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The day Nick Skelton went down in history

16.05.2023 11:52

When you think of the Rolex Grand Slam…

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.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping celebrates its tenth anniversary

16.05.2023 11:44

There are a few people in the equestrian…

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.

CHIO Aachen 2023: Spectacular “Horse & Symphony” programme

16.05.2023 11:42

“Horse & Symphony”: Horses, live music and magical…

“Horse & Symphony”: Horses, live music and magical moments are the ingredients for this thrilling concern! The unique event will transform the Deutsche Bank Stadium into an exceptional stage again during the CHIO Aachen 2023.

The motto “All you need is love” pays homage to this year’s CHIO partner country, Great Britain. “We are totally looking forward to experiencing the unique charm of Great Britain in the Deutsche Bank Stadium,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, who in her capacity as Head of Sport at CHIO Aachen is also responsible for the show programme. “A magical evening full of typically, British highlights awaits us.” These also include traditional, British carriages, of course and – it goes without saying – plenty of music, which will be played live by the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. The conductor, Christopher Ward – who is British himself – revealed that he will be treading totally new paths this year: “Well-known British classic composers can’t be missing from the agenda, but also hits from other genres, like pop, musicals and film music.“ Such as the Beatles, Queen or famous melodies from Harry Potter and James Bond, for instance.

Sheep, eventing and stunts

The spectators and listeners can look forward to exciting live acts in the open air in the dressage arena on both evenings. The programme includes among others: An old acquaintance. The shepherdess and animal trainer, Anne Krüger-Degener, has already impressed the audiences of the “Horse & Symphony” in past years. This time she isn’t bringing any ducks or goats with her to the imperial city. Instead, she will present a unique show with horses and Scottish Blackface sheep. Greetings from Great Britain!

The show star and horse trainer Lisa Röckener is making her debut appearance. In her new show “A different side of eventing” she will show this discipline from a totally different perspective. The focus here is on horsemanship, riding with a neck ring and liberty training. “I have already enjoyed “Horse & Symphony” as a spectator. It is an incredible feeling being able to actually take part in this wonderful show myself now!” the 27-year-old explained.

The appearance of Yvonne Gutsch is going to be no less spectacular. She will be presenting many special, breath-taking tricks with her horses. The horse trainer will demonstrate how far the trust between an animal and a human can go with her mare Bailey in a unique show with stunt elements. Even “traffic junctions” in London aren’t an obstacle for the well-versed team!

World Champions close-up

What’s more, “Horse & Symphony” is trumping with world champions this year. As an absolute top highlight, the reigning double World Champion, Charlotte Fry, has also confirmed her participation. The young, British dressage rider will perform a wonderful freestyle routine with her horse to the live music of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. Also on board: The vaulters Justin van Gerven and Chiara Congia. They have already claimed every single international Pas de Deux title possible. They recently ended their sporting careers at the peak of their success. However, they are now going to demonstrate their dynamics, elegance and harmony with the partner, the horse, once last time at “Horse & Symphony”.

Not only the horses will be dancing at the Horse & Symphony concert

16.05.2023 11:40

Its stories are what make the CHIO…

Its stories are what make the CHIO Aachen so memorable. When Natalie Jungschlaeger, owner of the Aachen-based Ferberberg Ballet School, thinks about the World Equestrian Festival one anecdote after the other springs to mind. More precisely: The popular evening event, the “Horse and Symphony” concert. Since 2007, she has been taking part in the colourful pageant with “her girls” – as she lovingly calls the dancers of her ballet school. Ever since then they have practised for countless hours, designed imaginative costumes, rehearsed smart choreographies, improvised and some of the dancers have even overcome their fear of horses.

Once again this year, together with the Aachen Symphony Orchestra, numerous horses and other spectacular acts, the Ferberberg Ballet School will be inviting guests to the dance in the Deutsche Bank Stadium on June 23rd and 24th. “The atmosphere at the Horse and Symphony concert is simply indescribable,” raved Natalie Jungschlaeger. “The combination between live music, dancers, horses and riders is unique. One simply has to have experienced it.”

Sand instead of parquet flooring

Even if the dance group of the Ferberberg Ballet School are “old hands” at the game – preparation is the be all and end all. The rehearsals in the Deutsche Bank Stadium begin around two months before the event. And Natalie Jungschlaeger starts thinking about the selection of music, costumes, choreography and props long before that. The planning is however slightly different to “normal” performances. There are several challenges. Among others, the sand that covers the surface of the dressage arena. Ideal for horses, but extremely unusual for ballet dancers. “Normally we dance on solid floors,” grinned Natalie Jungschlaeger. “In the dressage stadium we have to adapt our programme among others to suit the soft ground. For example turns are taboo, otherwise the dancers would get stuck in the sand.“ But this doesn’t affect the quality of the performance. On the contrary: The ballet elements are indeed limited, but instead the emphasis is placed on a beautiful show.

Unusual dance partners

Measuring 20 x 60 metres, the size of the dressage arena is also much bigger than a conventional stage. Yes, and then there are the horses, of course… “This constellation really does take some getting used to, especially when the horses get very close to you,” the dancer Miriam Reinders said with a laugh. “But when you are stood in the arena, so much is going on around you that you don’t tend to focus on that any longer. Then we simply form a community together with the riders. One dances together with the horses not against them.“ The togetherness is also promoted by the good cooperation with the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein, organisers of the CHIO Aachen, and with the dressage trainer Britta Rasche-Merkt and her riders, who have also been part of the “Horse and Symphony” for many years. “In the meantime, we understand the equestrian jargon perfectly,” laughed Natalie Jungschlaeger.

Many goosebump moments

Some of the dancers of the Ferberberg Ballet School have been on board full of enthusiasm for years. And each of them has at least one personal Horse & Symphony moment: For Lea Matthies it is the Can Can as part of the show performance with the world-famous Grandes Ecuries de Chantilly. Miriam Reinders and Gretha Wagner love looking back on the performance when they played the white and black swans to the melody of Swan Lake. And Luisa Philipp gets goosebumps every time she remembers the mood in the stadium: “Just before you run into the stadium from the ‘tunnel’ and the live music begins, you can see the orchestra and there are so many people sat everywhere. You are stood in the spotlight. A combination between dance, horses and music is created. That is magical! One doesn’t get that feeling on any other stage or during any other performance. After all that are no less than 5,000 spectators sitting on the stands.” Judith Oellers, who is dancing in the concert for the first time this year, is looking forward to precisely that atmosphere. And what does Natalie Jungschlaeger do during the performance? “I stand watching and keep hold of the rucksack with all the valuables,” she said with a laugh.

Ballet meets Queen

This year, with Great Britain as the partner country of the CHIO Aachen, the show is going to be very British. 14 dancers aged between 13 and 28 will perform a choreography to music by Queen. They will be accompanied by eight horses. “We have designed our costumes to match the national colours of Great Britain. And we will be wearing typically British accessories on our heads – each with a different motif: A double-decker bus, the Underground, Paddington Bear, Harry Potter,” revealed Natalie Jungschlaeger. “The spectators can definitely look forward to an imaginative and thrilling programme, which is dominated by Great Britain in terms of the music, the themes and the costumes.”

One thing certainly won’t be missing backstage for the dancers of the Ferberberg Ballet School again this year – a very special ritual. “Before the performances we always all meet up in the ballet hall. Everywhere is full of make-up, costumes hanging all over the place. One can sense the excitement already,” explained Natalie Jungschlaeger. “And whilst my girls are getting ready, I order pizza. That is a lovely moment. Then, we drive to the stadium together and get ready for our performance. And I am convinced: The Horse and Symphony is going to be a fantastic event again this year – this time typically British!”

Great Britain is the official partner country of the CHIO Aachen 2023

16.05.2023 11:38

The CHIO Aachen 2023 is looking forward to…

The CHIO Aachen 2023 is looking forward to having Great Britain as its official partner country. Among others, the magnificent Household Cavalry has announced its participation at the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, June 27th. The motto is “All you need is love”.

“Having Great Britain as the partner country is a wish come true for us,” Birgit Rosenberg, who is also responsible for the show programme as CHIO Aachen Sports Director, was pleased to say during the official announcement on Wednesday morning. It is no surprise, because no other nation in the world is associated with so many different attributes and at the same time as highly appreciated for many of them as the friendly islanders from across the Channel. Together with this year’s partner country, Great Britain, the organisers are promising a spectacular evening for the big show, the Opening Ceremony of the World Equestrian Festival, before the top sport kicks off. Because the CHIO Aachen – has long since not only stood for world-class equestrian sport, but also for world-class entertainment. In this way, the traditional Opening Ceremony is staged in the Main Stadium in front of 40,000 spectators as a perfect, breath-taking floodlit entertainment show that lasts 90 minutes. The theme of the show is traditionally dominated by the partner country. And to this end, the unique charm of Great Britain offers a huge and wide spectrum of historical, cultural and modern opulence that will above all make the Main Stadium in Aachen one thing on the evening of June 27th: very British!

Framed by representatives of the Household Cavalry, who clad in their traditional uniforms lent the Press Conference the appropriate setting, ALRV board member, Birgit Rosenberg also revealed the motto of the evening: “All you need is love”, based on the legendary Beatles hymn. Because the Brits love their musical heroes – and they love the equestrian sport, which enjoys an extremely cherished tradition that dates back many years. In this way, mounted soldiers from the ranks of the Household Cavalry, the guards of the royal family whom we know from their magnificent parades through the streets of London, will impress the crowd at the CHIO Aachen with their world-famous Musical Ride – during the Opening Ceremony and on several other occasions in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. “For us it is a great honour presenting ourselves to the crowd in Aachen in one of the biggest equestrian sport arenas in the world,” said Daniel Evans, Equitation Warrant Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. And the Brits have in the past demonstrated often enough that they always put in top performances in Aachen. “We enjoy being guests at the Aachen Soers year after year. The fact that we are taking over the role of the partner country this year is a wonderful opportunity to show what our homeland has to offer,” an overjoyed Jim Eyre, Chief Executive British Equestrian, said about the partnership.

However, the traditional Musical Ride comprising of 35 horses will not be the only highlight on the evening of June 27th. It will be enhanced by lots of “Grand National Shetland ponies” and of course splendid, typically British carriages and – of course – plenty of music. “When I think of Great Britain, I don’t just think of the Beatles, in terms of music we are actually spoilt for choice,” said Uwe Brandt, who has already been supporting the CHIO Aachen team since 2015 in terms of the choreography, dramatic composition and production of the show in his capacity as the Creative Director. Since the Opening Ceremony is always also a mammoth event, logistically speaking. Around 1,000 extras and several hundred horses are needed to fill the huge stadium in Aachen. “The arena holds 40,000 spectators, that is a huge space that has to be filled,” commented Uwe Brandt. The big challenge for the director is the fact that he not only has to entertain the fans in the stadium with his spectacular show, but also the TV viewers: “We have to surprise, the timing has to be right and the show simply has to be exciting from start to finish.” Uwe Brandt will work closely together with the WDR for the Opening Ceremony, since the state-run TV channel will be broadcasting the show live from 8.15 p.m. onwards.

Great Britain will not only shape the Opening Ceremony in the summer, but also the entire show days of the CHIO Aachen. The partner country will also be the central theme for both of the “Horse & Symphony” concerts (June 23rd and 24th) that will feature among others a performance by the British dressage rider, Charlotte Fry, the reigning double World Champion. Beyond this, the typical British flair will be noticeable all over the show grounds as well as in the city itself: The traditional reception for the partner country will namely take place at the market square in Aachen on Monday, June 26th.