During the General Annual meeting it was noticeable that the members of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV) are eagerly looking forward to this year’s major event, just 45 days before the World Equestrian Festival begins. First-class sport and Spain as the partner country are once again in 2025 promising precisely the sort of CHIO Aachen that not only the athletes and visitors love, but also Stefanie Peters, President of the ALRV: “Experience top sport, meet people, shop, wine and dine – yes, simply spend a wonderful time full of unforgettable, goosebump moments. That is the unique combination that distinguishes our CHIO Aachen.”

In her speech she made reference to the fact that such goosebump moments are the result of the exceptional connection between horses and riders, based on harmony and partnership. “During CHIO Aachen 2024, over 350,000 visitors were able to experience close up, the enthusiasm that the best vaulters, dressage riders, show-jumpers, eventers and four-in-hand drivers are able to inspire together with their four-legged, top stars. The affection and gratitude the athletes have for their horses is tangible on every occasion – after a successful ride, after a prize-giving, after a victory,” the ALRV President commented. Peters also emphasised that it is both a positive and right development that more and more eyes remain vigilant to make sure the welfare of the horses is one of the top priorities.

Following Peters’ speech, the board member, Birgit Rosenberg, added that the ALRV is aware of the responsibility in the field of animal welfare. In this connection, she presented the work of the “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” that was initiated in the year 2023 and which occupies itself with the scientific examination of the well-being of the show horses at the CHIO Aachen, before turning her attentions to the World Equestrian Festival 2025 itself. She promised the members top-class equestrian sport and above all plenty of Spanish flair at the Aachen Soers. “We are very much looking forward to our partner country, Spain! Beautiful Spanish horses, flamenco, the Spanish superstar, Alvaro Soler, all of this will make up part of the grand Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen on Tuesday evening,” Rosenberg stated, who in her capacity as Director of the Sports Department, is also responsible for the show programme at the largest equestrian show in the world.

However, she began her speech with a review of last year’s World Equestrian Festival. “An Olympic year is also always a special year for the CHIO Aachen, because for many riders it is the last opportunity to pick up that all so coveted ticket for the Olympic Games. Hence, the best athletes and horses from all over the globe competed at the Soers and we experienced equestrian sport at its highest level,” said Rosenberg happily. “That special Aachen atmosphere in the sold-out stadiums prevailed on all days. That is what the riders appreciate so dearly.”

Subsequently, her fellow board member, Philip Erbers, presented the financial report of the previous fiscal year. “The financial statement that was audited by “Ernst & Young” reported a positive result,” according to Erbers. Furthermore, he accentuated the commitment of the employees. “None of this would be possible without our fantastic team.”

Also part of the present and the future of the ALRV – the CHIO Aachen CAMPUS with its manifold activities that were also on the agenda in 2024: Ranging from the youngest horse enthusiasts, who learned how to handle horses in a playful manner in the scope of the Kids Camp during the school vacations, to an exclusive live training with the four-time Olympic gold medallist, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, and her brother Benjamin Werndl, through to the first own dressage show for all classes and for para dressage riders. In 2025, the long list of highlights continues. There is a host of different offers including an exclusive jumping course with Marcus Ehning and a live training with Isabell Werth.

After hearing so much good news, the members unanimously discharged the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board. In line with the regular cycle, a new Advisory Board was elected for the term of the next four years on this evening in the dressage stadium of the Soers. This now comprises of the following members:

Professor Dr. Hermann Bühlbecker (owner of the Lambertz Group (Aachener Printen- & Schokoladenfabrik Henry Lambertz GmbH & Co. KG), Tom Buhrow (German Journalist and Broadcasting Manager), Remi Corpataux (CEO, ROLEX Germany), Dr. Ernest Droege (Board Member and CEO, Droege International Group AG), Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Silke Fütterer-Sommer (National Coach of the Paralympic Dressage Riders), Dr. Tim Grüttemeier (City Region Councillor of the region of Aachen), Britta Heidemann (International Olympic Committee Member), Sibylle Keupen (Lord Mayor of the City of Aachen), Cristian Kullmann (Chairman of Evonik Industries AG), Jos Lansink (successful Dutch show-jumper and Head Coach of the Programme of Excellence, Jumping, CHIO Aachen CAMPUS), Armin Laschet (MoP), Dr. Adalbert Lechner (CEO, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG), Prof. Martin Richenhagen (President of the German Equestrian Federation e.V.), Prof. Dr. Ulrich Rüdiger (Rector of RWTH Aachen), Thomas Weikert (President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation), Isabell Werth (most successful dressage rider of all time and Head Coach of the Programme of Excellence, Dressage, CHIO Aachen CAMPUS), Prof. Dr. Dirk Winter (Academic Dean Equestrian Industry at the University for Economics and Environmental Studies in Nürtingen and member of the CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle)

Distinctions

Distinction for 25 years of membership:
Katrin-Elisabeth Uttermann, Brigitte Maria Wienand, Oliver Henn, Heiner Höfken, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Lütticken, Christian Mourad, Franz-Josef Schell, Prof. Dr. Helmut Thoma, F. Xaver Klinkenberg

Distinction for 40 years of membership:
Theo Thomas, Dr. Werner Becker, Bernd Geisler, Christian Lücker, Carl August Witt, Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen

Distinction for 60 years of membership:
Ruth Crumbach-Trommler

Distinction for 70 years of membership:
Werner Leuchter