Warm embraces, words of respect and mutual support across national borders: an extraordinary atmosphere has prevailed over the past few days at the Para Dressage competitions at the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS Show. For the first time, para riders from all over the world had gathered at the Allianz Park to compete alongside their horses at the highest level.

And how! The winners of Grades I to V in the Para Grand Prix A, B and Freestyle came from Germany, Singapore, Denmark, the USA and Sweden, whilst the team title went to Denmark. One athlete surpassed herself in Aachen, setting not only two new personal bests but also a new world record with 80.721 per cent in the Para Grand Prix B: Kate Shoemaker from the USA with her mare Vianne.

"Honestly, what more could I ask for? My horse is simply something very special; she gives me so much and always gives 100 per cent. She really is my best friend," enthused the Grade IV competitor, adding somewhat incredulously: "Being here in Aachen is like a dream." The conditions for riders and horses were perfect, she said, and she could hardly wait to return for the World Championships in the summer.

German team highly successful

The journey will be a shorter one for the German team, which also enjoyed great success at the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS Show. Among other things, the results lists ultimately featured five first places and three second places. "From a coach's perspective, I am very, very satisfied. It was a successful start to the season and it was lovely to see how the riders and horses work in harmony. Of course, there is always room for improvement and we are working on that, but we can build very well on what we have shown," said national coach Silke Fütterer-Sommer, expressing her satisfaction.

Aside from the sporting results, she also praised the conditions at the Allianz Park, which the German para riders are now able to assess in their third year following two national shows in 2024 and 2025. "We've had some truly wonderful days here. The entire organisation, everything we've found here, was truly championship-worthy. It was great fun and everyone felt very much at home."

ALRV board member Birgit Rosenberg is delighted with this conclusion, looking back on what was, overall, a successful CHIO Aachen CAMPUS Show featuring international para dressage classes as well as national classes ranging from the lead-rein class to the S*** Grand Prix. "Over four days, this show has demonstrated just how diverse the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS is: from the promotion and integration of para sport, through support for grassroots riding in the region, right up to the S*** Grand Prix under floodlights – we are grateful for some truly fantastic sport and exemplary treatment of the horses."

The Intermediaire II, presented by marstall GmbH, was won by Lisa Wernitznig, rider for Isabell Werth, on her stallion Majestic Taonga (71.711 per cent). Matthias Bouten on Aimée la vie (69.386) and Jana Kun on Famous Newry (68.333) took second and third place respectively.