Double European Champion Tony Stormanns has the shortest journey

Thursday, 1. December 2022

Aachen Dressage Youngstars 2022

Top-class conclusion to the season before Christmas

Enjoy the Christmas market atmosphere while watching top equestrian sport live – that is what the Aachen Jumping Youngstars is all about. When it comes down to the title of the Indoor Champions presented by Uvex at the grounds of the CHIO Aachen from December 1st-4th, the aspiring young show-jumper and local hero Tony Stormanns from Eschweiler will be competing for the first time.

His journey is a stone’s throw this time. Whereas Tony Stormanns spends the year attending shows all over the world, at the weekend the journey to the CHIO Aachen grounds from his parent’s yard in Eschweiler is not even 20 kilometres. “I am really looking forward to competing in Aachen for the first time,” the 14-year-old said about his home game and while he’s there he will no doubt take a good look at the legendary Main Stadium. Because the young show-jumper from Eschweiler, who succeeded in bringing two gold medals back home with him from the Youth European Championships in Oliva Nova, Spain earlier this year, has big goals. “It would be fantastic to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen one day,” he grinned mischievously. “Especially since nobody in my family has managed to pull that off yet.”

Whereby the sporting footsteps Tony Stormanns has to follow are pretty big. His mother Helena contested countless Nations Cups and international shows during her career, his father Tim won the title of Rhineland Champion three times. Tony Stormanns profits from the know-how of his parents during his daily training. And currently this involves preparing for the Aachen Jumping Youngstars. From Thursday onwards, the hunt will be on for the Indoor Champions presented by Uvex in four age groups – the best show-jumper over all four days of the show. Together with Tony Stormanns around 220 further aspiring talents will be travelling to Aachen with 270 horses. The field of competitors promises top-level sport. In addition to the two reigning German Champions, Jolie Marie Kühner (Ponies), daughter of the international show-jumper Max Kühner, and Carlotta Merschformann (Children), Carlotta’s cousin Max Merschformann – the current title holder of the Juniors – is also on board. Two further riders will also be trying their hardest to claim the victory in this age category: The reigning German Youth Champion Mick Haunhorst and Max Paschertz – both of whom are members of the CHIO Aachen’s Programme of Excellence this year.

For many riders the show in the festively decorated Albert-Vahle Arena is the crowning glory of the season. “Promoting the youth is a matter close to our hearts,” commented Brigit Rosenberg, Head of Sport at CHIO Aachen. “That is why we are very happy to be able to experience the best young athletes here live,” added the board member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), organisers of the event. Special tip: The Saturday of the show is the traditional family day with dog races, lead-rein classes, the CHIO mascot “Karli” and a visit from Santa. Admission is free of charge on all days. Those, who can’t be there in person, can watch all of the competitions live on the website or follow them on ClipMyHorse.