Collin, Greven, Sully, Lienert Rule at 2023 CDI-PJYR Aachen Indoor

Shows

2023 CDI-PJYR Aachen

-- CHIO Aachen press release, edited by Eurodressage

When the most talented young riders meet up for the Aachen Youngstars, it is always like looking into a crystal ball: Because this is where the stars of tomorrow meet, it is the future participants of the CHIO Aachen, who ride into the dressage arena in the Albert-Vahle Arena. This weekend (1 - 3 December 2023) it was the turn of the best dressage riders.

The routes are short at the world-famous showgrounds at the Aachen Soers. So, it is no wonder that most of the dressage riders used the opportunity to take a glimpse at the Deutsche Bank Stadium situated right next door. Because in this impressive arena, which was especially constructed for the dressage sport, the Werths, von Bredow-Werndls, Dufours and Dujardins compete in the summer every year. And don’t all of the aspiring young riders dream of competing at the famous CHIO Aachen?

Emotional finale in the Ponies

Lilly Marie Collin concluded her pony time with a hattrick at the 2023 CDI-P Aachen Indoor. Having travelled to Aachen as the current number 1 in the Pony world rankings and as reigning European Pony Champion, she had set herself high goals for her last show in this age class. And Lilly delivered! She danced consistently to success through the arena of the festively decorated arena together with her Cosmo Callidus (by Cosmopolitan x Cyriac) in all three competitions. On the last centre line of the final freestyle she was correspondingly emotional.

“My aim was simply to have fun. But then I realised that this really was our last salute here,” the 16-year-old said shortly after her ride, while wiping a few tears from eyes. But it wasn’t long before the joy and gratitude overweighed the sadness. The young dressage rider was overjoyed about the fantastic freestyle routine and at claiming the title of Indoor Champion 2023 and full of gratitude to her pony, which has led her from one victory to the next for the past three years.

Children: Home victory for Lynn Greven

The local rider Lynn Greven from Roetgen had one of the shortest journeys of all and at the end the biggest smile on her face. The 14-year-old claimed the crown as Children Champion 2023 which almost left her speechless. Which is no surprise because the days before travelling to the Aachen Soers were already pretty emotional for her. Her top horse, Falcon HP (by Foundation x Sandro Hit), with whom she claimed the title at the Rhenish Championships this summer, took ill just before the show started. The 10-year-old is fortunately top fit again, but she wasn’t able to ride him at the Aachen Dressage Youngstars. The experienced 17-year-old Sergio (by Stedinger x Festivo) who is owned by her trainer, Nathalie Braun, served as the last-minute replacement. And he had an early Christmas present for his young rider: The judges awarded the pair 77.834 percent for the harmonious test the pair conjured up on Sunday morning.

“He simply gave all for me,” beamed Lynn Greven after her ride on Sunday. Whether she profited from the home advantage? “It was more like pressure,” the young dressage rider from Roetgen laughed, she namely competed at the Aachen Dressage Youngstars the first time this year. “Being able to ride here, really is something special.”

British victory in the Juniors Class

Some of the aspiring young riders take long journeys into account to compete here, such as Isla Sully from Great Britain. It was the 15-year-old from Glastonbury’s first time in Aachen – and with success. Together with her Vagabond de Massa (by Rieto x Xaqiero), she improved throughout the weekend. Her reward: The victory in the individual test on Saturday. In the final freestyle on Sunday, she danced to an impressive score of 74.792% with her 14-year-old gelding. That meant the title of Indoor Junior Champion.

“Being able to compete in this fantastic atmosphere and then also being so successful on top is something very special for me,” the British rider stated, sparkling even brighter than the Christmas lights.

Lienert Rules Young Riders Division

Theresa Nabbelfeld and Emma Caecilia Lienert also experienced very special moments in the Young Riders competitions. The final freestyle went perfectly for both of them on Saturday evening, especially for Theresa Nabbelfeld and her Devalero (by Diamond Hit x Chico's Boy). The young rider from Westphalia accentuated the strengths of her 13-year-old Hanoverian to the sounds of Disney’s Vaiana.

“It was an incredible ride today,” beamed Theresa Nabbelfeld. “My horse felt fantastic and we were totally in time with the music throughout the whole of the freestyle routine.” The three judges were obviously of the same opinion and rewarded the pair’s performance with a new personal best score of 74.842 percent.

Emma Caecilia Lienert also had plenty of reason for joy. During the festive prize-giving ceremony for the freestyle, in which she finished second, she also received a very special distinction: Thanks to her consistently, outstanding performances across all three competitions, the 20-year-old was honoured with the title, Young Riders Champion 2023 of the show. She achieved this feat on the KWPN stallion Express (by Vivaldi x Sir Sinclair).