Fun in the sun - the Australian team of Andrew Hoy, Chris Burton, Paul Tapner and Kevin McNab check out the course
It’s going to be hotting up in Aachen over the next two days as the eventing action takes place on Friday and Saturday. The weather is already warm and the forecast is for a sunny 31 degrees each day so the Aussie team have been enjoying the balmy days as they check out the wonderful venue and walk the cross country course at Soers
The first horse inspection for the 40 riders from 11 nations took place yesterday and all were passed. The course, which was first designed for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games presents its fair share of difficulties despite only being a CICO3* - you can view all of the fences on the virtual course walk here
Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen at the first horse inspection
However before heading out on cross country on Saturday the riders first perform their dressage from 8:30am on Friday morning in the Deutsche Bank Stadium which has been extended to seat 6,300 spectators in preparation for next year’s FEI European Championships. In the afternoon they move to the impressively large main stadium (below) for the showjumping phase.
Although it does not have a long history in eventing, Aachen is synonymous with horses and equestrian sport. The traditional showground at Soers is impressive with its paths winding around the vast shopping village, complete with products from some of the best brands in the world, and guiding the generally well heeled guests. The tone of Aachen is quite different to that of many equestrian events. Think Rolex and Mercedes – the two main sponsors and you get the picture.
Formula One driver Nico Rosberg scored this lovely old Mercedes for the opening ceremony
Take a quick fly through of the venue and you’ll get a feel for how big this event is
Some dramas have already played out in these arenas with Germany’s Matthias Rath and the superstar stallion Totilas finally stealing the headlines with a big win on Thursday in the FEI Nations Cup dressage.
In the eventing many countries are looking to hone their team experience in the lead up to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. The German eventing team, which comprises their top guns heading to the World Equestrian Games, will be going all out for a win on home soil in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup while New Zealand has also sent most of the WEG contenders, although not all of them are riding. Their team comprises Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, Tim Price on Wesko, Jonelle Price on Faerie Dianimo and Lucy Jackson on Willy Do with Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy competing as an individual. Also at the event but not riding will be WEG riders Jock Paget and Caroline Powell. The only one missing is Sir Mark Todd, who is unable to attend.
Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance coach Erik Duvander says Aachen is an important part of the team’s build-up for the World Championships in Normandy.
“Aachen is the closest event we get to a championship atmosphere with the big stadium, the crowds and the whole environment,” said Duvander. “It is great for riders and horses that need a bit of experience in that atmosphere.”
“It’s good to have everyone together and we can go through the routines we will use at the worlds. It’s disappointing not to have Mark there, but no one has more team experience than him, so I am not concerned he will be missing.”
Andrew rode Nereo at Aachen before both the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 and again before the 2012 London Olympics 2012 and went on to have good results at both events (individual bronze in Kentucky and team bronze at London) and no doubt he is looking to prevent Australia’s Chris Burton from taking the hat trick in the individual event here.
The Netherlands too has sent their WEG team consisting of Merel Blom, Andrew Heffernan, Tim Lips and Elaine Pen
With the trot up for the eventing done, it’s nearly time to see how the teams will all stack up at Aachen but first take a look of some of Libby's photos from the opening ceremony
