Standing with her ears pricked forward, she is inspecting her surroundings attentively: Mount St John Freestyle seems positively impressed by her new home for the coming week. The outstanding mare ridden by the number one in the world rankings, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, was among the first horses to arrive at the Allianz Park on Saturday morning – and was able to move into the brand-new stable complex straightaway. A historic milestone in the horse arrival, presented by HAVENS.

However, the very first to enter the 3 x 4 metre stalls in their light-flooded setting were Ecuador’s Julio Mendoza and his “handsome boy,” Jewel’s Goldstrike – alias Goldie. “It was really exciting. We were here in 2024, just before the Olympic Games and moving into these new stables with him now is something very special,” the dressage rider beamed. “The stable is beautiful; there is so much space for the horses to move around and everything is simply wonderful.”

With the horses and riders moving in, the stables come to life: Flags and banners quickly reveal the international atmosphere of the setting. The area is buzzing with activity. The German dressage team is right in the midst of it all, personally lending a hand with the unloading process. Frederic Wandres describes the arrival day with a smile as “a bit hectic and bustling,” nevertheless his gelding, Bluetooth, remains totally unruffled by the commotion. “He is already standing relaxed in his stall,” he reports.

German squad with strengthened team spirit

The German dressage team is accommodated in the familiar surroundings of Stable 2 – a setting they have felt at home in at Aachen for years. Radiant faces can be seen everywhere, including Katharina Hemmer and Raphael Netz, who are chatting cheerfully. “We really bonded as a team during the training camp over the past few days and have found the right focus together,” says Hemmer, while Denoix contentedly munches on his hay.

Shortly afterwards, the individual silver medallist at the 2024 Olympic Games, Wendy de Fontaine, also found her way into Allianz Park. The mare of the most successful rider of all time, Isabell Werth, stepped onto the Aachen arena just ahead of one of her main rivals, top star Zonik Plus. His rider, double European champion Justin Verboomen, currently second in the world rankings, is looking forward to the FEI World Championships with joyful anticipation – albeit in his characteristically modest manner: “We’re very happy to be here. Aachen is definitely a special place for us.”

Would you like to experience the best riders and horses delivering top-class performances live? Then, secure your tickets now: from the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-(241)-9171111 or from the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein office.