9 ways to get into the Aachen European Championships spirit
You don’t need to head to Germany to get behind our teams and feel part of the Europeans — we’ve got plenty of ways to feel involved from your sofa or desk
Aachen
Go straight to the latest news from Aachen >>
Aachen in Germany truly is a mecca for any equestrian enthusiast. Situated close to the western border with Belgium and the Netherlands, the venue is home to the annual CHIO, which brings together multiple disciplines. The showground has also hosted a number of championships including the 2015 European Dressage and Showjumping Championship and 2006 World Equestrian Games.
The main grass arena is truly vast, making even venues like Hickstead look small in comparison, with a separate surfaced arena for the dressage, that riders describe as ‘like riding in a cauldron’. Nowhere in the world will you find a more passionate or knowledgeable dressage audience. There is even an Aachen app that allows spectators to score the rider’s tests and compare their scores with those of the judges.
Dressage and jumping have inhabited Aachen for decades, with eventing joining the club for the 2006 World Equestrian Games and it’s remained an important part of the venue ever since. Equally, if not more exciting to watch, is the four-in-hand carriage driving, which is highly competitive in Europe.
If you’re considering a visit – you must go at least once – then check out our insider’s guide to Aachen.
-
-
Olympic medallists head British squad for dressage Europeans
The British dressage squad for next month's FEI European Championships has been named
-
Scott Brash to target second leg of Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen
The world number one showjumper will be bidding for the €1m bonus on offer for any rider who can claim all three grands prix
-
Which titles do top riders really want to win?
H&H asked top riders what the "ones to win" now are — and whether they have changed during their time in the sport
-
Carl Hester: Welcome visitors and an unwelcome one [H&H VIP]
H&H's dressage columnist asks why para dressage isn't to be included at the next European Championships and Valegro is joined by a stowaway
-
Carl Hester: Charlotte is only human [H&H VIP]
H&H’s dressage columnist discusses what lessons can be learned from Aachen
-
Week in pictures: 25 July 2014
If you're feeling out of the loop on the equestrian sport front this week, take a look at our picture desk's pick of photos across the disciplines to get you up to speed on what's been going on
-
German showjumper injured in repeat fall
Katrin Eckermann fell at the same jump twice during Aachen CHIO
-
Princess Haya honoured for commitment to equestrian sport
Aachen has recognised the current FEI president's ongoing support of the sport
-
Christian Ahlmann lifts Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen
Christian Ahlmann lines up for a 1million euro bonus after winning a drama-packed Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen
-
Valegro back on top in Aachen freestyle
Charlotte Dujardin nails the grand prix freestyle in Aachen, as Totilas steps aside due to lack of competition fitness
-
Germany wins the Eventing Nations Cup in Aachen: Great Britain second
Germany enjoyed a confident Nations Cup win in Aachen with Izzy Taylor finishing best of the British in fourth
-
Totilas triumphs again in Aachen: Valegro second
Totilas scores a double at Aachen beating Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro into second
-
Sandra Auffarth leads in Aachen; Izzy Taylor best placed Brit
German eventing is looking strong on home ground with three riders in the top six after dressage and showjumping
-
Carl Hester: Valegro is 'looking fantastic'
H&H caught up with Carl for his reaction to yesterday's grand prix in Aachen
-
Totilas triumphs in Aachen: Valegro sixth
There was a serious upset of the dressage form book in Aachen today ahead of the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games
-
Dressage judging? There's an app for that
Wannabe dressage judges will be able to score the competitors live at Aachen this weekend, thanks to an innovative new app
-
60 second interview with Olympic champion Steve Guerdat
H&H catches up with Olympic champion Steve Guerdat as he bids to complete the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen this weekend
-
British showjumpers skip Aachen to focus on WEG [H&H VIP]
A top rider has labelled the decision not to field a British showjumping team at the Nations Cup in Aachen "very disappointing"
-
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro off to Aachen
Charlotte and Valegro will represent Britain in the Nations Cup in Aachen as part of their World Equestrian Games preparations
