General

The equestrian sport has many faces, it tells exciting stories and can be incredibly emotional. The award ceremony of the “Silver Camera”, which pays tribute to the best equestrian photo of the year, proved this on Saturday evening.

What distinguishes a good photo? The motif? The technical quality? 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), traditionally confer the “Silver Camera” for the best international equestrian sport photo of the year. 166 photographs had been submitted, however only could win. This year Gerrit Nieberg, German show-jumper and winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2022, last year’s winner Pauline Roy Chowdhury, Andreas Müller (CEO Medienhaus Aachen) and ALRV board member Philip Erbers were responsible for selecting this year’s winners and runners-up. “The quality of the photos is outstanding. The decision wasn’t easy for us jury members,” stated Philip Erbers. The entry from Rebecca Thamm ultimately convinced the star-studded jury. Her photo, that captured an exceptional fair play moment during the CHIO Aachen 2023, particularly stood out against the remaining entries thanks to its perfect interplay between emotion and technique. Second place went to the Dutch photographer, Danielle Smits, who shot an intimate moment on the warm-up area at the CHIO Aachen. Jasmin Metzner won third place with her photo of the 2023 Rolex Grand Prix winner, Marcus Ehning.

The “Silver Camera” is awarded by the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein and was initiated by the artist, Wolfgang Lamché. The prize was presented on Saturday evening by the ALRV Supervisory Board member, Peter Weinberg. First place is endowed with prize money to the value of 2,500 Euros, second place wins 1,000 Euros and third place 500 Euros.

The CHIO Aachen is the World Equestrian Festival. The place where the best riders in the world meet up every year and together with their unique horses impress millions of people worldwide. CHIO Aachen that means ten days of world-class sport, ten days full of top performances and emotions. When the stadiums are full and the top stars of the international equestrian sport ride into the largest arena in the world, sporting history is written over and over again. “Football has Wembley, tennis has Wimbledon, riding has Aachen.” This comparison has often been used to compare the significance of the CHIO Aachen for the equestrian sport.

Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, has been a partner of the CHIO Aachen since 2017. The two partners have now agreed to extend this partnership long-term. “The values of Allianz are also those of the CHIO Aachen – Excellence, Team Spirit and Passion. Our trusting cooperation over the past years and also in the future is proof that a successful partnership is based on mutual respect and joint visions,” stated Bernd Heinemann, who is among others also responsible for marketing within the Allianz group. “Our extending the agreement is a sign of our long-term association with and commitment for the equestrian sport. We look forward to continuing to experience the fascination of the equestrian sport together and to co-shaping the future of the CHIO Aachen.”

The reliable and intense ties between the CHIO Aachen and Allianz, which supports horse lovers as competent partners for essential themes such as horse operations and insurance against horse illnesses, liability policies for horse owners or business liability insurance policies, meanwhile extends far beyond the World Equestrian Festival. As an important supporter of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS, the Allianz Germany enables first-class training, fitness and education offers all year round at the traditional showgrounds at the Aachen Soers and far beyond in the scope of the “CAMPUS on Tour” format. “This commitment speaks for the strength of the CHIO Aachen brand and for the concept of the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS that focuses on the sustainable promotion of the equestrian sport,” said Michael Mronz. “We very much look forward to being able to continue our cooperation with one of the most important partners of the sport worldwide in the future.”

This evening it is time once again: One of the absolute highlights of the CHIO Aachen 2024, the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup is on the agenda. And punctually for the start of the famous international game of the show-jumpers, it has been announced that Mercedes-Benz and the CHIO Aachen will be continuing their traditional and trusting cooperation in future too.

1954 was the first year that the luxury automobile group acted as the official General Sponsor of the CHIO Aachen, which was the beginning of a unique partnership with Germany’s biggest sporting event. “A good partnership is distinguished by a successful past and a promising future. This year we are looking back on 70 years of partnership with the CHIO Aachen and are at the same time carrying on this cooperation in future. After extending the agreement between Mercedes-Benz and the CHIO Aachen, we are looking forward to also treading joint paths together over the coming years. As in the past seven decades, we will continue to connect historical values with attractive, new impulses,” stated Jörg Heinermann, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars Vertrieb Germany.

On behalf of the CHIO Aachen, Michael Mronz, General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, also expressed his delight at the continued cooperation: “We have enjoyed the support of Mercedes-Benz as a strong and innovative partner for the last 70 years and we are very pleased to be able to continue this partnership in the future too.”

The commitment of the luxury automobile group at the CHIO Aachen extends far beyond the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup. The company not only lends its name to the Mercedes-Benz Grand Stand in the Main Stadium, it also presents the modern image of the brand by presenting its entire product range on exclusive exhibition space spanning 1,400 m² in the CHIO Aachen Village. Mercedes-Benz is also responsible for the exclusive shuttle service at Germany’s biggest sporting event. Whereas a Mercedes-Benz 170 SA convertible was the most chic and state-of-the-art vehicle one could drive in the 1950s, today a fleet of vehicles comprising of more than 60 hybrid or completely electric vehicles provides the high-class chauffeur service for athletes and guests. And hence the participants of the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup will also be chauffeured to the showgrounds this evening by the brand with the star – just before the nicest and most exciting evening of the CHIO Aachen 2024 begins.

The name says it all – new paths are tread and innovative approaches discussed at the #neuland Congress to lay the foundation for an efficient and equally ecological and economic sustainable future. During the CHIO Aachen two days full of lively discussions amid a fantastic networking atmosphere  took place.

“The horse is a top athlete and that is why it is our responsibility to make sure its well-being takes top priority,” Birgit Rosenberg stated at the start of the discussion panel of the CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle. The round table on the scientific monitoring of the well-being of the horse was one of the many exciting podium discussions at the #neuland Congress, which was staged during the CHIO Aachen. At the event location, DAS LIEBIG, the organisers Rhein Ruhr City GmbH, the Aachen Technology Entrepreneurship Conference (ATEC) of the RWTH Aachen and the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS offered a top-level exchange.

As a Board Member of the ALRV, it is particularly important for Birgit Rosenberg that the horses enjoy top conditions at the CHIO Aachen. “Our project aims make it transparent to the public that the horses feel at home at our show.” Not only Rosenberg knows that science plays a decisive role here, but Sönke Lauterbach is also aware of this fact. The General Secretary of the German Equestrian Federation (FN) is convinced that scientific studies can prove much more readily and above all objectively the needs horses have and measure their well-being. “And if there are well-founded results, a much higher credibility is achieved,” Lauterbach explained.

At this year’s CHIO Aachen, the stables of eight horses were equipped with an AI-supported camera system, which assessed the horses’ behaviour and movements. “The networking with other data sources will be extended in future, which will allow us to gain even more precise cognitions,” said Dr. Arne Rasmus Dräger looking ahead to the future. His company, ACARiS GmbH, sees artificial intelligence as a significant opportunity: “The great advantage is that using AI we can make very individual statements based on a wide range of data.”

Prof. Dr. Dirk Winter, Professor for Equestrian Management at the Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Science is the co-initiator of the CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle. The initial findings of the pilot project in 2023 leave him optimistic. “Assessment of the data indicates that the show in Aachen doesn’t cause the horses any particular stress,” he summed up. However, according to him and Birgit Rosenberg it is imperative to have these findings corroborated more thoroughly in future. More horses are to take part in the surveys and: “We are stood at the start of the project, which has no finish date. More and more factors will be introduced so that the well-being of the horses can be safeguarded as comprehensively as possible.”

In the eyes of Sönke Lauterbach the CHIO Aachen has always taken on the role of a “driving force”. “It is remarkable how much the sport has further developed thanks to the CHIO Aachen. This applies for both the technicalities of the sport and the media attention that the show attracts. And now the scientific aspect is additionally being addressed.” Together the parties involved intend to work on continually improving the conditions for the horses.

Discussion panels on innovations in the sport and industry

Interesting discussions were held on two platforms, the Conference Stage and the Interactive Stage, on both days. The agenda included themes that couldn’t be more topical. In which direction is the sport headed? What form will the sustainable financing of clubs, associations and sports events or the distribution take on in the future? Which role will artificial intelligence play? Will it be an innovation driver or a job killer? Beyond this, start-ups had the opportunity to present innovative ideas in a dynamic competition in the scope of a pitch battle. The focus lay above all on a knowledge exchange, stimulating discussions and establishing new contacts.

The list of speakers and guests was long and star-studded: Among others, the IOC President, Dr. Thomas Bach; RWE CEO, Dr. Markus Krebber; SAP Germany’s CEO, Sven Mulder; STAWAG Board Member, Dr. Christian Becker; Sports Manager, Oliver Bierhoff; Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Chairman, Fernando Carro and the three IOC Members Ivo Ferriani, Petra Sörling, Britta Heidemann all took part in the Congress.

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“The Silver Horse” goes to Christoph Hess this year for his comprehensive social media concepts, Jannicke Naustdal, Nanna Nieminen and Jenny Abrahamsson came second with the website World of Showjumping, Gianna Regenbrecht claimed third place. Frank Kemperman was distinguished in the category Personality.

Beaming faces during the award ceremony of the Silver Horse on the evening of the traditional Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen 2024. The famous prize was conferred this year for the sixth time as an online award. Because equestrian sport journalism has undergone change as well and uses novel and exciting, digital formats meanwhile too, bringing this fascinating sport to life even more and making it more up-to-date and more personal. The jury examined more than 40 applicants, including not only contributions by bloggers and onliners, but also from editorial offices, athletes, organisers and agencies. Among others, the entries were evaluated according to their creativity, quality, user involvement, target group affinity and the relevance of the submitted contributions.

Christoph Hess was elected as the winner for his comprehensive social media concepts, he is also supported by Laura Tröger. A commitment to the equestrian sport that the jury – comprising of Wolfgang Brinkmann (Honorary President, German Riding and Driving Association, DRFV), Nadine Capellmann (dressage rider), Philip Erbers (Board Member, Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein), Tobias Königs (Press Officer, CHIO Aachen) and Dr. Ute Countess Rothkirch (DRFV Board Member) –honoured with this online award. Jannicke Naustdal, Nanna Nieminen and Jenny Abrahamsson were distinguished with second place for their website www.worldofshowjumping.com, Gianna Regenbrecht came third with her social media portal on the Para-Sport.

Frank Kemperman was distinguished with the “Silver Horse” in the rubric “Personality”. The former Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein and CHIO Aachen Show Director, now Organising Committee member and Vice President, received the distinction for his decade-long commitment to the World Equestrian Festival.

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They are never in the limelight, few people know their names. And yet they work on the frontlines – and nothing is possible in the equestrian sport without them: the people who take care of the horses, the grooms. The assistants behind the scenes offer essential support for show horses during the everyday routine and at competitions.

They are the first to arrive at the yard and the last to go home and are always ready to read the wishes from the lips of their four-legged charges. A dedication that is being distinguished with the “Prize of the City of Aachen” in the scope of the CHIO Aachen on Thursday evening: “”With this prize, we would like to show who is working hard in the background to ensure that the CHIO Aachen runs as smoothly as it does. Grooms play an indispensable role in this. Their work is more than just “work” for them. You can see their passion and love for the four-legged friends,” Aachen’s Mayoress, Sibylle Keupen, explained.

An opinion that Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) totally shares: “Top sport and animal welfare have always belonged together here at the CHIO Aachen. The grooms make a decisive contribution here,” the President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), stated. “It is extremely important to us that the work of the grooms is honoured here at the Soers.” Claire James, the groom of the dressage rider from Luxembourg, Fie Christine Skarsoe, will be presented with the “Prize of the City of Aachen” on behalf of all of the grooms on Thursday evening.

There was a fantastic atmosphere on the traditional market square in Aachen: Dancing cheerleaders, a lasso thrower and of course plenty of horses got everyone tuned in for the CHIO Aachen 2024 and this year’s partner country, the USA. The motto: “A perfect match.”
The CHIO Aachen 2024 got off to a dynamic start with an impressive horse and carriage parade through the city centre to the market square. The reception in front of the magnificent setting of the historical Town Hall has a long tradition. Hence, on Monday evening the people from Aachen poured onto the market place to take part. And the programme was thrilling. Even before the horses and artists led by the City Riders of Aachen and flag bearers reached the market square at 6 p.m., the highly spirited CHIO Aachen mascot, Karli, and the country singer, Danny Griego, who had flown in from Texas especially for the occasion, set the scene for the open-air festival. A few rays of sunshine fought their way through the clouds and cast the right light on the scene.
In front of the stairs of the Town Hall, Sibylle Keupen welcomed her “Öcher” (inhabitants of Aachen). “The CHIO Aachen”, the Mayoress stated, “is not only steeped in tradition, it also has huge international appeal. With the USA as the partner country it is going to be a fabulous event.” The partnership between the CHIO Aachen and the United States is embedded in the celebrations for the NRW/USA Year 2023/2024, which pays tribute to the joint history of the United States of America and North Rhine-Westphalia. Accordingly, the President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), Stefanie Peters, promised: “Ahead of us lies a CHIO Aachen, that is going to be characterised by plenty of US-American flair.”
And precisely this flair was already noticeable on the traditional market square of Aachen on Monday evening. Framed by flag-bearing soldiers of the US military, the Colour Guard, and the third Infantry Regiment of the United States, the Caisson Platoon Soldiers, a herd of Mustangs, the lasso thrower, Roper Kiesner and the cheerleaders of the US national team, “USA Cheer”, who flew through the skies over Aachen during their spectacular performance, quickly conquered the hearts of the many spectators that had gathered around the market place. The same was true of the riders of the USA team, headed by the dressage rider, Steffen Peters, who also paraded over the cobblestones of the city.
The action-packed reception gave a small foretaste of what awaits us at the Soers over the coming days. All of these performers – and many more – will be in action again during tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony. With a little luck, interested fans can still purchase remaining tickets via the second-hand ticket exchange on the website of the CHIO Aachen. For those, who aren’t able to acquire a ticket: WDR is broadcasting the official Opening Ceremony live from 8.15 p.m. onwards.

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