There is only just under a month to go before the CHIO Aachen 2025 gets underway. The joyful anticipation for the biggest equestrian sport event in the world is growing from day to day. And yet it is still worth taking a look ahead to the coming year. Because 2026 is going to be a special year for the organisers, the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), with no less than two major highlights. The one taking place in the summer from August 11th-23rd, namely the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 in six disciplines. The second highlight is already scheduled in the spring. The best show jumping and para dressage riders in the world are awaited at the Soers for the “TSCHIO” 2026. At the “TSCHIO”? That’s right! “The CHIO Aachen is far more than an international equestrian show – it is a piece of home, a folk festival and a symbol for the unique atmosphere of our region,” explained Stefanie Peters, President of the ALRV. “In Aachen and the surrounding region, CHIO is affectionately referred to as ‘TSCHIO’ – in our warm, down-to-earth dialect, which is as authentic as the event itself.” For this event that is taking place in May as a one-off occurrence due to the World Championships, the ALRV is setting a charming signal under the name “TSCHIO” for the love of one’s own homeland, tradition and the strong bond between the people, which turns the World Equestrian Festival into something very special every year. “It pays homage to Aachen’s soul and is a wink of the eye to all of those, who have a special place in their hearts for their ‘TSCHIO’,” stated Peters.

The level of sport at the “TSCHIO” will of course be as high as usual. The top jumping stars of the scene will be competing in the Rolex Grand Prix with their top horses on May 24th, so that a new chapter in the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping can be written in 2026. “We are looking forward to welcoming the world elite here at the Soers in Aachen – by way of exception next year in May already,” Birgit Rosenberg, ALRV Board Member, noted. In addition to the 5* main classes with jump-offs on Friday and Saturday, competitions for young horses are also on the agenda. A special highlight: People with tickets for the Main Stadium can also watch the classes in Stadium 2, where para dressage competitions are being staged in preparation for the World Championships. The response here is overwhelming: Ten nations are each sending four riders to the Soers, the deciding freestyle competitions on the final Sunday are the climax here. “It is a fantastic development that para dressage is going to form part of the programme in Aachen for the first time. Our riders are already eagerly looking forward to this premiere and can hardly wait to take part,” a delighted Silke Fütterer-Sommer, national coach for para riding, commented. A step that is to initialise the long-term integration of para dressage into the programme of the CHIO Aachen.

“TSCHIO” is also going to be a cultural experience. The traditional “Horse & Symphony” concert on the evening of May 23rd, also promises magical moments thanks to the impressive interplay between exceptional horses, artists and the captivating music of the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. At the same time, there is going to be an emotional farewell: Christopher Ward, General Music Director of the City of Aachen, will conduct the orchestra for the last time on this evening. That is going to be an emotional affair!

“TSCHIO” 2026 – join us for an international top event full of top sporting performances, emotional highlights and that unmistakable Aachen atmosphere. Tickets will be on sale from June 27th, 2025 onwards from the online ticket shop, from the hotline on +49(0)241-917-1111 and from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.