One horse per state – Sparkassen Finance Group, as a dedicated partner of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, supports the "100 School Horses plus" initiative
The "100 School Horses plus" initiative – launched over a year ago by the German Equestrian Federation in collaboration with the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 – pursues a clear goal: to provide tangible support to riding schools across Germany and to permanently ensure children and adolescents access to equestrian sports. The focus of the initiative lies on financial assistance for purchasing new school horses, complemented by additional measures designed to ease the operational burdens on these facilities.
The Sparkassen Finance Group is currently making a particularly significant contribution. As one of the World Equestrian Championships’ partners, the Group is asserting itself for this key issue and thus strengthening riding schools throughout the country. Over the coming months, the Sparkassen Finance Group will provide 5,000 Euros in funding for the acquisition of one new school horse in each of Germany’s federal states, thereby playing a decisive role in stabilising the foundation of the equestrian sport.
“Riding schools are places where young people not only learn to ride, but where they also gain character-shaping experiences – from team spirit through to a sense of responsibility,” explained Dr. Heike Kramer, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at the German Sparkassen and Giro Association. “That is why we feel it is important to promote this valuable work and safeguard access to equestrian sports.” Through this support, the Sparkassen Finance Group is demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can have a tangible impact at regional level: hands-on, targeted and close to the people.
A project with a tangible impact
Numerous riding schools across the country have profited from the initiative since its launch. In addition to funding for school horses, the project encompasses nine other measures – including subsidies for instructor training, feed and bedding, as well as assistance with the registration of competition horses. In total, the funding to the amount of approximately 1.45 million Euros has already been committed. However, a substantial need still exists: “Without additional support, 20 to 30 percent of riding schools will be forced to close in the coming years,” warned Thomas Ungruhe, Head of Equestrian Sport Development at the German Equestrian Federation.
Appreciation for the role of the Sparkassen
Riding schools serve as the central gateway for the next generation of riders. “Every riding career begins on a school horse,” emphasised Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein. “The support provided by the Sparkasse contributes significantly to securing this foundation. Without a strong foundation, top competition sport is not possible.” The organisers of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 hold the commitment of the Sparkasse and its network partners in high esteem. “The Sparkassen Financial Group is focusing its efforts on riding scools – the exact place where the equestrian sport takes shape,” stated Michael Mronz, General Manager of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. “This commitment has an immediate and lasting impact. It demonstrates that partnerships can involve more than mere sponsorship and paves the way into the sport for young people.”
Clubs that run riding schools – as well as clubs engaged in cooperations – that are members of a regional equestrian federation can apply online to receive funding support at www.aachen2026.com. To ensure equal opportunities for all, a prize draw system will determine which riding schools receive the support. To launch the Sparkasse Financial Group’s “100 School Horses Plus” initiative, an initial special draw will provide funding for the purchase of one school horse each in the states of Thuringia, Saxony, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Additional special prize draws will follow in July, August and September.