Aachen via Paris, 7/17/2018, Aachen Opening Ceremonies

Okay, that was impressive.  Aachen is always impressive, but this was really amazing.  And I think they used every child and horse in the city.  And imported extras.  More on that in a little bit.

We checked into our hotel, got settled in, and headed out for lunch.  I led us down the wrong road (big surprise), but we got a decent lunch and found the shuttle for the show.  We watched some jumping.  You know, riderwear has definitely changed since I was showing over fences, but a bright yellow hunt coat was not something you ever saw.  This one, worn by a rider collecting a prize in a big class, was an eye popping color that would have put a daffodil to shame.  Wish I’d gotten a picture.  His gray horse even had a an ear bonnet to match.

We saw more fashion in the vendors area.  This is like a giant department store for horsemen.  I was shoppping for a pair of gloves for my trainer, and found several, but haven’t decided on one yet.  I was also kind of checking out paddock boots for myself.  I found a pair of Sergio Grassie that were lovely, and reasonably priced, but ended up coming home with a pair of Koenig paddock boots for less than I would have paid for a pair of Gran Prix boots here at home, that fit like a glove and feel like slippers.  They left the store with me.  Sharon has already found halters for the boys (mini donkeys) from the same vendor she got the original set from two years ago.

After a great dinner, while watching jumpers school in the manicured grass field, we headed back for the opening ceremonies.  We haven’t seen much of the vendor area yet, so I’m sure we’ll do more damage.  I’d love to come home with a pair of tall boots, but since I have no need of them, it would make no sense.  Some of the pairs we’ve seen were incredible – metallic leather, tooled and carved leather, painted, and more bling that would blind any judge!  I’ll try to get some pictures.

As I’ve stated, the opening ceremonies were really impressive.  They opened with the flags of all the countries carried out by ponies.  The flags were set in holders set into a surcingle.  Good thing those ponies were in side reins because those flags touching pony rumps did cause some eruptions.  They showed in a huge circle in the center at a brisk trot, and we’re adorable.  One pony had a goal at her side.

Next was a parade of breeds.  There were pairs of all kinds of breeds of horses decked out in native gear.  They even had two pairs of Quarter Horses being ridden western.  However there was only one Appaloosa.  I kind of think that they couldn’t find a second . . .  They aren’t really very common in Germany.

When we were here 2 years back, Sweden was featured.  They had had a couple Norwegian fjords painted up like Dala horses.  They did this year for the parade of breeds as well.

Horses featured prominatently in the ceremony.  One of the most amazing was the 100 horse drill team.  They were part of a Ying and Yang themed exhibition with a large human drill team and then the horses.  The riders were dressed in alternating black and white, but the horses were of all colors and breeds.  They were all ridden dressage at a big trot.  Once the numbers completed one circle, and more horses were still entering, they spiraled in and began a second circle, and still the riders kept coming in.  And a third inner circle formed.  And the circle was HUGE!.  Then the lead rider reversed and began to circle going the other way.  I got some pictures from the Jumbotron that showed the pattern.  It was amazing!  I’m not sure where they came up with all the horses & riders, where they staged them, or where they stuffed them afterward.  That was a lot of horses!

More horses came in with the Terra-cotta Warriors.  These were all draft horses, and like the warriors, they were either dyed, or coated with mud to look like clay, and they did!  (We took the shuttle home with two of the Terra-cotta warriors, still in costume).

Acrobats, drummer (complete with fire explosions), more drill team type acts, but that doesn’t seem quite the right way to describe them, dragons, lions made up of two people, numerous children with paper lanterns, the list goes on.  Everything was done well, consisted of huge numbers of performers, and was beautifully choreographed.

The final was done by the drummers, and fireworks were let off.  They were near us, and the wind was in our direction, and pretty soon we were being pelted with ash.  I looked over at Sharon, and she was leaning as far back as possible, and I realized I was pressed back as far as she was!  People around us were putting up hoods or covering their heads.

The Aachen CHIO really knows how to put on a show, and the Opening Ceremonies just seem to get more lavish.  Can’t wait to see the rest of the classes, culminating with the Rolex 1million Gran Prix of Aachen.  The stands were full tonight, and I know that Sunday will be packed.  Looking forward to the rest of the week!