Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

http://www.endurance.net/2006wec/


The Landgestüte Quadrille / © Kit Houghton 

Let there be colour, let there be music, let there be harmony, let there be 
horsesport!

The fifth FEI World Equestrian Games were officially opened today during a 
wonderful ceremony blending tradition and modernity, art and sport. 

The celebration began with 500 children who formed the logo of the 2006 FEI WEG 
with their umbrellas. This colourful welcome was followed by a tribute to the 
past WEG editions: from ABBA?s Dancing Queen for Stockholm to the temperamental 
rhythm of Andalusia and Jerez de la Frontera, all four previous host cities 
were beautifully acknowledged.

Time had now come for some truly Aachen tradition: from Charlemagne?s greatness 
in the Middle Ages through to the Aachen princes? guards and their baroque 
splendour on to Napoleon times and vibrant carnival. 

What followed was an unforgettable pièce de résistance: the Landgestüte (State 
Studs) quadrille composed of four groups of 16 riders each. All was brightness 
of the parade uniforms, harmony of movement, celebratory atmosphere and 
enthusiastic public. The opening ceremony was turning into a perfectly festive 
occasion. 

But, after all, today?s festival was a celebration of horsesport and the 
demonstrations in the seven FEI disciplines in competition in Aachen were there 
to prove it. German champions along with young talented riders jumped, piaffed, 
went across country, drove carriages, vaulted, reined or went endurance riding 
to the joyful rhythm of music. 

But what would the FEI WEG be with no one to take part in them? Time had come 
to welcome the representatives of the 61 nations in competition at Aachen. Big 
delegations and smaller ones, nations with long tradition in horsesport and 
newcomers made a joyful entrance to be loudly cheered by a packed stadium. All 
the participants were welcomed by Mr Klaus Pavel, President of the 
Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), organising the event. The 2006 FEI 
World Equestrian Games were then officially opened by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al 
Hussein, FEI President. The German flag along with the flags of the FEI and the 
ALRV were flown and the German national anthem played. To wish the competitors 
and their mounts the best of luck, fountain jets rose above the stadium. This 
city, after all, has been known as the city of healing water or Aquis Granum 
since Roman times. 

And finally seven carriages carrying 14,000 balloons drove in to flood the sky 
with the colours of the FEI disciplines. The ceremony was over; it is time for 
sport.  

Opening Speech by the FEI President 

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, FEI President, officially opened the Games 
/© Kit Houghton Your Royal Highnesses, Ladies and Gentlemen, World Equestrian 
Games competitors, equestrian supporters from around the world, dear guests of 
honour and citizens of Aachen.

As President of the Federation Equestre Internationale, the governing body of 
horsesport, welcome to this magnificent global festival of competition.

For the next two weeks, the eyes of the world will be on this unique occasion, 
in this unique setting and I know that we will all be inspired by the quality 
of the competition which we will experience.

Since the birth of Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein in 1898, the creation of 
facilities of excellence has always been a hallmark of the organisation in 
Aachen. Even before the running of this World Equestrian Games, Aachen, has 
entered the language of the horse community as a word which is understood to 
mean world class competition in an elite venue. This magnificent venue has 
hosted five World Championships and two European Championships and yet, it can 
still amaze us with its creativity. This stunning new layout, has provided us 
with the first World Equestrian Games where all seven of the FEI disciplines 
will be within walking distance.

Aachen, and Germany are special to the horse world? and in so many ways Germany 
is the benchmark for the organisation of horsesport, in both horse breeding and 
athletic excellence. We are all grateful, that she now opens her arms to 
welcome you all here, for two weeks of equestrian excitement. 

If you are part of the world of horses, then you are a part of a global family 
which spans all boundaries and all generations. Like a family your achievements 
will always be remembered and celebrated. Whatever the outcome of your 
endeavours during the competition, they will always be rewarded with the memory 
of your time here. And we will be richer as humans for having the privilege of 
watching you.

Our memory will undoubtedly be punctuated, by the recollection of the welcome 
which we received from the people of Aachen. I have no doubt that our welcome 
will be at least, as warm, as the one they will give to their local rider, 
Nadine Capelman.

As the athletes of this generation, you have been chosen to represent your 
nation in this theatre of dreams. You have strived to achieve the pinnacle of 
your sport and your path will have been inspired by the heroes and heroines of 
your discipline. Now is your time to strive for greatness and in doing so to 
become a hero to future generations of athletes. The experiences that you gain 
here will last for a lifetime and as ambassadors of your disciplines, I ask you 
to share your experiences with those who would follow you on your path. 

The World Equestrian Games is like no other Championships in the horse world, 
here we bring together all of our disciplines. All the disciplines are 
different, but we are united across disciplines and nations by our respect for 
the human athlete but ultimately it is the horse that brings us together. The 
horse, who has no understanding of borders, political differences, class or 
languages, cements us in the simple common bond of friendship and unity. I ask 
you to broaden that bond by opening your hearts and minds to the stars of as 
many disciplines and nations as possible.

Horsesport is founded on a bedrock of goodwill and the FEI World Equestrian 
Games 2006 is the culmination of the vision of the people of Aachen, the 
organisers, sponsors and officials who have had the foresight to bring this 
event together, I wish to thank you on behalf of the horse world for your 
supreme effort. I am certain that your vision will surpass even your own 
expectations over the next two weeks.

At its heart this FEI World Equestrian Games is about competition and so to 
each nation and each athlete I send my best wishes on behalf of the global 
community and my fervent hope that you may reach the heights of your own 
ambitions in the spirit of goodwill and fairplay.

I declare the 5th FEI World Equestrian Games, Aachen 2006, Open.  


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=