Zoe goes to Aachen

BGA team member Zoe Hargreaves stepped away from her busy role within our HQ to jet off to Aachen for a few days.

Let’s find out about her adventure.

“I was lucky enough to be invited to Aachen with my friend Janette, owner of Yasmin Ingham’s ride, Banazi du Loir.

It was my first trip to Aachen, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Aachen is like the Glastonbury of equestrian events. There is something for everyone and so many new things to discover. I was able to watch Charlotte du Jardin and Lottie Fry ride their dressage to music, which was just incredible.

Gemma Stevens was fantastic in the Ride and Drive which was so well supported in the stands from a very loud team of GB grooms!

I watched some of the biggest names in Showjumping warming up, Ludger Beerbaum and Marcus Ehning and then for Marcus to win the Grand Prix was outstanding.

It was fantastic to spend time with some of the Team GB eventing grooms, who are BGA members, everyone was so friendly and took such pride in their work - the horses were all turned out beautifully and so well cared for. The stables were immaculate and located in a nice quiet area of the event. 

Aachen really showed their appreciation for grooms by providing great facilities, the groom's lounge, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, was in the perfect location, close to the stables and was so well set up for the grooms.

It was nice seeing the grooms spending some down-time in there, and able to access drinks and snacks, including take-away options for them to fuel and rehydrate on the go.

All the grooms received goodie bags on arrival and departure – including food for their journey home.

I am delighted I was able to visit such a special event and witness the well-deserved result for Yasmin and Banzai. It was wonderful hearing good friend Alison Bell, (Banzai’s super groom), being mentioned during the prize giving in the main arena too. Alison works incredibly hard and is such a lovely person too. I was touched to hear all the grooms being included within the prize givings, such a wonderful display of appreciation for the hard work and dedication they give to the team.

Huge well done to Team GB for coming third in the Nations cup.

I really can’t wait to go back to Aachen!"

Zoe

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