Is it just us, or does the equestrian calendar seem busier than ever? What with the FEI Nations Cup series and the Global Champions Tour there is never a dull moment in our sport. But this weekend sees the big one in Aachen, with the world’s top athletesvying for a place in history.
Demanding
The highlight of the World Equestrian Festival is the Rolex Grand Prix, which is widely acknowledged as one of the most demandingshowjumping competitions in the world.
Last year it was won by Germany’s Christian Ahlmann and Codex One. In 2013, Nick Skelton and Big Star won the coveted title, while in 2012 Michael Whitaker and GIG Amai were victorious.
This year Scott Brash and Ben Maher will competing in Aachen and hoping for another British win. Both riders are taking three horses, with Scott riding Hello Sanctos, Hello Guv’Nor and Hello M’Lord,and Ben taking Cella, Diablo VII and Sarena.
Grand Slam
The Grand Prix is also part of the Rolex Grand Slam ofShowjumping, which started in 2013. It brings together the sport’s three big Grand Prix events, in Aachen, Spruce Meadows and CHI Geneva. Any rider that can win these three shows in succession will receive a €1m bonus.
No rider has managed to win more than one stage and the live contender is Scott Brash. Who else? The world number one has been on unstoppable form since winning team gold at London 2012 and his victory in the RolexGrand Prix in Geneva at the end of last year means he is on track for the Grand Slam title.
Five-star dressage
As well as the showjumping, Aachen hosts driving and CDI5* dressage, which last year saw an end to Charlotte Dujardin’s unbeaten run when Matthias Rath and Totilas came out on top.
This year Nikki Crisp (Pasoa) and Michael Eilberg (Marakov) will be flying the flag for Britain.
Watch the Rolex Grand Prixlive on Horse & Country TV on Sunday 31 May from 12 noon in the UK and Ireland.Horse & Country is available on Sky 253 and online (UK/Ireland only) viaH&C Play.