Before the four-in-hand drivers compete in the Marathon at Aachen, they battle it out in the obstacle driving competition, the Prize of Fa. Horsch, der Entsorger, in the Driving Stadium. While the result does not influence the Combined Driving standings, it gives them the opportunity to practice weaving in and out of obstacles fast and safely. With € 8,000  for this class alone, out of a total €94,000 total for the Driving phase at Aachen.

Ijsbrand Chardon enjoying the win in the obstacle driving competition at Aachen. ©Mary Phelps 2023

Gamblers Choice Driving Obstacles Explained

In the Prize of Fa. Horsch, der Entsorger, there is no pre-set course for the drivers, they can decide what route to take themselves. They collect points for every obstacle they pass through, the number of points depends on the respective degree of difficulty. The winner is the driver with the most points in the fastest time.

Joker Wild Card

With the Speed Box known as “The Joker: worth 200 points the strategy is to get inside within it before the bell rings indicating the last obstacle to be driven. It proved to be the “Gamblers’ Choice” that would decide the winners. Given a one minute warning, drivers negotiate as many obstacles they can. A few calculated they would get into the speed box just as the bell is rung, allowing them to finish at a slower more careful speed. Koos DeRonde skillfully mastered the move, and rose to the top of the leaderboard.

Bram Chardon speeding through the speed box at Aachen 2023 ©Mary Phelps 2023

Suspense Builds

Going in reverse order of their dressage result the day before, Bram Chardon, who was fourth to the end, did what he does so well, and even better. With the one minute warning, he entered the tricky obstacle, negotiation it cleanly and then did a tight turn back into it from the exit as the bell rung, adding 400 points to his score. Standing in his carriage the fist pumping Chardon, touched whips with his father and Chardon Sr. began the same route gaining 40 points on his son.

You Never Know What Will Happen

With two left to go, World Cup Champion Boyd Exell couldn’t catch the Chardon men. Dressage leader Chester Weber drew gasps of appreciation in the packed stands, as his exquisite team floated across the arena, while he focussed on his plan. But it was not to be. As he headed to the speed box, the whistle blew just before he entered. This valuable 200 points would have had him tied with Bram Chardon for second place.