04 August 2015, Aachen, Germany – When Europe’s elite equestrian talent comes together to compete for champion’s title, it creates an unforgettable atmosphere, but when it takes place at the continent’s finest, most prestigious venue, it is un-missable.
For the first time, the FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany, this summer (11-23 August) unites five equestrian disciplines – Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving, Vaulting and Reining. Only the historic showground on the outskirts of this beautiful town in western Germany, with its outstanding facilities and ability to accommodate a 40,000 plus crowd, could host such a unique event.
ROLEX TESTIMONEES AT THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
They will face the toughest opposition in front of some of the largest crowds many of these athletes have ever seen. The Rolex Equestrian Testimonees will be striving to lead their own countries’ teams to glory.
Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who has proved time and again that he is incomparable under pressure, is determined to add a European Championship title to his tally.
“My horse is going well and it has been a good year for me so hopefully this will continue at Aachen. We will keep working hard and do the best we can possibly do.” said Guerdat.
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Germany’s leading lady rider, who soared to victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen in 2005, knows Aachen better than any other. Having won the title of European Champion in 2007, Meredith will be well-equipped to tackle its demanding courses in the white heat of competition; “It’s a really unique place and the home of equestrian sport”, Meredith commented.
Kevin Staut, one of the most elegant horsemen on the circuit, already knows the sweetness of European Championship victory. He was crowned champion in 2009 – nothing less than a second win will suffice.
Rolex’s Dressage Testimonee, Isabell Werth, has won 11 European gold medals in addition to seven at World Championships – including in 2006 when they were held in Aachen. She will not miss a chance to add to these in Aachen, where her extraordinary record includes 10 Grand Prix victories.
“I always enjoy competing at the Europeans. I will never forget my first individual win at Donaueschingen in 1991 on Gigolo when I was a young rider. There was little pressure on me to win so I had nothing to lose. I just had to go out and do my best. It was my first win at a competition of that size and level. It was amazing.” said Isabell.
ROLEX INTRODUCES
Rolex is proud to welcome the newest rider to its family of Testimonees, Bertram Allen, from Ireland. At only 19 years-old Allen has proved he has maturity beyond his years. In 2014 he became the youngest ever rider to compete in the show jumping at the World Equestrian Games in Caen where he placed in the top 10. He will be looking to make an impact as he prepares to compete in his first European Championships and will no doubt be riding the horse that has helped him to achieve so much already, his grey mare, Molly Malone V.
Bertram was one of five riders in the Young Riders Acadamy in 2014 sponsored by Rolex. The aim of the Young Riders Academy is to assist show jumping young talents in training and preparing their careers as future professionals in the sport. It gives rising equestrian stars the opportunity to embark on a six-month ‘tailor-made’ training programme.
VYING FOR VICTORY
Riders know that this intensely electric atmosphere will inspire them to perform at the very peak of their ability, but that it will also demand exceptional horsemanship skills to contain the excitement of their equine partners and allow them to produce their best work in such a dramatic venue.
Rolex is proud to support an occasion where the values that the leading luxury watchmaking brand holds dear – courage, precision, empathy, sportsmanship and passion – will be so clearly demonstrated.
PAST WINNERS
SHOW JUMPING
2013 Roger Yves Bost (FRA), Castle Forbes Myrtille Paulios
2011 Rölf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE), Ninja la Silla
2009 Kevin Staut (FRA), Kraque Boom
2007 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER), Shutterfly
DRESSAGE – FREESTYLE
2013 Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), Valegro
2011 Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Jerich Parzival
2009 Edward Gal (NED), Totilas
2007 Anky van Grunsven (NED), Salinero
DRESSAGE – SPECIAL
2013 Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), Valegro
2011 Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Jerich Parzival
2009 Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), Jerich Parzival
2007 Isabell Werth (GER), Satchmo
ABOUT ROLEX
Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic programmes.
