CHIO in Aachen: Germany wins Nations Cup

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For the first time since 2018, a German show jumping team has secured the prestigious Nations Cup at the CHIO in Aachen. Final rider André Thieme no longer has to compete.

Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann and her horse Messi stayed clean in both rounds

Otto Becker was completely satisfied. “It was a real team effort and that's very important,” said Becker. “They delivered – and that makes me all the happier.” Jana Wargers delivered with her horse Limbridge, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Messi, Christian Kukuk with Mumbei and European Champion Andre Thieme with Chakaria.

The German show jumping quartet easily won the renowned Nations Cup at the CHIO in Aachen ahead of Belgium and Great Britain. Final rider Thieme didn't even have to compete in the second round: When Belgium's last rider Gregory Wathelet cleared a pole, the German stood Team as the winner. “It's super comfortable,” said Thieme: “I could get used to it.” 

Endurance test passed

For all four German riders it was the premiere at a Nations Cup. For the first time since 2018, they won the prestigious competition for Germany. It was the 29th German victory in the history of the CHIO Aachen. Otto Becker had declared the Nations Cup to be a “World Cup endurance test”. The team passed it with flying colours. The World Championship will take place in Herning in Denmark in August.

Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Andre Thieme, Jana Wargers and Christian Kukuk (from left to right) on their lap of honor

Only one more lap soon?

Discussions about the future of the Nations Cup caused unrest. In Aachen it became known that the World Equestrian Federation FEI was considering allowing only one round to be ridden in the traditional team competition. “We don't think that's a good thing and we don't know what could do better,” said Soenke Lauterbach, Secretary General of the German Equestrian Federation (FN). Federal coach Becker also categorically rejects the reduction: “The Nations Cup with two rounds is the best jumping in the world.”

sn/jst (dpa, sid)