We returned to Germany for the final selection event for the Australian Olympic hopefuls - and again we have the eight riders looking for the three (plus one reserve) places available. Edwina Alexander has been pre-selected and does not need to jump at these selection events, as it should be, after her exceptional performances in Europe, including 4th at the World Championships in Aachen in 2006.

The eight riders contesting are Paul Asthanasoff (Wirragulla Niklaus), Chris Chugg (Vivant), Laurie Lever (Ashleigh Drossel Dan), Peter McMahon (KS Genoa), Vicky Roycroft (Noblewood Blatini), Adam Mellers (Animate), Tim Armitrano (Mr Innocent) and Matt Williams (Leconte6).

This week we are in Aach which is a short 14km southeast of the German-Swiss border and is in the German State of Baden-Wurtemberg. Aach is town with a population just over 2,300 people and was first mentioned in history in 1100 and it was incorporated as a City in 1283.

This picuresque town boasts what must be one of the best kept secrets in German showjumping - a fabulous showjumping venue with one of the finest grass arenas to be found. I am reliably told that the secret to this fabulous grass arena is the incredibly expensive drainage system which was put in and it has obviously done its job as the area was subjected to a huge downpuring of rain from early Wednesday evening throughout the night - but the arena showed no signs!

As unlikely a show as this is for an Olympic selection event (for any country), you could not find a more beautiful setting nor a better run show. Listed as a CSI3* - CSI-J/Y (junior and young rider), CSI-P (pony) and CSI Amateur show, the opening day here was a lovely introduction to the arena.
The trade stand village boasts several wonderful tack shops with the latest in riding wear for both horse and rider - pictured below - "bling" has made it to the riders boots finally - it really was just a matter of time really!
Pictured above - these life size bronzes of horses at play had everyone wondering just how they could get them home! And inside the tent were more quality bronzes of horses, in a more managable size!

Pictured left - riders, anywhere in the world, like to have their toys and Aach is no different - this quad looks a touch small for this rider but perhaps it fits neatly into the lorry!

Pictured below - even the riders viewing area, arena side is a beaitifully crafted area. Nothing is done without taste at this show - really one of the most beautiful venues.
Pictured left - the picture perfect grass arena was given a thorough roll between classes and after a days jumping with some 200+ horses, the arena showed barely any signs of horses being on it.
Pictured right - Australia's Chairman of Selectors, Graeme Watts, lokoed deep in thought, perhaps wondering what the weekend would bring and no doubt contemplating the team he would be sending to Hong Kong.
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