Every four years, the world unites to celebrate the spirit of the horse and watch a two-week-long contest of the world’s best horseman and horsewomen competing aboard the world’s most gifted horses. The 2006 World Equestrian Games will land in Aachen, Germany, a venue one of our columnists, Birgit Popp, labels as the “Mecca of horse sports,” not only for its richness in equine culture, but mostly for its legacy and history.

After several years of preparation, Aachen will take on this year’s seven-discipline extravaganza and most expect an impressive spectator turnout. Like past years, tens-of-thousands of horse enthusiasts from scores of countries will unite in camaraderie to support their nations teams and individual riders. Most of us watching from the United States hope master competitors like Steffen Peters, Laura Kraut, James Fairclough and the members of our eventing team will bring home more gold for 2006.

But who knows what this year’s proceeding will bring? That’s why we asked George Morris, Anne Gribbons, David O’Connor, Hardy Zantke, and Art Priesz Jr. for their expert thoughts and predictions. Don’t be left in the dark while the 2006 World Equestrian Games ensue before your eyes. Check out our WEG Preview Issue, packed with stories, stats, interviews, predictions, rosters, results and everything else you’ve come to know and love about Chronicle.