Portuguese showjumper Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida decided not to compete further following a disappointing opening day. Having traveled to Germany with high ambitions, it simply proved not to be his championship.

"The first day was a huge disappointment. We came to Aachen with high ambitions, but things turned out differently. That is why I am withdrawing."

"I am very proud of my mare and what we have achieved together so far. We are now going to work on rebuilding our confidence to come back stronger than ever at the next championship."

Soft Tissue Injury for Kövy's Gelding

For the Hungarian rider András Jun. Kövy, the competition also came to an abrupt end, but due to medical reasons. Between obstacles 10 and 11, Kövy sensed something was wrong with his 13-year-old gelding Egano van 't Wingerdhof Z (s. Elvis ter Putte x Felton du Mont) and immediately decided to retire from the course.

Egano left the arena via horse ambulance, though the animal did board under its own power. According to the FEI World Jumping Championship organizers, an examination at a local veterinary clinic revealed a soft tissue injury. The horse is currently being closely monitored there.