In about two weeks one of the most prominent international equestrian events will open its gates: Each year the CHIO Aachen attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. With standards being high and competition being extremely tough Aachen at one glance presents the Who-is-Who within the scene.
This year about a dozen young riders between the age of 16 and 25 will have the opportunity to gain access to this exclusive world. For the first time a competition for this specific target group takes place in the “Deutsche Bank” stadium. The youngsters have to master two competitions: They make their first debut on Wednesday within a team Intermediate II event. On Saturday afternoon the second part is scheduled: A Grand-Prix which is evaluated on an individual basis.
The prize is sponsored by the well-known Liselott and Klaus Rheinberger Foundation. A German team of experts under the auspices of Klaus Martin Rath initiated the idea and designed the competition. “Our goal is to encourage young riders to enter the holy shrine as early as possible”, is the comment of Jürgen Koschel who is the national trainer for riders below the age of 25 in Germany. “Thus they have the chance to gather a very valuable experience. They compete on the same ground as the world’s top dressage riders. This is very exciting for youngsters and a strong incentive to further strive for the top level when they approach the senior camp.”
Initially the organizers of the CDIO in Aachen officially invited teams from six countries: Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Each team consists of two riders with one horse each. However, the organizers are free to nominate individual riders in exceptional cases and additionally they can invite pairs or individual riders from other countries when certain circumstances arise.
Those riders having been nominated by their respective national trainer so far, raise high expectations. Almost all of them provide a perfect dressage career in spite of their young age. Member of the top team of pony riders, then transition to national Junior and Young Rider Teams – this is the usual CV. Many of the youngsters have already gathered comprehensive experience on the international stage. Thus one thing is for sure: The audience in Aachen is in for an exciting competition.
As follows the young riders who have been nominated so far. The only nation which sends a male rider is the Netherlands. They nominated Diederik van Silfhout, a prominent member of the Rabo Talent team, and Lorraine van der Brink. Initially Lotje Schoots was invited in place of Van den Brink but she had to withdraw due to an injury of her horse Reine B. The Danish team consists of Annemette Mortensen and Lisbet Seierskilde, Germany sends Kristina Sprehe and Kirsten Sieber, who already started in Aachen in 2008 in the St. Georg/Inter I tour as the youngest member of the entire event at that time. Sweden is represented by the sisters Juliette and Antonia Ramel. Spain will probably send a single rider, Mrs. Ainhoa Prada, though the nomination is not sure yet. Great Britain refrained from participation. Instead Belgium joined the competition. They will be represented by Julie de Deken and Fanny Verliefden.
by Irmgard Peterek
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