Equestrian sports - National team only finishes sixth in the CHIO show jumping competition
Two error-free riders, Jana Wargers with Limbridge and Kendra Claricia Brinkop with Tabasco, represented Germany in both rounds without faults. Christian Kukuk with Mumbai and André Thieme with Chakaria incurred penalties.
Disappointment for the German team
The German team faced a disappointment right from the start. André Thieme had a fault with Chakaria, putting pressure on the following pairs. The two women in the quartet, however, held their ground.
Jana Wargers rode fault-free with Limbridge in the first round, as did Kendra Claricia Brinkop with Tabasco. For the rider from Neumünster, who lives in Belgium, it was her debut in the CHIO team. The 29-year-old had only made it into the team due to the withdrawal of two other pairs.
However, Christian Kukuk, a 34-year-old rider from Riesenbeck, had faults in the first round with Mumbai. With five other teams remaining fault-free in the first round, a German victory before the second round was no longer realistic.
Disappointing performance for the ex-European champion
Things did not improve for Thieme in the second round. The individual European champion of 2021 had another fault with his mare. "I don't know," Thieme replied when asked about the reasons. "Today, mistakes happened that he normally doesn't make. It was unlucky with the two four-fault rounds."
While Thieme had a disappointing evening, Wargers shone. The 32-year-old from Emsdetten and her wallach were fault-free in the second round as well. The Belgian-based rider and her horse were recommended as a reserve pair for the Olympics, as a trio had already been nominated that did not ride in Aachen on Thursday evening. "That's of course a dream, to go double-clear here," Wargers gushed.
Brinkop and Tabasco also rode fault-free in the second round. "I think Jana and I delivered," Brinkop said. "I'm super-happy." With the two impressive performances from the women, Kukuk was the last rider for the German team. However, he had another fault in the second round and prevented a better placement for the German team.
Three-way fight for the two Olympic tickets
The German Dressage Team had celebrated a victory in the Nation's Cup just a few hours earlier - but the fight for the last Olympic tickets was even more exciting. Isabell Werth is currently in first place in the Individual Ranking of the Grand Prix Test and is very close to Ingrid Klimke before the Special on Saturday.
The race is relatively open," said Werth after her Grand Prix with Wendy: "We have to ride here and then see what the Dressage Committee says." The Special (which counts for the team in Paris) will also "be affected," said the 54-year-old record holder from Rheinberg. He follows on the second to last day of CHIO. A hot Olympic candidate is also Frederic Wandres from Hagen near Osnabrück with Bluetooth.
The Belgian-based rider, Jana Wargers, demonstrated her skills in both rounds with Limbridge, showcasing her strength in the CHIO Aachen's Equestrian sport. Despite the German team's initial disappointment, the women in the quartet proved their versatility, maintaining an error-free performance.
Similarly, the Belgian national team in Plau exhibited remarkable resilience in their Dressage events, proving that they are also contenders in the world of Equestrian sports. In contrast, the Mexican team in the CHIO Aachen also showcased their jumping abilities, showcasing the global reach of this popular sport.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland, the local equestrian community is eagerly following the progress of their national team, hoping for a strong showing in upcoming competitions. Interestingly, there's a growing interest in Equestrian sports in Aachen, Germany, mirroring the global appeal of the sport.
In the realm of Equestrian sports, the versatility of horses and riders is often celebrated. This was evident in the performance of the German team, where Jana Wargers showed her prowess in both Jumping and Dressage events. Her flawless performances in both rounds were a testament to her skills and the horse's training.
From the beautiful landscapes of Ireland to the bustling city of Mumbai, Equestrian sports have a wide reach, drawing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. In Mumbai, for instance, the local equestrian community is thriving, with individuals and organizations working to promote the sport.
In the world of Equestrian sports, the line between Jumping and Dressage often blurs, as riders often excel in both disciplines. This was evident in the performance of the German team, who demonstrated their versatility in both rounds. In the CHIO Aachen, riders from Belgium, Mexico, and Germany showed their mettle in both Jumping and Dressage events.
The sport of Equestrianism is a testament to the unique bond between humans and horses. From the verdant pastures of Ireland to the cobblestone streets of Aachen, this deep connection is celebrated and nurtured in communities dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in Equestrian sports.
