April 21st, 2006



Journey through the Aachen equestrian history
Nostalgic exhibition of the ALRV now open

"Look, there is Hans Günter Winkler's saddle," the elderly gentleman was rather surprised. The nostalgic exhibition on the show grounds of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) has been open since Friday, April 21st. For many people the first day was already an emotional journey through the past five decades of the equestrian history. "We are very grateful to the tournament-goers that have allowed us to dispose of their personal memorabilia. Without them this exhibition wouldn't have been possible," mentioned ALRV President, Klaus Pavel, thankfully. A lot of people brought their souvenirs in to the ALRV - and each of them had his own little story to tell. "This shows us how deeply rooted the CHIO Aachen is in the region," said Pavel. As a small thank you, all of the equestrian fans who provided souvenirs will be invited to the CHIO Opening Ceremony on May 17th. Aachen's Lord Mayor, Dr. Jürgen Linden, was also impressed: "The exhibition recalls many memories, it is also part of the City of Aachen's history. As a child I too used to run through the stables collecting autographs," said Linden.

Diaries, photos, autographs and many rarities and curiosities are on display in the boxes of Stable 1 on the ALRV premises. A bright yellow rain jacket with autographs from Paul Schockemöhle or Gerd Wiltfang, scented "tournament soap" from the 50s that still smells or a thesis on the history of the ALRV and the WEG in 1955. Some of the exhibition visitors didn't just discover their own memorabilia items, but also themselves on the many photos. Since merited equestrian celebrities such as Hans Berenz, Willibert Mehlkopf, Peter Schmitz and Helena Weinberg also attended the official opening on Friday.

The nostalgic exhibition runs until Sunday, May 7th, setting the scene for this year's CHIO CHIO (May 17th-21st). The visitors can record their most memorable experiences of the CHIO or of the diverse World and European Championships at the Soers in writing in a "rest room", and can even vote on which souvenir they find the most original. The owner of the winning item will be integrated into the programme of the Opening Ceremony on May 17th. There is no entrance fee for the exhibition. Tickets for the CHIO are available online under www.chioaachen.de or from the hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111. Following the motto "50 years plus 1 - experience equestrian history", the CHIO is going to provide a nostalgic review of the sporting highlights since the first (Show-jumping) World Championships in 1955 at the Soers in Aachen, when the legendary Hans Günter Winkler took the title.

Venue: Stable 1 / German Stable at the show grounds of the ALRV
Albert-Servais-Allee 50
D-52070 Aachen
Opening times: April 21st - May 7th,
Mo.-Sa. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Free entry

CHIO ticket hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111
www.chioaachen.de