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MEYER, BRÜSEWITZ AND THE NORKA VV KÖLN-DÜNNWALD GROUP IN THE LEAD IN THE PRIZE OF SPARKASSE

24.06.2023 09:41

THE CHIO AACHEN 2023 KICKS OFF WITH THE…


THE CHIO AACHEN 2023 KICKS OFF WITH THE VAULTERS IN THE PRIZE OF SPARKASSE. AFTER THE FIRST COMPETITIONS GERMANY HEADS THE FIELD IN ALL THREE CLASSIFICATIONS.

The compulsory and technical tests were on the agenda for the ladies and the men today. The concluding and decisive competition, the freestyle, will take place on Saturday.

 

In the men’s classification, it looks like Thomas Brüsewitz may be on the way to his fifth overall victory. The 29-year-old from Cologne was unbeaten from 2016 until 2019. Today, lunged by Alexandra Knauf, he vaulted into the lead on Formel 1 D.C. with a score of 8.593. He won the compulsory test, but only came second in the technical test behind the Vice World Champion of 2022, the French vaulter, Quentin Jabet on Ronaldo (Lunger: Andrea Boe). Finishing only ninth in the compulsory test, the latter did however demonstrate how good he is in the technical test. His interim overall score is 8.328. So, the freestyle promises  to be exciting – Jannik Heiland, who is currently lying in third place, also still has high hopes of one of the top placings. Heiland came to Aachen as winner of the World Cup, he came second in the compulsory test as well as fourth in the technical test and is close at Jabet’s heels on a score of 8.309. He brought his long-standing, highly successful horse Dark Beluga FRH and his lunger Barbara Rosiny with him.

 

The top trio of the Ladies is proving that vaulting is a family affair. The current World Cup leader, Kathrin Meyer, who also came fourth at the World Championships, is presently in the lead. At her side: The Oldenburg-bred San Classico S and her mother, Sonja Meyer. The 22-year-old came second in the compulsory test with a score of 8.353. Lunged by her father Volker Roß, her fellow countrywoman, Alina Roß, is close at Kathrin Meyer’s heels. In the technical test, Roß made a few unfortunate mistakes and thus only finished fourth on an overall interim score of 8.153. So, it also promises to be an exciting freestyle here too! A further mother and daughter team is currently lying in third place: Lunged by her mother Katja, Julia Sophie Wagner vaulted to a score of 8.092 on Giovanni. She came third in both competitions.

 

In the Group classification, Team Norka VV Köln Dünnwald won the compulsory test on Calidor, lunged by Ines Nawroth. They are the overnight leaders on a score of 7.651, ahead of VV Ingelsberg with Fider Rock, lunged by Alexander Hartl. The Swiss team Lütisburg with Acardi van de Kapel (Lunger: Monika Winkler-Bischofsberger) is presently third on a score of 7.506. The final decision in the Group classification will also fall on Saturday after the freestyle competition.

CHIO Aachen 2023: WDR and ZDF are broadcasting live

22.06.2023 19:25

It is possible to support and keep your…


It is possible to support and keep your fingers crossed for your favourites in front of the TV

Being part of it is everything? That’s right! It is possible to be there live in the stadiums at the CHIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Festival, again this year. But it is also being shown on TV too. Equestrian sport fans, who don’t have the opportunity to travel to Aachen, can bring a bit of the CHIO Aachen flair to their own homes. WDR and ZDF are broadcasting different competitions and events – around 30 hours in total.

The highlights from June 27th onwards are the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening (8.15 p.m., WDR live), the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup on Thursday evening (8.15 p.m., WDR live), the SAP Cup (cross-country course, eventing ) on July 1st from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on WDR and on the final Sunday (July 2nd), the Rolex Grand Prix and the Deutsche Bank Prize (Dressage) will be transmitted live on ZDF und WDR from 11.00 a.m. onwards. Furthermore, CHIO Aachen fans will be able to enjoy live broadcasts of the Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe on Wednesday evening on June 30th, of the “RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia and the “Feinkost Käfer Prize from 2.15 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Friday, July 1st,” and they can also watch the “Allianz Prize” on Saturday afternoon on WDR. The live programme will be enhanced by summaries and reports on the individual days of the show – as well as the famous and emotional Farewell to the Nations.

Thanks to cutting-edge camera technology – for instance the spectacular “Spidercam” will be implemented – the CHIO Aachen 2023 will also be an exciting experience in front of TV and computer screens. 250 TV employees on-site are responsible for the TV coverage, which will be broadcast all over the world.

The national state-run TV channels will be showing over 30 hours of coverage from the World Equestrian Festival. In addition to the live transmissions of the sport, there will be various report formats, news films and items by Studio Aachen, which will all provide an exciting look behind the scenes. There will be broadcasts in over 140 countries all around the globe.

 

Furthermore, it is possible to watch all competitions online on ClipMyHorse.

 

The current TV times for the CHIO Aachen 2023 are available here.

 

Gerrit Nieberg: “It is not going to be a walk in the park for McLain!”

22.06.2023 18:13

As a total outsider, he succeeded in claiming…


As a total outsider, he succeeded in claiming the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen in 2022. This year all eyes are cast on Gerrit Nieberg and his horse, Ben. We spoke to the 30-year-old about how much he is looking forward to the CHIO Aachen 2023 and his “mission to defend the title”.

 

You brought the show to a perfect conclusion at the CHIO Aachen 2022 by winning the Rolex Grand Prix. How often have you watched your round, which was broadcast around the world together with the emotional TV commentary by Carsten Sostmeier, since then?

I don’t know exactly, but very often. And every time I watch the round it gives me goosebumps again. It was without doubt one of the biggest victories in my career to-date and for me and my family a sensational and very emotional moment. And to be honest, it took me quite a while for what actually happened to sink in. Every rider dreams about winning this class one day. And it makes it all the more special that I managed to do so that early on in my career.

How much have those 37 seconds in the jump-off changed your life?

It was a very sustainable success. People still keep congratulating me, even though it was already a year ago. This victory has indeed made my name more famous and the media’s interest in me has also increased enormously. But for me personally nothing has actually changed since. I am exactly the same as I was twelve months ago.

You are travelling back to the place of this historical triumph next week. How much are you looking forward to the CHIO Aachen 2023?

Immensely. This year even perhaps a little more than usual. And of course my expectations are higher too. We will try everything to repeat that moment once again. Ben is in super form. I am in super form. So, I am optimistic about the coming week.

When it comes down to the victory in the Rolex Grand Prix, a few other riders also want to have a say in the matter of course, especially McLain Ward. The US American could go down in history in Aachen as the second Rolex Grand Slam winner. How realistic do you think that is?

In principal, I think it is possible that he could pull it off. He is in super form and anyone who is acquainted with McLain knows that he will try his very hardest to win the class on Sunday. If he really succeeds in doing so, it really would be an historic event, and we would all be pleased for him. After all, each of us knows how hard it is to win the Rolex Grand Slam. But of course, just like all my colleagues, I will do everything in my power to make sure it isn’t a walk in the park for him.

CHIO Aachen: 25 years of the “Moments of Luck” donation campaign in aid of therapeutic riding

22.06.2023 12:00

Aachen/Warendorf. The “Moments of Luck” charity cooperation between…


Aachen/Warendorf. The “Moments of Luck” charity cooperation between the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) and the German Curatorship for Therapeutic Riding (DKThR) in aid of therapeutic riding and riding for the disabled has been running for 25 years and it goes without saying that it is part of the World Equestrian Festival again this year

The ALRV sets a clear signal for inclusion with its long-standing cooperation with the DKThR . Every person is quite naturally included in everything at the CHIO. Everyone is allowed to take part, everyone can interact if they want to. Whether people with or without disabilities. Social contact is promoted and taking part lived out.

 

Therapeutic riding and riding for the disabled are offered a stage year after year. The CHIO visitors can experience close-up what effect horses have on people. In addition to relief, support and prevention, horses bestow courage and joie de vivre. Furthermore, donations are collected annually and the campaign feels the benefit of the full amount.

 

The campaign kicks off with a collection during the Ecumenical Service in the Deutsche Bank Stadium (Begins at 11.30 a.m.) on Soers Sunday, the traditional Open Day (June 25th). Uwe Schulte, A protestant parson from Iserlohn, on-site in his capacity as a family man, will report about his experiences with the horse-based therapy.

 

Then, during the afternoon programme, at around 1.40 p.m. the agenda continues on the big jumping warm-up arena with “All you need is love”. As “Moments of Luck”, the therapy centres from the region of Aachen have chosen this motto of the Beatles to present themselves and their work. On board: Lohner Hof Riding & Therapy Centre (Eschweiler), Abenteuerland Riding Therapy Centre (Stolberg), Rattenhaus Riding School (Eynatten/Belgium) and Kid’s auf Trab, Centre for Therapeutic Riding (Stolberg). The para equestrian sport will also be represented by the aspiring young dressage rider, Johanna Hubert (Herzogenrath).

 

The DKThR team will be looking forward to plenty of visitors throughout the whole of Soers Sunday at the donation and info desk near to the main entrance, where a hobby horsing course will be set up for the youngest visitors. They can get themselves fit for Soers Sunday on hobby horses.

 

But beyond Soers Sunday, donation boxes will be on display at the CHIO info desks throughout the whole week of the show.

 

Half of the donations that are collected in the scope of the Moments of Luck charity campaign will go to the German Curatorship for Therapeutic Riding and will be used for the association’s Children Support Fund. The rest will be divided up between the four curatorship-approved therapy centres in the Aachen region.

 

The DKThR is a non-profit making association for the promotion of therapeutic riding (horse-based therapy, support and sport). It has been the key point of contact for all questions on this topic for over 50 years and is the oldest association of its kind in the world.

World-class sport at the Soers: The CHIO Aachen 2023 starts on Friday

20.06.2023 18:28

It was a goosebump moment of the CHIO…


It was a goosebump moment of the CHIO Aachen 2022. So, it is no surprise that Gerrit Nieberg and his horse Ben’s sensational victorious round from last year’s Rolex Grand Prix was shown on the screen at the start of the traditional press conference in the run-up to the World Equestrian Festival. An eternal moment, but also an appetizer of what the world can look forward to at the CHIO Aachen 2023 from June 23rd onwards: Top-class sport, huge emotions and a spectacular supporting programme. Together with the organisers and the dressage rider, Sönke Rothenberger, Gerrit Nieberg looked ahead to the CHIO Aachen 2023 on Tuesday morning.

“I am in good form, Ben is in good form,” revealed Gerrit Nieberg (GER), with a grin. So, the mission is clear: “to defend the title”. Competing as a total outsider last year, the 30-year-old is the centre of attention three days before the CHIO Aachen begins. The German rider is facing tough competition on his way to eternalising his name on the legendary winners’ board again, though. All eyes will particularly be cast on McLain Ward on the concluding Sunday. And there is a good, historical reason for that: After his victories at the “CHI Geneva” and at “The Dutch Masters”, Ward is travelling to Aachen as the contender for the “Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping”. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of this prestigious series, which experienced its debut at the Aachen Soers in 2013, the US American has the chance to win the most coveted trophy of the international equestrian sport, as the second rider ever. To pull off this feat he has to win the Rolex Grand Prix that is endowed with 1.5 million Euros – whereby the two Swiss top stars, Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat, also want to have a say in the matter. The same is true of the Olympic gold medallist Maher (GBR), Simon Delestre from France and the German show-jumper, Daniel Deußer.

 

However, world-class sport cannot only be experienced in the Main Stadium, but also a few metres away in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. Stefanie Peters is particularly pleased about that. “It is no secret that I am a dressage fan,” the President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), organisers of the CHIO Aachen, said looking forward to the best ten days of the year, when she always takes time to watch the dressage. The field of participants in the dressage is more impressive than ever, no less than 9 of the Top 10 of the world ranking list will be competing there next week. The selected line-up is headed by the double Olympic gold medallist, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who is bringing her “Queen”, TSF Dalera BB, back with her to the Soers for the first time since 2019. In the meantime, the pair have pretty much won every title that is up for grabs – whereby the entry on the legendary winners’ board in Aachen is still missing from their list. To secure that engraving it is necessary to triumph in the Deutsche Bank Prize. But the 37-year-old is up against extremely strong competition there. In addition to her fellow countrywoman and record-holder in Aachen, Isabell Werth, also especially from Great Britain, the partner country of this year’s CHIO Aachen. The double World Champion, Charlotte Fry, is taking part, as well as the three-time Olympic gold medallist, Charlotte Dujardin, and the 19-year-old Annabella Pidgley, who will be presenting last year’s winner in the Deutsche Bank Prize, Vamos Amigos.

 

And another rider is also staring longingly at the legendary board – albeit not this year, yet. “Of course, it is my dream to see my name up there one day,” stated Sönke Rothenberger (GER), who is looking forward to returning to Aachen finally for the first time since 2017. “Aachen is always something very special,” the team Olympic gold medallist from 2016 raved, who has returned to the top circuit after a long intermission after making a sensational comeback with the just nine-year-old Fendi. According to the current information, the recently crowned German Vice Champion in the Grand Prix Special will be competing in the 4* Tour. Because after a fall last weekend, Ingrid Klimke has had to have a shoulder operation, whereby she still intends to compete in the Lambertz Nations Cup. “It will become clear this week whether she really will be able to compete. If not, Sönke and Fendi are in the starting blocks,” stated CHIO Aachen Head of Sport, Birgit Rosenberg, who was delighted about the high-quality field of competitors. “It is really world-class,” the ALRV board member noted. And not only in the jumping and the dressage, we will also be able to experience the crème de la crème in the vaulting, in the four-in-hand driving and in the eventing. For instance, the number one in the world ranking list, Tim Price (NZL); the World Champion, Yasmin Ingham (GBR); as well as Germany’s title-holder, Sandra Auffarth and the Olympic gold medallist from 2012 and 2016, Michael Jung (GER), will be battling it out in the three disciplines that make up the SAP Cup.

 

Birgit Rosenberg also had some further interesting news to report: The “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” initiative that is dedicated to the welfare of sports horses will getting together for the first time during the show, the “Boehringer Ingelheim Grooms’ Lounge” is also celebrating its premiere this year. There has been progress on the digitalisation front too. This year the CHIO Aachen app is taking on a new look: A lean design. Modern. User-friendly. “Simply the ideal show companion,” according to Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH (ART), who particularly emphasised the live tracking and foodprint calculator functions. And the CHIO Aachen is also profiting from additional co-staged events too: The #neuland congress is being organised in Aachen parallel to the show: Around 100 top speakers will voice their opinions on current key themes such as digitalisation, connected mobility and energy. The second day of the congress is traditionally dedicated to the sport, which is without doubt one of the supporting pillars of our society. “Sport holds a great social potential and at the same time bears a far-reaching economic responsibility,” claimed Michael Mronz.

 

However, primarily the CHIO Aachen is and remains to be one thing: World-class sport. For ten days, in five disciplines, in front of 350,000 spectators, in the most famous equestrian sport arenas in the world. In total, 440 riders from 30 nations are awaited in Aachen with 626 horses. Aachen’s Mayoress, Sibylle Keupen is looking forward to the many guests from all over the globe, whom the show always attracts to the imperial city. “The CHIO not only boasts a long tradition, it also has an enormous appeal. It is going to be a fantastic occurrence again this year,” the Mayoress stated. And this occurrence is kicking off in exactly three days’ time, first of all with the vaulting and the two “Horse & Symphony” concerts, which just like the official Opening Ceremony on June 27th, in line with the partner country will be above all one thing: very British!

 

Tickets are available from the hotline on +49-(0)241-917-1111 or from the online ticket shop.

CHIO Aachen 2023: Dressage participants even more top-class than ever

17.06.2023 13:55

The double Olympic gold medallist, as well as…


The double Olympic gold medallist, as well as the double World Champion. On top of that a three-time Olympic gold medallist and – of course – the most successful rider of all time. In total, nine riders from the top ten in the world ranking list will be travelling to Aachen this year. That promises high-class dressage sport in the Deutsche Bank Stadium.

Awesome. That is the adjective that best describes the field of dressage competitors at the CHIO Aachen. The best of the best have confirmed their participation, the field of competitors reads like the “Who’s who” of the international dressage sport. This applies for both the individual riders and the Lambertz Nations Cup teams. The exclusive field of participants is headed by the double Olympic gold medallist, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. For the first time since 2019, the number one in the world ranking list is bringing her “Queen“, TSF Dalera BB, back with her to the Soers. On arrival the 37-year-old’s glance will no doubt immediately fall on the legendary winners’ board. Here, at the entrance to the Main Stadium, the names of the winners of the CHIO Aachen are eternalised. Since, the name of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, who has won almost every title up for grabs over the past years, is still missing from the board. To secure herself the engraving on this world-famous board, she needs to win the Deutsche Bank Prize. However, this will certainly be no easy task for the recently crowned German Champion in the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle, since she is up against extremely strong competition. From her own nation, the most successful rider in the world, Isabell Werth, who will saddle DSP Quantaz, is also competing. Isabell’s name already decorates the above-mentioned winners’ board 14 times. That is an absolute record! Ingrid Klimke with Franziskus FRH and Frederik Wandres with Bluetooth OLD complete the German team in the Lambertz Nations Cup, which promises to be more exciting than ever this year. Because the other nations are also sending their best riders to Aachen as well. First and foremost, last year’s winners from Denmark and Great Britain, the partner country of this year’s CHIO Aachen. The Danish team is headed by the team World Champion Carina Cassøe Krüth with Heiline’s Danciera and the rising star of the past months, Nanna Skodborg Merrald with Blue Hors Zepter, who recently notched up a sensational second place at the World Cup Finals in Omaha (USA). In the case of the British riders, all eyes are cast on the double World Champion, Charlotte Fry, who will ride her Olympic horse, Everdale. Her fellow team members comprise of the three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin with her world championship horse Imhotep, who is already impressing with scores of over 80 percent after his rider took time off to have a baby. The performance of the young British rider, Annabella Pidgley, who will be presenting last year’s Deutsche Bank Prize winner, Vamos Amigos, on German soil for the first time, is eagerly awaited. Sweden’s top rider Patrik Kittel as well as Dinja van Liere (NED), who won double bronze at the World Championships in Herning last year, have also set their sights on top placings in the 5-star Tour.
“We are delighted that so many top athletes are going to be competing in Aachen,” exclaimed Birgit Rosenberg, Head of Sport at the CHIO Aachen. “The field of participants promises high-class and exciting dressage sport in all three Tours.” Because most of the top stars are not only bringing one horse with them to the Soers, but indeed several, which means we can look forward to top level dressage in the 4-star Tour and the Small Tour too. In particular, Sönke Rothenberger and his youngster, Fendi, will guarantee that. The highly acclaimed performances at the German Championships in Balve and the silver medal in the Grand Prix Special appear to be merely a throughfare on the way to the very top for this pair. A route, that first of all brings them to Aachen, where among others they will compete against the team Olympic gold medallist Dorothee Schneider with First Romance and Matthias AlexanderRath with Thiago GS.
Hence, we will be no doubt enjoy countless high-class performances in the Deutsche Bank Stadium before finding out on the last day of the show, whose name will be eternalised on the winners’ board in the year 2023. Whether that really is the name of Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, will be revealed on the morning of July 2nd, in the Deutsche Bank Prize.

More than 50 Mercedes-Benz for the World Equestrian Festival

17.06.2023 13:52

In a few days’ time everything will revolve…


In a few days’ time everything will revolve around horses and horsepower again at the CHIO Aachen: 1954 was the first year that Mercedes-Benz took on the role as the official General Sponsor of the World Equestrian Festival, which marked the beginning of a unique partnership with Germany’s largest sporting event. Namely, the luxury car brand is not only the partner of the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup and lends its name to the Mercedes-Benz Stand in the Main Stadium, it also provides the exclusive shuttle service for the athletes and guests during the CHIO Aachen. Over 50 vehicles are required to ensure the shuttle service runs perfect. Today, Matthias Hindemith, Director of Mercedes-Benz Sales Rheinland, handed over the keys of the vehicle fleet to Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), organisers of the CHIO Aachen.

 

“The entire Mercedes-Benz team is looking forward to the event and to keeping the CHIO Aachen mobile,” stated Hindemith, who announced a fleet comprising of “many electric and hybrid vehicles”. The car manufacturer, which will additionally be presenting the luxurious image of the brand in the CHIO Village by exhibiting an exclusive selection of its product line-up on space spanning 1,400 square metres, is betting on a sustainable future and impresses with environmentally-friendly solutions. That also pleases Stefanie Peters: “Together with Mercedes-Benz we always find future-oriented ways to carry on writing the history of the show.”

Opening ceremony at the CHIO Aachen 2023: Spectators can take part

15.06.2023 11:54

When 40,000 pairs of eyes follow the occurrences…


When 40,000 pairs of eyes follow the occurrences on the “Holy Grass” on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 from 8 p.m. onwards, it will be time to clear the stage for the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen! The motto this year is: “All you need is love”. Not without good reason too, because Great Britain is the partner country of this year’s World Equestrian Festival. In addition to “stars” like the Household Cavalry, whom we are familiar with from the magnificent parades through London’s streets, following tradition many people from the region also take part in this colourful event, turning it into an experience in a class of its own! In his role as Creative Director, Uwe Brandt – himself an “Öcher” – has been supporting the CHIO Aachen team with the choreography, dramaturgy and staging of the show since 2015. “The CHIO Aachen is of international renown, but it also has deep regional roots. And this exciting combination is what makes our World Equestrian Festival so unique,” said a delighted Birgit Rosenberg, who is responsible for the show programme in her capacity as Head of Sport at the CHIO Aachen. “Lots of people from the region support their ‘TSCHIO’, in fact they are also involved, either as spectators, employees, volunteer or participants. The same applies for the Opening Ceremony.”

 

From Bond, to Poppins, to Potter

In terms of dance and music, Great Britain has plenty to offer, of course. Who is not familiar with Scotland’s unmistakable bagpipe music? And so the impressive instrument will naturally be played and celebrated on the evening of June 27th: Bagpipe players and dancers will be giving an impressive performance to a melody called “Drums’ n Pipes”. It will be colourful and also a bit magical when more than 100 children pay homage to the world-famous aspiring young magician Harry Potter Bunt with their choreography and whisk the crowd off into the secret world of Hogwarts. And of course the film heroine Alice in Wonderland and the musical legend Mary Poppins will also be calling in at the Aachen Soers on this special evening.

 

Great Britain is also well-known for its numerous horse breeds. The cute Shetland ponies are just one example. An array of typically British horse breeds from small Welsh ponies through to mighty Shire horses will canter over the “Holy Grass”. They will be joined by traditional, English-style carriages and the spectacular show of the stunt rider, Josh Clemens, who will be on a secret mission on behalf of his Majesty as James Bond. It is going to be breath-taking!

 

Creativity called for

Indeed this year the spectators can take on their own personal “role” during the Opening Ceremony. Because they are heartily invited to dress up in British look – whether extremely pompous or more discrete, whether as a royal, as Paddington Bear, a famous English author or artist or simply wrapped up in the Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom. The creativity is set no limits! “We would be delighted if as many spectators as possible join in,” stated ALRV member of the board, Birgit Rosenberg, announcing: “The great thing is there are still tickets for the Opening Ceremony.”

 

The latter are available online from the ticket shop, from the hotline on +49-(0)241-9171111 or directly on-site at the CHIO Aachen grounds.

#neuland: Start-studded congress held during the CHIO Aachen 2023

15.06.2023 11:52

In cooperation with people from the fields of…


In cooperation with people from the fields of sport, business, politics, investors and scientists, the #neuland congress (June 27th and 28th, 2023) strives to achieve an efficient and equally ecological and economic sustainable future. The CHIO Aachen CAMPUS is one of the joint organisers of the star-studded congress.

The CHIO Aachen stands for top international sport with a long tradition. But at the same time it is also a place of encounter and exchange. The #neuland congress has been held during Germany’s largest sporting event since 2018 and thus offers scope for an exchange at the highest level. “The idea of the congress is to decisively push the vision of a sustainable future forward,” stated Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH and CEO of the organisers, Rhein Ruhr City GmbH. Over the course of two exciting days, the participants at #neuland can look forward to current trends, concrete examples of good practice, lively discussions, stimulating lectures and a fantastic networking atmosphere revolving around current, social themes focusing on connected mobility, sustainability and digitalisation. Furthermore, top-class speakers from the worlds of business, science and politics as well as start-ups and investors will address the issue of alternative, green energy sources. The development of renewable energy such as wind power, hydropower, solar power or geothermal energy and in particular the opportunities of (green) hydrogen as a promising source of energy is a key topic of #neuland.

 

Directly prior to the CHIO Aachen which kicks off on the evening of June 27th with its spectacular Opening Ceremony and when the celebrities walk over the most famous red carpet of the equestrian sport scene on their way to the traditional gala evening, the “Media Night“, the first day of the congress at the traditional showgrounds at the Aachen Soers, will be brought to a close with an impulse lecture by the State Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst. In this way, the speakers and guests are offered the unique opportunity to experience the breath-taking atmosphere of the CHIO Aachen and engage in an exchange and network in this first-class ambiance.

 

The second day of the congress is traditionally dedicated to sport, which is without doubt one of the supporting pillars of our society. “Sport holds a great social potential and at the same time bears a far-reaching economic responsibility,” said Michael Mronz. “Particularly the topic of the sustainability financing of clubs, associations and sporting events takes on an ever-increasing significance in the planning and strategic alignment and will in future be of key importance for the sports industry.” Personalities such as Franziska van Almsick and Maria Höfl-Riesch will be on board when together with high-ranking representatives from the sports industry, solutions for sustainable financing models and the related maintenance of the important role that sport plays for society are discussed at #neuland. “We are looking forward to a high-level interdisciplinary exchange on the major future themes at #neuland,” commented Stefan Knopp, Director of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS. “#neuland is presenting a first-class line-up of top speakers. The congress offers all people for whom the future of sport is important to take part in an exciting debate within an exclusive circle. We are delighted to be able to offer the participants this unique opportunity during the CHIO Aachen.”

 

Tickets are available immediately here.

DSP Alice is to retire in Aachen

08.06.2023 14:28

“She loves Aachen,” Simone Blum says about her…


“She loves Aachen,” Simone Blum says about her soulmate horse, DSP Alice. And that is why the CHIO Aachen 2023 is exactly the right venue for the 16-year-old chestnut mare to retire from the sport.

It was love at first sight between Simone Blum and DSP Alice. The joint success story began in 2014, when her husband, Hansi, discovered the at the time seven-year-old mare: Full of energy and equipped with unlimited scope. After taking their first jumps together, it was clear to Simone Blum immediately that she was sitting on a very special horse: “I looked her in the eyes and thought: What type of a wonderful horse are you?” A type of horse that she quickly became friends with. The chemistry between the two of them was simply right. And yet it took Simone Blum a lot of patience, time and devotion to channel the temperament of the Askari daughter so that she could use it to her advantage. The breakthrough came in 2016, when the pair won the German Championships of the Ladies, one year later they took the title in the men’s competition. What followed after that is equestrian sport history: Within a few months, DSP Alice catapulted her rider to the top of the rankings of the world elite and onto the winners’ rostrum at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon (USA): Two times indeed: They claimed bronze with the German team and individual gold. The images of a World Champion overcome by her emotions and the wonder mare happily munching away at a mango remain unforgettable. The orange tropical fruit, her favourite food, has been the reward for each clear round ever since.

And there have been plenty of them in the course of DSP Alice’s career. The chestnut mare with the overwhelming desire to win has always particularly felt at home in large arenas like the Main Stadium in Aachen. Their fantastic accomplishments on the Holy Grass are proof of this. The grandiose triumph in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup in 2018, for example. And at the same venue the following year, after jumping double clear, the pair also significantly contributed towards the German jumping team coming second in the traditional Nations Cup. 2019 was the year when DSP Alice won the Halla challenge trophy for the most successful horse at the CHIO Aachen after finishing fourth in the Rolex Grand Prix. A few weeks later the winning duo secured team silver at the European Championships. However, the championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were to be the last time Simone Blum was to compete for a medal with Alice. The mare unfortunately sustained an injury – and was never able to return to her unbeatable form.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without Alice,” Simone Blum reflected full of gratitude. “She has always been my soulmate. Because she is so unique, we have a very special connection.” And due to this special relationship, the 34-year-old wants a very special farewell for her sports partner. A memorable moment that a horse like DSP Alice deserves. And to celebrate this moment, the pair are returning to Aachen once more on June 29th. The place that they associate with so many unforgettable memories. “The atmosphere in Aachen is unique,” said Simone Blum. “I am very much looking forward to letting Alice revel in the applause of her favourite crowd.” What exactly is going to happen during the farewell ceremony that is being held between the two rounds of the Mercedes-Benz Nation Cup is to remain a surprise. One thing is sure though: Everyone should have a handkerchief ready to hand. And there is bound to be the odd mango for DSP Alice on this special evening – even if she doesn’t deliver a clear round.

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