After a whirlwind couple of hours, the only word I could come up with at the end of the Aachen CICO3* cross country was “bananas.” The problems started early on course and it felt like clear rounds were few and far between. In the end, Ingrid Klimke gave us the master class with two double-clear rounds for a first and second place finish. Phillip Dutton brought home the third U.S. team score under pressure, and a late ruling by the officials resulted America’s move up to a third place finish. Despite the problems, social media was teeming with positivity, enthusiasm and admiration for the horse and rider combinations that tackled the course today. Let’s take a look.
#Aachen2015: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, XC Order of Go, XC Live Stream, Schedule, Aachen Preview, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram
Ingrid is amazing to watch. Im in love with and scared of her in equal measure.
— Eventing Consultant (@EventingConsult) August 14, 2015
So are we, friend. So are we.
In case u were wondering how to ride cross country. Klimke just showed you — Steph Rhodes Bosch (@SRBequestrian) August 14, 2015
Don’t worry, there will be replays. And a helmet cam.
Mark Todd, horseman of the Century, rode to the third last like a 12 yo pony clubber, heels, elbows, stick all flapping for take off
— Christopher MR Stone (@ChristopherMRSt) August 14, 2015
#getitdone
@eventingnation I almost can’t watch, yet I can’t look away!!! — Courtney Lee (@CCarson0226) August 14, 2015
We sympathize completely, Courtney!
@eventingnation What a mare! What a ride! So proud and happy for them! @laurenkieffer
— D.LeeArt (@DLeeStudio) August 14, 2015
@eventingnation he makes the tractors and coffin look like a schooling grid #themaster — Courtney Lee (@CCarson0226) August 14, 2015
Tough luck for 21-year-old Holly Woodhead who was eliminated for missing a flag, but she definitely has our attention!
Totally and utterly gutted for @hollyWoodhead2 but my god girl you will be mega and you will have your day. Stupid flags I hate them too!!!!
— Gemma Tattersall (@GTeventing) August 14, 2015
There is something majestic about @svennerstal maybe it’s the hair ? #gobobgo — imogen mcmurray (@imogen_mcmurray) August 14, 2015
Yea… maybe it’s his hair…
Extremely chuffed for @GTeventing !! Such a tough determined rider. Well done Hun!! — Alice Dunsdon (@AliceDunsdon) August 14, 2015
Eventing @Aachen2015 done & dusted, @EquestrianAus team finish in 5th place. The Germans outclassed everyone today but NZ were close behind
— Paul Tapner (@TapnerEventing) August 14, 2015
The senior eventing team moved up to 4th place in Aachen after 3 clear XC rounds today. Well done Padraig, @attington & @DoneganRyanEven — Team IRL Equestrian (@TeamIRLEq) August 14, 2015
And Micheal Jung was on his 3rd and 4th string….. #GermanDomination https://t.co/l3sOIF3cdc
— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) August 14, 2015
YESSS!! Super clear round for Cheeky!! pic.twitter.com/8wbMgBXFuf — Andrew Hoy (@HoyEventing) August 14, 2015
Love that name! I’ve known a more than a few cheeky ponies in my lifetime…
#allthecarrots
It’s great to see all these top riders thanking their horses after their rounds #Aachen15
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) August 14, 2015
Bonkers. That was definitely the word I was looking for.
The crowd go bonkers as Sandra Auffarth comes home clear inside the time. #Aachen2015 #NationsCup — Horse & Country TV (@HorseAndCountry) August 14, 2015
Being a equine sports journalist is basically awesome.
Happiness is not having to choose which stream to watch at work. #DerbyChamps @Aachen2015 @ClipMyHorse @EQSportsNet pic.twitter.com/vFycrriMvC
— Chronicle o/t Horse (@ChronofHorse) August 14, 2015
What a horse Quicklook is! So inexperienced to jump round such a tricky track! So excited about her future #mega #roadtorio !! @Aachen2015 — Gemma Tattersall (@GTeventing) August 14, 2015
OPGUN LOUVO – current world champion is looking very smart – love this horse – a Show Jumper that happens to LOVE XC — Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) August 14, 2015
Who doesn’t love cross country?
A masterclass from Jonelle Price on how to keep a line. What a classy horse Faerie Dianimo is.
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) August 14, 2015
Wesko you freak. What a round. pic.twitter.com/JnW8gSWZ9t — Eventing Consultant (@EventingConsult) August 14, 2015
Thanks for a brilliant week. See you next year, Aachen!