This week, we were supposed to be working at one of our favourite events in the world: CHIO Aachen.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the organisers to cancel the 2020-edition and feeling a slight longing for this special event we dived into our archives to bring back some of our favourite memories from the last decade.
Last year's Grand Prix winners Kent Farrington and Gazelle open our second part of this photo series – illustrating how emotions make this incredible event all the more special.
Photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Pure joy! Simone Blum and Jan-Hein Swagemakers celebrate another clear for Team Germany in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup last year. One of many reasons we love to be at CHIO Aachen.
The spectators: What makes CHIO Aachen that extra special.
CHIO Aachen is also a place where legends are made. Here Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos winning the Rolex Grand Prix back in 2015.
And where legends are retired... Here Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum's Shutterfly bows out in 2011 after an incredible career.
The home heroes love it in Aachen: Christian Ahlmann and Codex One secured the prestigious victory in the Rolex Grand Prix in 2014...
Philipp Weishaupt and LB Convall won in 2016...
While Marcus Ehning and Pret A Tout made it to the top in 2018, making it the fourth German victory within the decade.
One of World of Showjumping's most-read stories in 2019, was all about this picture. Philipp Weishaupt experienced a real nightmare when the bit on Che Fantastica broke as he approached an oxer in the RWE Prize of North Rhine- Westphalia. Weishaupt desperately tried to pull the mare up, but had no chance of stopping her. Despite a scary jump, Weishaupt miraculously managed to stay on. However, Che Fantastica got a real fright, running off and with the bit on her neck Weishaupt decided to throw himself off in full speed – hitting the ground hard. Luckily, the German rider escaped without serious injuries.
McLain Ward and Clinta brave the elements in Aachen.
The Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup parade is a tradition, come sunshine...
...or rain.
There is not much that beats the feeling of a clear round in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup or Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen... Here Tiffany Foster, Caroline Holmberg and Tripple X III...
...as well as Lucy Davis, Tasha Houghton and Barron...
...and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum together with Fibonacci 17.
No caption needed! All photographers love CHIO Aachen.
Farewell to the Nations: The emotional closing ceremony of CHIO Aachen has been a tradition since 1953. Waving with white handkerchieves, participants and spectators say good-bye to each other...
...and sometimes horses say good-bye to their riders!
Can't wait to be back for more of this in 2021!
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