Aachen

For anyone who saw Edward Gal and Totilas' Freestyle it was surely the highlight of the Aachen show. What a perfect time for Totilas to hit the top - and long may be stay there. They prove that correct training methods are way ahead of the horses being ridden in forced outlines. Hopefully dressage riders and trainers will be influenced by the total beauty of Totilas and his attitude to life and try to emulate them.

The scores show it all.

Once the dressage was over we left the beautifully manicured arena.

The filled to capacity main ring, and the jumps, are vast and the Grand Prix Show Jumping was very exciting with 4 riders in the jump off after double clear rounds.

Canadian Eric Lamaze on Hickstead won by less than a second.

It was very emotional to hear both the Canadian and Australian National Anthems.

Australian Boyd Exell at the driving presentation with his supporters.

Monday and Tuesday were FEI Para Equestrian meetings. Due to flights not being available yesterday evening I had a few hours to explore Aachen.

By chance, due to reading a map upside down, I saw this magnificent statue.

Rather charming modern sculpture around a pond near the cathedral.

At the train station this morning this group of wild horses just reminded one of the significance of horses in Aachen.