Aachen Jumping Youngstars 2024: Local hero Hannah Blandfort will be competing in the Albert-Vahle-Arena
Savour the Christmas market atmosphere and experience top equestrian sport live - that's the Aachen Jumping Youngstars. When it's time to compete for the title of Indoor Champion on the grounds of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS from 28th November to 1st December, a rising star from the region, Hannah Blandfort from Linnich, will also be competing.
The journey is a stone's throw this time. Whilst Hannah Blandfort travels to competitions all over Europe all year round, the team silver medallist at the European Pony Championships will only be travelling a few kilometres to the CHIO Aachen grounds this weekend. ‘I am really looking forward to competing in Aachen again. The atmosphere in this Christmas-decorated arena is really something very special,’ said the 15-year-old ahead of her home event, where she will certainly also be taking a longing look at the legendary main stadium. ‘I think we all dream of competing at the CHIO Aachen one day,’ said the young rider from the Rhineland, speaking from the hearts of all young talents. But first of all, the sixth placed rider at this year's German Championships and her fellow competitors will be competing for victories and placings in the neighbouring Albert-Vahle-Arena from next Thursday. The indoor champions will once again be sought in four age groups - the best over all four days of the tournament.
In addition to Hannah Blandfort, who has formed a successful pair with her chestnut stallion Karim van Orchid's since the beginning of the year, the silver team of pony riders at this year's European Championships will be united in the form of Lena-Marie Kraus (Bavaria), Finja Mayleen Neubauer and Malte Merschformann from Westphalia. However, the reigning national young rider champion Ava Ferch from Bavaria also wants to have her say in this age group. ‘Being able to ride in such a special and Christmassy atmosphere is always the icing on the cake of the season,’ said the 16-year-old, who the CHIO Aachen team was able to look over her shoulder as she prepared for the Aachen Youngstars in her home town of Stegen near Lake Chiemsee. The training impressions under the guidance of Riding Master Karl-Heinz Streng can be seen on the CHIO Aachen YouTube channel. ‘I don't put any pressure on myself,’ Ava Ferch reveals her concept. Instead, she just wants to enjoy the rounds with her successful pony Cookie dough. Understandably, the start at the Aachen Youngstars marks the end of her successful time in the pony riders' camp. With her horses Quintessa Lox and Catinka, the daughter of eventing rider Marie-Jeanette Ferch and actor Heino Ferch also has two irons in the fire in the junior division. There, the talented rider will face Brianne Beerbaum from Hanover, among others. The daughter of show jumping legend Meredith-Michaels Beerbaum comes to the Soers as the reigning German champion and European Championship bronze medallist. And the 14-year-old knows what it feels like to be at the top in the Albert-Vahle-Arena: she was crowned Indoor Champion in the Children's age group in 2023.
However, the path to one of the coveted sashes will not be an easy one this year either. The competition is fierce: More than 170 other young talents are travelling to Aachen with their ponies and horses, the starting fields promise sport at the highest level. ‘It is a matter close to our hearts to promote young talent,’ says Birgit Rosenberg. ‘We are looking forward to great show days and are very happy to be able to experience the best young athletes live here with us,’ said the Board Member of the organising Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV). Special tip: The show Saturday, the traditional family day with dog races, lead rein class, CHIO mascot ‘Karli’ and a visit from Father Christmas. Admission is free on all days. If you cannot be present on site, you can follow all the competitions live on the website or on ClipMyHorse.
Photo: Jasmin Metzner