A Look at the Course for the Team Event at the World Show Jumping Championships

Frank Rothenberger has set up a course of 580 meters—to be ridden at a pace of 400 meters per minute—featuring 14 obstacles and 17 jumps on the hallowed turf at the Soers. He’s under pressure. There were many clear rounds yesterday; today is expected to be more exciting. But the Aachen weather gods aren’t being kind to the show jumpers today either. After a beautifully sunny morning in the border triangle, rain set in again in the afternoon. Still, the ground held up well yesterday, thanks to the efforts of the Aachen organizers. At the start of the competition, at least it’s still dry, even as threatening clouds gather in the sky.

About the Course

Now,

about

the course. Ludger Beerbaum says: “Considering that the horses have already completed two courses and that today’s course layout is more challenging overall, today’s course will be 40 percent more difficult than yesterday’s.” Most of the distances are variable, says the Olympic champion. How many gallop strides the riders ultimately choose will depend very much on the individual horse.

Jump 1

The first oxer is quite substantial right off the bat. The horses need to build up enough momentum right from the start. Then the course continues with nine gallop strides.

Obstacle 2

The FEI plank is not only 1.60 meters high—it’s also narrow. Beerbaum: “Anyone who touches it here gets a fault.”

Jump 3

The course continues over a slightly left-curving line to an airy steep jump, 1.65 meters, maximum height. “Pick up the pace early enough!” Alois Pollmann-Schweckhorst has drilled into his riders. From there, the course continues with a 180-degree right turn toward Jump 4.

Jump 4

Important to note here: Riders must not take too wide an approach, because, as Beerbaum says, “Time will be a factor today.” Nevertheless, they need enough momentum to clear the two-meter-wide oxer, which is 1.55 meters high.

Jump 5 a, b, c

The triple combination consists of two canter jumps. It is difficult for the horses to judge the distance, so the riders must ride with great precision. The entry is 1.57 meters high, followed by a 1.50 x 1.80-meter oxer and an exit measuring 1.58 x 1.20 meters.

Jump 6

It takes six gallop strides to reach the 3.90-meter-wide water jump. Horses with a very long gallop stride might be able to make it in five, but six is the safer option. Some riders will try to approach the jump in a slight arc to create some space between the horse and the water on the last two gallop strides, according to Beerbaum’s assessment. Less experienced horses may be wary here.

Jump 7

The wall, or rather, the Elisenbrunnen. Here, the riders must regain control of their horses in time. The maximum height here is also 1.65 meters. Beerbaum: “Here, we’ll see who really has good communication with their horse.”

Jump 8

The course continues with a right turn into a very demanding line, starting with a steep jump at its maximum height, followed by five smooth gallop jumps to the next obstacle …

Jump 9

… the Longines Oxer, 1.55 meters high and 1.70 meters wide.

Dive 10

On a slight left-hand bend, the rider approaches the double combination with five to six gallop strides; it features a triple barre (1.60 x 2 meters) as the entry and a steep jump (1.60) as the exit —you need just the right amount of momentum to clear it, neither too much nor too little.

Jump 11

With a rollback—that is, a nearly 360-degree turn—you head toward Jump 11, a narrow Mercedes steep jump. Here, too: 1.65 meters.

Jump 12

After a left turn, the imposing Sparkassen Oxer No. 12 awaits, 1.55 meters high and 1.70 meters wide.

Jump 13

Six to seven gallop strides lead over the Shaka Steep jump number 13. It is 1.65 meters high.

Jump 14

Finally, riders cross the finish line over the last Mercedes oxer. This one is a real challenge: 1.55 x 1.80 meters. Beerbaum’s conclusion: “Those who still have enough energy left will make it through here today.” And: “That’s one of the hardest things I’ve seen lately.”