherlands are now performing at absolute world-class level and that dressage has become so popular in recent years. This is good for us, but it is also very good for the many talented aspiring young riders, because it offers them more opportunities in their sporting careers.

What is your goal at the CHIO Aachen 2012?

I want to ride as well as possible and make very few mistakes. I am making my debut on the German team, which I am particularly looking forward to, because our current team is fantastic, we get on exceptionally well together – and in line with the old prejudice of us dressage riders being arrogant – we are going to beat everyone hands down without any real great effort (she laughs). No seriously: Riding in Aachen, in this stadium in front of this wonderful crowd, is something extremely special.

A week prior to begin of the jumping competitions, we talked to show jumper Luciana Diniz.

What does the CHIO Aachen mean for you?

The CHIO in Aachen is always something totally special. In fact for me personally the World Equestrian Festival is the best show in the world. I love Aachen, the spectators and the atmosphere. I always feel very home in Aachen every time.

As a native Brazilian what do you think about this year’s CHIO partner, Rio de Janeiro?

It is a great idea! I was delighted when I heard about it. I was born in Brazil, live in Germany and ride for Portugal. My grandfather is Portuguese. But in my heart I am definitely Brazilian. Brazil is a special country: We have excellent weather, sunshine and our people are very friendly and open. Aachen can look forward to wonderful guests.

Last year you came fourth in the ROLEX Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen. Unfortunately, you knocked down the very last obstacle. Do you often still think about that competition?

Of course, it was a fantastic show, even if I did narrowly miss taking the victory. I always say: New game, new luck. My horses and I are well prepared. Furthermore, I have observed something very interesting at recent shows and have developed my own theory based on these experiences. First of all I came third at the show in Wiesbaden, a year later I finished second and this year I won. There has been a similar pattern with the CHIO Aachen: In 2010 I came sixth, last year I was fourth. I am eager to see what happens this year…it is definitely an upward trend!

Which horses will you be riding in Aachen?

In total I am bringing four horses to Aachen with me: My famous horse Lennox, Lady Lindenhof, Calvie and Fit for Fun 13.

Tickets: (0241) 917-11 11

www.chioaachen.de

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The organisers of the CHIO Aachen are expecting 350,000 visitors between June 29^th and July 8^th. “Of course, for us it is a matter of great importance that our guests arrive at the show relaxed and in good spirits,” commented Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). To make sure this is the case, the ASEAG buses and the APAG car parks will be guaranteeing that the visitors have a pleasant journey to the showground.

“The cooperation between the ALRV, ASEAG and APAG has been working perfectly for years.  Our spectators highly appreciate the service we offer for the CHIO Aachen: The routes from the car parks to the showground are extremely well-organised.  And this year we have even made some slight improvements,” reported Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the ALRV.  Last year the ASEAG transported around 115,000 spectators during the World Equestrian Festival to the Soers and back.  This is why the AVV combined ticket, which entitles the holders to free use of the buses and trains of the Aachen Transport Network, is being offered again this year. “Furthermore, the capacity of the buses has been increased throughout the duration of the show.  An additional City Shuttle service will be running.  This will enable us to offer an excellent service during the peak times too for example for the Mercedes-Benz Nation’s Cup on the Thursday or the cross-country day,” promised Sander Lutterbach, Traffic & Operational Control Director at ASEAG.  Spectators travelling to the show by bus can look forward to a further improvement:  The length of the bus stop at the CHIO Bridge is going to be doubled this year up to 80 metres, so that the boarding and disembarking process runs more smoothly and faster.

The surrounding car parks also went down very well last year. “4000 parking spots are available close to the showgrounds for visitors travelling to the CHIO Aachen by car.  This is also made possible by the many neighbouring companies, who make their parking lots available during the show,” explained Herbert Sliwinski, CEO of APAG.  All of the car parks are connected to the Shuttle network of the ASEAG.  Parking tickets can be purchased from the online shop.  New this year: The spectators can gather information on the current parking spot situation in the APAG car parks in advance via apag.de.  This information can also be called up via mobile devices.

A service tent will be erected on the Tivoli forecourt, where the spectators can obtain comprehensive information on-site regarding the parking situation, access routes and bus travel times.

All information on parking and how to get there is posted online at www.chioaachen.de/en/service

www.aseag.de

www.apag.de

www.ticket-apag.de

What format will ordering tickets take on in the future?  Up until a few years ago tickets for the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, were either ordered by phone or purchased directly at the showground offices.  This has changed radically.  In the meantime online sales account for over 30 percent of the tickets sold.

With good reason: At home on their own sofas the users can enquire within a few mouse clicks which tickets are still available.  Furthermore, the 3D panorama views developed especially for the CHIO Aachen allow the users to take a virtual glance through the stadium. Hence, via chioaachen.de allows you to check where your seat is, how far away you are from the course or the dressage ring and whether there are any visual obstructions – high-tech with a high service factor and what’s more with additional playful elements, that’s what makes the web fun.

For a lot people communicating per “social media” has also become matter of course, which is why “we have consistently further developed our ticket applications for Facebook too,” explained Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH.  Without compromising any of the functionality of the 3D module, after buying his ticket the user can then announce when he is visiting the CHIO Aachen, where he is sitting and invite friends to join him using well-known facebook functions like “share” and “notify friends”.

However, this is no longer possible for all disciplines of the CHIO Aachen 2012 (June 29^th – July 8^th), namely the dressage competitions are completely sold-out except for the Wednesday.  There is also extremely high demand for the show-jumping.  For instance the ROLEX Grand Prix on Sunday is also fully booked.  However, there are still a few tickets left for the Mercedes-Benz Prize, Part of the FEI Nations Cup, on Thursday evening and tickets are still available for Tuesday, July 3^rd, when the NetAachen Prize, STAWAG Prize and the spectacular Opening Ceremony will be staged. Entrance tickets for the famous WARSTEINER Prize on Wednesday and the RWE Prize of North-Rhine Westphalia on Friday are also still available. They can be ordered from the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111, online at www.chioaachen.de or via facebook.com/chioaachen. Incidentally, the CHIO Aachen hotline employees are not located in an anonymous Call Centre, but actually at the Soers showground in Aachen. “So, we can fulfil all ticket demands, providing a high service level with friendly and competent employees on-site, per telephone or in the form of animated stadium panorama on the web,” commented Mronz.

Hotline: +49-241 917-1111

www.chioaachen.com

www.facebook.com/chioaachen

The horses aren’t actually expected to arrive for the CHIO Aachen at the Soers until next week. However, stallions and a mare with foal at foot gave us a foretaste of what we can look forward to on the NRW Sport Horses Day on July 6^th.

After watching the black stallion Special Agent Amour (with Philipp Jorissen in the saddle), Delamanga (ridden by Jana Freund) and the mare Loxy with her 2-month old foal, Vita, Martin Spoo raved: “NRW sport horses are wonderful animals. They excel above all due to their rhythm, charisma, carriage, their exceptional willingness to perform and consistent movements. They are famous all over the world for these attributes.” There are around 11,500 breeders in the Rhineland and Westphalia, a significant economic factor, “we are pleased that we are able to use the CHIO as an international stage for the breeding industry in NRW,” commented the CEO and Breeding Director of the Rhineland Stud Book in Wickrath.

“Following the NRW Draught Horse Day and the NRW Riding Pony Day in the last two years, I am delighted that this popular day for the whole family is being staged again this year. As well as the stars of the breed, we will also be presenting a wonderful programme for the whole family,” noted Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). Starting at 11.30 a.m. in the Driving Stadium on July 6^th, there is going to be an entertaining programme consisting of breeding, sport and show elements. Approx. 150 sport horses from North-Rhine Westphalia, including the progeny of the top dressage horse, Damon Hill, will be taking part. The NRW State Stud Warendorf will present a dressage quadrille and famous riders will also be performing: In addition to Ludger Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann with Cornado II and the new shooting star on the jumping scene Kathrin Eckermann with Alvarino, Isabell Werth will also be presenting her horse El Santo in the Driving Stadium.

It is not necessary to buy an extra ticket for the NRW Sport Horse Day. Everyone, who buys a ticket for the dressage and jumping competitions for that day, can enjoy the Show & Breeding Programme in the Driving Stadium. Tickets are available online at www.chioaachen.de, www.facebook.com/chioaachen or from the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111.

Tickets:

Hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111

www.chioaachen.de

www.facebook.com/chioaachen

The team of the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, is mourning the loss of its long-standing stadium commentator, Stefan Krawczyk, who passed away yesterday at the age of 56 after a long, severe illness. “Stefan Krawczyk was a wonderful person, who passionately accompanied the show, and his death is a great loss to us all,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). “Together with the CHIO visitors we will sadly miss his immense expertise, his distinctive voice and his dry sense of humour,“ commented Kemperman.  All of the CHIO Aachen staff members’ thoughts and sympathy go out to Stefan Krawczyk’s family.

The search is on for the best equestrian sport photo of the year.  50 candidates.  Shortlisted: three.  The “Silver Camera” for the best international equestrian sport photo is awarded at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen, every year.  A top-class jury has now selected three photos from just under 50 entries. The nominees for the “Silver Camera“ are (in alphabetical order): Arnd Bronkhorst, Remco Veurink (both from the Netherlands) and Ludwiga von Korff (Germany).  The winner will be announced during the show on Saturday evening on July 7^th.  In addition to the honorary “Silver Camera” award the winner will receive prize-money to the value of 2,500 Euros.  The first runner-up receives 1,000 Euros, and the second runner-up walks away with 500 Euros. The photos that were shortlisted will be exhibited during the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2012, at the Sparkasse meeting point.  The competition is jointly organised by the Sparkasse Aachen, the Rheinische Sparkassen- & Giroverband and the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V.
The photo shows the jury (f.t.l.): Show-jumper Jos Lansink from Belgium, Erich Timmermanns (Sparkasse Aachen), Julia Rau (photographer, last year’s winner), Andreas Müller (Managing Director of the newspaper publisher, Zeitungsverlag Aachen) and ALRV General Manager, Frank Kemperman.

“You only get special sporting moments like these in Aachen,“ said Welf Konieczny, Equestrian Sport Project Manager at WDR.  Together with the CHIO Aachen Show Director Frank Kemperman and National Coach Hans Melzer he presented the cross-country course of the eventers at the CHIO Aachen 2012.
The ARD will be broadcasting live from the Soers for 90 minutes at 10.30 am on Saturday, July 7^th.  The production is extremely labour-intensive, a crew is travelling to Aachen specifically for this broadcast.  In comparison: The transmissions of the eventing at the last World Championships in Lexington/USA were much less complex.  For the CHIO transmission 25 kilometres of cable alone were buried in the ground, which took four days.  The TV ratings from Aachen are good, in fact they have actually increased slightly over the past few years, the eventing is particularly popular: “The spectators honour the courage, the hearts and the passion that distinguishes the eventers,“ commented Konieczny. The ARD broadcast will be produced totally in HD, 32 cameras will capture the images from the cross-country course.  Almost 20 hours of sport from the CHIO Aachen 2012 (29.6 until 8.7) will be shown on public television, the majority of which will be live.  There will be all types of additional coverage on the most famous equestrian show in the world too, including magazines, reports and other formats.
The National Coach is also impressed by Aachen: “It is no different to Championship events.  The course and the stadiums are excellent, the atmosphere is incredible,” stated Hans Melzer.  His top riders will be competing: “It fits excellently into the time plan, three weeks before the Olympic Games.“ The other national coaches all share Melzer’s opinion, so the best possible field of participants will be competing in Aachen, which is why Melzer found it very difficult to name a favourite: “The English are incredibly strong, the Australians, the New Zealanders and of course the German team are not bad either.“ The favourite for the individual title is Michael Jung, who riding La Biosthetique Sam is difficult to beat at the moment.  But William Fox-Pitt, Mary King (both from GB), Clayton Fredericks (AUS) and Andrew Nicholson (NZL) are all going to be competing in the DHL Prize, furthermore the legend from New Zealand Mark Todd has also confirmed his participation. “This field is absolutely awesome,” said Melzer.
Show Director, Frank Kemperman, is expecting around 40 riders to compete., the first rider will set off at 9 am. “Our visitors can look forward to watching the best possible eventing performances with this field of participants,“ commented Kemperman.  He added that the course was perfect for the crowds because it is so compact: “When you are stood at one obstacle, you always have a second in sight.“  It couldn’t be better. “The course is in top condition,“ said Kemperman.  High quality topsoil was implemented recently to level off a few small uneven areas.  It is not only possible to park in the familiar signposted car parks, but additionally – exclusively on the cross-country day – also in the car park on Strüver Weg. Tickets for the eventing can be ordered from the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111 as well as online (where all of the TV broadcasting times are also listed) or via the Facebook app.

The concept was convincing: For the first time ever, the FEI European Championships in five equestrian disciplines will be carried out at one venue. 44 years after the European Jumping Championships in 1971 and 33 years after the European Dressage Championships in 1983, the continent’s best equestrian athletes will travel to Aachen in August 2015. Germany is looking forward to great sport and great emotions. “We are very happy. The whole region is looking forward to welcoming our international guests as friendly hosts”, promises Carl Meulenbergh, President of the organizer Aachen-Laurensberger Rennvereins e.V. (ALRV), who thanked the International Equestrian Federation for their trust.

The continental medal decisions in the disciplines Jumping, Dressage, Driving, Vaulting and Reining will be carried out as the “FEI European Championships Aachen 2015“. Eventing was allocated to a different venue. Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, commented: “We respect the fact that the FEI was not able to grant Eventing to Aachen due to existing sponsor contracts.” Mronz added: “With our concept to carry out five disciplines at the Soers venue which is so full of tradition, we will start a new chapter in the history of equestrian sport.”

The planning for „Aachen 2015“ has long since begun, reports ALRV’s Chairman of the Managing Board, Frank Kemperman. Thus it has already been decided that the Dressage competitions will be staged in the main stadium in front of 40,000 spectators. “We all remember the thrilling moments on the occasion of the WEG Aachen 2006”, says Kemperman and promises: “We will provide excellent conditions to horses and athletes, so we can all look forward to the greatest top-class sport.”

The organizers thank both the federal government and the government of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the broadcasters WDR, ARD and ZDF, who all intensely encouraged and supported Aachen’s bid from the very beginning. Thank also goes to the German National Equestrian Federation (FN), who as the national governing body officially submitted Germany’s bid. “Nine years after the FEI WEG Aachen 2006, this is an affirmation for Germany as an equestrian country and for the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein. Already now, we are looking forward to what will surely be outstanding European Championships”, said FN’s General Secretary Soenke Lauterbach. Initial information on the FEI European Championships is available online under www.aachen2015.com, also Aachen’s official bid video can be viewed there. Furthermore there is information on the ticket sales which will start this year.

The FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 online: www.aachen2015.com

Around a dozen capuchin monkeys recently found a new home at the zoo in Aachen.  The youngest member of the cheerful hooded capuchin troop is just under three weeks old.  The CHIO Aachen team has adopted the baby.  The zoo director, Wolfram Graf-Rudolf, describes his monkey gang as friendly and always ready for fun. “So we are perfectly suited then,” joked CHIO Aachen Show Director, Frank Kemperman.

The baby hasn’t got a name yet, we are currently searching for one on Facebook (www.facebook.com/chioaachen), suggestions can be sent by email to facebook@chioaachen.de.  However, all proposals should be serious, after all the little monkey has got to put up with the name its whole life long,” commented Graf-Rudolf. Initially, both girls and boys names can be put forward, because the baby’s sex can’t be determined until it leaves its mother Venus‘ back – and that definitely won’t be before the next two weeks.

www.facebook.com/chioaachen
www.euregiozoo.de

A common cliché claims that the dressage sport is for the posh and privileged. Active riders on the other hand know exactly how hard the dressage sport and all that is related to it can be.  Several international dressage riders have documented this hard work for the CHIO Aachen-Magazin in an exceptional photo shooting.
“Dirty Dressage” was the theme for Adelinde Cornelissen (The Netherlands, World Cup winner), Austria’s dressage star Victoria Max-Theurer, Patrik Kittel (Sweden, European Championship bronze medallist), Germany’s new aspiring dressage talent Kristina Sprehe and Valentina Truppa (Italy/third in the World Cup).  The photographer Holger Schupp shot pictures of them covered in mud, the result is an impressive series of photos.  The magazine is out at the end of May, it costs €6.50.  It is sold at the offices of the CHIO Aachen.  All information regarding a subscription (€11.50/year plus postage) is available by sending an email to the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH: conny.muetze@chioaachen.de, all further information on the magazine is posted at www.chioaachen.de, where selected photos will also be available soon.

The world-famous stadium of the CHIO Aachen as a completely digital experience? The possibility of saving Janne Meyer’s autograph directly on your iPad?  45 days before the event begins, the organisers of the CHIO Aachen presented innovative developments for the major event.

Over the past months an iPad app has been developed for the CHIO Aachen.  It will be possible to download the app from the App Store soon. “Not only have we had completely new functions developed for the app, but it also has its own very individual visual design,” explained Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. For instance the riders can sign their names directly on the iPad using their finger, the autograph can then be allocated directly to the rider’s profile.  Furthermore, the visitors can submit a digital vote as to who they think is going to win the next competition. “So even before the first rider enters the ring, there will already be a winner in the popularity stakes,” said Mronz.  In addition to the fun aspects, the app also excels due to its high level of functionality.  The app was developed by “Interactive Pioneers GmbH“ (IP). “Our task was to create a premium product which befits the CHIO Aachen and stands out because it is highly emotional and unmistakable,” is how the CEO of IP, Carlo Blatz, described the set task. “The iPad app is not merely designed to provide information on the CHIO Aachen, it also serves as a source of entertainment.“  The app will be free of charge.

Furthermore, the traditional show grounds of the Aachen Soers can be experienced with immediate effect at www.chioaachen.de, where a digital version can be explored.  The Berlin-based company “begehungen.de” has visualised the Main Stadium and the Deutsche Bank Stadium and has turned them into an application that can initially be used for ticket sales purposes.  This is important, because more and more visitors are ordering their tickets online – this trend will increase further in the coming years. “Now before a visitor buys a ticket, he can always look up on the web beforehand:  Where am I sitting, what is the view like, is it perhaps limited and how close am I to the action?  A fantastic service for the guests,” said Daniel Maaßen, CEO of “begehungen.de”.  He added that the CHIO Aachen is the first event in Germany to offer this complete visualisation.  In further steps the entire grounds are to be made available in this digital format:  A glance inside the stables or at the zones reserved for honorary guests as well as a virtual trip to the CHIO Aachen Museum will then all be possible online.  The digital stadiums can also be accessed via the Facebook page of the CHIO Aachen, linked of course to typical Facebook functions such as “share” or “invite friends”.

The organisers additionally introduced an optimised version of www.chioaachen.de for mobile devices.

www.facebook.com/chioaachen
www.begehungen.de
www.interactive-pioneers.de

The Belgian show-jumper Jos Lansink rode to victory at the international equestrian show in the Peking Olympic Stadium. He narrowly won the jump-off in the “Beijing Equestrian Masters“ ahead of the Chinese rider, Xiaokelati Abayi. The show was co-organised by the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART).
“We have successfully mastered the first obstacle,” ART General Manager, Michael Mronz, said on Saturday, totally satisfied with the ART premiere in China.  He travelled to Peking several days before the event together with Aachen’s Show Director, Frank Kemperman, show-jumper Ludger Beerbaum and a number of ART employees to support the organisers, which proved to be a new experience even for the team of experts.  “It was amazing how well the cooperation with the Chinese worked from the word go,” reported Mronz.  He added that the event has huge potential, “but obviously a project like this also needs time.”  All of the Europeans were impressed by the stadium: “The Bird`s Nest is a unique venue location,” said Mronz. It was remarkable how well the Chinese were able to keep up with their fellow competitors: “They put in a convincing performance in all of the international competitions,” explained Frank Kemperman.  On Sunday Ba Gen came third behind his fellow-countryman Xiaokelati Abayi.  The best German rider was Christian Ahlmann who finished fourth ahead of Marco Kutscher in fifth place.  Things didn’t go so well on the final day for co-organiser Ludger Beerbaum, who didn’t reach the jump-off, however he did take second place on Friday.

Beim Turnier in Hagen legte sie überzeugende Starts hin. Im Sattel von Desperados hat sich die deutsche Dressurreiterin Kristina Sprehe in der Weltspitze etabliert. Im Olympia-Jahr gilt die 25-jährige BWL-Studentin inzwischen sogar als Medaillenhoffnung. Im Gespräch erzählt sie von ihrer Vorfreude auf einen Start beim CHIO Aachen (29. Juni bis 8.Juli 2012).

Frage: Im letzten Jahr sind Sie beim CHIO Aachen noch die Nachwuchs-Tour geritten. In diesem Jahr reiten Sie bereits in der Weltspitze mit. Mit welchem Gefühl fahren Sie zum CHIO?

Kristina Sprehe: Mit einem sehr positiven Gefühl. Ich habe mich in den letzten Wochen von Turnier zu Turnier gesteigert und sehe Aachen sehr zuversichtlich entgegen. Ich freue mich schon sehr darauf, in Aachen zu reiten.

Frage: Worauf freuen Sie sich am meisten?

Sprehe: Ach, das kann ich gar nicht sagen, ich freue mich einfach auf alles. Das ganze Drumherum ist so beeindruckend. Diese tollen, fairen und unglaublich vielen Aachener Zuschauer, das beeindruckende Gelände, auch das riesige Springstadion erlebe ich unheimlich gerne, ich freue mich eben auf alles.

Frage: Was ist das Besondere am CHIO Aachen?

Sprehe: Aachen ist immer ein echtes Highlight. Der Stellenwert des Turniers ist beeindruckend und wir können uns mit den Allerbesten messen, denn hier gehen die internationalen Stars an den Start, die Besten der Welt.

Frage: Wie bereiten Sie Desperados und sich selber in den nächsten Wochen auf den CHIO vor?

Sprehe: Jetzt fährt Desperados erst mal ein bisschen runter und erhält sein Spaßprogramm. Das beinhaltet Ausreiten, Training auf der Rennbahn und lockeres Vorwärts-Abwärts-Reiten. Vor Aachen werde ich dann noch die Deutschen Meisterschaften in Balve reiten.

Frage: Welche Ziele haben Sie sich für Ihre Auftritte im Deutsche Bank-Stadion beim CHIO Aachen gesetzt?

Sprehe: Das ist eine gute Frage. Mein Ziel ist es, die Leistungen der letzten Woche beizubehalten. Das würde bedeuten, dass ich hoffentlich auch in Aachen ganz vorne mitreiten kann.

The entrepreneur from Aachen, Dieter Junghans, has become a member of the Supervisory Board of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). The ALRV members appointed the 53-year-old unanimously during the association's General Assembly on Tuesday evening.

The existing members of the Supervisory Board were also re-elected unanimously.  In addition to Mr. Junghans, the Board comprises of Carl Meulenbergh (President), Baron Wolf von Buchholtz (Vice-President), Hans Kauhsen, Wolfgang Mainz, Stefanie Peters and Peter Weinberg.  The members also elected a new member onto the Advisory Board: the Deutsche Bank-executive board member, Jürgen Fitschen.  He succeeds Tessen von Heydebreck, who after stepping down from the Advisory Board was now appointed an Honorary Member of the ALRV.

The President, Carl Meulenbergh, made reference once again to the extremely successful CHIO Aachen 2011.  He stated that the partner country Italy had impressed the people, the riders had offered world-class sport and the spectators had once again created that special CHIO atmosphere.  In the meantime, Meulenbergh continued, one had succeeded in establishing the CHIO as one of THE major international sporting events.  Correspondingly, he is looking ahead euphorically to the coming CHIO Aachen, which is scheduled from June 29 – July 8, and he noted that particularly this year’s partner, Rio de Janeiro, will make sure everyone’s heart beats faster at the Soers in 2012: “We are looking forward to Carnival, a bit of Rio at the CHIO, it will be colourful and joyful,” the President promised.  The partners will especially be shaping the Opening Ceremony, tickets are available from the hotline on +49 (0)241-917-1111 or online at www.chioaachen.de.

Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the ALRV, is also looking ahead to the future.  On June 8, the International Equestrian Federation, the FEI, will be making its decision on the venue of the European Championships 2015.  The organisers of the CHIO Aachen have presented their concept for the European Championships to the FEI.  Kemperman spoke once again about the unique idea of once again staging the three Olympic disciplines jumping, dressage and eventing together with the disciplines vaulting, driving and reining.  The organisers are expecting 400,000 visitors and around 1,000 journalists from all over the globe.  The concept foresees holding the European Championships over a time span of two weeks.

Der Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e. V. (ALRV) trauert um Dieter Graf Landsberg-Velen, der am vergangenen Sonntag im Alter von 86 Jahren in Balve verstorben ist. Dem Veranstalter des Weltfests des Pferdesports war er viele Jahre eng verbunden, von 1994 bis 2003 als ALRV-Beiratsmitglied und seit 2002 als ALRV-Ehrenmitglied. Für seine Verdienste um den internationalen Pferdesport erhielt Graf Landsberg-Velen im Rahmen des CHIO Aachen 1998 den „Preis der Stadt Aachen“, im Jahr 2006 wurde ihm anlässlich der Weltreiterspiele in Aachen der „Goldene Ring des ALRV“ und anlässlich des CHIO Aachen 2006 der Medienpreis „Das Silberne Pferd“ in der Kategorie Persönlichkeit verliehen.

„Dieter Graf Landsberg-Velen war einer der wichtigsten Wegbereiter des modernen deutschen und internationalen Pferdesports. Von seinen Ideen hat auch der CHIO Aachen profitiert“, so Carl Meulenbergh, Präsident des ALRV. U. a. war er viele Jahre als Präsident der Deutschen Reiterlichen Vereinigung FN (1968-2001) und als Vize-Präsident des NOKs im Jahr 1993 tätig. Zu seinen größten Leistungen gehört die Vereinigung von NOK und DSB im Jahre 2006, an der er maßgeblich beteiligt war. Aber auch außerhalb des Turnierplatzes engagierte sich „Der Reiter-Graf“ ehrenamtlich in diversen karikativen Projekten. Dafür erhielt er im Jahr 1994 das Große Verdienstkreuz mit Stern des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.

Hans Wittl has been painting scenes from the CHIO Aachen for over 50 years.  For the first time ever his many aquarelles will be on display in one place.  On Friday evening the “Hans Wittl” exhibition – paintings from five decades of the CHIO” will be inaugurated in the offices of the ALRV at the Aachen Soers showgrounds in the presence of approximately 100 guests.

Whether depicting the main stadium, the cross-country course, the Deutsche Bank Stadium, the Driving Stadium or the warm-um area - Hans Wittl captures fascinating moments.  He paints what he sees.  Sometimes just a glance is enough.  Wittl masters the technique perfectly allowing him to capture everything that epitomises the equestrian sport in his aquarelles – dynamics and movement, as well as elegance and grace. “Hans Wittl defines the moment and this motif is imprinted in his mind within seconds, he reproduces the image in colours,” is how Dr. Doris Beaujean, Curator of the CHIO Museum, explains Wittl’s technique in her introduction. And because Hans Wittl paints what he sees, his paintings not only portray the sport, but indeed the five impressive chronicles also illustrate its development. Doris Beaujean joked that one should never ask Hans Wittl, who won the competition – the artist’s attention is always dedicated to his piece of art. Carl Meulenbergh, who as President of the  Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein is hosting the exhibition, is also impressed by the paintings. “Which major event can claim to have its own in-house painter?” he asked.

The approximately 40 pieces of art will be on display from April 18 until June 23, 2012 in the offices of the CHIO Aachen, Albert Servais Allee 50, 52070 Aachen – where they can also be purchased. The opening hours are Wednesday, from 12 noon to 5 pm, Friday, from 9 to 12 noon and Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm.

www.hans-wittl.de

Picture gallery vernissage on April 13^th

It is hardly possible for messengers to be more popular: Nelson and Rodrigo Pessoa and Alvaro “Doda” Affonso de Miranda Neto came to Aachen to present Rio de Janeiro as the partner of the CHIO Aachen 2012. Brazil’s equestrian sport legend, Nelson Pessoa, two-time winner of the ROLEX Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen, could hardly contain his excitement: “Aachen is the best show in the world, it is an honour for my home city, Rio, to be a partner of the CHIO.”

Alvaro Miranda and Rodrigo Pessoa will be actively participating in the CHIO Aachen. “Aachen is like having an Olympic Games every year,” commented Doda. When he rode into the stadium for the first time in 1995, he almost didn’t hear the bell, “because he was so overwhelmed by the atmosphere.” Rodrigo Pessoa announced what the guests from Sugar Loaf Mountain will be bringing with them: “Brazilian people are famous for their warmth, the people are extremely friendly and of course we also really enjoy celebrating. The atmosphere at the CHIO will be fantastic.” For him personally 1994 was a special year: He was able to win the ROLEX Grand Prix, the Grand Prix of Aachen and his father Nelson came third – the photo showing father and son at the prize-giving ceremony was circulated all over the world: “That was a unique moment for me and my father – but somehow that is exactly what distinguishes Aachen from other shows: There are always exceptional moments here.“

The Show Director, Frank Kemperman, revealed what the visitors of the “RIO-CHIO” look forward to: 125 Brazilians will be travelling to Aachen with 80 horses, among others the world-renowned “Grande Rio Samba School”, one of the most famous Samba schools in Rio and a permanent fixture on the programme of the legendary carnival. The “Bahia Dance Group” already gave a taste of the Brazilian joie de vivre yesterday. Samba performances – despite it only being 8 degrees – meant there was plenty of fun to be had by all. Following tradition, the partner also brings horse breeds with them, this year at the CHIO it will be the Mangalarga Marchadores (Brazilian gaited horses, the third largest horse breed in the world) and Criollos, the famous horses of the Gauchos. Above all the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, July 3rd, will be hallmarked by the spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Tickets for the sensational event are available from the hotline on +44-(0)241-917-1111) or online at www.chioaachen.de. “We are thrilled that the most exciting city in the world is meeting up with the most exciting equestrian show in the world,” Kemperman stated.

Carl Meulenbergh, President of Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V., the organisers, made reference to the long tradition of its CHIO-Aachen partners: “In 2001 we welcomed the first partner country to the Soers, Spain, this was the beginning of a wonderful tradition – we fondly remember our Dutch friends, Portugal, Hungary, Russia or most recently Italy and partner regions such as Normandy, NRW, Flanders or Styria.” Now we are also hoping among other things for Brazilian weather to round everything off perfectly. Rodrigo Pessoa promised that we will experience true Southern American sunshine: “We`ll take care of that.”