Welcome to Horse & Hound’s live reports from the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. We will be bringing you all the news you need to know as it happens. The competition kicks off on Wednesday 19 August with the opening speed leg, followed by two rounds of team competition on 20-21 August, with the individual final on Sunday 23 August.
Our magazine editor Pippa Roome will be in the Aachen mixed zone interviewing the riders after their rounds, so if you want to know their initial reactions to their performances at the showjumping World Championships, we are here to bring that straight to you.
Pippa will be supported by H&H team members back in the UK, including our showjumping editor Jennifer Donald, alongside Becky Murray and Eleanor Jones, who frequently report from major showjumping competitions. They will be following the live stream and sharing useful insights and analysis of the action, so we look forward to sharing the highs and lows of the 2026 FEI World Championships with you here.
Wednesday 19 August: showjumping team and individual qualifier
Good morning! This is Becky Murray, H&H senior news writer. The showjumping gets under way in Aachen today and I'll be reporting on the live action as it unfolds.
Today's opening competition is the team and individual qualifier, a speed round against the clock. 145 combinations will tackle Frank Rothenberger's track.
The first rider to go will be Germany's Marcus Ehning with Coolio 42, at 8.30am UK time (9.30am German time).
It was a clear round from Germany's pathfinder Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42, part of the gold medal squad at the 2025 Europeans. They stopped the clock on 74.16sec.
It's all about time in this first round competition. A fence down adds four seconds, but a stop does not accrue penalties, only the extra time it takes to approach again.
Check out Frank Rothenberger's track.
(Image credit: FEI)
Ben Maher and Point Break – clear on 72.61sec.
Ben Maher has got Britain’s campaign under way with the superb stallion Point Break. Ben meant business taking a strong angle to the firs, a big vertical. They got a little close to the first double and they took a bold tight turn to the wavy planks, but the fences stayed up and they shaved almost two seconds off of Marcus and Coolio 42’s time.
The course is riding well, five clears from seven combinations – including Laura Kraut and Baloutine for the USA. They are just 11th hundreths of a second behind current leaders Ben Maher and Point Break.
Denmark’s Zascha Nygaard and Com’on Droko De Maugre were having a lovely round but parted company after a messy jump through the last. Amazingly they made it through the timer before Zascha came off and so their score counts. They had four faults to finish on 80.59.
A pleased Marcus Ehning said Coolio “felt great”.
“Coolio is in really good shape, he gives me a lot of confidence,” said Marcus.
“I had quite a solid round. Maybe I could do one less to the last, but it’s not so easy to start first in the speed class and not see anyone jump before. But the way he jumped, I’m more than happy.”
Marcus had positive things to say about the track.
“The course felt great. We will see now over time,” he said.
“There are already a few clear rounds. I think a couple are already faster than I am, but we will see what my team members do. The pressure is on!”
A stride miscommunication between Finland's Annina Nordstrom and Fuzhou at the double at 12ab resulted in a fall for Annina at the second part. Both walked away, but this is elimination for the pair.
Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie De Beaufour have given France a good start. The pair add nothing to their 74.46sec, the fourth fastest time at this early stage. Ben Maher and Point Break are still the quickest on 72.61sec.
“For him that was a 10 out of 10. I don't say that very often,” aid Ben.
“We can always do things better, but it was very important for me this week to get a rolling start with him so he's really confident to put us in a good start for the team today, but also so he's confident for when the jumps get bigger and wider later on in the week.
“A key factor with him is that he's relaxed, he's very still with his head and he’s taking a great stride. That happened today, allowing me to put him exactly where I wanted to be.”
Ben said Point Break is “like a rubber ball”.
“That gives good and bad points to his jump; sometimes he can throw a very elastic jump and land further or shorter away and I still don't always know exactly where we end up,” said Ben.
“Today I was planning 10 strides to the wall, and he was travelling so relaxed that I managed to do one less and take nine. That’s all Scott (Brash) kept telling me before we went in, have a plan, but have a plan B or C. Fortunately everything went to plan A.”
Ben said it was a nice first course for the horses.
“It’s difficult for course builders here with this many horses,” he said.
“It’s very fair, not too big, but I’m sure it will get progressively difficult as the week goes on.”
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs had a job on his hands curbing Conner Jei’s enthusiasm, who was giving the fences plenty of air. The pair had the first part of the double 3ab down, adding a frustrating four seconds to their time to finish on 80.64. It’s a fine line between making up time when they have pole down, and giving the fences the respect needed so no more faults occur. Martin jumped the rest clear, but his teammates will be hoping to improve on this.
A very fast looking round from Egypt's Nayel Nassar and ESI Ali. The pair were really covering the ground between the fences, and they thundered down to the last, but they slot into third on 73.41sec. It highlights just how quick Ben Maher and Point Break were with those sharp turns really paying off.
Petronella Andersson and Odina Van Klapscheut have got things under way for defending world champions Sweden. It was a frustrating early four-faults at the second fence, but Petronella used the 12-year-old mare’s athleticism to keep the pace up.
A reminder that a pole down equates to four seconds added to the clock. This means they finish on 76.76sec, into 10th at this stage.
We have seen our quickest round so far, from Spain’s Armando Trapote and Tornado VS, who stopped the clock on 71.73. However, the pair had two poles down and so those eight-faults add eight seconds to the clock, giving them a final 79.73. This puts them down in 13th.
A blow for Brazil. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Dorette OLD are eliminated after not jumping through the flags at the skinny wall, fence 7. They just veered to the left slightly, putting them outside the flag.
First out for Ireland Darragh Kenny and the experienced Eddy Blue tap the oxer at fence 8 for four-faults. This gives them a final time of 78.02 and puts them into 14th at this stage.
Disappointment for Japan. The team is down to three riders following the elimination of Takasha Haase Shibayama and Karamell M&M. The pair had a sudden stop at the 3a, an oxer. They jumped it on the second attempt but it just got a little messy, the poles came down and Karamell couldn’t gather himself for part B.
What a first session. 34 riders have jumped and Britain's Ben Maher and Point Break, who were fifth to go, have maintained their lead following a super speedy clear on 72.61sec.
Here's how the top 10 is looking at this stage. Times have been converted to coefficient scores, but these will change as the day goes on and the leaderboard changes.
Of these 10 combinations, nine jumped clear. Abdulrahman Alrajhi had four-faults but their quick round keeps them in contention.
Ben Maher (GBR) and Point Break. Time 72.61/score 0.00
Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutine. Time 72.72/score 0.05
Nayel Nassar (EGY) and ESI Ali. Time 73.41/score 0.40
Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 42. Time 74.16/ score 0.77
Nina Mallevaey (FRA) and Dynastie De Beaufour. Time 74.46/score 0.92
Luke Dee (NZL) and Gangster WW. Time 74.66/score 1.02
Abdulramhman Alrajhi (KSA) and Ventage. Time 75.8/score 1.59
Abdel Said (BEL) and Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z. Time 75.85/score 1.62
Jaroslaw Skrzyczynski (POL) and Komboy. Time 76.02/score 1.70
Emanuele Camilli (ITA) and Chacereno PS. Time 76.57/score 1.98
The next session is about to begin where the second team riders will come forward. Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair are next up for the home side.
Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair go straight into the lead for Germany, 0.3 of a second ahead of Ben Maher and Point Break. Sophie and Marcus have given Germany a brilliant start.
A super round from Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z for Belgium, 72.76sec. This pair were on the European gold medal-winning team last year.
A lovely smooth round from Britain'sHarry Charles and LT Holst Freda. A clear looked to be on the horizon but a risk to the blue oxer at 12a where they turned a little tight, didn’t pay off and the poles fell to add four seconds to their time. They finish on a total 76.93sec for 16th at this stage.
USA titan McLain Ward slots in 11th aboard High Star Hero. They were up on the clock, posting the quickest round of the morning so far on 71.83sec, but they too knocked 12a. This puts them in 11th on 75.83.
Ireland’s first team rider Darragh Kenny has shared his thoughts on his round with Eddy Blue…
“It’s obviously a little bit disappointing having the one down,” said Darragh.
“I was trying to do one less stride on eight. Most people are doing nine, some people have done eight already. I maybe did it too forward and I was maybe a little bit too deep at the end.
“But he was jumping super, he felt in really good shape and happy to be here. I was very happy with him, and hopefully the boys can go great and we can stay in the hunt a little bit.”
Israel’s Mark Bluman moves into second with Landon De Nyze. They left nothing on the table and a slightly awkward jump at the last generated a big gasp from the crowd but the fence stayed up. They have a time of 72.5, just ahead of Ben Maher and Point Break who are now third with 72.61.
France’s first rider Nina Mallevaey was thrilled with Dynastie De Beaufour's clear round this morning.
“She gave everything, she felt amazing,” said Nina. “It really was a pleasure to ride in that ring. She’s always happy to come back here.
“I know she has a big stride, and we need to go fast enough. She answered everything really well.”
Nina praised Frank Rothenberger's track.
“It’s a good course. You can do a lot of things with it,” said Nina.
“There's quite a couple lines where you can make a decision to do one more, or one less.”
It’s four-faults for France’s second team rider Olivier Perreau and GL Events Dora DAiguilly, who knocked the fence 10 oxer. This adds four seconds to their time to put them in 18th on 76.72. Poles are proving expensive in this speed competition.
Paris Olympic individual silver medallists Steve Guerdat and the wonderful Dynamix De Belheme deliver a textbook round. It was smooth and precise, giving them a brilliant time of 72.32. This puts them into second at this stage.
It’s amazingly tight at the top:
Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair 72.28
Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme 72.32
Mark Bluman and Landon De Nyze 72.5
Ben Maher and Point Brek 72.61
Laura Kraut and Baloutine 72.72
Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z 72.76
Khaled Almobty and Diana Du Plevau Z just showed that Sophie Hinner’s time can be beaten. Khaled stops the clock on 70.78sec, but an expensive pole means four seconds to add.
Lovely to see former Brit Sameh El Dahan at a World Championships. Sameh reverted back to jumping for his home country Egypt this year. It was a lovely balanced round for Sameh and Oscar A until the last line where it just unravelled a little at the turnback to 12a. They jumped into the double but couldn’t regroup for the second part and so added had to circle and reattempt. They also had an earlier pole, to finish down the order on 88.66sec.
Harry Charles has shared his thoughts on his opening round with LT Holst Freda…
“I’m very happy, Freda was amazing,” said Harry, who has only been riding Fred for a few months.
“It’s a big atmosphere to step into, our partnership is not super experienced together, but she’s plenty experienced and I have a little bit too. It’s great to get that one out the way.”
Harry reflected on his pole down at the first part of the double 12a.
“I would have loved to be clear, it was completely my own fault so I'm a little bit disappointed in myself, but on the whole, I’m very happy,” he said.
“Everything was just coming so nice, and I decided my plan was to go six down that second-to-last line. But just before take off on the oxer, I thought I'll do five, and she got the five easy. Then I just probably turned in a stride less than I should have.
“She just has so much scope. On a normal horse, you come around to that oxer and your natural instinct is to put a bit of leg on, and I did, and just maybe rode her through the front rail a bit. She nicked it behind. I should have just sat quiet and let her do the work.”
Harry has had to get know Freda quickly during their short time together.
“I've never had a horse get to know me, or me get to know one so well, so quickly, and have straight out of the box success. It’s a pretty new feeling,” said Harry.
“The aim was always to come here with Los Angeles qualification in mind, so just to be part of the team really was the main focus. Then I started to get to know how special she is, maybe we could do more than just qualify. We have three great riders also on the team here so expectations are high. She’s good enough, and so I just got to keep going and jump a couple of clears now.
Luciana Diniz and Vertigo Du Desert get a vital score on the team for Brazil following the elimination of Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Dorette OLD when they did not jump through the flags when jumping the skinny wall.
It was going well for Luciana but that last line is proving influential in this second round of riders. Luciana and Vertigo Du Desert have two poles, adding eight seconds to their 76.19sec, to finish this round on 84.19.
An excellent clear round Ireland’s second team Bertram Allen and Qonquest de Rigo. The 10-year-old is a big moving gelding and they took a couple of strides out, but he’s not quite as tight and nimble on the turns as some. They finished on 74sec, which puts them in eighth at the moment.
We now have a lunchtime break. 73 combinations have now jumped in the first two morning sessions, including two team riders from each country. Sophie Hinners took the lead at the beginning of the second session and has remained there with Iron Dames Singclair.
This is how the top 10 leaderboard looks at this stage:
Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair 72.28
Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme 72.32
Mark Bluman and Landon De Nyze 72.5
Ben Maher and Point Break 72.61
Laura Kraut and Baloutine 72.72
Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z 72.76
Nayel Nassar (EGY) and ESI Ali 73.41
Bertram Allen (IRL) and Qonquest De Rigo 74
Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 52 74.16
Nina Mallevaey (FRA) and Dynastie De Beaufour 74.46
The third session gets under way at 12.25pm UK time (1.25pm German time).
We are back! Abdurakhmon Abdullaev and Caballone are first in the arena in this third session as individuals for Uzbekistan. However they have opted to retire after the fourth fence with Caballone looking a bit overwhelmed in this big Aachen arena.
Daniel Duesser and Otello De Guldenboom post a masterclass round for the home side to finish on 72.32sec, the exact same time as Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme.
The German team has got off to a great start with three riders in the top 10 at the moment; Sophie Hinners is in the lead, Daniel is equal second, and Marcus Ehning is in 10th.
Belgium’s Nicola Phillippaerts and the nimble 16-year-old mare Katanga v/j Dingeshof match Ben Maher and Point Break’s 72.61 time. They lie in equal fifth.
What a round from Scott Brash. The Scotsman flies straight into the lead for Britain with Hello Mango.
The 11-year-old mare, who is making her championship debut here, was looking for the fences the whole way and they stopped the clock on 72.19, nine hundredths of a second faster than Germany’s Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair.
The Paris trio Scott, Ben and Harry have now all jumped in this opening speed round. Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo will go in the fourth session later this afternoon.
Scott is in the lead, Ben in equal sixth, and Harry in 31st.
A super round for the third US team rider, Lillie Keenan and Fasther, who posted 72.94 for 10th. The top 10 are currently separated by less than a second.
Tamara Rueda and Callaho Liantos part company in a miscommunication at the fence 5 oxer. Tamara is on her feet and the pair leave the arena.
This is unfortunate for the South African team which only had three combinations, and so are out of the team competition. Ronnie Healy and Cornet’s Mandarino and Charlie Bays and Ninety Stone Pullman will be able to continue as individuals.
Six-time Olympian McLain Ward has shared some thoughts on course-designer Frank Rothenberger's track…
“I have great regard for Frank Rothenberger, not only for how he's built throughout his whole career, but this is a challenge. 150 horses on turf with a little a bit of rain in the air, a pretty wide range of level so to speak, or at least experience. I don't think it's an easy class to build,” he said.
“It seems to have done a good job. Everything seems to be going smoothly, and it's still a challenge. So I think he did well.”
McLain said the ground in the big Aachen arena is “spectacular”.
“Anytime you run this many horses, with a little bit of moisture in the area, it will get a little greasy” he said.
“You can feel you have to hold up your horses a little bit, but that’s one of the variables of the sport.”
Steve Guerdat delivered a classy round earlier for Switzerland on Dynamix De Belheme. Read what he had to say…
“I was very nervous, because the first class, the speed class, is always very difficult to know what to expect,” he said.
“It’s always a very long time waiting for the championships, we’re talking months getting ready and trying to do everything right, and then you’re here and it finally starts.
“You don’t win it the first round, everybody knows you can lose everything, so it’s always very stressful. You don’t now how much you can do, you want to save something but we’ve seen the last few years how important the speed class is nowadays in championships.”
Dynamix De Belheme eased Steve’s nerves as they warmed up.
“The jump is always very good with her so I wasn’t expecting anything different, but she was really with me,” he explained.
“I did some tight turns in the warm-up to see how she was responding and she was 100% focused. She hasn’t jumped so much this year so I was afraid she would be a bit too fresh but then she really gave me the feeling that she was completely focused and with me. It took a lot of the pressure away and then I was really able to ride around as I planned. She delivered beautifully today, I’m very proud of her.”
Steve said the course is “tricky”.
You don’t have a lot of options in turns, personally I’d have preferred a few extra turns,” he said.
“Luckily the lines are not straight, you always have a bending line so you can stay a little bit more to the inside or to the outside. Every jump is related to a distance, it wouldn't be that important if it was a normal table A class, but because it’s a speed class, every stride is important, so it’s a tricky class to ride.
“If you jump the class in a normal rhythm it’s not extra difficult. But when you go for it, obviously it gets much more technical and difficult.”
Scott Brash went straight into the lead in this afternoon session on Hello Mango. Read what he had to say…
“I’m delighted. Mango’s been fantastic, she jumped phenomenal and answered every question. I’m super happy to get a round under our belt,” he said Scott.
It’s a tricky balance of getting a quick round on the first day, but not taking too much risk – a skill Scott nailed perfectly today.
“You’ve still got to ride the plan that you think is suitable for your horse. You can't do something that your horse is not capable of. So I think you've got to just stay focused on that round, not get too caught up in what everyone else is doing,” he said.
“But we've been working Mango towards this championship for a long time, and I've always thought she's a championship horse, so it was always going to be trying to be in a quick round on day one. It's nice to get it done and be up amongst the leaders.”
Scott has rated the 11-year-old mare since he started riding her four years ago.
“When I sat on her as a seven-year-old thought she had the ingredients to be a championship horse. We've taken our time and produced her slowly,” he said.
“I think she has all the attributes to win anything. Maybe a year or two ago she wouldn't have been able to do this quick round and still stay calm, she's a sharp mare, but now she has the experience.
“She's just developed into a really cool horse. I can go quick and stay in control and do what I need to do to give her the best possible chance of jumping clear. So that's a great feeling. She's super smart, she has everything that I think you need to win a championship.”
Peder Fredricson and Alcapone Des Carmille have been delayed while a pulled shoe is replaced. They'll now jump in a few horses time.
Daniel Duesser and Otello De Guldenboom bolstered the German team’s place earlier as the third combination for the home side to sit in the top 10.
Read Daniel’s thoughts on his round…
“I had a plan in the beginning to do eight strides after the plank inside the water to the oxer, which thankfully worked out for me. I was doubting it a little bit,” he said.
“Aachen is always special. Today we have a lot of visitors here and a lot of German supporters, so delivering a nice result is a nice idea. Germany started this strong morning with Marcus Ehning first to go. It was not really the draw you would have expected, but he did a very good job as the first competitor.
“Sophie did an unbelievable round and spent a long time in the lead. In the end, in that position of the competition, you cannot do much better. I tried to do less strides than Sophie but we ended up around the same time.
“Three clear rounds in decent times is a good start for Germany. Everything is very close today, Britain and Belgium also have three very strong rounds so far. There’s still two rounds and it’s a long week to go.”
Sweden’s third team rider Peder Fredricson did well to manage Alcapone Des Camille to the finish when the 16-year-old gelding slipped on the bending line turning back to the double at fence 12.
It just threw them off their stride and they didn’t regain their composure, struggling as they came out of the double for four-faults, and they then got an awkward shot at the last but it stayed up. They finish on a total of 78.8, in 41st.
It was a good time of 72.79sec, but Ireland’s third team combination Cian O’Connor and Chatolinue PS have two poles, so they add eight-faults, to finish on 80.79.
Cian and Chatolinue were putting in a good pace, but tapped the oxer at fence 8 after the skinny wall, and then the first part of the double at 12a. This penultimate fence is proving to be one of the toughest on course, the approach is a rollback from a vertical at fence 11, and many combinations are now being caught out by their approach.
The third session has now concluded and there’s a short break before the fourth team riders jump. Here’s how the standings look:
1. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mango 72.19 2. Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair 72.28 =3. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix De Belheme 72.32 =3. Daniel Duesser (GER) and Otello De Guldenboom 72.32 5. Mark Bluman and Landon De Nyze 72.5 =6. Ben Maher and Point Break 72.61 =6. Nicola Phillippaerts (BEL) and Katanga v/h Dingeshof 72.6 8. Omar Abdul Aziz A Marzooqi (UAE) and Enjoy De La Mure 72.62 9. Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutine 72.72 10. Pieter Devos (BEL) and Casual DV Z 72.76
The fourth and final session of today’s opening speed round has begun as teams field their anchor combinations. Koki Saito and Elliot De Gineau JRA were the last to go for Japan and it was four-faults for this pair. They finish on 81.41.
All eyes were on European champions Richard Vogel and United Touch S as favourites, but the pair have got their Aachen campaign off to a slightly disappointing start with the vertical down at fence 11 just a few from home.
Richard was making good use of the stallion’s huge paces and elasticity, but they opted for six strides down to the vertical, where many have gone on five, and United just looked to get too close to it. Four-faults mean four seconds added to the clock, so they finish today on 77.36, currently down in 37th.
It’s still very early days in the competition so things are far from lost, but Richard would have been hoping for a better first score. In the team standings, Richard will be Germany’s drop score.
It is four-faults for British anchor combination Adrian Whiteway and the lovely Chacco Volo. The pair, making their championships debut, had a rather steady round, a time of 79.51sec. They had a pole down at fence 9a – the first part of the double over a water tray – and so they add four seconds to finish on 83.51.
All four Brits have now jumped. Adrian will be the team drop score.
As the rain comes down in Aachen we have a new leader. Harrie Smolders and Mr Tac have stopped the clock on 71.96sec for the Netherlands. Harrie kept the 14-year-old gelding in a brilliant rhythm moving across the ground, and the turnback to the wavy planks at fence 4 was one of the tightest of the day.
Harrie beat Scott Brash’s time by 0.23secs. There’s still 25 combinations to go including a very fast Frenchman Julien Epaillard and world champion Henrik von Eckermann.
Read what Brit Adrian Whiteway had to say about his round with Chacco Volo…
“I’m very happy with the horse today. I was in a very fortunate position that the guys in front of me have all done amazing, so it took the pressure off me,” said Adrian.
“He's not a fast horse, and we know that. He's more important for tomorrow and Friday. Today was just about putting in a good performance, showing him the ring, and keeping him happy, ready to go tomorrow.”
Adrian said the pole down over the water tray was his fault.
“He has jumped lots of doubles of waters, but it looked pretty spooky to me. I thought ‘Oh’, and maybe I just put a little bit too much leg on and he just touched the front rail,” explained Adrian.
“It’s really unlucky, but hopefully it'll set me up in good stead for tomorrow.”
Adrian is making championship debut here in Aachen, having been a key part of Nations Cup teams recently.
“There was a little mutter last year after competing here at the Nations Cup that if everything went well it could happen. It still felt a long way away, but he’s been consistent all year from double clear to double clear,” he said.
“It was a dream come true to get the call up.”
Adrian has had the ride on Chacco Volo since a four-year-old.
“We’ve done everything together, so that makes it a little bit more special. I know him inside out,” said Adrian.
“He always tries for me. Touch wood, if I ride him well, he goes well – so the pressure is always on me, not him really. I don’t want to let him down.”
Flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard maintained his well-known speed status taking the lead aboard Fringan De Vesquerie on 70.06sec. Julien is an expert when it comes to quick rounds, and importantly for France, kept the poles up. Antonie Ermann and Floyd Des Pres provide the French drop score on 90.9.
Hungarian combination András Jun. Kövy pulled up Egano Van’t Wingerhof Z after fence 10, with the horse displaying signs of an injury. The 13-year-old stallion was taken away in a trailer. We will provide an update on this horse when this becomes available.
Canada’s Erynn Ballard suffered a fall from Fave D’Authuit. As they jumped fence 5 the gelding just looked to get his legs in a tangle and Erynn was unseated. She was back on her feet and led him out of the arena.
Swedish superstar Henrik von Eckermann, reigning world champion with King Edward, has another brilliant partnership on his hands with Minute Man. The 12-year-old had some time out of the ring between July 2025 and May this year, but they’ve built back up towards this world championships well and gelding looked confident in the big arena.
Henrik and Minute Man come out on top of the Swede's with the only clear of the team. They finish on 75.52sec.
As Brazil’s Rogrido Pessoa and Major Tom post an excellent clear 74.37sec round, the heavens have truly opened in Aachen. We just have a final few combinations to jump in this opening speed competition.
Irish anchor combination Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz were looking on track to shake up the leaders with a quick round, but an unlucky pole at 12a, meant four seconds to add to their 71.15sec time. They finish the day on 75.15.
Cian O’Connor and Chatolinue PS’s 80.79 will be Ireland’s drop score.
That’s a wrap on the opening day of the showjumping World Championships. There’s been plenty of highs and lows and some brilliant jumping, with Brits Scott Brash and Ben Maher in the top 10.
Here’s how the individual standings look at this stage:
1. Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Fringan De Vesquerie 70.6 2. Harrie Smilders (NED) and Mr Tac 71.96 3. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mango 72.19 4. Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair 72.28 =5. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix De Belheme 72.32 =5. Daniel Duesser (GER) and Otello De Guldenboom 72.32 7. Mark Bluman and Landon De Nyze 72.5 =8. Ben Maher and Point Break 72.61 =8. Nicola Phillippaerts (BEL) and Katanga v/h Dingeshof 72.61
We will bring you an update on team standings shortly.
Here's the team standings following the conclusion of the opening day:
Germany 3.48
Belgium 3.69
USA 4.85
Great Britain 4.98
France 4.99
Netherlands 5.08
Italy and Ireland are in equal seventh, on 7.69.
We have an official FEI statement on Hungarian combination András Jun. Kövy and Egano Van’t Wingerhof Z, after the 13-year-old stallion was pulled up mid-round.
“During the team and individual qualifier András Jun. Kövy riding Egano Van’t Wingerhof Z, felt an irregularity in the horse’s movement between fences 10 and 11. The athlete immediately stopped and dismounted,” read the statement.
“Egano was examined by a FEI veterinarian on the field of play. He was able to walk into the horse ambulance and was transported to the veterinary clinic for further examination.
“He has been diagnosed with a soft tissue injury, is being monitored and remains under the care of the Hungarian veterinary team.”
That’s it from us today. Tomorrow (Thursday) we will be bringing you live reporting from the second team and individual qualifier. The action begins at 8am UK time (9am German time).
Thursday 20 August: showjumping team and individual qualifier
Good morning! It’s day two of the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. This is senior news writer Becky Murray and I’m back to guide you through all the action as it happens.
Today we have the second team and individual qualifying competition. The individuals will jump first in reverse order, followed by the team riders. The competition is under Table A rules, so the lowest number of faults is key within the 84sec time allowed.
Uzbekistan rider Abdurakhmon Abdullaev and Caballone are in first at 8am UK time (9am German time).
H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome is on the ground in Aachen and informs me the grass arena is wet underfoot following yesterday’s rain. We’ll see how that ground comes into play today.
Check out course-designer Frank Rothenberger's track today.
Frank's track has increased in technicality today. There are 13 fences, including a double at 5ab (one stride vertical to an oxer), a triple combination at 9abc (two-stride oxer to vertical and one-stride to a oxer), and a triple bar at 12. Frank has made use of related distances and the highest verticals stand at 1.65m.
Frank Rothenberger's Thursday showjumping track in Aachen.
(Image credit: FEI)
A reminder of the individual standings at this stage:
1. Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Fringan De Vesquerie 70.6 2. Harrie Smilders (NED) and Mr Tac 71.96 3. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mango 72.19 4. Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair 72.28 =5. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix De Belheme 72.32 =5. Daniel Duesser (GER) and Otello De Guldenboom 72.32 7. Mark Bluman and Landon De Nyze 72.5 =8. Ben Maher and Point Break 72.61 =8. Nicola Phillippaerts (BEL) and Katanga v/h Dingeshof 72.61
Pictured Frenchman Julien Epaillard and Fringan De Vesquerie, who are at the top of the leaderboard.
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
We are off! Uzbekistan rider Abdurakhmon Abdullaev and Caballone. It was nice to see this pair complete their round after retiring yesterday. Caballone still showing some hesitation today, and he backed off the double at 5ab, resulting in them having to circle which cost them time. They had a couple of poles, including the triple bar at fence 12 .They finish with 12 jumping faults and 11 time-penalties.
That was unfortunate elimination for Maria Gabriela Brugal Gasso and J’Adore Flamenco from the Dominican Republic. They had a stop at fence 6, the FEI white and purple oxer, having slid into it and the same thing happened at the next fence. J’Adore Flamenco just looked to be struggling for grip.
Seven competitors have gone but we have yet to see a clear round. This morning’s session are individuals from countries that have not fielded teams, and they are jumping in reverse order of yesterday.
Three competitors have jumped inside the 84sec time allowed, showing its achievable.
Cypriot rider Alexa Stais and Cornflake CR provide the first clear round of the day. Alexa did a great job of piloting this eye-catching gelding round the big Aachen arena. They are still a new partnership, Alexa took over the reins in March from Theresa Sutterluty. Alex and Cornflake remain on their 9.08 score.
A brilliant clear round from Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen and ESI Rocky. Anastasia is one of the youngest competitors at just 20-years-old and this is the first time Monaco has been represented at the World Showjumping Championships.
You might recognise the name ESI Rocky, he is a former top ride of Irishman Seamus Hughes. Anastasia took over the ride in August 2025.
Four-time Olympian Ibrahim Hani Bisharat shows his experience to deliver the third clear of the day with 10-year-old stallion Lesther. This is followed by a clear from Hungary’s Anna Simicska and Kansas VL.
The 25 combinations competing as individuals have now jumped and now we move on to the teams.
We have a short break until 9.45am UK time (10.45am German time) when the first rotation of team riders will come forward, jumping in reverse order of merit from yesterday’s first round.
We begin with Jaroslaw Skrzyczynski and Komboy for Poland. There are 21 combinations to jump before the first of the Brits, Ben Maher and Point Break.
A reminder of the top teams at this stage:
Germany 3.48
Belgium 3.69
USA 4.85
Great Britain 4.98
France 4.99
Netherlands 5.08
Italy and Ireland are in equal seventh, on 7.69.
The team competition has begun and it’s a foot-perfect clear from the first of the Polish riders, Jaroslaw Skrzyczynski and Komboy.
The 84sec time allowed was no problem for the pair and the ground looks to be holding up ok after yesterday’s rain. Course-designer Frank Rothenberger could have moved fences a little to the side after the individual session earlier but has opted not to.
There's 29 teams still in the competition; four of these have three riders and the remainder are four-man teams.
Heartbreak for Argentina’s José María Larocca who was unseated from Finn Lente as they jumped out of the final part of the treble combination 9c. They got a tricky shot at the middle vertical and it all unravelled. José was back on his feet.
Zascha Nygaard and Com’on Drake de Maugre had to work hard there, but it was a super clear round for Denmark.
We have now seen clear rounds from Poland, Norway, Canada and Denmark. Australia’s first team rider Jamie Winning-Kermond had one time-fault with Tulara Wat Cobolensky.
Steve Guerdat delivers a brilliant clear for Switzerland with Dynamix De Belheme. Steve’s so good at keeping horses in a rhythm, though Dynamix gave the first part of the double at fence 5a a good rattle and she really had to stretch over the penultimate oxer at fence 12.
Switzerland will be hoping for a better day today, having finished yesterday down in 13th.
A tricky day in the office for Israel’s Daniel Bluman and Corbie V.V. They came round to corner to 5ab and Corbie looked to have lost her concentration resulting in a run-out at part B, the oxer. They jumped it on the second attempt, but went on to knock the vertical at fence 10. They finish with 8 jumping-faults and 9 nine time-penalties.
Frustration for Ireland’s first team rider Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue who knocked the last, after what was a really solid round from this pair. Ireland were in =7th after yesterday.
We now go into the top six teams.
And another to knock the last. Michael Greeve and Denver tap out the fence 13 vertical for four-faults to the Netherlands’ team score. They also have two time-penalties to add following a steadier round. The time allowance is 84sec, which most are making with ease, but riders have to remain aware of the clock.
Nina Mallevaey keeps France in the hunt with a superb clear aboard Dynastie De Beaufour's This pair were clear yesterday and proving a valuable part of the French team at Nina’s second championship.
Ben Maher does what he does best. Another clear on the board with Point Break. The 12-year-old stallion looks in phenomenal form and made light work of Frank Rothenberger’s track.
Harry Charles will be out second for Britain, in the next rotation of team riders. Adrian Whiteway will go third for the team today and Scott Brash will be the anchor.
Laura Kraut and Baloutine had to work for that clear, she really had to gather his focus for the final fence, but they come home with nothing to add for the USA.
Katanga v/j Dingeshof gave a couple of fences a rattle and put in a few extra strides, but Nicola Phillippaerts piloted the mare home clear for Belgium.
A little nervous moment for the home crowd as Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 get a little close to the last, but the master delivers that all-important clear. That means the top five teams all remain on the same score after the first rotation of riders.
Germany 3.48
Belgium 3.69
USA 4.85
Great Britain 4.98
France 4.99
Ben Maher has shared his thoughts on his clear round with Point Break…
“I didn't feel quite as smooth as yesterday, but that can happen in certain rounds. But it felt very good,” said Ben,
“He was making a lot of stride up early on, which is a good thing with him. They played a little bit with the distances in the course today and the hills, which affects him, a smaller striding horse, a bit more. So it’s my job to make sure that I give him the good ride to create what we need at the right time, and that's why perhaps it felt a little bit stronger riding today, should I say.
“But he jumped great. I don't think he touched a jump, and he felt very very confident and forward, which is the biggest thing with him, ready for tomorrow. I hope.
Ben explained some of his stride choices.
“At two to three, I don't get held up too much on really long distances, but he got there way easier than I thought. Then the next one was longer than I thought. This is what can happen with him,” he said.
Ben said he opted for seven strides from the double at 5ab to the oxer at six, then a forward six strides to the upright over a water tray at fence 7, up the middle of the arena.
Into the triple combination fence 9abc Ben said the natural stride going down the hill is nine strides.
“But I just stayed out and did 10 strides to put him on his back end, and just help the scope and the balance,” he said, adding with some people knocking the final vertical (fence 13) he added some power to the triple bar at fence 12.
“It probably looked like I was riding the triple bar a little bit like the jump off fence, but that was on purpose. It was a bit of a free jump to create the rhythm, so I could sit up and trust his front end on the last. So it was a bit up and down what route we took with the plan, to be honest. But I guess it was the right plan.”
We are under way now with the second rotation of team riders, and the first rotation of riders for the three-man teams. Championship debutants Tamara Reuda and Callaho Llantos have a lovely round, picking up four-faults for South Africa.
Swiss superstar Steve Guerdat has shared his thoughts on Frank Rothenberger’s track today…
“It’s a tough course,” he said. “Today is probably the most difficult course to build for the course-designer because everybody comes back. You have 150 horses; so you have the really top experienced horse and riders and some other ones that don't have the same experience.
“It’s difficult to judge for the course-designer to make it not too difficult for the ones who don’t have so much experience, especially in this ring, but also don't make it too easy that you can still keep on riding [in the competition] if you have one down.
“Tomorrow it’s probably going to be a lot tougher, also with the light. I think this round is very difficult to build, and taking that into consideration, I think Frank did a very good job.”
Laura Kraut was thrilled with Baloutine, who was a late horse swap for her before Aachen. Read what she had to say about her clear round for the USA today…
“Two days in a row now he’s just been 100% with me, doing everything I ask of him,” she said.
“He’s just one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden in my life and to have him come out at age 16, sort of without a plan for doing this and perform the way he has, I’m just thrilled.”
Laura said the verticals are particularly tall. The highest is 1.65m.
“When I walked in the ring the first one we came to was fence eight and I thought: ‘Well that’s very tall’. And then I saw fence two, three, five, and just the whole way around the course the verticals are maximum height,” she said.
“I’d say the oxers are probably a little more generous than what we might see tomorrow. I think Frank has gone a little bit easy with the width, but it’s a very technical course, and we had a lot of rain overnight. I think so far the ground is holding up beautifully, we were all a little bit tentative about it, but it felt really good.”
Laura said she isn’t usually the team pathfinder but this worked best for Baloutine.
“I normally go in the third slot, but my horse is a little horse shy and I feel like going early the schooling area or warm-up is sometimes a little less congested,” she said.
“I felt that it would be better for him, and then yesterday I was really happy with that.”
Discussing her great contribution to the team’s score Laura said she feels “a lot of relief.”
“I’m excited to just relax this afternoon. Although it’s not really relaxing because I’m hopeful for the rest of my teammates, I think I get more nervous for them than me” she said.
“I’m really wishing them well and I’m going to be out there hopefully doing what I can.”
Katharina Rhombberg and Colestus Cambridge come home on four-faults for Austria, having knocked fence 7a, a big vertical. It’s been a tough two days for the team, they finished yesterday down in 18th, and their pathfinder Max Kühner and EIC Cooley Jump The Q had eight-faults this morning. Only the top 10 teams proceed to tomorrow’s final.
Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Dorette OLD firmly put yesterday behind them with a well-deserved clear for Brazil. They suffered a shock elimination in the opening speed round when they were deemed not to have jumped between the flags over the skinny wall.
That’s another clear on the board for Switzerland thanks to Martin Fuchs and Conner Jei. The pair had a heart-in-mouth moment when the big gelding slipped as they turned back to the oxer at fence 11, giving it a big rattle. They lost some time and Martin really had to ride forward to the second last.
Reigning world champion Henrik von Eckermann delivers Sweden’s second faultless round of the day, following his teammate Pentronella Andersson this morning.
Spain is in next and it’s one time-fault for Imma Roquet Autonell. The first Spanish rider Armando Trapote jumped clear this morning.
Khaled Almobty and Diana de Pleveau post a cool clear for Saudi Arabia, while there’s disappointment for Mark Bluman and Landon de Nyze, who pick up eight-faults for Israel. This will be a tough blow after teammate’s Daniel Bluman’s 17 faults earlier, putting Israel’s spot in tomorrow’s final in doubt.
Italy and Ireland were lying joint 7th after yesterday’s opening speed round. Emanuele Camilli and Chacareno PS has just posted Italy’s second clear of the day, while Ireland’s second team rider Bertram Allen had a frustrating start when he knocked the first on Qonquest De Rigo. A reminder, Ireland’s pathfinders Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue had four-faults this morning, and so they need some clears from their remaining two riders.
Bas Moerings and Iphstar jump clear for the Netherlands. This 13-year-old stallion looked keen to get on with the job, getting a little strong but keep those fences up.
Second French team rider Olivier Perreau and GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly pick up four-faults when the knock the vertical fence 10, after the treble combination. Nina Mallevaey jumped clear for France earlier, so there’s still some breathing room as teams will drop the worst score.
Harry Charles and LT Holst Freda add four-faults to Britain’s scoresheet. It was an overall lovely round from this new partnership, but the 12-year-old mare suddenly got a bit quick before fence 4, an oxer with a water tray, and they had it down. Ben Maher was clear for the team earlier, but with it so close at the top, Harry’s four-faults puts the pressure on Adrian Whiteway and Scott Brash.
What a round form Katherine Dinan and Out of The Blue SCF. The 12-year-old grey showed some impressive athleticism, giving those fences plenty of air. A fabulous second clear round for team USA.
Two fences down for Belgium’s Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z, the pair knock the second part of the treble combination 9c and they’re another pair to fall foul of the last fence. The first Belgian rider Nicola Phillippaerts went clear this morning, so Belgium will be hoping to make Pieter’s round the drop score, depending how the final two team riders go this afternoon.
Two clears on the board for the home side. Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair put in a marvellous foot-perfect round for Germany to keep that team gold in sight.
The second rotation of team riders have now concluded. The third session begins at 1.05pm UK time (2.05pm German time).
The top five teams remain the same:
Germany 3.48
Belgium 3.69
USA 4.85
Great Britain 4.98
France 4.99
Ireland has slipped down to 15th.
The top 10 teams will qualify for tomorrow's final.
Harry Charles has shared his disappointment following his four-fault round with LT Holst Freda…
“It just wasn’t nearly good enough to be honest,” said Harry.
“The horse jumped amazing, I've just not been on it all week, so I’m really embarrassed and disappointed.”
Discussing the pole down at the oxer at fence 4 Harry said the mistake followed from his jump over the planks at fence 3.
“She jumped a bit left on the plank. At any other show, your mind works quick and you adapt. You would put nine in, but I somehow was so stuck on the number, I chased on the eight,” he said.
“When you land that far away from the distance, it’s never going to be there. I wish I could tell you what went through my mind, but I just don’t know.”
The third team rotation of riders has commenced – and the second rider of the three-man teams. First up is Ronnie Healy and Cornet’s Mandarino for South Africa, who come home on eight faults. The 13-year-old just kicked out the second part of the double at 5ab on landing, then had the last, fence 13. This big upright is starting to feel like unlucky fence 13, causing disappointment for many.
Ireland had a tough morning, with both Darragh Kenny and Bertram Allen, having four-faults to push the team down to 15th.
Read what Bertram had to say about his round with Qonquest de Rigo..
“A bit of a bummer having the first fence down. I’m not sure why it happened. Then he jumped fantastic,” said the Irishman.
“It’s a real shame, and there’s a lot of clears today, so that four-faults is going to be expensive unfortunately. Yesterday he had a good clear round and was top 18, but unfortunately today is going to knock us down a bit.
“To have the first fence, and Darragh the last fence, we’re just not getting any rub of the green. But we’ve two great guys to come with Cian next then Shane, so fingers crossed.”
Our reporter Pippa Roome caught up with the current clubhouse leader, Germany's Sophie Hinners, and she told us more about her ride Iron Dames Singclair.
“He’s very special to me. I got him when he was at the end of his eight-year-old year. He's 11 now and we stepped up together in this level,” she said.
“When we got him, we did not really expect that he is such a dream horse, that he can jump such big classes. When you see him, he’s quite small, he’s quite short, and then he just goes in and jumps a track like this. And he’s done it before round the biggest tracks on the world before – he makes it look easy.
“He always comes in the arena, wants to do his best, and he is always fighting for me.”
This hasn’t been Canadian Erynn Ballard’s competition. She parted company with Fave D’Authuit yesterday after being unseated, and today she elected to retire after knocking both parts of the the double, fence 5ab. The pair had fence one down and just didn’t look to get into a rhythm today.
Thomas McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist give Australia its second clear of the day. Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield jumped clear this morning and Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Coblensky had a time-fault.
Our reporter in Aachen, Pippa Roome, also spoke to US rider Katie Dinan about how she mentally put a disappointing round yesterday behind her and came back with a clear today.
Katie said: “I wish I had a perfect answer for that, because then I’d be able to do it all the time.
“Yesterday I knew what my mistake was and I really tried just to focus on today being a new day and my horse is in form, so I didn’t have to worry about that, and just making a plan when I walked the course and riding her like I know how, riding her the way that got us selected for the team. I was disappointed yesterday because that wasn’t the performance we had.
“But luckily, my three teammates were very good yesterday and so I could come back today. My horse, she was so phenomenal and I knew after we jumped the first two jumps she was right there with me. I just needed to give her the guidance she deserves and I felt like we were both fighting for the clear round."
Katie became emotional when she talked about her ride Out Of The Blue SCF.
“She's a really strong, big lady with a lot of blood and a big jump, and she has her opinions. She likes her time alone. She likes her space, but beneath a tough exterior, she just really fights for me in the ring.
“I feel if I give her the ride she deserves, she never lets me down. I’m just so in love with this horse, I could cry. She’s amazing. She’s made so many of my dreams come true.”
Unlucky fence 13 strikes again. Luciana Diniz and Vertigo De Desert knock the last, having had a brilliant round to this point. It’s disappointing news for Brazil which slides down to 17th after three riders. Only the top 10 teams will jump in tomorrow’s final.
Young rider Gaëtan Joliat and Chelsea 7 make it three clears for Switzerland. This combination jumped at the young rider Europeans last year, and what a step up to senior championships. Switzerland is currency 11th, but there’s still many teams to go so they may earn that place in tomorrow’s final where the top 10 jump.
Defending champions Sweden might not be fighting for the team gold this year, but what a performance their first three riders have put in today. That’s clear from Wilma McMahon and Cici BJN.
Meanwhile, Julio Arias Cueva and Filou Du Manoir have a difficult round for Spain, with poles falling and some time-penalties, to add 20 faults. There’s still one team rider to go, but Julio is likely to be the drop score. Armando Trote jumped clear this moring, and Imma Roquet Autonell had a time-fault, so Spain still has a chance of staying in that final top 10.
Giacomo Casadei and Marbella De Chabli have three poles for Italy, knocking fences 6, 7 and 13.
Italy had been sitting comfortable in 7th thanks to two clears this morning from Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del'isle and Emanuele Camillii, but the team will want Giacomo’s score to be the one they discount, and so pressure is on the fourth combination Piergiogio Bucci and Hantano to keep the fences up.
Cian O’Connor jumps clear for Ireland with Chatolinue PS. The team is in 13th after three riders; the top 10 will make it through to the final. Hopes fall on final team rider Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz jumping clear and some other teams mistakes.
Willem Greve and Grandorado TN N.O.P pick up four-faults after having fence 10 for the Netherlands. While France’s Antoine Ermann and Floyd Des Pres go clear for France.
Great Britain’s Adrian Whiteway put in a solid effort with Chacco Volo, but they knock the middle part of the treble combination, the vertical 9b. The 13-year-old gelding looked relaxed in the ring, but as Adrian has said before, he is not the quickest horse.
Ben Maher jumped clear this morning, but Harry Charles had four faults, and so the team slips down to sixth at this stage with Scott Brash still to jump.
Team USA are on fire, that’s three clears in the bag. Lillie Keenan and Fasther put in a foot-perfect performance and the team keeps the pressure on at the top.
Disappointment at the last for young Belgian rider Thibeau Spits and Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z, who are another to take this fence down. Belgium slips down to fourth after three riders. Nicola Phillippaerts went clear and Pieter Devos had eight faults, so the pressure is on Abdel Said to deliver a clear so they can make Pieter the drop score.
Daniel Deusser and Otello De Guldenboom have secured the overnight gold position for Germany with a clear. There were some rattles along the way and gasps from the home crowd, but they came home with the fences still up.
The anchor rider is Richard Vogel and super stallion United Touch S, who had an unfortunate pole yesterday, so they will be hoping for a better round today. However, as only three scores count, Germany will remain in overnight gold no matter what happens thanks to the first three team riders jumping clear.
Here's how the team standings look after three riders:
1. Germany 3.48 2. USA 4.85 3. France 4.99 =4. Belgium 7.69 =4. Italy 7.69 6. Great Britain 8.98 7. Netherlands 9.08 8. Sweden 9.64 9. Spain 10.02 10. Switzerland 10.49
Read what Brit Adrian Whiteway had to say following his round with Chacco Volo...
“I’m very, very happy with my horse. It was a really unfortunate one down, but he tried his absolute heart out for me,” said Adrian, who had four-faults at the middle part of the treble combination, fence 9abc.
“The combination was short. I knew that, I’ve been watching 110 horses all day. I was thinking: ‘I'm really going to need him to back up’. I jumped in and thought I jumped in well; I said ‘Whoa’ with my voice, my body, everything, but just ran out of room a little bit, and he just put a toe on it. But I’m very happy with him and how he’s jumping.”
Adrian had nothing but praise for Chacco Volo.
“He's a legend,” said Adrian. “He just goes in there and eats it up, he takes everything in his stride, and just sort of helps me a bit, holds my hand.
“I’m very proud of him.”
We are in the fourth and final session as the team anchor riders come forward. Germany and USA can relax a little, with their overnight places sealed by three perfect rounds each, but there’s lots still to play for as teams battle to make into the top 10 final tomorrow.
The top 60 individual riders will also compete, so riders who don't make it through with their team, still have a chance.
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Read what Irishman Cian O’Connor had to say following his clear round aboard Chatolinue PS. The Irish are lying 13th after three riders.
“I was delighted with Chatolinue, he jumped so well,” said Cian. “It’s difficult, it’s so tight with the teams so close together. More and more at these championships, you see the first day playing a bigger role. I'm not sure if that’s good or bad, it depends what kind of horsepower you have. And with the Irish team, we have a lot of scope and a lot of power, so it's hard for those horses to claw back.
“I thought Darragh’s horse jumped really well, it just had the last fence and Bertram’s guy was super again, just touched off the first. So the pressure was on and I thought I fought hard. Chatolinue tried his heart out, he was really fantastic the whole way.
“Shane is last to go with the wonderful James Kann Cruz, so if he can jump it clear, hopefully we can just scrape into tomorrow's final.”
Lillie Keenan confirmed the US's position in second overnight with her clear on Fasther.
Afterwards, she said: “I knew that after yesterday I wanted not to ask for too much control. Jumping a speed round with Fasther, especially in the beginning of the week, can be a little bit challenging because he likes to take over, and I would say that Fasther knows that he knows a lot better than I do – and it’s not just his belief. He is absolutely firm in knowing that. So I have to be a little bit creative and trust our partnership and trust him.
“Today he really reminded me how incredibly special he is in every single way – his personality, but also his ability. He does things that the laws of physics would say are impossible, and I'm just really, really lucky to have him as my partner.”
Lillie also spoke about what it means to her to ride on the team.
“When I was a little girl and I first started to ride, I did not know anything about horse shows, but I knew that there was showjumping as a team sport, and I knew that you could represent our country at a championship. I didn’t know anything really about grands prix, but I wanted to ride for my country,” she said.
“And I think that any time you have an opportunity to represent something bigger than yourself, especially alongside such talented riders, you want to make the most of them.”
The final combination for Austria, Bianca Babanitz and I Will Be Famous, have withdrawn. It wasn’t to be for the Austrian team in Aachen; all three riders had faults earlier today leaving the team down in 19th.
Here’s what Daniel Deusser had to say after securing the overnight lead for the German team with his clear:
“I’m very delighted with my round and very delighted with my horse. He tried his heart out again. I didn’t want to keep all the pressure for Richie [Vogel], so I thought it would be nice if I could jump a clear round, after we had two very good rounds already,” he said.
“The teams are very close together, so it was important that we go into the last round as a leading team tomorrow.”
Talking about the stride patterns around the course, Daniel added: “I changed these decisions approximately 25 times today. I walked the course at 7.50am this morning, and to be honest, that time I walked it exactly like I rode it now.
“In between, I saw the individuals and a lot of people did six after the green double [fence 5ab]. I thought actually the six looked easy, I could do the six as well. Then just before I got on the horse, I saw a couple go in seven. I said actually, I’d better ride it like I walked this morning, don’t be influenced by anyone else, and luckily it worked out like that.”
Andreas Schou and Napoli VH Nederassenthof give Denmark three clears, and a final score today of 11.57. The team is in 12th, so there’s still a chance we see them back tomorrow for the team final if other teams drop down the order this afternoon.
Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom knock the first part of the treble combination. Only Marlon Modolo Zanotelli managed to jump clear for Brazil, so two four-fault rounds count. Brazil moves down to 17th.
We will see Switzerland in the team final.
Jason Smith and Picobello Van’t Roosakker have an early pole for Switzerland and three time-faults to finish on seven faults. The team already has three clears on the board, so this does not affect Switzerland’s place. The team is currently 10th on 10.49 and has guaranteed its spot in tomorrow’s team final. They cannot drop down the order but could move up.
A clean sweep for the reigning world champions Sweden with all four riders delivering fault-free rounds. There was a few hairy moments there for team anchor Peder Fredricson and Alcapone Des Carmille but they get they come home with nothing to add. Sweden will be back for tomorrow’s final.
Spain’s Alberto Marquez Galobardes had some pressure on his shoulders after his teammate Julio Aras Cueva had 20 faults earlier. Unfortunately it was four-faults for Alberto and Kelly, who had the last part of the combination 9c. Spain counts Alberto’s four-faults, Imma Roquet Autonell’s single time-fault, and pathfinder Armando Trapote’s clear round to finish today on a total 14.02, for 14th currently.
Abdullah Alsharbatly and Diriyah’s clear round keeps the door open for Saudi Arabia, which now lies in 12th after four riders.
We have just heard that Israel’s anchor combination Robin Muhr and Foud'Joie de Stel have withdrawn.
A fantastic foot-perfect round from Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci and a guaranteed place in tomorrow’s team final. That’s three clears on the board for the Italians, who sit in fourth currently.
We still have final riders from Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Britain, the USA, Belgium and Germany to go. We already know that Germany is overnight gold and the US in overnight silver following three perfect clears earlier.
It really is so close at the top with so little room for error. Harrie Smolders and Mr. Tac knock the planks at fence 3, which plunges the Netherlands down from 7th to 13th after four riders. The best three scores count: Bas Moering (0), Willeme Greve (4) and Harrie (4).
Have they just lost their place in the team final?
Shane Sweetnam secures Ireland’s place in tomorrow’s team final. Shane and James Kann Cruz deliver that vital clear and the team can do no worse than overnight 10th.
The top 10 go through tomorrow.
Shock for Frenchman Julien Epaillard. The individual leader with Fringan De Vesquerie has had two fences down, the final part of the treble combination 9c and fence 11. This drops the team down to sixth so they’ll still be in the team final, but it’s a big blow for Julien’s individual gold medal hopes. We will bring you the team standings later.
The ice cool Scotsman Scott Brash jumps clear for Great Britain with the fabulous Hello Mango. Scott looks to have another star on his hands with this 11-year-old grey mare. Great Britain has a place in tomorrow’s team final, and lies in fifth, while Scott has put keeps within touch of an individual medal.
McLain Ward has four-faults with High Star Hero. As his teammates put three clears on the board earlier, McLain will be the drop score, and so there’s no change to team USA’s overnight silver.
Abdel Saïd and Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z keep Belgium in overnight bronze with a thrilling clear. The team finish today on a score of 7.69; Pieter Devos’s eight-faults was the drop score.
The home crowd were treated to a fourth clear round as the German anchor and European champions Richard Vogel and United Touch S deliver a fault-less round in the big Aachen arena.
The pressure was off Richard, after Marcus Ehning, Sophie Hinners and Daniel Deusser already secured Germany’s provisional gold place earlier, but it was brilliant to see this pair deliver today following four-faults yesterday.
What a thrilling second day of action in Aachen in the second team and individual qualifier. The top 10 teams have secured their place in tomorrow evening’s final – and there’s been changes to the individual leaderboard as Scott Brash rises to the top.
Team standings:
1. Germany 3.48 2. USA 4.85 =3. Belgium 7.69 =3. Italy 7.69 5. Great Britain 8.98 6. France 8.99 7. Sweden 9.64 8. Switzerland 10.49 9. Denmark 11.57 10. Ireland 11.69
Individual standings:
1. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mango 0.80 2. Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair 0.84 =3. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix De Belheme 0.86 =3. Daniel Duesser (GER) and Otello De Guldenboom 0.86 =5. Ben Maher (GBR) and Point Break 1.01 =5. Nicola Phillippaerts (BEL) and Katanga v/h Dingeshof 1.01 7. Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutine 1.06 8. Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) and Delta Del'isle 1.13 9. Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther 1.17 10. Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 42 1.78
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That’s a wrap on today’s live reporting. H&H news editor Eleanor Jones takes over tomorrow and will be bringing you all the action from the team final at 5.50pm UK time (6.50pm German time). It’s sure to be an exciting night!
All to play for in the team final
Hello, I'm H&H news editor Eleanor Jones and I'm here for the showjumping team final at the World Championships – it's all to play for!
So tonight the team medals – and qualification places for the LA Olympics – will be decided.
Here are the current team and individual standings and it's all very close; a pole for any of these will make a big difference. And these scores all carry forward in the individual competition too, which concludes on Sunday.
Team standings:
1. Germany 3.48 2. USA 4.85 =3. Belgium 7.69 =3. Italy 7.69 5. Great Britain 8.98 6. France 8.99 7. Sweden 9.64 8. Switzerland 10.49 9. Denmark 11.57 10. Ireland 11.69
Individual standings:
1. Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello Mango 0.80 2. Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair 0.84 =3. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix De Belheme 0.86 =3. Daniel Duesser (GER) and Otello De Guldenboom 0.86 =5. Ben Maher (GBR) and Point Break 1.01 =5. Nicola Phillippaerts (BEL) and Katanga v/h Dingeshof 1.01 7. Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutine 1.06 8. Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) and Delta Del'isle 1.13 9. Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther 1.17 10. Marcus Ehning (GER) and Coolio 42 1.78
They're going through the team lists in the main stadium – a huge roar for home side Germany, who are in the lead as a team as have two combinations in the individual top three at the moment
Irish rider withdraws
Breaking news from Aachen: Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue will not compete this evening.
Darragh said: “After careful assessment this afternoon, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw Eddy Blue.
“Whilst he is well and happy in himself, I noticed he was not feeling 100% when I rode him this morning. Following discussion with our team vet Marcus Swail and the whole Irish team, we agreed that protecting his long-term health and soundness must always come first.
“He is a special horse, and his wellbeing has always been, and will always be, my first priority.
“I want to wish the rest of the team every success this evening. I have every confidence they will continue to represent us brilliantly, and I’ll still be here, helping and supporting in every way I can.”
Ireland is still in as a team; as only three scores count so Bertram Allen (Qonquest De Rigo,), Cian O'Connor (Chatolinue PS) and Shane Sweetnam (James Kann Cruz) will still compete.
A clear to kick things off, from Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Shaq Attack, but Abdulrahman Alrajhi and Ventago, for Saudi Arabia, retire, having landed in the water, survived a few hairy moments and then had a refusal
Stephan de Freitas Barcha and the fabulous Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio are foot-perfect, taking a few strides out here and there compared to Carlos, to add nothing to their score.
Anastasia Nielsen and ESI Rocky had to deal with a tack malfunction; the martingale broke and was flapping about but Anastasia did a fabulous job to get home with just four faults to add
The legend that is Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom just clip the bright yellow vertical to finish on four faults. Time doesn't seem to be a major factor at these very early stages of tonight's competition; no time-faults so far
Commentator's curse! Having mentioned the time, the next combination in, Mexico's Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago, jump a lovely clear but just tick over the time allowed for one penalty
The top plank comes down for Fernando Martinez Sommer and Joep, who finish on a total score of 9.50
Very unlucky for Willem Greve; Grandorado TN NOP clipped the very first fence, the Lindt oxer, then jumped into the combination but had a stop at the second element. Willem elects to jump a fence and retire
The rain is coming down harder in Aachen now as Nayel Nassar and ESI Ali of Egypt jump a lovely round, very unlucky to take down the back rail of the very last fence
Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen and Equine America Harwich VDL ride a beautiful round for one time-fault. This is Johan-Sebastian's first time on a championship team with dad Geir, who jumps at number 92 this evening
Just the second part of the double and a time-fault for Thomas McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist for Australia, a nice round
Argh, that first fence goes again, for Kyle Timm of Canada and Casino Calvin. It must feel a very long way home after that but Kyle rode beautifully to go clear the rest of the way
Textbook from Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Enjoy De La Mure for the UAE, what a lovely clear. The crowd is warming up now, clapping them out of the ring
Canadian Chris Pratt last rode at a championships 20 years ago, when the worlds were last at Aachen. He and Ideaal ES jumped into the double a bit big and had the second element down to finish on four faults
This is one World Championships final Argentina hasn't had a team in this summer but Ignacio Maurin and Conchado are competing as individuals. Two fences and some time-faults means a total of 10
It's unusual not to have the Dutch in the team final but their next combination in as individuals was Harrie Smolders and Mr Tac, who had an unexpected eight faults yesterday. They clip the first element of the combination and take the front rail of the Longines oxer to finish on eight again this evening, which puts them out of the running for Sunday's final
Ibrahim Hani Bisharat and Lesther for Jordan clip the first element of the triple combination to finish on four
There seem to be lots of options on this course; the five strides from 8 to 9 and the six from 9 to the double at 10, and to the open water, seem to be consistent but we're seeing riders take different lines and numbers of strides just about everywhere else
Great riding from Armando Trapote, who goes clear with the fiery Tornado VS for Spain. Armando punches the air in triumph, then gives Tornado a hug
New Zealand's Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP have had a super week but clip the first element of the double then take the last oxer down for eight
Anna Simicska and Kansas Vl for Hungary are another combination caught out by that first fence, the Lindt oxer. They also can't quite clear the last element of the triple, and the first element of the double goes too but she held it together to finish on the 12 plus two time-faults
Patricio Pasquel and Chakkalou PS for Mexico are the first to fault at the wall; a couple of bricks ping out, then the Longines oxer goes too and Patricio couldn't quite get right to the double afterwards. Clears it on a second try but have to add 27 time-faults to their 12 jumping penalties
The next Spanish combination, Imma Roquet Autonell and Irivola Del Maset, had not had a fence down so far these championships but Imma went on seven strides rather than six to the double and had the second element down to finish on four plus one time-fault
Colombia now, it's Roberto Teran Tafur and Dez’ Ooktoff, who is now 18. What a lovely clear for this combination, who know each other inside out after eight years together
Bas Moerings for the Netherlands rides Ipsthar, who was bred by his family. They rattle the Turkish Airlines oxer, put an extra stride into the water, and have a foot in it for four faults. A bit deep to the double and the first element goes; they finish on the eight
Edwina Tops-Alexander, who also competed here at the 2006 worlds, clips the yellow vertical and the red-and-white oxer with Fellow Castlefield, to finish on eight
Jaroslaw Skrzyczynski and Komboy for Poland are a bit forward into the double and have the first element down, and the last goes too for eight faults
The next Saudi Arabian rider is Khaled Almobty with Diana Du Plevau Z, who get a big cheer as they canter to the start. Khaled starts in a strong canter but that pesky first Lindt fence goes again, as does the first element of the double, a triple bar. a rub on the Liverpool but they finish on eight faults
The last combination competing as individuals is Luke Dee and Gangster WW for New Zealand, who come into tonight after two clear rounds here so far, and you can see why; this horse has all the jump. High over the water! But sadly the yellow vertical, the Longines oxer and the first element of the double fall in quick succession. Luke gets it back together but the last goes too, and they clock up five time-faults
That's the last of the individuals; there's a quick break (5-6 minutes) until the first of the team riders. Time to put the kettle on (or pour a glass of wine) and we'll be back shortly after this message from our sponsors...
We hear from Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen of Norway after his one time-fault round with Equine America Harwich VDL.
“It’s just an incredible atmosphere – it just felt amazing. It’s the best feeling in the world to jump round, to do your best, your horse, your team. It means a lot to everyone.”
I can’t describe the feeling; my horse was unreal today. Every jump was incredible. He’s a fighter, I’m so happy to have a horse like that
Isabell Werth has been spotted in the audience, might she be considering a change of discipline...?!
And we're off with the team combinations. First in is Zascha Nygaard with COM’on Drako De Maugre for Denmark, who takes out the last element of the combination then has a foot in the water. The first element of the double goes too and Zascha calls it a day, so all the remaining Danish riders’ scores will have to count
Next in is the legendary Steve Guerdat with Dynamix De Bélhème, Olympic silver medallists and 2023 European champions. Steve gets a bit vocal as he encourages this lovely mare through the combination and they clear it, and everything else. Clear for Switzerland and they hold their individual third place
Sweden next, the reigning team world champions. Petronella Andersson and Odina Van Klapscheut tap the last element of the triple; it stays up but they have a foot in the water, then stop at the wall. The Longines oxer goes and Petronella retires so again, the remaining three riders’ scores will have to count for Sweden.
France next; rising star Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie De Beaufour just clip the back rail going into the double; that's a huge triple bar. They finish on four
Britain's Ben Maher lets the fabulous Point Break have a good look at the water before he starts. High over the water, what a fantastic clear to get Britain off to the perfect start in this team final! That's their third clear round this week and they stay on 1.01 penalties, fifth place individually
Oof, a clear in the bag for Britain and we can relax a bit as Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del’isle come in for Italy. They tap the Longines oxer and the first element of the double; both stay up but their luck doesn’t hold and the second element goes for four faults in total
Nicola Philippaerts for Belgium with the lovely mare Katanga VH Dingeshof. They came eighth individually at the last worlds but the top yellow plank falls today. A bit deep to the wall but it stays up, a bit high over the red-and-white oxer and that goes; they finish on eight.
The US pathfinders are the superstars Laura Kraut and Baloutinue. The US came into tonight in second place to Germany and they retain that place despite the fact the middle element of the combination falls, as thie four-fault round could be the drop score. This will drop them down significantly from the seventh place they held individually though
I have said "legendary" a few times tonight but it definitely applies to this man, Marcus Ehning, who's first in for Germany with Coolio 42. They put in an extra stride to the water but it's all good, a huge gasp from the crowd as they get close to the black vertical but they're clear, and just inside the time.
The crowd was still cheering Marcus and Coolio, including his tearful family, as the first Irish rider came in. Bertram Allen had pressure on his shoulders as the withdrawal of Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue means his and Qonquest De Rigo’s round had to count. They were flying but that first element of the double fell for a score of four
The second Danish combination is Laura Baaring Kjaergaard and Qarisma Van’t Roosakker. They clip the first element of the combination and the second of the tricky double. As Zascha had to retire, this eight faults will have to count for Denmark.
Martin Fuchs is next for Switzerland with the ultra-scopey Connor Jei. They go a bit high over the Longines oxer and it comes down; four for Switzerland but this could be the drop score
We hear from Ben Maher, who said Point Break felt “perfect” today.
“ He didn’t felt quite himself yesterday, maybe from going a bit quicker the first day, but today I got him out twice, just quietly hacking him around, so he was nice and relaxed,” he said.
“He hasn't jumped under lights too much but I knew his quality would come through with the different lighting this evening, and it was about keeping him brave and relaxed. He went in and he gave me the exact plan, the exact ride I had planned and visualised. When that happens, there’s not a lot to say really. It doesn't happen very often, but he was absolute perfection for me this evening. I’m very proud of him and my team. It’s a long long road to get these horses from a young horse all the way to this level.”
Ben said he thought the course tonight was big but fair.
“He’s playing with a lot of distances and scope today, but when Point Break does what he does like that, it makes my job as a rider a little easier,” he said.
Reigning world champion Henrick von Eckermann has both bits of the double with Minute Man, which Sweden has to count after Petronella retired
Olivier Perreau and GL Events Dorai D’Aiguilly tap a few fences and their luck runs out at the red-and-white oxer; four faults so France definitely has four to add to the total
Yes, Harry! He and the superb LT Holst Freda absolutely flew for Britain’s second clear of the night; what riding from Harry, who has only had her three months. This means Britain has nothing to add so far tonight
Emanuele Camilli and Chacareno PS looked in great form but after an unexpected stop at the second element of the combination, Emanuele calls it a day. This means Giulia’s four faults has to count, and Italy move down into sixth place, Britain up to fourth
That yellow plank goes for Pieter Devos and Casual DV Z. They have to count it after Nicola’s eight so that drops Belgium to fifth and Britain moves up into third
Laura Kraut says Baloutinue was “a little slippy on the ground”; she has advised the rest of the team is to go up a size in studs from the last two days.
Katie Dinan is in next for the US with Out Of The Blue SCF. They rub that Lindt oxer at fence one but it stays up. she encourages the mare on through the combination but they can’t quite clear the last element, she rides past the next fence and pulls up. This means Laura’s four has to count but the US stays second, 0.13 ahead of Britain
The German stars Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair came in as the second-placed individuals in the competition. What a horse, what a rider. One time-fault drops them down a bit but Germany stays in the lead and 40,000 people make it clear just how they feel about that!
We hear from Harry Charles after his and Freda’s fabulous clear.
Harry said this was a very tough proper championship course, and the floodlights play their part in the pressure.
“The atmosphere is amazing, and I’m very happy to get a clear, finally,” he said.
“She’s not knocked a jump all week, it’s been me, so I felt a lot of relief after the finish line; the feeling was again incredible. I left her a little bit fresh this morning, not knowing quite how she’d be on a third day of jumping, and she just came out; I had double handfuls the whole way round. I just sat quiet and said whoa to her, and she just ate it. I’m very happy to give her a proper ride, and we've kept the team in with a shout.”
Harry said after yesterday’s disappointment, “I had to get over myself, to be honest”.
“It was pretty low day yesterday,” he said. “I’ve knocked jumps down plenty of times, but yesterday really sucked.
“You never know when you’re going to get a horse that good, if ever again, so you want to come here. This might be the only time in my life the championships are here in Aachen. I hope not, but it’s such a special place, and all year, I’ve just been dreaming of of this championship.
“In May, I wasn’t even planning on coming, I didn’t have a horse, then Freda kind of showed up. The old saying is ‘I think it’s hope that kills you’. Maybe I got a bit ambitious with where I was in the partnership, but I think whatever happens today, we’re going to walk away, I think, with our heads held high. And I’ve got a very special horse for the next few years, and I’m just going to take really good care of her.”
Heartbreak for Cian O’Connor and Chatolinue PS as the very last rail hits the turf; and every score has to count now for Ireland. They are in ninth place.
Denmark’s Caroline Rehoff Pedersen and Polonis L just clip the red-and-white oxer. Their four has to count so Denmark goes 10th and Ireland are ninth.
Rising young star Gaëtan Joliat and Chelsea Z just clip the rail before the combination, the first time that’s fallen tonight, and the Longines oxer falls too. Eight for Switzerland; that could be their drop score and they sit in seventh place.
We hear from Harry Charles after his and Freda’s fabulous clear.
Harry said this was a very tough proper championship course, and the floodlights play their part in the pressure.
“The atmosphere is amazing, and I’m very happy to get a clear, finally,” he said.
“She’s not knocked a jump all week, it’s been me, so I felt a lot of relief after the finish line; the feeling was again incredible. I left her a little bit fresh this morning, not knowing quite how she’d be on a third day of jumping, and she just came out; I had double handfuls the whole way round. I just sat quiet and said whoa to her, and she just ate it. I’m very happy to give her a proper ride, and we've kept the team in with a shout.”
Harry said after yesterday’s disappointment, “I had to get over myself, to be honest”.
“It was pretty low day yesterday,” he said. “I’ve knocked jumps down plenty of times, but yesterday really sucked.
“You never know when you’re going to get a horse that good, if ever again, so you want to come here. This might be the only time in my life the championships are here in Aachen. I hope not, but it’s such a special place, and all year, I’ve just been dreaming of of this championship.
“In May, I wasn’t even planning on coming, I didn’t have a horse, then Freda kind of showed up. The old saying is ‘I think it’s hope that kills you’. Maybe I got a bit ambitious with where I was in the partnership, but I think whatever happens today, we’re going to walk away, I think, with our heads held high. And I’ve got a very special horse for the next few years, and I’m just going to take really good care of her.”
The luck isn’t with Wilma McMahon and Cicci BJN tonight; their 16 faults has to count for Sweden, which puts them 10th. Ireland move up to eighth
The first two elements of the combination fall for Antoine Ermann and Floyd Des Pres. France now has to count eight, Nina and Olivier’s four each, so sit seventh.
That Lindt oxer has been hugely troublesome tonight and it fell for Britain’s Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo. Very well ridden by Adrian through the combination but they knock the first element of the double, and the second falls too. Adrian holds it together to finish with three time-faults but this 15 could be the drop score after Harry and Ben’s clears so Britain stays in third. The pressure is now on Scott and Hello Mango
The Lindt fence goes again! Giacamo Casadei and Marbella Du Chabli knock the Liverpool too and they finish on eight, which drops Italy to eighth and Ireland climb to seventh.
A key round for Belgium, and potentially for the medals; Thibeau Spits and Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z tapped the first element of the double but it stayed up. A superb clear inside the time to keep Belgium in fourth place, less than three penalties behind Britain
Lillie Keenan and Fasther become the latest to be caught out by that Lindt oxer, and the Liverpool goes too. The US has to count this as Katie retired so they drop to fifth – Britain goes second
Daniel Deusser and Otello De Guldenboom secure gold for the home team, with a fence and a rider in hand. Despite a tap on the yellow vertical, they pull it out of the bag, the silence during the round only matched by the roar from the crowd afterwards. As was the case for Sweden four years ago, the championship is decided before the final rider goes in. Pure class.
It's the turn of the final riders and it's Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz for Ireland. The judges checked the tape after they cleared the water and they were fine but the first element of the double hit the turf. Gutting for Ireland, ninth place currently; an Olympic place hangs in the balance.
Andreas Schou and Napoli vh Nederassenthof jumped clear yesterday with to secure Denmark’s place in this team final but it wasn’t to be tonight. That Lindt oxer went again; four faults puts them in ninth and Ireland eighth – that means an Olympic ticket for Ireland.
Last in for Switzerland is Scottish-born Jason Smith with Picobello van't Roosakker. they go high over the Lindt oxer to start and it falls again – has the first fence ever gone down this many times? The rest stay up but they clock up two time-faults, which drops Switzerland to seventh but secures Olympic qualification.
Peder Fredricson’s Alcapone Des Carmille was a bit hesitant at the planks and the top one came down. Beautifully ridden through the combination but the Longines oxer falls and Peder pulls up before the next fence. He tries again; he knew he had to finish with a score after a retirement, but it’s 31 faults in total and 10th place for Sweden.
Julien Epaillard and Fringan De Vesquerie are last to go for France; a tap on the middle element of the combination, super through the double but the red-and-white oxer falls, as does the next. Eight faults and France go eighth. Ireland move to seventh.
Scott Brash and Hello Mango secure bronze at least for Britain – and an Olympic place! The Lindt oxer that has shattered so many dreams tonight fell but Scott rode superbly to jump clear the rest of the way, which means a place on the podium for Britain
Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano are last in for Italy, and what a way to finish things for the team. A super clear means they go into sixth place individually and Italy fifth, Olympic place secured.
So if Abdel Said goes clear, Belgium get silver; one down and Britain will take it
Abdel Said and Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z touched the Lindt oxer – is the ground not as good as it was earlier? – but it stayed up, and the same at the first element of the double. But they all stay up, and Abdel has done it – team silver for Belgium, bronze for Britain.
So that's it: gold for Germany, silver for Belgium, bronze for Britain. Anyone with any fingernails left, or without dents on your face from peering through your fingers? We can all relax now and watch the last few
McLain Ward’s High Star Hero is giving the fences plenty of air. Wonderful riding from McLain; a fabulous clear keeps the US fourth and in the Olympic places.
Last in, and what a night it’s been. There was no pressure on European champions Richard Vogel and United Touch S as far as team medals went as gold was in the bag for Germany, so the crowd could just take in their outstanding performance. Just two time-faults clocked up as the rain started to pour down, and the crowd clapped their every stride. Superb.
Final results
1: Germany, 4.48
2: Belgium, 11.69
3: Britain, 12.98
4: USA, 16.85
5: Italy, 19.69
6: Switzerland, 20.49
7: Ireland, 23.69
8: France: 24.99
9: Denmark: 28.57
Sweden: 64.64
We couldn't finish without a medal-winning selfie!
(Image credit: Kirsty Paso)
Thank you for enjoying a fabulous night of showjumping with us! That's it for tonight, but you can read the full reports on our World Championships on our dedicated hub, and we'll be back on Sunday from soon after 1pm for the individual final. Over and out.
Sunday 23 August: showjumping individual final
Hello, it's H&H news editor Eleanor Jones with you this afternoon, for the showjumping World Championships individual final. The top 25 combinations jump the first round, in reverse order, then the top 12 return for the final showdown.
Three Brits – Harry Charles and Freda, Scott Brash and Hello Mango and Ben Maher and Point Break – are on the start list and less than eight faults, or two fences, separates the top 25.
There has been one withdrawal; Jordanian Ibrahim Hani Bisharat decided not to start with Lesther, with whom he had qualified in 25th place.
He said having spoken to his father, and trainer Jos Lasink, he made the call.
“Lesther has given me an incredible championship with three fantastic rounds, and I couldn’t be prouder of him,” he said. “He’s still green at this level, but stepped up every time I asked and gave me everything he had. I know he would do the same again tomorrow, but his best interest will always come first.
“To finish this championship in the top 25 in the world with him is something I’m incredibly proud of. I feel this is the right moment to finish on a good note and let him leave with the confidence he deserves.
“Thank you to everyone who has been behind us. And most of all, thank you Lesther. A championship I’ll never forget.
”Wishing everyone the best of luck in tomorrow’s final.”
Irivola del Maset and Imma Roquet Autonell replace them for Spain, and start first.
So it's Imma Roquet Autonell and and Irivola del Maset who kick things off in front of packed stands. They were on 8.69, but added four to that by knocking the first fence, a yellow vertical. Lovely riding through the triple combination, and all the way round, and they come home with one time-fault to finish on 13.69 in total. A lovely round
Carlos Hank Guerreiro of Mexico is next, with H5 Shaq Attack, starting today on 7.43. Lost a bit of impulsion through the combination and the last element fell, then they had a foot in the water. They finish with eight to add, so a total of 15.43
Absolute class from Harry Charles and LT Holst Freda. After their superb clear helped secure team bronze for Britain on Friday, they jump another foot-perfect clear to add nothing to their score, and finish on 7.17. They've been getting better and better all week, and this was brilliant.
The second Mexican combination is Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago, who came in on 6.85. They were going very well but just didn't quite have tie stride to clear the second element of the double of ditches, so they finish on 10.85.
McLain Ward and High Star Hero started on 6.82 for the US. Unlucky to have the back bar of the early red oxer down, and the Longines vertical goes too. They add eight to finish on 14.82, which means Harry and Freda move up two places.
Caroline Rehoff Pedersen and Polonis L have had a super week for Denmark. They came in on 6.53 but just had an issue with the combination; the second and third elements fell, as did the Longines vertical. The last goes too; it's the Lindt fence that caused so many problems on Friday but it's a vertical now, and time-faults mean they finish on 23.53
Brazilian Stephan de Freitas Barcha and Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipicio came in on 6.35. A beautiful round but the stretch to the second of the double of ditches was just a bit far and it fell for a final score of 10.35
Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen has had a brilliant first worlds with Equine America Harwich VDL for Norway but again it was the gold combination that caused an issue; the middle element fell and their final score is 10.34
Shane Sweetnam for Ireland next, with the wonderful James Kann Cruz, who looked full of jumping on this final day. It was a beautiful round but the very last fence, the Lindt vertical, hit the turf. The final score is 10.28
Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie De Beaufour started in fine style for France. A couple of taps on the combination – which is 1.60m high for the first two elements, then a 1.55m oxer out – but they jump a super round, only the second clear of the afternoon, to finish on 5.93
Next in is Thibeau Spits with Impress-K Van’t Kettenheye Z, who already have a team silver medal under their belt this week. Another lovely clear, one stride fewer to the last; they finish on 5.6
European champions Richard Vogel and United Touch S have already won team gold this week, and the crowd clapped them every stride into the ring, then went absolutely silent. They had time-faults on Friday but perhaps trying to avoid them today, Richard came tight back to the wall and United Touch stopped. No problem on the second attempt and they were flying again – only four strides from the triple bar to the water, which no one else has done – and they finish clear, on a final score of 15.38.
Giulia Martinengo Marquet and Delta Del’isle for Italy got a bit deep to the first, a yellow vertical, and had it down. a slight altercation to the Longines vertical and it goes, as does the second of the double of ditches, for a final score of 17.13
Laura Kraut walks Baloutinue in on a long rein as normal, and lets him have a good look round. A lovely round but a foot just in the water meant four to add; they finish on 9.06.
The UAE’s OmarnAbdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Enjoy De La Mure looked on as good form as they have been all week; it was a fantastic round but the very last Lindt fence fell for a final score of 9.06.
We're now into the top 10, who are all within four faults in scores
It's the turn of Scott Brash and Hello Mango, who secured team bronze for Britain on Friday night. Scott showed some superb horsemanship to get through the combination but as she'd gone a bit high over the wall, the six to the Longines oxer wasn't quite there and they clipped it. A final score of 8.8
Armando Tropote and Tonrado VS went rocketing up the leaderboard for Spain with their clear on Friday. They started today on 4.57 and Armando rode the fiery, fabulous little horse beautifully but again the last fell. A final score of 8.57
Harry Charles and Freda have confirmed their place in the next round, as Colombian Roberto Teran Tafur and the 18-year-old Dez’ Ooktoff come in looking in fine form. A couple of taps in the combination, and on that last fence, but both stay put and they go into the lead on 3.58
We’re really at the sharp end now. Next in is Piergiorgio Bucci and Hantano for Italy, on 3.57 and they fly round to stay on that score and cruise into the final round. Fabulous jumping
Now it's the turn of Abdel Said and Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z, who pulled a superb claar out of the bag to secure team silver for Belgium on Friday. They looked on fine form but were they at a slight angle to the wavy planks? they become the first to have that down, for a final score of 6.63
You can tell just by the applause that it’s another German combination coming in! The fantastic Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair, team gold medallists already this week, looked as strong as they did on the first day but that very last fence went – their first fence down of the week – and they finish on 5.84
From one German star pair to another; Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 came in on 1.78, fourth place, looking in top form, but there was the slightest of hesitations before the wavy plank and it fell. Clear otherwise; they finish on 5.78 and stay in fourth at this stage
We’re into the top three and first of these is Ben Maher and Point Break for Britain. They were absolutely flying, the little stallion looking on top form, but somehow Point Break stopped at the wavy planks. They cleared it on the second attempt, and everything else, but the stop and time-faults buts them down to 17th, on 11.01
Olympic silver medallists Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme started today in the silver-medal position, on 0.86. This super mare had her ears pricked throughout this perfect clear; they stay in second and on that 0.86 score
The leaders coming into this, Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Otello De Guldenboom, secured the team gold on Friday night as the third combination to go. They started strong but the early Allianz oxer fell. They finish on a total of 4.86 and drop to fourth place.
So it’s been all change in the leaderboard in this first round. Steve Guerdat and Dynamix now lead and Britain has two combinations in the second round; Harry and Freda in 10th place and Scott and Hello Mango 12th.
We hear from Harry after his superb round with Freda today, which meant they moved up to 10th place – although at that time, he did not realise he had a place in the final today.
“That was a pretty perfect way, maybe to end the championship,” he said. “Obviously, I was coming from the back with not much pressure on, the pressure was on the other guys today.
“I wanted to just go in, jump clear, there was not much to lose, a lot to gain.”
Harry, who plays a lot of golf, said in that sport he would say he was “in the clubhouse”.
“I’m just so pleased with her,” he said. “I’m actually happy with myself today as well; I thought I gave her a pretty good ride, and as big as it was, she made it feel very easy. So selfishly speaking, I was hoping for something a bit tougher – not that it isn’t very tough, but I’m coming from the back. I need a lot of faults from the guys in front!”
Harry said it is a very big course but the horses have grown into the ring by this fourth day of jumping; maybe if this were just a grand prix it would be a harder ride.
Harry again said that in May, he had no plans to be here and was “probably going to watch it on an iPad’. But then Freda came along.
“She showed up, and she’s a dream horse really,” he said. “She’s so intelligent, doesn’t really get fazed by much. This is still quite a new level for her; she did the World Cup Finals, the biggest atmosphere and courses she’s jumped, but this is again another level up., and it’s amazing how well she handles it. She just gets on with it and is so calm about everything. She’s really a dream to ride.”
Harry said Ewan Mackintosh, Freda’s New Zealand breeder, is there and came to see her this morning.
“He’s a really nice guy and was really proud of her,” he said. “Freda’s story is incredible... everyone in New Zealand has done an amazing job creating an absolute superstar of a horse, and the nature of her as well is even more special than the talent.”
Harry said the British aim for Aachen was winning a medal, and that perhaps there was slight disappointment not to have done even better than they did. In Herning four years ago, Olympic qualification was the main aim and the medal was a huge bonus.
“Which is I think as a team is a great place to be,” he said. “In Herning, we couldn’t believe we got a medal, so I really think it goes to show how far this team has come. We’re of course very happy to get a bronze medal, but we wanted more, and that’s not a bad thing, I don’t think.
“And when we go to LA, we’re going to very much be in the minds of reclaiming our title.”
“In this modern era of characterless, flat, sand showjumping rings, how refreshing for a championship to be held on grass, where the natural undulations, not just the technicality of the fences, sift out all but the very best riders”
H&H columnist William Funnell
Read William’s exclusive insight to the World Championships in the bumper special report in next week's magazine, in shops Thursday 27 August.
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We hear from Ben Maher, who had a heartbreaking stop at the wavy planks with Point Break this afternoon.
“It was just a small mistake, not good enough at this level,” he said.
“He was jumping well, made a big effort in the triple combination, and just away from the gate, the triple bar was big for him,” he said. “He jumped it well but I had to react fast to correct where I landed on the water, which was was good riding. But then probably paid for it afterwards. He got a little unsettled, I tried to settle him down, and he just took his eye to the right, right before the plank.
“That’s what I felt, and I just looked at the video and it was just enough to distract him, and he took his eye off the jump for a very, very split second, and didn’t pick up. So I’m disappointed, but overall he jumped well, and just expected more from today.”
US rider Laura Kraut said Baloutinue jumped outstandingly today – he was very unlucky to have four faults at the water.
“I think he thinks he had a clear round; I don’t think he has any idea he touched the tape,” she said. “It’s the first time in the whole time I’ve ever ridden him that I’ve even come close to the tape, and I'm actually I am disappointed. But he’s just been a champion all week.”
So here’s the top 12, who come back to jump again in reverse order in the final round:
Steve Guerdat, Dynamix De Belheme, 0.86
Piergiorgia Bucci, Hantano, 3.57
Roberto Teran Tafur, Dez’ Ooktoff, 3.58
Daniel Deusser, Otello De Guldenboom, 4.86
Thibeau Spits, Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z, 5.6
Marcus Ehning, Coolio 42, 5.78
Sophie Hinners, Iron Dames Singclair, 5.84
Nina Mallevaey, Dynastie Du Beaufour, 5.93
Abdel Said, Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles z, 6.63
Harry Charles, LT Holst Freda, 7.17
Armando Trapote, tornado VS, 8.57
Scott Brash, Hello Mango, 8.8
This is it, 12 rounds to decide the medals, as two weeks of top equestrian sport in Aachen draws to a close today. Are you ready?!
You can feel the tension in the air as the first for this final round, Scott Brash and Hello Mango, come into the ring to applause from this 40,000-strong crowd.
They’re off strong, but there's drama at the combination. Mango catches the first element, hits the second and Scott comes off almost under Mango’s feet as she jumps the last element. Scott is now on his feet; he was under the pole briefly but walks out of the ring, and Mango is also fine
Armando Trapote and the lovely, fiery little Tornado VS just clipped the second element of the double; that’s a short one stride in there. The combination falls late, and the second-last does too, for a final score of 20.57
Please can we stop and salute the fabulous horsemanship of Harry Charles, and the mega mare LT Holst Freda? This combination has only been together a couple of months and they've just jumped another clear in the individual World championship final. Absolutely superb from start to finish
Abdel Said was so unlucky to have a fence earlier with Wathnan Quaker Brimbelles Z. They started well today but had a stop at the first element of the double, a slight miscommunication perhaps. They jump in on a second attempt but it’s another stop at the second element but this pair have had a fabulous week, clinching silver for Belgium under huge pressure on Friday.
Nina Mallevaey and Dynastie De Beaufour were a bit deep to the Longines oxer and it came down. Four to add plus a time-fault, 10.93 final score
Germany now; Sophie Hinners and Iron Dames Singclair looked to have a great shot to the double but the first element went, then the white oxer. A time-fault means a 14.84 final score. Harry Charles and Freda are still in the lead with the only clear so far in this final round.
Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 for Germany next. His horse lost a shoe early in the last round, it emerges. He's now reshod but the first element of the double goes again. Quick to the last, they finish on 9.78. Harry and Freda still in the lead, five competitors to come.
Thibeau Spits and Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z jumped a fabulous clear earlier. A beautiful eight strides to the double, a breather before the FEI plank, a tap on the last element of the combination – and the second clear of this round takes them into the lead at this stage on 5.6. Harry Charles and Freda in second place.
Daniel Deusser and Otello De Guldenboom were in the lead this morning but had a fence for a score of 4.86 going into this final round. A couple of early taps, including in the tricky double, some gasps from the crowd and their luck held till the very last fence. Heartbreak as this puts them out of the medals, final score 8.86. He goes third, Harry Charles still second
Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur encourages Dez’ Ooktoff clear through the double. They’re strong and looking good but the last element of the combination goes. Harry and Freda still second with two combinations to go, Roberto third.
Piergiorgia Bucci rides Hantano beautifully but the very last fence goes again. Absolute heartbreak – but this means a medal for Harry and Freda!
Absolutely incredible sport in this final. The last in decides everything; Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme
Last in, Olympic silver medallists and 2023 European champions Steve Guerdat and Dynamix De Belheme had a fence in hand. This is such a tough course but like the absolute pros they are, they do it in perfect style. Gold for Steve, silver for Thibeau Spits – and bronze for Harry Charles and Freda – who were in 23rd place this morning! Absolutely fantastic.
So well deserved for Dynamix, the only horse not to have had a fence down all week. Also, Harry and Freda – the partnership that have only been together a few months — were in 59th place at the end of Thursday, third today and on the podium. Top class
What a week – what a fortnight! Medals of every colour, in every discipline, three Olympic and one Paralympic place achieved. Absolutely fabulous; a huge well done to all the horses, riders, owners, grooms and vast support teams.
Thank you for being with us on the live blog, and we hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have. Do check back for full reports on the medal winners and British riders on our Worlds showjumping news page. And pick up a copy of Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 27 August for in-depth analysis of where the medals were won and lost.
Over and out.
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