The Nations Cup in Aachen is always something special, and here are some of the magical moments from last Thursday's competition. First out is Leading Rider Laura Kraut and Zeremonie waiting at the in-gate ahead of the second round, while team mate Kent Farrington is kept busy writing autographs. All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Nadja Peter Steiner and the lovely Saura de Fondcombe were clear for the 2nd placed Team Switzerland in the first round.
Guy Williams' Titus does some of his very last jumps, because right after this picture was taken the gelding went lame and had to be driven out of the ring with a horse ambulance. Later, examinations showed that the 17-year-old Titus had sustained a a tendon injury.
A big smile from Switzerland's Chef d'Equipe Andy Kistler when Werner Muff and Daimler delivered their second clear round.
Aniek Poels and the powerful Athene in action for the Netherlands.
Beezie Madden's 9-year-old Coach getting some support entering the impressive arena.
And the huge arena was as always full for the Nations Cup.
Catherine Van Roosbroeck was congratulated by all her team mates after after jumping clear in the second round with Gautcho da Quinta. Belgium only had three riders for the second round, so they couldn't quite keep their great results from the first round - eventually ending 4th.
Luca Marziani and Tokyo du Soleil bucking their way through the finish line.
We are so used to see double clears from Harrie Smolders and Don VHP Z, but this time around after a clear first two fences fell during the second round.
Everyone wanted the best photo.
Gregory Wathelet and Eldorado van het Vijverhof when delivering a clear in the first round for Belgium.
Ludger Beerbaum is no longer part of the German team, but was there supporting them and the smile got bigger and bigger for every clear round.
McLain Ward and HH Azur flew over the fences and made the course look really easy.
Olivier Philippaerts and Ikker helped the Belgian team to a clean sheet in the first round.
Steve Guerdat and Hannah had kept their good form from their win in the Falsterbo Grand Prix and delivered a double clear in the Nations Cup just a few days later.
Laura Kraut and Zeremonie delivered a double clear in the Nations Cup and in the end they were honored as best rider and best horse of the event.
All smiles when Werner Muff and Daimler got their second clear of the day for Switzerland.
Then