Just like tennis has Wimbledon, equestrian sports have CHIO Aachen. It is the ultimate event for horse sport enthusiasts, and our family cannot and does not want to miss it. Our four brothers are present! Nicola, Olivier, and even Thibault and Anthony are stepping onto the immense grass arena this year.
One of the first key moments for the twins will be on Thursday in a nail biting Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup. Belgium already gathered a promising team for this event. Nicola and Olivier will participate with Katanga vh Dingeshof, H&M Miro, and Le Blue Diamond v't Ruytershof. Koen Vereecke, Wilm Vermeiren and Gregory Wathelet complete the team. Each team has to bring up tree riders, to ride two identical rounds. The best 3 results per team are counting and so the team with the least penalty points at the and wins.
On Sunday, it's time for another highlight, where all eyes and attention will be focused on the Rolex Grand Prix. Last year, Nicola and Katanga vh Dingeshof delivered an outstanding performance here. "She jumped three fantastic rounds in the Grand Prix," reflects Nicola. This achievement was rewarded with a podium finish and a bronze medal. "She is in good form at the moment, so she can certainly have a good week this year as well. But what is considered good, of course, it's a long week. The feeling is already good. We will mainly focus on the Nations Cup and Grand Prix, and hope to achieve another good result," concludes Nicola.
This year, Thibault is making his debut in the main arena. "I will be competing in the U25 division. For this, I will be riding the 8-year-old Pompidou van Bocholt to gain experience," Thibault reveals. "They may not be the highest classes immediately; we will be jumping at 1.35m and 1.40m, but it's a start. However, riding in Aachen has always been a dream, and I am excited to make that dream come true this week.”
Also Anthony is filled with excitement as he eagerly awaits his debut on the prestigious grass arena. "I've been looking forward to this moment for a long time. The opportunity to ride on that magnificent grass arena is truly amazing," expresses Anthony. He recognizes the significance of this experience as a valuable opportunity for growth and learning. "I will be participating in the 135 and 140 classes with Orchidee van Dorperheide. I'm thrilled to embrace the challenge and give it my all."
Who will be cheering with us? Share your Aachen moments, whether live or from a distance, on social media and tag us. We will share them on our page so that even the fans who cannot attend can still be part of it.
