In bright afternoon sunshine, TSCHIO Aachen drew to a fitting close as 40 of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations entered the iconic Main Stadium for the Rolex Grand Prix. The outstanding field reflected the exceptional calibre of this special edition, and featured 21 of the world’s top 25 riders, including current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender and home favourite Richard Vogel.

The Frank Rothenberger-designed course was typically imposing, set at full height and providing a true examination of scope, stamina and precision. Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders were tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix at TSCHIO Aachen is one of the sport’s most demanding tests, requiring not only athleticism and courage, but the highest level of trust and harmony between horse and rider.

The first to master the track was World No.1 and one of the nine Rolex Testimonees competing, Kent Farrington, who delivered a superb round aboard his talented mare, Greya. Reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, last year’s runner-up Laura Kraut, young French talent Nina Mallevaey and Rolex Grand Slam Major winner Willem Greve each followed with faultless performances, before defending champion Martin Fuchs, Sophie Hinners and Richard Vogel also secured their places in the second round.

Late in the draw, José María Larocca Jr., Lillie Keenan and Daniel Deusser added their names to the list, bringing the total number of first-round clears to 11. With the top 18 combinations progressing, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny advanced with a single time penalty, while Steve Guerdat, Luciana Diniz, Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle, Ben Maher and André Thieme kept themselves firmly in contention on four faults.

Returning in reverse order of merit from the first round, Shane Sweetnam was the first to re-enter the Main Stadium and produced an impressive second round to remain on a four-fault total. As the class progressed, Sophie Hinners, Richard Vogel and José María Larocca Jr. proved the only combinations able to remain faultless across both rounds, setting up a three-way jump-off for the Rolex Grand Prix title.

Much to the delight of the home crowd, Hinners set the standard in the jump-off with a clear round in a time of 51.62 seconds, placing the pressure firmly on the remaining two riders. Vogel was next to return with the exceptional and huge-striding United Touch S. The combination produced a breathtaking round to take more than six seconds off his compatriot’s time. Only Argentina’s José María Larocca Jr. remained, and although he delivered a fast clear, he could not match the pace set by Vogel and finished an eventful second place.

You are competing at TSCHIO Aachen during one of the four Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. What does it mean to be part of an event of this scale and prestige at this stage of your career?

BS: I have had the chance to compete at the CHI Geneva in the Under-25 classes, so to now be here at TSCHIO Aachen is very special. I think experiences like this are incredibly important for a young rider.

When you have the opportunity to compete at events of this level, you begin to feel more comfortable in this environment. You are surrounded by the best riders in the world, and you start to understand what it takes to be part of the very top of the sport. I hope that in a few years, or perhaps even next year, I will be able to compete in the biggest classes here. Being at a show like this helps you feel more prepared, and that is what allows you to perform better when the opportunity comes.

You arrive at Aachen having already produced some strong results with Karma-Blue this season. How much confidence does that recent form give you coming into such an important venue?

BS: It gives me a lot of confidence. In this sport, when things are going well with one horse, it often has a positive effect on the others too. At the moment, we are in a good period, and I am trying to enjoy it. Show jumping is full of ups and downs, so when things are going well, you have to take confidence from it. It almost helps you recharge for the more difficult moments that inevitably come in the sport. That is also why I felt it was the right time to come here. If things had not been going so well, perhaps I would have chosen to do a national show instead, but I came to Aachen feeling confident.

I am not here thinking that I have to win every class. For me, it is about gaining experience in this incredible venue, enjoying the opportunity, and continuing to build according to the plan.

You have competed at Aachen many times throughout your career. What is it about this arena, and this event, that continues to make it one of the most significant stages in the sport?

NP: Aachen is a very special show for me. It is one of those events where, if you have a good horse, you want to be there and compete against the best combinations in the world. The atmosphere, especially on Sunday, is unbelievable, with thousands of people watching and so much tradition surrounding the event. It is one of the biggest stages in our sport, and every rider wants to perform well here.

The TSCHIO Aachen forms part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which brings together the most prestigious Majors in the sport. From a rider’s perspective, what sets these Majors apart from other five-star shows?

NP: The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the series that every top rider wants to be part of. These shows attract the best horses and riders in the world, and everyone aims to bring their best horses to compete there. To be able to ride at Aachen, CHI Geneva, Spruce Meadows and The Dutch Masters is incredibly special. For me, these are the best shows of the year, and I feel very privileged to be able to compete at them.

Belgium has enjoyed significant strength in depth in recent years. How important is that team environment, and the competition between Belgian riders, in helping to raise the standard even further?

NP: Belgium is very strong at the moment. We have a very good group of riders, with a mix of experience and some very talented younger riders coming through with excellent horses. I think that is fantastic for the sport in Belgium. The team spirit is very good, and our chef d’équipe manages everything very well. I feel fortunate to be part of that group and to be able to go with them to major events where we can try to continue to achieve strong results together.