The World Equestrian Festival and CSIO5* Aachen kicked off on Tuesday, and already at the opening day the majestic Soers' show grounds welcomed 40,000 visitors. With five disciplines, 350 riders, drivers and vaulters from 30 countries, 550 competing horses and over 200 exhibitors from all over the world, the event is surely one of everybody's favorites of the year.

The opening CSI5* STAWAG 1.45m speed class went to Eduardo Menezes (BRA) on the 13-year-old mare Caruschka 2 (Caspar x Continue) with a time of 59,36 seconds. Aniek Poels (NED) on the 11-year-old mare Cosma Go R (Cornet Obolensky x Pilot) placed second with a time of 61,01seconds and Marcus Ehning (GER) on the 9-year-old mare Calanda 42 (Calido I x Chasseur I) took the third spot with a time of 62,16 seconds. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) on the 8-year-old mare Cortina 212 (Contendro I x Waechter) placed fourth with a time of 62,53 seconds, right ahead of his former colleague from Ludger Beerbaum Stable's Christian Kukuk (GER) on the 11-year-old stallion Colestus (Cornet Obolensky x Stakkato), who placed fifth with a time of 62,70 seconds.

The traditional CSIYH1* 1.40m Sparkassen Youngsters Cup for 7-and 8-year-old horses went to Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) on the 7-year-old gelding G&C Wolf (Harley VDL x Corland). The pair clocked the winning time of 65,37 seconds. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) on the 8-year-old gelding Sandero (Sandro Boy x Cassini I) placed second with a time of 66,99 seconds, and the third place went to Beezie Madden (USA) on the 8-year-old HHS Hercules (breeding unknown) with a time of 67,51 seconds. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) on the 8-year-old stallion D Cancarra A.C. (Contefino x Kashmir van Schuttershof) placed fourth with a time of 69,20 seconds and Marco Kutscher (GER) on the 8-year-old stallion Charco (Chin Quin x Darco) took the fifth spot with a time of 69,70 seconds.

Text © World of Showjumping // Picture © Nanna Nieminen