CHIO Presse Intranet 2024

Nominations for the Silver Camera announced

07.06.2023 16:16

What distinguishes a good photo? The motif? The…

What distinguishes a good photo? The motif? The technical quality? The moment? The atmosphere? A star-studded jury have to answer this question every year, because the organisers of the CHIO Aachen, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), confer the “Silver Camera” for the best international equestrian sport photo of the year.

This year the German show-jumper, Jana Wargers; last year’s winner, Mirka Nilkens; Andreas Müller, CEO Medienhaus Aachen and ALRV Board member, Birgit Rosenberg are responsible for selecting the winners and runners-up. “The quality of the photos is outstanding. Making the decision is a difficult task,” Birgit Rosenberg said about the 133 photographs submitted. The following were nominated for the “Silver Camera” (in alphabetical order):

Pauline Roy Chowdhury

Andreas Steindl

Diana Wahl

The winner will be announced at the CHIO Aachen in the Main Stadium on Saturday evening, July 1^st . The winner receives 2,500 Euros, second and are third place are endowed with 1,000 and 500 Euros, respectively.

Daniel Deußer: The Rolex Grand Slam is something unique

07.06.2023 16:12

Daniel Deußer has already been one of the…

Daniel Deußer has already been one of the most successful riders in the world for years. We spoke with the 41-year-old about the importance of the Rolex Grand Slam for the equestrian sport and about his goals for the CHIO Aachen.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year – what influence does the series have on the show jumping sport?

This series is totally unique. It is simply an exclusive and fantastic format that remains unparalleled to this very day. The four Majors are the best shows our sport has to offer. Each of them is a highlight for us riders. Everyone wants to win them. In the past, there was only a championships at the end of the year that we all worked towards. However, today we all focus on the Rolex Grand Slam and consider the four shows to be four special highlights and a unique opportunity to write sporting history.

What makes the four Majors so special?

The organisation of these shows is phenomenal, they are staged at fantastic venues with perfect conditions and they attract a huge amount of fan interest. That creates an incredible atmosphere in the stadiums. On top of that, these shows are steeped in tradition. The best riders in the world compete there. And now my generation is allowed to be part of this special story. That makes travelling to the four Majors and putting in our very best performances particularly special for all of us.

You have a fantastic team behind you. How important is that for your success?

You have to have a great team around you and everyone has to get on and work well together in order to be successful. Our sport is very complex today and has a very tight schedule. Due to the fact that I travel so much, my team at home is as equally important as my own performances in the saddle. And my groom, Sean Lynch, is also a very important person in my career. I trust him one hundred percent, which is important when he is travelling with my horses. Without him my victories wouldn’t be possible.

What keeps you motivated and hungry for success?

There is simply something inside me that wants to go a step further and that likes winning. As professional riders we travel to many shows; there are always plenty of good competitors, but also always only one winner. Of course, coming second or third is also excellent, but if I don’t win, I always reflect about the round and learn what I could have done better. So basically, I see every show as an important experience and source of motivation.

What competition are you expecting to encounter at the CHIO Aachen?

As is the case at every Major, the best riders in the world will be competing in Aachen again. All of us organise the schedules of our top horses around these shows. Hence, the level of sport that each of these events offers really is unique.

You already experienced what it feels like to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen in 2021…

Yes, that’s right. That victory was a dream come true for me. Being celebrated as the winner in front of my home crowd, was a feeling I will never forget. It won’t be easy, but I’d be delighted to read my name on the winners’ board one more time.

Nominations for “The Silver Horse”

07.06.2023 16:08

Over 50 journalists and onliners, social media stars…

Over 50 journalists and onliners, social media stars and media companies have submitted entries – three of them were now nominated for “The Silver Horse. The equestrian sport online and social media award.”

“The Silver Horse” was the most famous media prize in the areas of print, TV and radio for 30 years. For the past five years it has been paying tribute to the changing media landscape and is conferred as an “online and social media award”. The jury – comprising of Wolfgang Brinkmann (Honored president German Riding and Driving Association, DRFV), Nadine Capellmann (dressage rider), Michael Mronz (General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH), Tobias Königs (Press Officer CHIO Aachen), and Dr. Ute Countess Rothkirch (DRFV board member) – were impressed by the diversity and quality of the submitted entries. These included both blogs and social media platforms as well as classic media, which have mastered the transformation into the digital world in totally different ways.

The following were nominated (in alphabetical order):

Juliane Barth for her online campaign #WirfürdenPferdesport (Us for the equestrian sport)

Lia Beckmann for the overall concept of her Instagram and YouTube accounts

Jan Tönjes for his St.GEORG horses podcast

The winner will be announced during the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen 2023 on June 27th. The winning entry will be awarded “The Silver Horse” and prize money to the value of 3,000 Euros. Second place collects 2,000 Euros and third place is endowed with 1,000 Euros. The prize is jointly organised by the German Riding and Driving Association (DRFV), the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), Gina Capellmann-Lütkemeier and Nadine Capellmann.

Hot-off-the-press: The current CHIO Aachen Magazine

07.06.2023 15:25

This is an absolute premiere: In homage to…

This is an absolute premiere: In homage to Great Britain, the partner country of the CHIO Aachen 2023, equestrian sport stars took to the catwalk donning an exclusively designed, typically British, fashion collection.

Great Britain is the partner country of the CHIO Aachen 2023 – and the stars of the equestrian sport scene are following suit. Shrouded in British-style outfits, exclusively designed for the CHIO Aachen by fashion design student Pauline Oetken, stars like the double-World Champion, Charlotte Fry; the Olympic gold medallist, Julia Krajewski; the Pas de Deux World Champions, Chiara Congia and Justin van Gerven; the show-jumper, Jana Wargers, the influencer, Scarlett Gartmann and the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2022, Gerrit Nieberg, definitely demonstrated their modelling skills.

The motifs with a wow-effect can be viewed in the hot-off-the-press CHIO Aachen Magazine. The new issue also takes a look ahead to the World Equestrian Festival, the CHIO Aachen 2023, and offers many exciting background stories and interesting interviews. For example, the dressage rider, Dinja van Liere, showed us around Reesink Horses in Uden, the Netherlands, the CHIO Aachen mascot Karli set off on a sightseeing tour through London and you can find out everything there is to know about the partner country, Great Britain, the 10th anniversary of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and the exciting offers of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS. We even have a further special treat in store for you, simply scan the QR codes for additional, digital contents. Extra stories that didn’t fit into the printed magazine.

The magazine appears twice a year. It costs 6.50 Euros and is available from the CHIO Aachen fan shop. It is also sold at ALRV’s offices.

Dressage World Champion Charlotte Fry will perform to live music at “Horse & Symphony”

31.05.2023 14:51

It is going to be a world champion…

It is going to be a world champion event and typically British: The Dressage World Champion Charlotte Fry will perform to the live sounds of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra at the “Horse & Symphony” concerts. An interview with the 26-year-old British dressage star.

Great Britain is the official partner country of the CHIO Aachen this year. Is that something special for you?

Of course, it is really exciting. Great Britain has so many distinctive facets, it is going to be fantastic to experience Aachen surrounded in British flair.

You will be performing a freestyle routine to hits by Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay during the “Horse & Symphony” concerts – accompanied by the live music of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. How excited are you?

They are going to be two very special evenings and I am looking forward to them immensely. It is simply fantastic riding to live music. I even get goosebumps just thinking about it.

Last year you were crowned as the double World Champion in Herning, Denmark. It came as a surprise for many, was it a surprise for you too?

…yes, it was. A few months have passed in the meantime, but to be honest, I still have to pinch myself every now and again to believe that we really won the World Championship title there. And if that doesn’t help, I take a look at the medals. Watching them twinkle and holding them is simply a totally incredible feeling every time.

When did you come into contact with horses for the first time?

I grew up on the dressage yard of my family. I actually started riding before I could even walk. So, it was on the cards that I would become a rider myself – just like my mother.

In 2014, you left your home country Great Britain and found a new home in the Netherlands…

…yes, I have been at Van Olst Horses for eight and a half years now. For me it is a very special place with very special people and in the meantime it has become my second home. I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunities they offer me here, for the many fantastic horses I am allowed to ride and for the wonderful support I receive.

Carl Hester discovered your huge talent and established the contact to Anne van Olst. Looking back on it, was it exactly the right way?

Definitely. There is a very close bond between Anne van Olst and myself. Over the years, she has become much more than just my trainer. She is always there for me, we can talk about everything and her way of training is always inspiring time and again. I have already learnt so much from her. She places great importance on precise basic training and helps me find out what each horse needs in his daily work.

A normal day in the life of Charlotte Fry, what does that look like?

I love getting up early. I am normally at the yard at 6 a.m., I feed the horses and then I start riding. 12 to 14 horses are on my schedule a day. There is everything represented – from the three-year-old youngster through to the fully-trained Grand Prix horse – this diversity makes my work particularly exciting. My day finishes around 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Then, I take my dog “Bami” out for a small walk, then we go home so that I can rest ready for the next day.

You seem to have a very special relationship to “Bami”…

The two of us are inseparable. He was a gift from Anne for my 21st birthday. He has been at my side ever since. He is a real sunshine, travels to the shows with me as my talisman – and he loves cameras. He always knows exactly how to pose (laughs).

One says you carry out special rituals before important competitions…

It might sound a bit mad, but I always brush my teeth just before mounting. And I use a huge amount of hairspray. I think my hairdo would last for days without just one strand of hair getting out of place (laughs).

You are only mid-twenty and are already a double World Champion. Where does it go from here?

I simply want to make sure myself and my horses continue having fun doing our sport together. Nobody can take away what we have achieved together. But of course there are still a few goals I would like to achieve.

Winning the Deutsche Bank Prize at the CHIO Aachen is still missing from your list of victories…

Yes, that’s right. It would be cool to read my name on the winners’ board one day.

Martin Fuchs: “Leone Jei loves the Aachen Soers, just as much as me!”

31.05.2023 14:45

He is carrying on writing his family’s story…

He is carrying on writing his family’s story with his name. With great success, one must add. Martin Fuchs is always a dead-cert to win a medal at international championships and always a hot candidate when it comes down to the coveted Major victories of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. We spoke with the Swiss high-flyer about the importance of this prestigious series for the equestrian sport, about his successful, grey horse, Leone Jei, and of course about the CHIO Aachen.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. What is the appeal of this series for you?

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the most prestigious series that our sport has to offer. The four Majors are not only the best shows in the world, they present us riders with the ultimate challenge. To compete in the Rolex Grand Prix of Show Jumping successfully, we have to master different arenas and indoor halls, which are all different sizes, each with its own individual peculiarities. That is unique in our sport and has opened up a new dimension to the level of these jumping classes.

You have already notched up two Major victories so far in your career. What do these achievements mean to you?

Winning a Major is always something very special. Something that every rider wants to accomplish. For me my two victories in Geneva were fantastic moments that I will never forget. Being the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is a really unique experience and a motivating feeling. This series offers us riders the unique opportunity to write history in our sport.

At the CHIO Aachen McLain Ward (USA) has the chance to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping as the second rider ever. Do you think he will succeed?

Winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, like Scott Brash did as the only rider to-date, is an awesome challenge. But if anyone has the chance of accomplishing this task, then definitely McLain. For me he is one of the top favourites to win the Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen. And not only because he is the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, but also because of his huge experience. And what’s more his sports partner, the mare Azur HH, is currently in absolute top form.

But I am sure you want to have a say in the matter yourself…

Of course (laughs). I am travelling to Aachen with my three absolute top horses: Commissar Pezi, Connor Jei and Leone Jei and I will attempt to achieve the best results possible with them all week. We will have to wait and see what the outcome is…

Do you already know which horse you will ride in the Rolex Grand Prix?

Yes, if everything goes to plan, I will ride Leone Jei on Sunday in Aachen. He loves extremely big arenas, like the one at the CHIO Aachen. He already demonstrated as a young horse that he loves the Soers just as much as me, and he has already achieved several good placements in the Rolex Grand Prix there too. That gives me a lot of confidence that with this horse at my side I can perhaps one day make it onto the famous winners’ board – like my Uncle Markus did in the year 2004.

Royal visit to the World Equestrian Festival 2023

22.05.2023 13:50

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL, PRINCESS ANNE,…

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL, PRINCESS ANNE, WILL ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHIO AACHEN

Partner countries enjoy a long tradition at the World Equestrian Festival. The visitors, athletes and organisers of the CHIO Aachen 2023 are already looking forward to special guests for the nineteenth time. “The partner countries always lend the CHIO Aachen a very special atmosphere,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, member of the board of the organisers, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). “Winning over Great Britain as this year’s partner country means the fulfilment of a long-standing heartfelt wish. The Brits have so much to offer – both as a sports nation and in terms of tourist attractions,” added Birgit Rosenberg. The Head of Sports at the CHIO Aachen, who is also responsible for the show programme, is delighted about the announcement of a royal visit on the evening of the Opening Ceremony on June 27th: “The fact that Princess Anne is coming to Aachen, demonstrates the great significance the CHIO Aachen enjoys also at international level.”

Equestrian sports and horse breeding are a highly appreciated tradition in Great Britain that dates back many years and which is also very deep-rooted within the Royal family. Princess Anne herself became the youngest eventer to win the European Championships in 1971, and her daughter Zara Tindall won the World Champion title in Aachen at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2006 – witnessed by her mother, who is now returning to the Aachen Soers 17 years later. Namely, when the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen 2023 traditionally impresses the crowds as a spectacular, floodlit event. “This unique atmosphere will bring many unforgettable moments,” Birgit Rosenberg is convinced. The big show before the top sport has long since proved to be a perfect entertainment show in the Main Stadium in front of 40,000 spectators. The motto of the evening: “All you need is love”, based on the legendary Beatles hymn. Among others, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, that are well-known as the Royal Guards from the magnificent parade’s on London’s streets, will enchant the crowd with their world-famous Musical Ride Display. They will be accompanied by the Grand National Shetland Ponys, magnificent, typical British carriages and – of course – plenty of music.

“Horse & Symphony” is going to be very special for General Music Director Christopher Ward

16.05.2023 11:58

Outstanding music, a breath-taking show and beautiful horses…

Outstanding music, a breath-taking show and beautiful horses – that is the ingredients for the “Horse & Symphony” Concert at the CHIO Aachen. This year the popular format that is being staged on June 23rd and 24th, will take on the flair of Great Britain, this year’s partner country. Hence, the two evenings in the Deutsche Bank Stadium are going to be special for one person in particular, namely for the General Music Director of the City of Aachen, Christopher Ward. We interviewed the native Brit.

Being British, how much are you looking forward to the “Horse & Symphony” since it is going to be totally characterised by the partner country Great Britain this year?
I am of course looking forward to it twice as much now that my home country Great Britain has the honour of being the partner country of the CHIO Aachen this year. In my native country, the equestrian sport is an extremely cherished tradition that dates with an extremely long history.

The motto this time is ”All you need is love!” – what can the spectators expect?
We have chosen a very diversified programme for kicking off the CHIO Aachen and of course that also includes music from my home country.

Can you reveal anything about the choice of music? Which piece sprang to mind straight away for this year’s show?
Of course, on hearing the motto (“All you need is love“, editor’s note) the Beatles’ song occurred to me immediately, which we will also be playing. And the rest of the musical programme is also characterised by my home country: Well-known classic composers like Edward Elgar or Benjamin Britten, but also highlights from other genres, such as pop (Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Queen), musicals and film music (James Bond, Harry Potter) won’t be missing either.

How long does it take to put a show like the “Horse & Symphony” together?
The “Horse & Symphony” lives from the interplay between a symphony orchestra with a star-studded cast playing live and a unique horse show and a lot of coordination is necessary between all parties concerned in the run-up to the show. The exchange has already been in full swing for months in advance. Normally around 30 to 40 pieces of music are stood on our list and we have to see which the orchestra can play and which are suitable for the show performances. Then, on-site we only have a little time to rehearse together. But we are pretty well aligned in the meantime so this works very well.

You have already been able to gain several years’ experience at CHIO Aachen – could you explain the challenge of the “Horse & Symphony” for you.
It is quite clearly the timing. Normally, I set the pace with the baton. But in the case of the “Horse & Symphony” I always have to keep my eyes on the show programme. Incredible coordination is necessary to ensure that everything fits.

Two shows in one arena that holds a capacity of 6,300 people. Is that still something special for you and your symphony orchestra after all these years?
Absolutely! You only get this exceptional atmosphere here and we look forward to combining classic music and spectacular equestrian sport together every year. This concert is a special highlight for both equestrian fans and music lovers – but also for us the participants!

The “Horse & Symphony” is kicking off a CHIO week that is going to be very British. Very concisely, what can you tell the visitors about Great Britain? Is there something British that you would really like to see here?
If there were scones and tea or strawberries and cream it would be VERY BRITISH and a true enjoyment.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum: “I will never forget the feeling when I won Aachen!”

16.05.2023 11:57

Back then the first women to top the…

Back then the first women to top the world ranking list, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) has won countless internationals medals. We spoke to the native US American rider about her affinity for Aachen, the standing of the Rolex Grand Slam for the equestrian sport and her daughter Brianne, who is successful in the jumping sport.

10 years of the Rolex Grand Slam. What does this series mean for the sport?

The Rolex Grand Slam is fantastic, the series has brought the equestrian sport up to a totally new level and puts it on a par with the best sports in the world. Of course, the large amounts of prize money that weren’t available to this extent before, are a big incentive. That is simply fantastic.

Nick Skelton once said with a wink: “It is a shame the series didn’t exist back then, when I was so successful.” Do you think the same?

Yes, it really is a shame. I had two super horses and would have had two great chances to take part in the Rolex Grand Slam back then with Shutterfly and Checkmate. But even if it did come too late for me, that still doesn’t alter anything about the quality of this series. It has further developed our sport decisively and that is positive for the future of the equestrian sport.

Up until now, there has only ever been one Rolex Grand Slam winner: Scott Brash. Is it as difficult to win three Majors in succession as it seems?

Yes, it is. Winning one Major alone is difficult. There is strong competition, the riders are good, the horses are good and the courses are hard. Fractions of seconds or millimetres often only lie between a victory and a defeat. But Scott Brash succeeded in achieving this feat and McLain Ward is on the right track. It is incredibly difficult, but not impossible.

You mentioned McLain Ward. How high do you think the chances are of him winning the Rolex Grand Slam in Aachen?

The chance is there of course. McLain is a super rider and he has a super horse. Both are in good form. But everything simply has to come together in that one decisive moment. I absolutely hope he pulls it off, but he has strong competition, all of whom want to win in Aachen naturally.

You yourself triumphed in Aachen in 2005. Can you remember the feeling back then?

Of course, that victory was one of the highlights of my career. Winning in Aachen had always been my big dream. For me it is the best show in the whole world. The conditions, the spectators, the atmosphere, the Main Stadium – all of this turns Aachen into something very special. The feeling of being celebrated as the winner there by the ecstatic crowd was incomparable. I will never forget that moment.

When you are in Aachen, do you look up at the famous winners’ board every time? Or does it become part of the routine at some point?

No, that never becomes part of the routine. There are many special places in Aachen, I always like to drop in at. The winners’ board is of course one of them. But I also like going to the “Walk of Fame” next to the entrance to the offices. One of Shutterfly’s horseshoes is embedded in the floor there.

In sporting circles the “equal pay” debate is currently being held in Germany. It is about men and women having the same conditions and payment. The equestrian sport has always been an exception here…

…yes, our sport really is special regarding this issue. In our sport women and men can compete against each other at eye level. Because a rider’s strength is not decisive when riding. Riders actually need a big portion of fine feeling to be successful. Which means a slender, small woman like myself can compete against a man in Aachen – and actually even win.

Your daughter Brianne is currently very successful on the jumping circuit. It looks like she is going to follow in your footsteps…

Yes, she really is very talented and is absolutely mad about our sport. Last weekend she took part in her first ever Nations Cup in Austria (in the age group Children, editor’s note). Watching her ride in a red jacket really brought tears to my eyes. I can’t express in words how proud I am of her. Experiencing her development is just as nice as it was to experience my own victories.

A lot of people say Brianne’s style is very similar to her mother’s…

… yes, that’s true. Many people say Brianne looks like a mini Meredith when she’s riding. That is really fascinating – and a bit funny too (laughs).

“CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” – a newly founded initiative for the well-being of sport horses

16.05.2023 11:55

The well-being of sport horses is the focus…

The well-being of sport horses is the focus of the work of the newly founded “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” initiative. The project brings horse experts and leading scientists from Germany, Belgium and Switzerland together.

They travel round the world and impress everyone with their absolute outstanding performances all year: International competition horses are true top athletes. “We all love the equestrian sport,” said CHIO Aachen’s Head of Sport, Birgit Rosenberg. “However, at the same time this enthusiasm is closely linked with a large degree of responsibility for ensuring that the well-being of the horse takes top priority at all times.” And this is precisely the subject matter of the project. Primarily, of course, for the protection of the horses, nevertheless the project also deals with the transparency and acceptance of the equestrian sport within society. “It requires the long-term commitment of all those people, who want the equestrian sport to have a positive future,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, who can fall back on the support of a team of top-class scientists in the scope of the “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle”, including first and foremost Prof. Dr. Dirk Winter from the Technical College for Economics and the Environment in Nürtingen. “Together we will examine how sport horses feel during competitions and what they need to ensure their well-being can be sustainably safeguarded,” explained Prof. Dr. Winter. This involves questions like: What needs do they have? How can they travel comfortably? What type of stabling do they find pleasant? When and in which situations do they experience stress? Since, of course, horses can’t communicate verbally what they feel, high-level experts with new methods of measurement come into play here to achieve scientifically founded results and thus secure the well-being of the sports partner horse long-term. An exciting project, for which Birgit Rosenberg and Prof. Dr. Dirk Winter have been able to win over further competent experts.

These are:

Dr. med. vet. Miriam Baumgartner, expert for equine management, horse behaviour, animal and environmentally-sound methods of equine management – Swiss National Stud Avenches, Agroscope
PD Dr. med. vet. Dominik Burger, expert for performance physiology and sports medicine – Swiss Institute for Horse Medicine of the Bern University in Avenches
Prof. Dr. med. vet. Konstanze Krueger-Farrouj, Professor for Equine Management at the Technical College for Economics and the Environment in Nürtingen-Geislingen
Dr. rer. nat. Arne- Rasmus Dräger, expert for Artificial Intelligence and developer of AI-based camera systems for the monitoring of equine health
Prof. Dr. Guy Chéron, Professor for Neurophysiology and Biomechanics of Movement, Brussels University, expert in the area of recording the brain waves of the horse

An initial exchange between the members of the “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” has already taken place. “I am proud that we have come together in this form and am looking forward to further discussions and the exciting tasks that lie ahead of us,” said Birgit Rosenberg. Because we want the horse, our sports partner, to feel good and carry on impressing us with its outstanding performances in future too – at the CHIO Aachen and everywhere else in the world as well.