by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 6, 2025
There is no show in the world like Aachen.
The best competitors in show jumping, dressage, eventing, four-in-hand driving and vaulting make sure it is marked on their calendars every year.
In addition to being an incredible sporting event, Aachen offers great entertainment (including two symphony concerts), a celebration of equestrian tradition and a good time.
There is always a partner country (this year it was Spain, complete with flamenco dancers), so culture is shared in an enjoyable fashion.
The enthusiasm of knowledgeable crowds adds to its burnished aura. The fans are completely involved in what is going on in the arenas or the cross-country course. They know when to clap, when to boo (occasionally, anyway), when to offer a standing ovation and when to indulge in the vast trade fair.
Fans were undeterred by a bizarre range of weather, from temps in the high 90s to clear sunny skies, thunderous downpours and rain on the last day.
Their involvement continues past the end of the competition part of the program. The Farewell of Nations is an event in itself, proceeding with riders carrying the flags of every country and a parade of participants, on horseback and in carriages, as their national anthems are played. They and the audience of 40,000 wave goodbye at each other with white handkerchiefs as the folk tune “Muss I denn” plays over and over. And over.
The Aachen farewell.
On the final day, the highlights are the Rolex Grand Prix of show jumping (read about it at this link) and the 5-star dressage freestyle.
A victory at the highest level of dressage is a foregone conclusion, more often than not in recent years, that it will belong to Germany’s Isabell Werth.
But this weekend, while Isabell won the Grand Prix with Wendy de Fontaine, she had to concede the Special and the Freestyle to an up-and-coming horse and rider, Zonik Plus, only nine years old, and Justin Verboomen of Belgium. He was the first person from his country to win the freestyle at Aachen.
In Sunday’s freestyle, Justin came very close to earning 90 percent from the judges, with a score of 89.40 percent, but the spectators were not hesitant to give him a standing ovation, complete with much cheering.
Justin Verboomen got a truffle as big as a basketball with his Lindt Prize title for the dressage freestyle. (CHIO Aachen photo/Jasmin Metzner)
Isabell had to settle for a little less, 88.44 percent, as the spectators clapped even before she finished her ride.
The woman who is used to winning was okay with second place.
“This is what I really love, to have competition. Sometimes you have a percentage more, sometimes less. You see two really completely different horses, one is more the dynamic type, one is a bit the smooth spot. That makes it really exciting. Today we had a super atmosphere, we had great sport. This is what we love to do, and why we’re here.”
She added with a sly smile, “As long as it’s like this, I maybe keep on going a bit.”
Discussing Wendy’s performance, Isabell said, “I am happy with the improvements that have occurred from day to day. The canter was much better and can improve a little more. The relaxation and the dynamic was really amazing for me.”
Isabell wound up with the Schindling award for the dressage rider who earned the most points in the show.
Justin and his horse were all about working together as one, what dressage at its best is supposed to be.
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus.
“I wanted to make it smooth and harmonious, so the people could feel the emotions,” said the soft-spoken rider.
“I want them to feel the sensitive part of Zonik and me. I want them to get goosebumps.”
Just bought the horse as a two-year-old in Portugal. Eighteen months later, he brought the black stallion to Belgium and began working with him in earnest.
“I am overjoyed, my horse was unbelievable,” Justin said in his low-key way.
“I really had a super connection with him today. That was my main goal here at the competition this week. That is the most important thing for me.”
This is a horseman.
Isabell and Justin will meet again soon, in this summer’s European Championships, where it will be interesting to see who gets the victories there.
Click here for the freestyle results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 6, 2025
Martin Fuchs spent the night before Sunday’s Aachen Rolex Grand Prix reviewing the way he had ridden Leone Jei in the 1.5 million Euro class during previous years.
The Swiss rider explained he “really tried to see what I could improve today and try to be better than the last years.”
It worked. Martin and his 13-year-old Dutchbred firecracker soared as they flew along the jump-off course in the vast grass arena, while 40,000 spectators were riveted on the action. Martin had to watch four more riders before he could be assured that his time of 50.21 seconds would be fast enough to take the class won previously by his uncle, Markus Fuchs, and his godfather, the late Willi Melliger.
Martin Fuchs savors his victory gallop on Leone Jei. (Ashley Neuhof Photo)
“I was very focused for the jump-off and was like `Okay, today could be the day.’ I don’t want to let him down again,” Martin recounted.
“Last year, I made a rider’s mistake in the jump-off,” the former European champion admitted.
“Leone Jei is such an incredible horse. In all the majors, he’s always there and always present. When I do a good job, usually he leaves the poles up. In a ring like this, he has a huge stride, which allows me to leave out some strides and really go full risk and still usually jump the fences clear. To be riding a horse like this is very fortunate and lucky.”
The starting field of 40 who attempted the first course designed by Frank Rothenberger was cut down to 18 competitors for a second round, with 11 making the tiebreaker.
France’s Nina Mallevaey, who quickly has burst out of the U-25 ranks to the top level of the sport, actually managed a faster clocking than Martin by finishing the jump-off in 50.01 seconds with Dynastie de Beaufour, but she had a rail at the A element of the troublesome golden double combination, flanked by cathedral window standards, to finish fifth.
As Martin watched, no one else came close. The USA’s Lillie Keenan toppled a rail with Fasther at the same fence as Nina, while Richie Vogel of Germany had knockdowns at both elements of the double with United Touch S.
Martin explained why he was so hard to beat.
“I had a very good plan for the jump-off, leaving out a stride into the double, which was a hard task, because the golden double was hard to jump.
“I said, `Okay, we try it and we take the last risk.’ From then on, it was just the last fence in front of us and go as fast as we could.”
Leone Jei was very enthusiastic about winning the Aachen Rolex grand prix.
At the end, it was all down to another U.S. rider, Laura Kraut, the final rider to go, aboard her Olympic team silver medal mount, Baloutinue.
But she wasn’t taking any chances at the double and went wide to approach it safely, then took back to steady before the final fence, finishing fault-free in 52.41 seconds to claim the runner-up spot on her Hanoverian gelding.
“I am very happy with second place,” said Laura.
“When there are 11 in the jump-off, which is a lot, the fastest riders in the world, I thought `Ooh, this could end not so well.’ The golden double was the thing to jump, it was very difficult and many people were quick until that.”
She decided not to take all the risks Martin did, but rather, to “play it safe and not have it (the double) down.”
That worked, but there was “no chance” she realized, that she could go to the final fence as quickly as he had.
Even so, her careful strategy paid off.
“I was pleased to have gone as quick as I did,” commented Laura, who ended a great week for the U.S. on a high note after riding on the winning Nations Cup team Thursday.
Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, second in the grand prix. (Shannon Brinkman Photo)
Martin’s compatriot, European Champion Steve Guerdat, who went two rides before Martin in the jump-off, had a longtime goal to win the class. But was glad to end up third with the Selle Francais mare Dynamix de Belheme (0/52.59).
“I knew that I had no chance to win today. You needed a huge-strided horse, which my mare is not. I was lucky to end up on the podium,” he commented.
The 2012 Olympic individual gold medalist is known for giving other riders tips on how to improve their placings, but he was out of tips for himself.
“There was no tip to give because there was nothing to do,” explained the three-time FEI World Cup champion.
” `Hold your reins and kick as much as you can.’ There were no options. I knew before I started that it was not possible to win.”
After his victory lap, Martin took a ride in a carriage driven by Australian Boyd Exell, who won the show’s four-in-hand competition. He was in a position to give the driver a big gratuity–first prize amounted to 589,000 in U.S. dollars. Martin said the money will go to his horse’s owner, Adolfo Juri, and his parents. He noted his parents are very generous with him, and he was hoping his mother would cook an “exquisite” dinner to celebrate.
Two U.S. riders thought to have a good chance of taking the top prize were McLain Ward and Kent Farrington. But it didn’t happen.
McLain, a close second last year, had a rail in the first round with Imperial HBF and wasn’t qualified for the second round. Kent, the 20019 winner, and Greya came through among the top 18 but dropped a pole at the dock oxer, the third-to-last fence in that round, and finished fifteenth.
Britain’s Ben Maher, the Tokyo Olympics individual gold medalist, was leading international jumper rider and his mount, Dallas Vegas Batilly, earned champion horse.
Click here for grand prix results. Click here for four-in-hand driving results. To read about the dressage freestyle, click this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 9, 2025
There will be a day of learning Saturday, July 12 in Pittstown, N.J., to honor the legacy of Debbie Haimowitz and launch the Debbie Haimowitz Horsemanship Foundation (DHHF).
Debbie, who died last year, was someone always willing to help who had a true commitment to classical training and horse care.
Debbie Haimowitz was happiest around horses and those who loved them.
The Foundation will support emerging equestrians ages 18-25, giving them an opportunity for an educational experience that will include horse care and training.
Saturday’s program, which runs from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., includes a training session with Olympic show jumping double medalist Chris Kappler, questions and answers with veterinarian Dr. Brendan Furlong, information on shipping safety with Kevin and Patty Hennessey of Nobody’s Business Farm and a presentation by Chris on setting courses. Lunch is being provided by Sergeantsville Grain and Feed, and Purina also is a sponsor of the day.
The session will be held at Chris Kappler Inc, 731 Route 579. A donation of $50 is requested via Zelle or at the event. Space is limited, so those who want to attend should text 845-893-2364 by noon on Friday July 11.
Those who cannot attend the program may make a donation by Venmo or Zelle via Jonnagaston@gmail.com. Checks also can be mailed to the Debbie Haimowitz Foundation c/o Jonna Gaston, 20 Stillwater Dr., Slate Hill, N.Y. 10973.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 3, 2025
The USA continued cutting a major swath through the show jumping prizes at Aachen on Thursday, winning the 1 million Euro Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup with strong performances by all four team members.
Lillie Keenan on Argan de Beliard was the only double clear for America, finishing fourth individually, but Kent Farrington (Toulayna) and Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) each had one fault-free trip. Anchor rider McLain Ward produced his usual clutch performance to avoid a jump-off or worse, a loss, by putting in a perfect crucial second round with Imperial HBF.
Lillie Keenan, the USA’s only Nations Cup double clear, with Argan de Beliard.
McLain’s newest ride got some voice encouragement at the water jump, where he had splashed in the first round, then flew along without error when it was crucial.
The U.S. total was 4 penalties over two rounds (with drop scores allowed in each round, unlike the rules in the Longines League of Nations). Belgium was second with 8 and Great Britain rounded out the podium on 10 penalties. The most difficult obstacle on Frank Rothenberger’s course was the triple combination of vertical, oxer, vertical, with the third element sporting a distracting water tray.
Among those who weren’t able to ace the triple were such big names as Germany’s individual Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk with a relatively new mount, Cepano Baloubet, France’s Kevin Staut with New Libero One and Abdel Said of Belgium–though he got cheers from the crowd after clearing it following a disastrous first attempt with Bonne Amie.
McLain Ward and Imperial HBF. (U.S.Equestrian photo)
The U.S. first won the Cup at Aachen in 1962, and most recently in 2021, with a total of seven victories in the competition over the years.
It’s been a great Aachen so far for the American show jumpers, with Laura (Emeraldo) and Kent (Myla) winning individual classes on Wednesday, while McLain did the same Thursday morning on Home Town Hero.
The American flag front and center at the Aachen stadium, where U.S. show jumpers have dominated.
“It’s an honor for all of us to be here,” Coach Robert Ridland said after his team was awarded its trophies.
The U.S. team of Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Laura Kraut and Lilllie Keenan. (US Equestrian photo)
“This is what we came for. We always hold Aachen as the pinnacle ever since years and years ago, I rode here and now we have these all stars here. The five riders who came here (Aaron Vale was not on the Cup team) were the top five on our ranking list, because for us, this is the most important show.
“Nobody seems to have been able to remember (one country) winning the first four classes at Aachen. We’re quite enjoying that. We’re honored, we’re privileged because this is the Mecca of show jumping.”
Peter Weinberg, chef d ‘équipe of the Belgian team, said, “It was an unbelievable evening, we came quite close at the end. But the Americans were fantastic. Our team is a super troop and we are very proud to have come second.“
The British team that has made the winners’ podium three times consecutively and came third for the second timewill keep on trying,” said chef d ‘équipe, Di Lampard. She praised Aachen debutante Georgia Tame, who had only one time penalty in each round with Be Golden Lynx.
U.S. Coach Robert Ridland, managing director show jumping Lizzy Chesson and the USEF’s Hallye Griffin.
The crowd was estimated at 40,000, and McLain noted, “It’s always an incredible evening. The spectators here at Aachen are like no other place in the world.
“It’s hallowed ground, one of the cathedrals of the sport. Winning a class here is an honor. It really feels like you’re at the top of your game.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s big class, McLain noted, “Winning the Aachen Grand Prix is like a girl I could never get a date with. I think I’ve won almost every class here but the grand prix,” noted the man who was a close second last year.
Click here for team results from the show jumping Nations Cup; click this link for individual results from the Nations Cup.
Dressage was the polar opposite for the U.S.
In the 5-star Grand Prix for that discipline’s Lambertz Nations Cup, anchor rider Kevin Kohmann didn’t make it past the reinback aboard Dunensee when judge Raphael Saleh stopped him, stepped out of the box and wiped the horse’s mouth with a white cloth.
The judge who stopped Kevin Kohmann mid-test wipes his horse’s mouth for evidence of blood.
“While there was no blood found by the stewards after we exited the ring or by our team veterinarian back in stabling, we’re still glad these rules are in place to prioritize the welfare in our sport,” Kevin stated.
“The judge’s decision is final, so there is no avenue for us to appeal. We’ve decided as a team the best next step is for us to meet internally with USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) to provide constructive feedback that can be shared with the FEI as they continue to evaluate the application of the blood rule in competition.”
In an email response to an inquiry from this website, the FEI called the situation “a straightforward case of blood in the mouth of Kevin Kohmann’s horse. The combination were eliminated as per FEI Dressage Rules
Article 424.
5.6. Bleeding. 5.6.1.
If the Judge at C suspects fresh blood anywhere on the Horse during the test, they will stop the Horse to check for blood. If the Horse shows fresh blood, it will be eliminated. The elimination is final. If the Judge through examination clarifies that the Horse has no fresh blood, the Horse may resume and finish its test.
“There was no formal protest lodged and the USA team completed the CDIO FEI Dressage Nations Cup™, as the remaining three combinations all registered scores.”
For his part, Kevin commented, “I’m looking forward to getting back into the ring with Scala tomorrow (in the Intermediare I) knowing that Denzel (his Grand Prix horse’s barn name) is happy, healthy and ready to represent the U.S. again in the future.”
The U.S. finished eighth of nine teams, while Germany as usual took the top prize. Click here for individual results, and this link for team results.
Germany’s Isabel Werth came close to earning 80 percent on Wendy de Fontaine, obtaining a personal best of 79.761 percent with the mare as she finished at the head of the class.
Isabell Werth and Wendy de Fontaine. (Photo CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner)
Speaking of her relatively brief partnership with Wendy, Isabel said, “The story started in Aachen last year. it’s just one year more or less we are together. It’s so amazing and really incredible to look back and realize what happened in one year. The mare is so fantastic, really focused and wants to do her best. It was a very good test today.”
Kevin’s situation was all too reminiscent of Marcus Orlob’s elimination in the Paris Olympics, when his mount, Jane, got a tiny scratch on one leg after spooking before entering the arena. He was partway through his test when a judge stopped him after seeing the scratch on his mare’s white leg and he was eliminated. The scratch subsequently was deemed to be of no consequence when a veterinarian looked at it after Jane left the ring.
Meanwhile, I can’t help recalling the show jumper that went around the arena at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago with blood streaming from its nose. That horse wasn’t stopped.
Everyone is very conscious of social license to operate and the need to prevent abuse, but some common sense has to prevail. Should a spot of blood that is barely visible be enough to halt a performance? In instances like that, where the amount of blood is negligible, why not let the vets decide after the horse is examined once it leaves the ring whether its score should count?
Former U.S. dressage chef d’equipe Robert Dover had a thought on social media sparked by Thursday’s blood situation:
“After seeing what happened to our American rider today in Aachen in the Nations Cup, being eliminated for blood, here is my thought. Regardless of whether there is or is not clear blood seen by the C judge, the FEI Steward is always close enough that they should proceed quickly to the horse and head judge and the two of them, together, should look and determine whether it is, in fact, blood or something else. This would take the pressure on the brief moment away from solely the judge.”
In four-in-hand driving, the eternally dominant Australian Boyd Exell was a winner once more.
His team Celviro, Checkmate, Hero and Mister Bono van’t Hooge reined back simultaneously in perfect symmetry, extended their pace and let themselves be collected again beautifully.
The judges awarded that quartet 31.73 minus points for their performance. That was exactly one minus point less than the American driver, Chester Weber, had collecrted. So the victory in the Prize of Martello Immobilienmanagement GmbH & Co. KG belongs to Boyd. Chester ranked second, ahead of the German individual driver, Anna Mareike Meier, on a score of 40.4 minus points.
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by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 2, 2025
Most of the biggest names in their disciplines, whether it’s show jumping, dressage, driving or eventing, are at Germany’s premier Aachen festival this week. There’s no annual equestrian competition like it. As they used to say about the circus, it’s the greatest show on earth.
The world number one in jumping lived up to his reputation Wednesday evening, as the USA’s Kent Farrington took the rain-delayed Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe with Myla.
Twelve from the field of 46 took part in the jump-off for the class. With a purse of 200,000 Euros ($236,000) riding on a course set by Aachen’s resident designer, Frank Rothenberger, the daunting test under the lights anywhere else would be the grand prix (which at Aachen is the Rolex fixture on Sunday).
Bursts of rain, even after the delay, broke the oppressive heat in the high 90s that had descended on the area, making the route even more difficult on the spacious and scenic grass field.
Challenges included an oxer with a plank for its front rail and round “water trays” acting as an artistic version of a liverpool. They were among visual highlights. The oxer in the middle of the triple combination came down the most of any obstacle. That was where the USA’s Laura Kraut saw her clean trip with Baloutinue frustrated.
Two other U.S. riders had equally frustrating moments elsewhere. McLain Ward’s mare, Callas, knocked a rail at the first fence, while Aaron Vale crashed through the airy Lindt vertical with Carissimo 25, after which he retired.
But Kent, who went first and fastest in the initial round, had the advantage of jumping last in the tie breaker because he was the quickest.
He was looking to edge Israel’s Daniel Bluman, the leader to that point clocked in an impressive 38.81 seconds aboard the Zangersheide Corbie v.V.
Kent knows how to execute, though, and came home with a narrow margin of victory in 38.53 seconds aboard his 10-year-old Holsteiner mare.
Myla and Kent speeding to the finish line. (Shannon Brinkman photo)
How did he do it?
“I think on this little horse, she’s just faster. I do the same number of strides or maybe more, but her footspeed is so fast it’s a big advantage in a jump-off like this.
“She’s incredibly brave, she gives her whole heart. She really goes with the rider, she tries to do anything I ask and she was out here trying to win tonight. She’s a big heart in a small package.”
Daniel wasn’t surprised that Kent overtook him.
“I know him well, he’s a good friend and he takes a risk and he’s calculated,” he said, adding he was happy with the way the week started.
Third-place Ben Maher of Britain explained his strategy with Dallas Vegas Batilly: “I have had a few problems in jump-off lately, I risked too much and Dallas has lost a bit of confidence. Today, I was too slow over the first two jumps and lost a bit of time, but the mare jumped brilliantly, full of confidence. So it was the best preparation for tomorrow, because she is competing in the Nations Cup for the team.”
Kent and Myla at the prizegiving. (U.S. Equestrian photo)
The other American in the class, Lillie Keenan, finished ninth in 41.93 on the aptly named Fasther.
Click here for results.
Earlier in the day, rain did not keep Laura Kraut from victory in the the Prize of StädteRegion Aachen. As she started on course with Emeraldo, it began pouring, but she kept going through the storm. She and the 9-year-old gelding by Emerald stopped the clock at 31.98 seconds – that would be the best time in the class.
“After leaving the arena, I joked that I had only ridden so fast, because I wanted to get out of the ring,” Laura said.
The Netherlands’ Kevin Jochems on Prada da Costa M was second in 32.40.
Click here for results
In dressage, Kevin Kohmann made his Aachen debut count for the USA, finishing fifth in the Prix St. Georges with Scala, who was undeterred by a burst of thunder and a downpour during his test.
Rain did not deter Kevin Kohmann and Scala from a great effort in the Prix St. Georges. (U.S. Equestrian Photo)
The black Hanoverian did spook after an ovation following Kevin’s final salute, but that didn’t affect his score of 69.559, nudging 70 percent.
He finished fifth, one place ahead of the other American contender, Marcus Orlob on the stallion J.J. Glory Day, who showed tension as he earned a score of 69.294. Germany’s Fredric Wandres won with Quizmaster FRH (73.912 percent).
“Quizzie has been our lucky charm for the past five years already. It is always good to get off to a good start in the Small Tour,” said Fredric.
“Although Quizmaster is very experienced, we still have to put everything into practice in the arena.Today, we experienced the entire range of weather conditions. We even had a light thunderstorm during our test. But it was okay. And he still fully demonstrated all of his strengths.”
In the 4-star dressage Grand Prix, Marcus was tenth of 24 starters with his relatively well-behaved Olympic mount, Jane, who did not spook or rear, but was grinding her teeth loudly throughout her test. They earned 70.913 percent in the class won by Isabel Freese of Norway on Total Hope Old with 74.261 percent.
Stick with us all week for more stories from Aachen. Just keep checking back as we update.Click here for Prix St. Georges results and here for Grand Prix results
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 30, 2025
Churchill Downs posted a photo of the late trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ pony making one final visit to the track today, the saddle empty, his black boots reversed in the stirrups, the traditional way of honoring a fallen hero.
Outrider Greg Blasi with D. Wayne Lukas’ pony at Churchill Downs in a tribute to the late trainer. (Photo courtesy Churchill Downs)
Wayne was a familiar sight at the track in the mornings, watching from horseback as the thoroughbreds he trained galloped through their workouts. Just standing there, he made an impression wearing his big cowboy hat, and more recently, a helmet without a chin strap. He became as integral a part of any track as the starting gate or the tote board.
His horses won 15 Triple Crown races and 20 Breeders’ Cup races; he received four Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer. Among his many stellar runners were Winning Colors, Serena’s Song, Thunder Gulch, and Lady’s Secret.
“The Coach” died Saturday, shortly after announcing his retirement from training at age 89. He was suffering from an MRSA infection, saying that instead of seeking treatment, he wanted to spend what time he had left with his family.
Jockey Frankie Dettori recalled, “I’ll never forget walking into the barn at Churchill Downs and seeing him, sharp as ever in his cowboy hat, already working before sunrise. The man had a presence, you felt it even before he spoke.”
Fellow trainer Bob Baffert recalled that Wayne, someone he met when both were racing quarter horses, “was a game changer, transforming horse racing for the better. He made it so the horse’s bloodlines were more important than the owner’s. He created a system of flying his horses coast to coast, establishing a presence at every major racetrack in America.
“And Wayne didn’t just show up. He dominated. He won so much he became known as “D. Wayne off the plane”. He developed the blueprint the rest of us still follow. He was a true visionary,” Bob continued.
“The horses were everything to Wayne. They were his life. From the way he worked them, how he cared for them, and how he maintained his shed row as meticulously as he did his horses. No detail was too small. Many of us got our graduate degrees in training by studying how Wayne did it.”
Wayne was as good at making people comfortable as he was in getting the best out of his horses.
As Bob observed, “He had a knack for making others feel seen and valued.”
One of those on the receiving end of Wayne’s warmth was Jamie Saults, a talent assistant and stage manager for NBC. At the Derby this year, when Wayne saw her, he said, “We go way back, don’t we?”
So Jamie sat down and talked to him for a little while.
“I told him I had one of his trophies and asked him if he wanted it,” she recounted.
He replied, “I just donated 7,500 of them to the museum. You keep it, honey.”
