The Chio Aachen, often referred to as the Wimbledon of equestrian sports has a rich history that spans over a century. This prestigious competition features five disciplines—showjumping, dressage, eventing, driving and vaulting—and is seen as a beacon of excellence in the equestrian world. Chio stands for Concours Hippique International Officiel, which translates to “official international equestrian competition”. It is the world’s biggest sporting event, so it makes sense that Rolex would have supported it for decades. This partnership, now in its 25th year, has further amplified the grandeur of the event and showcased the brands’ shared commitment to innovation and tradition.
When Tatler received an invitation to witness the Chio Aachen in person, it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. We arrived in Aachen, a quaint city with cobblestone streets and historic charm aplenty, and checked into the Quellenhof hotel, which is reminiscent of a grand German palace, and where many of the riders were stationed. The air at breakfast buzzed with their excitement, and those of us who were there to observe were soon as hyped as the participants.
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Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash (Photo: courtesy of Rolex/Ashley Neuhof)
On our first full day, we headed to the showground, where we settled into the Rolex hospitality suite, which offered the perfect vantage point for a day of eventing and a triathlon of equestrian disciplines that included cross-country, dressage and showjumping. We met the veterinary team and were taken on a tour of the stables. We found ourselves in the presence of some of the world’s most magnificent and hardworking horses: some were resting, others being groomed or showered, all were eyeing us curiously. Access to the stables was very restricted, emphasising the care and security afforded to these equine athletes.
Away from the showground, the weekend’s highlight was a panel discussion honouring the Rolex partnership, featuring five equestrians who are Rolex Testimonees: Meredith Michaels- Beerbaum, Rodrigo Pessoa, Scott Brash, Jeroen Dubbeldam and Daniel Deusser. Each of them has triumphed in the Rolex Grand Prix during their illustrious careers, and during the discussion, they reminisced about their time in the arena. Pessoa’s story of his showjumping victory in 1994 was especially thrilling.
Rolex testimonee Daniel Deusser at Chio Aachen 2021(Photo: courtesy of Rolex/Ashley Neuhof)
“Even though it was 30 years ago, I remember everything that happened that day. It was very sunny, the stadium was packed, like it is every year here at the Chio Aachen, and it was a very special day,” said Pessoa. His father, Nelson Pessoa, was also competing in the jump-off round that year, which was exciting for them, as “we thought we had two chances to win the class”; Pessoa senior had won it twice before, and was aiming for a hat trick. He was the first to go in the jump-off and performed well, but other riders would outjump him. “I was seventh out of nine to go,” the younger Pessoa shared during the panel. “[His horse] Special Envoy was in good shape, and I knew we had to try everything to win the class, and it worked out. I remember everything about that day; it is an unforgettable memory.”
On the day of the Rolex Grand Prix, the atmosphere was electric as this year’s riders prepared for the jump-off, widely viewed as the final and most thrilling part of the competition. But first, we settled back in the Rolex hospitality suite and loaded up on caffeine and Lindt chocolate, a fitting prelude to the Lindt-Prize Grand Prix Dressage which would take place ahead of that most anticipated event. Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth and her mare Wendy de Fontaine danced their way to victory, and it was a delight to witness it.
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Rolex testimonee Isabel Werth in the Grand Prix Special this year (Photo: Rolex/Ashley Neuhof)
As the stadium was being prepared for the jump-off, we were escorted onto the grounds by Frank Kemperman, the vice-president of Chio Aachen. He walked us through the course for the Rolex Grand Prix, taking us around all the jumps that the best riders would soon encounter and explaining the individual challenges of each one.
There was some drama even before the event began. German rider André Thieme hadn’t initially qualified for competing in Chio Aachen, but when two riders withdrew, he found himself back in the game and in the starter list of the final 18 for the Rolex Grand Prix.
Daniel Deusser wearing the Rolex Yacht-Master (Photo: courtesy of Rolex/Ashley Neuhof)
After two rounds, the final four riders who would compete in the jump-off were American McLain Ward, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Thieme, and fellow German Richard Vogel. Ward was the first to participate in the jump-off and finished without collecting any faults, which put pressure on the rest. Fuchs— whose father is the renowned rider Thomas Fuchs—shaved two seconds off the American’s time, but just at the end of his course, he collected a fault as the fence fell.
Despite a slow round, Thieme ran a smooth course; the outcome rested on that last rider. The final contender was Vogel, clearly the audience favourite. As he approached the final jump, his horse’s back hoof very lightly brushed the pole, causing it to fall, and leading to a third-place finish. With Ward taking the silver, Thieme’s slow but steady round ultimately took the top spot.
The event concluded with a long-held tradition: the winners were pulled around the grounds in chariots as the spectators in the stadium waved white handkerchiefs—a symbol of respect and admiration for the competitors. This ritual encapsulated the spirit of unity and celebration that defines the Chio Aachen.
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