One can discuss about the opening day of the most prestigious equestrian show in the world, the CHIO Aachen in Germany. The official opening press conference was Tuesday 11th July 2000,
but day 1 of the competition started on Wednesday and featured the Prix St Georges and Intermediaire II. For most photographers, equestrian journalists, riders and spectators Thursday is the first day of real action, the real opening day, a day of a celebration.
On Thursday 13th July 2000 the first group of international Grand Prix competitors had to show their current condition in this Olympic year. The expected-to-be best riders had to go the first day which made the whole test interesting to watch. Isabell Werth on her 17 year old Nissan Gigolo FRH ruled the group with a nice 76.41% while Alexandra Simons-De Ridder came in second on the Holsteiner Chacomo with 74%.
Many Americans were spotted at the event because they see Aachen as the superb occasion for an intense audiovisual training session in dressage. Aachen is not only a true learning experience for Americans, many other nationalities drive into the old city of Bad Aachen to view the show which covers a nation's cup for dressage, show jumping and four in hand driving. Amongst the Americans Lendon Gray, Cindy Sydnor and daughter Eliza, Linda Zang, Terri Miller and fiancee Col. Axel Steiner, and some people of the Dressage Unlimited crew, namely Kyrabeth Houston and Bonnie Rombach, were noticed in the crowds.
"Aachen is such an exclusive event because it puts the horses on first place. Everything is there for the horses and their riders, everything is perfectly arranged in the tiniest detail. The rings are in perfect shape and you have at least 15 minutes on your own in a special warm up ring right before you enter the arena. The stables are super. That's what makes this the number one show in the world," American dressage rider Carrie Schopf told Junior Riders. Gisele Chatterjee and Carrie's husband Bernd Schopf were, of course, also there to support Carrie.
Besides the Grand Prix and the Intermediaire I the day was filled with celebration and award ceremonies. In the evening, president of the Aachen Rennverein, Klaus Pavel, organised a special party in order to close the gap between journalists, riders and officials. Although only few riders showed up, most of the photographic 'staff' and many officials were there to enjoy some speeches, the great food and the prize giving of the "Silver Camera Award" for the best photographer of the year. Winner was Bernhard Kunze with a most lovely 'aethernal' show jumping photo. "Kunze is not only respected as a great equestrian photographer, but he also is respected for his community work in South America," Jacques Toffi, judge for the Silver Camera Award, said.
While many believe that these opening parties are dull, the 2000 version proved otherwise. The feast broke loose when a stand up comedian started imitating the biggest legends in the music industry, like Tina Turner, Johnnie Cash or Luciano Pavarotti. Especially the Turner imitation, in which the artist dressed up in a flashy silver dress while his hairy male legs and feet were pushed in high heel pumps, was hilarious. As the people near the stage were caught by the dancing vibes, the whole floor started to shake, rattle and roll on the great music played by the local disc jockey. Judges crawled out of their cocoon and riders showed a human side, photographers quitted whining about the constant rain which seems to be spoiling the show and others experienced that equestrian sport is not so boring. Those who haven't showed up missed this great human touch about the CHIO Aachen, a show which opened with great competition, with celebration and merriment. Well, You snooze, you lose!