On home soil, there will be no element of surprise and no room for error. By unveiling his selection for the World Jumping Championships in Aachen, from August 18 to 23, Otto Becker sends a very clear message: Germany does not simply want to take part in “its” Worlds. It wants to leave its mark. And, if possible, with a team medal at the end of the reins.
The German selector has opted for four combinations that know the tune, even if they may not all have been the most expected names. Daniel Deusser with Otello de Guldenboom. Particularly effective on the World Cup circuit, right through to the Final, the pair also showed plenty of quality at the Global in Cannes and at the CSIO of La Baule.
Richard Vogel and the phenomenon United Touch S. A pair almost deified in May after their victory in the Rolex Grand Prix. The European champions will be chasing the title both as a team and individually. Hard to hide that one. And anything short of a podium will feel like a disappointment.
André Thieme comes with the tireless DSP Chakaria. Winner of the League of Nations in Ocala, winner of the Hamburg Grand Prix, second in the Nations Cup at La Baule: perhaps not the first combination that comes to mind, but one that becomes obvious the moment you think about it.
and Sophie Hinners, partnered with Iron Dames SingclairThis pair also knows each other inside out and has grown together to reach the level that is now theirs. Long considered the future of German showjumping, the rider is now one of its strongest presents. With Iron Dames Singclair, she built her selection through consistency and top-level performances. A deserved reward for a pair climbing in the shadow of Vogel and United Touch S. Second in La Baule with a double clear, the pair had already finished third in the Aachen Grand Prix a few weeks earlier. But they are still chasing their first major win. And what if that victory came in the form of a medal?
A blend of experience, composure and horses capable of turning a round into a demonstration… or tipping a championship on a single rail.
Otto Becker has not forgotten to cover his bases either. Marcus Ehning and Coolio will be the first reserves and will be allowed to contest the opening warm-up class. Olympic champions Christian Kukuk and Checker omplete the list as second reserves. When an Olympic champion is left waiting on the bench, it says plenty about the depth of the squad.
In the Soers, the atmosphere promises to be electric. The only question now is whether the Mannschaft can turn that advantage into a result. Because a home championship may offer an extra dose of soul, but never a slower clock or lower fences.
