Colourful costumes and not much costume!
Well day two of Aachen has finished and what an event this is!
I found myself on day one assisting the jumping stewards at the training area, which was a lovely large flat area that had an arena as well as a lunging area. This area was where riders came to train and warm up and it was interesting (and somewhat disconcerting) to note that they did not have to wear hats whilst doing flat work but had to if they wished to jump.
The weather has been kind to us being overcast but warm and I’m struggling to get used to the fact it doesn’t get dark until 10pm. I’m also trying hard to get used to the German language but ich spreche einige Deutsch!
To say these European horses are amazing would really be an understatement and as I stood their watching them the thought that having an open cheque book right here, right now, would be so very nice … I’ll keep dreaming.
On day two I was back at the training area for jumping and with most of the riders being extremely accommodating in the English and manners department it made for a pretty easy day.
Michael Whitaker and Ingliston Twister
Gotha FRH and Ludger Beerbaum
I have managed to spot several overseas riders including Rodrigo Pessoa, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Nick Skelton and Michael Whitaker. This show is a real who's who of show jumpers! And today I spoke to Captain Mark Phillips who is training the USA riders. We also managed to visit Kristy Oatley and ‘Clive’ who were getting ready for some lunging.
Clive gets ready to do some work
Kirsty is proud to be Australian and keen to show it off with a bit of bling
The welcome of nations opening ceremony (pictured below) in the main arena was a real spectacular full of colourful costumes, lots of happy people and of course horses.
Some interesting notes on Aachen
The budget for the event is 5.5 million euros
1200 horses will attend the event
The event will get 30 hours of TV coverage
45,000 visitors are expected for show jumping
30,000 visitors are expected for eventing
8,000 visitors are expected for dressage
Trade stands (pictured above) well where does one start! They sell everything from food and beverages, gardening equipment, health and beauty products, home and living, dog accessories, hats, leather products, fashion, cars, horse trailers, riding wear, riding equipment, saddlery, boots, you name it is here!
Yours for a mere 25,000 Euros
As for people … well there are just so many and it is only day two!
So on to day three tomorrow, although I am not rostered on I will be doing some Medication Control Programme (in other words swabbing) and possibly some dressage as well and the good thing is that the eventers are on their way.
So for now cheers from a very exciting Aachen!
