The stables are the horses’ home. This is where they will spend most of their time during the FEI World Championships so they should be able to feel comfortable and find peace here. To ensure this, one of the most important infrastructure projects on the show grounds has been completed in time for the event: A new, modern stable building comprising 205 larger stalls was built to replace stable buildings 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The facility meets the highest standards of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Advanced ventilation systems ensure an optimal stable climate and there is also plenty of natural light, indoor wash stalls and much more. The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs based on a resolution passed by the German Bundestag.

But that is by far not all, because there is much more to a comfortable experience than just the right accommodation. “The well-being of the horses is at the heart of the event,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, Board Member of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) and Sports Director of the event. “What we want are top conditions for the horses, from their arrival until their departure.” This includes, among others, the preparations and the care facilities in the stables, but also the footing and arenas, the obstacle equipment. “The horses are our VIPs,” Rosenberg emphasised.

Scientific initiative and transparency

Regarding horse welfare, transparency is a matter very close to her heart. “We want to engage in an exchange with people and introduce them to our sport,” says Birgit Rosenberg. Various initiatives are carried out to this end. One of them has proven successful for years and is actively implemented during the show: The “Info Stewards” of the ALRV and the German Equestrian Federation (FN). These stewards are available on the training areas of the dressage and show jumping as contact persons for the spectators – for discussions, exchanges and to answer to their questions. Of course, the official stewards of the FEI are also present, supported by numerous cameras in the warm-up arenas.

To conduct the equestrian sport debate on a scientific basis, the ALRV launched the “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” initiative three years ago. This alliance brings together various equine experts and leading scientists from Germany and Switzerland to study the welfare of sport horses. By analysing various parameters such as movement, feeding, drinking and lying behaviour in the stable, as well as the cortisol levels in faeces, conclusions can be drawn about stress levels. During the second week of the FEI World Championships, ten German riders at the German U25 Trophy of the Stiftung Deutscher Pferdesport and Holger Hetzel, Prize of Holger Hetzel, will participate in the research. The research methods and preliminary findings will be presented at the “CHIO Aachen Scientist Circle” stand in the Championships-Village from 11 to 23 August.

Would you like to be there in person to see the world’s best horses? Secure your ticket today via the online shop, via the ticket hotline on +49-241-9171111, or at the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein office.