2003 CHIO Aachen

Celebrity Spotting at Aachen

The CHIO Aachen is not only the biggest equestrian event of the year, it is also one of the most fashionable society meetings in Germay and Europe. With over 70,000 visiters a day in the weekend, Aachen lures gigantic crowds that come for the action, for fun, for a day out and for finally meeting their idols. High society sponsors are welcomed at CHIO Aachen in the VIP tents for gastronomic dinners, while they can watch horses in action. The VIP tents are all located near the show jumping arena and well fended off from the crowds. In the dressage ring, however, the VIP section is a small area in the stands, where usually owners and sponsors are treated with edible delights.

The first international celebrity spotted in the crowds near the dressage arena was multiple grand slim winner and tennis star Martinai Hingis. Although Hingis is 22-years old and already retired from playing tennis competitions, she is still doing sport. Hingis is an avid horse fan and has several horses of her own in her home country Switzerland. On Monday June 16, Hingis offered the "Silver Camera" to K.H. Frieler and the "Silver Horse" to Nelson and Rodrigo Pessoa at a special award ceremony.

Sport and entertainment are becoming more intertwained every year with fans that rally at all the major events to get a glimps of their idol. Double Olympic champion Nicole Uphoff was one of the first riders, who had rabbles of fans lined up for an autograph, a photo or to pet Rembrandt. Anky van Grunsven commercialised her 'fan club" by selling photos, t-shirts, stationary and much more thqt depicted her and Bonfire. Isabell Werth and Ulla Salzgeber are currently Germany's idols, but a new lady is taking over. American Lisa Wilcox, who lives and shows in Germany, has gained the respect and devotion of large flocks of dressage enthusiasts with her loving and open personality. "Do it with a smile" is Lisa's slogan and at Aachen it shows that she lives up to her principles. Siging autographs in the trade fair in one of the jobs that comes with being a beloved idol.

by Astrid Appels

Related Link
Horsesdaily "on the Scene" at the 2003 CHIO Aachen
"The Silver Horse" Media Award Presented at CHIO Aachen