Queenslanders Shine on the World Stage at CHIO Aachen

From the driving podium to the dressage arena and the eventing cross country course, Queensland athletes have once again flown the flag for Australia with pride, skill and resilience. Their recent performances at the prestigious CHIO Aachen in Germany not only showcased their elite talent, but also etched new milestones into Australian equestrian history.

In a moment that will long be remembered, the formidable combination of Boyd Exell and Tor van den Berge — both with deep Queensland ties — delivered Australia’s first-ever victory in the Baron und Baronin von Buchholtz Nations’ Cup for Four-in-Hand Driving. Even more impressively, they did so as a two-man team, competing against full squads in a format where every score counted. With a combined total of 352.780, Australia triumphed over host nation Germany (367.290) and Belgium (370.290), standing tall on the top step of the podium.

In the dressage arena, Kate Kyros and Intro K proudly represented Australia in the CDI1* competition. In the Prix St. Georges, Kate scored 66.323% against a world-class field of riders from Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, and beyond. She then stepped up in the CDI1 Intermediate I*, delivering a polished performance to place 7th with a score of 69.382%. In a field that featured no fewer than seven Olympians, the 21year old Queenslander once again proved she belongs at the sport’s highest level.

On the cross country course, Queensland-based eventers made their mark in the CCIO4-S Nations Cup*, where Australia finished 6th out of 8 elite national teams.

• Kevin McNab and Faro Imp completed on a score of 60.90 to place 28th.
• Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder overcame a tough cross country phase to finish 37th overall on 76.70.

From pioneering wins in driving to impressive performances in dressage and eventing, Queenslanders continue to demonstrate their world-class calibre and commitment to excellence on the international stage.

Go Queenslanders!