Due to the high temperatures, the CHIO has taken measures in Aachen. Heats in particular can become problematic for the horses.
When talking about the weather at the Chio in Aachen, it is usually about the rain. Meteorologists confirm the call of the Aachen soers as “rain hole” at least partially. There it rains above average – albeit no more than in the German cut. In any case, umbrellas are an important utensil at the largest equestrian tournament in the world (June 27th to July 6th).
But this year, the vast majority of participants would be happy if the short rain announced for the night of Thursday actually comes, because before that it gets brooding hot. On the cloudless Tuesday, the day of the opening ceremony at 8:15 p.m. (live in the WDR), the temperatures should climb to 35 degrees, even 37 degrees on Wednesday.
Shouting competitions are pending on both days, and on Wednesday the first dressage tests – each in the blazing sun and also at lunchtime and in the early afternoon.
Earlier journey and more shadows
The organizing Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) has the topic on the screen. “At these high temperatures, the focus is of course on animal welfare,” said board member Birgit Rosenberg on Monday to the WDR. Measures have already been taken. “This means that the horses arrive earlier in order not to have to expose them in the truck of the midday heat. This also includes that we provide water and ice to cool down the horses at all training places.”
In addition, all riding halls and all the covered places will be opened to train “to offer the horses and riders shadow,” said Rosenberg.
Thieme and the “top athletes”
The numerous cool training opportunities in Aachen also emphasize jumping rider André Thieme. The last year’s winner in the Grand Prix is not worried about his two horses they have brought with him. “If you have enough, then the energy and ambition is. I am honestly almost a little happy that it is not cold and windy here, because then you would jump through the area all day again.”
Show rider André Thieme triumphed at the Chio in the Grand Prix last year.
In the WDR interview, Thieme points out that the horses starting in Aachen are “top athletes”. “I think you are trained in such a way that there will be no one who really has problems here.”
Also sweat horses
According to the German Equestrian Association (FN), healthy horses usually tolerate dry heat better than people, but the FN still advises protective measures. Especially in the case of sultry heat, as is predicted in Aachen for the late Wednesday afternoon, there could be overheating.
Horses are among the few animals that – like humans – protect themselves against heat by welding. The sweat fluid evaporates and thus cools down. This mechanism is weakened with high humidity.
Similar tips like in humans
The FN gives tips on how to protect horses. Accordingly, as in humans, ventilation, cooling, shadow, drinking, electrolytes, breaks and on bright skin areas are also sunscreen. How well a horse generally tolerates heat is strongly related to the breed.
Team jumping at the Chio
The ALRV also wants to address visitors in the coming days. “We will point out you by regular announcements to visit a shady squares and not to neglect drinking,” said board member Philip Erbers to the WDR. “We have set up water with drinking water at all fixed toilet facilities on the stadiums and on the site.”
Cooling off on Thursday
Even if the reliability of weather forecasts decreases with every additional day, the situation should relax significantly from Thursday. The temperature should drop by a whopping 14 degrees overnight. A pleasant 22 to 25 degrees are announced for the rest of the CHIO – and then the typical soers rain for the end on Sunday.
Our sources:
- WDR reporter on site
- Interview with André Thieme
- Alrv board member Birgit Rosenberg
- Alrv board member Philip Erbers
- German Equestrian Association (FN)
