Germany shines at home

The competition had begun under the best auspices for the Germans. From Thursday at the Nations Cup, the Mannschaft proved that it was a force to be reckoned with. At the end of two especially contested rounds between the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and Germany, it was the host country that won the event. The German team managed to complete the second round without adding penalties to its score of 4 points in the first run. The team of Ireland came in second, with a score of 6 points after the two rounds. Shane Sweetnam (Chaqui Z) was the most consistent rider on the team, with two clear rounds. He only got one time penalty point in each round. The Netherlands completed this podium with a score of 9 points, after a difficult second round.

The other highlight of Aachen is its traditional Sunday Grand Prix, in which forty couples competed. On a highly technical course designed by Frank Rothenberger, only five pairs qualified for the jump-off after the two rounds. Given the top-riders involved, that last stretch looked appealing on the paper. First to start, the Irish Darragh Kenny did three faults, on a visibly tired Babalou 41. Pedro Veniss succeeded him on the course, riding the beautiful Quabri de l’Isle. The Brazilian rider completed a clear round in 41″62. But he didn’t count on Marcus Ehning’s abilities. Riding Pret a Tout, he completed a perfect round in just 38″34 seconds and was from then on the man to beat. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, riding his mare Bianca, was unlucky, finishing with a score of 12 points. Last to enter the track was the Portuguese Luciana Diniz. Despite a fast and clear round, she couldn’t do better than 40″96 with her extraordinary mare Fit For Fun 13. For the second year in a row, she finished second in what is often called the most difficult competition in the world. Already winner of the Grand Prix twelve years ago, Marcus Ehning has once again put his name on the list of this legendary event.

In dressage, the invincible Isabell Werth triumphed once again in the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle, after a slightly disappointing performance on the first day of competition. On a medley of Beethoven, Puccini and Verdi, she rode an artistic test, with many technical difficulties. On her Westphalian gelding Emilio 107, she was awarded 87.625%, thus achieving their best score in competition so far. With this twelfth victory of her career in Aachen’s Freestyle Grand Prix, Isabell Werth makes even more of a mark on this contest’s legend.

Two American riders completed the Freestyle podium. Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet took second with a score of 85.205%. And fellow countrywoman Laura Graves completed the podium with Verdades, after a test score of 85.085%. Performances that will, no doubt, make the Americans approach the World Equestrian Games in Tryon with renewed ambitions.