Jumping

Hannes Ahlmann has won diverse medals at Youngster European Championships, but it was the first time he has competed in the Final of the German U25 of the Stiftung Deutscher Pferdesport, Prize of Family Müter. The premiere couldn’t have got off to a better start.

The 22-year-old Hannes Ahlmann from Schleswig-Holstein steered his Holstein-bred stallion Nerrado by Nekto to victory in the qualifier for the German U25 Trophy in fantastic style and at a rhythmic pace. Ultimately, the pair were almost three seconds faster than Franziska Müller with Cornado’s Queen, who have made it onto the winners’ rostrum several times here in Aachen. Ahlmann crossed the finish line in 69.73 seconds, Müller and the Rheinland-bred Cornado daughter took 72.65 seconds. Max Haunhorst and his just nine-year-old OS gelding, Chrismon by Christian finished third after jumping clear in 72.90 seconds. The latter had the opportunity to prepare his appearance at the Soers under the aegis of the Dutch national coach, Jos Lansink, in the scope of the Programme of Excellence of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS.

Hannes Ahlmann has mostly notched up his major achievements to-date under the aegis of his father, Dirk Ahlmann, who himself rode for Germany at international level in the past. Being able to compete here in Aachen means a lot to him and of course the fact that he won straight off delighted him: “What a cool feeling! Competing for the first time and winning in Aachen, that is a cool statement!“ The feeling of riding into a stadium that holds 50,000 people is “indescribable”.

Tomorrow he wants to enjoy that feeling again. The Final of the German U25 of the Stiftung Deutscher Pferdesport, Prize of Family Müter begins at 2.15 p.m.

The Swedish rider, Evelina Tovek, is the first winner in the jumping classes at the CHIO Aachen 2023. In the STAWAG Opening Jumping Competition she left someone trailing behind her, who has been looking forward to this show week more than any other this year

The action in the Main Stadium at the Aachen Soers kicked off with the STAWAG Opening Jumping, a 1.45 metre competition against the clock, today. The fastest pair: Evelina Tovek and the Rhineland-bred Contendro daughter, Cortina, who jumped clear in 60.26 seconds. Second place went to Maurice Tebbel on the just eight-year-old Hanoverian-bred Quasi Top by Quasimodo van de Molendreef, who reached the finish line in a time of 61.91 seconds. And in third place, Jens Fredricson demonstrated with his ten-year-old Diarado daughter, Diarado’s Rose Elith, (61.91) that Sweden has arrived at the CHIO Aachen in top form.

Evelina Tovek was delighted to be back here in Aachen again, especially with Cortina, because: “She was on board last year already and she loves this stadium!” Cortina is one of three horses she has brought with her to Aachen. Her next major goal for this weekend: the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup, which she probably won’t saddle Cortina for, but instead a different mare from her team, Azaria Dinero. Evelina Tovek knows what it is like to win the Nations’ Cup at the Soers. She was a member of the victorious, Swedish team in 2019.

The runner-up in the STAWAG Opening Jumping, Maurice Tebbel, has also had “his” hymn played at the Soers on the Thursday evening before. He didn’t compete at the show last year and it was very important to him that this didn’t happen again: “Missing out on Aachen for one year – watching on TV last year certainly got me itching to get back here and that was my absolute main goal this year – to qualify for Aachen. I am overjoyed to be back again!”

As a total outsider, he succeeded in claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen in 2022. This year all eyes are cast on Gerrit Nieberg and his horse, Ben. We spoke to the 30-year-old about how much he is looking forward to the CHIO Aachen 2023 and his “mission to defend the title”.

You brought the show to a perfect conclusion at the CHIO Aachen 2022 by winning the Rolex Grand Prix. How often have you watched your round, which was broadcast around the world together with the emotional TV commentary by Carsten Sostmeier, since then?

I don’t know exactly, but very often. And every time I watch the round it gives me goosebumps again. It was without doubt one of the biggest victories in my career to-date and for me and my family a sensational and very emotional moment. And to be honest, it took me quite a while for what actually happened to sink in. Every rider dreams about winning this class one day. And it makes it all the more special that I managed to do so that early on in my career.

How much have those 37 seconds in the jump-off changed your life?

It was a very sustainable success. People still keep congratulating me, even though it was already a year ago. This victory has indeed made my name more famous and the media’s interest in me has also increased enormously. But for me personally nothing has actually changed since. I am exactly the same as I was twelve months ago.

You are travelling back to the place of this historical triumph next week. How much are you looking forward to the CHIO Aachen 2023?

Immensely. This year even perhaps a little more than usual. And of course my expectations are higher too. We will try everything to repeat that moment once again. Ben is in super form. I am in super form. So, I am optimistic about the coming week.

When it comes down to the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix, a few other riders also want to have a say in the matter of course, especially McLain Ward. The US American could go down in history in Aachen as the second Rolex Grand Slam winner. How realistic do you think that is?

In principal, I think it is possible that he could pull it off. He is in super form and anyone who is acquainted with McLain knows that he will try his very hardest to win the class on Sunday. If he really succeeds in doing so, it really would be an historic event, and we would all be pleased for him. After all, each of us knows how hard it is to win the Rolex Grand Slam. But of course, just like all my colleagues, I will do everything in my power to make sure it isn’t a walk in the park for him.

“She loves Aachen,” Simone Blum says about her soulmate horse, DSP Alice. And that is why the CHIO Aachen 2023 is exactly the right venue for the 16-year-old chestnut mare to retire from the sport.

It was love at first sight between Simone Blum and DSP Alice. The joint success story began in 2014, when her husband, Hansi, discovered the at the time seven-year-old mare: Full of energy and equipped with unlimited scope. After taking their first jumps together, it was clear to Simone Blum immediately that she was sitting on a very special horse: “I looked her in the eyes and thought: What type of a wonderful horse are you?” A type of horse that she quickly became friends with. The chemistry between the two of them was simply right. And yet it took Simone Blum a lot of patience, time and devotion to channel the temperament of the Askari daughter so that she could use it to her advantage. The breakthrough came in 2016, when the pair won the German Championships of the Ladies, one year later they took the title in the men’s competition. What followed after that is equestrian sport history: Within a few months, DSP Alice catapulted her rider to the top of the rankings of the world elite and onto the winners’ rostrum at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon (USA): Two times indeed: They claimed bronze with the German team and individual gold. The images of a World Champion overcome by her emotions and the wonder mare happily munching away at a mango remain unforgettable. The orange tropical fruit, her favourite food, has been the reward for each clear round ever since.

And there have been plenty of them in the course of DSP Alice’s career. The chestnut mare with the overwhelming desire to win has always particularly felt at home in large arenas like the Main Stadium in Aachen. Their fantastic accomplishments on the Holy Grass are proof of this. The grandiose triumph in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup in 2018, for example. And at the same venue the following year, after jumping double clear, the pair also significantly contributed towards the German jumping team coming second in the traditional Nations Cup. 2019 was the year when DSP Alice won the Halla challenge trophy for the most successful horse at the CHIO Aachen after finishing fourth in the Rolex Grand Prix. A few weeks later the winning duo secured team silver at the European Championships. However, the championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were to be the last time Simone Blum was to compete for a medal with Alice. The mare unfortunately sustained an injury – and was never able to return to her unbeatable form.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without Alice,” Simone Blum reflected full of gratitude. “She has always been my soulmate. Because she is so unique, we have a very special connection.” And due to this special relationship, the 34-year-old wants a very special farewell for her sports partner. A memorable moment that a horse like DSP Alice deserves. And to celebrate this moment, the pair are returning to Aachen once more on June 29^th. The place that they associate with so many unforgettable memories. “The atmosphere in Aachen is unique,” said Simone Blum. “I am very much looking forward to letting Alice revel in the applause of her favourite crowd.” What exactly is going to happen during the farewell ceremony that is being held between the two rounds of the Mercedes-Benz Nation Cup is to remain a surprise. One thing is sure though: Everyone should have a handkerchief ready to hand. And there is bound to be the odd mango for DSP Alice on this special evening – even if she doesn’t deliver a clear round.

Daniel Deußer has already been one of the most successful riders in the world for years. We spoke with the 41-year-old about the importance of the Rolex Grand Slam for the equestrian sport and about his goals for the CHIO Aachen.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year – what influence does the series have on the show jumping sport?

This series is totally unique. It is simply an exclusive and fantastic format that remains unparalleled to this very day. The four Majors are the best shows our sport has to offer. Each of them is a highlight for us riders. Everyone wants to win them. In the past, there was only a championships at the end of the year that we all worked towards. However, today we all focus on the Rolex Grand Slam and consider the four shows to be four special highlights and a unique opportunity to write sporting history.

What makes the four Majors so special?

The organisation of these shows is phenomenal, they are staged at fantastic venues with perfect conditions and they attract a huge amount of fan interest. That creates an incredible atmosphere in the stadiums. On top of that, these shows are steeped in tradition. The best riders in the world compete there. And now my generation is allowed to be part of this special story. That makes travelling to the four Majors and putting in our very best performances particularly special for all of us.

You have a fantastic team behind you. How important is that for your success?

You have to have a great team around you and everyone has to get on and work well together in order to be successful. Our sport is very complex today and has a very tight schedule. Due to the fact that I travel so much, my team at home is as equally important as my own performances in the saddle. And my groom, Sean Lynch, is also a very important person in my career. I trust him one hundred percent, which is important when he is travelling with my horses. Without him my victories wouldn’t be possible.

What keeps you motivated and hungry for success?

There is simply something inside me that wants to go a step further and that likes winning. As professional riders we travel to many shows; there are always plenty of good competitors, but also always only one winner. Of course, coming second or third is also excellent, but if I don’t win, I always reflect about the round and learn what I could have done better. So basically, I see every show as an important experience and source of motivation.

What competition are you expecting to encounter at the CHIO Aachen?

As is the case at every Major, the best riders in the world will be competing in Aachen again. All of us organise the schedules of our top horses around these shows. Hence, the level of sport that each of these events offers really is unique.

You already experienced what it feels like to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen in 2021…

Yes, that’s right. That victory was a dream come true for me. Being celebrated as the winner in front of my home crowd, was a feeling I will never forget. It won’t be easy, but I’d be delighted to read my name on the winners’ board one more time.

He is carrying on writing his family’s story with his name. With great success, one must add. Martin Fuchs is always a dead-cert to win a medal at international championships and always a hot candidate when it comes down to the coveted Major victories of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. We spoke with the Swiss high-flyer about the importance of this prestigious series for the equestrian sport, about his successful, grey horse, Leone Jei, and of course about the CHIO Aachen.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. What is the appeal of this series for you?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the most prestigious series that our sport has to offer. The four Majors are not only the best shows in the world, they present us riders with the ultimate challenge. To compete in the Rolex Grand Prix of Show Jumping successfully, we have to master different arenas and indoor halls, which are all different sizes, each with its own individual peculiarities. That is unique in our sport and has opened up a new dimension to the level of these jumping classes.

You have already notched up two Major victories so far in your career. What do these achievements mean to you?

Winning a Major is always something very special. Something that every rider wants to accomplish. For me my two victories in Geneva were fantastic moments that I will never forget. Being the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is a really unique experience and a motivating feeling. This series offers us riders the unique opportunity to write history in our sport.

At the CHIO Aachen McLain Ward (USA) has the chance to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping as the second rider ever. Do you think he will succeed?

Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, like Scott Brash did as the only rider to-date, is an awesome challenge. But if anyone has the chance of accomplishing this task, then definitely McLain. For me he is one of the top favourites to win the Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen. And not only because he is the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, but also because of his huge experience. And what’s more his sports partner, the mare Azur HH, is currently in absolute top form.

But I am sure you want to have a say in the matter yourself…

Of course (laughs). I am travelling to Aachen with my three absolute top horses: Commissar Pezi, Connor Jei and Leone Jei and I will attempt to achieve the best results possible with them all week. We will have to wait and see what the outcome is…

Do you already know which horse you will ride in the Rolex Grand Prix?

Yes, if everything goes to plan, I will ride Leone Jei on Sunday in Aachen. He loves extremely big arenas, like the one at the CHIO Aachen. He already demonstrated as a young horse that he loves the Soers just as much as me, and he has already achieved several good placements in the Rolex Grand Prix there too. That gives me a lot of confidence that with this horse at my side I can perhaps one day make it onto the famous winners’ board – like my Uncle Markus did in the year 2004.

Back then the first women to top the world ranking list, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) has won countless internationals medals. We spoke to the native US American rider about her affinity for Aachen, the standing of the Rolex Grand Slam for the equestrian sport and her daughter Brianne, who is successful in the jumping sport.

10 years of the Rolex Grand Slam. What does this series mean for the sport?

The Rolex Grand Slam is fantastic, the series has brought the equestrian sport up to a totally new level and puts it on a par with the best sports in the world. Of course, the large amounts of prize money that weren’t available to this extent before, are a big incentive. That is simply fantastic.

Nick Skelton once said with a wink: “It is a shame the series didn’t exist back then, when I was so successful.” Do you think the same?

Yes, it really is a shame. I had two super horses and would have had two great chances to take part in the Rolex Grand Slam back then with Shutterfly and Checkmate. But even if it did come too late for me, that still doesn’t alter anything about the quality of this series. It has further developed our sport decisively and that is positive for the future of the equestrian sport.

Up until now, there has only ever been one Rolex Grand Slam winner: Scott Brash. Is it as difficult to win three Majors in succession as it seems?

Yes, it is. Winning one Major alone is difficult. There is strong competition, the riders are good, the horses are good and the courses are hard. Fractions of seconds or millimetres often only lie between a victory and a defeat. But Scott Brash succeeded in achieving this feat and McLain Ward is on the right track. It is incredibly difficult, but not impossible.

You mentioned McLain Ward. How high do you think the chances are of him winning the Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen?

The chance is there of course. McLain is a super rider and he has a super horse. Both are in good form. But everything simply has to come together in that one decisive moment. I absolutely hope he pulls it off, but he has strong competition, all of whom want to win in Aachen naturally.

You yourself triumphed in Aachen in 2005. Can you remember the feeling back then?

Of course, that victory was one of the highlights of my career. Winning in Aachen had always been my big dream. For me it is the best show in the whole world. The conditions, the spectators, the atmosphere, the Main Stadium – all of this turns Aachen into something very special. The feeling of being celebrated as the winner there by the ecstatic crowd was incomparable. I will never forget that moment.

When you are in Aachen, do you look up at the famous winners’ board every time? Or does it become part of the routine at some point?

No, that never becomes part of the routine. There are many special places in Aachen, I always like to drop in at. The winners’ board is of course one of them. But I also like going to the “Walk of Fame” next to the entrance to the offices. One of Shutterfly’s horseshoes is embedded in the floor there.

In sporting circles the “equal pay” debate is currently being held in Germany. It is about men and women having the same conditions and payment. The equestrian sport has always been an exception here…

…yes, our sport really is special regarding this issue. In our sport women and men can compete against each other at eye level. Because a rider’s strength is not decisive when riding. Riders actually need a big portion of fine feeling to be successful. Which means a slender, small woman like myself can compete against a man in Aachen – and actually even win.

Your daughter Brianne is currently very successful on the jumping circuit. It looks like she is going to follow in your footsteps…

Yes, she really is very talented and is absolutely mad about our sport. Last weekend she took part in her first ever Nations Cup in Austria (in the age group Children, editor’s note). Watching her ride in a red jacket really brought tears to my eyes. I can’t express in words how proud I am of her. Experiencing her development is just as nice as it was to experience my own victories.

A lot of people say Brianne’s style is very similar to her mother’s…

… yes, that’s true. Many people say Brianne looks like a mini Meredith when she’s riding. That is really fascinating – and a bit funny too (laughs).

When you think of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, you inevitably think of Scott Brash. To date, the Briton is the only show jumper who can call the coveted trophy his own for three consecutive victories. This triumph was denied to his compatriot Nick Skelton, but his name is also forever linked with the Rolex Grand Slam. In 2013, at the CHIO Aachen, he and his Big Star were the first to enter the now illustrious list of winners of the Rolex Grand Slam tournaments. We spoke to the now 65-year-old about Big Star, his affection for Aachen and the significance of the Rolex Grand Slam for equestrian sport.

What do you do nowadays? Do you still work a lot or are you enjoying your retirement from the sport, spending time relaxing? 

No, no. I spend a lot of time coaching. Helping Laura (Kraut, his partner. Note from the editor) and the students. I took on a new job this winter with the Rein Family from Canada. They have a lot of horses and I manage that.

In 2013 you were the first rider to win a Major after they became part of the Rolex Grand Slam series. Tell us about the memories you still have of the class and your victory here in Aachen?

That was a very special day in 2013. Winning Rolex’s first Grand Slam event. That was special. And I had to wait 25 years to win in Aachen again. I remember the crowd very well. I have always great memories of Aachen. Because for me Aachen is the best show in the world. It is like Wimbledon or the Masters in the golf sport for me. A special place. I´ve been lucky enough to win the Grand Prix four times. The first time I won it was in 1982. Then, I won it in 1987 and 1988. And then I had to wait until 2013.

How important is the Rolex Grand Slam series for the equestrian sport in your opinion?

It is very important. It is probably the best series, really! It is a great concept and very important for our sport. You have two outdoor and two indoor events, that makes it probably a little bit more difficult. Because sometimes you have horses that are better indoors and some are better outside. The prize money is very good too. This is what the sport needs. The sport needs big prize money to bring it in line with all the other sports, like tennis and golf.

Scott Brash is the only rider who has won the Grand Slam to-date – do you think anyone else will achieve this feat?

It is difficult. But that´s the beauty of it. It is very hard task to accomplish. But look at McLain Ward. He has won two now. He is looking forward to Aachen for sure. I mean it is difficult, yeah. But with a special horse like Azur or King Edward (the horse of Henrik von Eckermann) – for example – it is possible. These are very special horses. I wish I still had Big Star jumping. The Grand Slam would be the first thing on my agenda!

You are Aachen’s record champion with four victories – together with Piero D’Inzeo – do you think this record will be broken one day?

You have to be young enough to win the first one, you know? I was 25 when I won it first time. It took a long time. But I mean, all records get broken in sports. It will possibly happen. But it is very nice to be that one person who has achieved it and I am very honoured. And as I said: For me Aachen is the best show in the world.

Big Star really was a “Big Star” – he always enjoyed the courses and was almost unstoppable. He is 19 years old now. What is he doing today? Is he enjoying his retirement?

He is good. He is in Belgium breeding at the moment. At the stables of Axel Verlooy. I am in Mexico right now and I will go back in a couple of weeks and see him.

You won Aachen in 2013 with Big Star as well as two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016. Was Big Star your best horse ever?

Yes. I think he was the best horse I have ever had. He won so many Grand Prix. He is a very special horse. He really liked the atmosphere in Aachen and he was a very fast horse.

You have won so much in your career. You were Olympic Champion, European Champion, have won Aachen four times. Would you say that your career was perfect and complete?

Yeah. I am very happy with what I achieved and I think it is complete. The only Grand Prix that I didn´t win was Rotterdam. I was never lucky enough for that. That is the only one I wish I had won. But I didn’t. In 2013, after Aachen Big Star got injured, so I couldn’t go to Calgary for the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam series. I won eleven Grand Prix. Four in Aachen, four in Calgary, one in Geneva. It is a pity the Grand Slam wasn´t already being staged when I started. I would have been richer now. (Laughs)

Is it actually difficult to come to Aachen as a spectator? Or does it tingle sometimes when you are here?

No, no. I am fine with it. I had my time and I am very happy with what I achieved. I am just happy to be in Aachen and watch the jumping. It is always a great show. There are a lot of good horse and rider combinations this year. Laura could win it too with Baloutinue. That is our aim. The horse is jumping very well and Aachen will suit him.

There are a few people in the equestrian sport scene, whose names and performances go down in history for eternity. For example, the British show-jumper, Scott Brash, who entered the record books after claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in the year 2015. Show jumping fans all over the world are now waiting with excitement to see if McLain Ward will add his name to this illustrious list ten years after the series was initiated at the CHIO Aachen. The US American rider won the last two legs of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters and if he pulls off the hattrick in Aachen, he would be the second winner ever of this prestigious series.

There are a few people in the equestrian sport scene, whose names and performances go down in history for eternity. For example, the British show-jumper, Scott Brash, who entered the record books after claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping in the year 2015. Show jumping fans all over the world are now waiting with excitement to see if McLain Ward will add his name to this illustrious list ten years after the series was initiated at the CHIO Aachen. The US American rider won the last two legs of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters and if he pulls off the hattrick in Aachen, he would be the second winner ever of this prestigious series.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is considered to be the ultimate challenge of the show jumping discipline and unites four of the most famous and most traditional shows in the world: the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters, the CHI Geneva and The Dutch Masters. Only the rider, who wins three Majors in succession, can claim the coveted trophy. Like in tennis or golf, the Majors of the Rolex Grand Slam are seen to be the most highly esteemed and famous shows on the equestrian sport circuit. The celebrations to commemorate the tenth anniversary will begin at the CHIO Aachen, the Wimbledon of the equestrian sport, which is being staged from the end of June to the beginning of July and will end with a crowning finale at The Dutch Masters in 2024.

Since the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was inaugurated ten years ago, it has had a significant impact on the jumping sport. It brings together four shows that are united in their pursuit for quality and perfection and which have as a result set a new standard for show jumping events. Together the Majors of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping look back on a 300-year-old history and their traditional values are deep-rooted.

The prestige of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping attracts the best horse and rider pairs in the world and thus culminates in an absolutely top-class contest. The targeted promotion of talents is also an element of the Rolex Grand Slam: Two aspiring young talents are invited to each of the four Majors to enable them to gain experience at the highest level.

The past ten years of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping have yielded some of the most remarkable moments in the history of the sport. One of the most memorable occurrences was no doubt when the British rider, Scott Brash, won the Majors at CHI Geneva in 2014, the CHIO Aachen and finally at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in 2015 and thus raised the bar to an unprecedented level. The fact that he accomplished this amazing achievement with the same horse, Hello Sanctos, and went on to become the first and hitherto only rider to claim the victory in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, is even more remarkable.

The only winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Scott Brash, commented: “Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was an incredible moment in my career. I can hardly describe my feelings and emotions, when I held the trophy in my hands. And the fact that I actually pulled off this feat with the same horse, makes it even more special – Hello Sanctos really is a unique horse.”

Marcel Hunze from the steering committee of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping explained: “The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is an incredible series of events which unites four first-class competitions and attracts the best horses and riders in the world. Over the past ten years, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has really upgraded the sport, not purely in terms of the quality of the competitions, but also with regards to entertaining the fans and the welfare of the horses and the grooms.”

The Olympic gold medallist and Individual World Champion, Rodrigo Pessoa, added: “The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping has been unbelievably important for the sport so far. The four Majors are very special events in the equestrian sport calendar and every rider and owner dreams of winning them. Looking back on the victories of the series over the past ten years, I am very excited to see what the next decade holds in store for us.”

Further information on the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.