Double Brazilian triumph in the STAWAG Opening Jumping Competition of the CHIO Aachen 2025.

The STAWAG Opening Jumping Competition of the CHIO Aachen is a penalties and time class with obstacles over 1.45 metres. The majority of the riders use it to prepare the horses for the coming days under competition conditions. Not Stephan de Freitas Barcha, who won the jumping class hands down today with his experienced 16-year-old, Chevaux Hex Lap Imperio Egipicio. He had set himself the goal of heading the field in the lap of honour.

“This is my first time here in Aachen. So, winning one of the smaller classes is something very special for me,” he said overjoyed, before entering the most legendary equestrian sport stadium in the world for the prize-giving ceremony. Especially since he was able to prepare his gelding perfectly for the coming tasks with a fast round in a time of 61.27 seconds. “I am going to compete in the speed and handiness competition over ditches and banks with him on Friday. That served as a good warm-up for him. The first time here and the first victory – that’s wonderful,” the Brazilian rider beamed.

What goals he has set himself for the next few days? Actually, he has already achieved his goal. “My goal this year was to be able to ride here and that my horse and I are 100 percent fit and ready. So, just being here is a dream in itself. I am absolutely delighted at the moment and simply want to enjoy this week that is so important for me.”

It wasn’t only the winning pair that didn’t let the intense heat at the Soers bother them. Pedro Veniss, who also rides for Brazil, also put in a speedy round. Together with the just nine-year-old CS Hortencia – which like Chevaux Hex Lup Imperio Egipicio is also a Brazilian-bred horse – he completed the 480-metre-long course that was built by Frank Rothenberger in 62.56 seconds to come second.

The Irish rider, Denis Lynch, was close at his heels with the BWP-bred gelding, Brooklyn Heights. The pair reached the finish line in a time of 62.83 seconds.