Kiev, Ukraine – September 14, 2023 – It’s an integral part of any professional horseperson’s role that they have a close bond with the horses they work with. But for a team manager who works to motivate a team currently devastated by war, the role of the horse […]
Can you please explain your official role and what this entails? I am the course designer here at Spruce Meadows, and I have been working here for over 25 years. To be a good course designer you need to have a lot of experience in the sport, and […]
Congratulations, on another great result at the CHIO Aachen – how pleased were you with Killer Queen VDM’s performance? I was incredibly pleased with Killer Queen VDM’s performance. The Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen is one of the biggest competitions in the world. For many years, Killer […]
Can you introduce yourself, tell us who you work for, and what your role is? My name is Melina, but most people call me Mel. I have been Marcus Ehning’s groom for the last seven years, both at shows and at home – I do everything! What is […]
The Chantilly Classic took place last week… the revival of the Jumping de Chantilly taken over by a new team, the Grandprix Group. Here’s an exclusive interview with Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), who returned to the grounds of his childhood, having grown up in Chantilly. Did you know this? Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) […]
For you, why is CHIO Aachen such a special show? CHIO Aachen is the greatest, and most important show in the year. I was invited 20-years-ago to come here to design the course, and as always, I am looking forward to one of the most prestigious classes here, […]
Aachen, Germany – July 01, 2023 – He has already been one of the most successful show-jumpers in the world for years. After his Major victories in Geneva and at The Dutch Masters, McLain Ward (USA) now has the opportunity to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping […]
He is carrying on writing his family’s story with his name. With great success, one must add. Martin Fuchs (SUI) is always a dead-cert to win a medal at international championships and always a hot candidate when it comes down to the coveted Major victories of the Rolex […]
Daniel Deußer has already been one of the most successful riders in the world for years. We spoke with the 41-year-old about the importance of the Rolex Grand Slam for the equestrian sport and about his goals for the CHIO Aachen. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping […]
How special was it winning the very first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major at CHIO Aachen in 2013? It was incredible winning the first Rolex Grand Slam Major at CHIO Aachen in 2013. I had been lucky enough to win this Grand Prix three times before, […]
CHIO Aachen: Unforgettable Moments for Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum in Aachen Aachen, Germany – May 20, 2022 – Back then the first women to top the world ranking list, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) has won countless internationals medals. We spoke to the native US American rider about her affinity for Aachen, the […]
Omaha, Nebraska – April 03, 2023 – As of yesterday defending champion, Martin Fuchs (SUI), had not arrived so it was the Swiss rider’s popular groom, Irishman Sean Vard, who presented Leone Jei, the horse with which Fuchs won team gold and individual silver at the FEI European Championship in […]
‘s-Hertogenbosch – The Netherlands – March 11, 2023 – Louis Konickx (NED) is one of the most important course designers in the world. As the course designer for the €1,000,000 Rolex Grand Prix of ‘s-Hertogenbosch CSI 5* on Sunday, Rolex Grand Slam had a Q&A with him ahead […]
‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 08, 2023 – As the current contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, McLain Ward (USA) had a Q&A with the folks at Rolex and here’s his interview: Congratulations! You are the Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender, how are you feeling […]
Why is CHI Geneva such a special show? It’s a home show so it’s already something special, as you’re competing in front of your home crowd, which is really lovely. For my part, I’ve been selected to compete at CHI Geneva three times, which means a lot to […]
What is your role at CHI Geneva? I am the veterinary delegate for the FEI at CHI Geneva. I am in charge of looking at the veterinary rules set by the FEI and making sure that they are implemented correctly. This starts with the organisation of the veterinary […]
As Sport Director at CHI Geneva, please tell us about your role and your team I have been Sport Director at CHI Geneva for the past 30 years. Before that, I was involved in the commentary team and did some other little jobs at the show. My role […]
In your opinion, what makes CHI Geneva such a special competition? The particular layout of the event makes CHI Geneva special; everything is under the same roof, which makes the riders’ accessibility easier. The show jumpers do not have to go outside, and they have easy access to […]
Tell us a little bit about your journey to CHI Geneva… I flew from Miami to Belgium with Nayel Nassar’s Coronado and Igor Van De Wittemoere five days ago, and we stayed there until Tuesday night, before arriving in Geneva yesterday morning. They are feeling good and are […]
Congratulations! You are the Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender once again, how are you feeling ahead of CHI Geneva? Which horse do you plan to compete with in the Rolex Grand Prix? I am feeling confident ahead of CHI Geneva. My horses have been in good shape over […]
You have had great 2022 – what have you enjoyed the most and what are you most proud of? 2022 has been a great year. It has been the first year that things have gone back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic and it was so great to […]
What are your plans, dreams and ambitions for 2023? My ambition and plan for 2023 is to achieve a podium during the European Championships at Riesenbeck International in September. What has been the proudest moment of your career so far? The proudest moment of my career so far […]
What is your earliest equestrian memory? I am Swiss-Italian, so I can link my first equestrian memories to when I was living in the Italian part of Switzerland, near Lugano. One memory I have is of some great show jumpers, including Graziano Mancinelli, Piero D’Inzeo and Raimondo D’Inzeo, […]
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far? I would say the proudest moment was probably jumping in my first Grand Prix last summer. It was a 2* Grand Prix, so it was good to get involved in the international scene and jump in the […]
What is your earliest equestrian memory? My brother and I used to go hunting a lot when I was growing up. So, I think that my earliest equestrian memory was when I was around five-years-old, and we would bet with each other who would fall off the least […]
You have had a great year, what has been your highlight? I have an such an amazing year – it is hard for me to pick just one highlight! I had my first 5* victory in the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead in July which was […]
What is your earliest equestrian Memory? Over 30 years ago, an equestrian centre opened in our local area near to Lier, which, at the time, was actually the biggest equestrian centre to be built in Belgium. I took my daughter, Elke, to it and she loved it. After […]
What is your earliest equestrian memory? My parents owned a riding holiday business in Hanover, so I grew up around horses. I started off doing a bit of everything, some eventing, show jumping and dressage. Horses have always been a way of life for me and my family. […]
Aachen, September-6- 2022 – Gerrit Nieberg was the sensational winner at the CHIO Aachen 2022. After his triumph in the €1,500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSI 5*, the 29-year-old is now travelling to the Spruce Meadows Masters CSIO 5* in Calgary as the contender for the Rolex […]
You have had some incredible moments here at CHIO Aachen; do you still get a buzz when you arrive here? Yes, I must say that when I arrived at the show Thursday, I got a little teary eyed because I have so many great memories here, and there’s […]
