Germany’s Andre Thieme and his horse of a lifetime DSP Chakaria (Chap 47 x Askari 173) wrote history on Sunday afternoon as they won the €1.5 million Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen – one of the four Majors in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

“I had very emotional moments before with that mare,” Thieme said after his victory, visibly touched. “She already gave me so much. So many moments that were special, but it's just definitely different here in Aachen. Two years ago, when I was part of the team that won the Nation Cup here, I was last to go and I had to be clear and I was clear and we won – that was already something I will never forget. But of course, the Grand Prix of Aachen, I said it now already a few times, is every rider’s lifetime dream – most riders never even get close to that. So, that's for me what makes it so extra special. This is really a dream and if I would be two years older, I would probably say ‘I'm done now’,” Thieme laughed. 

“She is a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me," Thieme said of his chestnut mare. "She made so many things happen in our lives. We had so many unbelievable moments, unbelievable wins all over the world, European individual champions – but this of course, the Grand Prix of Aachen, for me I thought I would never ever have a chance ever!”

Thieme is now the new live contender in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, as the prestigious series heads towards its next Major at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada, in September. 

And with this photo special, we say congratulations to Team Thieme!

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