DRESSAGE DAILY
Grüezi Schwiiz: Switzerland is the Partner Country of the CHIO Aachen 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Posted by Niels Knippertz
AACHEN CHIO



The picture shows f.t.l.: Oliver Bassauer bernese Mountain dogs Luke and Leia, Josef and Marita Nacken of the “Alphornbläser Bardenberg”, ALRV-President Carl Meulenbergh, ALRV-Chairman and Show Director Frank Kemperman and the three Simmentaler cows Sofie, Charlotte und Brigitte.
The Swiss themselves have good memories of the CHIO Aachen. Last year Janika Sprunger came second in the Rolex Grand Prix – narrowly beaten by the British rider, Nick Skelton. Previous to that, three Swiss riders succeeded in riding to victory in the world's most important jumping competition: Paul Weier (1973), Willi Melliger (1983) and most recently Markus Fuchs (2004). Switzerland has won the Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup in Aachen five times. The Swiss squad is traditionally supported by many fans - this year it is going to be a few more.
Furthermore, Switzerland is closely linked to the CHIO Aachen via the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The alliance of the three major shows Aachen, Spruce Meadows and Geneva is a unique combination in the field of international equestrian sport. After his victory at the CSI Geneva, the Swiss rider, the Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat, has the chance to go down in history as the first rider to win the legendary Grand Slam. For Guerdat, Aachen is always something special: "Riders, who don't feel at home in Aachen, simply shouldn't ride there."
Switzerland will not only be represented at the traditional Aachen Soers grounds in the show and supporting programme. Traditional specialities as well as exciting activities and events also await the CHIO Aachen visitors in the Swiss Village.
Tickets and further information: www.chioaachen.de