During the World Equestrian Festival, the well-being of horses is not only the top priority in the arenas of the Soers. The theme is also coming under focus in scientific circles – for instance in the scope of the first CHIO Aachen Science Lounge that was attended by many veterinarians and famous riders like Isabell Werth, Ingrid Klimke, Martin Fuchs and Patrik Kittel.

Birgit Rosenberg addressed an audience of around 50 interested guests, while holding the opening speech of the CHIO Aachen Science Lounge. The press conference room was full, in addition to many veterinarians and media representatives, top riders like Isabell Werth and Ingrid Klimke from Germany, the Swedish dressage rider Patrik Kittel and the show-jumper Martin Fuchs from Switzerland were present. They all wanted to engage in an exchange, further develop and learn – because it is all about the future of the equestrian sport.

“The international equestrian sport elite are our guests here in Aachen this week and many people are watching us. Those, who love our sport, but also those, who view it very critically,” Birgit Rosenberg noted. As a Board Member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein the theme of horse welfare is, of course, extremely important to her: It is the top priority. “We expect the athletes to treat their horses well and fairly, that is not negotiable,” commented Rosenberg. She added that for some time she had felt that a fact-based debate at eye level has been missing from the critical analysis.

This is why in 2023 they developed the idea of scientifically examining the well-being of horses – and the CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle was founded. Leading scientists and horse experts occupy themselves with the well-being of the sport horses at the CHIO Aachen and what they require exactly for their welfare to be secured long-term. Leonie Krüger is a member of the initiative. She is writing her thesis on the topic and evaluating the data collected.

Leonie Krüger outlined the project during the CHIO Aachen Science Lounge, which is organised by the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS – an institution, which asserts itself for the responsible handling of horses by offering training and educational formats – and ReproTrainining. “We are endeavouring to record the horse and its well-being using as many factors as possible and in turn assess these recordings,” the scientist explained emphasising that hereby great importance is placed on transparency. “There have never been as many enquiries from the press as on this theme. We want the public to accompany us on this journey.”

To do justice to this task, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein continues to develop new ideas. Formats like the CHIO Aachen Science Lounge make this possible by bringing the important players together – to shape the future of the equestrian sport. “Aachen really is carrying out pioneer work here,” Leonie Krüger stated.