Classic Eventing Nation

All Presented Horses Pass World Championships Final Horse Inspection (But Not Without Drama)

By on Aug 16, 2026 5:34 am -

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sunday horse inspections can be a tense affair, and at a major Championship the pressure rises exponentially. Following their big efforts on cross country yesterday, the hardworking grooms and care team for each horse spent a large portion of the evening on aftercare and recovery. Yesterday, standing at the mixed zone near the finish I was able to observe most of the horses coming home, and I was impressed that they largely looked fresh and fit for another run as they jumped the last.

This morning’s cool temperatures and packed grandstands yielded some spice, and our Final Horse Inspection was not without its drama, though all presented horses were ultimately accepted by the Ground Jury headed up by Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Peter Gray (CAN) and Joanne Jarden (IRL).

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

First, a few withdrawals were noted on the leaderboard. Last night, both remaining Japanese horses (Vince de la Vigne JRA for Kento Nagura and Feroza Nieuwmoed for Ryuzo Kitajima) were withdrawn after cross country. This morning, a few more joined them. U.S. individual Tamie Smith opted to withdraw Molly Duda’s Lillet 3 after a fantastic cross country performance due to a “badly placed overreach,” Tamie posted on social media. Additionally, Carlos Parro (BRA) withdrew Safira and Daniel Dunst (AUT) withdrew Chevalier 97.

We did not see Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) present Diabolo Menthe at the jog, though initially he was not listed as withdrawn. This came later and he is now confirmed to be out of the competition. As of publication, there has been no statement made; we’ll update this post if there is one shared.

This withdrawal now eliminates France — placed sixth in team competition after cross country — and leaves them with two individual riders in Gaspard Maksud (Zaragoza) and Alexis Goury (Je’Vall). It’s worth a reminder that the top seven teams after today will earn a berth to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles; all others save the USA, the host nation, will subsequently need to find another path to qualify. Brazil (13th after cross country) and Austria (14th) are also eliminated from team competition with the withdrawal of Carlos Parro (BRA) and Daniel Dunst (AUT). Japan had already been eliminated with the fall of Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA.

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This morning, we also saw three horses sent to the holding box. Felix Vogg (SUI) was the first victim with Freida, who is 15th individually after cross country, and he was shortly thereafter joined in the hold by Germany’s Julia Krajewski with Uelzener’s Nickel. Both horses were later accepted upon re-presentation. Later, Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier was sent to the hold with Kiarado d’Arville, but she too was accepted on the next go.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So this leaves us with a total of 65 horses to see this afternoon in the grand finale. We’ll see the first 40 beginning at 1:00 pm CEST / 7 am EST, and that will be followed by the top 25 beginning at 3:30 CEST / 9:30 am EST. You can view the show jumping order of go here. Today’s jumping will be designed by Frank Rothenberger, who’s designing all show jumping for these World Championships and designs annually here at Aachen. He also was a course designer for the 2006 World Equestrian Games at this venue and has designed at major venues all over the world, so our eventers should be in for a proper challenge this afternoon. We’ll be bringing you a quick preview on our Instagram later today, so stay tuned.

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Sunday Links for Show Jumping Day

By on Aug 16, 2026 12:01 am -

What’s On at Aachen: Show Jumping Day
1:00 pm CEST / 7:00 am EST —  [Start Order & Ride Times]

For most riders here at Aachen this weekend, today has been years in the making, so scroll through a few stories from those who may not be gracing the podium this afternoon, but are fulfilling that senior championships dream for their country nonetheless.


Anyway, now that we’ve cleared all that dust from our eyes, let’s get ready for some show jumping. The EquiRatings team have been kind enough to break down yesterday for us in a format for the audio-favoring fans, so take a listen through the Saturday Aachen Diaries for some quick expert thoughts before the “big game” in the stadium today:

If you weren’t able to watch or follow along yesterday, read through Cheg’s Cross Country Day Action live blog for another exceptional live play-by-play of the cross-country leaderboard shakeup. And as ever, Tilly’s full Saturday report will put you right there on course (however clamoring it may seem) with the 80-odd riders and 35,000-odd bloodthirsty sports fans if you want a recap before sitting down to watch the stadium finale today.

Find all the important links in our Ultimate Guide, follow along with EN @goeventing to get behind-the-scenes interviews and updates, and watch this space for more news and interviews as we get ready to crown a new Eventing World Champion!

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Other Major International Events This Weekend

Hartpury International & the British Championships CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Bromont Horse Trials CCI4*-S (CAN): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Watch – YouTube]

US Events This Weekend

Applewood Farm YEH, OEH & Mini Event (NJ): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times]

Caber Farm HT (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Waredaca Farm HT (MD): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer HT II (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

River Glen Summer HT (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Gallop Farm August HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

More Reading from Aachen:

Training Tip of the Day

Honestly… all the training we need today is just watching these two absolute powerhouse horse and rider combinations leaving it all out on the course. Call it magic, call it a masterclass, call it witchcraft? At the end of the (very long) day, they were just thrilling to watch:

Go Eventing

There was a surprise waiting for Laura Collett after her phenomenal cross-country round today — London 52’s German breeder, Ocke Riewerts, travelled all the way to Aachen to see ‘Dan’ compete on the world’s biggest stage:

Aachen, but Make It a Double: Michael Jung Tops Individual Leaderboard After Influential World Championships Cross Country Day

By on Aug 15, 2026 6:26 pm -

If you’ve never been to Aachen before, allow us to set the scene. There are 35,000 people crammed into a space the size of a singular loop of Badminton’s cross-country course; they are packed in like sardines, sweating and screaming and excited and so, so multilingual as they patronise their pretzel stands and quaff their morning Radlers. The German team supporters are, inexplicably, wearing t-shirts that have been typeset in Comic Sans, which somehow seems like the worst possible font choice for a sport that’s effectively the X Games with hooves – next year, we fear, they may have discovered webdings or, ugh, Papyrus.

Somehow, everywhere you look there is always an Australian, and the thing with Australians is that if you can see one, there’s definitely at least eight hiding nearby that you just haven’t found yet. To lure them out, you just need to use their mating call, heard time and time and time again over the course of the day:

“AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!” shouts one of them, somewhere, because maybe an Australian rider is coming by or maybe they’re just having a nice time.

“OY OY OY!” shout all the others, their curly-accented cries floating up through the trees.

The Germans do not know what to make of this, and more than once, I overhear one trying to get involved.

“Genau,” they murmur, eyes sparkling with wonderment. “Oy, oy, oy – genau.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There is a fervent sense of barely-tempered chaos to it all. There’s a lone tampon hanging out just to the side of the course, which someone has unwrapped and left to expand in the little smattering of rain like a little white rat with a hormonal bloat; there’s a group of tipsy Germans who’ve sacked off the genau-ing and have instead taken up the fun and good hobby of screaming their heads off as their riders attempt to battle through the course’s toughest combinations. Stride, jump, scream, stride, scream, scream, jump, scream. It’s a lot, actually.

So is the wildfire that’s raging about fifty minutes away, which makes itself known halfway through the day’s cross-country when a thick plume of smoke settles itself into the atmosphere and turns the air an ashy yellow. My lungs do not feel so good right now! Nor does my increasing awareness of the very concept of cognitive dissonance!

I write this both in the middle of an existential crisis – uh oh, we’re focusing on horse sport when the world is literally on fire and this show contentiously used generative AI to promote itself and oh my god we really do dump so much water on cross-country courses when most of Europe is locked into water usage bans – but also in the middle of eavesdropping on a conversation between two Dutch journalists who are currently debating whether Tim and Jonelle Price are siblings. Aachen! You’ve gotta try it.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Anyway, the World Championships’ cross-country day. Let’s talk about that before the doom sets in or the ash settles in my alveoli.

Broadly, the consensus was that Giuseppe della Chiesa’s course had walked as fair but very, very exacting, with a trapped-in-the-tumble-dryer sort of twistiness that felt as though it could quickly become enormously mentally fatiguing.

That wasn’t necessarily disproven throughout the day, but the throughline of sentiment was a very positive one: rider after rider came back to the finish on fit, fresh, happy horses, and when they came to the mixed zone, it was to sing the praises of the course design.

It had, they agreed, had a flow and rhythm to it that hadn’t been totally apparent in their walks, and while it certainly caused its fair share of influence, it also offered such a wide array of options that it became a Choose Your Own Adventure to suit all comers.

From the earliest part of the day, though, it was plainly evident that little would remain the same on the leaderboard. While team pathfinders are chosen for their reliability – their role, of course, is to get home with a clear round and vital intel on the course’s tricks and traps for their teammates – many countries had to bid adieu to their first combinations after a series of mishaps.

 

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For New Zealand pathfinder and second-on-course Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man it was a surprise nosebleed (for horse, not rider), which saw the pair pulled up by the ground jury just after fence 11 in an otherwise very good round. For France’s first-out Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy it was a shock runout at the skinny A element of the Turkish Airlines quarry complex at 9ABC, which subsequently saw the gelding overbalance on the changing terrain and fall on the flat. For British pathfinders Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley it was a stop, and then another two, at the influential white birch coffin combination at 8ABCDE, before hacking home. Belgium’s Senne Vervaecke and Google van Alsingen, like Gemma Stevens and indeed just moments before her, ran into trouble at the coffin complex too, picking up three refusals and ending their round at 9A.

And then there were the first-round riders that completed, but with expensive errors on their score sheets: Germany’s Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia FRH, who picked up 9 penalties for a flag at 11C; and Sweden’s ordinarily very consistent Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z, who lost a front shoe at just fence 6 and had a subsequent rare 20 penalties at 9B.

But amongst the orgy of gasping and sighing and gnashing of teeth from 35,000 people shoved into a square kilometre or so, there was also the chance to glimpse the sort of heroics that weave their way into a day of cross-country.

We’d wondered if perhaps the time would prove uncatchable today – at the CCIO4*-S that’s held here every summer, it’s a huge factor, and just a handful of competitors have ever caught it. A CCI4*-L ordinarily offers a different sort of speed test, opening the door for a galloping type with plenty of stamina to catch up on the clock, but that doesn’t really fly for a CCI4*-L track that barely travels outside the already tight confines of the CCIO4*-S course. This, instead, felt like two of the ‘normal’ Aachens shoved together. If nobody had caught the 9:50 optimum time, nobody would have been at all surprised.

But just five starts into our day, somebody did it. That was Australia’s pathfinder Sophia Hill, who’s known for her blistering speed with the ex-racehorse Humble Glory – but while they’ve racked up plenty of five-star miles together, both horse and rider were as-yet-untested in the unique intensity of a championship.

When they crossed the finish line with five seconds to spare, it felt as though the game could truly begin.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And so the day progressed: for every five shocks and leaderboard plummets there’d be another couple of extraordinary career highs. There was the gutting moment when US second-out Caroline Pamukcu tumbled from HSH Blake at the Longines bank complex at 17ABCDE where they, like most of the rest of the US team, opted to go long, but left a leg and pitched on landing, ending an important round for the team and forcing Will Coleman and Boyd Martin to leave nothing on the table later in the day.

Kortawat Samran and B. Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

But on the other side of the coin, there was an impeccable effort from Thailand’s Korntawat Samran, who demonstrated that he’s one of the sport’s most underrated riders when he added just 1.2 time penalties with B. Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin.

There was the moment when Jonelle Price was stopped on course so the building team could fix a frangible device, but something went wrong in the communication of that stop and she was barely strides away from the fence when she had to pull out of it; there was the knock-on effect of that oddity when, just two fences from home, her mount Senor Crocodillo picked up 20 penalties after never quite regaining his flow and focus. But conversely, there was Switzerland’s Mélody Johner and the still inexperienced Erin blitzing their way to a clear inside the time, driving the developing nation to an overnight bronze medal position. Push and pull, back and forth, gasp and cheer all day long. It was, in short, a rather good day of sport.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

At its climax, we also have a new leader in Michael Jung and the eighteen-year-old fischerChipmunk FRH, who finished five seconds inside the optimum time in the gelding’s swansong championship to step up from overnight third, after dressage leaders and teammates Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel added 13.6 time penalties to slip to twentieth.

“I have no words,” says Michi, who pushed through a bad case of the Aachen lurgy to make his round today happen. “He’s an unbelievable horse. He’s full of energy, he’s galloping, he’s jumping. He was so well listening today, and was so lovely to ride. He has all the experience. It’s such an honor to have this horse.”

Although Michi’s late draw – he was, predictably, the German team anchor and went in the final group of the day – meant he was aware of many of the course’s quirks, he left the start box firmly sticking to plan A.

“There were no changes to the plan, because the ground was perfect and the conditions were perfect, so it wasn’t like we said, ‘oh, the ground is shit in this place and we need to have another strategy,’” he says, proving once again that other people’s problems are evidently none of his business.

“I watched many other riders, and we all had conversations about our strategy and the course and the horses, and then we all fought together and had a really good cross-country day,” says Michi.

Part of his strategy was to do as little as possible.

 “My horse is an older horse now, so I don’t do so many warm-up jumps because he also knows everything. I just need a good warm-up. At home he also doesn’t need cross-country or jumping training like a younger horse, but this is a bit the same with every horse. I think he’s an incredible horse; sometimes he can be a bit over-motivated, but today he was so nice to gallop at the start. I could loosen the reins and let the power out and have a super first jump into the cross-country, and that was a super start and a super feeling from the beginning.”

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

Michi was one of several riders who had voiced some questions around the course yesterday but found himself convinced by it today – but even so, he maintained that besting the clock didn’t come easily at all.

“The time was quite difficult to plan,” he says. “In the beginning, I was good from the time. Then I was thinking, ‘ah, maybe I’m a bit too slow,’ and then ‘okay, the time was good,’ and then ‘I’m not sure.’ The time is not everything; you need to see the whole course, and that’s the difficult thing. If you go too fast in the beginning and you have no energy in the end, the last jumps get so difficult. Nearly everywhere you can have a mistake if you take too much risk or you’re going too fast. So the time is not everything, but the feeling into the horse and how he’s galloping, how he’s breathing, how he’s confident on the jumps, how much you can try. Sometimes it’s better to give the horse a few seconds to stay in a good balance, in a good feeling. Then in the end, I was fighting a bit more, and he was absolutely with me, and that’s a great feeling.”

Just one second swifter than Michi and Chipmunk were five-time five-star winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who won the European Championships in 2023 and come into this competition as one of three titans of the sport – all of which find themselves in podium positions going into Sunday.

That speedy, confident clear moves them into overnight silver medal position, up from the fourth place spot they occupied after putting a 23.4 on the board yesterday.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“I’m quite relieved, to be honest,” says Ros, who was the day’s final finisher on cross-country. “It’s been a long wait today, and it’s a very, very intense track to ride. The Badmintons and the Burghleys feel a little bit easier for Walter because you can cruise along in between the fences, whereas today you have to go so fast in between and there doesn’t seem to be any space to go, because all of a sudden you’ve got another jump to jump.”

But, she continues, “what an amazing horse he is. He just absolutely loves it, doesn’t he? His ears are pricked and he just gives me the utmost confidence.”

Ros’s fast round came down, in part, to some last-minute self-discipline.

“I saw Tom [McEwen] kind of go the long route at the last corners and I had that in my mind – even coming out of the last water I was really, really tempted to go long because he just felt like he’d gone a little bit strung out. But then I was like, ‘for goodness’ sake, you haven’t come to the World Championships to wimp out of it! Get on with it; you’re on a good horse.’ I’m really pleased I made that decision.”

This is Walter’s first spin around Aachen; Ros, for her part, hasn’t been here since coming several years ago with her 2018 World Champion Allstar B. This time, she returns as the sport’s consummate multitasker: second child Seneh, who was born in late January, even took part in the show’s opening ceremony earlier this week.

“I’m still breastfeeding, and it’s [a lot to juggle], but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” says Ros. “I’m absolutely loving being able to combine the two, and I think it’s actually amazing just looking around the stables this week at how many children are involved in everybody’s teams now. It’s a proper family affair across all sports, and I’m not the only that’s just had a baby that’s going around the eventing. It’s fantastic to see that we can do both.”

Ros’s older daughter, seven-year-old Ziggy, is notable only by her (planned) absence this week.

“She’s stayed at home, because she’s a bit of a shopaholic and I think she’d have gone a bit mad in the shops here,” says Ros wryly. “She’s got a very packed itinerary, though, and she’s having a wonderful time. She had Pony Club camp yesterday and was very disappointed because she was in last place after dressage. She thought it was the judge’s fault, not hers, so she’s got a little bit to learn!”

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The third of those sporting titan pairings, Laura Collett and her European champion London 52, move from silver to bronze position after adding just 0.8 time penalties for two additional seconds on the clock – an addition that still puts them just six-tenths of a penalty behind our overnight leaders.

“That horse is just unbelievable,” she says. “He felt like he’d walked the course and knew what I was wanting him to do before I even got there. He gave me so much confidence from start to finish and never wavered off the line.”

They did, she admits, have “a bit of a scary moment, because he pulled a shoe and turning to the last water, he literally nearly was on his side. And I don’t know how he jumped quite a big fence into water, but he is just the most amazing horse. The ground looked very close at one stage, and I was like, ‘not on a turn!’”

Like Ros, Laura had to battle the urge to add an alternative route after teammate Tom did it so successfully earlier in the day.

“Obviously Tom went long at the last combination, and it was very tempting to play it safe. But I just thought, ‘you know what, this horse is on fire.’ He was reading everything, and he felt so with me that I could just trust him 100%, and I’m glad I did. I was always going long off the bank [at 17ABCDE, where most competitors opted for the long route] and then, having watched a few this morning, the three strides in that route just looked so short. Then Tom [went straight and] made it look so easy, and he said he felt like he had loads of time. So Chris [Bartle] grabbed hold of me and said, ‘go straight. I believe in you.’ The feeling I was getting, there was no reason to doubt him.”

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tom, for his part, sits in fourth place after that speedy round with JL Dublin, despite taking the long route at the final combination. They added 2 time penalties to climb up one position, though their overnight score of 28.6 does leave a broad margin of five penalties between his current placing and a spot on the podium.

“I couldn’t be happier,” he says. “Dubs knows what he’s doing, but with the crowds and the people they all get excited, and it walks a decent track. It needs a lot of riding; you’ve got flags everywhere; the corners are skinny. But Dubs, for me, went brilliantly, and I just let him sail – never at one point did I think I was rushing.”

As he approached that late combination, “I was hoping to feel enough on top to go the direct route, but for me, he felt a bit like we were going away from home again, so I made the quick decision to go a bit lower and speed as quick as I could round the long route. With three in the team, the team comes first, and I thought I’d better just get that done and sorted.”

That sensible decision helps confirm the British hold on team gold overnight on a combined score of 75.6 – just shy of 15 penalties ahead of Germany in silver. The surprise decision to put the experienced Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH into Germany’s individual spot, rather than the team, might now feel rather frustrating; Christoph and the rangy gelding once again caught the time, crossing the finish line in a time of 9:41 to move up from 19th to fifth place.

Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“That’s his big talent: he’s the fastest horse I’ve ever been on,” says Christoph. “And if you can manage to jump the fences, and if the rider manages to find all the right ways, then he’s always going to make the time.”

But, he says, they nearly lost it at the eleventh hour when approaching the final water fence at the same time as another rider approached neighbouring fence three.

“I was a bit surprised with having a rider coming the opposite way, approaching fence three, when I was approaching the last water, directly when I was turning to the left to jump in. Then D’Accord looked to the right [at the horse] and lost sight of the fence.  Unfortunately, I lost my focus because of that, and then we had a very bad jump going in, lost our line, had to wiggle our way over the last skinny — that was a bit surprising. He was brilliant, though. He’s very big, but he’s got very fast footwork.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US team anchor Will Coleman and his Kentucky five-star winner Diabolo needed to execute a clear round in as swift a time as possible after the shock fall of Caroline Pamukcu earlier in the day, and after yesterday’s sweltering dressage day, when the gelding never seemed to truly come to work, there was plenty of pressure to turn it all around today.

But if Will felt it, you would never have guessed from his riding, which remained relaxed, nurturing, and positive without being pushy. That helped ‘Dab’ come home two seconds inside the time, one of just six horse-and-rider partnerships to catch it all day. That moved the pair up from 21st to sixth, and moves the US team from sixth to fifth place going into the final day.

“He was amazing — he was better than the rider today,” says Will. “I give him all the credit; he’s an amazing horse. From the first jump out of the start box, I just felt like he was just totally on it and kind of felt like I couldn’t screw it up. I can’t say enough good things about him as a horse and as a partner. He’s just amazing.”

“I don’t know where [his energy] has been all week,” he continues. “He can be a pretty hot horse, but he’s been very quiet. It’s been driving my wife and [groom] Erin [Jarboe] pretty crazy, worrying about him, like ‘is something’s wrong with him? Do we think he’s all right?’”

 

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Today, in the slightly cooler temperatures, he was back at his best.

“He’s a really, really cool horse, and Aachen is a really intense cross country test. There’s places out there where I opened him up a little bit, and then I did sort of struggle to get him back the way I’m accustomed to. But it’s kind of that pace and that acceleration that I think he’ll get something out of doing this, and I think he’ll be better on these types of courses going forward. And so will I; I think I’ll have a better idea of how to ride him.”

Will holds the unique accolade of being the only US rider ever to win Aachen’s CCIO4*-L, which he did in 2022 with Off The Record. That, no doubt, played into the trust placed in his hands today, when the only option was excellence.

“There were no adjustments to the plan [after Caroline’s fall]. Karyn [Schuter] and Leslie [Law] trusted me to make good decisions out there. I told them I felt good about going the direct way off the bank, and they trusted me to do that so long as I felt like he was with me, and I did feel that. This is a team game, and I learned something from each and every one of those guys that went in front of me. Philip set us off on a great note with a fabulous round, and Caroline didn’t have the day that we all know she can have, but she still came back with a positive attitude and gave us all as much insight as she could give us, and has just been an excellent teammate every step of the way here. Tamie’s not with the squad, but doesn’t matter. She’s part of our team, and also has just been incredible all week. And Boyd kind of showed me the way to go. He gave our team a chance, and it’s kind of up to me to just try to bring us home a clear. And I was just really, really relieved that I did that.”

Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

France had been in bronze medal position after dressage but have slipped to overnight sixth after the elimination of Benjamin Massie and a surprise pin penalty for Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe, but they finish the day with two riders in the top ten: team member Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza sit seventh, up from 16th after adding just 1.6 time penalties, while individuals Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or, like Christoph and D’Accord, made a point when adding just 0.8 time penalties to step up from 23rd to eighth.

“She’s such a good mare — she’s a proper five-star horse,” says Gaspard, who was sixth and best of the French at Pratoni in 2022 with Zaragoza. “It just shows how consistent she is now, and we’ve allowed her to mature a bit to the best of her ability. Wejust grew together, and now it’s just pure pleasure to just enjoy having a horse at that level because she’s getting older, so we just enjoy every second of it.”

Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’Or. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Astier’s accomplishment in moving into the top ten is also paired with a unique achievement: he’s responsible for having produced four horses competing here this week. Beyond his own mount, there’s the stalwart Vinci de la Vigne, ridden by Kento Nagura, Baladin de l’Ocean LA, ridden by Turkey’s Kumru Say, and Boyd Martin’s Cooley Nutcracker, too.

“I’m proud to have produced them and a bit gutted not to ride them,” he says. “But you can’t get it all. Our job is to produce and bring on sale horses, so that’s what I do. But I’m pretty proud they do so well, and not only they’ve been competitive with me, but they’re produced in a way that allow other riders to follow them and do the top level.”

Mélody Johner and Erin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Switzerland, thanks in large part to leading rider Mélody Johner, finds itself in bronze medal position going into the final phase – a bid for a medal on the world stage that has felt so long in the making for the country. That Mélody’s clear inside the time comes with the relatively inexperienced Erin, rather than her former championship ride Toubleu du Rueire, also shows the depth in horsepower that’s beginning to develop through these riders’ strings – a heartening prospect for the future of Swiss eventing.

“He’s always fast, but here it was really special because he was really good, but not so strong,” says Mélody, who moved from 32nd place up to ninth. “I’m really little, and when he wants to go, sometimes I can’t slow down, but today he was really, really good. I don’t have to try to be fast; he has such a big canter stride, so even when we’re not pushing, he’s fast.”

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Australia’s Andrew Hoy closes out the top ten after an excellent round with comeback king Vassily de Lassos saw them add just 4.8 time penalties, moving them from seventh to tenth but allowing Andrew to relive the rush of twenty years prior, when he was part of the team bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships here at Aachen.

“I think, in all honesty, could I have got the time? Yes. It’s about little things that I did that I could have done better,” muses Andrew, who carefully piloted Vassily home after the gelding lost a shoe around the seven-minute mark. “But Vassily is the most spectacular horse. I absolutely love my horse to bits. He makes me look really good, and to run round, I had to be on my A game all the way round. There was not one point, starting from when you leave the start line to when you get to the finish line, is there anywhere where you can say, ‘Oh, this is this is easy. I can now relax. ‘ It’s all the time, keeping the brain activated and really going.”

The team competition more broadly looks like quite a different landscape this evening: Great Britain in gold and Germany in silver is unchanged, but Switzerland’s climb to bronze feels like a huge moment, as does Australia’s drop to fourteenth after the non-completions of Oliver Barrett and Sam Woods. Japan, too, is out – they have no riders left in the competition at all after Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA’s non-completion and the post-cross-country withdrawal of both Kento Nagura and Ryuzo Kitajima. New Zealand, who were so close to a podium place in fourth last night, are now eighth with just three riders left in the hunt, while Sweden’s four completions allow them to climb from 12th to a slightly more promising seventh. Ireland’s excellent day in the office, with four clear rounds, pushes them from seventh to overnight fourth, just 3.6 penalties – less than a rail – behind Switzerland.

Editor’s Note – August 16: We have an update on Zinny, who was pulled up by Italy’s Paolo Torlonia just before the final fence after coming up lame. Paolo noticed immediately after the final combination and smartly pulled up to get off and check on the mare. On Sunday morning, Paolo posted the following on social media:

“Yesterday was a really tough day for us. 💔

Zinny was jumping an incredible clear round around the cross-country here in Aachen and gave it her all, over a very tough track.

Unfortunately, just after the last combination and only a few strides from the final fence, she didn’t feel right, so I got off as quickly as I could.

She’s comfortable and being looked after in the best possible way with Megan Hodder.

It’s obviously very disappointing to get so close to the finish and not complete, but my horses’ welfare will always come first. 🫶🏼

Zinny absolutely loves cross-country, and we had a great time out there yesterday. I’m incredibly proud of her and the round she jumped.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown their support. It really means a lot. We will be back.”

The North America Debrief

Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The pressure was on for the USA to elevate their position after starting in sixth after dressage. After some team members delivered dressage scores that weren’t as strong as they hoped, the focus shifted to cross country, where the possibility to make up some ground was strong.

Confident that the weekend would not be a dressage competition, the US riders took the bit in their teeth for the challenge ahead. Phillip Dutton was tapped as the pathfinder, being one of the most experienced on the team. He was, however, on the most inexperienced horse on the team, having never done a five-star. To add, Denim (owned by Annie Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran and Neill Sites), isn’t the most naturally quick-footed horse in the world. He’d jumped around here at Aachen’s CCIO4*-S last year with a small amount of time, but this four-and-a-half-to-five-star level challenge would be one of the most intense tracks he’s seen to date. Phillip knew he’d need to ride smart to put a clear in the bank for his team.

“He doesn’t have a good high top speed, so I was just trying to keep it as even as I could all the way around,” he said. “The main priority was for me to get a clear round and put that in the bank, and then hopefully everybody can build on it from there. I was trying to help him out as much as I can. There was making up for his inexperience, but he’s a gutsy little horse and a beautiful jumper. And it doesn’t matter where he jumps from; those knees come up around his ears, and so looking back on it, it was fun. It’s not fun out there. But thinking about it now, it’s really rewarding.”

Phillip added 12.4 time penalties, keeping near his EquiRatings average of 13.5 with this horse, to go onto a two-phase score of 45.0 and individual 33rd place. The clear round set the tone for the US riders, who next sent out Paris Olympian Caroline Pamukcu with Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin’s HSH Blake. But despite a solid round for the first two-thirds, everything changed at fence 17, the Longines Challenge.

It was a mixed bag of whether riders chose to jump left or right off of this drop; going right put them onto the direct route, going left gave them two alternate options. Caroline went long here, but ran out of power at the CD element and was jarred out of the saddle when Blake hung a leg and had to scramble to right himself on the landing side. It was a gutting result for Caroline, who’d come into this week on fire form.

This upped the pressure and put the US into an Olympic-like situation, in which only three team members remained with no drop score. Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker as well as Will Coleman and Diabolo needed clear rounds to stay in contention.

They delivered.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In team competition, strategy is key. While every team operates a little differently, it remains constant that if a team member has an issue, plans and marching orders change accordingly. For Boyd, who was third in the rotation, this meant an adjustment of one plan in particular.

“I was actually all set to go the harder way [at the Longines Challenge bank], but with Caroline crashing before I started, we had a meeting, and they said it’s safer to go the long way, just because we need to go home clear,” Boyd said. “And you got to listen to coaches and very respectful of their decision. But I’d been visualizing the right side, and talking it through with Peter. It’s a little bit slower, but in the end of the day, I feel like we needed a clear around so Will could give it a good crack.”

When riding for themselves, the goal can change — you can chase the time, assume your own risks. But the team comes first in this format, and while Boyd could have gotten home a few seconds quicker had he gone straight at the bank, he also knew “Bali” wasn’t the easiest to turn left (which this question necessitated), and a more serious issue — one that would have effectively ended the US bid for the podium — could have been avoided here.

We wrote earlier about Will’s banner day with Diabolo, coming home clear inside the time to become the highest-placed US rider in the field. Just before him, it was the turn of individual rider Tamie Smith and Molly Duda’s Lillet 3. Tamie and Lillet could well have been on this team in the first place, but there was a bit of a question mark in terms of the mare’s experience.

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

She answered that question in emphatic fashion today.

“It was fast and furious and I found out a lot about her – it felt incredible,” Tamie said. “It was the unknown. I rode her like she was a seasoned horse and she acted like one.”

Tamie noted that she opted for a couple of alternates out of care for her horse, and understanding where she was in her career at just 10 years old. “Once I got through the first water, she was just like ‘I got it,’” she said. “I took the long way at the bank and the option at the end just because we don’t know what she knows and I didn’t want to risk anything, but even still a fast round and she fought all the way to the end. What a horse.”

Tamie now sits on a score of 35.0 and is in 18th individually with potentially to move up significantly with a horse who’s a strong show jumper.

 

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For Canada, Jessie Phoenix enjoyed the ride of her life aboard the 18-year-old Fluorescent Adolescent (owned by Sharon Hall and Makayla Rydzik) — a “gangbusters” round, as she puts it. “She just fought so hard all the way around, had a beautiful easy gallop and just made it feel effortless. I really thought she was well-suited to this course. She’s so good on twisty terrain, when you don’t have a lot of strides to pick up the distances and see the flags, Lacey is the one you want to be on. She’s so quick-thinking and she really fights to get between the flags.”

With 12 time added, Jessie goes onto a two-phase score of 47.1 and will be in 36th overnight.

Now, we’ve just got one final hurrah between our field of 65 remaining competitors and the medals. First up will be the final horse inspection, set to take place at 9.30 a.m. local time (8.30 a.m. BST/3.30 a.m. EST) tomorrow morning, followed by showjumping from 1.00 p.m. (12.00 p.m. BST/7.00 a.m. EST). The final group will jump from 3.30 p.m. (2.30 p.m. BST/9.30 a.m. EST). We’ll be back with all the stories you need to know, so keep it locked on EN and as always, Go Eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Cross Country Day Action at the FEI World Championships: Live Blog

By on Aug 15, 2026 2:57 am -

An extra test for horses at Aachen is resisting stopping for a snack at this fence. Photo via CrossCountry App.

We’re in for a day of world-class cross country action coming at us from Aachen as the second phase of the eventing competition at the World Championships plays out.

The field is a fierce one, heralded as the best quality we’ve ever seen, with winners of all the major championships lining up as well as 16 of the world’s top-20 ranked riders. Not only are there multiple individuals well-fancied for the crown, but the competition for taking the team spoils is hot too. According to EquiRatings, Britain is the favorite to retain the title, but it’s a home advantage to Germany and nothing is a foregone conclusion, especially not in this game. No doubt about it, the sport today is high stakes stuff, and I’ve got you covered with all the action as it happens coming right at you in EN’s classic live blog right here.

Before that though, a quick catch up on where things stand following the dressage phase. It’s tight at the top, and all the way through, both for the teams and the individuals, with just two seconds of cross country time between team gold and silver and 0.3 separating bronze from 4th place, and a single penalty covering the individual podium with 0.4 separating individual bronze from 4th.

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Starting off their Championships in style with an exceptional test between the white boards is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel who laid it all down and then some in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 22.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Very much in the mix is Laura Collett and London 52 who delivered an (almost) equally exceptional test in the first phase for a score of 22.8.

3️⃣ 🇩🇪 Rounding out the podium placings is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who made their mark on the competition with a score of 23.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

And here’s a taste of the team podium at this point in proceedings:

🥇 🇬🇧 Great Britain head the field on a score of 72.8.

🥈 🇩🇪 Germany are chasing them down on a score of 73.6.

🥉 🇫🇷 France are in bronze on a score of 84.5.

🇳🇿 New Zealand are just 0.3 off the podium as things stand, on a score of 84.8.

You’ll find the full team standings here.

The live blog will begin when the first horse and rider combo leave the start box, so whilst we await the first countdown of the day, here’s some links for your perusal:

▶️ For absolutely everything about the competition this week, including schedules, reports, how to keep up with what’s going on and allsorts more, be sure to bookmark our ‘Ultimate Guide’ which is positively brimming with all the deets.

▶️ Follow along with the form with EN’s guide to the nations here.

▶️ Take a look at today’s track and see what the riders have to say about it with our Course Preview and see each fence up close and personal on CrossCountry App here.

▶️ Want to catch up on what’s been going on? We’ve got the ticket. Check out live blog of what went down in the dressage: [Thursday] [Friday]

▶️ And you’ll find EN’s classic daily reports from the first two days of competition here: [Day One] [Day Two]

And that’s not all – there’s also shenanigans happening over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.

With all that said, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

We’re counting down to kick off – the first horse and rider pair are due to go at 9:15am CEST / 3:15am EST.

Eyes on, and go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

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10:45

SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT

Keep it locked onto EN for our classic full report – coming as soon as our boots on the ground have wrangled the riders and tracked down our legendary chinchilla mascot who’s likely schmoozing somewhere amongst the hospitality offering.

Until then, here’s a rapid update of the action on today’s cross country:

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leading the pack and in gold medal position is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who delivered a classically classy clear inside the time to land on their superb dressage score of 23, 0.4 penalties ahead of silver – in show jumping terms that’s just a single second.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Sitting in the silver spot is Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo who once more showed what they’re made of with a smooth clear inside the time to stay on their dressage score of 23.4.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Just 0.2 penalties behind second place (so not even a single second), currently on the bronze step of the podium is Laura Collett and London 52 who added just 0.8 to their dressage score and are on 23.6.

4️⃣ 🇬🇧 Heading into the final phase and just off the podium after today’s cross country is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin who added just 2 penalties to their dressage score and go into the final phase on a score of 28.6, 5 points off the medal placings, giving Laura a fence in hand.

5️⃣ 🇩🇪 Christoph Wahler had a great round with D’accord FRH, climbing the leaderboard from 19th to 5th after going clear inside the time and ending up on their dressage score of 29.4.

🇺🇸 Best of the US is Will Coleman and Diabolo who posted a great clear inside the time to sit in 6th place on a score of 30.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

In terms of the team competition, it’s been a day of ups and downs and a whole lot of action which will be dissected in our full report. No change for the top two, but the rest of the pack have been shook up like a Boggle cube.

Here’s what the podium looks like:

🥇 🇬🇧 Great Britain head the field with three riders home for a total score of 75.6.

🥈 🇩🇪 Germany are in silver with four riders home on a combined score of 90.4.

🥉 🇨🇭 Switzerland have jumped up into bronze, with three riders home for a total score of 106.5.

🇺🇸 The USA are in 5th place on a score of 112.3.

You’ll find the full team standings here.

Whilst we have individuals vying for World glory and teams duking it out for the ultimate prize, eventing is about so much more than those at the top of the scoreboard and there are stories to tell from throughout the field. Here’s some points of note from today’s competition:

▶️ 65 combinations completed cross country from 85 starters, representing 27 countries. 18 combinations were eliminated on course and 2 opted to retire from the competition. Jumping penalties came at 13 different fences, missed flags at 3 fences and broken frangible devices at 4 fences. The final element of the coffin complex at 8 and the skinny triple brush at 9A were the most influential in terms of jumping penalties. There were 10 falls in total.

⏰ Time After Time After Time After Time – 6 combinations made the time:

Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH were 9 seconds inside.

Melody Johner and Erin were 6 seconds inside.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo were 6 seconds inside.

Sophia Hill and Humble Glory were 5 seconds inside.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH were 5 seconds inside.

Will Coleman and Diabolo were 2 seconds inside.

👌 53 combinations jumped clear, 4 had frangible penalties (one combination had two frangible penalties) and 2 flag penalties were upheld – Libussa Lubbeke and Caramia FRH and Peter T. Flarup and H. Carald Z, although Peter was later eliminated for a fall of rider.

🪜 Leaderboard climbers are one of the unique features of our sport, and we had a fair few in the ascendency today, here’s some of them:

Melody Johner and Erin put the cat among the pigeons when they clawed their way up 23 places into 9th place.

Jillian Giessen and Seattle Park galloped their way up 34 places into 16th place.

Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin jumped 33 places into 19th place.

Sophia Hill and Humble Glory rocketed themselves 43 places up the board into 25th place.

Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 propelled themselves 34 places up the board into 26th place.

Axel Lindberg and Quelle Bonne leaped 48 places up the board into 27th place.

⭐ Winning at the World Championships isn’t always about well, winning. Here’s some rounds of note, although honestly, there were so many:

🪩 Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos had an absolute ball out there. That horse just loves Aachen

🍑 Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’Or had a real peach of a ride.

🎞️ Caroline Harris and D. Day had a round truly worthy of the highlight reel, jumping themselves into the top 15.

🐻 Aoife Clarke and Full Monty de Lacense had their eyes on the flags like a bear for a salmon and put themselves just outside the top 10.

🍕 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko’s performance was clean enough to eat your dinner off. #

Not everyone can have the best day, that’s sport. There were some tricky moments out there, and some disappointments:

🦆 Maarten Boon and Gravin van Cantos got a bit of a ducking at the final water and had a wet walk home.

🛀 Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA took an an early bath at the first water.

💔 Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco had a very tricky time in the dressage and fared no better today with an early exit at fence 8.

💔 Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley were out at 8 too, with a really surprising two stops and Gemma having no real choice but to put her hand up.

🤦 Daniel Dunst and Chevalier 97, the day’s trailblazers gave us a taste of how tricky the final combination, and penultimate fence, was going to be with a late 20 coming their way.

🤦‍♀️ Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo showed just how disappointing things can be on cross country with an expensive 20 penalties so close to home.

🤦 Kento Nagura and Vince de la Vigne were another combination to pick up penalties one out from the finish.

🤦 Sam Woods and SS Eight Count were so close to a completion but parted company just one from home.

All this, and much, much more, in vivid detail below in the live blog. If you want to relive the day according to the order of go, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

What. A. Day.

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, the new World Champion will be crowned.

The show jumping phase is due to start at 12pm CEST / 7am EST with the second group going at 2:30pm CEST / 9:30am EST.

I’ll be back with a live blog covering the finale – don’t miss it!

Thanks for following along today. I may no longer have fingerprints but it’s worth it for an epic day of cross country.

Eyes on EN for a full report – coming soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

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9:48

STAY TUNED FOR A RAPID UPDATE OF THE DAY’S SPORT HEADED YOUR WAY SHORTLY.

Keep hitting that refresh button – more horsing around coming up very soon when I’ll update you with the individual and team standings and deliver a quick summary of the sport we’ve seen today.

via GIPHY

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9:40

FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇹 Vitoria Pannizon and DHI Jackpot*

Dressage Score: 32.9
Place: 47=

Sadly we first see Vitoria as she has trouble at the combination at 9. They don’t have the stride and there’s no way of making it over the B element. She comes back round and continues on but that’s an early 20. There’s more troubles when she appears to have a missed jump at 9 and she ends up being pulled up by the Ground Jury.

Ros is spot on the clock as she comes to the water at 13. There’s a little drift and the flag comes down over the cover at the final element. A question mark comes up on the live scores. And then it goes again. The British flags are out in force in the crowd. Walter looks completely comfortable as he gallops along, eating up the ground. They don’t make jumps big enough for this guy. It’s all so easy. They’re super neat through the complex at 24. Walter’s ears are pricked as he makes his way through the final water at 25. Can they make the time? Maybe…

Lara is having a great ride as she comes through the final water at 25. The crowd are clapping her home. She’s over the time. She comes straight through the angled brushes at 27, Lara working hard to hold the horse there. Over the last. Clear jumping, 12.4 time.

Ros is straight and Walter is locked on and there’s no question at the angled brushes at 27. They’re over the last. And through the flags. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! Classic Ros. Classic Walter. The crowd acknowledges a brilliant round. They’re in 2nd. Team GB’s in gold.

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9:36

PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo*

Dressage Score: 23.4
Place: 4

They came into today just one second of cross country time off the podium. She can’t go into the lead, but if she’s inside the time she’ll go into second.

Walter looks easy as you like at the start of the course, galloping along effortlessly and totally focused on the job in hand. They waste not a single fraction of a second at the first combination at 5.

Lara’s also galloping along, really covering the ground. She’s headed for the combination at 17. They trot into the drop and then loop round the longer route, giving the horse a little more time to read the questions in front of him.

We finally get to see Sanne as they opt for the long route at the penultimate fence, 27. Enjoy slips a little on the turn but they make it round and over the last. They finish up clear jumping, 36.4 time.

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9:33

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇪 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville*

Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 44

Lara gets her horse back for the first combination at 5 and then it’s foot down and full gallop onto the next fence. They got the slightly longer route at the two skinny brushes at 9 and then make their way towards the first way. They’re very quick in, quite brave, and brilliant.

We finally see Frida as she makes her way neatly through the final combination at 27 and then she sees a big one to the last. They cross the line, clear jumping, 5.2 time.

Sanne is showing on the live scores as clear through fence 21.

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9:29

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇱 Sanne de Jong and Enjoy*

Dressage Score: 37.5
Place: 67

Sanne starts out her round and is clear through the first few. The feed’s obviously focusing on Michael though.

Frida has a flag question at 17B showing on the live scores, we’re still not seeing her on the feed.

The crowd goes wild as Michael comes into sight of the finish. He’s CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! INTO THE LEAD!!! Michael’s really showing a lot of emotion. Wooo, he shouts and he’s grinning. He looks like he enjoyed that. What a superb competitor he is. And what a horse. Totally smooth and totally focused and not a single second when things didn’t look a dead cert. Fabulous sport.

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9:25

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Frida Andersen and Box Leo*

Dressage Score: 32.2
Place: 35

We’re into the final five combinations to go now.

We don’t see Frida start her round, sorry, but the live scores are showing her as clear through fence 12.

Felix heads for home, taking the direct route through the combination at 27, luckily aiming for the far left at the A element as the horse drifts right, but they’re through the flags. The finish line is crowded and there’s loads of noise for Felix as he crosses the line. Clear jumping, 5.2 time.

Meanwhile Michael continues to elicit huge cheers as he gallops on by. He’s superb through the combination at 17and sees a big one to the table at 21, brave but brilliant. They’re flying. He accelerates away from the fences. An overreach boot flies off. Gosh, there’ll be a scramble for that from the onlookers.

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9:20

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇪 Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH*

Dressage Score: 23
Place: 3

The Olympic champions were 3rd after dressage but are riding for the top spot. He has one second in hand over Laura Collett who’s been round and is in the lead.

The crowds are understandably incredibly supportive for these heroes of German eventing as they get going. They’re very quickly through the first combination at 5 and the crowd continues their enthusiastic support. There’s silence as they navigate the coffin at 8. Predictably neat and tidy there.

They go the slightly longer route at the combination at 9. They’re quick though. The crowd are really quiet as they make their way through the first water at 11 before the cheers erupt as they head on out. So smooth, so quick, so flowing. No question. Perfection.

Meanwhile Felix is clear up to the combination at 24, where they’re very neat. They’re headed toward home now.

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9:16

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Frieda*

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 16=

Felix is clear through fence 10 and is headed for the first water at 11. There’s total focus on his face and he hugs the red flag over the corner coming out, no risk of missing the white one there.

Nicolas is showing on the live scores as having had a frangible penalty at 24C. We watch him through the water at 25 and they make a good job of things before going right along the lefthand side of the two angled brushes at 27, taking no chances there. Lots of pats for this great horse at the end of their round. 11 penalties for the pin, 10.4 time.

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9:09

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe*

Dressage Score: 26.7
Place: 6

Nicolas hits the sweet spot through the first water at 11. The horse travels along so effortlessly. His ear flicks back to Nicolas and then forward to the flags. They get a big jump into the water at 13 and then hit the corner coming out perfectly, right in the middle, no question at all. They’re good on the clock. Lots of claps for Nicolas as he makes his way along the track. They get a bit close to the table at 22 but Nicolas sits up and they gallop on.

Marcio makes his way through the direct route at 27 and then clears the last. He looks thrilled with his horse, lots of pats going on. Clear jumping 24.4 time.

Padraig’s horse looks very much within himself as he flies the stick pile at 16. He’s good on the clock at this point on the course. They’re brave off the step at 17 and then get a great line through the two brushes, the horse totally locking on and doing the job. We see him coming to the final combination at the penultimate fence at 27 and then cross the finish line with a big smile on Padraig’s fence. There’s a flag question from 24B, 7.6 time.

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9:04

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Padraig McCarthy and MGH Zabaione*

Dressage Score: 32.8
Place: 41

Padraig gives his horse a pat after the combination at 9. That’s nice to see. He’s very slick through the line in the water at 11. This is a young horse but he looks up for the job, for sure. He’s looking for the fences and seems very confident.

Marcio’s showing as clear through fence 23 on the live scores.

Andrew’s a bit low over the house at 24A but they’re very fast through the two corners at B and C. Andrew kicks the flag out but it looks to be fine. They’re headed for home now and Vassily still has his ears pricks. “Aussie Aussie Aussie” cheers him home. They’re beautifully straight through the final combination at 27, a real technician at work. They cross the line. 4.8 time. Andrew gives Vassily a round of applause. Sob.

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9am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇷 Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Royal Encounter*

Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 27

Marcio’s quick through the first combination at 5 and looks to mean business. The horse has a really good gallop. Marcio gets him back for the coffin at 8 and he really gives this young horse an excellent ride through there. He has to work hard at the first water at 11, landing a bit short and having to push for the stride. But the horse responds. Good partnership on show there.

Andrew makes a great job of the combination at 17, going the straight route and doing it neatly.

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8:57

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos*

Dressage Score: 26.9
Place: 7

Just ten combinations to come after Andrew.

This is an exciting round, such an experienced pairing and we know how much Vassily loves Aachen. They are so neat through the coffin at 8, so athletic and pony-like. He opts for the slightly longer route at the two skinny brushes at 9 but don’t waste any time. Ooo, Vassily has a look into the ditch at 10 but they stretch and make it over the brush there. Superb thorough the first water at 11.

Will comes to the final combination at 27. They take the flag at the A element but look to be OK. They fly the finale and cross the line. There’s cheers and clapping from the crowd. They’re carrying a flag question but it’ INSIDE THE TIME!!!

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8:52

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇯🇵 Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA*

Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 30=

Toshi seems to be having a good round as we pick him up over the ditch and brush at 10 but then he doesn’t have a stride coming to the corner in the water at 11C, the horse hits it and Toshi flies on over for an early bath. They’re both wet but on their feet. A disappointing end to their competition.

Will slightly loses Diabolo’s shoulder at the corner coming out of the water complex at 13 but he holds him in. The flag goes but it looks to be OK. Dab is super nimble and clever with his feet through there.

Tim’s headed for home and there’s a heart in mouth moment in the final combination at 27. They take the flag at the A element and then swing out some, but Tim’s made of solid muscle and he manages to hold him in. There’s a question mark on that flag though. He completes with 8.4 time.

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8:48

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Will Coleman and Diabolo*

Dressage Score: 30
Place: 21

The pressure’s on Will as the anchorman for Team USA. They’re a team of three now so his score will count. But he’s a total pro and this horse is a proven cross country horse having won Kentucky. They set off quick and look to be well up for the challenge.

Lea’s nearing home now. She’s careful into the final combination and takes no chance whatsoever, well inside the flags. A superb showing from both horse and rider. She looks very pleased with her horse. Austrian flags are flying in the crowd. The horse looks to have finished really well, he looks great as he trots off. 18.4 time.

Meanwhile Tim gets Falco back for the tables at 21 and 22 before galloping off towards the final water. All looking good for the Kiwi pair.

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8:44

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco*

Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 49

They didn’t have the dressage they’d have liked but this horse is a phenomenal cross country jumper and they’ll be looking at a big leaderboard leap today. They sure look good as they get their round underway, as confident as we’d expect from the World No. 1 and his 5* winner.

Lea’s having a peach of a ride as she comes to the complex at 17. They’re smooth off the step at A and then very clean through the direct route through the two skinny brushes. There’s umbrellas up in the crowd. The horse is super focused, ears pricked and galloping very easily. Exciting stuff from this talented rider.

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8:40

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇹 Lea Siegl and Watermill Georgio RS*

Dressage Score: 29.2
Place: 15

This is it, the final rider rotation for the teams.

Lea’s horse is keen at the start and she has to take a pull to the second. The horse is looking at the crowd a little but she gets his focus and they navigate the first combination at 5 neatly. It’s raining in Aachen as Lea makes her way through the water at 11. They’ve really settled into their round and make a good job of things through there.

Tamie’s heading for home now. They’re a bit squiggly through the final combination at 27 and question marks come up for both A and B there, but they’ll be reviewed. They cross the line with 8 time penalties. I’ll update you on the flags.

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8:33

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Tamra Smith and Lillet 3

Dressage Score: 27
Place: 8

We don’t get to see much of Tamie’s round in the early stages but we pick her up as she comes to the water at 13. They’re bold in over the hanging log and they get the stride to the duck on the island. They’re very good to the corner at the C element. Over they go and along the track. They’re neat through the owl hole at 15. They opt for the slightly longer at 17 and the mare really answers the questions there. Looking good.

Ooo, Christoph’s squirrelly over the first element at 27 but they’re through the flags. They cross the line. The German flags are out in force at the finish and they erupt. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! FASTEST ROUND OF THE DAY!!! 9 SECONDS INSIDE!!! He goes into third.

Astier continues his lovely round and there’s tricolors flying in the crowd as he passes. He’s quick through the final combination and then he crosses the line just two seconds over, 0.8 penalties. Lots of pats for this lovely horse. A really brilliant round from both horse and rider.

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8:28

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: 23

Astier’s horse shows just what a great jumper he is over the first few fences with lots of cheering from the crowd. The horse is superb through the first water at 11 and Astier rides in beautiful balance. Really lovely work.

Meanwhile Christoph is good on the clock as he comes to the drop at 17. He slices through the direct route. This horse is relishing her job today, eating up the course. The German crowd is clapping him along and the mare is moving on between fences. They come round to the boat at 23 and then Christoph’s careful rolling round the corner, taking no chances of a slip. They gallop on to the village combination at 24.

Georgie crosses the line with Kojak, clear jumping, 12 time.

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8:24

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇪 Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH

Dressage Score: 29.4
Place: 19

This is a quick horse and a quick rider. The German crowd cheer for their individual rider. He’s set off like he’s going for the clock, that’s for sure. They’re very fast through the first combination at 5. They get in close to the corner in the water at C but fly on over.

Caroline’s through the final combination and over the finale. The crowd cheer as they cross the line. 1.2 time for them. Superb. Huge smiles from Caroline.

Georgie is showing on the live scores as clear through fence 23.

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8:20

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Georgie Goss and Kojak

Dressage Score: 31
Place: 26

Kojak’s got his ears pricked and eats up the ground as he makes his way over the first few fences. This is an exciting cross country horse. They’re great through the first combination at 5, very slick. He gallops so easily, really great to see. They’re neat through the skinny brushes at 9 too.

Caroline goes the quick route through the combination at 17, really making it happen.

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8:17

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Caroline Harris and D. Day

Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 38

Caroline’s going a great gallop as she makes her way towards the coffin at 8. They’re very quick on the way in there, she really trusts her horse and she’s right to, he responds. Wow. They’re more cautious at the combination at 9. And off they run. They’re very neat through the water at 11.

Andrea takes the long route at 27 and then finishes the course. There’s still a question mark for him though so I’ll update the score when I know more.

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8:13

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇳 Fouaad Mirza and Mokatoo

Dressage Score: 39.6
Place: 77

Fouaad gets off to a good start, the horse looks keen and they get into a good rhythm early on. He goes the direct route at the coffin at 8 and it’s quite sticky. Fouaad does a really good job to stay in the tack there. He loses his stirrup. But they’re through. Heart in the mouth stuff there.

Sadly we then see him on the ground. He’s had a tumble at 9A but is on his feet.

Andrea’s showing as having missed a jump at 17 on the live scores. They had a 20 and then seem to have picked up an error of course as they navigated that. But they’ve continued on, so I’ll update you as I know more. OK, so it’s updated to a question mark. I’ll keep an eye on it.

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8:04

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇹 Andrea Cincinnati and Cecilia Lad*

Dressage Score: 34.1
Place: 51

Andrea finishes up the third rider rotation for the teams. There are scores on the board, but drop scores to be considered with most teams having a fourth rider. I’ll bring you updates as I can and confirm the team standings at the end – stay tuned.

Andrea’s horse has her ears pricked as she picks out the first few fences. But she’s very strong at the combination at 9. They drive straight by, no chance for Andrea to do anything about that. He manages to coax her back round and they jump through the alternative. An early 20 for them. They opt for the slightly longer option at the water at 13 but are clean through there.

Massive cheers for Laura as she comes out of the water at 25. She’s OK on the clock, a little down but not too much. Focus on the final combination now. She takes zero risk. They drive for the finale. They’re over the line. Laura’s punching the air. Just two seconds over. 0.8 penalties. We’re used to fabulous rounds from this pair but in this situation, under this pressure, with the time hanging over her, just awesome work from Laura and what a horse this is. She goes into the lead.

Update on Karin’s time – 18.8.

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7:56

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Laura Collett and London 52*

Dressage Score: 22.8
Place: 2

Laura and London 52 come into today in 2nd after the dressage and don’t have a single time penalty in hand over third place. There’s plenty of pressure on this pair now Britain are down to three.

She looks super focused as she makes her way through the first combination at 5. They give the rail a little rub in front coming into the coffin at 8 but Laura sits tight and London 52 knows his job. They commit through the double of skinny triple brushes at 9, not on the perfect stride but making it happen. Super smooth through the water at 11. No question for them at the corner at 13C, totally straight through there. Excellent. They go the quick route at 17, spot on.

Karin continues to go well as we join her at the boat in the water at 23. She’s crouched low as she gallops round to the village combination at 24 where she opts to go long. This looks to be a fun round for them, the horse is giving her everything. She rides with all she’s got at the combination at 27, holding the horse on the line and then galloping for the last. Great stuff, what a ride. I don’t have a time for them right now but I’ll update you when I do.

Jillian goes direct through the final combination at 27 and they cross the line to big cheers from the Dutch supporters at the finish. They’ve been really quick. Just two seconds over for 0.8 penalties. Two flag questions being reviewed.

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7:53

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇪 Karin Donkers and Leipheimer van’t Verahof*

Dressage Score: 31.7
Place: 34

Karin really makes things happen through the combination at 9. They come really boldly into the water and the horse is really responding to her. They’re foot perfect through there.

Eek, Louise adds a stride in the double of angled brushes at 27 and just about squeaks it in. She holds the line and they’re clear, over the last and delighted to cross the line. Clear jumping and just 2.8 time for them. A fabulous round.

Jillian’s picked up a further flag question at the final element of 17.

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7:48

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇱 Jillian Giessen and Seattle Park*

Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 50

Jillian’s going at a great gallop on this Thoroughbred, really brave and bold to the fences. She’s clear through fence 14 but there’s a flag question at 11C.

Huge cheers for Julia as she goes through the water at 23 and the fans are clapping her along. She opts for the quick route through the village complex at 24 but there’s no question for them at the corners at B and C, they’re so together and focused and so, so good. They make all this look so easy.

They’re on the time, the penalties are clocking up. They come to the penultimate fence and go straight through there. Over the last. The crowds are cheering. Julia waves and points to her horse. A superb performance from horse and rider. But there’s 13.6 time penalties. That drops them down the leaderboard. Tom McEwen holds the lead.

Meanwhile, Louise is showing on the live scores at clear through fence 25.

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7:44

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Louise Romeike and Caspian 15*

Dressage Score: 35.3
Place: 60=

This is such a big powerful horse. They jump right down the slope over the skinny at 5B. So much scope and power. They’re very bold through the first water at 11. Excellent.

Julia says “good boy” as Nickel takes the duck at 13B. The crowd cheers. They gallop on. Julia’s very careful off the drop at 17A and then goes the direct route, giving her horse time to read the fences and really going through there so smoothly. The flags are going in the crowd.

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7:40

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇪 Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel*

Dressage Score: 22
Place: 1

Here we go, our dressage leaders are out on course. They have just two seconds of time in hand over second.

The crowds go wild as they set off down the track. There’s clapping and cheering, supporting their home rider all the way. They’re super neat through the first combination at 5 and motoring on. She gives us a masterclass of riding through the coffin at 8, just beautiful. She takes the option at the combination at 9, slightly smaller fences and a little turn between, but she doesn’t waste any time, really. They’re bold into the water at 11 and the crowd are really loud. They were balanced and focused through there. She’s totally going for this. You go girl.

Gaspard takes a risk at the angled brushes at 27 but they squeak through and over the finale to cross the line. They continue to zoom off whilst Gaspard celebrates. Just 1.6 time for them.

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7:38

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco*

Dressage Score: 46.5
Place: 87

Sadly we see Nadja make an early exit as she comes quickly into the coffin complex at 8 and the horse just catches the rail. Nadja’s propelled out of the tack, the horse jumps the ditch and Nadja ends up on the ground, albeit on her feet. That’s a real shame for them. Not at all the Championships they’d have been hoping for.

Austin’s elbows are going as he comes to the finale and he crosses the line, just 8 time penalties for them.

Gaspard is showing on the live scores as clear through fence 23, his flag question has been taken away.

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7:32

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza*

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 16=

Zoom Zoom Zaragoza gets off to an expectedly quick start, boy she’s keen for the job. Gaspard takes a pull into the third but then takes the fourth out of his stride. He gets her back for the first combination at 5 and there’s big cheers for them as they gallop on up the track.

They look really together coming into the water at 11 but then there’s a bit of a wiggle and a flag question at the C element. They’re super quick to the duck in the middle of the water combination at 13 and then are a bit squeaky over the C element but Gaspard makes it happen.

Austin continues to go well with Salty although we’re not seeing much of him, sadly. They’re showing as clear through 24 on the live scores.

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7:28

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue*

Dressage Score: 29
Place: 14

There’s cheers for Salty as he makes his way around the track. This is an exciting round for them after such a great showing in the dressage. They hunt their way through the coffin at 8, not on the perfect stride but picking their way through. Great cross country riding from Austin.

Carlos has completed with one flag question and 41.2 time.

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7:21

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇷 Carlos Parro and Safira*

Dressage Score: 44.2
Place: 85

Safira’s looking strong at the start of the round and really keen for the job today. They navigate the combination at 9 neatly. The mare seems to have settled into the course as she pops nicely through the owl hole at 15. They’re untidy off the drop at 17A, slipping sideways, and then are a bit hairy over the brush at the B element. They’re through though but with a flag question at the final element. There’s another one at 11C.

Oliver pops the owl hole at 15 and gallops on. But then sadly we see him out of the plate. They get the striding wrong coming into the brush at 17B, the horse tries but Oliver’s bounced right out of the tack. He’s on his feet and walking home. That’s Australia out of the team competition.

Kento takes the direct route through the combination at 27 and oh dear, another one to come unstuck there. The horse is traveling through his shoulder and Kento has no chance of getting the line. A very late 20 for them. They go on to complete with a frangible penalty, that 20, a flag question and 34.4 time.

Update on Boyd’s flag penalty – it’s been taken away.

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7:16

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar*

Dressage Score: 31.3
Place: 28

Oliver rides into the A element at 9 and they’re not quite on it but things come off for them and they make it through. They’re neater through the water at 11 to big cheers from the crowd.

Boyd takes a risk at the complex at 24. They squirrel over the corner at B and then again the other way at the C element. Yikes. But what a display of Boyd’s balance. Very impressive. They got straight through the combination at 27 and then ride for the finale. They brush through it and over the line and that’s a second score on the board for the USA. Classic Boyd round and a superb showing from Bali. 6.4 time and a flag question. I’ll keep you updated on that.

Meanwhile Kento is showing on the live scores as being up at fence 22 carrying the frangible penalties and a flag question.

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7:12

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇯🇵 Kento Nagura and Vinci de la Vigne JRA*

Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 45=

Wow, they have a moment at the first element of the coffin at 8 and the frangible device goes there.

Boyd’s elbows are going as he comes to the duck on the island at 13. He puts his foot down and gallops on, throwing off Bali’s ear bonnet as he goes. Some lucky person in the crowd’ll pick that up. There’s a flag question at 9A, I’ll keep you updated on that. He opts for the longer route at 17, the preferred option for team USA. He has to drive for the skinny brush at the final element but they’re through and galloping on.

Pavel’s home and celebrating. His flag penalties have been taken away so just 32 time for them.

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7:08

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker*

Dressage Score: 30.9
Place: 25

The ice man is out on track. Lot of pressure on this round as the US are down to three. But Boyd eats pressure up.

They’re beautiful through the coffin at 8 and then the combination of skinny brushes at 9. They have a superb line through the water at 11, really looking together and flowing. A great start for them.

Monica gets a great shot at the triple bar coming out of the water at 25 and she’s galloping for home. She brings Artist back for the final combination at 27 that caught teammate Jonelle out earlier. Taking no chances. They take the flag but it looks fine. They’re over the line. 4.8 time.

Pavel is showing on the live scores as having a flag question at 11B and then clear through fence 19.

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7:04

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇿 Pavel Brezina and Turin*

Dressage Score: 38.8
Place: 74

Pavel’s counted down and they set off at a furious gallop.

Katrin meanwhile is patting her horse between fences as she makes her way towards the village combination at 24. That’s great to see. There’s some conversation going on about taking the longer route at 27, the horse wanted to go straight. But they take the alternative and cross the finish and Katrin is delighted. 30 time and there’s a flag question at 17B.

Artist is showing off his Thoroughbred gallop between fences but then comes back nicely for the drop at 17A. They get very close to the brush shoulder at B and there’s a squiggle and then again at the skinny brush at C. But they’re through clear.

Update on Clarke Johnstone being pulled up – Rocket Man had a nose bleed.

Another update – Axel Lindberg’s flag penalty has been removed.

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7am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Monica Spencer and Artist*

Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 13

Artist gallops out of the box and takes the first couple fences out of his stride. They’re really good through the combination at 9 and Artist has his ears pricked looking for the next fence. They’re bold into the water at 11 and get a great line through the combination there.

Alex is super quick through the water at 25. Chicko’s still galloping along and jumping really well. They come into the direct route through the angled brushes at 27 and there’s no question there. They jump the last and there’s big pats for Chicko. They’re carrying 9 penalties for a flag but that’ll be reviewed. I’ll update you as we get news. Otherwise, a superb round. 4.8 time.

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6:56

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇹 Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Renegade*

Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 70

Now we’re back with the teams for the third rider rotation.

We don’t see Katrin at the start of her round but the live scores are showing as clear through fence 9. We catch up with them at the water at 11 and she punches the air as she comes out of there.

Chicko has a little look into the water over the hanging log at 13A and then they’re a bit off at the corner in the water. That’s squeaky moment. The shoulders definitely go over the fence but the hind? Hmmm. Alex thinks he’s good and he continues on. One for the Ground Jury.

He goes the direct route at 17 and Alex looks to be really going for this. He’s totally focused and wasting no time at all.

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6:52

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇳 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko

Dressage Score: 32.5
Place: 37

Alex looks cool as you like as he waits in the start box, and then he’s off and galloping and Chicko looks incredibly keen and ready. He’s set out very fast. They’re impressive through the first combination at 5, wasting not a fraction of a second. They have a great line through the coffin at 8 and are super neat through there.

Chicko backs off the skinny brush at 9A and Alex is clicking. They brush through but then put in a big jump over the B element. They’re bold into the water at 11 and are really smooth round the line in there. Alex gives Chicko a pat.

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6:46

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇰 Peter T. Flarup and H.Carald Z

Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 56

There’s an early question for Peter who has a potential flag penalty at 5. We see it on screen and it’s too close to call. And then we see on the live scores that there’s been a rider fall at 9B. We see him on his feet.

Meanwhile Balasz takes the direct route at the angled brushes at 27 and then completes. Clear jumping, 36 time.

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6:41

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇵🇱 Joanna Pawlak and Armin de Monsieur

Dressage Score: 37.2
Place: 65

Joanna opts for the long route at 8, taking the gate alternatives really neatly but then run into troubles at 9 where they take the longer route but stop at the A element. They come back round and stop again. The live scores show a third refusal and they walk home

Balazs is confident through the water at 13, riding forwards and bravely and the horse is jumping really well. They pop neatly through the owl hole at 15.

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6:36

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇭🇺 Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15

Dressage Score: 35.3
Place: 60=

Balazs is having a good round with Clover, popping away and getting the job done. They’re clear through fence 12 and enjoying their time out there.

We pick up with Weerapat as they have a stop at 13B. That was a surprise as they jumped in really well. He’s jumps the alternative but then has to look round for an alternative route. He jumps some more elements but then looks to have been pulled up for an error of course. That’s a sad end to their competition.

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6:32

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇹🇭 Weerapat Pitakanonda and B.Grimm Chateau de Versailles M2S

Dressage Score: 41.4
Place: 82

Weerapat is showing on the live scores as being clear through fence 10 although we’ve not seen much of their round, sorry.

Noemi opts for long route at the combination at 24, which is exactly what those long routes are for. They’re moving forwards though and not wasting time. She’s really having a super ride and the horse is looking great as they come to the end of the track, ears pricked and really galloping on. They go long at the final combination at 27 and have a moment at the A element, but all’s well. Huge pats at the end of the course. A really superb showing from this pair. 30 time for them and a World Championships completion.

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6:26

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇭🇺 Noémi Viola Doerfer and Piltown Harry

Dressage Score: 41.9
Place: 83

We’re around the half-way mark now.

We catch up with Noemi going long at 17, deciding not to come off the drop at the A element. It means an extra jumping effort. They’re not going super quick but they’re traveling forward and having a good ride.

Olivia’s showing on the live scores as having picked up a 20 at 24C. That’s a real shame as the round has looked amazing. They’re straight as a die through the final combination at 27 and clear the last. 20 jumping and 14 time for them.

Meanwhile Sam trots off the drop and opts for the slightly longer route at 17. It’s not looking easy always for Sam but they’re getting the job done together. They look to have taken the long route at 24 too. The horse is looking a little tired but she’s supporting him and he’s jumping nicely. They finish with 25.2 time.

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6:20

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Samantha Lissington and Lucas Stone

Dressage Score: 29.7
Place: 20

Sam comes to the water at 13 and has to ride a little through there but the horse responds and they gallop away. You can see him looking around at the crowds.

Olivia’s horse is really looking for the flags as he goes along. They drift at the final element of the water at 13 and the flag goes, but it looks OK. The horse has a really lovely expression on his face as he gallops along and she’s giving him a great ride. There’s a big cheer as they take the silver birch oxer at 19 in their stride.

Ashish meanwhile has a bit of a moment at the water at 25, the horse looks a little tired and it’s all a bit messy but they’re through and continue on their way and complete. 22 time, 20 jumping and three flag questions, but a World Championships completion nonetheless.

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6:17

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku

Dressage Score: 30.6
Place: 24

Olivia’s brave and forward at the start of her round. They’re very neat through the coffin complex at 8 and then again through the water at 11.

Ashish is showing as having had a 20 at 11C and there are three flag questions showing on the live scores. We haven’t seen what’s been going on though, sorry.

Axel is riding forward right to the end. It’s a bit risky at the two brushes at 27, losing the shoulder but managing to stay on line. He crosses the line. There’s a flag question for them at 11C. They’re just two seconds over the time. Only 0.8 added for them.

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6:12

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇳 Ashish Limaye and D’avril du Pinier

Dressage Score: 44.6
Place: 86

Ashish is quick through the combination at 9. They’re a bit off line but the horse is very honest and picks his way through the flags. Oh no, it looks like he’s gone the wrong way. That’s a really frustrating mistake.

Jessie totally goes for it at the combination at 24, totally trusting her horse who totally delivers. She’s such a pleasure to watch, loving her job and giving it her all the whole way round. They put an extra stride in to the combination at 27, the flag goes but they look to stay inside. They’re over the last. 12 time for them and Lacey looks really well at the end of the round.

Axel meanwhile picks his way carefully through the water at 25. They’re headed for home now.

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6:08

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇮 Axel Lindberg and Quelle Bonne

Dressage Score: 39
Place: 75=

Axel’s horse has his ears pricked at the start of the course. The horse is very brave and gets in close to a few fences which keeps us on the edge of our seats. Axel sits up though and it works for them.

Jessie and Lacey come into the water at 13 looking confident and totally together. They’re being cheered all around the track. They’re brave off the drop at 17 and then pick out an alternative route through there, adding as they go as this horse doesn’t have the biggest stride, but they do a great job and gallop on.

Esteban is showing on the live scores as having picked up a 20 at 24C, the corner complex. He goes on to finish with 30 time.

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6:04

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent

Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 56=

Jessie and Lacey are great through the combination at 9, taking on the triple brushes and wasting no time at all.

Esteban continues to have a nice round with the sweet Utrera, adding a couple trot steps into the drop at 17 and coming off carefully before making their way through the brushes.

We see Paolo through the combination at 27 but Zinny looks tired and there’s something not quite right. Paolo gets off before the final fence. The teams are right with them. I’ll update you if we get further news.

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6am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇪🇸 Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1

Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 45=

We’re into the second batch of individual riders now.

We watch Esteban through the triple brush combination at 9, making a nice job of that through there. They get a good shot into the water at 11 and get a really nice line through and are on their way.

Tom goes the long route at the village combination at 24. The British team just can’t risk anything as they’re down to three. They don’t waste much time though as they’re traveling on so nicely. He’s close to home now. He’s close to the time. There’s a little wobble coming into the angled brushes at 27, he keeps his stick down Dubs shoulder but they stay in line. He’s over the last. A fabulous round on the board for Britain, superb riding and a really excellent round from the horse. Just 2 time penalties to add.

Meanwhile, Paolo is showing on the live scores as clear through fence 17.

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5:56

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇹 Paolo Torlonia and Zinny*

Dressage Score: 41.3
Place: 81

Paolo completes the second team rider rotation. Zinny is super excited in the start box, spinning and up on her back legs. But then she’s off and running.

Tom hails a cab on the way into the water at 13 and we get a replay of the corner on the way out of that complex, but all’s well. They gallop on and Dubs is looking very much within himself and happy. They slide off the step at 17 and then pick the perfect line through the two brushes at B and C, not in a hurry, taking no chances but totally on their game.

Meanwhile Wouter picks the longer route at the combination at the penultimate fence at 27, sensible not to take a risk with this lovely young mare. They cross the line and he looks delighted with her. 37.2 time, clear jumping.

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5:52

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and JL Dublin*

Dressage Score: 26.6
Place: 5

Tom’s got some pressure on him now that the British team are down to three, but he’s a cool dude and will shoulder it well, no doubt. Dubs looks very ready for this as he gets his round underway, really jumping big and looking super fit and keen. He comes to the coffin at 8 where Gemma had her troubles. No problem for this pair. Phew. Wow, they’re quick and smooth. Tom’s really riding with intention.

Wouter is very nice through the water at 13, really letting his young horse read the fences and supporting her in this big challenge.

Sterre is super quick through the corners at 24B and C, a little risky there from them, but they’re clear. But then we sadly see them parting company on the way out of the water at 25. We see her up on her feet.

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5:48

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇪 Wouter de Cleene and Ragdoll de Tamise*

Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: 68=

We see Wouter take an alternative option through the triple brush complex at 9, very neat through there for this lovely young horse.

Sterre does a great job at the water at 13. The horse hesitates in the water but Sterre keeps him with her and they make it through clear. Good riding. They don’t look the quickest but they’re bowling along in a nice rhythm and going for a completion.

Meanwhile, Amanda has completed with 11.6 time.

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5:45

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇱 Sterre van Houte and Crossborder Radar Love*

Dressage Score: 32.9
Place: 42=

We pick up Sterre at the combination at 9, where they’re very confident, really bold and punchy through there. Looks like a great start to their World Championships round.

Yikes, Malin’s horse slips coming into the second corner at 24 but what an honest horse it is, rebalancing and picking up and clearing the fence. They’re awesome through the final combination at 27 and then over the last. The crowd and support teams celebrate as they cross the line. She’s punching the air. Just 3.2 time for them. An absolutely cracking round.

We get a brief glimpse of Amanda at the water at 25, but it’s very brief, sorry. She’s showing as clear to there.

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5:43

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Amanda Staam and Corpoubet AT*

Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 55

Amanda’s not been shown on the feed but she’s showing on the live scores as being clear through fence 11.

The flags are waving, there’s clapping and cheers as Malin makes her way along the track. She’s close to home now, clearing the picnic tables at 21 and 22, but still plenty of work to do.

Update on Melody’s flag – it’s been taken away. No penalties added for them today.

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5:36

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇪 Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K*

Dressage Score: 28.6
Place: 11

The home crowd are loud for Malin as she gets going as the second rider for the German team. They come confidently into the water at 13 although there’s a gasp from the crowd as the horse brushes his hind legs over the hanging log in, no worries though and they’re through and galloping on their way. The German crowd really supporting them all along the track.

Meanwhile, Alexis continues to have a peach of a ride. They look total class through the corners at 24. This horse really is a superstar, so willing and quick to react and still ears firmly pricked at they come to the end of the course. They’re brilliantly straight through the penultimate combination at 27 and they clear the last to a big cheer. 6.4 time.

We catch up with Melody as she flies through the farm yard and then pick her back up as she comes over the last. She’s punching the air. SHE’S INSIDE THE TIME!!! But there’s a flag question at fence 17B.

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5:33

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Mélody Johner and Erin*

Dressage Score: 31.5
Place: 32=

Melody shows as clear through fence 11 on the live scores but we don’t get to see her on the live feed, sorry.

Aoife’s horse has something to say about coming back for the penultimate combination at 27 but they’re straight through there and then over the last. Clear jumping and just 1.2 time. Game on for team Ireland.

Alexis is very neat through the water at 13, absolutely spot on. They’re looking very competent and clean and relishing their World Championships. They make nothing of the big picnic tables at 21 and 22 and are headed for home.

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5:31

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Alexis Goury and Je’vall*

Dressage Score: 28.5
Place: 10

Alexis will be a counting score for the French team now they’re down to three. They pick out a beautiful line to the corner in the water at 11, no doubt about that there. They look confident at the start of their round.

Aoife’s showing on the live scores as clear through fence 22 but still with a flag question at 5.

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5:25

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Aoife Clark and Full Monty de Lacense*

Dressage Score: 31.5
Place: 32=

Aoife’s rapid at the start of her round, blink and you’ll miss em. They’re quick as you like through the water at 13, smooth and fierce and very much hunting a fast clear for the Irish team. There’s a flag question for them at 5C. That’s being reviewed.

Raphael’s classy through the water combination at 13, he looks to be having a great ride. They are super straight through the final combination at 27 and they cross the line to huge cheers. 15.6 time for them.

Oh dear, we’re seeing Sam on the ground. Ugh, what a bummer to have such a late fall, at the penultimate fence. He could see the finish flags. The horse drifted through the two angled brushes and pops out at the last second. Sam’s propelled over the fence. He’s up and fine and the horse is good but how completely frustrating to be so near and yet so far. Gutted for him.

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5:20

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇷 Raphael Mamprin Losano and Withington*

Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 53

This is the first Brazilian rider we’ve seen as they’re a team of three and didn’t have a rider in the first rotation. The horse sets off with pricked ears, hunting out the fences and in a really good gallop. They’re careful through the first combination at 5, that was tricky for such a big horse with gravity coming down the slope pulling them into the second element but they do a good job of things.

Ryuzo’s horse looks into the water at 25 and he gives a little click of encouragement. It’s looking quite hard work for him but the horse is traveling on well enough. They come into the penultimate combination at 27 for the straight route which feels quite brave as they’re carrying two refusals. There’s a wiggle into the first element and they take the flag but they make it through. They clear the last. 40 jumping and 38.8 time.

Sam’s showing on the live scores as being clear through fence 22.

Update on Jonelle’s time – 10.4, plus 20 jumping.

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5:16

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Sam Woods and SS Eight Count*

Dressage Score: 37.4
Place: 66

We see them a little scrappy through the coffin at 8, clever footwork from the horse there.

Ryuzo’s continuing on carrying that 20. Japan’s a team of three so all scores count. The horse has a little look into the water at 13 but they make it through. The horse is looking quite strong at times. They’re very neat through the owl hole at 15.

But then they run into further troubles at 17B, the brush shoulder after the step down. That’s another 20 for them. This is a real shock from this pair who are normally really reliable cross country. They continue on.

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5:14

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇯🇵 Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed*

Dressage Score: 35.4
Place: 62

There’s a lot happening…

We see Ryuzo having an early mistake at the first combination at 5D. They pick up 20 there.

Meanwhile, Caroline has come unstuck at 17. Blake catches a leg on the skinny brush at the third element and Caroline’s fired out of the plate. She’s up and Blake looks fine but what a bummer. The USA is down to three.

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5:08

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake*

Dressage Score: 32.3
Place: 36

Caroline’s out as the second for the US, having already logged Phillip Dutton’s score for the team.

She gets off to a neat start and we see them confidently into the water at 13 but then there’s a wiggle at the corner and the flag goes. They’d looked so careful over the other elements but then she just loses the shoulder and the Blake drifted. There’s a question mark on that. She’s showing as having a flag question at 11C too. I’ll update you as I know.

Jonelle’s horse has got a second wind after that hold, for sure, he’s strong and flying as he comes to the water at 25. The crowd cheers as they make their way through there. They really respect the narrow triple rails.

Oh no. They come into the final combination at 27 and the horse is running through his shoulder. Jonelle does everything to keep him on his line. They make it over the first angled brush and take the flag but the horse is still going out the side door and she just can’t hold him in for the second element. 20 penalties. Gutted. Her score is a counting score for the team after Clarke didn’t complete. She goes on to finish, with that 20. We’re waiting for the time.

Matej’s time is in – 25.2.

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4:58

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇿 Matěj Sukdolak and Qaid*

Dressage Score: 44
Place: 84

Matez looks to have had a good start to his round. We see him neatly through the owl hole at 15.

Jonelle opts for the slightly slower option at 17 but she’s so quick and wastes no time.

She’s pulled up while the fence that Harald had down is fixed. It was a deformable picnic table so will take a minute. Jonelle’s horse is being wet down to keep him cool while they wait.

Harald’s showing on the live scores as having completed. He’s got 20 for a refusal, the frangible device and 33.2 time.

Meanwhile, Matej continues on and we see him navigate the combination at 17 very competently. He’s not going quick but he’s keeping up a nice rhythm. He’s been allowed to continue on past Jonelle, while she’s stopped.

Matej sees a different stride to his horse at the picnic table at 22 and he’s pitched forward but sits up and heads on down the course. They go the quick route through the village complex at 24 and he’s grinning as they make a good job of it. Honest horse that’s really trying for his rider. The crowd are clapping them home. They drift through the combination at 27 but stay on track. They’re over the last and clear round the World Championships track. I’ll update the time when we have it.

Jonelle’s now been restarted.

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4:53

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo*

Dressage Score: 27.2
Place: 9

Jonelle’s got some pressure on her shoulders now the team’s down to three. But this lady sprinkles pressure on her breakfast cereal. They get off to a strong, confident start, as we’d expect from Jonelle. Jonelle’s straight as a die through the water at 11. The horse looks to be quite strong but Jonelle’s keeping him on side and then lets him run along a bit before bringing him back to go through the water for a second time.

Wow, heart in mouth moment at the corner in the water there where the horse sees the fence at the last second. But he’s on it and Jonelle sits up and they gallop away.

We’re seeing a damp Maarten walking his horse out of the water at 25. It’s showing as a rider fall for them and so sadly elimination.

Harald’s showing on the live scores as having had a frangible device at 22.

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4:50

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇹 Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet*

Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 56=

We’re back with the team riders now for the second rotation.

Harald is clear through the second water at 13. The horse looks really keen and they’re wasting no time at all. The Austrian flags are waving him along.

Maarten’s horse is really careful the combination with the step at 17. They opt for the slightly longer route there and do a great job of things.

We finally see Christoffer as he nears home. The horse’s ears are pricked as he comes to take the longer route at the penultimate combination at 27, taking on an extra jumping effort. They clear the last and there’s big pats for a job nicely done. 53.6 time for them and a World Championships cross country clear.

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4:44

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇪 Maarten Boon and Gravin van Cantos

Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 30

Maarten’s horse really looks to be enjoying herself out on course. She loved the dressage too. So joyful to watch. They’re clear through the second water at 13 and having a ball. There’s oos from the crowd there as they get a bit close to the middle element but this is a partnership who know each other well and they stick together.

Yikes, there’s a moment for Angelika at the village complex at 24. They activate the frangible device at the C element. Things just look rather hairy at times. Then they have another pin at the water at 25C. She gets things back together though and they go on to complete to the delight of the support team who’re skipping round. There’s a flag under review from 24B, two frangible penalties and 13.2 time.

We’re still not seeing Christoffer but he’s showing on the live scores as clear through fence 22.

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4:40

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo TSF

Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 38

We don’t get to see Christoffer, sorry, but he’s showing at clear through the water at 11 on the live scores.

The Swiss flags are flying for Angelika at the water at 13. They’ve picked up the pace some and look confident through there. They’re careful over the two big tables at 21 and 22.

Meanwhile, Korntawat’s heading towards home. They’re stilling running on and see a great stride at 26 and then are really great through the tricky final combination at 27. They’re over the last. What a superb round. Just 1.2 time penalties for them. A pleasure to watch that, what a lovely horse given a great ride.

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4:36

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Angelika Dubak and Felin de Chignan

Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 56=

Angelika’s horse really listens to her through the combination at 5, coming back and balancing nicely and making a tidy job through there.

Korntawat is great through the second water at 13. This is shaping up to be a great round in the early stages of the course. They’re smooth everywhere and quick. He gives his horse a pat as they gallop away from the steeplechase fence at 14 where they have a little breathing space between the big combinations.

They go the quick route through the combination at 17, coming neatly off the step and then picking their way through the two brushes.

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4:31

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇹🇭 Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Carouzo Bois Marotin

Dressage Score: 34.2
Place: 52

The horse looks super positive at the start of the course. They’ve set off really confidently and look to be a bold pair. They jump the first few out of their stride. They’re very quick through the first combination at 5, that was quite brave. They go straight a the coffin complex at 8 and the horse really is super through there, gorgeous technique and smart on his feet. Excellent.

They’re smooth as you like through the first water and there’s a cheer from the crowd.

Update on Libusse’s flag penalties – she’s been given 9 for a missed flag.

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4:21

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇹 Francesco Aondio Bertero and It’s Athene

Dressage Score: 41.2
Place: 80

We have two Italians on course as Giovanni comes towards the end of his round and Francesco starts as an individual.

Duke of Champions is still running on as he comes to the penultimate fence. They take the flag on the first tractor but look to be OK. There’s a little wiggle but Giovanni keeps him between his legs and they’re through and over the last. Big cheers. Clear jumping, 16.8 time.

Splinter’s time is now in, 13.2 penalties.

Francesco’s showing as having had a 20 at fence 6 and now we’re seeing Francesco being held on course. We’re also seeing Kumru walking around. She looks happy and relaxed, so hopefully all’s well.

We get back up and running and Francesco’s horse is very keen. It’s really tricky for Francesco and then she stops at the silver birch rails at 8A. Francesco puts his hand up. Not their day today.

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4:18

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇹🇷 Kumru Say and Baladin de L’ocean LA

Dressage Score: 38.7
Place: 72=

We have a batch of individual riders coming up now, starting out with Kumru.

Giovanni gets a huge jump over the stick pile at 16 and then is brave off the step at 17A. Giovanni loses his stirrup through the combination there but his lower leg is strong and he doesn’t budge a bit. He gets it back and gallops on. This is a great round so far, he’s really giving this lovely horse a peach of a ride. The horse is keen though and looks to be quite strong coming into some of the fences.

The live stream is focusing on Giovanni as we’re seeing on the live scoring that Kumru has had a fall at 9A.

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4:13

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇹 Giovanni Ugolotti and Duke of Champions*

Dressage Score: 36.3
Place: 64

Giovanni is the last rider in the first team rotation.

Senne is showing as having picked up a third refusal on course at 9A, a skinny triple brush. That’s the end of their round.

That means that Giovanni’s got the course to himself for a moment. He gets off to a confident start and the horse has his ears pricked and looks to be relishing his time out there as he pops through the first fences. They go straight through the first water at 11 and then are very quickly back up to speed. He’s taking Giovanni to the fences and jumping brilliantly. Giovanni balances him into the water at 13 but the horse is keen. They’re close to the duck at the third element and there’s a knock, but it’s a forgiving fence and they slide on through.

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4:08

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇬🇧 Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley*

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 16=

Gemma sets out with her game face on. They’re straight into a great rhythm and Gemma’s crouched low.

But then, goodness. Flash Cooley comes to a halt at the silver birch rails at 8A, going into the coffin. They were taking the long route. Gemma comes back round but no, the horse says not today. What a shock and huge disappointment for Gemma and the team. They walk off course.

The live scores are showing that Senne picked up further penalties at the B element of the coffin complex, although we didn’t see it on screen. So they’re carrying 40.

Meanwhile Splinter ops for the long route at the penultimate combination, a completion very much on his mind and the risk of the straight route wasn’t worth it for him. He’s over the last and the youngest competitor has completed at the World Championships. We don’t have his time showing yet, sorry.

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4:05

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇧🇪 Senne Vervaecke and Google van Alsingen*

Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 54

Oh, we catch up with Senne coming to a stop at the rails going into the coffin. They were going the longer route. That’s an early 20 for them.

Splinter is brave off the step at 17 but picks the slightly longer route. They’re close to the B element and then the horse is very strong. Splinter’s trying to get him back and somehow they navigate their way to the final element. Splinter’s thrown forward but sits back up and they gallop on.

Sophia has completed, 20 jumping penalties, 27.2 time.

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4am

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇱 Splinter Bergsma and Vigo Key SR Z*

Dressage Score: 40.3
Place: 78

There’s a couple of sticky moments for Splinter who’s opting to take some longer lines at times. there’s gasps and oos as they jump into the water 13, but they’re staying together and really going for it. Determined rider and a horse that’s responding.

Libusse continues to be very fast and elicits gasps from the crowd at the water at 23. They go the longer route at 25, perhaps German team instructions. They’re welcomed home to big cheers. She’s got a question mark over that flag but otherwise clear jumping, 16.8 time.

Sophia’s showing as being up at fence 19.

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3:58

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇸🇪 Sofia Sjöborg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof Z*

Dressage Score: 39
Place: 75=

Sadly we pick up Sofia having a drive by at 9B, picking up 20 there. They come back round and continue on. They’re very good through the quick route at the water at 11, straight back into their flow after that disappointment. The crowd cheers.

Libusse’s very fast round the corner after the step at 17, they’re charging along. They make the turn though and over the two brushes and on their way.

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3:52

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇩🇪 Libussa Lübekke and Caramia FRH*

Dressage Score: 31.3
Place: 28=

The first for the host nation is out on course. Huge cheers from the crowds as she makes her way over the first couple of fences. This horse is so careful through the coffin at 8, very neat and quick through there. They go the direct route through the water at 13 and take the flag at the final element. We’re shown a replay of them through the water at 11 and there’s a flag question there at the C element. It’s a close call.

There’s Swiss flags waving as Robin gallops past. The support for the horses and riders really is wonderful. Robin brings the horse right back for the tables at 21 and 22, separately numbered but related fences. Then he kicks on off to the boat in the water at 23, which he flies. There’s a little peck on landing over the corner at 24C but Robin’s in perfect balance and they gallop on, with a pat for the horse. They’re headed for home now. They’re super straight through the brush tractors at 27 and then over the finale. What a great round from this lovely horse. Robin punches the air. Clear jumping, 10.4 time.

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3:46

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇭 Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH*

Dressage Score: 30.1
Place: 22

Robin gets off to a confident start and the horse looks well up for his time out on the track today. They’re very neat through the coffin at 8, turning just a couple of strides before the A element, total trust in his horse. This 18-year-old looks fabulous. There’s big cheers as they’re smooth through the water at 11, very clean. They’re moving on between the fences and then the horse is so attentive at the fences. Total class through the water at 13, wasting not a second. The crowd’s clapping him round the course.

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3:40

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇫🇷 Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy*

Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 63

Sadly we see Ben having difficulties at 9. He comes down the slope and lose balance and the horse goes to the side of the fence. They slip down the bank there. We see the horse and Ben back up on their feet.

Ian’s horse slips on take off into the water at 12 and looks to have lost a shoe. More hunting going on through there. Ian’s really driving and his horse is responding. He’s jumping brilliantly. They’re very positive through the water at 25 and headed towards home. They’re straight as you like through the angled brushes at 27 and get a good shot over the last. Clear jumping and 7.2 time.

Sophia Hill and Humble Glory are CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! Sadly we didn’t really see any of their round.

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3:37

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇮🇪 Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis*

Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 48

We catch Ian through the complex at 9 and they’re very quick through there. He opts for the direct route through the water at 11 and has a moment at the log into the water, Ian sits tight and drives for the corner at C and they make it through. That’s cross country riding for you.

Phillip opts for the direct route through the village combination at 24, lining up the two corners superbly. What an exciting horse this is, he’s so neat and careful, and they look quick too, although they are down on the clock. They’re straight and smooth through the water at 25 and can smell home. There’s a little drift through the final combination at 27 but they’re through and over the finale. A clear cross country round on the board for the USA. 12.4 time penalties.

The live scores are showing Sophia as clear through fence 25.

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3:34

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇺 Sophia Hill and Humble Glory*

Dressage Score: 37.6
Place: 68=

This Thoroughbred flies out of the box and really gets stuck into the course, finding a rhythm very quickly. There’s an ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie let’s go!’ from the crowd as she gallops by.

Phillip and Denim are continuing to go really well. They’re clear through the owl at at 15 and then brave off the drop at 17A. They jump brilliantly through the combination there, taking a slightly longer line but this horse eats up the ground and they wasted no time at all.

Miroslav is over the line. The horse is still pulling to the last. He’s a minute 10 seconds over the time but clear around the World Championships track.

We’re hearing that Clarke Johnstone was pulled up by the Ground Jury and following a vet check didn’t continue on.

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3:30

NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇺🇸 Phillip Dutton and Denim*

Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 38=

Phillip’s off and running! He gets off to a good start and comes very quickly through the coffin complex, Denim’s very neat and tidy with his footwork, what a great feeling that must have been. He looks to be relishing this test and is really responding to Phillip. They get a great shot into the water at 11, total class through that complex.

We catch up with Miroslav at the owl hole at 15 and his horse looks very clean.

________________________________________________________________________________

3:25

THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇨🇿 Miroslav Trunda and Mellevue van Rechteren

Dressage Score: 41
Place: 79

Miroslav gets away for Czechia, great to see them with a team here.

Meanwhile Daniel’s horse is looking well as he comes to the latter stages of the course. He’s still got his ears pricked and galloping on. They go for the longer route at the village complex at 24, looping round and taking up time, but a completion is the name of the game for this pair, particularly carrying that 20. They pick up penalties at the last combination too, it’s at the penultimate fence and the tractors there are on a really acute angle. They navigate the longer route and come home. Completion for them.

We’re seeing on the live scoring that Clarke has been stopped. I don’t have any more information but I’ll update you when I do.

________________________________________________________________________________

3:20

SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇳🇿 Clarke Johnstone and Rocket Man

Dressage Score: 28.7
Place: 12

We see Clarke leave the box and easily navigate the first few fences then catch up with him going the direct route through the coffin at 8. Super smooth through there. He makes nothing of the wide triple brushes at the double combination at 9. Looking good so far. They take the quick route at the first water at 11 and make it seem easy.

Aw, Daniel runs into trouble at the water complex at 11, picking up a 20 at the C element, the brush corner in the water. He opts for the alternative route the second time through the water at 13.

________________________________________________________________________________

3:15

FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: 🇦🇹 Daniel Dunst and Chevalier 97

Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 45=

And we’re off! If you’re up and following in countries where it’s the very early hours of the morning, all respect to you, fellow eventing nerds.

Daniel gets the World Championships cross country underway as first team member for Austria. The crowds are out in force and cheering the first competitor away. They get into a nice rhythm right away and the horse has his ears pricked, hunting out his next fence. The early part of the course is lovely and flowing then we come to the first combination at 5 which Daniel goes straight through. The track is super green compared to the areas around, there’s been a lot of work done to make sure the footing is perfect despite the crazy hot and dry weather we’ve been having.

Daniel opts for the alternative at 8, the coffin complex, playing it safe there. It’s more jumping efforts so he’ll have to plan for that in terms of bringing the horse home later.

________________________________________________________________________________

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

Saturday Links for Cross Country Day

By on Aug 15, 2026 12:01 am -

What’s On at Aachen: Cross Country Day
9:15 am CEST / 3:15 am EST —  [Start Order & Ride Times]

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos prepare for their fourth test together on the World Championship stage. Photo by Impulsion Media.

Are you ready for it? (*cue bass drop*)

Sit down, lock in, load up the live stream, and get ready for what EquiRatings have told us is set to be “the strongest field the sport has put on one start list“. We have a big day ahead of us, and with a whopping 87 starters, this is bound to be one to for the history books.

Before tuning in, be sure to check out Sally’s Cross Country Course Preview of the track all the riders are calling “Aachen on steroids”, or to hear the full fascinating rundown with course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa, listen in to the special bonus episode out now on the Go Eventing Podcast.

For a ride-by-ride recap of yesterday’s challengers and overtakers, check out Cheg’s Judging Break Update or read through Tilly’s full Day Two Report before tuning in to FEI.tv — you’re not going to want to miss a second of the action today!

As always, find all the important links in our Ultimate Guide, follow along with EN @goeventing to get behind-the-scenes interviews and updates, and watch this space for more reports to come.

Until then, here are just a few more great stats and facts from EquiRatings on the leaders of our 87-strong field:


FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Other Major International Events This Weekend

Hartpury International & the British Championships CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Bromont Horse Trials CCI4*-S (CAN): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Watch – YouTube]

US Events This Weekend

Applewood Farm YEH, OEH & Mini Event (NJ): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times]

Caber Farm HT (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Waredaca Farm HT (MD): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer HT II (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

River Glen Summer HT (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Gallop Farm August HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

More Reading from Aachen:

Training Tip of the Day

After two days of incredible dressage, but also our fair share of those unshakeable moments every rider will experience (just this time on a global stage), you may be asking what the best of the best are doing to prepare during every minute leading up to their tests. Dan Bizarro gives us some expert inside looks on Test Riding 101 — brought to us by our own EN (and RideiQ) writer Amanda Chance:

Go Eventing

Four years ago, we were all watching Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk retain their leading position in the World Championships at Pratoni — tune in below for some nostalgia:

‘You Have to Be Clever’: An Intro to Giuseppe della Chiesa’s FEI Eventing World Championships Cross Country Course

By on Aug 14, 2026 5:15 pm -

Photo via CrossCountry App.

While I have hunted and hunted in the corners of the internet, I have not been able to find a map of the 2006 World Equestrian Games cross country course to compare it to this year’s 20 year anniversary track at the FEI Eventing World Championships Aachen 2026. Now that I’ve said that, I’m sure I’ll receive a smug email from someone with a copy of the map attached (okay, but even if you have to be smug about it, please do send it as I would love to see it). So I did the next best thing: I asked someone who competed in 2006 for their memories of the track.

“Those days, it was a tough enough course,” Karin Donckers, who finished 13th individually for Belgium with Gazelle de la Brasserie that year. “I remember [there were] ‘piano’ steps up and down — a lot happened there. We had to go further away, we had a longer course — it was a bit more hilly because we went really to the back. The intensity and technicality on fences of course was different those days, but times are changing. There’s so much change — it’s normal. I think that’s necessary, that’s good also. We have to move up and follow the changes.”

So while this year’s Aachen track (remember, it’s usually a CCI4*-S here — the only Long format tracks that have been built were for the 2006 Games and this year) is unique to its typical counterparts, it’s not quite a total callback to the past. Instead what we have before us is a truly European, modern course, and while some riders wish it was more open in places, the general sentiment is that yes, Giuseppe has built something intense and difficult, but fair to all.

But there’s a qualifier here. The course designer is tasked with laying out a course that lends itself to safety and horse welfare. It’s a monumental task, one full of pressure and risk. Once the course is open and approved by the Ground Jury, that responsibility shifts onto the riders.

Giuseppe elaborated on this concept of rider responsibility and what he prefers to reference as “management of risk.”

“I don’t call it ‘safety,’ I call it managing the risk,” he told me. “If you want to be safe, sit in front of the TV — don’t try cross country on a horse. We have to be honest with the public, otherwise we shoot ourselves in the foot by saying “it’s safe, it’s safe.” It’s not safe — it’s something that carries risk. And that’s very important to me. We mustn’t sell something we can’t sell. This isn’t a safe sport. It’s a sport with risk that we manage — and the training, the preparation, and the respect are what let us manage that risk.”

The Coffin at 8ABCDE. Photo via CrossCountry App.

Here, Giuseppe talks about two different forms of risk management: active and passive.

“I always talk about two aspects of risk management: active risk management — preparation, training, understanding where you stand, and choosing the route that’s right for you that day. Maybe in two years you’ll be a champion, but today your horse and you should take a certain route. And passive safety, which is what happens after something goes wrong: frangible devices, hedges, and so on. We need to think more about active safety, proactively — it’s fine that the passive systems can help, but let’s avoid needing them in the first place.”

And here’s where the rider responsibility really comes into play: “What you can do with active safety is much more than what you can do with passive safety. Here, when you choose to go the direct route or the alternative someone has built, that’s your choice, and you’re responsible for it. You’re not obliged to go there if you know today isn’t your day. That’s why we have 78 fences.”

The crux of designing a World Championships or an Olympic track is that the course must provide a strong enough challenge for the best riders in the world. This part, Giuseppe says, is almost the easier part of the job. The complexity compounds when you think about the riders who are less experienced, who have less exposure to top-level tracks. For this reason, we often see lettered alternatives up to, sometimes, even the letters D and E, to provide less risky options for riders who need to be able to complete safely. But the alternate routes “still need to have a flow,” Giuseppe says. Otherwise, you’re wasting energy — mostly that of the horse.

Photo via CrossCountry App.

“If you just keep turning them around, eventually the horse says, ‘Okay, enough,'” he elaborated. “So the effort has gone into creating alternatives with a bit of lateral, creative thinking that still have a flow but are longer and easier. We put 78 fences out there. I didn’t put them there just for decoration. The idea is that I hope they use them, and I think they should, because if you want to win a medal you clearly need to jump a very strong four-star track — and doing that within the time won’t be easy. And I know not everyone in this field is at that level — which is fine — but it would be wonderful to have everybody get home. That’s why I put out 78 fences. Whether they use them or not is in their hands now — I can’t do it for them.”

To that end, we’ve got a whole lot of alphabet soup out there, out of necessity. Each combination on course has at least one alternate route — some fences even have two options you can take. So, much studying is needed to ensure riders are clear on exactly which routes are which, how they can avoid crossing their tracks.

After an inviting opening to the course, which starts off with four single fences to get the horses up in the air and into a rhythm, the first combination is also fairly friendly: two arrowheads set on a bending distance, going slightly downhill. There was a similar question in the same place here last year, and it caused virtually no issues. This will get the horses perked up and seeking the fences as they head off into mostly familiar territory where the intensity really kicks off.

We’ll see the riders sort of doubling back on themselves several times throughout the course, as well as the use of an additional piece of the ground that’s been meticulously prepared by the building team over the last year.

One of the more inventive elements of the alternate routes on course comes at fence 8, which for the direct route is the Coffin complex. But take a look at this map:

I stopped and had a quick chat with Dutch team coach and course designer Andy Heffernan, who was the one who called this alternative “inventive” in the first place. The A element of the alternate route for fence 8 comes much earlier than the direct route, sending the riders on a circuit around the coffin complex and eventually putting them back on track for fence 9. This circuitous route isn’t necessarily “easy” but it allows for more time and setup if a steep, serious coffin isn’t quite in the cards. Yes, there will be seconds lost, but potentially a 20 or worse avoided. Often with alternate routes, it’s difficult not to interrupt flow because they often involve much turning about or using creative lines to get to them; Giuseppe’s goal, as I wrote earlier, is to make the alternates make sense, not just spin the horses around.

After completing these questions and the first trip through the main Allianz Water Complex, riders will then head out into the newly-opened space, which features a new question that’s arguably the most buzzy one amongst the riders: the Longines Challenge. We’ve seen similar questions like this: of course, the iconic Burghley Leaf Pit comes to mind here. It’s a serious drop off a bank, after which you must organize quickly and get your line for a sharply angled related distance question. I spun around some of the course with Boyd Martin and a group of his owners yesterday, and listened to Boyd speak on his plans for the question.

Photo via CrossCountry App.

Photo via CrossCountry App.

“It’s only at the last second that the line appears,” he said. “So you really need a horse that’s locks on to it. I think the long way here is considerably easier, and I would guess it’s only about six or seven seconds longer — this is the only option where I think you’re not out of the competition.”

There is also a new, skinny keyhole jump at 15 as well as a “rollercoaster” log on a mound at 18 in this opened space, and while you’re approaching the end of the course by the time you gallop to two picnic tables at 21 and 22, you’re not out of the woods yet.

After coming up onto a mound to jump 24A, riders will make their way back down the mound to a technical corner question. Photos via CrossCountry App.

Here is where a couple of riders expressed some dislike for the course.

“I think it’s a it’s a tough course, but fair build,” Michael Jung (GER) said. “Maybe a little twisty, especially in the end. That’s a bit — how can I say? Not so nice in the end. But the conditions are very good. The ground is perfect, and I think it’s a good course. We have all the options for different horses, different riders. Everyone can choose a bit what they what they need, and I think it’s a good course.”

The track to two of the final combinations on course. Red indicates an alternate route. Photo via CrossCountry App.

The twistiness at the end he’s referring to comes particularly at fences 23 through 25, which require riders to jump through the DHL Water Complex, wind back to the SAP Village (also a question I saw many teams camping out at to formulate plans) — an intense question in itself, especially at the end of the course — before then heading back to the DHL Water for another combination.

“The course is very championship-like,” Felix Vogg (SUI) said. “It’s tough. Proper questions until the second last fence. Quite twisty, quite turny — you heard that already a few times. Not so happy about that. Don’t know if it has to be like this, but I understand if it’s a bit at the beginning, but at the end, when the horses are tired, it’s really, really tough on them. So I was hoping more like a course like 2006, where we actually can gallop and maybe the people don’t see us too much sometimes, but it’s quite on a small space and of course they made all out of it. The ground is fantastic, but I don’t know who who will be top — probably the ones who are today good in dressage, which are really ridable, which are still straightforward, and which are very very honest.”

What about the time? It’s notoriously difficult here when it’s a short format, and just 20% of the competitors who completed the 2006 World Equestrian Games made the optimum time when it was a Long format. And remember, that would have been a course with that much more room to gallop. So it’s not likely we’ll see many — if any — catch the 9:50 time, and there is another layer to this when it’s a Championship team competition.

“In a team competition it’s always a much harder prediction, because strategy changes everything,” Giuseppe said. “You could end up with half the field no longer riding for the time at all — because the last two riders on a team might be told, ‘We already have one horse eliminated, one with refusals — we just need a clear round,’ and a clear round means taking your time. So the number of riders actually going for the time can drop dramatically.”

So, I’d go out on a wager to say we won’t see any pairs — well, we do have an Artist and a Humble Glory in the field, two horses (among others who are speedy, of course) who can generally make time on just about any track — make the time.

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel en route to winning CHIO Aachen in 2024. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Overall, it’s a cumulative course. Fence by fence, nothing is abjectly terrifying, nothing is unreadable to even my inexperienced riding eye. “You must be clever,” advises dressage leader Julia Krajewski (GER) — who has won CHIO Aachen twice, including once on her horse this weekend, Uelzenger’s Nickel. Riders must stay aware of their horses energy and mental aptitude, and be willing to adjust accordingly. “If you just push them through, you can’t push a horse for nine minutes 50. They have to have time to just breathe and gallop. So I think you have to be clever to ride where you can, but don’t override early on.”

And Giuseppe agrees. This, he says, is the essence of cross country riding. “The problem is putting it all together — if you ask me about one question, I’ll tell you about the course. It’s the whole course, done in the time, that makes a championship. That’s what I try to stress: I don’t want a single fence where you stop and think ‘how do I jump this?’ Everything should jump — but put it all together with the time pressure, and that’s the test.”

Above all, the course must be clear and fair to the horses — the reason we’re all here.

“I stress that a lot, including in the course-design seminars I give: the question must be clear to the horse,” Giuseppe said. “If it’s clear, the horse understands what’s being asked, even if it’s hard. If it’s not clear, that’s when it gets difficult. The line can be tough — closer, tighter, whatever — but the question itself must still be clear. Riders always tell me my courses are clear, and I appreciate that.”

Here’s a look at the course from our walk around:

If you want to hear much more from Giuseppe (and I recommend that you do), be sure to tune in to my sitdown with him here at Aachen on a mini episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, accessible here or on your favorite podcast platform.

Cross country begins at 9:15 am CEST, which is 3:15 am EST (use this handy website for time zone conversions!). You can find the starting order here and a full fence-by-fence preview on CrossCountry App, featuring guidance from Germany’s Anna Seimer, here.

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Nickel and Dimed: Julia Krajewski Takes World Championships Dressage Lead with Former Aachen Winner

By on Aug 14, 2026 4:54 pm -

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It can sometimes feel like a bit of a foregone conclusion that the first phase will be a match race between Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH and Laura Collett and London 52, but in the twilight of both great horses’ careers, an heir apparent has taken over.

On the second day of dressage at the 2026 FEI World Championships, Germany’s Julia Krajewski and the 12-year-old Uelzener’s Nickel are at the top of the pack, having delivered a score of 22 that well eclipses their Paris Olympics score of 26.9 and marks a milestone step into the gelding’s prime.

Like so many horses and riders over both days of dressage, Julia and Nickel’s arrival into the arena was marked by a roar of support from the crowd – but Nickel, who was the yard’s ‘fun horse’ a few seasons ago and took part in plenty of raucous arena eventing competitions, isn’t easily muddled by a bit of noise.

“You do think, ‘okay, what will my horse think?’ The crowd was calm, and then just before I had to enter, [the commentator] finished announcing me and they started clapping,” says Julia. “I was like, ‘guys, that’s not the best moment!’ But Nickel, by now, knows what this square means, and even though he was a bit switched on 20 metres before, he went in and he’s okay.”

Then, she continues, “he’s concentrated, and supple, and with me, and I could really ride. Looking back, maybe I could have ridden even more, I don’t know, but he was so with me and correct and true, and I really had time to enjoy my dressage. I was even smiling a bit and thinking, ‘oh, he’s really nice!’ and smiling at the judges, hoping for half a point more. I don’t know if it worked, but he gave me a really nice feeling in there.”

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Since Paris, where Nickel finished eleventh as a relatively green twelve-year-old, “he’s got a lot stronger. This test requires a lot of collection, and to stay supple in the collection is something you build over the years. Some horses find it easier and some more difficult, and it’s not the easiest for him to be really collected and quick with his hind legs but we’ve made that easier over the years.”

It is, she continues, “a balance between getting him stronger but also keeping him supple, because he’s quite a narrow horse, so he finds it difficult to bring the energy really through his back and he can be quick to get tense in his back. We always want to make sure he’s happy and supple in his body, so he’ll do one or two more intense schooling days and then a few easy days. It’s about going in waves – building up, taking a break, building up again, because that’s how his body works. His whole character is very genuine and he wants to do well and do what I ask him, so I make sure not to put too much pressure on him.”

Tokyo Olympic champion Julia goes into tomorrow’s cross-country with a unique accolade to her name: she’s won here at Aachen twice previously, yes, but she’s also done it with two thirds of today’s podium. She won the CHIO CCIO4*-S in 2024 with Nickel, just before their selection for Paris, and in 2018 with fischerChipmunk FRH, en route to that year’s World Equestrian Games, after which the horse was bought out from under her and sent to Michael Jung.

“I really like riding here, and I try not to think too much about the package of the World Championship – if I get a medal in the end, then I’ll know the difference,” she says. “The better you start, though, the better the base, and there’s a lot that can happen but in the end, for a medal, even a tenth of a penalty can make a difference. You really just want to get every point you can.”

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Laura Collett and London 52 danced their way to overnight silver medal position with a score of 22.8 – a numerical value that proved that the ground jury wasn’t going to succumb to Friday afternoon marking, but also wouldn’t be averse to rewarding where reward was warranted. It might not be the lofty heights – or is that basement lows? – of the high teens, where both she and Michi have previously found themselves, but it’s also just 0.8 penalties off the lead. That’s just two seconds on the clock behind a horse who hasn’t made the time since two-star, and ahead of a cross-country day where the time might not even be catchable.

The extraordinary atmosphere of the grass dressage arena, which has been fashioned within the combined driving arena, even affected consummate showman ‘Dan’ today, and the pair had a step of jog in the walk work that wasn’t particularly influential in their scores.

“It was a shame, because he actually felt relaxed up until that point, but he kind of knows [the canter] is coming and just slightly anticipated,” says Laura. “But he felt really with me and rideable, and once he got into the canter he was lovely. He loves it here – he loves an atmosphere, and he loves lots of people, so he’s right at home when everyone’s clapping. He loves walking over here, with the vaulting arena and the main arena and this arena, where you can hear all the crowds clapping.”

Their effort leads the way for the British team, who sit in gold medal position overnight on a score of 72.8, just ahead of the Germans in silver on 73.6.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Just behind Laura in bronze medal position is Michael Jung and his Paris Olympic champion fischerChipmunk FRH on a score of 23.

“I’m still very happy – Chipmunk is an amazing horse, and every day with him is to be enjoyed,” says Michi. “Today we’re not in the lead and maybe not everyone is so happy about that, but I’m still happy. We had a good test for sure; not everything went like we wished, but it’s not always like this.”

Though they led throughout much of the trot and walk work, it was a late mistake in the canter that saw them relinquish gold medal position.

“The third flying change was not our best. I tried to push him a little bit more forward and uphill, but then we lost a bit of the balance and had a little bit, maybe, of a misunderstanding for a part of a second. But I think that’s the only change I’ve ever ridden on him that hasn’t been good. This is [the reality of] horse and rider; this is connection – these five minutes are so important. Hopefully that was our last mistake.”

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

2023 European Champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, too, sacrificed a mark or two in the canter work, though their mistake came at the second flying change.

“He decided he’d quite like to have a walk,” laughs Ros. “I think the changes are our trickiest thing, and always have been – and still now I wouldn’t say they’re 100% at home at all. So that’s a tricky test for him, because he really has to have a bouncy canter in order to have a clean change. I went for the bounce and got a walk instead. But you know what? I’m still pretty proud of the fact that he clawed it back and did the next two really well.”

Though ‘Walter’ is arguably the best event horse in the world right now – or perhaps ever – the first phase is the one that’s taken the most development. His score of 23.4 today is good enough for overnight fourth, and on a par with his last few years’ worth of top-level scores but, says Ros, “he’s quite a blood horse and he naturally wants to be a little bit on his forehand, which is why he gallops so well – but it’s taken time and lots of practice for him to start to really dance. He loves to drop his tummy, which is what he does when he gallops and which is what makes him such a streamlined galloper, so it’s been a lot of core work to make him strong. I think there’s more in him yet, and I feel very proud that he can be so close to the top of the leaderboard. He’s an amazing partner to have.”

The 2018 World Champion and her five-time five-star winner – the most-decorated event horse in history – head into their best phase just 1.4 penalties, or roughly four seconds, off the leading spot. On a day when the time will be potentially uncatchable, this is one horse who feels preordained to get as close as proves possible.

Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The top five after the first phase is completed by day one leaders Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on their score of 26.6, creating a surprisingly wide 3.2 penalty margin, while France’s evergreen Nicolas Touzaint and his Paris mount, Diabolo Menthe, are piggybacking into sixth place on a tight 26.7.

For them, too, the canter work was the biggest story of the test.

“I know the horse is technically spot on, and the test was really good, but we had a slight issue with one of the flying changes, and I’m annoyed with myself because he usually does them like clockwork,” laments Nicolas, who dropped down to marks of five for that third change. “I was the one rushing things a bit. The rest was really good, and I felt he was with me.”

By the time we reached this busy afternoon session, the Grand Prix Special in the main stadium had resumed after its siesta and that class, too, was heading into its zenith, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere punctuated by uproarious screams and cheering with little warning. That was an anomaly that had popped up notably in the moments before Ros and Walter entered the ring, and its sudden intrustion was never far from Nicolas’s mind as he entered the arena a few tests prior.

“I was worried because there was a lot of noise coming from the stadium next door, but he stayed focused on me and was brilliant. I really felt like I was executing my plan, and it’s a great result for me and for the team. The points put us right in the mix – we’re not leading, but we aren’t trailing, either.”

France goes into cross-country in bronze medal position, though they’re being closely hunted: New Zealand is just three-tenths of a penalty behind them in fourth place at this stage of the competition.

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos celebrate yet another milestone moment in a storied career. Photo by Haley Boothe/Impulsion Media. 

Australia’s line-up of largely inexperienced horses and riders, who are being developed for the future, is sitting a touch further back in provisional eighth place in the team competition, but one of their own broke into the top ten late this afternoon.

Andrew Hoy isn’t the only rider to return to Aachen this year as a veteran of the 2006 World Equestrian Games – Belgium’s Karin Donckers, the USA’s Phillip Dutton (then an Aussie himself), France’s Nicolas Touzaint, Austria’s Harald Ambros, Brazil’s Carlos Parro, and Denmark’s Peter Flarup were all competing here twenty years ago, too. But nobody boasts quite the same championship resume as Andrew: this is his ninth World Championship start, having made his debut at Lexington in 1978, and he’s been to ten Olympics, too.

The 67-year-old has no intention of slowing down, though, and nor does the seventeen-year-old Vassily de Lassos, who looked back on his best form after a few seasons slightly set apart from the spotlight. The Tokyo individual bronze medallist put forward his best-ever international score at any level this afternoon, posting a 26.9 to sit seventh overnight.

“I have the easy part, because I’ve got a complete team around me that have set the horse up absolutely beautifully – all I had to do was focus on what I needed to do, and go and do it,” says Andrew. “I can’t take the credit myself. Vassily is an amazing horse – I’m getting emotional, but he’s just very, very special. Every day I learn a new way with him; I learn to understand him and his body and how to set him up for something like this.”

It’s not, he continues, “just about going in and riding the movements – it’s about preparing the horse in the correct way, so that he has the ability to do his best, and I think apart from one small mistake where he just tripped at the end of the medium trot, there was nothing to add today.”

But the writing wasn’t always on the wall for the best test of their partnership.

“This morning we were doing some gymnastic exercises and I said to [my trainer], ‘I’ve lost him – I’ve lost him mentally.’ It wasn’t that I couldn’t go and ride the movements, it was just that he was focused on other things,” explains Andrew. So, he continues, adaptability was key: “we relocated to another arena, did five minutes’ work, and left it at that. If I’m asked what’s the one thing I’ve learned in all my time in this industry, it’s that you’ve got to give the horses time.”

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The best of the bunch for the strong US front is individual rider Tamie Smith, who posted a 27 with the ten-year-old former Andreas Dibowski ride Lillet 3 to step into eighth place overnight.

“You don’t know what they’re going to do in an atmosphere like that, but she was like a seasoned pro in there,” says Tamie of her Kentucky CCI4*-S winner. “She’s so young and wouldn’t have ever seen something like that, and so I’m so proud of her. Her trot work was just so fluid, and the highlight was that she stayed with me every stride. She was like, ‘like this? Like this?’ and I’m like, ‘yes! Like that! Keep going!’”

Tamie made a bold decision that paid off in the ring, opting to ride the mare in a double bridle for the first time.

“This is my first time competing in it, but we’ve been playing around a little bit,” says Tamie. “I’ve had a lot of time in the UK with her, so we’ve been experimenting and she really liked it.”

Tamie has been in the UK since the end of May, when she travelled over with a small string of horses, and daughter Kaylawna and student Molly Duda, who owns Lillet 3, to aim for a series of competitions. For Molly, that was the recent Under-25 World Championships at Millstreet, where she finished in the top ten; for Tamie, it was a visit to Bramham for Lillet, where a surprise fall ended their weekend early, and they’ve been on the up and up again ever since.

New Zealand’s Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo move into ninth place with yesterday’s score of 27.2, while Thursday’s best scorers for France, Alexis Goury and Je’Vall, round out the top ten on their 28.5.

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For US team riders Will Coleman and Boyd Martin, the starting point of the week might not have been heralded in with fireworks, but their scores still see them sit in close contention for a climb. For Will and his Kentucky five-star winner Diabolo, it’s overnight 21st place after a slightly surprising 30, a touch off the pace of the 27.3 that began their Kentucky campaign.

“There were some good things, but he just maybe had a hard time putting the whole test together today,” says Will, who rode in some of the worst of today’s weather, when temperatures soared over 100 degrees. “I kind of anticipated him going in there and responding to the crowd and the atmosphere, and he really just didn’t. He was almost a little lazy for bits of his test, and then the only place where he was a little bit crowd sensitive was during the walk, so that was a bit of a hairy walk tour. I was on eggshells for most of that, but we did the best we could.”

It is, he points out, “his first championship, and he’s a great horse who can hopefully have two more good days, and that’s all we’re going to focus on.”

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For Boyd and the former Liz Halliday ride Cooley Nutcracker, it was a 30.9 and overnight 25th.

“I was pretty pleased with it,” says Boyd. “You always dream of like, this perfect test, and I felt like I got a lot of good work in there and one or two moments I wish I could redo. But all in all, I’m really pleased with him. He’s a quirky horse – he’s a very quiet, laid-back horse in the stable, and then when you’re riding him, people move. He’s so sharp and quick, and the best thing about him is that when you go into the competition ring, he’s really focused. I never worry about his shenanigans in the warm-up, and I’ve got immense belief in him that when it’s time to perform, he puts his head down and does a good job.”

This is Bali’s second time doing an Olympic short test: he contested the inaugural version in Paris two years ago, and Boyd did, too, with Fedarman B. Today, it became a test of their flourishing fledgling partnership.

“I underestimated how brilliant of a job Liz did on him, because I was at Paris with Bruno and Liz was there with this guy, and she made it look so easy,” says Boyd. “It’s been a humbling experience because I’ve been working and working and working and only just nearly got him back to where she had him. It’s still a work in progress.”

One way that Boyd prepared for today’s test was by riding through its movements with wife Silva and her dressage horses.

“Every two years we do this canter half-pass, flying change, canter half-pass [movement in a test]. You do it and then you sort of forget about it, and then a couple of months before a championship you’re like ‘holy moly, how do you actually do this?!’ So being able to ride Silva’s Grand Prix and Inter I horses and just get the feeling of how it’s supposed to feel is something I can then try and picture when I’m riding Bali.”

With 87 scores logged, we now look ahead to the week’s most pivotal challenge: Giuseppe della Chiesa’s 5600m, 28 fence cross-country course, which looks set to pair all of Aachen’s usual intensity into a longer, 9:50 effort. We’ll be bringing you a much deeper dive into the track, with insights from riders and course designer alike, so keep it locked on EN. Until then: Go Eventing!

The top ten individually after dressage.

The team leaderboard following cross-country.

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Jillian Giessen Has the Thoroughbred Bug at FEI Eventing World Championships

By on Aug 14, 2026 1:59 pm -

Jillian Giessen and Seattle Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Thoroughbred has long been a hallmark within the sport of eventing, but as the sport has evolved we’ve seen a shift to horses with, yes, strong Thoroughbred blood but with additional influence from various warmblood lines. With the removal of the dressage coefficient in 2018, the sport went through another evolution. The standard was higher, the scores were tighter, and the Thoroughbred once more stood out as one of the best types of horses an eventer could have on cross country.

A few Thoroughbreds feature on the entry list for this week’s FEI Eventing World Championships at Aachen (Germany) and one of those is ridden by Jillian Giessen, making her Worlds debut for the Netherlands this week with the 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding Seattle Park (Reset – Sealers Cove, by Brief Truce).

Jillian hasn’t historically ridden many Thoroughbreds. While in the UK working for British five-star rider Andrew Downes, she had the “golden” opportunity to team up with his four-star Thoroughbred, Gold Nugget. This gave her the chance to gain valuable experience at her first four-star events; the pair competed in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim in 2023 and spent the better part of two seasons together.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

These days, Jillian works as a rider for Lips Stables, the home base of Dutch father-son duo Martin and Tim Lips. Martin, she described, is a massive fan of, in particular, Australian Thoroughbreds.

“He used to ride Thoroughbreds from Australia and New Zealand,” Jillian said. “And of course Tim had his horse, Keyflow, who took him around a lot of big courses. So they are big fans of the Thoroughbred.”

It was a happenstance run-in with Australian rider Sophia Hill (who’s also competing here, on her Thoroughbred Humble Glory, at Aachen this week) at Bicton a few years back that made the first connection to Seattle Park. The gelding had competed up to the four-star level with Sophia, and she’d brought him over from Australia with her as she prepped Humble Glory for the Paris Olympics, in case she was called up to the team from the long list.

Jillian and “Basil” earned a 33.6 in their World Championships debut dressage. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“Martin said to her, ‘if you ever want to sell one of your Australian Thoroughbreds, you can call me,'” Jillian continued. “And she called, and we ended up trying ‘Basil’ as we call him. So that’s how he ended up in our stable. I’m really, really happy that I could have the opportunity to ride such a super horse. And I mean, I think he’s really loved because she saw him for the first time here again, and she had a cry. I thought that was really sweet.”

Forming a partnership with a horse who had gone four-star with another rider isn’t an easy task, but luckily Seattle Park came with a full instruction manual: “It was really kind of Sophia to send me a whole list of what she did and what she wouldn’t do and what she like liked to do,” Jillian described with a laugh. “I tried to just take that as much as possible in the whole routine because I really believe with a horse like that you cannot just change anything. I read the list really thoroughly. I was like, ‘okay, this I should do, this not.’ She’s like, ‘he doesn’t like to be alone,’ so okay, I never go somewhere alone. It was really sweet of her, and it actually really helped me a lot. So I just tried to slowly take him into our system, but actually, he’s one horse that really has like his system around him. He’s the king of the stable, and he knows it.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Now, Jillian is along for the ride with a horse who’s now taken her to her first senior Championship. Previously, Jillian had competed in the Pony European Championships back in 2015, so this next step is a big one for the 26-year-old. And to do it with a horse she’s built such a partnership with, after years of selling on horses or riding other people’s horses, makes it all the more impactful.

“He’s really, really special,” she said. “I think we took our time to get a partnership, and I think he really has a partnership with me, and I really have a partnership with him. I love him to bits, and I sometimes think he loves me too — he looks happy out of the stable when I’m coming, so I hope that’s also due to me.”

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

FEI World Championships Eventing: Friday Dressage – Judging Break Update

By on Aug 14, 2026 4:44 am -

FRIDAY SESSION 5:

Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe are the anchors for the French team. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

THE LEADERBOARD:

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 In gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In silver is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.

3️⃣ 🇩🇪 In bronze medal position, is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH on a score of 23.

🇺🇸

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 are in 5th place on a score of 27.

Will Coleman and Diabolo are in 17th on a score of 30.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker are in 25th on 30.9.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake are in 36th on 32.3.

Phillip Dutton and Denim are in 38th on 32.6.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

THE TEAMS:

After two days of dressage, the team standings look like this:

🥇Great Britain are on a score of 72.8.

🥈 Germany are on a score of 73.6.

🥉 France are on a score of 82.5.

🇺🇸 The USA are in 6th on 93.2.

You’ll find the team standings here.

THE ACTION:

🇮🇪 Padraig McCarthy and MGH Zabaione*

This is a beautiful bright bay horse and he looks stunning with the sun shining off him. He’s really got huge potential and is total quality, but is still young and developing. There’s a really nice cadence to his work and you can see where the big marks will come given time. The walk is a particular highlight, purposeful and overtracking really well. The marks drop a little for the final changes but for sure a horse for the future. Padraig looks serious at the end but there’s a wave to the Irish flags in the crowd.

32.8

🇫🇷 Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe*

This is another lovely gray horse, there’s plenty in the field. This is a big test which could put France into a medal position. They sure get off to a great start, trending low-20s for quality work. The horse really uses his body well, he’s really powerful but in a contained way. He’s totally on board with Nicolas, very focused in the walk. We see a teaser of his gallop in the extended, it’ll be cool to see that put to full use tomorrow. Beautifully balanced work throughout, so good, but one costly mistake in the changes. Nicolas is absolutely delighted with his horse and so he should be. He’s grinning and patting Diabolo Menthe and actually looks quite emotional. The horse strolls out of the ring. What a sweet guy. This is big for France. And Nicolas. They go into 4th individually. And France go up into bronze medal position. But there’s not even a second tomorrow between them and New Zealand. It’s going to be edge of your seat stuff, for sure.

26.7

🇨🇭 Felix Vogg and Frieda*

Felix and Frieda are a really solid pairing and they show that with sub-30 scores throughout the trot work. The reinback is a little sticky but they put that behind them and focus on producing each movement the best they can. Felix is a bold rider between the boards, really pushing for the marks and being brave. The walk is particularly nice. Things don’t go totally to plan in the canter but overall there was a lot of very good stuff going on in this test and it’s good enough for sub-30. The Swiss flags are waving in the crowd in appreciation of a solid showing. They post the best score of the Swiss and the team moves into 5th.

29.3

🇩🇪 Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH*

The excitement in the crowd is palpable through the screen as Michael makes his way around the ring. Big moment coming up. He’s such a beautiful horse and obviously, Michael is a beautiful rider. The gelding’s 18 now and looking fantastic. They’re trending low-20s, as expected. It all just looks so easy. Everything’s consistent and accurate and flowing and clear. The extended canter is so good. It’s all just so good. But oop. There’s a gasp on one of the last changes. It’s not quite right. The scores drop right away for that one movement. It might have cost them the lead, which they were going into until then. But there’s a standing ovation that goes on and on. Appreciation for an amazing rider. Appreciation for an amazing, amazing horse. The mistake’s expensive and they go into 3rd. But seriously, it shows just what class we have at these Championships. A score of 23 in 3rd. Wild. Germany go into the lead.

23

🇸🇪 Frida Andersen and Box Leo*

This is a super experienced pairing and it shows in their work. They’re totally together and accurate and the horse is clearly trying hard for Frida. They’re trending around the 30 mark for a consistent and clean performance. There’s some anticipation around the canter strike off and we can hear the crowd in the main arena, it’s buzzing over there and a few horses have been distracted by it. But Frida gets his attention back and everything gets back on track. Overall a very nice showing. They’ll improve the Swedish score. The horse looks very proud walking out.

32.2

🇳🇱 Sanne de Jong and Enjoy*

This pair are now riding for the team following the withdrawal of Florinoor Hoogland and Hontoni. Sanne and Enjoy are really a nice partnership and the horse really works for her rider and tries her best. She’s beautifully rideable until, goodness, the atmosphere gets to her and she jumps about a bit and then runs off in the extended canter. There’s a gasp from the crowd. Ugh, it’s such a shame. The upset continues throughout the canter work and Sanne just has to do her best. Disappointing, and a reminder that we’re working with animals. Sanne takes a minute to stroke Enjoy at the end and walks out rubbing her neck to settle her. Nice to see. The horse looks happy walking out on a long rein and Sanne continues to stroke her.

37.5

🇧🇪 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville*

This is a good looking horse with a really powerful bum which he uses to good effect, pushing through and moving with real intention. He has a very consistent walk and he’s so relaxed and listening to Lara. The canter’s just as balanced and the judges are rewarding the accuracy. A little bobble comes when he pops in an extra change and then he does it again on the center line. He was trying so hard. Lara’s smiling at him and saying he’s a good boy. Six clean changes, although we only wanted four. Babyish mistakes from a super talented contender. She gives him a stroke and lets him have a bite of grass. Very sweet moments and a lady who adores her horses.

32.9

🇬🇧 Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo*

“Walter” looks so ready for this. He’s just a total star. They’re trending close to 20 for the early trot work, which is stunning. There’s 9s for the halt and their score drops sub-20. There’s plenty of excitement flowing over from the pure dressage in the main arena but Walter’s totally focused on his job. His walk is fabulous. What a superb job Ros is doing with all the cheering coming from next door, staying calm and collected. Extended canter – 9, 8, 8. They’re challenging for the lead at this point. But then, he’s late behind in the first change. Expensive. So close. A real shame for them. But the crowd are cheering for what was, honestly, a beautiful performance. Walter’s cool as ever. They go into 4th, just 0.4 behind bronze. Ros is disappointed, with herself – she’s such a perfectionist. But Great Britain are back in gold with three team riders inside the top 5.

23.4

🇮🇹 Vitoria Pannizon and DHI Jackpot*

This is a stunning white horse turned out to perfection, very eye catching. He works really nicely for Vitoria, listening to her and trying his best in every movement. They’re trending around the 30 mark. They’re very consistent and the judges have been rewarding that. There’s a lot to like about this horse but the changes are costly, not quite coming off for them. But the last one one the center line is better. She looks pleased with her horse and he seems happy walking out on a long rein, stretching his neck. A really nice ending to two excellent days of dressage.

32.9

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

📈 Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH have been to seven championships. They won the only one they didn’t lead after dressage. They’re in 3rd. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.

🧸 Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe had a total warm and fuzzy moment at the end of their test, with Nicolas delighted with his pal’s efforts, big grins and big pats and a very proud horse dad.

💖 Another lovely moment came courtesy of Sanne de Jong whose mare Enjoy got really quite upset in the ring. Sanne straight away settled her longtime partner with lots of strokes that continued on all the way out of the ring.

🌱 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier’s 10-year-old homebred Kiarado d’Arville was an absolute darling, showing off six very good changes, overachiever that he clearly is. We only wanted four but Lara saw the cute side and was obviously proud of her guy. He had a nice bite of grass at the end of his test for being such a good boy.

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:

Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:

Nicolas Tousaint and Diabolo Menthe have a clean cross country card from their international events and are super speedy to boot. They’re currently in 6th on 26.7 and will likely add very little, or nothing at all, to that score tomorrow.

Teams pick strong anchors and that meant class contenders in this final group, like EquiRatings’ joint-favorites for runner up Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo and Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. EquiRatings couldn’t find anything between them and nor could the dressage, really with just one second of cross country time separating them. We can expect smooth clears inside the time from each. Probably.

🪜 A combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is Padraig McCarthy and MGH Zabaione who have some classy, quick rounds on their record. They’re ones to watch tomorrow, for sure. They’re in 41st on 42.8 and we can surely expect a climb up the board.

THE STATS:

Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and four more combinations cracked that barrier in this ultra-strong session. Satisfyingly, that means the top 20 are all on dressage scores in the 20s.

Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

FRIDAY SESSION 4:

Kiwis Tim Price and Falco will be looking to shake things up on the scoreboard in this session. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

THE LEADERBOARD:

No change at the top during this session.

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leader in the clubhouse, staying in gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 In silver is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, in bronze medal position, is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.

🇺🇲 Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 put in a great test this session to go into 5th place on a score of 27.

Will Coleman and Diabolo also went in this session and scored 30 which put them in 17th.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker sit in 21st on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 31st and 33rd.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

THE ACTION:

🇫🇷 Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or

We get back underway with a couple of individual riders. This horse oozes quality, for sure. He’s relaxed and soft and looks very comfortable on the world stage. There’s no sign that the big atmosphere is having any effect on him and he’s working nicely for Astier in the early stages of the test, which is trending sub-30. Everything’s smooth and flowing until sadly, a change sneaks in at the start of the extended canter line. That’s frustrating as it’s a great movement for this horse but the scores don’t show it. It was a lovely change though, as are the rest. Very nice work apart from that annoying mistake. Astier looks disappointed but he waves to the crowd and the horse looks very proud of himself.

30.6

🇺🇸 Tamra Smith and Lillet 3

This is a lovely confident young mare, very elegant and sure in her work. She’s looking very fit and supple and so ready for the challenge of her first Championships. She’s trending mid-20s through the trot work and then an excellent halt helps those marks some. This continue consistently in the canter with the horse really trying her best. A very smart showing from this pair riding as individuals for the USA. Tamie’s delighted. The Stars and Stripes are flying in the stands. Big cheers from the crowd and waves from Tamie.

27

🇦🇹 Lea Siegl and Watermill Georgio RS*

Lea brings us into the final rider rotation for the teams fielding four. This is an exciting looking prospect for Lea. He’s a strong and powerful horse who’s got an elegant, quality way of going. It all looks so rhythmical and easy. He’s so happy in his work and there’s a clear partnership on show. Nice. They’re trending sub-30. The walk’s really purposeful. The canter is also great quality, fluent and connected. The changes are nailed. A really super start to the competition from this pair. Lea’s grinning as she pats her horse. A job very well done. Austria’s best global Championships score after dressage and Lea breaks her own record for the country’s best individual dressage score at a Championships.

29.2

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco*

Tim’s extravagant ride looks very flashy in the Aachen sunshine. He shows off his scope in the extended trot, striding out across the ring. They’re trending in the mid-20s and really consistently mastering each movement. Tim’s a total pro, World No. 1 and an absolute technician in the saddle. Falco goes to add an extra step in the reinback but Tim got his legs straight on. Oh, there’s a real moment in the canter transition. Falco looks up, distracted, and misses the cue, things get in a muddle and Falco gets upset. Tim sits quiet and encourages him forward and they get back on track. That’s a real shame and affects the rest of the test. A sigh from Tim. Ugh, that’s horses. He waves to the Kiwi flags in the crowd, sense of humor in tact. Falco’s still on his toes coming out of the ring. This becomes the drop score for New Zealand so their score of 84.8 stands.

33.7

🇺🇸 Will Coleman and Diabolo*

Diabolo looks super smart out there on the World Championships stage. He’s quietly working for Will and is soft and willing. They’re trending mid-20s at the early stages of the test. The walk is very nice. Everything is. We can clearly see both horse and rider absolutely doing their best to get every fraction of a mark they can. The changes are a smidge off and marks are dropped slightly. Will shakes his head but there was so much in there that was great. The fans in the stands appreciate what they’ve seen. He’d have been hoping for sub-30 but it’s not quite to be. “Dab” is super relaxed walking out. Nice to see. It improves the US team score some but not enough to get them onto the podium.

30

🇯🇵 Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRA*

This experienced gelding really does have presence in the ring. He’s got super elevation and power. Props to Toshi for sitting that big trot. The walk’s just as nice and scores are trending sub-30. The canter’s rhythmical and the changes are accurate but the scores dip a bit. Toshi looks really pleased at the end. He waves to the crowd and gives Jefferson a nice pat on the rump. A solid showing from them.

31.7

🇦🇺 Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos*

This is a horse that loves Aachen. He’s been three times and hasn’t been out of the top 5, adding just three seconds of cross country times across all three outings. He sure looks happy to be at the World Championships. His work is very consistent and accurate and he’s scoring sub-30 for the trot section and they stay there through the walk. The canter looks very easy and the horse is so confident and well-within himself, that’s experience for you. Nice. What a pleasure to watch and well appreciated by the crowd. A huge test for them – a PB for the 17-year-old gelding and into 4th place. Amazing. The team are thrilled. That puts Australia just under 10 points of a medal position.

26.9

🇧🇷 Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Royal Encounter*

This horse is such a willing young campaigner, really content in his work and trying his best for Marcio. Everything’s very accurate and the judges like that. But there’s a whoopsie at the end of the extended canter, he gets on his forehand a bit and it causes him to knuckle over, but Marcio sits tight. That’s a shame. The rest of the test returns to the consistency of earlier. Very solid work and nice scores throughout, despite that moment. Marcio waves to the crowd but he looks a little disappointed. The horse walks out very relaxed and at ease. William Fox-Pitt was watching on in the kiss and cry. Big claps from the team. They put down the best of the Brazilian team scores, despite Marcio apparently having some kind of arm injury.

31.2

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

👌 Andrew Hoy’s 17-year-old Vassily de Lassos loves Aachen and he absolutely showed it with a superb personal best score. Incidentally, Andrew won team bronze at the World Championships in Aachen 20 years ago.

🧬 Lea Siegl and Watermill Georgio RS made history for Austria, breaking their own best Championships dressage score and helping to secure the best team dressage score for her country. Fun fact – her dad rode in the World Championships at Aachen in 2006, alongside Andrew Hoy.

🧠 Tim Price’s experienced campaigner Falco proved he’s got a mind of his own with a real moment in his test. Annoying when it affects the score like it did but a reminder that these horses are living, breathing beings and the riders have to work with them.

🎓 Special mention for Astier Nicolas who has played a part in producing four horses competing at the World Championships this year.

🦘 I spy an inflatable kangaroo in the crowd.

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:

Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:

Will Coleman and Diabolo have a clean sweep of cross country clears together and proved they can beat the clock at Kentucky on the way to the win this season. They’ve put themselves in a good position on 30 and are likely to finish up on, or very close, to that.

THE STATS:

Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and three combinations cracked that barrier in this session. That means the top 16 are all on sub-30 scores.

Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

FRIDAY SESSION 3:

Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 became European Champions last year; will they add World Champions to their accolades? They’re EquiRatings’ favorites for the win. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

THE LEADERBOARD:

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leader in the clubhouse, staying in gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Storming into silver this session is Laura Collett and London 52 on a score of 22.8.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the rolling podium, now in bronze medal position, is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.

🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker went in this session for the US. They sit in 16th on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 24th and 26th.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

THE TEAMS:

We’ve had three team riders now and so have a team leaderboard. There’s still one rider to go for the teams fielding four and there’s a drop score to be considered, but at this point in proceedings the team standings look like this:

🥇Great Britain are on a score of 78.7.

🥈 Germany are on a score of 81.9.

🥉 New Zealand are on a score of 84.8.

🇺🇲 The USA are in 6th on 95.8.

You’ll find the team standings here.

THE ACTION:

🇳🇱 Jillian Giessen and Seattle Park*

This pair put on a good showing in their test, looking confident and proficient in their work. Everything’s consistent and correct. The walk is particularly relaxed and the horse seems to want to do well for his rider. He’s really rideable and the work is clean, must be a nice feeling. Lovely neck rubs at the end for a job well done.

34.2

🇧🇪 Karin Donkers and Leipheimer van’t Verahof*

Super experienced Karin brings forward her striking stallion for her umpteenth Championships. We don’t see a lot of stallions in the sport but this guy is impressive. He’s very consistent in his movement and uses all his power for good. He’s so responsive and Karin can be brave in the extended knowing that he’ll come back to her. They’re trending really well in the scores until he misses a change, that’s expensive. Overall though, a very secure start to their World Championships. Karin waves to the crowd at the end and the horse walks out looking super relaxed and happy. Nice. Karin says, “He normally does it so well” at the end to her team, with a rueful smile.

31.7

🇬🇧 Laura Collett and London 52*

The British fans are in da house and there’s a big cheer as Laura comes in. This horse holds the record for the lowest Championship test score – sub-20. How low will they go? Game face on for Laura. This horse is just so impressive to watch, he looks easy. Laura rides her tests so very beautifully. There’s 9s in the scores and they’re trending very low-20s. Everything is just spot on, clean, expressive, soft. Very rhythmical. Very, very good. Total harmony. Laura’s delighted with her pal. She waves to the crowd, she pats London 52 and gives him a kiss, the flags are waving. It’s going to be close. Very close. They slip into silver medal position, just 0.8 behind.

22.8

🇮🇹 Andrea Cincinnati and Cecilia Lad*

It’s a first Championships for Andrea, who finishes up the third rider rotation for the team, and he gets it all off to a nice start. This is a tall, elegant horse and there’s allsorts of potential on show. He works hard for his rider and tries to stay focused, despite the atmosphere. There’s a little fussiness but he’s staying with Andrea. All the movements come off for them and they score a clear round in the dressage. The final change on the center line is very nice. Andrea salutes to the judges and gives his horse a bit pat. The horse was willing throughout and walks out very happy and relaxed. Exciting horse for the future.

33.8

🇫🇮 Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click

We’re back with the individual riders now. This horse is like a bouncy ball of energy, with a really extravagant action. He’s clearly very excited to be at the World Championships. He’s an experienced horse but he’s definitely feeling the atmosphere. He blows his nose a bit and Sanna gives him a subtle little pat to help him settle. Despite the fizz brewing, he’s actually doing a nice job and Sanna’s riding tactfully, cutting the corners a bit. He messes about before the last couple of changes and he’s incredibly lit up going out of the ring. The crowd gives a little clap of appreciation but realise that big cheers aren’t in order for this guy. Cross country to come.

38.3

🇮🇳 Fouaad Mirza and Mokatoo

Fouaad asks the crowd to contain their clapping as he comes into the ring. It’s cool that they’re so enthusiastic but we’re not used to the noise before a test, really. This horse is a really lovely type. He’s strong and sturdy looking and seems confident in his work in the early part of the test. There’s gasps from the crowd as he lets loose though, bucking his way across the arena. Well sat Fouaad. Cheeky boy. But full of character. It’s a shame as the horse really does look to be very capable and the final center line is very good, the change is totally solid there. Fouaad smiles at the end, you’ve gotta have a sense of humor with horses, and a good seat.

38.8

🇬🇧 Caroline Harris and D. Day

The individuals for Great Britain get off to a strong start, putting in some consistent, accurate work. The gelding is really focused and tries his best for Caroline. Everything’s neat and tidy and confident and it’s a fine showing on the world stage for this pair. Pats and waves and the team in the kiss and cry show their support with a round of applause for a job well done.

32.6

🇮🇪 Georgie Goss and Kojak

Kojak’s sporting a lucky shamrock on his quarters, very smart. He’s a solid looking type and seems like he’d be fun to ride. He trends sub-30 in the trot but the reinback shows up some tension creeping in. We see it again as he lifts his head in the walk but Georgie’s keeping him on side. There’s a lot of power there which he shows in the extension and then he doesn’t really want to slow back down again. He’s ready to run cross country. They finish up nicely and Georgie gives him a good pat. Team Ireland look well pleased with their individual’s performance. Good work and an exciting horse for the future.

31

🇩🇪 Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH

This horse is very smart and accurate in his paces although there’s clearly a little tension brewing which he shows in his neck a little. He’s rhythmical and expressive though and scores are trending around the 30 mark. Overall a very accurate test throughout, very consistent. Big cheers from the crowd for the German individual and flags waving. Christoph smiles and waves. A solid start to their Championships.

29.4

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

💞 Laura Collett and London 52 were a picture of perfect harmony from start to finish, really a very nice picture of a horse and rider working together.

👣 Karin Donkers’ stallion Leipheimer van’t Verahof showed he’s got the walk, striding out proudly and showing off all that power.

🦵 Best knees goes to Sanna Siltakorpi’s Bofey Click – a lotta action going on there.

🍑 And the neatest seat surely has no competition, with Fouaad Mirza staying stuck in the plate despite Mokatoo’s characterful back end antics.

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:

Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:

Karin Donkers and Leipheimer van’t Verahof have nary a cross country jumping penalty on their squeaky clean card of 35 international events. They’re on 31.7 after dressage.

A combination who for sure turn their hoof to dressage like pros and are also good for a quick clear on cross country is Laura Collett and London 52. They’re not European Champs for no reason. They’re on a score of 22.8 and likely to stay on that. Exciting.

🪜 A combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is surely Caroline Harris and D. Day, who’ve proved twice at 5* now that a quick clear on cross country day can be very valuable indeed, with two top level wins on their record. They’re on 32.6 and will very probably add nothing to that score.

🪜 Another one is Christoph Wahler and D’accord FRH, who’ve jumped clear inside the time round Badminton and Kentucky. They’re on 29.4 and will very probably stay there.

THE STATS:

Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and two combinations cracked that barrier in this session. That means the top 13 are all sub-30.

Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

FRIDAY SESSION 2:

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker take the US team total to three in this session. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

THE LEADERBOARD:

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 We have a new leader in the clubhouse after this session, storming into gold medal spot, is Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel on a score of 22.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Slipping into silver as things stand is Tom McEwen and JL Dublin on a score of 26.6.

3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Rounding out the rolling podium, now in bronze medal position, is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo on a score of 27.2.

🇺🇲 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker went in this session for the US. They sit in 14th on 30.9. Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively, in 20th and 22nd.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

THE ACTION:

🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker*

The crowd erupted as Boyd entered the arena and the cheers and whistles continue as he makes his way round the ring waiting for the bell. Cooley Nutcracker stays as cool and calm as his rider though. The extended trot is an absolute highlight for this guy, so powerful and impressive. Scores are mid- high-20s at the early stages of the test. The walk is very nice, forward and relaxed. They’re doing a superb job out there. The canter is consistent and the changes are accurate although there’s a smidge of tension creeping in. A lovely halt to end and a cheer from the crowd, lots of Stars and Stripes waving. Boyd waves and there’s more cheers. Oop, Cooley Nutcracker spooks on the way out, just keeping Boyd on his toes. So much quality on show but a score a bit higher than we’d have perhaps expected.

30.9

🇯🇵 Kento Nagura and Vinci de la Vigne JRA*

It’s a third World Championships start for this gelding, although it’s a first Championship for Kento. Pippa Funnell’s wearing a Team Japan T-shirt on, watching on. They get off to a very nice start, confident and flowing. The work is accurate and smooth and there’s a lot to like on show. The horse looks so happy in himself and what’s being asked of him. There’s a bobble in the canter transition but they’re straight back on track and finish up with some very strong canter work and an excellent final change on the center line. A huge sigh from Kento at the end. Huge pats for Vinci. Kento spots the Japanese flag in the stand and stands to wave, looking delighted. Vinci takes the opportunity to trot off. Nice moment. Pats for Vinci from Pippa afterwards.

33.8

🇦🇺 Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar*

Oliver’s the youngest 5* winner on record in 80 years, having taken the Adelaide title as a 22-year-old. He sure is a talent, that’s clear from how beautifully accurate he rides his dressage test. The horse is totally in tune with him. He’s a lovely type, strong and powerful, and tries hard in this phase. There’s little moments where marks are dropped, but overall the work is consistent and confident. An awful lot to like on show. Aussie flags are flying and the horse is being patted as he walks out of the ring looking very relaxed. A very good morning’s work, although Oliver says he’s disappointed with his final flying change. Harsh, really. There was a tiny mistake, but the others were super.

31.7

🇧🇷 Carlos Parro and Safira*

Safira’s another striking chestnut with three lovely white socks. This mare has a very nice way of going and is working hard for Carlos. There’s a jiggy jog in the walk, the World Championships atmosphere is intense out there. But she comes back and focuses on Carlos. The tension builds through the canter work and the changes are expensive. This horse doesn’t like to make a mistake and gets a little upset. She tries too hard, really. A test of two halves. Carlos gives her a good rub on the neck at the end, settling her down some. She walks out nicely on a long rein.

44.2

🇮🇪 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue*

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate Colorado Blue’s braids, they are beautiful and so many down that sweet neck. The crowd is hugely excited to see “Salty” and there’s a whole bunch of cheers and whistles as they make their way round the ring. It quietens down for the test though. Salty really does put his best hoof forward for the World Championships. He’s supple and attentive and the work is excitingly solid. This horse seems to be getting better and better at this phase. They’re trending sub-30. Can they keep that up? Amazingly ridden by Austin and an amazing performance from Salty. The supporters in the kiss and cry are thrilled. A huge test from this pair. Austin is delighted with his pal. This is very exciting knowing just how good this pair are in the jumping phases.

29

🇫🇷 Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza*

This mare is super elegant in the dressage phase and she shows it all off and then some in the extended trot, full of elevation and power, stunning and well-rewarded from the judges. She looks totally on Gaspard’s side and is working hard for him. The mare blows through her nose in the canter work but it doesn’t affect her performance any. She nails the changes. This has been a really clean and expressive test. Excellent quality work throughout and incredibly consistent. A superb, competitive start to this pair’s World Championships. He revs up the crowd on the way out. Tricolors are flying in the stands. A real celebration. Fun.

29.3

🇨🇭 Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco*

The gelding’s a little fussy at first, he looks a sensitive kind of guy. There’s some head action and Nadja’s sitting quiet and trying to keep things calm. He goes into canter a couple of times in the trot work. This is a tricky situation for Nadja, and a shame as this isn’t always typical for him. Sometimes, but mostly not. The head continues bobbing in the walk. Nadja’s breathing and working with what she has to try and keep him with her. When he’s going nicely, he’s really lovely. When he comes to the change right, it’s really good. But something’s bothered him. That’s so disappointing for Nadja and the team. He’s still flicking his nose on the way out. He’s got a nose net on but there’s something going on for him. Very well managed by Nadja.

46.5

🇩🇪 Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel*

Host nation support comes in the form of a big cheer from the crowd and Julia just asks for a bit of calm. Wait til the end. This is a big test, for the individual competition and the team. The horse looks amazing. He’s so powerful and supple and beautifully trained. They’re trending well in the lead in the low-20s. They’re just such a stunning pair. Everything is a highlight but the walk is *chef’s kiss*. The power in the extended canter, wow. 9s coming in. Stunning from start to finish. We have new leaders, surely. A punch of the air. The stadium erupts for a home favorite’s fabulous performance. What a show. A standing ovation. Amazing. They storm into the lead. Game well and truly on.

22

🇸🇪 Louise Romeike and Caspian 15*

It’s tough for this pair to come into such an electric atmosphere. The crowd has settled for them though. This is a lovely big gray horse that’s full of scope and power. There’s a lot of lift and elegance but a bit of tension showing through the neck and that’s affecting the marks some. The walk is a bit tentative, he’s certainly on his toes. Louise is doing a masterful job. We get a glimpse of what we’ll see in this horse’s gallop on Saturday in the extended. A big smile from Louise at the end and pats for Caspian who’s jiggy jogging on the way out. A masterclass of riding a very ready horse.

35.3

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

👌 Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel brought in 9s galore, the highest marks of the competition so far propelling them right to the top of the leaderboard.

😁 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue got their World Championships off to a very smart start, producing Austin’s best ever Championships score and Austin’s grin said it all. Huge love for Salty from the crowd too.

💃 Gaspard Maksud’s Zaragoza showed off her dancing spirit with a beautifully elevated and elegant extended trot, pulling in two 8s and an 8.5.

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:

Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:

Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel have nary a cross country jumping penalty on their record together, bar an unlucky elimination for a fall in the water at Boekelo back in 2023 at a fence that claimed a fair few high profile scalps. They’re the ones to beat right now, sitting in the lead on 22.

Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 have an impressive 35 cross country clears on their record, including at the Paris Olympics. They can also be quick. They’ll be clawing their way up the placings on Saturday if form’s anything to go by. They start out on a score of 35.3.

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue are surely one of the best cross country pairs in the field and a dead cert for a leaderboard climb on Saturday with a fast clear round. With just two cross country jumping penalties and a missed flag on their international card from starts dating back to 2015, eyes on this pair, for sure. They’re in on a competitive score of 29 after their dressage test today and are likely to finish close, or on, that.

Carlos Parro and Safira have a clean sheet across the country and will be looking to keep the time to a minimum to maximise a leaderboard leap. They’re sitting on 44.2.

🪜 Another combination we can expect to be in the ascendency on cross country day is Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza, or ‘Zoom Zoom Zaragoza’ as Gaspard calls her, because well, she is one quick mare. Paired with a very quick, brave Frenchman and it’ll be squeaky bum time on Saturday as they bid to make their mark on the leaderboard with a clear inside the time. They’ve done themselves no harm with a great dressage test for 29.3.

THE STATS:

Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and three combinations cracked that barrier in this quality session. That’s the top 11 all on scores in the 20s.

Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

FRIDAY SESSION 1:

Alex Hua Tian and Chicko are representing the People’s Republic of China. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

THE LEADERBOARD:

No change at the top after this morning’s session.

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lead the way in gold medal position with a score of 26.6.

2️⃣ 🇳🇿 In silver spot is Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo on a score of 27.2.

3️⃣ 🇫🇷 Rounding out the rolling podium, currently in bronze medal position is Alexis Goury and Je’vall on a score of 28.5.

🇺🇲 Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake and Phillip Dutton and Denim are on 32.3 and 32.6 respectively.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

THE ACTION:

INDIVIDUALS:

🇲🇦 Noor Slaoui and Legende P

We start off the second day with individual riders. Noor’s welcomed into the Aachen ring by a round of applause. The crowd really have been super supportive, right from early morning starts to the end of the day. Legende P looks strong and confident and goes around in trot in a really good rhythm. He’s nicely rideable in the walk at the start but anticipates the pace change toward the end. And then things get fiery as he decides to wave to the judges. That’s a shame as it was shaping up to be a good test, just a moment of miscommunication. He settles in the canter though and Noor finishes up with a smile. The horse walks out on a long rein looking happy.

38.7

🇹🇭 Weerapat Pitakanonda and B.Grimm Chateau de Versailles M2S

There’s a moment before this pair come into the ring when the horse spooks just after the bell’s rung, but Weerapat quickly settles him and they actually get off to a lovely start, despite that difficulty. The horse blows a little in the walk but again, Weerapat rides sensitively and they do a good job. But then there’s a big spooky moment in the canter and they end up going sideways rather than forwards. There’s a camera along that side that’s caught the horse’s eye, for sure. Weerapat does such a good job but that was a tough situation to be in. The ears are locked onto the camera on the way out too. A shame as there’s clear talent and potential there.

41.4

🇭🇺 Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15

This horse is a nice shiny chestnut who looks like he knows his job. Lots of very solid work happening in there. The horse is really trying for his rider and everything’s very consistent and correct. This guy’s walk is particularly nice. All’s well in the canter too and overall this was a very proficient test. Clear round – good job. The horse looks happy on the way out, very relaxed and pleased to be at the World Championships.

35.3

🇵🇱 Joanna Pawlak and Armin de Monsieur

Good, clean work on show from this pair, very consistent if not the most expressive we’ll see. The pair work nicely together and the horse is trying for his rider. There’s a bobble coming into the first flying change but the others are neat enough. Joanna looks very pleased at the end and there’s massive pats for the horse and lots of neck rubs. Overall, a nice morning’s work and the team look very happy.

37.2

🇩🇰 Peter T. Flarup and H.Carald Z

Peter’s a super experienced Championship rider and he comes forward with a very impressive looking 10-year-old. The horse goes in a really lovely outline and is very expressive in the trot. They trend around the 30 mark in the early stages of the test. Unfortunately he drops his head down and under rather than taking the contact forward in the walk and the marks increase for that. The canter’s got a nice rhythm but there is a little tension creeping in. What an exciting prospect though, it’ll be cool to see this horse really come into his full strength and power as he matures. Very smart and full of potential.

35.1

🇨🇳 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko

This is a stylish pair and they cut a fine figure as they make their way round the ring waiting for the bell. There’s a big cheer from the crowd as they pass and Alex smiles up at his supporters. Alex is such an accurate rider, absolutely riding for every single fraction of a mark. Their halt is fabulous. All the work is super consistent, confident and polished. There’s a bit of a look around mid-way through the walk but Alex is on it and encourages Chicko to concentrate on the job at hand. They’re back on track in the canter though, which is bold and rhythmical. This rider is such a technician, producing every single movement and responding to what his horse is offering every single second. Perfect final halt. A horse riding lesson for us, a nice start to the World Championships for Alex.

32.5

🇦🇹 Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Renegade*

We’re back with the teams now and the third rider rotation. Renegade is a big horse who looks like she knows her own mind. She works nicely for Katrin though, going through the movements with consistency. She wants to have a look round at the crowd but Katrin keeps her focus. The canter’s a little sticky at times, around the changes, really, although the changes are there. Katrin looks thrilled with her horse a the end. Huge smile and big pats. The mare looks pleased with herself.

38.3

🇳🇿 Monica Spencer and Artist*

Big test alert. New Zealand are currently in gold medal position as a team after two riders, shared with Great Britain on the same score. Artist has all the makings to challenge the lead and this score will give the Kiwis a three-rider total. They start off trending in the mid-20s and the extended trot is the highlight we’ve come to expect from this horse. He’s got a beautiful big walk too. A tiny bit of tightness creeps in during the canter and the trending score rises to the high-20s. Conservative scoring for the changes might make all the difference here. Sub-30 for sure. Smiles all round from Monica who waves to the cheering crowd. There’s Kiwi flags going crazy in the stands. But a real feeling that this score isn’t going to be quite as spectacular as Monica and the team were hoping for. She joins her two teammates to have already gone in the top 6.

29.2

🇨🇿 Pavel Brezina and Turin*

This horse produces a consistent test and delivers the best he can do, not the flair that we see in some other horses, but all very clean and competent. He works nicely for his rider and is clearly trying. Solid and sensible throughout and a very respectable showing on the world stage. Pavel looks pleased with his horse’s efforts and the horse sticks his nose out as he walks out of the ring, clearly having tried really hard at his job.

41

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

👋 Noor Slaoui’s Legende P had a moment when the horse gave the judges a little wave. They were quickly back on track though.

👻 Weerapat Pitakanonda’s B.Grimm Chateau de Versailles M2S saw a g-g-g-ghost on the outside of the ring. Unfortunately, it wasn’t busted and the spooks continued during the test.

👏 Alex Hua Tian and Chicko elicited the cheers of the morning. He’s such a popular rider and smiled up at the crowd’s appreciation.

🩰 They may not have scored as low as they’d have liked, but Monica Spencer and Artist’s extended trot was a thing of beauty.

⬅️ Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Renegade exited the arena in a sideways canter after the cheers from the enthusiastic crowd lit up the mare.

THE CROSS COUNTRY QUESTION:

Eventing is not a dressage competition, we all know that. It’s an important part of the overall picture, sure, but everything can change come Saturday with overnight leaderboards being shaken up like a Boggle cube. Here’s a look at the most reliable cross country horses in the field, according to EquiRatings (with 100% XCJ in Eventing Manager), and how they fared in this session of dressage:

Peter T. Flarup and H.Carald Z have just a single cross country jumping penalty on their record from 26 FEI runs and it came way back at the horse’s first ever international result. They scored 35.1 in the dressage so we can perhaps be looking at a leaderboard climb tomorrow.

Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15’s record is equally impressive, with 29 FEI competitions on their card and also just the one cross country jumping penalty. They’re on 35.3 after the first phase so could be in the ascendency tomorrow, depending on whether they keep the time penalties down.

Joanna Pawlak and Armin de Monsieur had a couple of mishaps right at the beginning of their relationship but have been on a streak of clear cross country jumping rounds ever since – 10 in total. They’re on 37.2.

A particular pairing who turn their hoof to dressage like pros and are also good for quick clears on cross country is Monica Spencer and Artist, who have just a single frangible penalty on their card in the whole time together, bar a 20 in their first ever FEI event way back in 2018. This Thoroughbred’s swift to boot. Their first-phase score is higher than we’re used to seeing but it’s sub-30 and likely to stay that way on Saturday.

THE STATS:

Sub-30 is the benchmark for real success in the dressage phase and one combination cracked that barrier in this session.

Eyes on EN – more World Championships action coming up soon.

Go eventing!

A huge thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who are supporting this week’s coverage. You can learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional solutions here.

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Friday News & Notes for Dressage Day 2 from Stable View

By on Aug 14, 2026 12:01 am -

What’s On at Aachen: Dressage Day 2
9:30 am CEST / 3:30 am EST  —  [Start Order & Ride Times]

One more day of dressage here at sunny Aachen… and then we’re heading out on course! Sally managed to sit down with World Championship course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa yesterday for an incredibly thorough breakdown of his twisty-turny-loopy-swoopy course — so, you know, another grand ‘ole Aachen track for ya.

Their interview will be available exclusively on the Go Eventing Podcast as a special bonus for our listeners, so be sure to pop over for a listen this morning! Keep the CrossCountry App map open while you do, complete with drone footage and further commentary from German rider Anna Siemer.

Just a quick reminder of where we’re at today as we spend another day in the ring:

  • Despite a spooky moment at the flowers entering the ring and a lapse on the final centreline flying change, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin have the current individual lead on 26.6, which helped put Great Britain in equal gold medal position overnight with…
  • New Zealand, whose team score is also 55.9 thanks to Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo laying down a 27.2 to hold second place — the gelding’s lowest-ever dressage score at any FEI level.
  • Our hosts on Team Germany sit in third overnight — but with our two most recent Olympic champions still yet to take to the field today.

For a ride-by-ride recap of yesterday’s wins, spooks, and flying changes, skim through Cheg’s live Judging Break Update before tuning in to FEI.tv for our second day, or dive into Tilly’s Day One Report for that good, meaty stuff.

As always, find all the important links in our Ultimate Guide, follow along with EN @goeventing to get behind-the-scenes interviews and updates, and watch this space for more reports to come.

It’s supposed to be another nice, scorching hot afternoon if you’re lucky enough to be on site, but for those of you blissfully following along at home under an AC unit: buckle in!

FEI Eventing World Championships for Seniors (Aachen, Germany): [Website] [Tickets] [Definite Entries by Country] [Timing & Team Scores] [Live Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [Official App – Apple] [Official App – Android] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Nations Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]

Major International Events This Weekend

Hartpury International & the British Championships CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Bromont Horse Trials CCI4*-S (CAN): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [Watch – YouTube]

US Events This Weekend

Applewood Farm YEH, OEH & Mini Event (NJ): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times]

Caber Farm HT (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Waredaca Farm HT (MD): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer HT II (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

River Glen Summer HT (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Gallop Farm August HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

More Reading from Aachen:

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

What’ve been the happenings over at Stable View lately? Take a look here, and if you want to be included in next month’s recap, make sure to sign up for the Oktoberfest $60,000 FEI CCI-S 1/2/3/4* & Horse Trials — entries are now open! Check out the omnibus here, and if you’re not planning on riding, then don’t miss out on Stable View’s exceptional VIP Experience.

 

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Training Tip of the Day

And if the course designer’s own thoughts aren’t enough, get some more from eventing queen Lucinda herself:

Go Eventing

Hear from the onsite FEI Veterinary staff and officials about the heat mitigation measures in place to ensure horse welfare remains at the heart of the Championships: