Britain’s splendid Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is a hard act to follow in the pantheon of the Aachen horse show’s “partner country” collaborators. But the USA is ready to handle the position in Germany this summer, armed with such all-American traditions as cheerleaders, Quarter Horses, cowboys and football players.
Britain’s Household Cavalry mounted regiment lined up as competitors rode into the Aachen arena to say farewell at the 2023 show.
Aachen began the partner country initiative in 2001, when Spain was interested in promoting the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez. Since then, nations including France, Denmark and Sweden have participated as partners in the entertainment that transformed the opening ceremony at the historic competition.
On July 2, it will be the U.S. that takes center stage for what is also a 90-minute TV show at a venue featuring the best in grand prix jumping, vaulting, eventing, dressage and driving competition. The ceremony production is an 800-person extravaganza, with 200 horses. And even after the ceremony, the partner country remains an important presence throughout the entire competition.
So it’s quite a big deal to be the partner country of Aachen. It’s particularly special this year because the Mercedes-Benz show jumping Nations Cup will be July 4, and a celebration highlighting that American holiday is going to be part of the proceedings.
“We want to portray the U.S. in Aachen, not just the equestrian side,” said Will Connell, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s former director of sport.
The U.S. military will have a presence as an honor guard, and it seems the vaulters will find an amusing way to interact with the cheerleaders. Although there are cheerleaders in Germany, their standard is less sophisticated than in America, where cheerleading is really professional.
Interestingly, a large western riding community exists in Germany. That means horses don’t have to be shipped in from the U.S., which would be cost-prohibitive. But professional specialist cowboys will be coming from the US. You can also expect western scenery, Beach Boys music (and maybe surfing!) to have a presence. But cattle won’t be a part of it, because their sharp hooves would cut up the arena turf, a special surface Aachen guards with great care.
Cheerleaders, cowboys and the American flag will star as the U.S. becomes Aachen’s partner country this summer.
“Having been a Chef de Mission for many years at the Aachen CHIO and at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (held there) it is an event that touches not just the athletes, but all involved with the teams and supporting the horses and athletes,” said Will, whose role is to assist Aachen in organizing the partner contribution. In that regard, he helps facilitate communication with the USEF and its involvement.
“Aachen chases perfection day-in and day-out and that, combined with the feeling that you are at the very heart of equestrian tradition and elite equestrian sport, creates a sensation of nervous excitement and tension that drives all to perform to their very best.”
Birgit Rosenberg, head of sport at CHIO Aachen, also is responsible for the show program, which covers a lot of ground, from culture to music and decorations in addition to the performances.
“We have to become creative,” she said.
She noted that 2024 is the opportune time to team up with the U.S., because it marks more than 340 years of cooperation between North Rhine-Westphalia and the U.S, since immigration began from that German state.
Birgit reported that the office of the state’s prime minister contacted Aachen and said, “Listen, wouldn’t this be a super opportunity to have the USA as partner country?” The Aachen people knew Will from his work there over the years, so it was natural to have him involved.
Outside support for the partner country effort is important, since USEF resources for the project are limited due to the amount of money needed for sending teams to the Olympics in Paris this summer. Individuals or companies that want to get involved with supporting the partner country enterprise can contact Layson Griffin, the USEF’s managing director sponsorship and advertising, at lgriffin@usef.org. or Will Connell at will@hillnbrook.com.