The test was successful. 694 days before the beginning of the FEI World Equestrian Games Aachen 2006, the organisers of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) practised the moment of truth on Saturday.

At 7 a.m., 55 endurance riders from 14 nations climbed the saddle to go on the 90 or 120 kilometres alternatively long and challenging course through three countries. About to 3 p.m., Sheikh Majid Ali Al Kayoum from the United Arabian Emirates dismounted the horse as first again - he decided the short distance for himself. The French Sunny Demedy won over the 120 kilometres - she had to keep up till 4 p.m.

"Altogether, we are very content with the test", Frank Kemperman, managing director of the ALRV, said, "there were smaller mishaps, too - but that is why a test is there." The innovative time measurement has stood the test. The times are measured by means of a chip and are forwarded directly to a computer system. This made it possible for the organisers to communicate not only the results, but as well preliminary results directly via display panel and internet. "Despite some jiggles at the beginning, the system functioned reliably", Kemperman was pleased. The managing director was not very happy about some stolen or damaged signposts: "It was disappointing to see that shortly before the start and even during the ride signposts were damaged or stolen." In order that the riders are always still on the right path there will be placed further additional markings in future.

Kemperman complimented the local authorities on the good co-operation: "There were problems neither with the German, nor with the Dutch or Belgian communities. Everything worked very uncomplicated. Therefor, I would like to say thanks." But the cross-border harmony is not surprising that much: Kemperman is Dutch, lives in Belgium and works in Germany.

150 workers ensured the function of the endurance ride. Police, traffic minders and security service protected the course and guaranteed a problem-free crossing of the streets. 15 riders withdraw their horses or were excluded from the race. "That is a quite normal number", the veterinarian Dr. Walter Fehl said, "that is how we guarantee that the health of the horses is not endangered." The conscientious work of the veterinarians at the VET-Gates - here, the horses are checked during as well as after the rides - was worthwhile: all horses are healthy.

Round about one year, the organisers of the ALRV have prepared the test-event. In June 2005, there will be another endurance ride in the border triangle. Then, the riders will go on the world championship distance, the "hundred miles" (160 kilometres). To the course, that was ridden on Saturday, the "North Loop of Aachen" will be added. "Until then", said Frank Kemperman, "the childrens' diseases will be conquered."

To the topic "VET-Gate"
At the VET-Gate, horses are feed and veterinary checked. After a determined time - 30 minutes by the test - the pulse may not exceed 64. Furthermore, the horses are checked on possibly lameness and on well circulation. After the check, a rest period follows. On the 120-kilometres-distance, the horses had to pass four, on the 90-kilometres-distance three of these stations. Even after the arrival at the finish, it is still possible to exclude somebody from the ranking if the veterinary standards are not fulfilled.

Final results 120 kilometres
1. Sunny Demedy, France, Fatima del Sol
2. Belinda Hitzler, Germany, Farouk De Lozelle
3. Scheich Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, United Arabian Emirates, Tazia
4. Melanie Arnold, Germany, Nadira
5. Sabrina Arnold, Germany, Madaq

Final results 90 kilometres
1. Scheich Majid Ali Al Kayoum, United Arabian Emirates, Pietro Al Oasis
2. Scheich Sultan bin Faisal Al Quassimi, United Arabian Emirates, Major
3. Edgar Schrader, Germany, Image
4. Joan Eijkelboom, The Netherlands, Fadilah R
5. Lilian Lenartz, Germany, Anou

German Master pleased with test in Aachen

Melanie Arnold is the German Master in endurance. Past weekend, the 28 year-old started in Aachen at the test-event for the FEI WEG Aachen 2006. In the interview she betrays why she was surprised by the course and why her backside did not hurt after 120 km.

Are you pleased with your fourth position?
Melanie Arnold: For me, it was - as it was for the organisers of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein - a test ride. I wanted to get to know the course and didn't take full risk. That is why I am very pleased.

What is your impression of the course, which in large parts is very similar to the World Championship course in 2006?
Arnold: I was surprised. I had expected an quite even plane and a sandy course. In fact, it was mountainous and - in particular in Belgium - often with asphalt. But the course is challenging and attractive. It demands for tactical riding and is certainly worthy a World Championship.

What worked well already and what do the organisers have to work at until 2006?
Arnold: All in all the event ran well. I was especially impressed by the amazing facilities of the ALRV in the Aachen Soers. They really offers every possibility. The sign-posting should be improved - for riders as well for the crew-vehicles.

The FEI World Equestrian Games Aachen 2006...
Arnold: ...are, of course, a highlight for me. World Championships in your own country are the greatest. Every active rider will absolutely want to compete.

After 120 kilometres in the saddle, it is easy to guess which part of your body hurts the most ...
Arnold: Oh, you will laugh, but my bottom aches least of all. Endurance, that means to stand in the saddle more than to sit. But thighs, knees and back - they hurt decently. But not as much as in the past. Here, the various training has paid off, so that I barely have any problems up to the 120 kilometre mark.

Isn't it sometimes a little bit boring to cover such a long distance alone?
Arnold: I usually try to take the course with smaller groups or at least as a twosome. For the very reason that it is easier to keep the horses in a good mood in a group. But that can't always be arranged. However, even if it does happen that you are really alone, it won't become boring. On the contrary: I always need to be attentive and concentrated in order to pay attention to the signposts and the surroundings. Because much of the course we also ride cross-country and through the woods.

Your sister Sabrina is also a successful Endurance rider, in Aachen she was fifth, right behind you. What prevails: the team spirit or the competitive spirit?
Arnold: Most definitely the team spirit. We discuss our strategy before the start, clearly define our goals. That is quite similar to cycling where one participant relies on the support of the other.

Is there any such thing as the secret to success of the Arnold family?
Arnold: Yes, there is, even if it is definitely no secret. We have been carrying out the sport for a long time. Me since 1988, since 1990 I am member of the national team. My fours younger sister became team member in 1994. We simply have lots of experience and benefit from each other.